Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has urged citizens and businesses to reduce expenditure on items that require foreign exchange, in view of ongoing global uncertainties. Addressing the CII Annual Business Summit in New Delhi today, Mr Vaishnaw said the conflict in West Asia is still ongoing, and a truce is still far away, making it important for the country to act responsibly on the economic front.

He emphasised that citizens should consciously identify areas in their daily lives where foreign exchange expenditure can be minimised. Referring to the appeal made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Mr Vaishnaw said that, along with reducing such expenditure, there is also a need to increase foreign exchange earnings. He stressed that both efforts must go hand in hand to strengthen the country’s economic position.

Country’s economy has stayed resilient despite global headwinds. According to an SBI Research report released today, the economy is projected to grow by 6.6 per cent in the fiscal year 2026-27. The report also estimates real GDP growth at nearly 7.2 per cent in the fourth quarter of the last fiscal year. 

Despite global headwinds, India has maintained strong growth momentum. High-frequency indicators point to resilient economic activity, although there was a slight slowdown in the fourth quarter.

According to the report, Bank credit growth by scheduled commercial banks accelerated to 16.1 per cent, compared with 11.0 per cent a year earlier. Total incremental credit growth stood at 29.5 lakh crore rupees.  

 Centre has notified the implementation of the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025 (VB-G RAM G). The Act will be rolled out nationwide from 1st July this year. The Rural Development Ministry said that the Act, which guarantees 125 days of wage employment in every financial year, will empower rural India. Our correspondent reports that a provision of ₹95,692 crore has been made in the current financial year for operationalisation of the new framework across the country.

The Viksit Bharat–G RAM G Act replaces the 20-year-old Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), 2005. The new Act aims to enhance the statutory employment guarantee from 100 days to 125 days in a financial year. This enhanced employment guarantee is intended to support the accelerated pace of rural development, provide greater income security, and empower rural households. The Act places strong emphasis on timely, transparent, and accountable wage payments. The new Act also provides for an unemployment allowance if work is not provided within the stipulated time. The Viksit Bharat–GRAM G Act is a comprehensive legislative framework designed to align rural employment generation with the national vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.

To encourage greater participation of women workers, the Act incorporates an important provision for childcare support at worksites. A woman worker will be appointed to take care of children wherever five or more children below the age of five are present. This measure is intended to enable women to continue working without interruption while also making worksites more inclusive and responsive to their needs.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh today chaired a meeting of the Informal Empowered Group of Ministers constituted to monitor the situation in West Asia. The meeting was held to review the evolving situation in the region.

Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda, Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, Science and Technology Minister Dr Jitendra Singh, and Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu also attended the meeting.

Speaking during the ceremony held earlier this week, the Indian envoy commended the SAAO for its exemplary research, adding that the placement of the IUCAA banner was symbolic of the Government of India’s priority attached to scientific research and innovation.

SAAO Managing Director, Rosalind Skelton, reiterated the strength of the partnership, highlighting the achievements of the SALT facility over the past two decades. She said, at the moment, they are developing a new camera detector and controller in partnership with Indian collaborators, which is expected to be installed on the telescope in the coming months. Ms Skelton also pointed to future engagements under the BRICS framework, noting that South African scientists would participate in key astronomy meetings hosted by India later this year.

India currently holds the 2026 BRICS chairship, under which a series of astronomy-related engagements are being organised, with the SAAO actively participating. 

inistry of Panchayati Raj, recognises excellence in sanitation, ecological balance, and community welfare. Officials said the achievement reflects the village council’s sustained efforts in promoting eco-friendly practices and encouraging community participation.

The Ministry and the Mizoram government have lauded the recognition, calling it an example of effective grassroots governance and sustainable development.

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Durable, Extra fuel effiency and Tyre Life

Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) facilitated first-ever export of 20 Metric Tons of Honey from Assam’s Baksa District to USA. The export was facilitated by APEDA by supporting infrastructure development, including the provision of testing and laboratory equipment at the processing facility to ensure compliance with international quality standards and food safety requirements.

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry informed that the initiative is expected to significantly benefit local beekeepers and farmers, with producers receiving nearly 43 per cent higher price realisation compared to prevailing local farm gate prices. It added that this will enhance income opportunities and strengthen rural livelihoods in the region.

The Ministry also said that the export initiative marks a significant milestone in integrating farmers from Aspirational Districts into global value chains, ensuring better price realisation and sustained market access. APEDA reiterated its commitment to promoting farmer-led exports, strengthening quality infrastructure and supporting initiatives such as ODOP to position India as a reliable supplier of high-quality agricultural products in global markets.

The Centre has moved to significantly strengthen protections for outsourced and contractual workers engaged across Central Ministries, Departments, autonomous bodies and Central Public Sector Enterprises through a new set of procurement-linked compliance measures for the labour codes.

The Ministry of Labour and Employment said the reforms aim to ensure timely payment of wages, mandatory remittance of social security contributions, greater accountability of contractors and principal employers, and stronger enforcement mechanisms against violations of labour laws.

By linking labour law compliance directly with eligibility for government contracts and bidding, the measures seek to curb delays in wage payments and defaults in statutory dues affecting contract workers. The new framework operationalises worker protections envisaged under the four Labour Codes while introducing stricter penalties, including debarment and blacklisting, for firms violating timely wage and social security contributions.

Under fresh instructions issued by the Procurement Policy Division of the Department of Expenditure on Friday, Ministries, Departments, Statutory, Autonomous Bodies and Central Public Sector Enterprises have been directed to strictly ensure that contractors disburse wages within prescribed timelines and the Drawing and Disbursing Officers (DDOs) verify compliance every month.

The instructions reiterate that under Section 55(3) of the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020, the principal employer is responsible for ensuring that contractors pay wages on time. The directions also invoke Section 17(1) of the Code on Wages, 2019, which prescribes timelines for payment of wages.

Daily wages should be paid by the end of shift, Weekly wages before weekly holiday, Fortnightly wages within two days of end of fortnight and Monthly wages within seven days of the succeeding month. The Government has further directed that, Wage payments should be made only through bank transfer or electronic mode, Contractors must electronically inform principal employers after payment, Contracts must contain penalty clauses for delayed wage payments, Ministries must ensure adequate fund availability before awarding manpower contracts and Procuring entities using GeM or other platforms should block or earmark funds for outsourced manpower payments for the contract period or till the end of the financial year, whichever is earlier.

The instructions also mandate faster reimbursement cycles. Contractors are to submit bills by the 10th of every month after making wage payments, while DDOs have been directed to clear such bills by the 15th of the same month. The government has empowered principal employers to directly pay contract workers in cases of inordinate delay by contractors, with provisions for blacklisting and wider debarment action in repeat cases.

The sacred Somnath temple is celebrating seventy-five years of its modern journey, evolving into a global centre of spirituality and sustainable tourism. With Prime Minister Narendra Modi set to grace the ‘Somnath Amrit parv’, the temple has entered a ‘Golden Era’ under his leadership as the Chairman of the Somnath Trust. Beyond its religious significance, Somnath is emerging as a pioneer in environmental conservation, aiming to become India’s first ‘Net-Zero’ temple.

Under the ‘Mission LiFE’ initiative, the temple is setting benchmarks in sustainability by converting floral waste into compost and plastic waste into paver blocks. Furthermore, with advanced sewage treatment plants, rainwater harvesting systems and Miyawaki forests, the trust is rapidly moving towards a ‘Net-Zero’ carbon footprint. Digital initiatives now allow devotees worldwide to book Pujas and receive Prasad at their doorsteps, blending ancient traditions with modern technology. Today, the shrine attracts over ninety-seven lakh devotees annually, supported by world-class infrastructure connectivity, including Vande Bharat and international airports.

जिला ग्रामीण भाखड़ा विस्थापित सुधार समिति की एक महत्वपूर्ण बैठक मलराओं पंचायत भवन परिसर में आयोजित की गई। बैठक की अध्यक्षता समिति के स्थानीय प्रधान ओंकार चंदेल ने की, जबकि समिति के जिला प्रधान देशराज शर्मा विशेष रूप से उपस्थित रहे। इस दौरान सदस्यों ने सरकार और प्रशासन के प्रति गहरी नाराजगी व्यक्त करते हुए कहा कि वर्षों बीत जाने के बावजूद विस्थापित परिवारों को उनका उचित हक नहीं मिल पाया है। बैठक में प्रमुख रूप से यह मांग उठाई गई कि देश की अन्य परियोजनाओं से प्रभावित लोगों को दिए जा रहे 39 प्रतिशत क्षतिपूर्ति मुआवजे की तर्ज पर भाखड़ा विस्थापितों को भी समान मुआवजा दिया जाए। वक्ताओं ने कहा कि सरकार को विस्थापित परिवारों के साथ समानता का व्यवहार करना चाहिए। बैठक में गत 23 फरवरी को सरकार को भेजे गए मांग पत्र पर अब तक कोई कार्रवाई न होने पर भी कड़ा रोष व्यक्त किया गया। समिति ने सर्वसम्मति से निर्णय लिया कि शीघ्र ही एक प्रतिनिधिमंडल उपायुक्त बिलासपुर से मिलकर अपनी मांगों को दोहराएगा।

ये रहे मौजूद

इस अवसर पर कुंजू राम, राधे श्याम शर्मा, जय राम शर्मा, परसराम, शर्मा, श्रीराम चौहान, बालक राम, सुनीता देवी, रीना देवी, प्रमिला देवी, अजय कुमार, लेखराम और मानवी शर्मा सहित कई अन्य सदस्य उपस्थित रहे।

कैंब्रिज इंटरनेशनल स्कूल में मातृ दिवस एक उत्सव की तरह मनाया गया। विद्यालय के सभागार में आयोजित इस गरिमामय समारोह में जहां एक ओर बच्चों की मासूमियत भरी प्रस्तुतियों ने सबका मन मोह लियाए वहीं दूसरी ओर माँ के प्रति सम्मान और कृतज्ञता की एक नई इबारत लिखी गई। कार्यक्रम का औपचारिक उद्घाटन प्रधानाचार्या द्वारा दीप प्रज्वलित कर किया गया। इससे पूर्व, विद्यालय पहुंचे अभिभावकों का तिलक लगाकर और पुष्प वर्षा कर स्वागत किया गया। प्रधानाचार्या ने उपस्थित माताओं को संबोधित करते हुए कहा किए संतान के चरित्र निर्माण में मां की भूमिका नींव के पत्थर की तरह होती है। स्कूल केवल किताबी ज्ञान देता है, लेकिन संस्कार मां से ही मिलते हैं। कार्यक्रम का आगाज़ विद्यालय परिसर में पधारे अभिभावकों के भव्य स्वागत के साथ हुआ।

भारतीय परंपरा का निर्वहन करते हुए सभी माताओं का तिलक लगाकर अभिनंदन किया गया। विद्यार्थियों ने अपनी प्रतिभा के माध्यम से मां के प्रति प्रेम की सुंदर झलक पेश की। विशेष रूप से एलजी-2 के नन्हे बच्चों द्वारा प्रस्तुत लुका-छुपी गीत ने वहां मौजूद सभी लोगों की आंखें नम कर दीं। इसके अलावा विद्यार्थियों ने नृत्य और कविताओं के माध्यम से मां के प्रति अपनी भावनाओं को व्यक्त किया, जिसे दर्शकों ने खूब सराहा। उत्सव को और अधिक आनंदमय बनाने के लिए माताओं के लिए विशेष खेलों का आयोजन किया गया। न्यूज़पेपर फोल्डिंग, बैलून लिफ्ट एंड राइट और कैच द कप जैसे खेलों में माताओं ने पूरे जोश के साथ भाग लिया। विजेताओं को सम्मानित भी किया गया।

मुरारी लाल नर्सिंग कालेज सोलन में अंतरराष्ट्रीय नर्सिंग सप्ताह मनाया जा रहा है। इसी कड़ी में कालेज परिसर में विभिन्न प्रतियोगिताओं का आयोजन किया गया, जिसमें छात्राओं ने अपनी प्रतिभा का प्रदर्शन किया। सप्ताह के जश्न को खास बनाने के लिए मुख्य रूप से तीन प्रतियोगिताओं का आयोजन किया गया, जिसमें पोस्टर मेकिंग छात्रों ने कला के माध्यम से नर्सिंग पेशे के महत्व को दर्शाया। मेहंदी प्रतियोगिता में छात्राओं ने पारंपरिक और आधुनिक डिजाइनों से अपनी रचनात्मकता दिखाई। हेयर स्टाइल प्रतियोगिता में विद्यार्थियों ने विभिन्न प्रकार के आकर्षक हेयर स्टाइल बनाकर अपनी कला का परिचय दिया।

इन सभी प्रतियोगिताओं में कालेज के विद्यार्थियों ने बढ़-चढक़र हिस्सा लिया। छात्राओं में भारी उत्साह देखने को मिला और उन्होंने अपनी स्किल और क्रिएटिविटी से सभी का मनमोह लिया। कालेज के अध्यक्ष चंद्र प्रकाश गुप्ता ने बताया कि प्रतियोगिताओं के परिणामों की घोषणा 12 मई को की जाएगी। इसी दिन अंतरराष्ट्रीय नर्सिंग दिवस के विशेष अवसर पर एक भव्य कार्यक्रम आयोजित होगा। सभी विजेता प्रतिभागियों को पुरस्कार देकर सम्मानित किया जाएगा। स्वास्थ्य सेवाओं में नर्सों के अतुलनीय योगदान को समर्पित यह सप्ताह विद्यार्थियों को उनके पेशे के प्रति जागरूक और प्रोत्साहित करने का एक सराहनीय प्रयास है।

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed monetary penalties on Hinduja Housing Finance Limited and Yes Bank Limited for non-compliance with regulatory directions related to governance and Know Your Customer (KYC) norms.

In separate statements, the RBI said it imposed a penalty of 1.80 lakh rupees on Hinduja Housing Finance for failing to obtain prior approval from the central bank before effecting a management change that resulted in over 30 per cent change in directors, excluding independent directors.

The central bank also imposed a penalty of 31.80 lakh rupees on Yes Bank for failing to put in place a system for using the KYC Identifier assigned by the Central KYC Records Registry while establishing account-based relationships with customers.

The RBI said that both penalties were based on supervisory findings during inspections conducted with reference to the entities’ financial position as of March 31, 2025.

The central bank clarified that the actions were based on regulatory compliance deficiencies and did not affect the validity of transactions or agreements entered into by the entities with customers.

 India conducted a successful Flight trial of an Advanced Agni missile with MIRV (Multiple Independently Targeted Re-Entry Vehicle) system from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island in Odisha on Friday. 

In a social media post, the Defence Ministry said that the missile was flight tested with Multiple payloads, targeted to different targets spatially distributed over a large geographical area in the Indian Ocean Region. The Ministry said that Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has complimented DRDO, Indian Army, and Industry on the successful flight test of Agni Missile with MIRV Capability. Mr Singh stated that this would add an incredible capability to the country’s defence preparedness against the growing threat perceptions.