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Tuesday, December 2, 2025 9:27 PM

Governance Community

Amit Shah Prioritizes Rupee Trade as Top Agenda for New Government

Amit Shah, the Home Minister of India, has emphasized the significance of trade conducted in the Indian rupee, calling it a top priority for the new government. The move to facilitate trade in the national currency has reached its final stages of negotiation with several countries, although matters have been temporarily suspended due to ongoing Lok Sabha elections. Shah highlighted the potential of rupee trade as a significant step forward, citing the country’s robust fundamentals and the relative stability of the Indian currency against most international counterparts. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that many countries are showing interest in establishing trade relations based on rupee transactions. Following the Reserve Bank of India’s July 2022 circular permitting invoicing, payment, and settlement of trade in Indian rupees, rupee invoicing has gained traction. India has already initiated rupee trade with neighboring countries like Nepal and Bhutan, while efforts are underway to facilitate trade in the national currency with Russia and Sri Lanka. The transition to rupee invoicing is expected to bring various benefits, including lower transaction costs, enhanced price transparency, faster settlement times, and reduced hedging expenses. Additionally, it is anticipated to contribute to the internationalization of the rupee and alleviate the burden of holding foreign reserves by the RBI. Sitharaman emphasized India’s stable economic fundamentals, transparent taxation policies, and robust systems, which have bolstered investor confidence and positioned India as an attractive destination for trade and investment. With a growing middle class and a sizable market, India’s economic prospects appear promising, garnering attention and engagement from global partners. Overall, the prioritization of rupee trade underscores the government’s commitment to leveraging India’s economic strengths and fostering stronger trade ties on both regional and international fronts.

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Google Urges US Government to Update Immigration Rules for AI Talent

Google is urging the US government to modernize its immigration policies, particularly focusing on the Schedule A list, to attract and retain top artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity talent from around the world. In a letter addressed to the Department of Labor, the tech giant expressed concerns that outdated policies could lead to a loss of valuable talent in these critical sectors. The Schedule A list, last updated in 2005, identifies occupations with insufficient American workers. Google argues that this list needs to be expanded to include AI and cybersecurity-related fields and should be updated more frequently to reflect changing labor needs. The company emphasized the growing demand for AI talent within its ranks and stressed the importance of addressing the talent shortage to fully harness the potential of AI advancements. Google also highlighted the lengthy process of obtaining permanent labor certification (PERM) and called for a more efficient system to attract and retain top talent. Karan Bhatia, head of government affairs and public policy at Google, underscored the global shortage of AI talent and emphasized the need for the US to adapt its immigration policies accordingly. This call for immigration reform comes amid fierce competition among tech companies to attract AI talent, with Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg reportedly making personal offers to AI researchers. Google CEO Sundar Pichai has also expressed concerns about losing key talent to rivals like Apple. The strict immigration policies in the US have exacerbated these concerns, making it challenging for companies to attract and retain AI talent from abroad. While President Joe Biden’s executive order on AI aims to increase AI talent in the country, Google’s letter suggests that more comprehensive reforms are needed to ensure the US remains competitive in the global race for AI dominance.

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Delhi Health Department Urges Action on Rs 90-Cr Dues to Drug Suppliers

News on Health

The Delhi health department is under pressure to address the issue of pending payments totaling Rs 90 crore to pharmaceutical drug suppliers. Despite directives issued 45 days ago, no significant action has been taken yet. SK Jain, the special secretary of the Health and Family Welfare Department, has directed the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) and the Central Procurement Agency (CPA) to expedite the processing of payment files from medicine suppliers. This directive comes after a report highlighted the impact of delayed payments on medicine supply. Jain emphasized that the pending files must be processed promptly, except those blacklisted. Failure to address this issue could severely affect medicine procurement in the current financial year. The letter issued by Jain also calls for a submission of pending files along with reasons for non-payment within three days. This will enable the initiation of appropriate action against defaulting officers. The delay in payment has resulted in a significant portion of the budget remaining unutilized in the previous financial year, leading to potential procurement challenges in the current fiscal year. An official from the Central Procurement Agency revealed that nearly Rs 84 crore of the budget has lapsed, exacerbating the financial strain on suppliers awaiting payment.

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Tibetan Leadership Initiates Back-Channel Talks with China Amidst Military Standoff

News on Government

The Tibetan government-in-exile has initiated back-channel communications with China, marking the first contact between the two sides in over a decade. Penpa Tsering, the head of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), revealed that informal discussions have been ongoing for more than a year, facilitated by an interlocutor dealing with individuals in Beijing. While these communications represent a significant development, Tsering emphasized that no immediate breakthroughs are expected. The dialogue is viewed as a long-term endeavor, with uncertain prospects for concrete outcomes. The Tibetan side has been cautious, acknowledging that the Chinese authorities initiated contact, not vice versa. Norzin Dolma, the Tibetan minister for information and international relations, echoed Tsering’s sentiments, highlighting the lack of certainty regarding substantive outcomes from these discussions. Previous formal talks between 2002 and 2010 ended without resolution, amidst differences over Tibetan autonomy. The resumption of dialogue coincides with heightened tensions between India and China along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh. China’s military buildup in Tibet has drawn increased scrutiny, amplifying the relevance of the Tibetan issue in India. Tsering emphasized the close coordination between the CTA, India’s external affairs ministry, and security agencies, advocating for India to take a more assertive stance on Tibet at international forums like the UN. While endorsing India’s stance on the LAC disengagement as a prerequisite for normalized relations with China, Tsering underscored China’s strategic shift towards the Global South to counter India’s growing influence. He urged India to leverage its historical ties with Tibet to amplify its voice on the international stage.  

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Odisha Government Declares Summer Vacations Amid Rising Temperatures

News on Government

In response to the prevailing intense heatwave conditions in Odisha, the state government has announced summer vacations for school students starting from April 25. This decision applies to all schools, including government, government-aided, and private institutions. To mitigate the effects of the rising temperatures, the government has also implemented morning classes from 6:30 am to 10:30 am in schools for three days, scheduled from April 22 to April 24. Earlier measures included the closure of all schools in the state for three days from April 18 to 20 due to the severe heatwave situation, with temperatures exceeding 45 degrees Celsius in certain areas. According to reports, several towns in Odisha, including Jharsuguda and Keonjhar, recorded temperatures as high as 43.6 degrees Celsius, prompting concerns about the health and well-being of residents. Other areas such as Hirakud, Rourkela, Sambalpur, Bhubaneswar, Chandbali, and Balasore also experienced temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius. This decision by the Odisha government aims to ensure the safety and comfort of students during the sweltering summer months.

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J&K Government Provides Rs 5 Lakh Compensation to Families of Boat Tragedy Victims

The Jammu and Kashmir government has taken swift action in response to the recent boat tragedy, providing a compensation relief of ₹5 lakh to the families of each victim. Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, V K Bhiduri, and Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, Bilal Mohiuddin visited Gandbal to meet with the families affected by the incident. According to an official spokesman, the officials expressed their condolences to the families who lost their loved ones in the tragic incident. They handed over a compensation of ₹5 lakh to the next of kin of each victim to support them during this difficult time. The tragic incident occurred when a boat capsized in the Jhelum river, resulting in the loss of six lives, while three individuals remain missing. Fortunately, ten people were rescued from the water. The swift response from the government highlights its commitment to supporting the affected families and providing timely assistance in times of crisis.

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Ajman Crown Prince Orders Remote Work for Government Employees Due to Weather Fluctuations

News on Government

Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman and Chairman of the Executive Council, has instructed that Tuesday, April 16, 2024, will be designated as a remote working day for employees of the Ajman government. This decision comes in response to weather fluctuations affecting the region. The directive encompasses employees across all government departments in the Emirate of Ajman, with exceptions made for roles that necessitate on-site attendance as determined by the respective authorities within each department. The move underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of its employees amid changing weather conditions. By enabling remote work, the Ajman government aims to mitigate potential disruptions while maintaining operational continuity. This proactive measure reflects the leadership’s responsiveness to evolving circumstances and its dedication to promoting a flexible work environment that prioritizes employee welfare.

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Canada Braces for Potentially Catastrophic Wildfire Season Amid Rising Temperatures and Drought

Canada is bracing itself for another potentially catastrophic wildfire season, according to warnings from the federal government. The forecast indicates higher-than-normal temperatures expected during the spring and summer months across much of the country, exacerbated by El Niño weather conditions. Last year, Canada experienced its most devastating fire season on record, with over 6,600 wildfires scorching approximately 15 million hectares of land, an area nearly seven times the annual average. Tragically, the fires claimed the lives of eight firefighters, and forced the evacuation of 230,000 individuals from their homes. The winter season witnessed warmer-than-average temperatures and widespread drought, setting the stage for a continuation of severe wildfire conditions. Federal ministers have highlighted the role of climate change in exacerbating extreme weather events, including wildfires, droughts, and heatwaves. Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault emphasized the urgent need for collaborative efforts to mitigate the risks posed by climate change and safeguard Canadian communities. Guilbeault stated, “After the staggering wildfire season of 2023, we are once again facing the potential for another active wildfire season this year. It is a stark reminder that we need to work together to reduce the risks from our changing climate to keep Canadian communities safe.” The looming threat of another intense wildfire season underscores the imperative for proactive measures to address climate change and its far-reaching impacts on ecosystems, communities, and livelihoods.  

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 Relief for Government Employees: 7th Pay Commission Arrears Set to Be Cleared, High Court Directs Action

In a significant development, former and current government employees are set to receive relief regarding their pending 7th Pay Commission arrears. The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has assured the Delhi High Court of its commitment to expedite the clearance of these arrears, providing a ray of hope for affected individuals. During the court proceedings, representatives from the MCD affirmed their dedication to resolving the issue of outstanding arrears related to the 7th Pay Commission recommendations. It was revealed that an amount of approximately Rs. 738 crore, referred to as “basic tax assignment,” is anticipated from the Delhi government, which will facilitate the prompt disbursement of arrears to the employees. Furthermore, the MCD has pledged to address the retirement benefits of former employees within a timeframe of 12 weeks. Additionally, the corporation has undertaken to ensure timely payment of salaries and pensions for both current and former employees in the future. The High Court bench, chaired by Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora, emphasized the importance of fulfilling these commitments. It directed the Delhi government to release the Rs. 738 crore 7th CPC arrears within a stringent timeframe of just 10 working days. Failure to adhere to these commitments could lead to contempt proceedings against the MCD Commissioner, as emphasized by the court. To monitor progress closely, the case has been scheduled for compliance review on July 23, 2024. While the Delhi government has assured the court that necessary paperwork is underway for the payment process, it has requested an extension until April 25 to complete the formalities. The case underscores the Delhi High Court’s proactive stance in addressing delayed salary and pension payments under the 7th Pay Commission, as well as outstanding arrears. The court’s intervention reflects its commitment to safeguarding the rights and welfare of government employees affected by these delays.

 Relief for Government Employees: 7th Pay Commission Arrears Set to Be Cleared, High Court Directs Action Read More »

PM Modi’s Third Term: Blueprint for First 100 Days Revealed

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has convened discussions with his Council of Ministers to strategize the agenda for the first 100 days of his government’s potential third term, focusing on sustaining economic growth. The roadmap, dubbed Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047, outlines ambitious goals across various sectors. While specifics of the plan remain undisclosed, insiders suggest a comprehensive strategy encompassing economic growth, sustainable development, infrastructure enhancement, and social welfare initiatives. This initiative comes amidst preparations for the upcoming General Elections, set to engage 978 million voters across seven phases. Traditionally, the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) period witnesses a policy lull, with caretaker governments refraining from major decisions. However, PM Modi aims to maintain economic momentum during this phase, ensuring a seamless transition post-elections. The proposed agenda aligns with India’s growth trajectory, with an estimated 7.6% GDP growth projected for FY 2023–24. To fully address post-pandemic challenges, the government emphasizes employment generation, private sector investment, and rural development. Anil K. Sood, a Professor, stresses the need for robust policy measures to enhance youth employment opportunities, advocating for government-led initiatives in critical sectors. Similarly, Vinay K. Srivastava, an Associate Professor, underscores the importance of boosting private consumption and quality infrastructure investment. While awaiting detailed specifics, the government’s focus on economic revitalization and sustainable development sets the tone for its anticipated third term. Clarity on long-term priorities is anticipated with the presentation of the full Budget for 2024-25 in July.

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