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150 Years of Vande Mataram to Take Centre Stage at 80th Independence Day Celebrations

/ Governance Community

The commemoration of 150 years of the National Song “Vande Mataram” will be among the key highlights of India’s 80th Independence Day celebrations this year, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh said during a media briefing in New Delhi. The celebrations will focus on two major themes — the contribution of young Indians towards building a Viksit Bharat by 2047 and the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the celebrations from the historic Red Fort, where he will unfurl the National Flag and address the nation. For the first time, Vande Mataram will be performed from the ramparts of the Red Fort as part of the Independence Day ceremony. The venue will feature floral decorations inspired by the National Song, while nearly 2,500 NCC cadets and My Bharat volunteers will create a ‘Vande Mataram’ formation along Gyanpath. The National Song will also be performed collectively at the Red Fort with the participation of Service bands. Those present will stand at attention during the rendition. Following the Prime Minister’s address, NCC cadets and My Bharat volunteers will sing Vande Mataram, followed by the National Anthem. An aerial display by Mi-17 helicopters will add to the ceremony, featuring the National Flag, flower petals and a special banner marking 150 years of Vande Mataram. Armed Forces Bands to Perform Nationwide As part of the broader Independence Day celebrations, bands from the armed forces and other uniformed services will perform at 343 prominent locations across the country between August 8 and 15. The participating contingents will include bands from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, NCC, CRPF, ITBP, CISF, SSB, BSF, IDS, RPF and Assam Rifles. Yuva Shakti to Be a Key Theme The second major theme of this year’s celebrations is “Yuva Shakti – Leading the Journey to Viksit Bharat@2047”, with a special focus on young achievers and contributors to India’s development journey. Nineteen medal-winning students from the 2026 International Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics Olympiads have been invited as special guests. Young innovators, PM Internship Scheme interns, startup representatives, PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana trainees, My Bharat volunteers and beneficiaries of various government programmes will also attend. Around 500 students from Delhi government schools, selected through quizzes and competitions, will be part of the Independence Day ceremony. The event will also recognise a diverse group of people contributing to the Viksit Bharat vision. These include women entrepreneurs supported through PM Mudra, PMAY-U beneficiaries, scientists and innovators, Bharat Taxi drivers, PM Surya Ghar beneficiaries, PM Vishwakarma artisans, PM Shram Yogi Maandhan beneficiaries, farmers and International Yoga Day volunteers. Special Arrangements for Invitees More than 1,500 people from Delhi representing different states and Union Territories have been invited to the celebrations. They will attend the event wearing traditional attire representing their respective regions. To facilitate their travel, Delhi Metro services will commence at 4 am on Independence Day and will be available free of cost for invitees. Around 200 My Bharat and NCC volunteers will assist visitors at the venue, including those requiring wheelchair support. Facilities such as cloakrooms, drinking water, toilets and rain ponchos will also be provided. Parking locations will be made available through Google Maps and Mappls to help visitors plan their journey. Following the main ceremony, NCC cadets and My Bharat volunteers will conduct a cleanliness drive at the Red Fort. The initiative will include systematic plogging and the prompt removal of waste from the premises. Source: News on AIR  

150 Years of Vande Mataram to Take Centre Stage at 80th Independence Day Celebrations Read More »

Parliament Clears Bill to Expand Supreme Court Bench Strength to 37 Judges

/ Governance Community

Parliament has approved the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026, paving the way for an increase in the sanctioned strength of Supreme Court judges from 33 to 37, excluding the Chief Justice of India. The Rajya Sabha passed the legislation after a discussion and returned it to the Lok Sabha, which had already cleared the Bill earlier this week. The legislation amends the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956 to accommodate the growing workload of the country’s highest court. Before the Bill was introduced, President Droupadi Murmu had promulgated an ordinance in May this year authorising the increase in the number of judges. Responding to the debate in the Rajya Sabha, Union Law and Justice Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal said the expansion of the apex court’s bench reflects the government’s broader judicial reform agenda under the vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas. He stated that strengthening the Supreme Court’s capacity would improve judicial efficiency and help address the increasing complexity and volume of cases before the court. The minister noted that the government has been implementing several measures to accelerate the disposal of pending cases. He said the rise in litigation, evolving constitutional issues and growing legal challenges have made it necessary to enhance the court’s judicial strength. During the discussion, Congress MP Vivek Tankha questioned the government’s decision to first issue an ordinance for the move, pointing out that nearly 95,000 cases remain pending before the Supreme Court. Supporting the legislation, BJP MP Sangeeta Yadav described it as a landmark reform that would strengthen the justice delivery system and improve access to timely justice. She observed that many cases have remained unresolved for more than a decade, making the expansion of the bench essential. Several members from different political parties backed the Bill while raising broader concerns about judicial infrastructure and vacancies. TMC MP Dr Menaka Guruswamy highlighted that nearly 30 per cent of High Court posts remain vacant. DMK MP R Girirajan said the additional judges would help reduce the Supreme Court’s mounting backlog, while BJD MP Dr Sasmit Patra emphasised the need to improve infrastructure in both the Supreme Court and High Courts. YSRCP MP S. Niranjan Reddy pointed to the increasing number of cases handled by each judge. AIADMK MP I.S. Inbadurai welcomed the move, calling it a timely reform, and urged the Centre to fill vacant judicial posts in the Madras High Court, where only 52 judges are currently serving against a sanctioned strength of 75. Shiv Sena MP Dr Jyoti N. Waghmare said the legislation would strengthen public confidence in the judiciary and contribute to faster justice delivery. Members including Rajendra Jain (NCP), Sanjay Singh (AAP), Milind Deora (Shiv Sena), Vijay Chintakayala (TDP) and Mahua Maji (JMM) also participated in the debate. Following the passage of the Bill, the Rajya Sabha proceeded with Special Mentions, during which members raised issues of public importance, before adjourning for the day. Source: News on AIR

Parliament Clears Bill to Expand Supreme Court Bench Strength to 37 Judges Read More »

Mandaviya Honours Commonwealth Weightlifting Medallists, Urges Them to Inspire Young Athletes

/ Governance Community

Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya felicitated India’s medal-winning weightlifting contingent from the Commonwealth Games 2026, awarding cash incentives and encouraging the athletes to inspire young Indians by engaging with students in schools and colleges. To recognise their achievements, the Minister presented ₹30 lakh to gold medallists, ₹20 lakh to silver medallists and ₹10 lakh to bronze medallists. India’s weightlifting team concluded its Glasgow campaign with an impressive tally of eight medals—one gold, six silver and one bronze—across 11 weight categories, while also setting multiple Commonwealth Games and Commonwealth records alongside several personal-best performances. Congratulating the athletes, Mandaviya said the nation celebrated every medal won by the team and noted that their achievements were acknowledged in Parliament, reflecting the country’s pride in their success. The Minister also lauded the contribution of coaches, particularly Dronacharya awardee Vijay Sharma, describing coaches as the backbone of an athlete’s journey and recognising their role in producing world-class champions. Among the standout performers, Olympic silver medallist Mirabai Chanu created history by becoming the first Indian weightlifter to win three consecutive Commonwealth Games gold medals. Rishikanta Singh and Valluri Ajay Babu set new Commonwealth Games records in the snatch event, while Gyaneshwari Yadav and Harjinder Kaur registered personal-best lifts during the competition. Highlighting the success of government-backed sports programmes, Mandaviya noted that six of India’s 11 weightlifters are Khelo India Athletes. He added that medallists such as Gyaneshwari Yadav, Bindyarani Devi and Harjinder Kaur have trained at the Sports Authority of India’s National Centre of Excellence in Patiala, which has become a key hub for nurturing elite sporting talent. Calling the athletes role models, the Minister urged them to visit educational institutions and share their journeys of perseverance and achievement to motivate more young people to embrace sports. During the interaction, Mandaviya discussed the athletes’ training experiences, personal struggles and preparations for the 2026 Asian Games. The lifters credited national coaching camps, international exposure and scientific training for helping them reach the podium and expressed confidence about bringing more honours to India. The Minister also encouraged athletes who narrowly missed medals, reminding them that setbacks are an integral part of competitive sport and urging them to continue striving for excellence. Reaffirming the government’s commitment to sports development, Mandaviya said initiatives such as Khelo India are creating a strong talent pipeline by providing athletes with world-class coaching, scientific support and competitive opportunities to excel on the global stage. Separately, Union Minister for Women and Child Development Annapurna Devi applauded the outstanding performance of India’s women athletes at the Commonwealth Games, noting that Nari Shakti played a pivotal role in the country’s campaign by winning eight of India’s 13 gold medals across boxing, weightlifting, judo and para athletics. In a post on X, she highlighted that five Indian women boxers secured gold medals and said their achievements reflect the growing strength of women’s sports in the country. She added that their success is inspiring a new generation of girls to pursue sporting excellence and credited the progress to the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying India’s daughters are ushering in a new era of sporting achievement. Source: DD News

Mandaviya Honours Commonwealth Weightlifting Medallists, Urges Them to Inspire Young Athletes Read More »

Lok Sabha Considers Public Examinations Amendment Bill, 2026 to Strengthen Anti-Paper Leak Law

/ Governance Community

The Lok Sabha on Tuesday took up the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 for consideration and passage, aiming to further tighten the legal framework against examination malpractices and paper leaks. The proposed legislation amends the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 by introducing stricter penalties for offenders. Under the Bill, those found guilty could face imprisonment of up to 10 years, fines of up to ₹10 crore, and confiscation of their properties. It also mandates every state and Union Territory to establish Special Fast Track Courts for day-to-day hearings to ensure swift justice. The Bill further requires investigations into offences to be completed within two months from the registration of a police case, while trials must conclude within three months of filing the chargesheet. Introducing the Bill, Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Dr Jitendra Singh said the amendment reflects the government’s commitment to protecting students and preserving the integrity of public examinations. He stated that the strengthened legal framework aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s resolve to safeguard the future of the country’s youth. Singh described the legislation as a landmark reform, adding that previous governments lacked a comprehensive law to effectively address paper leak cases. He said recent incidents of examination malpractice highlighted the need for stronger legal provisions, prompting the government to introduce the amendment to restore public confidence in the examination system. During the debate, Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi criticised the government, alleging that the amendment falls short of meaningful education reforms and serves only as a cosmetic change to the existing law. Backing the Bill, BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj called it a significant step towards ensuring transparent and fair examinations. She said organised examination mafias now operate across multiple states, making stronger legal measures essential. Swaraj also highlighted provisions for the creation of a Special Task Force to investigate paper leak cases and the establishment of Special Fast Track Courts for speedy trials. Samajwadi Party MP Akhilesh Yadav expressed concerns over recurring paper leaks and questioned the government’s outsourcing practices at the National Testing Agency (NTA), citing the alleged NEET-UG paper leak despite the enactment of the 2024 law. Supporting the legislation, AITC MP Abhishek Banerjee said every student deserves a fair examination process and emphasised that stringent laws are necessary to curb paper leaks and maintain the credibility of competitive examinations. Source: News on AIR

Lok Sabha Considers Public Examinations Amendment Bill, 2026 to Strengthen Anti-Paper Leak Law Read More »

PM Modi Reaffirms Zero-Tolerance Stand on NEET Paper Leak, Calls for Stronger Exam Security

/ Governance Community

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reiterated the Centre’s commitment to taking strict action against those involved in the NEET paper leak case while urging all stakeholders to work together to prevent similar incidents in future examinations. Addressing the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) Parliamentary Party meeting, popularly known as Mangal Milan, at the Parliament House complex, the Prime Minister emphasized the need to safeguard the interests of students and maintain the integrity of competitive examinations. Speaking to the media after the meeting, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the government acted swiftly after receiving information about the NEET paper leak. He stated that all individuals linked to the case have been arrested, with 13 accused currently in judicial custody. According to Rijiju, the Prime Minister stressed that those responsible should receive the strictest possible punishment and highlighted that the government has already introduced stringent measures to prevent examination paper leaks in the future. During the meeting, Prime Minister Modi also discussed India’s Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), saying that the interests of Indian farmers have remained a top priority in every trade pact signed by the country. He noted that these agreements have been negotiated with national interest and farmers’ welfare at their core. On the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament, the Prime Minister said the NDA would play a constructive role in facilitating the passage of important legislation. Rijiju also appealed to opposition parties to cooperate in Parliament, emphasizing that despite political differences, all Members of Parliament share the responsibility of serving the nation and protecting the future of its youth. The meeting concluded with NDA alliance partners passing a congratulatory resolution honouring Prime Minister Narendra Modi for becoming India’s longest-serving elected Prime Minister. Source: News on AIR

PM Modi Reaffirms Zero-Tolerance Stand on NEET Paper Leak, Calls for Stronger Exam Security Read More »

India-UK CETA to Boost Farmers, MSMEs and Skilled Professionals, Says PM Modi

/ Governance Community

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has described the implementation of the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and the Agreement on Social Security as a landmark step in strengthening bilateral ties between the two countries. Sharing a social media post by Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, the Prime Minister said the agreements, which came into force today, mark a significant milestone in the India-UK partnership. According to Mr. Modi, the CETA will provide fresh growth opportunities for farmers, entrepreneurs, and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by expanding their access to the UK market. He added that the trade pact is expected to benefit several key sectors while strengthening cooperation in technology, professional services, and innovation. The Prime Minister also highlighted that the agreement will facilitate greater mobility for skilled Indian professionals, enabling them to explore more employment and business opportunities in the UK. Referring to the Agreement on Social Security, Mr. Modi said it will offer important support to Indian professionals working in the UK on temporary assignments. He noted that the pact will enhance the competitiveness of Indian businesses by reducing social security-related burdens for eligible workers. Emphasizing the broader significance of the agreements, the Prime Minister said they reflect the deep trust between the two democracies and their shared commitment to building a future-focused partnership anchored in trade, technology, investment, and innovation. He reaffirmed that India and the United Kingdom will continue to work together to promote shared economic growth and prosperity. Source: News on AIR

India-UK CETA to Boost Farmers, MSMEs and Skilled Professionals, Says PM Modi Read More »

Piyush Goyal Embarks on Europe Tour to Deepen India’s Trade and Investment Partnerships

/ Governance Community

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has begun a five-day official visit to Spain, Belgium, and Finland, aimed at expanding India’s economic engagement with key European partners. The visit, which runs until July 17, will focus on strengthening cooperation in trade, investment, technology, innovation, and sustainable development. The first stop is Spain, where Goyal will participate in a business roundtable alongside representatives from the Chamber of Commerce of Spain, the Spanish Confederation of Business Organisations (CEOE), and ICEX Spain Trade and Investment. Indian and Spanish business leaders are expected to discuss collaboration across sectors such as automobiles, renewable energy, railways, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, food processing, and tourism. The minister will then travel to Belgium on July 14 and 15 for a series of high-level engagements. His itinerary includes meetings with senior officials from Thales Group and Silox Group, as well as participation in the India-EU Business Roundtable and the Trade and Technology Council Plenary. Key discussions will centre on boosting foreign investment, easing trade, promoting sustainable technologies, and strengthening resilient global supply chains. The final leg of the tour will take Goyal to Finland on July 16 and 17. He is scheduled to attend the India-Finland Business Roundtable and visit leading Finnish companies and research organisations, including Nokia, Kone, Kemppi Group, and the VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland. The discussions will explore opportunities for collaboration in telecommunications, advanced manufacturing, clean energy, mobility, and innovation. Source: News on AIR

Piyush Goyal Embarks on Europe Tour to Deepen India’s Trade and Investment Partnerships Read More »

EPFO to Credit 8.25% Interest for FY 2025–26 by July 15, Rolls Out New Centralised Digital Platform

/ Governance Community

Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) is set to credit an annual interest rate of 8.25% for the financial year 2025–26 into nearly 34 crore EPF accounts by July 15. Announcing the development, Mansukh Mandaviya said that more than ₹1.44 lakh crore will be transferred to subscribers through the organisation’s newly launched Centralised IT Enabled Services (CITES) platform. The minister also confirmed that EPFO has successfully completed the migration of its member records from a decentralised system to a unified centralised database. This transition will provide members with access to a single online portal where they can check their PF balance, membership details, claim status, pensionable service records, and other benefits through one integrated interface. The new CITES platform introduces automated pre-validation of claims, allowing the system to assess eligibility, identify missing information, and notify members if their withdrawal request exceeds the permissible limit before it reaches an EPFO office. The automation is expected to reduce claim rejections and significantly improve first-time claim approval rates. The CITES initiative is part of EPFO’s broader digital transformation strategy aimed at modernising service delivery through automation and rule-based processing. The platform is expected to enhance operational efficiency while offering faster, more transparent, and citizen-centric services to EPF subscribers. Source: News on AIR

EPFO to Credit 8.25% Interest for FY 2025–26 by July 15, Rolls Out New Centralised Digital Platform Read More »

India-Japan Partnership Enters New Era as PM Modi Highlights Strong Economic Ties, AI & Defence Cooperation

/ Governance Community

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed the strength of India-Japan relations, describing the bilateral partnership as “truly special” while emphasizing its growing impact on the global economy. Speaking at the India-Japan Joint Economic Forum held in New Delhi, PM Modi highlighted that the collaboration between Japan’s technological expertise and investment capabilities, combined with India’s rapid growth and large-scale opportunities, creates significant benefits for the world economy. He noted that both nations have agreed to deepen cooperation across several strategic sectors, including artificial intelligence, economic security, defence, and healthcare, paving the way for a future-ready partnership. Addressing global economic challenges such as supply chain disruptions, trade uncertainties, and slowing international demand, PM Modi underscored India’s position as the world’s fastest-growing major economy, recording a GDP growth of 7.7 percent in the previous financial year. The Prime Minister further stated that over the last twelve years, India has adopted the philosophy of Kaizen to transform its economic framework, alongside implementing next-generation reforms in taxation, governance, and ease of doing business. He added that the government continues to open new sectors for private participation while introducing incentives aimed at accelerating economic growth, reinforcing India’s position as a highly attractive destination for Japanese investments. Surveys conducted by Japan Bank for International Cooperation have consistently ranked India as the most promising destination for Japanese businesses for four consecutive years. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, in her address, highlighted energy security as a crucial pillar of India-Japan cooperation. She referenced the recent G7 Summit, where Japan proposed measures to strengthen global energy security through transparent energy trade, strategic stockpiling, and stronger collaboration between energy-producing and consuming nations. She also emphasized Japan’s commitment to implementing these goals through its Power Asia Initiative. On the occasion, both leaders jointly inaugurated the fourth vehicle manufacturing facility of Maruti Suzuki at Kharkhoda, Haryana, marking another milestone in industrial collaboration between India and Japan. Source: News on AIR

India-Japan Partnership Enters New Era as PM Modi Highlights Strong Economic Ties, AI & Defence Cooperation Read More »

Rajnath Singh Highlights Economic Strength as Key Driver of India’s Defence Growth at Vibrant Gujarat Summit

/ Governance Community

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has underscored the critical connection between economic strength and national security, stating that a strong economy is the backbone of a nation’s defence capabilities. Speaking at the valedictory session of the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference in Vadodara, he said India’s growing industrial capacity is paving the way for greater self-reliance in the defence sector. Highlighting Gujarat’s industrial potential, Singh expressed confidence that the state is well-positioned to become a global centre for defence manufacturing, driven by its expanding footprint in sectors such as chemicals, electronics, shipbuilding, and renewable energy. He pointed to India’s remarkable progress in indigenous defence production, noting that the country’s domestic defence manufacturing output has risen sharply from ₹46,000 crore in 2014 to nearly ₹1.78 lakh crore today, reflecting the government’s continued push towards strengthening the country’s self-sufficiency in strategic sectors. Singh also highlighted Vadodara’s growing significance in India’s aerospace ecosystem, mentioning the establishment of the country’s first private-sector military aircraft manufacturing facility, where Tata Group and Airbus are jointly producing the Airbus C-295 transport aircraft — a milestone development for India’s defence manufacturing ambitions. Meanwhile, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel announced that agreements worth ₹3.34 lakh crore were signed during the two-day summit. These investments are expected to create over 1.97 lakh employment opportunities, providing a major boost to the region’s economic growth and industrial development in the near future. Source: News on AIR

Rajnath Singh Highlights Economic Strength as Key Driver of India’s Defence Growth at Vibrant Gujarat Summit Read More »