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Narendra Modi

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 »

Netflix marks 10 years in India; CEO Ted Sarandos meets PM Modi, launches storytelling initiative

/ Media Entertainment & Art Community

Netflix Co-CEO Ted Sarandos met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Wednesday as the streaming giant celebrated a decade of operations in India and announced the Netflix India Storytelling Initiative, a long-term investment aimed at developing the country’s creative talent ecosystem. The multi-phase initiative seeks to strengthen India’s pipeline of creators in animation, visual effects (VFX), gaming and comics, building on Netflix’s collaboration with the Indian creative industry over the past 10 years. During this period, the platform has produced more than 200 original titles and filmed across 100+ locations in the country. According to Netflix, the initiative aligns with the government’s Viksit Bharat @ 2047 vision by enhancing skill development, industry partnerships and creator training to position India as a global storytelling hub. As part of the first phase, Netflix will collaborate with the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT) to jointly develop specialised courses in Visual Effects Mastery and Media Technology Workflows. The company will also sponsor 100 scholarships for Indian students enrolled in IICT’s in-person programmes, covering areas such as interactive comics, sequential art, virtual production, character animation, and e-sports and gaming management. In another key partnership, Netflix has joined hands with the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) to train audio description writers and voice artists, making films and series more accessible to audiences with visual and hearing impairments while adhering to international accessibility standards. Sarandos said India has long been one of the world’s richest storytelling nations and reaffirmed Netflix’s commitment to investing in the next generation of Indian creators. He added that strengthening the country’s creative ecosystem would create more opportunities for emerging talent while taking Indian stories to global audiences. The visit also commemorated Netflix’s 10-year journey in India through an event organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Tourism. During the event, the Ministry of Tourism and Netflix India launched “As Seen on Netflix,” a dedicated section on the Incredible India website that allows viewers to explore real-life locations, cultural traditions and experiences featured in Netflix productions. Sarandos also participated in a fireside discussion with Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat at the National Gallery of Modern Art, where they highlighted the role of authentic storytelling in promoting tourism, preserving cultural heritage and supporting India’s creative economy. The event also showcased two new promotional films celebrating India’s wildlife and cultural heritage. The collaboration builds upon a memorandum of understanding signed between the Ministry of Tourism and Netflix India last year to promote India’s tourism and cultural diplomacy through storytelling. Highlighting its decade-long journey in India, Netflix cited acclaimed productions such as The Elephant Whisperers, Amar Singh Chamkila, Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar, Musafir Café, Made in Korea and the upcoming patriotic series Operation Safed Sagar as examples of Indian stories resonating with audiences worldwide. As Netflix enters its second decade in India, the company said it will continue investing in India’s creative workforce while helping more local stories reach international audiences. Source: Variety

Netflix marks 10 years in India; CEO Ted Sarandos meets PM Modi, launches storytelling initiative Read More »

Pralhad Joshi Assumes Charge as Education Minister After Dharmendra Pradhan’s Resignation

/ Education Community

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi has been entrusted with the additional charge of the Ministry of Education after Dharmendra Pradhan stepped down from the post amid mounting protests over alleged examination paper leaks. Speaking to reporters after taking charge, Joshi expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the responsibility. He said he accepted the role with humility and highlighted the achievements of the Modi government over the past 12 years, adding that he would work with a strong sense of duty in his new assignment. Pradhan’s resignation came after weeks of nationwide demonstrations led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which had demanded his resignation over the government’s handling of the examination paper leak controversy. Following the resignation, the CJP announced the immediate withdrawal of its protest movement. Supporters gathered at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar were asked to disperse after the government agreed to the group’s key demands. The decision was announced during a joint press conference addressed by CJP spokespersons Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, along with Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh. According to the CJP, the government has assured that all police cases registered against protesting students will be withdrawn and that no future action will be taken against them. The government has also agreed to provide the maximum compensation permissible under existing rules to the families of students who died by suicide in connection with the NEET paper leak controversy. Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation was the principal demand of the protesters, and its acceptance paved the way for the suspension of the agitation. Source: NDTV  

Pralhad Joshi Assumes Charge as Education Minister After Dharmendra Pradhan’s Resignation Read More »

India’s Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Resigns Amid Nationwide Student Protests Over Exam Paper Leaks

/ Education Community

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned on Saturday following weeks of nationwide student protests demanding accountability over a series of alleged examination paper leaks. His resignation marks a significant development in one of the largest youth-led protest movements seen in India in recent years. In a statement shared on X, Pradhan said he had submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, citing the ongoing unrest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar and across the country. He stated that his decision was aimed at preventing what he described as “anti-national forces” from exploiting the situation. Pradhan also expressed respect for the aspirations of young people and said he did not want students to become entangled in legal disputes instead of focusing on their education and careers. The protests were spearheaded by the satirical student-led group Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which celebrated the resignation as a victory for democracy. Speaking to supporters at Jantar Mantar, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke declared the movement successful, while the organisation posted on X that “Cockroaches won… Democracy won!” Despite the minister’s resignation, the CJP said its campaign is not over. The group has reiterated three key demands: ₹1 crore in compensation for the families of students who allegedly died by suicide, protection from legal action for all protest participants, and a public apology from Delhi Police and the Rapid Action Force over the handling of demonstrations. The protests intensified after clashes earlier this week, during which police used baton charges, tear gas, and reportedly pellet guns to disperse demonstrators marching towards Parliament. Several students were injured in the confrontations, further fuelling public anger. Government representatives had initiated talks with protest leaders on Friday, with another round of discussions scheduled for Saturday. It remains uncertain whether those negotiations will proceed following Pradhan’s resignation. Before the resignation, the central government had announced plans to establish fast-track courts for examination paper leak cases and introduce stricter anti-cheating legislation in an effort to restore confidence in the country’s examination system. The demonstrations have become a broader expression of frustration among India’s youth over issues such as unemployment, corruption, transparency, and government accountability. Source: Al Jazeera

India’s Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Resigns Amid Nationwide Student Protests Over Exam Paper Leaks 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 »

IIM Bangalore to Establish First Overseas Campus in Indonesia, Expanding India’s Higher Education Footprint in ASEAN

/ Education Community

In a significant step towards strengthening academic ties between India and Indonesia, the Indian government has announced that the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore will set up its first international campus in Indonesia. The announcement was made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi following bilateral discussions with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto during Modi’s official visit to the country. The proposed campus is expected to cater not only to Indonesian students but also to learners from across the ASEAN region, further enhancing India’s educational outreach in Southeast Asia. Alongside the education initiative, India and Indonesia signed several agreements aimed at deepening collaboration in artificial intelligence (AI), telecommunications, digital public infrastructure, startups, and innovation. Both leaders emphasised promoting technology-driven partnerships and creating greater opportunities for young innovators from both nations. The two countries also agreed to broaden cooperation in the space sector through joint research, technology exchange, and capacity-building initiatives, reinforcing their long-standing strategic partnership. The Indonesia campus marks another milestone in the global expansion of Indian management education. It follows the international debut of Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad, which became the first IIM to establish a full-fledged overseas campus in Dubai. Inaugurated in September 2025 at Dubai International Academic City, the campus currently offers a one-year full-time MBA programme for experienced professionals, reflecting India’s growing ambition to internationalise its higher education institutions. Source: Indian Express

IIM Bangalore to Establish First Overseas Campus in Indonesia, Expanding India’s Higher Education Footprint in ASEAN Read More »

Five Semiconductor Plants Expected to Be Operational in India by End of 2026: Ashwini Vaishnaw

/ Human Resource Community

India is on track to have five semiconductor manufacturing plants operational by the end of 2026, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has said, marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to build a strong domestic semiconductor ecosystem. According to the minister, the Centre has approved 12 semiconductor projects, of which three facilities have already entered commercial production, while two more are expected to be inaugurated in the coming months. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier inaugurated the country’s first and second semiconductor plants on February 28 and March 31, 2026, respectively. Vaishnaw noted that the commercial launch of the CG SEMI (OSAT) facility in Sanand, Gujarat, has further strengthened global confidence in India’s semiconductor manufacturing capabilities. He said the country is steadily building a world-class semiconductor ecosystem that will support India’s long-term economic and technological growth. The minister also praised the Gujarat government for its efficient execution, highlighting that the CG SEMI facility progressed from groundbreaking to commercial production in just 27 months. Beyond manufacturing, the plant has also generated employment opportunities for young women from states including Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Jammu & Kashmir, Kerala, and Gujarat, many of whom received specialised semiconductor training in Malaysia. Vaishnaw added that as India’s semiconductor ecosystem expands, advanced training programmes are expected to become increasingly available within the country. Semiconductor products manufactured at the Sanand facility will cater to the automotive, two-wheeler, and industrial equipment sectors, while also being exported to markets such as Japan, the United States, and Europe, reinforcing India’s position in the global semiconductor supply chain. The CG SEMI project, launched in March 2024 with an investment exceeding ₹7,600 crore, has been developed in collaboration with Renesas Electronics of Japan, enabling access to advanced semiconductor technologies, manufacturing expertise, and global quality standards. Vaishnaw also highlighted the rapid growth of India’s electronics manufacturing industry, which is now valued at nearly ₹13 lakh crore and supports employment for over 25 lakh people. Source: IANS  

Five Semiconductor Plants Expected to Be Operational in India by End of 2026: Ashwini Vaishnaw 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 »

India Aims to Eliminate Sickle Cell Anaemia Before 2047, Says President Murmu

/ Health & Wellness Community

Droupadi Murmu has expressed confidence that India will eliminate sickle cell anaemia much before the government’s 2047 target, urging all states to intensify efforts and spread awareness about the disease, particularly among tribal communities where prevalence remains significantly higher. Speaking at a government event in Omkareshwar, Khandwa district of Madhya Pradesh, the President said that with collective participation from all states, the country is well-positioned to achieve its mission of eradicating sickle cell-related diseases ahead of schedule. She highlighted that since the launch of the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission in 2023, several major milestones have already been achieved, including the screening of over seven crore individuals aged between 0 and 40 years. The initiative has so far identified nearly 2.5 lakh affected patients and over 20 lakh carriers, making it one of the world’s largest genetic disease screening programmes. President Murmu also commended Madhya Pradesh for screening more than 1.25 crore people and distributing genetic counselling cards to a majority of beneficiaries. She emphasized that sickle cell anaemia should not be underestimated, as the hereditary disease passes from one generation to another, but can be treated and eventually eliminated through sustained intervention. The President praised the mission launched by Narendra Modi in Shahdol in 2023, describing it as India’s first nationwide campaign integrating public health, tribal welfare, genetic science, and digital monitoring. She noted that 17 states are actively participating in the campaign to help India achieve a sickle cell disease-free future. Source: The Hindu

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