Author: Deshwale National Desk

A global conference on India’s industrial policy, production-linked incentive (PLI) schemes, and sustainable development concluded in Hyderabad. Organised by the Centre for Trade and Investment Law (CTIL) in collaboration with NALSAR University of Law and the World Trade Institute, the event featured discussions on trade policies, energy transition, and global supply chains. The three-day conference, held from 17 to 19 January 2025, brought together policymakers, academics, and trade experts. Discussions focused on the evolving geopolitical landscape, the effectiveness of PLI schemes in boosting manufacturing, and the role of sustainability in shaping India’s future industrial strategies. Experts from the World Trade…

The Delhi government has introduced a new welfare scheme offering ₹2,500 per month to eligible women. This financial aid is aimed at supporting economically weaker women in the capital. The scheme is part of the ‘Mahila Samriddhi Scheme’ and applies to women with an annual income of less than ₹3 lakh. The announcement follows months of deliberation, with officials confirming that applications will open soon. The initiative is expected to benefit lakhs of women struggling with financial constraints. The government aims to empower them through direct financial assistance, improving their economic stability. Who Can Apply? Women residing in Delhi with…

Southern Indian leaders are urging families to have more children to maintain political clout. This comes as India plans to redraw constituency boundaries based on the 2021 census. Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister, MK Stalin, has called on couples to procreate to avoid losing parliamentary seats to the more populous northern states. He fears that without action, the south’s political influence will wane. Andhra Pradesh’s Chief Minister, N Chandrababu Naidu, echoes this sentiment. He now supports population growth, seeing it as a national advantage. Naidu believes that managing India’s demographic dividend is crucial for the country’s future. These appeals mark a…

Mumbai is facing an early summer heatwave. The city’s temperature recently hit 37-38°C, making it one of the hottest days in February. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning, predicting sweltering days ahead. IMD Warns of Rising Heat IMD officials reported that Mumbai’s temperature was nearly 5°C above normal. They attributed the spike in daytime temperatures to strong easterly winds. The IMD has warned that the hot spell may continue for the next few days. “Temperatures are unusually high for this time of the year. Hot conditions will persist,” an IMD official stated. What’s Causing the Heat? IMD…

India continues to make strides towards gender equality and women empowerment in 2025. As the world marks International Women’s Day, India reflects on its efforts in ensuring equal rights, opportunities, and leadership roles for women. From education to digital inclusion, major government initiatives are shaping a more inclusive future. Education and Skill Development Education remains the cornerstone of women empowerment. India has witnessed a sharp rise in female enrolment in higher education. Since 2017-18, the female Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) has surpassed that of males, reaching nearly 50% of total enrolment. Health and Well-being Maternal and child healthcare have improved…

India has announced the establishment of a second National Gene Bank, a significant step toward preserving genetic resources and ensuring future food security. The initiative aims to strengthen biodiversity conservation and safeguard agricultural resilience against climate change and other challenges. Preserving Agricultural Biodiversity The new National Gene Bank will house one million germplasm lines, significantly enhancing the country’s ability to conserve plant genetic resources. With over 811 cultivated crop species and 902 crop wild relatives, India possesses a vast genetic repository crucial for sustaining its agricultural ecosystem. This expansion aligns with global biodiversity efforts and highlights India’s commitment to sustainable…

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved a 12.9 km ropeway project connecting Sonprayag to Kedarnath in Uttarakhand. This initiative, part of the National Ropeways Development Programme – Parvatmala Pariyojana, aims to enhance connectivity for pilgrims visiting the sacred Kedarnath temple. The project will be developed on a Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Transfer (DBFOT) basis, with an estimated cost of ₹4,081.28 crore. Utilising advanced Tri-cable Detachable Gondola (3S) technology, the ropeway is designed to transport 1,800 passengers per hour in each direction, accommodating up to 18,000 passengers daily. Currently, pilgrims undertake…

India’s tribal communities, constituting 8.6% of the population, have long been custodians of rich cultural heritage. To uplift these communities, the Government of India has increased the budget for Scheduled Tribes’ development by 45.79% from 2024-25 to 2025-26. Empowering Through Van Dhan Yojana Launched on 14 April 2018, the Van Dhan Yojana transforms tribal gatherers into entrepreneurs. Under TRIFED’s guidance, over 11.83 lakh tribal individuals have benefited, with ₹587 crores allocated to the scheme. The initiative establishes Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKCs), where Self-Help Groups (SHGs) engage in the collection, value addition, and marketing of Minor Forest Produce (MFP). Each…

New SUV Variant Offers More Power and Control Toyota Kirloskar Motor has launched the manual transmission (MT) variant of its premium SUV, the Toyota Legender 4X4. The new version aims to offer enhanced driving engagement, blending power, luxury, and advanced technology. More Power, More Control The Legender 4X4 MT comes with a 2.8L diesel engine. It delivers 204 PS power and 420 Nm torque, ensuring a powerful driving experience. The 6-speed manual transmission allows for precise control, making off-road adventures smoother. Toyota’s 4X4 technology boosts its terrain-handling capabilities. Whether on highways or rugged landscapes, the Legender 4X4 MT promises a…

છત્રપતિ શિવાજી મહારાજનાં રાજ્યાભિષેકને ૩૫૦ વર્ષ પુર્ણ થયાના અવસરે અને પૂણ્યશ્લોક અહલ્યાબાઈ હોળકરની ૩૦૦મી જયંતિ પ્રસંગે નાસિકમાં આગામી સાતથી નવમી માર્ચ દરમિયાન રાજ્યસ્તરીય ક્રીડા મહોત્સવ યોજાશે. જેનું આઠમી માર્ચે મહિલાદિનનાં અવસરે રાજ્યનાં કેબિનેટ મંત્રીઓ મંગલપ્રભાત લોઢા અને ગિરીશ મહાજન ઉદ્ઘાટન કરશે. આ ખેલ મહોત્સવમાં ક્રિકેટ અને વોલીબોલ સહિતની ૧૧ જેટલી આધુનિક રમતો ઉપરાંત લેઝીમ, કબડ્ડી, ખો-ખો, ટગ ઓફ વોર, લગોરી, લંગડી, દોરડા કૂદ, પંજાની લડાઈ જેવી ૧૩ જેટલી પરંપરાગત રમતોનો પણ સમાવેશ કરવામાં આવ્યો છે. રાજ્યનાં કૌશલ્ય વિકાસ મંત્રી મંગલ પ્રભાત લોઢાની પહેલથી આ ખેલ મહોત્સવનું આયોજન કરવામાં આવ્યું છે. આ ક્રીડા મહાકૂંભનું ઉદ્ઘાટન આઠમી માર્ચે સવારે નવ કલાકે પંચવટી-નાસિક સ્થિત સ્વ.મીનાતાઈ ઠાકરે વિભાગીય ક્રીડા સંકૂલ ખાતે થશે. વ્યવસાયિક શિક્ષણ…