NewzIntel.com

Category: Government of India

  • From Muridke to Bahawalpur: The revolving-door terror networks of Pakistan

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Operation Sindoor, launched by India on the night of 6–7 May to punish the terror masterminds and operatives based in Pakistan who were responsible for the Pahalgam terror incident, significantly destroyed the Lashkar-e-Taiba headquarters in Muridke and the Jaish-e-Muhammad headquarters at Bahawalpur in Pakistan’s Punjab province.

    In the heinous terror incident of 22 April in Pahalgam, a group of terrorists, including two Pakistanis, killed 26 civilians. The strike drew widespread condemnation around the world.

    In a swift surgical strike, carried out with precision bombing, nine major terror camps—including those at Muridke and Bahawalpur, were hit hard, inflicting grave damage on Pakistan’s terror infrastructure. Acting on intelligence inputs to avoid collateral damage, the planners selected targets away from civilian areas.

    Although the operation focused only on terror facilities and not Pakistani military installations, Pakistan’s long record of using terrorism as state policy, and of nurturing such groups, casts a shadow of dubious diplomacy. In effect, external terrorism remains an inseparable political tool in Pakistan’s geopolitical strategy.

    Sanctions, Leadership, and the Survival Playbook of Pakistan-Based Terrorist Groups

    Three Pakistan-rooted terrorist organisations dominate violence directed at India, particularly Jammu & Kashmir: Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Hizbul Mujahideen (HM). These organisations are outlawed in India and, and in many other countries across the world, including global organisations like the United Nations. They are designated Foreign Terrorist Organisations (FTOs) by the United States, and both LeT and JeM are proscribed even in Pakistan. Their leaders are blacklisted and their bank accounts and assets frozen.

    Yet they endure. Their secret lies in a nimble ability to shed one skin and grow another: when a parent body is proscribed, a “charity”, “relief trust” or freshly minted political outfit swiftly takes its place.

    The pattern is starkest in the case of Sajid Mir, the Lashkar commander who masterminded the 2008 Mumbai attacks. For years, Islamabad insisted he was either dead or untraceable; only when the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) threatened economic pain did the authorities quietly arrest and convict him, on the safer charge of terror financing rather than mass murder. His story captures both the power, and the limits, of external pressure on Pakistan’s counter-terrorism calculus.

    A quick glance at the ban record

    Organisation

    Proscribed in Pakistan

    UN designation

    US FTO designation

    Lashkar-e-Taiba

    Jan 2002

    2 May 2005

    26 Dec 2001

    Jaish-e-Mohammed

    Jan 2002

    17 Oct 2001

    26 Dec 2001

    Hizbul Mujahideen

    ———

    ——-

    16 Aug 2017

    FTO – Foreign Terrorist Organisation

    Lashkar-e-Taiba

    Founded in the late 1980s by Hafiz Muhammad Saeed, LeT styled itself the “Army of the Pure”, determined to wrest Kashmir, and ultimately the whole of India, for Pakistan, and establish a Muslim caliphate across the sub-continent. Its signature atrocities include the 2001 attack on India’s Parliament, the 2006 Mumbai train bombings, and, most infamously, the three-day siege of Mumbai in November 2008 that left 166 people dead.

    Pakistan banned LeT in January 2002, but the movement simply morphed into Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD), already registered as a charity. When JuD itself came under pressure, fund-raising flowed through the Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation (FIF), Idara Khidmat-e-Khalq, Al-Anfal Trust, and a growing list of anodyne-sounding fronts. Newer offshoots, such as The Resistance Front (TRF), dispense with overt religious branding altogether, making them harder to flag under existing sanctions.

    Saeed’s own journey mirrors that agility. Detained, placed under house arrest, and released several times, he was finally handed a 78-year jail term in 2020, largely under FATF pressure. A US$10 million American reward for information leading to his conviction still stands, but few believe he will ever face trial for the Mumbai carnage.

    Jaish-e-Mohammed

    JeM sprang to life in early 2000 when Masood Azhar called for jihad in Kashmir. Within two years Islamabad had proscribed JeM, yet the group enjoyed a rebirth as Khuddam-ul-Islam and, when that alias fell, as the “charitable” Al-Rehmat Trust.

    Azhar’s personal freedom tells its own tale. Detained and under house arrest between December 2001 and December 2002, with Pakistan failing to charge him for the 2001 Parliament attack, he was reportedly confined again after the 2008 Mumbai attacks, only to “vanish” from public view. In 2019 China finally lifted its veto against listing him at the United Nations, but no Pakistani court has yet secured a conviction.

    Hizbul Mujahideen

    HM’s current chief, Syed Salahuddin, continues to broadcast from Muzaffarabad, calling for Kashmiri accession to Pakistan. The United States declared him a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) in 2017 and, weeks later, branded HM itself an FTO. Islamabad’s stance remains ambiguous: a 2003 promise to ban the group was never codified; Salahuddin moves unimpeded in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, granting interviews in which he vows fresh attacks on Indian targets.

    The terror leaders at a glance

    Name

    Group

    UN listing

    US sanctions

    Present status

    Hafiz Muhammad Saeed

    LeT

    10 Dec 2008

    SDGT (May 2008) – USD 10 m bounty

    Serving 78-year term for terror financing

    Masood Azhar

    JeM

    1 May 2019

    SDGT (Nov 2010)

    At large; whereabouts officially “unknown”

    Syed Salahuddin

    HM

     

    SDGT (Jun 2017)

    Operates openly in PoK

    Sajid Mir

    LeT

     

    SDGT (Aug 2012) USD 5 m bounty

    Jailed 2022 for 15½ years on financing charges

     

    Sajid Mir: the man Islamabad declared dead — until it didn’t

    Investigators have long described Sajid Mir as the linchpin of the 2008 Mumbai plot. He recruited David Headley, bank-rolled Headley’s “immigration consultancy” cover in Mumbai, and calmly instructed the gunmen by telephone as the massacre unfolded.

    In 2011 a Chicago grand jury indicted Mir for the Mumbai attack. The United States posted a $5 million reward and, in 2012, the US Treasury designated him an SDGT. When queried, Pakistan first claimed Mir could not be traced; later, policy-makers upgraded his status from “absconding” to “confirmed dead”. Nevertheless, successive US reports on terrorism insisted that Mir was in Pakistan.

    In 2022, under FATF pressure, Mir was quietly arrested; in May 2022, a terrorism court sentenced him to 15½ years’ imprisonment. Tellingly, the conviction was for LeT financing, not for masterminding the 26/11 massacre. The timing is clear: Pakistan needed to exit FATF’s “grey list” and duly showcased Mir’s conviction at the watchdog’s plenary.

    Why the bans keep failing

    • Front-of-house charities – Outfits such as JuD, FIF and Al-Rehmat Trust cloak terrorist networks in a veneer of benevolence, complicating the task for regulators and donors alike.
    • Selective enforcement – Convictions arrive only when outside pressure peaks. Saeed’s 2020 sentence, Mir’s 2022 volte-face and the re-banning of JuD and FIF in 2019 all coincided with looming FATF deadlines or worldwide outrage after high-profile attacks. Almost immediately, JuD and FIF adopted yet new identities, continuing their radical activity.
    • Strategic utility – Groups focused on Kashmir retain value for elements within Pakistan’s security establishment; leaders deemed “assets” are seldom pursued with vigour.
    • Name-change game – Each new alias restarts the bureaucratic clock. By the time the UN or Washington designates a fresh front, funds and recruits have already flowed through it — and on to the next incarnation.

    International sanctions, UN blacklists and FATF scrutiny Grey List are not without effect: they put a break on external money flow to the country, freeze bank accounts of terror groups and terrorists, hinder travel, and, in Saeed’s and Mir’s cases, produce prison terms.

    Yet the record that Pakistan maintains reveals a pattern of grudging, piecemeal compliance rather than wholesale dismantling of terrorist infrastructure. Saeed and Mir were jailed on diluted charges, not for the killings they engineered.

    So long as terrorist leaders calculate that they can outwait external pressure; so long as charitable facades provide a revolving door back into business; and so long as the state continues to believe in the notion of “good versus bad” terror, outfits such as Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed and Hizbul Mujahideen will remain in play.

     

  • CERT-In SAMVAAD 2025: National cybersecurity conference opens in Tamil Nadu

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The three-day national annual cybersecurity conference, CERT-In SAMVAAD 2025, was inaugurated on May 19 at Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu. Organized by the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) in collaboration with SkillsDA, the event brings together over 300 delegates, including government officials, regulators, industry leaders, and information security auditing organizations.

    The conference aims to strengthen India’s cybersecurity audit ecosystem and enhance the capabilities of empanelled auditing bodies through discussion, collaboration, and knowledge sharing.

    Leaders stress innovation, resilience in cybersecurity

    Delivering the keynote address, S. Krishnan, Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), highlighted the urgent need for innovation in cybersecurity auditing, enhanced risk assessments, capacity building, and greater attention to emerging technologies.

    He emphasized that the evolving nature of cyber threats calls for a collaborative and strategic approach, adding that initiatives like SAMVAAD 2025 offer valuable opportunities for audit organizations to modernize practices and contribute to a cyber-resilient India.

    Director General of CERT-In, Dr. Sanjay Bahl, in his welcome address, noted that this is the first global conference dedicated solely to the auditing community. He detailed CERT-In’s efforts in developing a robust framework for cybersecurity resilience, including the empanelment of organizations to conduct audits, vulnerability assessments, and penetration testing.

    Expert insights on threats and technology

    Dr. Kamakoti Veezhinathan, Director of IIT Madras, underlined the growing need for cyber resilience, especially as India’s critical infrastructure becomes increasingly targeted. He stressed that effective frameworks, models, and architectures are essential for ensuring continuity of essential services during cyber incidents.

    Highlighting risks posed by technologies like AI, 5G/6G, and quantum computing, Dr. N. Subramanian, Executive Director of SETS, expressed optimism that the conference would aid in developing comprehensive security strategies to address these new challenges.

    Principal Secretary of the Government of Tamil Nadu, Brajendra Navnit, shared insights into the state’s cybersecurity initiatives and commended CERT-In for organizing a timely and nationally significant platform. He called for audits that go beyond checklists and address deeper systemic risks to digital systems and sensitive data.

    Industry-regulator dialogue and technical deep dives

    The conference also featured a high-level panel discussion on ‘Cybersecurity Audits & Regulatory Expectations: Bridging the Gap’, moderated by S.S. Sarma, Director Operations, CERT-In. The session included representatives from regulatory bodies who shared practical insights for audit organizations on aligning with compliance frameworks and expectations.

    Over the next two days, the event will feature more than 70 presentations across parallel technical and management tracks. The management stream will cover governance, human factors in cybersecurity, stakeholder communication, and C-suite risk management. Meanwhile, the technical track will explore audit automation tools, next-gen tech security (IoT, AI/ML, blockchain, and quantum), and Software Bill of Materials (SBOM) implementation.

    Sessions will also address strategies for continuous auditing in complex environments like cloud systems, APIs, and operational technology.

    Driving future-focused audit transformation

    SAMVAAD 2025 aims to help auditing professionals stay ahead of the curve by equipping them with knowledge on the latest tools, automation techniques, and adaptive methodologies. These insights are expected to enhance audit quality and help organizations better navigate India’s dynamic cybersecurity landscape.

    The conference, which will run until May 21, is being attended by senior dignitaries from both central and state governments, along with industry experts and representatives from over 300 CERT-In empanelled information security auditing organizations.

  • IPL 2025: With the final playoff spot on the line, MI meets DC in a must-win clash

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Considering the start they made to the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, not many people would have imagined Mumbai Indians would be taking on Delhi Capitals in a must-win clash for the final playoff spot at the Wankhede Stadium here on Wednesday.

    Delhi Capitals got off to a 4-0 winning spree, while Mumbai Indians won only one in five matches and were at the opposite ends of the points table.

    So, here they are gearing up to face off for the fourth and final spot in the playoffs to join Gujarat Titans, Punjab Kings, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the final four for the knockout stages of the IPL 2025.

    After that horrible start, the Mumbai Indians have made a grand comeback, fighting their way back to the top of the table at one time with a six-match unbeaten run. Delhi Capitals, on the other hand, went off the boil, losing three matches, while a no result against Sunrisers Hyderabad did not help matters much.

    Mumbai Indians are in fourth spot in the points table with 14 points from 12 matches, while Delhi Capitals have 13 points from as many matches. Both teams have one match more to play against Punjab Kings, but winning Wednesday’s match will ensure MI a playoff spot, while Delhi needs to win both their matches to reach the knockouts.

    With Jasprit Bumrah returning to the team after an injury layoff and with Ryan Rickelton and Rohit Sharma finding some form, the Mumbai Indians seemed to have solved the jigsaw puzzle. Their pacers have propelled MI ahead, with Trent Boult leading the charge with 18 wickets and Bumrah and Hardik Pandya claiming 13 wickets apiece. Deepak Chahar has claimed 10 wickets, while MI have found nascent talent in Ashwani Kumar and Vignesh Puthur.

    On the batting front, Suryakumar Yadav has been in superb form, while Rickleton, Rohit Sharma, and Tilak Varma have done well in patches as MI surged ahead before Gujarat Titans halted their victory march just before the IPL 2025 went into a break.

    Delhi has ridden on the brilliance of KL Rahul, who has struck a century and three half-centuries so far. Abhishek Porel, Tristan Stubbs, and Faf du Plessis also made some vital contributions. But somehow, they have lacked an out-and-out match winner. They had lost some momentum before IPL 2025 went into the break because of the security situation arising out of the India-Pakistan conflict.

    Delhi have since played a match after the restart and lost to Gujarat Titans on Sunday, while Mumbai will be returning to action after two weeks.

    The team that keeps its nerve on Wednesday will live to fight another day.

    When: Wednesday, May 21 at 7:30 PM IST

    Where: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai

    Squads:

    Mumbai Indians: Ryan Rickelton (wk), Rohit Sharma, Will Jacks, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya (c), Naman Dhir, Corbin Bosch, Deepak Chahar, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah, Karn Sharma, Reece Topley, Raj Bawa, Robin Minz, Ashwani Kumar, Satyanarayana Raju, Mitchell Santner, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Krishnan Shrijith, Raghu Sharma, Arjun Tendulkar, Bevon Jacobs

    Delhi Capitals: Faf du Plessis, Abishek Porel (wk), Sameer Rizvi, KL Rahul, Axar Patel (c), Tristan Stubbs, Ashutosh Sharma, Vipraj Nigam, Kuldeep Yadav, T. Natarajan, Mustafizur Rahman, Dushmantha Chameera, Sediqullah Atal, Karun Nair, Tripurana Vijay, Madhav Tiwari, Mohit Sharma, Mukesh Kumar, Ajay Jadav Mandal, Darshan Nalkande, Donovan Ferreira, Manvanth Kumar L.

    –IANS

  • Trump’s mass layoff threat drives U.S. government workers to resign

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Tens of thousands of U.S. government workers have chosen to resign rather than endure what many view as a torturous wait for the Trump administration to carry out its threats to fire them, say unions, governance experts and the employees themselves.

    President Donald Trump signed an executive order on taking office to dramatically slash the size and cost of government. Four months later, mass layoffs at the largest agencies have yet to materialize and courts have slowed the process.

    Instead, most of the roughly 260,000 civil servants who have left or will leave by the end of September have taken buyouts or other incentives to quit. Some told Reuters they could no longer live with the daily stress of waiting to be fired after multiple warnings from Trump administration officials that they could lose their jobs in the next wave of layoffs.

    As a result, Trump and tech billionaire Elon Musk’sDepartment of Government Efficiency have managed to cut nearly 12% of the 2.3 million-strong federal civilian workforce largely through threats of firings, buyouts and early retirement offers, a Reuters review of agency departures found.

    The White House did not respond to a request for comment for this story. Trump and Musk say the federal bureaucracy is bloated, inefficient and beset with waste and fraud.

    The White House has yet to provide an official tally of the number of people leaving the federal workforce. It said 75,000 took the first of two buyout offers but has not said how many took a second buyout offer last month. Under the scheme, civil servants will receive full pay and benefits through September 30, with most not having to work during that period.

    Deep cuts are earmarked for several agencies, including over 80,000 jobs at the Department of Veterans Affairs, and 10,000 at the Department of Health and Human Services.

    Since January, many government workers have spoken of living in fear of being fired. Many agencies have sent regular emails to staff that couple incentives to quit with warnings that those who stay face the possibility of being laid off.

    They have also endured cramped offices after Trump ordered all remote workers to return to work and dysfunction inside their agencies caused by a brain drain of experienced workers.

    Don Moynihan, a professor at the Ford School of Public Policy at the University of Michigan, said a series of moves by DOGE and Trump have worn down the early defiance of many civil servants and led them to leave the workforce, a strategy that avoids the legal pitfalls of firing them.

    They include the first buyout offer, which told workers they needed to leave their “lower productivity” jobs; a demand by Musk for workers to summarize five things they had achieved at work in the previous week, and workers being asked to do jobs they were not trained for.

    “It’s inappropriate to think of these as voluntary resignations. Many of these employees feel that they were forced out,” Moynihan said.

    Charlotte Reynolds, 58, took an early retirement offer and left her job as a senior tax analyst at the tax-collecting Internal Revenue Service on April 30.

    Reynolds chose not to take the first buyout offer in January, deciding to tough things out. By April she had had enough.

  • Delhi CM Rekha Gupta inaugurates Delhi Games 2025 at Talkatora Stadium

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta inaugurated the Delhi Games 2025 at Talkatora Stadium in New Delhi on Tuesday. Delhi Minister for Urban Development, Education & Training, Ashish Sood, was also present at the inauguration ceremony.

    The Chief Minister emphasized that athletes from Delhi should receive all necessary facilities, contrasting this with the shortcomings of previous governments.

    She stated that the Delhi government, through the Delhi Sports Council, would ensure that athletes have access to the resources they need to train and compete in the capital, enabling them to bring honor to the city.

    “Athletes from Delhi should get all the facilities they need. In previous governments, we saw that due to a lack of facilities in Delhi, athletes had to go to other states and register there. The Delhi government, through the Delhi Sports Council, will provide all necessary facilities so that they stay in Delhi and earn laurels for the national capital,” Rekha Gupta told reporters.

    More than 22,000 athletes are expected to compete across 20 sports disciplines during the Delhi Games.

    Earlier, on May 17, CM Rekha Gupta also inaugurated a new water pipeline in Singalpur village, located in the Shalimar Bagh area of the national capital.

    Addressing the public at that event, the Chief Minister said, “Until now, we have been paying off the liabilities of previous governments. Our government is committed to the welfare of the people. Work must be done in the public interest—no work should be left unfinished.”

    She further emphasized her administration’s focus on transparency and integrity, stating, “It is the government’s responsibility to carry out every task with complete transparency and honesty, and we will fulfill it.”

    Gupta also criticized the former Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government for neglecting the capital’s infrastructure, particularly its firefighting systems, which she described as being in a “dilapidated state.”

    “The firefighting systems under the previous government were in a dilapidated state. Because of this, we were unable to provide timely solutions during several tragedies,” she said.

    Later, the Chief Minister, along with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Ramvir Bidhuri and Minister Ashish Sood, inspected the modern firefighting vehicles of the Delhi Fire Service at the Secretariat.

  • PM Modi condoles the demise of renowned astrophysicist Dr. Jayant Narlikar

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday expressed deep condolences on the passing of Dr. Jayant Narlikar, one of India’s most distinguished astrophysicists.

    In a heartfelt post on X, the Prime Minister wrote:

    “The passing of Dr. Jayant Narlikar is a monumental loss to the scientific community. He was a luminary, especially in the field of astrophysics. His pioneering works, especially key theoretical frameworks will be valued by generations of researchers. He made a mark as an institution builder, grooming centres of learning and innovation for young minds. His writings have also gone a long way in making science accessible to common citizens. Condolences to his family and friends in this hour of grief. Om Shanti.”

    Dr. Narlikar passed away on Tuesday at the age of 86. According to close associates, he had undergone surgery for a hip fracture a fortnight ago and was recuperating at home.

    A legendary figure in the field of theoretical astrophysics, Dr. Narlikar was best known for proposing an alternative to the Big Bang theory—the steady state model—alongside Sir Fred Hoyle. His contributions brought international recognition to Indian science.

    He played a key role in the establishment of the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) in Pune, where he mentored generations of young scientists and helped shape India’s modern astrophysics landscape.

    An alumnus of Banaras Hindu University and Cambridge University, Dr. Narlikar also worked with the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR). Beyond his academic achievements, he gained prominence as a science communicator, striving to make complex scientific ideas accessible to the general public through books and lectures in English and regional languages.

  • PM Modi to visit Rajasthan on May 22, unveil development projects worth over ₹26,000 crore

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Rajasthan on May 22, where he will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for a series of development projects worth over ₹26,000 crore. The visit will include a public address in Palana, Bikaner, and a darshan at the Karni Mata Temple in Deshnoke around 11:00 AM.

    Focus on Rail Infrastructure

    As part of the day’s events, PM Modi will inaugurate the redeveloped Deshnoke Railway Station under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme and flag off the Bikaner-Mumbai express train. He will also launch 103 redeveloped Amrit Stations across 86 districts in 18 states and union territories, developed at a cost of over ₹1,100 crore. These stations integrate modern passenger amenities with regionally inspired architecture and improved accessibility, including facilities for Divyangjan.

    Reflecting India’s diverse cultural fabric, stations like Deshnoke, Thawe, and Begumpet are being redesigned to showcase traditional architectural styles and local art forms as part of a nationwide revamp covering over 1,300 railway stations.

    The Prime Minister will also dedicate six electrified rail lines across Rajasthan and lay the foundation stone for the Churu–Sadulpur rail line. These electrification projects, covering nearly 1,000 km, support Indian Railways’ goal of 100% electrification for enhanced operational efficiency and reduced carbon emissions.

    Expansion of Road Network

    Significant investments in road infrastructure are also on the agenda, with PM Modi laying the foundation stone for three vehicle underpasses and several national highway upgrades. He will also dedicate seven major roadway projects in Rajasthan, collectively worth over ₹4,850 crore. These projects aim to improve connectivity to the Indo-Pak border, boosting both civilian mobility and national security.

    Push for Renewable Energy and Power Transmission

    The Prime Minister will further inaugurate and lay the foundation stones for several power and renewable energy projects, including large-scale solar energy developments in Bikaner and Didwana Kuchaman. Projects under PowerGrid Mewar and Sirohi Transmission Ltd will bolster energy evacuation systems. The expansion of solar and transmission capacity is expected to provide clean energy and support India’s climate goals.

    State Projects: Roads, Health, and Water Supply

    A total of 25 state government projects will also be inaugurated or launched during the visit. These include improvements to over 750 km of state highways, with an additional 900 km planned under future phases, at a cost exceeding ₹3,240 crore. In the health sector, PM Modi will inaugurate nursing colleges in Rajsamand, Pratapgarh, Bhilwara, and Dholpur to enhance medical education and local healthcare capacity.

    Water infrastructure projects will also feature prominently. These include the Rural Water Supply and Fluorosis Mitigation Project in Jhunjhunu and the restructuring of urban water supply schemes in seven towns of Pali district under the AMRUT 2.0 scheme.

    This visit comes as part of the government’s broader push to enhance infrastructure, connectivity, and clean energy development across India’s heartland, with Rajasthan at the centre of several strategic initiatives.

  • India leads call for inclusive energy governance at BRICS ministers’ meet

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Minister for Power and Housing & Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal, led the Indian delegation at the BRICS energy ministers’ meeting held in Brasília, Brazil, under the country’s ongoing presidency. The meeting was convened under the theme “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance.”

    During his address, the minister highlighted energy security as one of the most pressing global challenges and emphasized the urgent need to deepen BRICS cooperation to ensure economic stability, sustainability, and equitable access to energy resources. He reaffirmed India’s strong commitment to building a sustainable and inclusive energy future and commended Brazil’s leadership in advancing the collective energy agenda of the Global South.

    Showcasing India’s rapid progress in clean energy development, Lal noted a 90 percent increase in electricity generation capacity over the past decade, reaching 475 GW in 2025, with a national target of 900 GW by 2032. He said that India had become the world’s third-largest producer of solar and wind energy and was progressing steadily toward its Nationally Determined Contributions.

    Lal also highlighted India’s achievement of a 20 percent ethanol blending milestone, underlining its role in advancing biofuel adoption and emissions reduction. The country is also investing heavily in smart grid infrastructure, advanced metering systems, and expanded transmission networks, including the Green Energy Corridor.

    Additionally, India has set ambitious goals for green hydrogen and nuclear energy, including a target of 100 GW of nuclear capacity by 2047. The recent launch of a domestic Carbon Credit Market was also mentioned, with the minister inviting global collaboration in this initiative.

    Lal underlined the importance of energy efficiency and sustainable infrastructure development through programs such as the Energy Conservation Sustainable Buildings Code, rooftop solar initiatives, and improved standards for energy-efficient appliances. He further emphasized the role of the Global Biofuels Alliance in enhancing international cooperation in the biofuels sector.

    While advocating for clean energy, the minister also acknowledged the continuing role of fossil fuels in the global energy mix, particularly for developing countries. He called for greater international cooperation in promoting cleaner and more efficient use of fossil fuels through technologies such as coal gasification, carbon capture and storage, and green chemical innovations.

    Lal extended an invitation to the BRICS nations to participate in the next BRICS Energy Gathering, which is scheduled to be hosted by India in 2026. He reaffirmed India’s commitment to leading the energy dialogue for the Global South and to building a collaborative path toward a more secure, inclusive, and sustainable energy future.

  • People are waiting with bated breath, the money trail, its source, its purpose, did it pollute the judicial system? Who are the bigger sharks, asks VP om justice verma cash recovery case

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (2)

    lign=”center”>The rule of law is the very foundation of society; VP questions delay in FIR Time has come to revisit K. Veeraswami Judgement, a Judicial Legerdemain -VP Judicial landscape is changing for the better-VP expresses hope 3 member Committee has no constitutional premise or legal sanctity-VP on Justice verma cash recovery case We must believe in protocol, really beholden to the present Chief Justice for inviting attention to protocol-VP I am also a sufferer-VP on protocol breach

    The Vice-President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar has today stated that it is time to revisit the K Veeraswamy judgement of 1991. In his address he stated, “ The genesis of this impregnable cover is a judgment imparted by the Supreme Court in K. Veeraswami case 1991. If I may put it…..Judicial Legerdemain. Normally it is used for legislature. Am I right? Erected scaffolding of impunity, paring neutralising all salvos of accountability and transparency. Time for us now to change.  And I have full trust and confidence in the present Supreme Court, which is of eminent people, people of integrity. In a short time the present Chief Justice has shown that things are soothing for people at large.”

    https://twitter.com/VPIndia/status/1924472198896431405

    In his address he further added, “ There is need to protect judiciary. We have to ensure our judges are not made vulnerable because they decide fearlessly. They do the most difficult job. They deal with powers in the executive. They deal with powers in industry. They deal with mighty power that has great economic strength  and institutional authority. And therefore, we must protect them. We must evolve our mechanism. Not for a moment I will see. I will  indicate that we must make our judges vulnerable. No. We have to provide judges with something like impregnability when it comes to challenge to the judges on sinister premise by pernicious design by forces that cannot digest independence of judiciary. But that requires in-house regulatory mechanism which is transparent, accountable expeditious and which should not have peer concern. We all are victims of it. For example, in Parliament, a breach of privilege is determined by the same people who sit alongside but we have to be ruthless”.

    https://twitter.com/VPIndia/status/1924471036374045173

    Speaking at the book release function of the book ‘The Constitution We Adopted (With Artworks)’ edited by Shri Vijay Hansaria at Bharat Mandapam, Shri Dhankhar underlined, “…….a robust Judicial system is quintessential to survival of democracy, to blossoming of democracy. And if that system, for one incident, is clouded somewhat, it is our pious obligation to clear the air at the earliest. And I say so for this reason, that investigation all over the world is domain of the executive, adjudication thereof is the domain of judiciary. I wonder, as Chairman Rajya Sabha, having examined the scenario which obtains in the country for removal of a judge………the committee can be legitimately constituted only either by the Speaker or the Chairman, as the case may be, when requisite number of members of Parliament come with a resolution to remove the judge. Now just imagine how much labor has gone to Chief Justices of two high courts. In one high court, the coverage area is two states and a union territory. They involved with an inquiry which does not have any constitutional premise or legal sanctity but most importantly it will be in consequential. The inquiry report may be sent to anyone under a mechanism evolved by the court on the administrative side. Can in this country we afford to invest so much time at the cost of administrative work of the chief justice of High Court? A judicial work of the High Court? And I still wonder, while investigating, or so-called investigation, the Three Judge Committee recovered electronic equipments from people. This is a serious issue. How can this be done? All I am suggesting to you is, with that caveat, I’m a foot soldier of judiciary. We have to set highest standards, exemplary standards indicating adherence to rule of law”.

    https://twitter.com/VPIndia/status/1924457449131548698

    Emphasizing on the significance of rule of law in a democracy, the Vice-President stated, “ We’re confronted with the jarring reality. A judge’s residents in lutyens Delhi had burnt notes, cash. There is no FIR till date. We have in the country rule of law, criminal justice system. And if I go to the legal field which is occupied by legislation, there can be no occasion whatsoever to delay even for a moment because that is ordainment of law. The rule of law is the very foundation of society. Democracy has to be defined primarily by three aspects. expression. Second, dialogue. Third, accountability……The surest way to degenerate an individual or bring down an Institution is to keep it away from probe, keep it away from scrutiny…..And therefore,  if we have to really nurture democracy, ensure that democracy blossoms, it is inescapable that we hold every institution accountable and every individual accountable and in accordance with law.”

    https://twitter.com/VPIndia/status/1924462174602457386

    “Today I am reflecting not as a by standing detector but as a foot soldier of judiciary. I have given my best life in judiciary and I was extremely lucky. I can never envisage that I will do anything which in the  remotest form will compromise dignity of judiciary. I started with that, protocol. But I have raised issues consistently because a robust independent judicial system is the safest guarantee for the citizen and also for survival of democracy. Now, I find at the moment a big change taking place. Judicial landscape is changing for the better. The outgoing Chief Justice, Justice Khanna, set very high standards in accountability, transparency. He needs to be commended that the incident to which I referred at the residence of a judge. And please don’t mistake me. I give highest premium and value to innocence of a person. We are supposed to be innocent till proved otherwise. I am casting no aspersions. But all I say is that when it comes to national interest, we cannot divide into compartments, insiders or outsiders. We all are united in nurturing constitutional sense and spirit. I am the one who held the fort that because of legacy issues mechanism evolved by a judgement in early 90s. The present Supreme Court did what it could to the maximum extent. But time has come now for revisitation because the scenario is indeed one. for which every person in the country is waiting. They want nothing but absolute truth to come out”, he added.

    https://twitter.com/VPIndia/status/1924466096704192699

    Stressing further on the need for a scientific criminal investigation, Shri Dhankhar stated, “Everyone in the country is now thinking whether this will be washed off, whether it will fade with time, and they are really concerned. How come criminal justice system was not operationalised as it would have done for every other individual? Even with respect to the Hon’ble President and the Governor, only the two functionaries. The coverage of immunity is only while they hold the office. And therefore, being integral part of this institution, that has defined what we are today  and that defines what our democracy is today. This issue for which people are waiting with bated breath, the money trail, its source, its purpose,  did it pollute the judicial system? Who are the bigger sharks. We need to find out. Already two months have gone by,  and no one knows better than people before me. Investigation is required to be with expedition. So is the case with the registration of an FIR. I do hope and believe that the Supreme Court acted the very best so far because it had a legacy issue of judgments imparted in 90s. But now is the time to take a call. Partly the confidence has been restored by Justice Khanna. When you put in public domain documentation which people thought will never be shown to them. That was a big step by him to project accountability and transparency. If democratic values have to prosper, I am sure this is a test case. There must be swift investigation by those concerned with investigation. We must use scientific material. People in the front line particularly know, not many things are happening. And these days, tough times. Most guarded secret is an open secret on the street. Everyone knows it. Names are floating. Several reputations have become fragile. People think the system has really suffered something like a great challenge. The system will get purified. It will get image makeover once the culprits are brought to book and not for a moment I am indicating anyone as a culprit. Everyone is innocent till proved otherwise.”

    https://twitter.com/VPIndia/status/1924475192325104004

    https://twitter.com/VPIndia/status/1924473245652140368

    “The entire nation was worried. An incident took place on the night intervening 14th and 15th of March. A nation of 1.4 billion did not come to know about it. Till after a week. Just imagine how many such other incidents may have taken place of which we are not in the know of because every such transgression of integrity impacts common man, impacts those who believe in rule of law, in merit and therefore we have to be unsparing about it. The motto of the Supreme Court, which you must have seen number of times, I saw it every time–यतो धर्मः ततो जयः Where there is dharma, there is victory. सत्यमेव जयते Truth has to triumph in this case”, he added

    https://twitter.com/VPIndia/status/1924456239917846789

    Inviting attention to the recent remarks by the CJI regarding protocol, Shri Dhankhar today stated, “This morning I was reminded of something which is very critical in the country and that is not for oneself. What the present Chief Justice said,  we must believe in protocol. Chief Justice of the country and protocol is placed very high. When he indicated this, it was not personal, first for the position he holds and I am sure this will be kept in mind by one and all. In a sense, I am also a sufferer, you have seen the photograph of the President and the Prime Minister but not of the Vice-President. Once I demit the office, I’ll ensure that my successor has a photograph but I am really beholden to the present Chief Justice for inviting attention to the people in bureaucracy adherence to protocol is fundamental.”

  • India’s capital markets projected to grow steadily in FY26: Report

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India’s capital markets are projected to grow steadily in FY26, supported by expected GDP growth of 6.2–6.5 per cent and strong domestic demand, according to a new report released on Tuesday.

    The Nifty 50 is anticipated to deliver 12-15 per cent returns, with EPS estimates around Rs 1,160. While, foreign portfolio investors (FPI) have shown renewed confidence, injecting over $4 billion in recent sessions, according to smallcase managers.

    Global trade tensions, US tariffs, geopolitical uncertainty remains a key risk for Indian capital market. However, they expect equities to outperform other asset classes in FY26, supported by favourable valuations and a strong growth outlook.

    “As of May 18, a total of 878 companies have reported their earnings, with a 10 per cent year-on-year growth in Q4 FY25,” said Shailesh Saraf, smallcase Manager and Founder, Value Stocks.

    Despite a modest 5.79 per cent year-on-year growth for FY25 — significantly lower than the 35.1 per cent growth recorded in FY24, the market sentiment has improved, reflected in FII net inflows of Rs 16,757 crore in FY26 so far, alongside an 8 per cent return from the Nifty 50 and a 10 per cent gain in the Smallcap 100 index, Saraf mentioned.

    The market has bounced back significantly over the past two months, fully reversing its year-to-date decline.

    The smallcase managers believe that with inflation below 4 per cent, the real interest rate has turned significantly positive, strengthening the case for policy easing.

    The market has effectively priced in a cut, even if it’s not yet formally announced. Lower borrowing costs can spur corporate investment and consumer spending, benefiting sectors like banking, real estate, and autos. Equity markets may rally in anticipation of improved earnings and liquidity.

    Robin Arya, smallcase Manager and Founder, GoalFi said, “a cautiously optimistic outlook for FY26 is justified. Key positives include a stable government, the prospect of lower interest rates, and potential earnings rebound”.

    “We believe this year will be of consolidation with earnings improvement in companies and theme-based investing will be prevalent,” he added.

    India’s defence sector is set to grow robustly in FY26, backed by a projected capex outlay of Rs 1.8 trillion and a $130 billion opportunity over FY25–29, with 7–8 per cent annual growth. (IANS)

  • Nepal: Leaders, experts call for ‘bigger space’ in enhancing ties with India

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Nepal’s political leaders, lawmakers, and foreign policy experts have urged the country to seek a more prominent role in its relationship with India, particularly in the wake of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.

    “We are so tempted that we should create a space in New Delhi out of the partnership that we have had till now, and particularly after the Pahalgam incident,” Minendra Rijal, a former minister and senior leader of the Nepali Congress, said on Monday.

    Speaking at an event in Kathmandu , organized by the Institute for Public Policy and Partnership, Rijal noted that as India’s relationships with some of its other neighbours face challenges, Nepal should seize the opportunity to assert its importance. He called for sincere and open dialogue with India on sensitive issues.

    “No one can substitute Nepal-India relations. Our relationship goes beyond the Roti-Beti cliché (sociocultural ties), and these relations don’t fit into any single framework. But when engaging with India, most of the time, our leaders only care about their politics and how to secure election tickets,” Rijal added.

    Former foreign minister N.P. Saud also addressed the gathering, saying that achieving a perfectly balanced relationship in diplomacy is unrealistic, despite popular sentiment.

    “We have to maintain our relations by keeping national interest at the core. We should be open while dealing with India. Non-alignment has become increasingly irrelevant, and multilateralism is gaining importance. In this context, we need to fine-tune our relations with India in light of emerging global and regional developments,” Saud said.

    Meanwhile, Vijay Jolly, former in-charge of the BJP’s foreign cell, called for stronger cooperation from Nepal in India’s fight against terrorism. He emphasized that India respects Nepal’s independent foreign policy, provided it does not compromise regional stability.

    Highlighting the deep-rooted neighbourly ties, Jolly asserted that there is no place for terrorism in South Asia. “SAARC is dead, and terror and trade cannot go together. After 2025, we need to give new dimensions to our bilateral ties,” he said while condemning the Pahalgam terror attack.

    He also recalled India’s prompt assistance to Nepal during the 2015 earthquake and noted the frequent high-level visits between the two countries. “Prime Minister Modi has visited Nepal a record five times since 2014, while nine Nepali Prime Ministers have visited India. Over 7.5 million Nepali nationals live and work in India, which makes our relationship special and unique. The security forces of both countries are guarding their respective borders,” Jolly added.

    India and Nepal share a long-standing relationship, marked by deep cooperation in defence, trade, development, and cultural exchange. According to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Nepal is a priority partner under India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy.

    The MEA further noted that frequent high-level exchanges have added momentum to the partnership and enabled both sides to review and enhance their ties across a broad spectrum.

    IANS

  • Tamil Nadu: Three dead after wall collapses amid heavy rain in Madurai

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Three people, including two women and a 10-year-old boy, died after a wall collapsed during heavy rain in Valaiyangulam village near Thirupparankundram in Madurai district on Monday evening, officials said.

    According to Madurai District Superintendent of Police Arvind, the deceased have been identified as Ammappillai (65), her grandson Veeramani (10), and their neighbour Vengatti (55).

    The incident occurred around 7 p.m. on Muthalamman Kovil Street, where the victims were sitting near the entrance of Ammappillai’s house amid a power outage that began around 6 p.m. While it was raining, a portion of the house wall suddenly collapsed on them.

    All three sustained severe injuries. Neighbours immediately alerted the 108 ambulance service, and the injured were taken to the Valaiyangulam Government Hospital for first aid.

    Despite medical efforts, Vengatti succumbed to her injuries at the hospital. Ammappillai and Veeramani were referred to the Government Rajaji Hospital in Madurai for further treatment, where they also died.

    Following a complaint, the Perungudi police registered a case and have launched an investigation into the incident.

    Further details are awaited as the probe continues.

    (ANI)

  • Chhagan Bhujbal sworn in as minister in Maharashtra Cabinet

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Senior Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Chhagan Bhujbal took oath as a minister in the Mahayuti-led Maharashtra government on Tuesday morning at Raj Bhavan in Mumbai.

    The swearing-in ceremony was attended by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan, who administered the oath to Bhujbal. Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, along with several prominent ministers from the Mahayuti government, were also present.

    Speaking about Bhujbal’s induction, Deputy Chief Minister Shinde highlighted his prior experience as a minister and expressed confidence that Bhujbal’s extensive political experience would prove beneficial for the state. He added that Chief Minister Fadnavis would determine Bhujbal’s portfolio. Shinde also noted that Bhujbal had started his political journey with the Shiv Sena, where he had been a dedicated Shiv Sainik under the leadership of Bal Thackeray.

    “Chhagan Bhujbal has previously served as a minister, leading various departments. His experience will undoubtedly benefit the Maharashtra government. He has held several important positions, from corporator to mayor, and has been an MLA and a minister. His extensive experience will be an asset to the government,” Shinde told ANI.

    Earlier, Maharashtra Minister and State BJP President Chandrashekhar Bawankule welcomed Bhujbal’s inclusion in the state cabinet, saying that the appointment would strengthen the government. “Chhagan Bhujbal is a prominent OBC leader, and his presence in the cabinet will play a crucial role in achieving the goal of ‘Viksit Maharashtra,’” Bawankule said.

    Bhujbal, the MLA from Yeola in Nashik district, has previously held key positions in various Maharashtra governments. Notably, he served as the fifth Deputy Chief Minister of the state from 1999 to 2003.

    (With agency inputs)

  • Wall collapse, electrocution kill three in rain-hit Bengaluru

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Three people, including a nine-year-old boy, were killed in rain-related incidents on Monday following heavy rainfall in Bengaluru.

    Shashikala, an employee of a private company, succumbed to injuries after a wet compound wall suddenly collapsed on her in Whitefield on Monday morning. She was walking towards Channasandra when the wall gave way and fell on her, resulting in her death.

    In another incident, two people, including a young boy, died of electrocution in BTM Layout on Monday evening.

    The deceased have been identified as 55-year-old Manohar Kamat and nine-year-old Dinesh, a native of Nepal. According to police, both were electrocuted while attempting to pump rainwater out of an apartment basement using a motor.

    The incident occurred at Madhuvana Apartments located in N.S. Palya, 2nd Stage, BTM Layout. Mico Layout police rushed to the spot and shifted the victims to St. John’s Hospital.

    Bengaluru recorded 132 mm of rainfall on Sunday night. The Meteorological Department has predicted heavy rain for Monday night (May 19) and May 20 as well.

    Several software companies in Bengaluru have advised employees to work from home due to worsening traffic conditions. Authorities remain on high alert as the situation develops.

    (IANS)

  • Sensex, Nifty open a tad lower amid nixed global cues

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The domestic benchmark indices opened lower on Tuesday amid mixed global cues, with selling seen in the auto, PSU bank, and financial services sectors during early trade.

    At around 9:31 am, the Sensex was trading 40.79 points, or 0.05 percent, down at 82,018.63, while the Nifty declined by 22.10 points, or 0.09 percent, at 24,923.35.

    The Nifty Bank was down by 51.40 points, or 0.09 percent, at 55,369.30. The Nifty Midcap 100 index was trading at 56,943.00, having declined by 162.45 points, or 0.28 percent. The Nifty Smallcap 100 index stood at 17,606.90, down by 42.75 points, or 0.24 percent.

    According to analysts, from a technical perspective, the Nifty formed a bearish candle on the daily chart while trading within an inside bar pattern, closing just below the crucial 25,000 level.

    The Indian Rupee exhibited strength, appreciating by 10 paise against the greenback to settle at 85.40.

    Meanwhile, in the Sensex pack, Tata Steel, Sun Pharma, Infosys, Tech Mahindra, ITC, Adani Ports, L&T, and HCL Tech were the top gainers. Power Grid, Nestle India, Titan, Kotak Mahindra Bank, M&M, and HDFC Bank were the top losers.

    In the Asian markets, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Bangkok, Seoul, and Jakarta were trading in the green.

    In the last trading session, the Dow Jones in the US closed at 42,792.07, up by 137.33 points, or 0.32 percent. The S&P 500 ended with a gain of 5.22 points, or 0.09 percent, at 5,963.60, and the Nasdaq closed at 19,215.46, up by 4.36 points, or 0.02 percent.

    On the institutional front, both foreign and domestic investors turned cautious, marking the first simultaneous sell-off in over a month.

    According to provisional data from the NSE, foreign institutional investors (FIIs) sold Indian equities worth Rs 525.95 crore on May 19, while domestic institutional investors (DIIs) were net sellers to the tune of Rs 237.93 crore.

    IANS

  • GeM completes eight years with 1.64 lakh buyers and 4.2 lakh sellers, leading India’s public procurement reform

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Government e Marketplace (GeM), India’s national public procurement portal, celebrated its 8th Incorporation Day with a renewed commitment to inclusive growth, digital governance, and economic empowerment. On this occasion, GeM launched GeMAI, India’s first generative AI-powered chatbot for the public sector, marking a significant milestone in digital public service delivery.

    Driving Innovation and Inclusion

    Speaking at the event, GeM CEO Mihir Kumar said that GeM continues to innovate and empower, aiming to unlock opportunities for every Indian entrepreneur. He emphasized that the platform’s vision goes beyond procurement to create a more accessible, efficient, and equitable marketplace, especially for micro and small enterprises, startups, weavers, and women-led businesses.

    Expanding Reach and Economic Impact

    Over the years, GeM has significantly expanded its reach and impact. The platform now supports over 1.64 lakh primary buyers and 4.2 lakh active sellers. It offers more than 10,000 product categories and 330 services. Independent studies by the World Bank and findings from India’s Economic Survey have highlighted the platform’s effectiveness, citing an average cost saving of nearly 10 percent in government procurement through GeM.

    Empowering Small Sellers and Entrepreneurs

    In line with its goal of empowering traditionally underrepresented groups, GeM has onboarded over 10 lakh micro and small enterprises, 1.3 lakh artisans and weavers, 1.84 lakh women entrepreneurs, and 31,000 startups. Kumar noted that through transparent bid dissemination and integration of diverse stakeholders such as self-help groups and farmer producer organizations, GeM has redefined public procurement in India.

    Lowering Costs and Simplifying Participation

    The platform has also significantly reduced costs for sellers. Currently, 97 percent of all transactions are free from transaction charges. Fee structures have been revised, with reductions ranging from 33 percent to 96 percent and a cap of ₹3 lakh for orders exceeding ₹10 crore, down from the earlier ₹72.5 lakh. For small sellers with an annual turnover below ₹1 crore, the caution money deposit has been cut by 60 percent, with full exemptions for specific categories.

    Enabling Strategic and High-Value Procurements

    GeM has also played a critical role in key national procurements, including ₹5,000 crore worth of equipment for the Akash Missile System and ₹5,085 crore in vaccine procurement. The platform is enabling a wide range of complex services such as drone-as-a-service for AIIMS, GIS and insurance coverage for over 1.3 crore lives, and the wet leasing of chartered flights and CT scanners.

    Nationwide Adoption and Digital Integration

    The platform is now operational across all 36 states and union territories. Uttar Pradesh has emerged as a leader in GeM adoption. Eight states, including Maharashtra, Manipur, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Assam, Uttarakhand, and Chhattisgarh, have made GeM usage mandatory. Successful integrations with Integrated Financial Management Systems (IFMS) have been completed in Assam, Kerala, Odisha, West Bengal, and Delhi, with upcoming implementations planned in Gujarat, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh.

    Pioneering AI in Public Service Delivery

    In a significant digital governance initiative, GeM has introduced GeMAI, a generative AI chatbot designed to enhance user support. The chatbot supports both voice and text interactions in 10 Indian languages, reflecting GeM’s vision of inclusive, intelligent service. Alongside, the platform has adopted advanced analytics for real-time fraud detection, risk mitigation, and ongoing monitoring to ensure transparency and accountability.

  • M.R. Srinivasan, pioneer of India’s nuclear energy programme, passes away at 95

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Dr. M.R. Srinivasan, a towering figure in India’s nuclear science community and former Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission, passed away on Tuesday in Udhagamandalam, Tamil Nadu, at the age of 95.

    A key architect of India’s civil nuclear energy programme, Dr. Srinivasan’s career in the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) spanned over five decades, beginning in September 1955.

    He worked closely with Dr. Homi Bhabha on the construction of Apsara, India’s first nuclear research reactor, which attained criticality in August 1956.

    In 1959, he was appointed Principal Project Engineer for the country’s first atomic power station. His contributions became even more prominent in 1967, when he took charge as the Chief Project Engineer of the Madras Atomic Power Station, helping lay the groundwork for India’s self-reliant nuclear power capabilities.

    In 1974, he became Director of the Power Projects Engineering Division in the DAE and, a decade later, assumed the role of Chairman of the Nuclear Power Board.

    Under his leadership, the country witnessed rapid growth in its nuclear infrastructure. Srinivasan oversaw the planning, construction, and commissioning of major power plants across India.

    In 1987, he was appointed Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission and Secretary of the Department of Atomic Energy. That same year, he also became the founding Chairman of the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL).

    His tenure saw remarkable expansion: 18 nuclear power units were developed under his guidance — seven became operational, seven were under construction, and four remained in the planning phase.

    For his exemplary contributions to the field of nuclear science and engineering, Dr. Srinivasan was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian honour.

    “His legacy of visionary leadership, technical brilliance, and tireless service to the nation will continue to inspire future generations,” his daughter, Sharada Srinivasan, said in a statement issued by the family.

    Dr. Srinivasan’s death marks the end of an era in India’s scientific and technological history. He leaves behind an enduring legacy that helped power the nation’s progress and energy security.

    IANS

  • Good discussions on expediting first tranche of India-US trade pact: Piyush Goyal

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Tuesday said that he had held fruitful talks with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick towards concluding the first tranche of the India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA).

    India and the US are working to sign the first tranche of the BTA to reduce tariffs before the agreed timeline of fall 2025, as the terms of reference for the pact have already been finalized.

    “Good discussions with Secretary @Howard Lutnick towards expediting the first tranche of the India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement,” Goyal posted on the X social media platform.

    Earlier, Goyal had said that “very good negotiations” with the US were underway.

    India presents a compelling case to the United States for a bilateral trade deal, given the outlook on growth and demographics.

    “Looking at the growth India offers in the next 25-30 years, with a large, aspirational, young population who will add to the demand for goods and services, we believe India will be a compelling case for entering into a good agreement with the US,” Goyal had told reporters.

    If both countries reach an agreement on reducing tariffs, it would lead to higher trade between the US and India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump have set an ambitious target of $500 billion in bilateral trade by 2030, as stated in a joint statement during the Indian PM’s recent visit to Washington, DC.

    Trump claimed last week that India offered to remove all tariffs on American goods, but added that he was in no rush to finalize a trade deal despite the apparent breakthrough.

    External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also commented last week that the ongoing trade negotiations are complex.

    “Trade talks between India and the US have been ongoing. These are complicated negotiations. Nothing is decided until everything is. Any trade deal has to be mutually beneficial; it has to work for both countries. That would be our expectation from the trade deal. Until that is done, any judgment on it would be premature,” EAM Jaishankar said while speaking to reporters.

    IANS

     

  • WHO Members Back Landmark Resolution Paving the Way for Global Pandemic Agreement

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Members of the World Health Organization (WHO) voted in favour of a resolution calling for the adoption of a global compact to prevent future pandemics.

    The pandemic agreement and the resolution calling for its adoption will be discussed by the full plenary of the World Health Assembly today. Immediately afterwards, a high-level segment featuring statements from heads of state of various nations will follow, according to a WHO press release.

    The vote in favour of the Pandemic Agreement resolution follows a more-than-three-year process, launched by governments during the COVID-19 pandemic, to negotiate the world’s first such accord to address the gaps and inequities in preventing, preparing for and responding to pandemics.

    In a press release, WHO stated, “This watershed agreement was adopted under Article 19 of the WHO Constitution. It aims to foster stronger collaboration and co-operation among countries, international organisations like WHO, civil society, the private sector and other stakeholders to prevent pandemics occurring in the first place, and to respond better in the event of a future pandemic crisis.”

    WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus congratulated Member States for resolving to come together in the aftermath of COVID-19 to better protect the world from future pandemics.

    In a press release, Ghebreyesus stated, “Governments from all over the world are making their countries, and our interconnected global community, more equitable, healthier and safer from the threats posed by pathogens and viruses of pandemic potential.”

    “I congratulate WHO’s Member States for resolving to come together in the aftermath of COVID-19 to better protect the world from future pandemics. Their work to develop this global accord will ensure countries work better, faster and more equitably together to prevent and respond to the next pandemic threat,” he added.

    The resolution sets out several steps to move the world forward and prepare for implementing the Pandemic Agreement. It includes launching a process to draft and negotiate an annex to the Agreement establishing a Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing system (PABS) through an Intergovernmental Working Group (IGWG).

    The result of this process will be considered at next year’s World Health Assembly. After the Assembly adopts the PABS annex, the Pandemic Agreement will be open for signature and for consideration of ratification, including by national legislative bodies. Once 60 ratifications have been secured, the Agreement will enter into force.

    Furthermore, Member States instructed the IGWG to initiate steps to allow the creation of the Coordinating Financial Mechanism for pandemic prevention, preparedness and response, and the Global Supply Chain and Logistics Network (GSCL) to “enhance, facilitate, and work to remove barriers and ensure equitable, timely, rapid, safe, and affordable access to pandemic-related health products for countries in need during public-health emergencies of international concern, including pandemic emergencies, and for prevention of such emergencies.”

    WHO stated, “According to the Agreement, pharmaceutical manufacturers participating in the PABS system will play a key role in equitable and timely access to pandemic-related health products by making available to WHO ‘rapid access targeting 20 per cent of their real-time production of safe, quality and effective vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics for the pathogen causing the pandemic emergency.’ The distribution of these products to countries will be carried out on the basis of public-health risk and need, with particular attention to the needs of developing countries and those supported through the GSCL.”

    The Pandemic Agreement aligns with the International Health Regulations, amendments to which were adopted by governments during the World Health Assembly last year to bolster international rules to detect, prevent and respond better to outbreaks.

    Ghebreyesus thanked the Bureau of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB) that coordinated and facilitated the process to draft and negotiate the Pandemic Agreement. He praised the work and excellence of the WHO Secretariat team, which supported the Bureau and Member States, led by Dr Michael Ryan and Dr Jaouad Mahjour.

    He stated, “An immensely talented, experienced and driven WHO team was assembled to support the vision of governments to develop this historic Pandemic Agreement.”

    “This group of individuals, representing so many countries and regions of the world, deserves enormous credit and thanks from the international community for what they have done to help make the world safer for future generations,” he added. (ANI)

  • Very productive exchange, says Putin on talks with Trump

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday described his two-hour-long phone conversation with former U.S. President Donald Trump as “substantive” and “productive,” raising fresh hopes for a potential breakthrough in the prolonged Russia-Ukraine conflict.

    The call, which focused on reviving stalled peace negotiations, marks a significant diplomatic development in the three-year-long war.

    “This conversation has effectively taken place and lasted more than two hours. I would like to emphasise that it was both substantive and quite candid. Overall, I believe it was a very productive exchange,” Putin told the media following the conversation.

    The talks come amid renewed efforts by the United States to facilitate direct negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv.

    While discussions between the Russian and Ukrainian sides were initially expected to resume through a high-level meeting between Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Turkey last week, the Russian leader did not attend. Trump, who was on a tour of West Asia at the time, had signalled he might visit the summit but did not make the trip either.

    Putin expressed gratitude to Trump for the United States’ support in helping restart direct talks between Russia and Ukraine.

    “The President of the United States shared his position on the cessation of hostilities and the prospects for a ceasefire. For my part, I noted that Russia also supports a peaceful settlement of the Ukraine crisis. What we need now is to identify the most effective ways toward achieving peace,” he said.

    The Russian President added that both leaders had agreed that Russia would propose and engage with Ukraine on drafting a memorandum for a future peace agreement.

    “This would include outlining a range of provisions, such as the principles for settlement, the timeframe for a possible peace deal, and other matters, including a potential temporary ceasefire, should the necessary agreements be reached,” Putin noted.

    He also mentioned that contact had resumed among participants of the Istanbul talks, providing some optimism that “we are on the right track overall.”

    Putin further reiterated Russia’s stance — “eliminating the root causes of this crisis is what matters most to us.”

    Describing the call as “highly constructive,” Putin emphasised the importance of both sides demonstrating a firm commitment to peace and compromise.

    “The key issue, of course, is now for the Russian side and the Ukrainian side to show their firm commitment to peace and to forge a compromise that would be acceptable to all parties,” he said.

    Trump, in a lengthy post on his social media platform Truth Social, confirmed the details of the call, stating that ceasefire negotiations between Russia and Ukraine would begin immediately, and that the Vatican had offered to host the dialogue.

    “Just completed my two-hour call with President Vladimir Putin of Russia. I believe it went very well. Russia and Ukraine will immediately start negotiations toward a ceasefire and, more importantly, an END to the war,” Trump wrote.

    He also conveyed the results of the call to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and various European leaders in separate communications.

    IANS

  • Beach Games 2025 kick off in Diu; Mandaviya vows to make it hub for sports tourism

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya believes that the “new” India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, not only dreams big but also provides opportunities to fulfil those dreams.

    On Monday, the Beach Games—held under the ever-expanding Khelo India umbrella for the first time—were officially declared open by the Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Mansukh Mandaviya, during a colourful ceremony on Ghoghla Beach, the venue of the Games in Diu.

    Speaking about the event, Mandaviya extended his best wishes to the 1,350-plus athletes participating in the competition. He also confirmed that Diu will be developed as a hub for beach games and sports tourism.

    “Beach Games 2025 were initiated on the coast of the Arabian Sea in Diu. Over 1,350 athletes are participating across eight disciplines. This is the second edition of the Games. Based on the success of this and the previous edition, Diu has proven to be the best destination for beach games. That’s why the Prime Minister has decided that beach games will continue to be held in Diu in the coming years. It will be developed as a destination for beach games and sports tourism,” Mandaviya told reporters.

    “This is the new India under the leadership of PM Modi—one that not only dreams but also creates opportunities to achieve them. These Games aim to empower athletes to bring glory to the country on the global stage,” he added.

    Former India cricketer and 2007 T20 World Cup hero Joginder Sharma extended his best wishes to the athletes and told ANI, “I believe these competitions will bring glory to the tricolour at the international level. I wish the athletes great success and hope they win many medals.”

    Former India badminton player and Commonwealth Games medalist Trupti Murgunde praised the initiative and told ANI, “Many states have participated—even those without coastlines. The enthusiasm is palpable. Diu is fast emerging as a destination for beach games. This is a fantastic initiative.”

    (ANI)

     
     
     
     

  • Honduran foreign minister visits India, inaugurates embassy in New Delhi

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held talks with Honduras’ Foreign Minister Eduardo Enrique Reina García last week, who concluded his four-day visit to India on May 18.

    The ministers discussed bilateral cooperation across trade, investment, development, health, digital technology, energy, and disaster response, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). They also exchanged views on regional and global issues, with Jaishankar thanking Honduras for its support in opposing terrorism.

    García and Jaishankar jointly inaugurated the Embassy of Honduras in New Delhi on May 15, a move aimed at boosting diplomatic engagement between the two countries. India welcomed the opening as a step towards deepening ties with the Latin American and Caribbean region.

    The embassy is expected to facilitate cooperation in sectors such as tourism, agriculture, innovation, and healthcare.

    India has increased outreach to Latin American countries in recent years, seeking closer ties through trade, technology partnerships, and development cooperation.

  • One Year of Lai: Taiwan Balances Courage with Composure

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Taiwan wants peace and dialogue with China, as war has no winners, but the government must continue to strengthen the island’s defences, President Lai Ching-te said on Tuesday as he marked one year in office.

    China calls Lai a “separatist” and has rebuffed his repeated offers for talks. Lai rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims over the democratic and separately governed island, saying only Taiwan’s people can decide their future.

    A government spokesperson said last week that Taiwan could not rule out the possibility that China would mark the anniversary with military drills.

    Speaking to reporters at the Presidential Office in central Taipei, Lai said the Taiwanese people loved peace.

    “I, too, am committed to peace, because peace is priceless and war has no winners. But when it comes to seeking peace, we can harbour neither dreams nor illusions,” he said.

    Taiwan will continue to strengthen its defences, as preparing for war is the best way to avoid it, Lai added.

    “I also reiterate here – Taiwan is happy to have exchanges and cooperation with China as long as there is reciprocal dignity. Using exchanges to replace hemming in, dialogue to replace confrontation.”

    China’s Taiwan Affairs Office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

    China’s defence ministry said last week that Lai was a “Taiwan Strait crisis-maker” who had increased antagonism and confrontation, and had undermined peace and stability.

    Last month, China held war games code-named “Strait Thunder-2025A” around Taiwan, the “A” at the end suggesting there could be more to come.

    China called its May 2024 drills, launched just after Lai took office, “Joint Sword-2024A”, and, in October of that year, staged “Joint Sword-2024B”.

    (Reuters)

  • ASHA sisters are first ray of health in remote villages: LS Speaker Om Birla

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla lauded ASHA workers as the strongest pillar of the nation’s health system, asserting that during times of crisis, when many step back, ASHA sisters step forward with unwavering commitment and selfless service.

    Speaking at the event organised by Promising Indian Society in collaboration with GAIL (Gas Authority of India Limited) at the UIT Auditorium, Birla said that if essential health services are reaching India’s most remote villages today, much of the credit goes to these frontline health workers. “They work tirelessly, day and night, for every pregnant woman, newborn, and person in need,” he said.

    Recalling the COVID-19 pandemic, Birla highlighted the dedication of ASHA sisters who, despite the risks, went door-to-door identifying the sick, delivering medicines, and connecting people to medical care, even as many were reluctant to step out. Their contribution, he said, is vital in nurturing a healthier, more self-reliant, and dignified future generation.

    Birla described the ASHA workers as embodiments of compassion, self-confidence, and dedication. He noted that the dialogue was more than just a formal gathering; it was a collective resolve that every citizen in the Kota-Bundi parliamentary constituency should enjoy good health, every expecting mother and child should be safe, and even the most marginalised individuals should live with dignity.

    Acknowledging their significant role in the Suposhit Maa Abhiyan, Birla applauded the efforts of ASHA sisters in reaching the most underserved sections of society. He urged them to identify pregnant women lacking adequate nutrition or medical care, so they can be supported effectively.

    Referring to the newly inaugurated Pradhan Mantri Divyasha Kendra in Kota, Birla mentioned that essential assistive devices will now be delivered to the homes of Divyangjans (persons with disabilities).

    He appealed to ASHA workers to help identify such individuals in their areas and inform the MBS Hospital or Lok Sabha office to ensure timely assistance. (IANS)

  • Tokyo Holds Firm: Japan Demands Full Removal of U.S. Tariffs

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Japan’s top trade negotiator, Ryosei Akazawa, said on Tuesday there was no change to Tokyo’s stance of demanding an elimination of U.S. tariffs in bilateral trade negotiations.

    Tokyo will not rush into clinching a trade deal if doing so risked hurting the country’s interests, he said.

    “The slew of U.S. tariffs including reciprocal tariffs as well as those on automobiles, car parts, steel and aluminium, are regrettable. There’s no change to our stance of seeking a review, which is to say an elimination, of them,” Akazawa told a regular press conference.

    Akazawa said the two countries held working-level trade talks in Washington on Monday. The schedule of a third round of ministerial-level negotiations was yet to be fixed, he added.

    Japan’s Kyodo news agency reported on Tuesday that Akazawa will travel to Washington this week to attend the third round of talks potentially starting on Friday.

    U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer is expected to attend the talks, while Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will be absent, Kyodo reported without citing sources.

    On April 2, U.S. President Donald Trump imposed 10% tariffs on all countries except Canada, Mexico and China, along with higher tariff rates for many big trading partners, including Japan, which faces a 24% tariff rate starting in July unless it can negotiate a deal with Washington.

    Japanese policymakers and ruling party lawmakers have said they see no merit in striking a deal with the United States unless a 25% tariff on automobile imports is lifted, given the industry’s economic importance.

    While Japan was the first major economy to start bilateral trade talks with Washington, Britain was the first to strike a deal with the Trump administration. China and the United States also agreed to a 90-day truce in their trade war that had threatened a global recession.

    With initial hope of a quick deal failing, the Nikkei newspaper reported last week that Japan may water down its demand to a reduction, rather than an elimination, of U.S. tariffs.

    A source with knowledge of the negotiations has told Reuters that Japan is considering a package of proposals to gain U.S. concessions that may include increased imports of U.S. corn and soy, technical cooperation in shipbuilding, and revision to inspection standards for imported automobiles.

    (Reuters)

  • Trump says Russia, Ukraine agree to immediate ceasefire talks, Kremlin offers no timeframe

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Donald Trump said after his call on Monday with President Vladimir Putin that Russia and Ukraine will immediately start negotiations for a ceasefire, but the Kremlin said the process would take time and the U.S. president indicated he was not ready to join Europe with fresh sanctions to pressure Moscow.

    In a social media post, Trump said he relayed the plan to Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskiy as well as the leaders of the European Union, France, Italy, Germany and Finland in a group call following his session with the Russian leader.

    “Russia and Ukraine will immediately start negotiations toward a Ceasefire and, more importantly, an END to the War,” Trump said, adding later at the White House that he thought “some progress is being made.”

    Putin thanked Trump for supporting the resumption of direct talks between Moscow and Kyiv after the two sides met in Turkey last week for their first face-to-face negotiations since March 2022. But after the Monday call he said only that efforts were “generally on the right track”.

    “We have agreed with the president of the United States that Russia will propose and is ready to work with the Ukrainian side on a memorandum on a possible future peace accord,” Putin told reporters near the Black Sea resort of Sochi.

    While the indications that Ukraine and Russia will continue direct contacts speak of progress after more than three years of the war, the Monday flurry of talks again failed to deliver on expectations for a major breakthrough.

    European leaders decided to increase pressure on Russia through sanctions after Trump briefed them on his call with Putin, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said in an X post late on Monday.

    Trump did not appear ready to follow that move. Asked why he had not imposed fresh sanctions to push Moscow into a peace deal as he had threatened, Trump told reporters: “Well because I think there’s a chance of getting something done, and if you do that, you can also make it much worse. But there could be a time where that’s going to happen.”

    Trump said there were “some big egos involved.” Without progress, “I’m just going to back away,” he said, repeating a warning that he could abandon the process. “This is not my war.”

    NO DEADLINE FOR AGREEMENTS

    European leaders and Ukraine have demanded Russia agree to a ceasefire immediately, and Trump has focused on getting Putin to commit to a 30-day truce. Putin has resisted this, insisting that conditions be met first.

    Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said Trump and Putin did not discuss a timeline for a ceasefire but did discuss trading nine Russians for nine Americans in a prisoner swap. He said the U.S. leader called prospects for ties between Moscow and Washington “impressive.”

    Russian state news agencies cited Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov as saying that Moscow and Kyiv faced “complex contacts” to develop a unified text of a peace and ceasefire memorandum.

    “There are no deadlines and there cannot be any. It is clear that everyone wants to do this as quickly as possible, but, of course, the devil is in the details,” the RIA agency quoted him as saying.

    Former Swedish Prime Minister Carl Bildt said on X the call with Trump was “undoubtedly a win for Putin.”

    The Russian leader “deflected the call for an … immediate ceasefire and instead can continue military operations at the same time as he puts pressure on at the negotiating table,” he said.

    HIGH-LEVEL MEETING

    After speaking with Trump, Zelenskiy said Kyiv and its partners might seek a high-level meeting among Ukraine, Russia, the United States, European Union countries and Britain as part of a push to end the war.

    “Ukraine is ready for direct negotiations with Russia in any format that brings results,” Zelenskiy said on X.

    He said that this could be hosted by Turkey, the Vatican or Switzerland. It was not immediately clear if this would be part of the negotiations Trump said would start immediately.

    Trump said Pope Leo had expressed interest in hosting the negotiations at the Vatican. The Vatican did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

    The Kremlin’s Peskov said Putin and Trump discussed direct contacts between the Russian leader and Zelenskiy. Moscow also welcomed the Vatican’s proposal, but no decision had been made on a place for “possible future contacts,” he added.

    One person familiar with Trump’s call with the Ukrainian and European leaders said participants were “shocked” that Trump did not want to push Putin with sanctions.

    In a post on X, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said only that the conversation with Trump was “good” and it was “important that the U.S. stays engaged.”

    Ukraine and its supporters have accused Russia of failing to negotiate in good faith, doing the minimum needed to keep Trump from applying new pressure on its economy.

    If Trump were to impose new sanctions, it would be a milestone moment given that he has appeared sympathetic towards Russia and torn up the pro-Ukraine policies of his predecessor, Joe Biden.

    Prodded by Trump, delegates from the warring countries met last week in Istanbul for the first time since 2022, but the talks failed to broker a truce. Hopes faded after Putin spurned Zelenskiy’s proposal to meet face to face there.

    Putin, whose forces control a fifth of Ukraine and are advancing, has stood firm on his conditions for ending the war, including the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from four Ukrainian regions Russia claims.

    He said the memorandum Russia and Ukraine would work on about a future peace accord would define “a number of positions, such as, for example, the principles of settlement, the timing of a possible peace agreement.”

    “The main thing for us is to eliminate the root causes of this crisis,” Putin said. “We just need to determine the most effective ways to move towards peace.”

    REUTERS

  • US terminates $60 million in Harvard grants over alleged antisemitism

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services said on Monday that it was terminating $60 million in federal grants to Harvard University saying the Ivy League institution failed to address antisemitic harassment and ethnic discrimination on campus.

    U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration has frozen or ended federal grants and contracts for the university worth nearly $3 billion in recent weeks.

    Since taking office in January, the Republican president has sought to use federal research funding to overhaul U.S. academia, which he says has been gripped by anti-American, Marxist and “radical left” ideologies.

    The administration has accused Harvard of continuing to consider ethnicity when reviewing student applications and of allowing discrimination against Jews as a result of the pro-Palestinian student protest movement that roiled American campuses last year.

    New York’s Columbia University has also been targeted over alleged antisemitism.

    “Due to Harvard University’s continued failure to address antisemitic harassment and race discrimination, HHS is terminating multiple multi-year grant awards … over their full duration,” the health department said in a post on X on Monday.

    Harvard University did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

    The Cambridge, Massachusetts-based institution has previously said that it “cannot absorb the entire cost” of the frozen grants, and that it was working with researchers to help them find alternative funding. It is also suing the Trump administration over its decision to cut grants.

    Earlier this month, the university settled a high-profile lawsuit by an Orthodox Jewish student who said Harvard was ignoring antisemitism on campus.

    The settlement came four months after Harvard promised additional protections for Jewish students, as it resolved two lawsuits claiming it was a hotbed of antisemitism.

    REUTERS

  • Bihar showcases agri-food strength at International Buyer-Seller Meet 2025 in Patna

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Bihar took centre stage in India’s agri-food export push as the International Buyer-Seller Meet (IBSM) 2025 commenced in Patna on Monday. Organised by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) in collaboration with APEDA, TPCI, and the Government of Bihar, the two-day event aims to boost food exports, facilitate global trade linkages, and unlock the state’s rich agricultural potential.

    The inaugural session was graced by Union Minister of Food Processing Industries Chirag Paswan, Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha, Industries Minister Nitish Mishra, and senior officials from MoFPI, APEDA, TPCI, and the Bihar government.

    With participation from 70 international buyers representing 20 countries, including six global retail chains, along with 50 domestic and 20 institutional buyers, the meet is expected to generate strong procurement momentum through 400+ curated B2B meetings. Products such as rice, spices, makhana, and fruits are in focus, with global players like LuLu Group (UAE), SARTAJ (Japan), Datar & Sons (UAE) and Global Foods Trading (Germany) showing strong sourcing interest.

    In his keynote address, Union Minister Chirag Paswan described the meet as a “turning point for rural prosperity” and reiterated the Government’s commitment to making Bihar a hub in India’s journey towards ‘Viksit Bharat @2047’. He noted, “We envision Bihar’s youth becoming job creators, not job seekers. The government will fully facilitate every investor.”

    Highlighting Bihar’s ancient legacy and agricultural strengths, the Minister revealed that in FY 2024–25 alone, 10,270 loans worth ₹624.42 crore were sanctioned under the PMFME Scheme in Bihar—the highest among all Indian states. He also emphasized the upcoming NIFTEM institute in Bihar, calling it a future centre of innovation and research in food technology.

    The event also witnessed the launch of a strategic report titled “Strategies to Boost India’s Makhana Exports”, reaffirming Bihar’s global leadership in this GI-tagged product.

    Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha underlined food processing as the best way to double farmers’ income, while Industries Minister Nitish Mishra spoke about the Muzaffarpur Mega Food Park and rapid land allotment through Bihar’s Single Window Clearance System. APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev emphasized that efforts like Tracenet 2.0 will enhance traceability and export readiness of Indian produce.

    So far, 12 companies have confirmed long-term procurement commitments across rice, pulses, spices, fruits, vegetables, and makhana, marking a major milestone in Bihar’s export journey.

    The IBSM 2025 also includes exhibitions, technical sessions, and investment discussions to catalyse partnerships and promote Bihar’s food processing ecosystem. The meet sets the stage for the state’s emergence as a key contributor to India’s agri-export ambitions.

    Finally, the Union Minister invited stakeholders to World Food India 2025, MoFPI’s flagship global event, which will further showcase India’s and Bihar’s growing footprint in global food markets.

     

  • Sonowal reviews inland waterways projects in Assam and Northeast; Rs.1,500 cr projects in pipeline to boost maritime growth

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal on Monday conducted a comprehensive review of inland waterways infrastructure projects in Assam and the Northeast. The high-level meeting, attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL), Indian Port Rail and Ropeway Corporation Ltd (IPRCL), and state PWD, focused on aligning regional development with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat.

    Sonowal emphasised the timely completion of projects under the ₹1,000 crore inland waterway development plan for the region, asserting that the Northeast remains a top priority for the central government. “Our work must resonate with the larger vision of Viksit Bharat. In the past two years, over Rs. 1,000 crore has already been invested, with ₹300 crore worth of work completed. The remaining ₹700 crore projects are on track to finish by end-2025,” he said.

    Projects under the spotlight include key developments along National Waterways 2 (Brahmaputra) and 16 (Barak). These cover passenger vessel construction, modern terminal infrastructure, and capacity-building initiatives. The minister also reviewed proposed projects in Nagaland’s Doyang, Noune, and Shilloi lakes for IWT and tourism, and feasibility studies in Mizoram and Meghalaya for similar ventures.

    Highlighting inland waterways as a catalyst for economic transformation, Sonowal said, “Since 2014, the Modi government has revived this once-neglected mode of transport. Initiatives like Jalvahak are helping businesses adopt this cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative, reducing the burden on road and rail networks.”

    To ensure skill development aligns with infrastructure growth, the government is developing the Maritime Skill Development Centre in Guwahati and the Centre of Excellence for Inland Water Transport in Dibrugarh. “We are training a workforce ready for both inland and global maritime opportunities,” he added.

    Looking ahead, over Rs. 1,500 crore has been earmarked for additional projects to be completed by 2027-28. These include modern jetties at Silghat, Bishwanath Ghat, Neamati Ghat, and Guijan. In Guwahati, a new cruise terminal worth Rs. 100 crore, a Rs. 315 crore Water Metro project with two electric catamarans, and infrastructure for the Mercantile Marine Department are also in the pipeline.

    The IWAI is executing Rs. 1,010 crore worth of work across NW2 and NW16, which includes terminals at Bogibeel and Jogighopa and a Rs. 208 crore ship repair facility at Pandu. The Barak River corridor will be equipped with dredging equipment and floating terminals at Karimganj and Badarpur.

    To maintain year-round navigability along Brahmaputra (NW2), the Dredging Corporation of India has been assigned to maintain a minimum draft of 2.5 metres up to 2026-27, supported by an additional Rs. 191 crore.

    Reiterating the government’s focus, Sonowal said, “The Northeast is not just a gateway to Southeast Asia but a key pillar in India’s journey toward becoming a global maritime leader by 2047.”

  • “Major step forward in boosting citizen-friendly digital governance”: PM Modi lauds the launch of the revamped OCI Portal

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday hailed the launch of the revamped Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) portal as a major step towards boosting citizen-friendly digital governance.

    “With enhanced features and improved functionality, the new OCI Portal marks a major step forward in boosting citizen-friendly digital governance,” PM Modi said in a post on X.
    He was responding to Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s post, who launched the portal earlier in the day.

    “Today, we launched the revamped OCI Portal with an up-to-date user interface to make registration of Overseas Citizens seamless. The new features will include improved functionality, enhanced security, and a user-friendly experience,” Shah wrote on X.
    Earlier on Monday, Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah inaugurated a revamped Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) portal here in the national capital to improve the digital experience for OCI cardholders.

    The launch marks a significant step in the government’s efforts to modernize citizen services for the Indian diaspora.

    According to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the new portal has been developed in response to rapid technological advancements over the past decade and feedback from existing OCI cardholders regarding issues with the previous system.

    “Union Home Minister Amit Shah today launched the new Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) portal in New Delhi. In light of significant technological advancements over the past decade and feedback received from OCI cardholders, a new OCI portal has been developed to address existing shortcomings and enhance the user experience,” said the MHA in a statement.

    Officials stated that the revamped platform addresses existing shortcomings and is designed to offer a more user-friendly, efficient, and seamless interface for individuals of Indian origin residing overseas.

    The OCI card is issued to people of Indian origin who have obtained citizenship in another country, allowing them lifelong visa-free travel to India and certain economic and educational rights. Over the years, the demand for improved digital services and more responsive systems has grown with the increasing number of OCI holders globally.
    With this launch, the Ministry of Home Affairs continues its push toward a digitally empowered governance framework, especially for Indians living abroad.

    –ANI