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Fiji PM Sitiveni Rabuka Meets President Murmu, Strengthens Bilateral Ties with India

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Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Ligamamada Rabuka met President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Monday as part of his ongoing official visit to India. Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Fijian counterpart held bilateral talks in New Delhi, followed by a joint press briefing. PM Modi described India and Fiji as partners with “aspirations that sail in the same boat,” underlining the enduring friendship between the two nations. Key Announcements and Cooperation The talks led to several landmark decisions. India announced support for building a hospital in Fiji, sending agriculture drones, training Fijian cricketers and Hindu priests (Pandits), and deputing Hindi and Sanskrit teachers to the island nation. A joint statement issued after the talks highlighted a strong stance against terrorism. Both leaders “unequivocally condemned” the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 civilian lives, reaffirmed zero tolerance for terrorism, and rejected any double standards on the issue. They also agreed to work together to counter radicalisation, terror financing, misuse of emerging technologies, and cross-border recruitment by extremist groups. Shared Global Vision India and Fiji pledged to deepen cooperation at the UN and other multilateral platforms to combat terrorism and advance global peace. The leaders also exchanged views on climate justice, inclusive development, and amplifying the voice of the Global South. PM Rabuka commended India’s leadership role in championing the concerns of developing nations. Both sides stressed the urgent need for comprehensive reforms of the United Nations, including expanding the Security Council to reflect present-day geopolitical realities. Fiji reiterated its support for India’s bid for permanent membership in a reformed UNSC and endorsed India’s candidature for a non-permanent seat for 2028–29. South-South Cooperation The two countries reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening South-South cooperation, emphasising it as a crucial tool in tackling global challenges and ensuring fairer representation in international governance. Rabuka arrived in New Delhi on Sunday to begin his official visit, which will continue until August 26. Source: ANI

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Lok Sabha Passes National Sports Governance Bill to Reform India’s Sporting Framework

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New Delhi – The Lok Sabha on Monday cleared the landmark National Sports Governance Bill, a key reform aimed at creating a transparent, accountable, and world-class sports administration system as India prepares to bid for hosting the Olympics. The bill was passed in the absence of the opposition, which was protesting over the revision of Bihar’s electoral rolls. Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya described the legislation, alongside the National Anti-Doping (Amendment) Bill 2025, as a vital step toward strengthening the country’s sports ecosystem to meet international standards. He noted that while sports have been an integral part of Indian heritage — often linked to warfare — post-independence, the sector did not receive the necessary focus. “Despite our size, India’s Olympic and global sporting performance has been below expectations. This bill aims to change that,” he said. Key Features of the Bill: The National Sports Governance Bill establishes a legal framework to regulate National Sports Federations (NSFs), ensuring fair governance, athlete protection, and administrative accountability. Its provisions include: Transparent governance standards for NSFs. Implementation of safe sport protocols and grievance redressal systems. Standardized election processes to avoid disputes. Measures to ensure gender diversity in leadership roles. Stronger athlete representation in decision-making bodies. Financial transparency and stricter oversight. One of its most notable provisions brings the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) under the NSF governance framework. Once enacted, the BCCI will be required to seek annual recognition, and its legal disputes will be handled by a new National Sports Tribunal. Neither the BCCI nor its affiliated state bodies will be able to directly approach courts for dispute resolution. The bill also tackles ten chronic issues in Indian sports administration, ranging from recurring litigation and lack of dedicated dispute resolution bodies to the absence of legal backing for safe sport mechanisms. Age & Tenure Provisions: Addressing long-standing debates, the bill permits office-bearers to complete their term even if they turn 70 during tenure. It also sets clear tenure rules — a maximum of three terms of four years each (12 years in total) — with a mandatory cooling-off period of one term before re-election if they have served three consecutive terms. This legislation, previously returned twice by the Cabinet and once by Parliament due to disagreements, now marks a significant policy win for the BJP-led NDA government. Source: Economic Times

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Majority of Indian Firms Lack AI Governance Amid Soaring Data Breach Costs: IBM Report

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A new IBM study has revealed that a significant portion of Indian companies remain unprepared to tackle the cybersecurity challenges posed by rapid AI adoption. According to the Cost of a Data Breach Report 2025, nearly 60% of Indian organizations either do not have an AI governance policy in place or are still developing one, highlighting a concerning disconnect between the use of artificial intelligence and the implementation of necessary safeguards. The report underscores a growing vulnerability, as India records its highest-ever average cost of a data breach — ₹220 million in 2025, reflecting a 13% spike from ₹195 million the previous year. The increase is attributed largely to companies deploying AI tools without adequate risk management frameworks or access controls. IBM’s global analysis suggests this is not an isolated trend. While businesses worldwide are embracing AI technologies, security infrastructure is struggling to keep pace, creating fertile ground for cyberattacks on unmanaged AI systems. In India, the statistics are alarming: Only 37% of organizations have instituted AI-specific access controls. A mere 42% have mechanisms in place to detect or manage “shadow AI” — unauthorized AI tools used without IT oversight. Shadow AI has now emerged as one of the top three contributors to breach-related costs, adding an average of ₹17.9 million to each incident. However, a majority of organizations have yet to implement tools or protocols to monitor these hidden threats. When it comes to breach causes, phishing remains the leading culprit, responsible for 18% of incidents, followed by third-party and supply chain vulnerabilities (17%) and exploitation of known system flaws (13%). The research sector topped the chart with the highest average breach cost at ₹289 million, closely followed by transportation (₹288 million) and industrial sectors (₹264 million). Despite the clear advantages of using AI-powered cybersecurity solutions — which the report notes can cut breach-related costs by more than 50% — a staggering 73% of Indian organizations report minimal or no deployment of AI-driven security automation. The findings stress an urgent need for enterprises to not only accelerate their adoption of AI governance frameworks but also invest in AI-based defense mechanisms to reduce vulnerability and financial exposure in an increasingly digital world. Source: IBM

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India and Philippines Forge Deeper Ties: 14 MoUs Signed to Boost Defence, Trade, Maritime, and Tourism Cooperation

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In a significant diplomatic move marking the 75th anniversary of their bilateral ties, India and the Philippines on Tuesday signed 14 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to broaden cooperation across key strategic areas. The agreements were exchanged in the presence of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr., who is on his first state visit to India. These new agreements signal a strengthening of ties between the two nations and include a wide range of sectors such as defence, maritime security, space, digital technology, science, tourism, and legal collaboration. One of the key outcomes was the adoption of Terms of Reference for negotiations on a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA), laying the foundation for deeper economic integration. This step is expected to enhance bilateral trade and investment flows between the two growing economies. The MoUs also include treaties on mutual legal assistance in criminal matters, a Treaty on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons, and structured staff talks between the respective Air Forces, Armies, and Navies. Additionally, the two countries agreed to enhance coordination between their Coast Guards, especially in the context of rising maritime challenges in the Indo-Pacific. The maritime dimension of the partnership was further highlighted by the recent completion of the first India-Philippines Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) in the South China Sea — a region rife with overlapping territorial claims. Three Indian naval vessels — INS Delhi (D61), INS Kiltan (P30), and INS Shakti (A57) — participated in the joint patrols. The partnership also takes a leap forward in science, space, and technology. India’s ISRO and the Philippine Space Agency signed a Statement of Intent to collaborate on the peaceful use of outer space, while a new Programme of Cooperation in Science and Technology (2025–2028) was signed to foster joint research and innovation. In tourism, both nations agreed on an Implementation Program for Cooperation in Tourism (2025–2028). As a goodwill gesture, India also announced a gratis e-tourist visa facility for Filipino citizens for one year starting August 2025. Cultural connections were celebrated through a commemorative stamp release, featuring the national flowers — India’s lotus and the Philippines’ Sampaguita — symbolizing enduring ties. A Cultural Exchange Programme was also agreed upon to promote people-to-people connections. Prime Minister Modi emphasized the “ancient cultural bond” between the two countries, citing the Philippine version of the Ramayana — Maharadia Lawana — as a testament to their long-standing relationship. “We are friends by choice and partners by destiny,” Modi said. President Marcos hailed the elevation of the partnership to strategic status, noting India as the Philippines’ fifth strategic partner. He pointed to the growing synergy between the two nations and their alignment on global and regional issues. To guide the growing cooperation, both countries adopted a Strategic Partnership Plan of Action for 2025–2029, which will serve as a roadmap across multiple sectors — including health, pharmaceuticals, fintech, digital economy, infrastructure, culture, and multilateral coordination. India has also extended support to help the Philippines build a Sovereign Data Cloud Infrastructure as part of its digital transformation efforts and has invited the Philippines to participate in the Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR). This wide-ranging set of agreements reflects the shared vision of India and the Philippines to shape a secure, prosperous, and interconnected Indo-Pacific region. Source: ANI

India and Philippines Forge Deeper Ties: 14 MoUs Signed to Boost Defence, Trade, Maritime, and Tourism Cooperation Read More »

DRDO Successfully Concludes Dual Flight-Tests of Indigenous ‘Pralay’ Missile

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The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully conducted two back-to-back flight-tests of its homegrown ‘Pralay’ missile on July 28 and 29, 2025, from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island, located off the coast of Odisha. These tests were part of the User Evaluation Trials designed to validate both the upper and lower range capabilities of the missile system. In both trials, the Pralay missile demonstrated exceptional performance by accurately following the designated trajectory and hitting the intended targets with high precision. All onboard subsystems functioned flawlessly, with their performance verified through real-time tracking data gathered by various sensors deployed by the Integrated Test Range (ITR), including those stationed on ships near the target area. The Pralay missile, powered by solid propellant, is a quasi-ballistic weapon featuring cutting-edge guidance and navigation systems. It is designed to deliver multiple types of warheads with remarkable accuracy against a range of targets. The development of the missile was spearheaded by the Research Centre Imarat (RCI) in collaboration with several DRDO laboratories such as the Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL), Advanced Systems Laboratory (ASL), Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE), High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL), Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL), Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL), Research & Development Establishment (Engineers), and the Integrated Test Range. Key industry partners included Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), as well as several other industrial units and MSMEs. The flight-tests were closely observed by senior DRDO scientists, officials from the Indian Army and Air Force, and representatives from the participating industries. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, the Armed Forces, and the industrial partners on the successful tests, highlighting that the integration of such modern technologies significantly enhances India’s defence capabilities. DRDO Chairman and Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D, Dr Samir V Kamat, also lauded the team for the achievement, noting that the successful conclusion of these Phase-1 trials marks a significant step toward the missile’s formal induction into the Armed Forces. Source: Economic Times

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Gujarat Rolls Out AI Action Plan to Revolutionize Governance by 2030

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The Gujarat government has approved a comprehensive Artificial Intelligence (AI) Implementation Action Plan for 2025–2030, signaling a major step toward embedding AI technologies into its governance and public service mechanisms. Endorsed by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, the initiative is geared toward enhancing service delivery, optimizing administrative efficiency, and leveraging AI across key sectors including healthcare, education, agriculture, and finance. This strategic blueprint, developed by the Department of Science and Technology and shaped by insights from a 10-member AI Taskforce, aligns with national development visions such as Viksit Gujarat@2047 and Viksit Bharat@2047. It also supports the Centre’s push under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership to integrate AI into governance, public policy, and digital infrastructure. The five-year roadmap highlights six core areas: Data Security and Compliance: Establishing a trusted, regulation-friendly data environment. Infrastructure Development: Expanding GPU- and cloud-powered digital frameworks, with plans to launch AI factories in smaller cities. Skilling Initiatives: Training 2.5 lakh individuals—including students, MSMEs, and government personnel—in AI, machine learning, and emerging technologies. Research & Industry Collaboration: Fostering academic-industry partnerships to develop real-world AI models tailored for governance. Startup Support: Boosting DeepTech innovation with funding, mentorship, and incubation for startups. Responsible AI: Instituting auditing systems, safety protocols, and ethical guidelines to ensure transparent and secure AI deployment. Implementation will be phased, beginning with the creation of a state-level AI data repository and the establishment of AI development hubs. Pilot programs will be rolled out in select government departments to test and refine AI use cases. To guide the initiative, a dedicated AI and Deep Tech Mission will be established—tasked with overseeing project design, monitoring, and cross-sectoral collaboration. Gujarat has already laid strong groundwork in the AI space, launching an AI Centre of Excellence at GIFT City, organizing capacity-building workshops for civil servants, and initiating efforts to develop Indian language-based AI solutions. The state also conducted an AI Innovation Challenge to source practical AI applications from innovators and entrepreneurs. With this action plan, Gujarat positions itself at the forefront of AI-enabled governance, aiming to create a smarter, more responsive, and future-ready administrative ecosystem. Source: The Hindu Photo Credit: PTI  

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India Set to Become World’s 3rd Largest Economy by 2028: Morgan Stanley

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India is on course to become the third-largest economy in the world by 2028 and is expected to more than double its GDP to $10.6 trillion by 2035, according to a new report by Morgan Stanley released on Wednesday. The report highlights that several Indian states — notably Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and Karnataka — could individually near the $1 trillion GDP mark, placing them among the globe’s top 20 economies by the next decade. “Currently, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Telangana lead the economic race among states,” the report noted, adding that states like Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh have climbed significantly in economic rankings over the past five years. India to Drive Global Growth Morgan Stanley projects that India will account for roughly 20% of global economic growth over the next ten years. As a result, the country is positioned to become a major growth engine for global corporations and investors. The report underscores the pivotal role of India’s federal structure — with 28 states and eight Union Territories — in propelling economic progress. It points out that each state manages its fiscal policies independently and competes to attract business and investment through favourable industrial policies and ease-of-doing-business reforms. “Every investment decision, factory setup, or enterprise ultimately lands in a particular state,” the report explains. Competitive Federalism as a Growth Catalyst The study places strong emphasis on “competitive federalism” — a model in which states innovate and vie with one another for economic advancement. This approach, Morgan Stanley argues, will be critical for India to become a global manufacturing powerhouse, significantly raise per capita income, and maintain a robust capital market performance over the coming years. As India moves toward its projected $10.6 trillion economic size, the role of states will become even more vital. Their ability to legislate independently and shape business environments allows them to create conducive ecosystems for growth. Infrastructure Boom Underway The report also points to a decade of strong infrastructure development. Central government capital expenditure has surged, growing from 1.6% of GDP in FY15 to 3.2% in FY25. This investment has led to a 60% increase in national highway length, a doubling of airports, and a fourfold expansion of metro rail systems. National-level programs such as PM Gati Shakti, the National Infrastructure Pipeline, Bharatmala, Sagarmala, and UDAN have all complemented state-led initiatives in infrastructure, energy, water, and urban development. For India to realize its long-term economic aspirations, the report concludes, continuous collaboration between the central and state governments will be essential. Source: IANS

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India Unveils New Strategies to Future-Proof Coal Sector Amid Green Transition

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The Government of India has introduced a comprehensive set of initiatives aimed at enhancing the sustainability and competitiveness of the coal sector, even as the nation steadily increases its reliance on renewable energy sources. With coal still meeting around 55% of India’s energy demand and the country holding the fifth-largest coal reserves globally, the government is striking a balance between energy security and climate commitments. Focus on Greener Mining Practices Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) in the coal and lignite space are implementing widespread environmental and efficiency upgrades. These include large-scale afforestation and bio-reclamation efforts around operational mines to reduce ecological damage. Energy-saving initiatives have also been scaled up, such as switching to LED lighting, incorporating energy-efficient appliances, deploying electric vehicles, and using smart technologies like auto timers and super fans in mine sites and street lighting systems. Additionally, treated mine water is being repurposed for community needs — from irrigation and firefighting to fish farming and domestic supply. Several MoUs with state governments aim to expand this supply to nearby villages and towns. In a move to reduce dependence on river sand and protect ecosystems, coal PSUs are now extracting usable sand from overburden (OB) waste. Nine processing units — including M-Sand and OB-to-sand plants — are now operational, promoting sustainable construction and groundwater recharge. Embracing Cleaner and Smarter Technologies Under the First Mile Connectivity (FMC) initiative, the coal sector is modernizing its logistics by shifting to mechanized transport systems. This helps reduce fuel usage and lower carbon emissions. To minimize environmental disruption, companies are increasingly deploying blast-free technologies such as Surface Miners and Continuous Miners, which significantly cut down on air and noise pollution. There’s also a growing push towards clean energy and green technologies within the sector. Coal companies are investing in renewable energy projects, coal gasification, and coal bed methane (CBM) extraction. Participation in the Green Credit Programme by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change signals the sector’s proactive stance toward environmental responsibility. Reducing Imports and Enhancing Domestic Supply India is steadily reducing its reliance on imported coal. According to Union Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy, coal imports dropped from 264.5 million tonnes in FY 2023–24 to 243.6 million tonnes in FY 2024–25. This shift is driven by measures such as faster coal block allocations, greater private sector involvement, digital adoption in mining operations, and faster clearances for mining projects. An Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) has been established to promote import substitution and is working directly with power plants to align their needs with domestic coal supplies. Infrastructure developments, including new railway lines and expanded FMC corridors, are also improving coal evacuation and logistics, ensuring faster and more reliable deliveries across regions. Through these integrated steps, the Indian government is ensuring coal remains a stable and competitive component of the country’s energy mix — while simultaneously advancing toward a greener, more sustainable future. Source: DD News  

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National Sports Governance Bill to Be Introduced in Parliament This Monsoon Session

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Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has confirmed that the much-anticipated National Sports Governance Bill will be tabled in Parliament during the upcoming monsoon session, set to begin on July 21. The minister made the announcement while speaking at an event organized to unveil new initiatives by the Department of Youth Affairs focused on combating drug abuse. Mandaviya stated, “The bill will be introduced in Parliament during the upcoming session. I will share further details in the next couple of days.” Designed to enhance transparency and accountability in Indian sports administration, the proposed bill seeks to establish a central regulatory board. This body will oversee the recognition and funding of National Sports Federations (NSFs), ensuring they comply with best practices in governance, finance, and ethics. The draft legislation also outlines the formation of independent Ethics Commissions and Dispute Resolution Commissions to safeguard the integrity and transparency of sports governance in the country. However, the bill has faced resistance, particularly from the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), which contends that the formation of such a regulatory board may infringe upon its authority as the apex body managing NSFs. In a parallel initiative, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports will host a three-day Chintan Shivir in Varanasi from July 18 to 20, focusing on the issue of substance abuse among the youth. Titled ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat’, the conclave aims to chart a roadmap toward a drug-free India by 2047. The event will begin with participant registration on July 18, and the main sessions will commence on July 19 at the Rudraksh Convention Centre. Around 500 delegates are expected to attend, with five representatives each from 100 spiritual and social organisations. The Ministry of Health, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Ministry of Culture, the Narcotics Control Bureau, the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), and various youth groups will be actively involved in the event. The Kashi Declaration, a national action plan to address drug addiction, will be released at the conclusion of the conclave, summarizing the key discussions and outcomes from the sessions. Source: PTI  

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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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