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India Clears Indigenous Fifth-Generation Fighter Jet Project AMCA, DRDO to Spearhead Development

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India has formally given the green light to its ambitious fifth-generation fighter aircraft programme—the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). This move marks a major stride in strengthening the country’s self-reliance in defence manufacturing and aerospace innovation. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced on Tuesday that Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has approved the execution model for the AMCA programme, which will be led by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), a key arm of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The decision follows the Cabinet Committee on Security’s (CCS) prior approval of the project in March 2024. “In a significant push towards enhancing India’s indigenous defence capabilities and fostering a robust domestic aerospace industrial ecosystem, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh has approved the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) Programme Execution Model. The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) is set to execute the programme through Industry partnership,” the MoD said in a statement. The ministry also confirmed that the ADA is expected to soon release an Expression of Interest (EoI) to kick-start the development phase of the AMCA. This step will pave the way for creating the aircraft’s prototype. While no official timeline has been specified in the recent announcement, earlier reports suggested a prototype might be ready within three years of the go-ahead, with a maiden flight potentially occurring within a year to 18 months after that. The AMCA is expected to feature advanced stealth technology, positioning India among an elite group of nations—such as the United States, Russia, and China—that have developed fifth-generation fighter jets. However, past delays and budgetary constraints have raised concerns about the project’s viability and timelines. The green signal for AMCA comes at a crucial moment for the Indian Air Force (IAF), which is grappling with a significant shortfall in its fighter squadron strength. The IAF currently operates around 29 squadrons—well below the sanctioned strength of 41. This shortfall has raised alarms, particularly given India’s increasingly tense security environment, with mounting threats from both Pakistan and China. The slow pace of aircraft procurement and challenges in domestic defence development have further exacerbated these concerns among military planners. The AMCA project is seen as a key initiative to not only bolster the IAF’s capabilities but also to catalyse the growth of India’s aerospace sector through industry partnerships and indigenous innovation. Source: Firstpost  

India Clears Indigenous Fifth-Generation Fighter Jet Project AMCA, DRDO to Spearhead Development Read More »

PM Modi Chairs Day-Long Conclave with NDA CMs, Focuses on Good Governance and Development Synergies

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a comprehensive conclave in New Delhi, bringing together Chief Ministers and Deputy Chief Ministers from all 20 National Democratic Alliance (NDA)-governed states. The high-level meeting centred on strategies to accelerate development and ensure the effective delivery of governance through the “double-engine” model. Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of enhancing coordination and synergy across sectors such as healthcare, sanitation, agriculture, youth empowerment, and technology. He also encouraged states to intensify their efforts in delivering public services and creating impactful governance outcomes. In a post on social media, PM Modi highlighted the extensive discussions held during the conclave, which included sharing of successful models and initiatives from various states. These ranged from water conservation and grievance redressal mechanisms to administrative reforms, women empowerment, sports, and education. Organised by the BJP’s Good Governance Department, the conclave saw participation from 20 Chief Ministers and 18 Deputy Chief Ministers. Senior BJP leaders including Party President JP Nadda, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also took part in the day-long discussions. Speaking to the media after the meeting, BJP President JP Nadda stated that two key resolutions were adopted. The first praised the Indian armed forces for their bravery under Operation Sindoor, which targeted terror camps across the border. The second resolution reaffirmed the party’s stance on caste-based policies, clarifying that the BJP prioritises social integration and mainstreaming of backward communities without engaging in caste-based politics. The session also featured detailed presentations by the states showcasing their governance achievements. Additionally, leaders discussed preparations for major upcoming milestones, including the NDA government’s first anniversary on June 9, the 10th International Day of Yoga, and the 50th year since the declaration of the Emergency in 1975. The conclave reinforced the NDA’s collective commitment to good governance, innovation, and inclusive development across the nation. Source: newsonair  

PM Modi Chairs Day-Long Conclave with NDA CMs, Focuses on Good Governance and Development Synergies Read More »

India Champions Inclusive Energy Development at BRICS Energy Ministers’ Meet in Brazil

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India took a leading role in advocating for inclusive and sustainable energy cooperation during the BRICS Energy Ministers’ meeting held in Brasília, Brazil. Representing the Indian delegation, Union Minister for Power and Housing & Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal, stressed the importance of strengthening South-South collaboration under the theme: “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance.” In his remarks, the minister underscored the urgency of addressing global energy security and called for deeper BRICS collaboration to drive economic resilience, environmental sustainability, and fair access to energy across the Global South. He lauded Brazil’s leadership in steering the energy agenda and reiterated India’s steadfast dedication to inclusive energy governance. Highlighting India’s strides in clean energy, Lal shared that the nation has achieved a 90% surge in electricity generation capacity over the past ten years, with installed capacity reaching 475 GW in 2025. India has set its sights on 900 GW by 2032 and is now the world’s third-largest generator of wind and solar power. The minister also emphasized India’s progress toward its climate goals under the Paris Agreement. A major milestone discussed was India reaching a 20% ethanol blending rate, reinforcing its commitment to biofuels and carbon emissions reduction. He also outlined the country’s efforts to modernize its energy infrastructure through investments in smart grids, smart meters, and the expansion of transmission projects such as the Green Energy Corridor. India’s forward-looking energy agenda includes ambitious targets for green hydrogen and nuclear power, aiming for 100 GW of nuclear energy capacity by 2047. Lal also spoke about the recent launch of India’s domestic Carbon Credit Market, inviting BRICS partners to engage and collaborate in this growing space. In terms of efficiency, the minister highlighted key national programs such as the Energy Conservation Building Code, rooftop solar initiatives, and enhanced energy efficiency standards for appliances. He also stressed the importance of the Global Biofuels Alliance as a platform for enhancing global cooperation in sustainable fuel development. While promoting clean energy solutions, Lal acknowledged the present-day reliance on fossil fuels, especially in developing nations. He advocated for cleaner utilization methods such as coal gasification, carbon capture technologies, and green chemical innovations to ensure a balanced energy transition. Looking ahead, Lal invited all BRICS nations to India for the next BRICS Energy Gathering in 2026. He concluded by affirming India’s commitment to leading efforts in energy dialogue across the Global South, with the goal of fostering a secure, inclusive, and sustainable energy landscape. Source: DD News

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Supreme Court Directs Bengal Govt to Pay 25% of Outstanding DA to State Employees

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In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court has mandated the West Bengal government to release 25% of the pending dearness allowance (DA) dues owed to its employees. The directive, issued by a bench comprising Justices Sanjay Karol and Sandeep Mehta, gives the state three months to comply. The case will be reviewed again in August. This development marks a considerable setback for the Mamata Banerjee-led administration and a moment of triumph for state employees who have long been demanding DA parity with their central government counterparts. Reacting to the verdict, BJP leader Amit Malviya stated on social media that the ruling is a landmark victory following a protracted legal battle and nearly 17 adjournments initiated by the state government to stall the proceedings. The conflict began when a group of state government employees approached the Calcutta High Court, seeking DA benefits equivalent to those provided by the Centre. In May 2022, the high court ruled in favor of the employees, directing the Bengal government to align its DA rates with those of the Centre. However, the state challenged the verdict in the Supreme Court in November 2022. Although the West Bengal government has made marginal increases in DA over time, it has not managed to bridge the 37% gap compared to the Centre. Currently, central government employees receive 55% DA, while their West Bengal counterparts receive only 18%—a figure that includes the latest 4% hike effective from April 1, 2025. The disparity has led to widespread dissatisfaction among state employees. The Supreme Court’s latest order provides partial relief and sets the stage for further developments in the ongoing battle for DA parity. Source: NDTV Photo Credit: NDTV

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India’s Retail Real Estate Set for Major Expansion with 16.6 Million Sq. Ft. of New Mall Space by 2026

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India’s retail landscape is undergoing a significant shift, as the country gears up to add more than 16.6 million square feet of premium mall space across its top seven cities by 2025 and 2026, according to a recent study by Anarock Research. This upcoming wave of expansion is being powered by a combination of robust consumer demand and strong leasing activity, ushering in what experts are calling a “golden era” for organized retail. Hyderabad and Delhi-NCR are at the forefront of this surge, together accounting for nearly 65% of the new supply, signaling their emergence as key consumption hubs. The boom is part of a larger development trend, with projections suggesting that over 40 million sq. ft. of new retail space could be introduced nationwide by 2029. Anuj Kejriwal, CEO and MD of Anarock Retail, attributed this development drive to a prevailing shortage of high-quality retail spaces. He pointed out that while 2022 saw 2.6 million sq. ft. of mall space being added, leasing demand hit 3.2 million sq. ft. The trend continued in 2023, with 5.3 million sq. ft. of new supply compared to 6.5 million sq. ft. leased. The mismatch was even more evident in 2024, when only 1.1 million sq. ft. of mall space became operational amid election-related approval delays, yet leasing demand remained strong at 6.5 million sq. ft. Despite the significant inflow of new space, experts are not concerned about oversupply. The report predicts that leasing activity will surpass 12.6 million sq. ft. in 2025 and 2026, underlining sustained interest from developers and retailers alike. This momentum is further driven by the entry of more than 60 international brands into India over the past four years—spanning sectors like fashion, electronics, lifestyle, and F&B—all seeking a foothold in high-traffic malls and commercial zones. As a result, mall vacancy rates—which hit a high of 15.5% in 2021—are anticipated to settle at around 8.2% in 2025 and 8.5% in 2026. This retail evolution isn’t limited to the metros. Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities are rapidly emerging as key retail destinations, backed by rising disposable incomes, improved internet infrastructure, and a surge in ecommerce activity. In fact, these cities now dominate India’s online shopping landscape. The number of online shoppers in India has nearly doubled from 140 million in 2020 to 260 million in 2024 and is forecasted to reach 300 million by 2030 and a staggering 700 million by 2035. Source: IANS

India’s Retail Real Estate Set for Major Expansion with 16.6 Million Sq. Ft. of New Mall Space by 2026 Read More »

IIM Raipur Launches Fully-Funded MBA in Public Policy With ₹50,000 Monthly Stipend for Chhattisgarh Students

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The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Raipur has unveiled a groundbreaking two-year MBA programme in Public Policy and Governance, aimed at creating a cadre of future-ready professionals committed to inclusive and impactful governance. Supported by the Chief Minister’s Good Governance Fellowship (CMGGF) under the Government of Chhattisgarh, this fully-funded course offers an attractive monthly stipend of ₹50,000, along with free boarding and lodging for selected candidates. The programme, which will admit 36 students in its first batch, combines advanced classroom learning with immersive field experiences across government departments in Chhattisgarh. The last date to apply is 11 May 2025, and details are available on the official website, iimraipur.ac.in/mba-ppg. “This is a pioneering step toward inclusive development,” said Professor Ram Kumar Kakani, Director of IIM Raipur. “We aim to develop leaders equipped not just with academic excellence, but also practical wisdom, ethical grounding, and a deep understanding of governance structures.” The curriculum focuses on contemporary governance models, policy design, public administration, leadership, and data-driven decision-making. Students will also undergo field immersion projects in collaboration with state government institutions to solve real-time policy challenges. Eligibility for the programme is exclusive to residents of Chhattisgarh. Applicants must hold a valid CAT score from 2022, 2023, or 2024 and possess a graduate degree with a minimum of 60% marks (or 55% for reserved categories), as per state reservation guidelines. With this initiative, IIM Raipur and the Chhattisgarh Government are making elite education in governance accessible to local talent, promoting a model where academic excellence directly contributes to regional and national development goals.

IIM Raipur Launches Fully-Funded MBA in Public Policy With ₹50,000 Monthly Stipend for Chhattisgarh Students Read More »

MCA Launches Probe into Gensol and BluSmart Over Alleged Corporate Governance Breaches

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The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) has initiated a formal investigation into Gensol Engineering Ltd. and its affiliate BluSmart Mobility for alleged violations of corporate governance norms, invoking Section 210 of the Companies Act. The probe, triggered in the public interest, will focus on fund diversion and fraudulent disclosures flagged by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) in an interim report released in April 2024. The investigation is expected to conclude within three months, following which a detailed report will be submitted to the central government. Section 210 empowers the MCA to appoint expert inspectors in forensic accounting, financial audits, and legal compliance to scrutinize company records, bank statements, demat accounts, and the assets of directors, key managerial personnel (KMPs), and auditors. Company law experts noted that the size and seriousness of the alleged fraud could result in the matter being escalated to either the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) or the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) for adjudication. SEBI began examining Gensol in early 2024 after receiving a complaint about share price manipulation and fund misuse. The probe revealed that Gensol allegedly submitted falsified debt servicing documents to credit rating agencies ICRA and CARE. When the agencies sought verification, IREDA and PFC—the two lenders named—denied issuing the conduct letters submitted by Gensol. On April 15, SEBI passed an interim order barring Gensol promoters Anmol Singh Jaggi and Puneet Singh Jaggi from holding any key positions or participating in the securities market. The report stated the promoters used loan funds meant for electric vehicle procurement for personal luxuries, including the purchase of a luxury apartment in DLF’s The Camellias and expenses on travel, shopping, and leisure items like a golf set.

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Rajasthan BJP Heads to Gujarat for Governance Training Amid Opposition Criticism

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In a bold administrative move, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has launched a comprehensive campaign to strengthen coordination between the government and party organisation in Rajasthan, aiming to instill the principles of good governance and long-term public trust. From May 5 to 7, the entire Rajasthan BJP leadership — including Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, both Deputy CMs, cabinet ministers, 115 MLAs, MPs, and organisational heads — has converged at Kevadia, Gujarat, for a three-day “Good Governance Training Camp” near the Statue of Unity. The event is designed to impart lessons from the “Gujarat Model” of governance, with sessions covering administrative efficiency, public engagement, grassroots feedback, and strategic planning for upcoming local body elections. Key national BJP leaders like Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Party President J.P. Nadda, and Organisation General Secretary B.L. Santhosh are guiding the training sessions. The camp reflects BJP’s ambition to replicate Gujarat’s electoral and governance success in Rajasthan, a state known for frequent power shifts. However, the move has sparked sharp reactions from the Opposition. Leader of Opposition Tika Ram Jully criticised the decision, calling it “an admission of inexperience” and questioned the timing, citing Rajasthan’s ongoing summer crises in electricity, water, and healthcare. Former CM Ashok Gehlot also lashed out, suggesting that the government’s absence during a critical time exposes misplaced priorities. “Training can happen in Rajasthan too. Why Gujarat?” he asked, further hinting at external control over the state leadership. Despite the backlash, BJP defends the camp as a strategic investment for stable, people-focused governance. All participants are staying in Tent City-2 near the Narmada River, symbolising unity and institutional strength.

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Bengaluru Civic Polls Likely Delayed by a Year Amid Implementation of New Governance Act

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The long-awaited elections to Bengaluru’s civic agency could be delayed by up to a year, following the implementation of the new Greater Bengaluru Governance (GBG) Act. The law, which replaces the existing BBMP Act, was recently approved by Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot. However, the transition involves several procedural steps that the government must complete before polls can be held. Central to the GBG Act is the formation of a Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA), which requires defining an expanded Bengaluru area beyond the current 786 sq km. The government also intends to restructure the city into multiple corporations—potentially up to seven—requiring new ward boundaries and reservation patterns to be drawn. Urban Development Department officials estimate that this entire process may take at least a year. However, Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy has stated that the government aims to conduct elections by December. “We will try to complete all formalities expeditiously and consult elected representatives from all parties for their suggestions,” he said. The delay has prompted sharp criticism from opposition leaders and civil society groups. BJP leader R Ashoka accused the government of using the GBG Act as a pretext to stall elections further, pointing out that BBMP polls have already been delayed for nearly five years. CN Ashwath Narayan echoed the sentiment, blaming the current government for failing to hold timely elections after taking office in May 2023. Prakash Belawadi, convener of Bengaluru Town Hall, noted that elections could still be conducted under the BBMP Act since the appointed day under the GBG Act has not yet been notified. Civil groups are considering legal action to push for elections under the existing law. Meanwhile, the Karnataka State Election Commission plans to approach the High Court to expedite delayed elections in other cities like Mysuru, Tumakuru, and Mangaluru.

Bengaluru Civic Polls Likely Delayed by a Year Amid Implementation of New Governance Act Read More »

MEGHA Project from India Wins Top Prize at Harvard’s AI for Good Hackathon

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In a significant global recognition for inclusive technology, the MEGHA (Meghalaya E-Governance Human-centred Assistance) project has secured first place at the Kennedy AI for Good Hackathon held at Harvard Kennedy School. The AI-powered, voice-first initiative aims to bridge the digital divide by enabling rural citizens in Meghalaya and beyond to access government schemes through any basic mobile phone. Designed for low-literacy users in remote areas, MEGHA operates via a toll-free number and responds in conversational language, making government schemes more accessible without the need for smartphones or internet connectivity. Built by a team of Indian public leaders and technologists currently at Harvard, MEGHA represents a people-centric approach to responsible AI deployment. The team behind MEGHA includes notable figures such as Manish Maheshwari (former Twitter India Head and Harvard Fellow), Dr. Aarushi Jain (Policy Director at Bharti Institute), Mohammed Y Safirulla K (IAS officer), Manudev Jain (IRS officer), and Ashish Tiwari (IPS officer and Fulbright Scholar). Their collaborative efforts have created a powerful tool for digital inclusion grounded in verified government data. Speaking about MEGHA, Manish Maheshwari said, “The true power of AI lies in thoughtfully connecting proven technologies to urgent human needs. As implementation costs fall, AI’s ability to unlock dignity, opportunity, and inclusion becomes one of the greatest forces for good.” Dr. Aarushi Jain added, “MEGHA is built to break information barriers by offering honest, concise guidance through a voice-first interface grounded in official documents.” MEGHA’s win is a testament to how empathetic innovation and AI can be harnessed to create impactful, inclusive solutions for real-world challenges. Source: India Today

MEGHA Project from India Wins Top Prize at Harvard’s AI for Good Hackathon Read More »