National

New Delhi [India], August 11: The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Odisha hosted an Interactive Session with Hon’ble Members of Parliament from Odisha in New Delhi, drawing participation from 14 MPs representing various constituencies across the state, alongside members of the CII Odisha State Council. The session focused on advancing Odisha’s socio-economic growth through stronger industry & government collaboration. Discussions highlighted several key priorities – boosting tourism by leveraging heritage and natural assets, promoting agro-based industries to enhance value addition and rural incomes, development of robust logistics infra in key industrial areas, curbing bauxite imports and iron ore exports to promote greater value addition within Odisha and boost MSME growth, loc...

New Delhi [India], August 6: As part of its ongoing Start-up Series Roadshow, the UAE-India CEPA Council (UICC) partnered with the Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer (FITT), the industry interface organisation of the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi), to host an engagement session aimed at advancing global opportunities for India’s next-generation start-ups. The event was held at the IIT Delhi campus, an institution widely regarded as a cornerstone of India’s innovation ecosystem. With its research-driven entrepreneurial culture, strong industry linkages, and globally oriented start-up ecosystem, IIT Delhi served as a natural forum for discussions on internationalisation and collaboration. The session opened with a welcome address by Dr. Nikhil Aggarwal, Manag...

New Delhi [India], July 26: As India marked the 26th anniversary of the Kargil Vijay Diwas, a powerful wave of patriotism swept the nation from schools to colleges, offices to parks and memorials across the country. In a landmark initiative, State Bank of India (SBI), the nation’s largest bank and Fitistan- Ek Fit Bharat, India’s largest community-based fitness movement, concluded the 2nd Edition of the SBI Kargil Tiger Hill Challenge with resounding success. The nationwide tribute honoured the 527 bravehearts of the Indian Armed Forces who laid down their lives during the Kargil War in 1999. With an overwhelming 35,000+ participants and active involvement of 17 SBI Circles, the challenge went far beyond being a fitness activity. It became a powerful movement of remembrance, respect, unity...

Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], July 19: In a landmark move poised to redefine urban governance in India, the Telangana government has announced plans to transform Hyderabad into the country’s first fully operational 24×7 city. Under the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, the initiative aims to unlock the city’s full economic potential by fostering a vibrant night-time economy. From IT and healthcare to retail, logistics, and hospitality, the new policy will facilitate round-the-clock activity in key sectors, positioning Hyderabad alongside global cities like New York, Dubai, and Tokyo. This sweeping vision is being operationalized through a coordinated, multi-departmental strategy. As the newly appointed Collector of Hyderabad, Hari Chandana, IAS, brings a wealth of adm...

New Delhi [India], July 18: Ramneek Sharma, Division Secretary of the Uttar Railway Mazdoor Union (URMU), Delhi Division, recently visited Japan as part of a high-level delegation organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). During this significant visit, he toured the United Nations University (UNU) in Tokyo and observed various research and policy programs based on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He also held an important meeting with the Director of the International Labour Organization (ILO) at its Japan office, where they discussed global labour policies, social security, and the challenges faced by Indian railway workers. The primary objective of the visit was to facilitate the exchange of ideas and experiences between India and Japan in the field of labour and ...

Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], July 14: Hyderabad, the vibrant capital of Telangana, is currently witnessing a significant moment in its administrative history. On June 13, 2025, Hari Chandana, a dynamic IAS officer of the 2010 batch from the Telangana cadre, assumed charge as the District Collector of Hyderabad. This is not merely a routine appointment; it is a landmark event that resonates deeply with the spirit of inclusive governance championed by the present Congress government led by Honorable Chief Minister Shri A. Revanth Reddy. Hari Chandana’s appointment to this crucial role is particularly momentous as she is widely recognized as the first Dalit woman to ever serve as the Collector of Hyderabad. Furthermore, her appointment makes her the most prominent Dalit officer to hold this...

New Delhi [India], July 7: India’s social welfare landscape continues to evolve rapidly, bringing numerous benefits to citizens across the country. Whether you’re a student, worker, or senior citizen, understanding which government schemes you may qualify for can make a meaningful difference in your life. Here are three major government schemes that every Indian should be aware of in 2025 — and how to access them. 1. PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) This flagship scheme by the Government of India provides income support of Rs. 6,000 per year to eligible farmers. The amount is paid in three equal instalments directly to their bank accounts. Who is eligible? Small and marginal farmers Ownership of cultivable land Why it matters: In 2025, the government has improved digital verification pro...

Ambaji (Gujarat) [India], July 7: Hon’ble Speaker of Gujarat Legislative Assembly, Shri Shankarbhai Chaudhary, today inaugurated the 5th consecutive edition of the “Seedball for Green Wall” campaign from the sacred land of Ambaji. Initiated with the noble vision of transforming the Aravalli mountain ranges into a lush green ecosystem, the campaign is a collaborative effort of Banas Dairy, the Forest Department, and local volunteers. Throughout the month of July, Banas Dairy will sow over 1 crore seedballs across the Aravalli hills. To mark the auspicious beginning, Speaker, Gujarat Legislative Assembly Shri Shankar Chaudhary offered prayers at the Ambaji temple and symbolically draped a green chunari (veil) to Maa Amba, representing nature and greenery. The seedball plantation was carried ...

Pune (Maharashtra) [India], July 1: In an unforgettable morning of grit, gratitude and glory, more than 4,500 runners converged at the historic Bombay Sappers Parade Ground for the Panchshil Soldierathon Bombay Sappers – a powerful tribute to heroism ,courage & sacrifice of Indian Armed Forces and a monumental leap forward in the Fit Bharat Movement. Organized by Fitistan – Ek Fit Bharat, India’s largest community-led fitness initiative, in collaboration with Panchshil Realty, the event brought together soldiers, veterans, civilians, students, and fitness enthusiasts, all united by a shared mission: to run with pride, purpose and patriotism. A Run Like No Other The event featured three categories — a 10 km timed run, 5 km fun run, and 3 km walk-each resonating with emotion and intent. ...

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], June 26: The Indian Hotel and Restaurant Association (AHAR) has raised strong objections to the recent escalation in excise duty across Maharashtra, warning that the move may cripple the state’s vibrant hospitality sector and have cascading effects on employment, tourism, and state revenues. Sudhakar Shetty, President of AHAR, stated, “The hospitality industry has been hit by a series of financial shocks in quick succession. The recent VAT hike from 5% to 10%, followed by a 15% increase in licence fees, and now a steep 60% jump in excise duty is nothing short of a tsunami of taxation. This triple burden will destabilize a sector that has only just begun to recover post-pandemic.” Maharashtra currently houses over 19,000 licensed permit rooms and lounge bars, w...