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NITI Aayog Unveils 2023–24 Edition of North Eastern Region District SDG Index

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NITI Aayog, in collaboration with the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MoDoNER) and technical partner UNDP, has released the second edition of the North Eastern Region (NER) District Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Index for 2023–24. This comprehensive report evaluates the progress of 121 districts across all eight northeastern states in achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. This updated index builds on the foundation set by the inaugural edition published in August 2021. It offers a data-centric approach to monitoring district-level performance across economic, social, and environmental dimensions. The tool is intended to guide policymakers in implementing targeted, evidence-based interventions to drive sustainable growth. The report was officially launched by NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Suman Bery, CEO B.V.R. Subrahmanyam, MoDoNER Secretary Chanchal Kumar, and UNDP India Resident Representative Dr. Angela Lusigi. Among the districts, Hnahthial in Mizoram ranked highest with a composite score of 81.43, while Longding in Arunachal Pradesh came in at the bottom with a score of 58.71. Notably, all districts in Mizoram, Sikkim, and Tripura qualified as “Front Runners” (with scores ranging from 65 to 99). No districts fell into the “Achiever” category (a perfect score of 100) or the “Aspirant” category (scores below 50). Sikkim stood out for its uniformity in development, with only a 5.5-point variation between its highest and lowest scoring districts—indicating balanced growth. Tripura also demonstrated stable intra-state performance. During the launch event, Vice Chairman Bery emphasized the strategic importance of achieving the SDGs by 2030 as a stepping stone toward India’s long-term vision of Viksit Bharat @2047. CEO Subrahmanyam referred to the Northeast as the “Ashta Lakshmi” of India, underlining its developmental significance. MoDoNER Secretary Chanchal Kumar noted the index’s usefulness in identifying developmental shortfalls and guiding targeted action, while UNDP’s Dr. Lusigi underscored the urgency of converting data insights into tangible outcomes. The NER District SDG Index 2023–24 serves as a vital policy instrument for promoting inclusive, region-specific development. It empowers administrators and stakeholders to make informed decisions, allocate resources strategically, and accelerate sustainable progress in India’s northeastern frontier. Source: DD News

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PM Modi Calls for Ethical AI and Stronger Global South Cooperation at BRICS Outreach Summit

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At the BRICS Outreach Summit held in Brazil, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the need for responsible use of Artificial Intelligence, stronger South-South cooperation, and reforms in global financial governance. Addressing leaders from Latin America, Africa, and Asia, Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to multilateralism and inclusive global development. Speaking at the session titled ‘Strengthening Multilateralism, Economic-Financial Matters, and Artificial Intelligence’, Modi thanked Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva for the opportunity to engage with fellow nations from the extended BRICS family. “It is a pleasure to share India’s perspectives with our friends from Latin America, Africa, and Asia. I thank President Lula for this invitation,” he said. Highlighting the rising influence of BRICS amid global uncertainty, the Prime Minister noted that the group’s diversity and shared vision of a multipolar world are key strengths. “As the world faces numerous crises, BRICS must step up and serve as a pillar of stability and cooperation,” he stated. Modi outlined four key areas to advance BRICS collaboration: Economic Integration and Financial Reforms He acknowledged the contributions of the BRICS Business Council and Women Business Alliance in strengthening economic ties. Modi also supported Brazil’s push for reforming global financial institutions. He emphasized that the BRICS New Development Bank should focus on long-term, sustainable, and demand-driven projects, particularly to benefit countries in the Global South.  Empowering the Global South Modi stressed that BRICS must respond to the unique needs of developing nations. He spotlighted India’s BRICS Agricultural Research Platform as a tool to foster innovation in agri-tech, climate adaptation, and precision farming. Additionally, he proposed two new initiatives — One Nation, One Subscription to improve access to academic resources and a BRICS Science and Research Repository for collective knowledge sharing.  Securing Global Supply Chains Calling for cooperative efforts to ensure fair access to critical minerals and technologies, the Prime Minister warned against the strategic misuse of such resources. He urged BRICS to develop resilient and transparent supply chains that serve collective interests.  Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence Modi highlighted the dual nature of AI — its potential to transform lives and the ethical concerns it raises. He reiterated India’s ‘AI for All’ approach, showcasing AI’s growing role in Indian agriculture, healthcare, education, and governance. Emphasizing the importance of international standards, he called for frameworks to ensure transparency, accountability, and authenticity in AI-generated content.  He welcomed the release of the BRICS Leaders’ Statement on AI Governance as a step in the right direction and announced that India will host the AI Impact Summit next year, inviting global participation. Reaffirming India’s leadership in promoting South-South solidarity, PM Modi concluded, “The Global South looks to us with hope. By setting an example, India remains dedicated to working hand-in-hand with partner nations to achieve shared development goals.” Source: DD News

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India, US Set to Sign New 10-Year Defence Agreement by Year-End

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India and the United States are on track to formalize a fresh 10-year Defence Framework Agreement by the end of 2025, marking a new chapter in their strategic military partnership. The announcement was confirmed by US Senior Defence Spokesperson Colonel Chris Devine following a high-level phone conversation between US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth and India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. According to a Pentagon release, the two leaders agreed to finalize and sign the updated framework during their scheduled meeting later this year. The agreement aims to deepen defence collaboration, enhance joint operational capabilities, and promote greater defence industrial cooperation. Taking to social media platform X, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed optimism about the discussion, stating: “Glad to speak with US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth today. We had an excellent exchange on advancing India-US defence cooperation and capacity building. I thanked the US for its consistent support in India’s fight against terrorism and look forward to meeting him soon.” Secretary Hegseth reiterated the United States’ commitment to strengthening defence ties with India, recognizing it as a pivotal partner in the South Asian region. Both leaders took stock of the progress made since the February 2025 Joint Statement issued by President Trump and Prime Minister Modi, which laid out key defence goals. As per the Pentagon, the conversation also covered several strategic points: upcoming major US defence sales to India, the need for tighter defence industry collaboration, and enhancing joint military capabilities. India’s Ministry of Defence, in a separate statement, confirmed that the dialogue spanned a broad spectrum of topics, including long-term defence cooperation, personnel training, and expanded military exchanges. The discussions also touched on increasing joint exercises, interoperability between armed forces, logistical cooperation, and strengthening global partnerships with other like-minded nations. Both countries emphasized accelerating momentum in these areas to elevate their bilateral defence relationship to new heights in the coming decade. Source: ANI

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President Murmu to Inaugurate Uttar Pradesh’s First AYUSH University During Two-Day Visit to Gorakhpur

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President Droupadi Murmu begins a two-day official visit to Uttar Pradesh today, with a packed itinerary that includes the inauguration of the state’s first AYUSH University and the first convocation ceremony of AIIMS Gorakhpur. As per the Chief Minister’s Office, President Murmu will unveil the AYUSH University located in Pipri, Bhathat — a milestone in the state’s efforts to promote traditional medicine systems and holistic healthcare education. The university is expected to serve as a hub for integrating Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy into mainstream education and healthcare delivery. This visit marks President Murmu’s fourth trip to Gorakhpur in the last seven years and highlights the city’s growing significance on the national stage. Her presence at both AIIMS and the new university echoes the state government’s continued focus on health and education infrastructure under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s leadership. On July 1, President Murmu will address graduating students during the inaugural convocation ceremony at AIIMS Gorakhpur. The venue, along with the surrounding campus, has been brought under tight security. In anticipation of her visit, OPD services at AIIMS were suspended on June 30. Chief Minister Adityanath has closely monitored all arrangements, personally inspecting the 31-km route between Gorakhpur city and Pipri to ensure seamless logistics and security. The President is also expected to visit the revered Gorakhnath Temple, where traditional meals befitting her status have been arranged. City authorities have implemented heightened security protocols across key zones. SP (City) Abhinav Tyagi confirmed a comprehensive three-tier security setup and declared a no-fly zone within a five-kilometre radius of the Circuit House to ensure the President’s safety. The visit also shines a light on ongoing development at AIIMS Gorakhpur. In April, the Chief Minister laid the foundation stone for the 500-bed ‘Powergrid Vishram Sadan’ — a facility being developed under the Power Grid Corporation of India’s CSR programme at a cost of ₹44 crore. The Vishram Sadan is intended to provide affordable accommodation for patients and their families during treatment. President Murmu’s visit is seen as a moment of pride and progress for eastern Uttar Pradesh, reinforcing Gorakhpur’s emerging role as a hub for healthcare, education, and traditional medicine. Source: IANS

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Sebi Proposes Stricter Governance for Stock Exchanges, Clearing Corporations, and Depositories

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In a move aimed at reinforcing accountability and public-interest orientation within key market institutions, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has introduced a set of proposals to tighten governance norms for stock exchanges, clearing corporations, and depositories. Outlined in a consultation paper released on Tuesday, the proposed reforms focus on strengthening the oversight of Market Infrastructure Institutions (MIIs), which have witnessed a significant rise in trading volumes, investor participation, and profitability in recent years. Sebi emphasized that while MIIs have evolved into financially robust entities, their public-interest responsibilities must be prioritized over commercial gains. The key suggestions cover three broad areas: Mandatory Executive Directors: Sebi has proposed the compulsory appointment of at least two executive directors (EDs) on the boards of MIIs. These directors would be responsible for critical functions including trading operations, clearing and settlement, compliance, risk oversight, and investor grievance management. They would be designated as key management personnel (KMPs), with authority on par with the managing director (MD). Institutions can optionally appoint a third ED to focus on business development. Defined Roles for Key Officers: The regulator aims to formally codify the duties of the MD, EDs, and other senior officers such as the chief technology officer (CTO) and chief information security officer (CISO). At present, these responsibilities are either informally assigned or spread across departments, leading to potential governance gaps. Restrictions on Board Memberships: To avoid conflicts of interest and strengthen focus, Sebi proposes that MDs of MIIs should not serve on boards of any commercial entities, barring unlisted government-owned organizations involved in non-commercial activities. EDs would be restricted to board positions only within MII subsidiaries. This approach aligns with similar governance rules applied in the banking sector. Legal experts have weighed in on the potential impact of these recommendations. Diviay Chadha, Partner at Singhania & Co., said the proposals underline the need for fixed accountability within MIIs, especially given the rapid increase in retail investors. He added that the institutions would likely need to revise their corporate governance structures and charter documents to meet the new standards. However, some industry observers raised concerns about possible unintended consequences. Akshaya Bhansali, Partner at Mindspright Legal, noted that while the move to restrict EDs from serving on unrelated boards is intended to ensure accountability, it may inadvertently reduce the pool of experienced independent directors available to other listed companies. These recommendations arrive at a pivotal juncture as Sebi continues its evaluation of the National Stock Exchange’s (NSE) pending IPO, originally proposed in 2016. In its February communication with NSE, Sebi reiterated the need for a deep-rooted culture of prioritizing public interest over profits at the operational level. Bhansali clarified that although these proposed governance norms are not specifically targeted at NSE, they could become informal benchmarks or implicit prerequisites for regulatory approvals if not explicitly decoupled from the IPO review process. Sebi has invited stakeholders and the public to submit feedback on the proposals by 15 July 2025. Source: Mint

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Government Launches Gender Budgeting Knowledge Hub to Advance Inclusive Policy Making

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In a major push towards gender-responsive governance, the Central government on Thursday launched the Gender Budgeting Knowledge Hub, a digital platform aimed at equipping policymakers with essential data, tools, and resources to promote gender-inclusive budgeting practices. The initiative was formally unveiled by Union Minister for Women and Child Development, Annpurna Devi, during a national consultation event held in the capital. The day-long gathering witnessed the participation of officials from 45 Central ministries and departments, 20 state governments, and global organisations including UN Women and the Asian Development Bank. According to the ministry, the new portal will function as a centralized knowledge-sharing space, hosting gender-disaggregated data, policy briefs, and case studies highlighting effective gender budgeting practices. “As India moves toward its development vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, gender-sensitive budgeting will play a critical role in achieving inclusive and balanced growth,” the ministry said in its statement. The newly launched Knowledge Hub will serve as a centralised digital repository for gender-disaggregated data, policy briefs, research papers, and best practices from across the country. It is designed to support evidence-based policymaking and foster dialogue between stakeholders at both Central and state levels. With India advancing rapidly on multiple developmental fronts, the Gender Budgeting Knowledge Hub is expected to play a pivotal role in embedding inclusivity into the nation’s financial and governance frameworks. Source: PIB

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PM Modi and Cyprus President Hold Strategic Bilateral Talks in Nicosia, Pledge Deeper India-Cyprus Ties

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On his official visit to Cyprus, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held extensive bilateral talks with President Nikos Christodoulides at the Presidential Palace in Nicosia on Monday. The meeting, marked by a ceremonial welcome, focused on strengthening ties across multiple domains and underlined both countries’ shared commitment to peace, security, and global cooperation. Expressing gratitude, Prime Minister Modi thanked Cyprus for its firm condemnation of the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam (April 2025), highlighting the strong solidarity between the two nations in the fight against terrorism. “Cyprus’s unwavering support reflects our mutual commitment to counter-terrorism efforts,” he noted. The leaders reaffirmed their respect for each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. PM Modi reiterated India’s continued backing of a unified Cyprus and called for a peaceful resolution of the Cyprus issue in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions, international law, and European Union principles. The talks covered a wide spectrum of bilateral cooperation — from trade and cultural exchange to defence and digital innovation. New areas such as fintech, artificial intelligence, start-ups, and mobility were identified as future avenues for collaboration. Significantly, both sides agreed to formulate a five-year roadmap aimed at boosting strategic cooperation. Key priorities include launching maritime and cyber security dialogues and enhancing intelligence-sharing mechanisms to jointly combat terrorism, arms smuggling, and narcotics trafficking. As Cyprus prepares for its Presidency of the Council of the European Union in early 2026, the leaders committed to further advancing the India–EU relationship. They reviewed progress on the India–EU Strategic Dialogue and stressed the urgency of concluding the long-delayed Free Trade Agreement by the end of 2025. President Christodoulides assured India that Cyprus would champion the EU–India strategic partnership during its presidency, particularly in areas like green energy, defence, maritime security, and space collaboration. Both sides acknowledged the signing of the Bilateral Defence Cooperation Programme earlier in January 2025 as a key step toward deeper defence ties. They also welcomed the formation of the India-Greece-Cyprus Business and Investment Council, seen as a vital mechanism for expanding trilateral engagement. Discussions also touched on the need for improved air connectivity to boost business, tourism, and educational exchange. Prime Minister Modi emphasized the strategic significance of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), calling it a transformative initiative for long-term regional prosperity. On the global stage, India and Cyprus reaffirmed their shared commitment to reforming international governance institutions. PM Modi appreciated Cyprus’s support for India’s bid for permanent membership in a restructured United Nations Security Council, noting, “The global order must evolve to reflect current realities.” The leaders also exchanged views on international developments, including ongoing conflicts in West Asia and Europe. To bolster cultural ties, both countries signed an MoU to set up an India Studies Chair at the University of Nicosia under the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR). The meeting underscored a growing convergence of strategic interests between India and Cyprus, setting the tone for a more robust partnership in the years ahead. Source: DD News

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PM Modi Visits Ahmedabad Crash Site, Consoles Lone Survivor in Hospital

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached Ahmedabad on Friday to personally assess the aftermath of the catastrophic Air India plane crash that claimed the lives of 241 people—marking one of the deadliest aviation tragedies in India in recent memory. Landing at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, the Prime Minister proceeded directly to the crash site in the Meghaninagar locality, accompanied by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. The site, adjacent to the residential quarters of BJ Medical College, bore the devastating signs of the incident. PM Modi later visited the civil hospital to meet the sole survivor—Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, a British citizen of Indian origin—who is currently undergoing treatment for injuries sustained in the crash. Deeply shaken, the Prime Minister expressed his condolences on X, calling the incident “heartbreaking beyond words” and reaffirming that central authorities were coordinating efforts to assist victims and their families. On Thursday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu had visited the crash site. Minister Kinjarapu confirmed that a high-level committee has been set up to investigate the cause of the crash. The tragic incident unfolded moments after Air India Flight AI 171 took off from Ahmedabad around 1:30 PM, bound for London’s Gatwick Airport. According to air traffic control reports, the pilot issued a ‘Mayday’ call shortly after takeoff, indicating a grave emergency. The aircraft rapidly lost altitude before crashing into the doctors’ residential compound at BJ Medical College and bursting into flames, sending thick plumes of smoke across the city skyline. Aviation experts suggest possible causes could include simultaneous engine thrust failure or a major bird strike, although official findings are awaited. Graphic visuals from the crash site showed emergency responders pulling bodies from the wreckage, and dozens of injured being rushed to the nearby hospital. Tragically, five medical students residing in the impacted area were also among the deceased. According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the ill-fated Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner was under the command of Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, a seasoned pilot with over 8,200 flight hours, alongside First Officer Clive Kundar, who had logged 1,100 hours. Air India confirmed the death toll at 241, with passengers including 169 Indian nationals, 53 from the UK, 7 Portuguese, and 1 Canadian citizen. Only one passenger—Vishwash Kumar Ramesh—survived the crash. Source: NDTV

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India Plans to Standardise AC Temperature Settings to Curb Power Demand

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In a major move aimed at improving energy efficiency, the Indian government is in talks with air conditioner and appliance manufacturers to implement a standardised cooling range across all air conditioning systems. According to a Bloomberg report published on 10 June 2025, the Union Ministry of Power is working towards enforcing a minimum AC temperature limit of 20°C, with the maximum set at 28°C. This proposed regulation will apply to air conditioners installed in homes, hotels, and vehicles alike. Union Power Minister Manohar Lal, in a recent press briefing, confirmed that this initiative is part of a broader strategy to manage soaring electricity consumption, especially during the intense summer months when demand peaks. The country’s electricity usage has been outpacing generation capacity, leading to power shortages in several regions during the April-June summer period. The move to fix AC temperature ranges is expected to bring considerable relief. Officials estimate that such a shift could reduce peak power demand by approximately 3 gigawatts. With over 100 million AC units currently in use across India and an additional 15 million being added each year, even a slight tweak in cooling settings could result in massive energy savings. Citing a University of California, Berkeley study, the government noted that standardising cooling temperatures could lead to a potential saving of ₹7.5 lakh crore by 2035 in terms of new power generation and grid infrastructure investments. It could also help cut down peak power requirements by up to 60 gigawatts over the next decade. Despite rising demand—India’s power needs touched 250 gigawatts last year and are projected to grow by 8% in 2025—the government claims it is fully equipped to handle peak loads, thanks in part to timely rains this year that moderated power consumption. However, with heatwaves returning in June, AC usage is again surging. Power Secretary Pankaj Agarwal highlighted the significant impact of cooling settings on electricity use. He noted that some AC units can be set as low as 16°C, contributing to excessive energy draw. He added that every one-degree increase in thermostat temperature can cut AC power consumption by around 6%, underscoring the importance of temperature moderation in controlling the overall load. As the proposal takes shape, India is gearing up to take a significant step toward long-term energy sustainability while addressing immediate power demands. Source: Bloomberg

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Northeast India’s Transformation: 11 Years of Unprecedented Infrastructure Growth

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Over the past 11 years, Northeast India has undergone a dramatic transformation, emerging as a focal point of national infrastructure development. Between 2014 and 2025, the region has seen extensive upgrades in roadways, rail networks, air travel, and digital infrastructure, propelled by key government initiatives such as the Act East Policy and the North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS). This sustained push has led to the construction of more than 4,000 kilometers of roads, opening up remote and strategically important border areas to easier access and development. Air connectivity has seen a major boost with the establishment of 10 new greenfield airports across states like Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, and Nagaland, drastically improving regional accessibility. Game-changing projects like the Bogibeel Bridge, already in operation, and the under-construction Dhubri-Phulbari Bridge—which will become the country’s longest—are revolutionizing cross-river transportation and logistics over the Brahmaputra River. Indian Railways has made major strides as well, with passenger rail services introduced for the first time in Mizoram and expanded rail connectivity reaching Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, and Nagaland. These developments mark a historic first in many of these states. Further enhancing regional mobility, inland water transport has been revived through Ro-Ro (Roll-on/Roll-off) ferry services on the Brahmaputra, offering a low-cost, efficient cargo movement alternative. In tandem with physical infrastructure, the region has also witnessed a digital surge. Projects like Bharat Net and 4G saturation schemes are helping bridge the digital divide, ensuring internet access across all districts. Under the NESIDS program alone, over 600 infrastructure projects have been sanctioned, targeting improvements in essential public services such as healthcare, education, drinking water, and civic facilities. This comprehensive development drive is not only improving the standard of living for residents but is also positioning Northeast India as a promising destination for future private investment and economic growth.  Source: DD News  

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