Tripura Becomes First North-eastern State to Sign MoU with Bhashini for Multi-lingual Governance
The Government of Tripura, signed an MoU with Digital India Bhashini Division (DIBD) of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, under the esteem guidance of Chief Minister Manik Saha, marking a significant milestone in the state's efforts to increase the usage of the rich regional languages of Tripura and to facilitate citizen's digital participation by using these languages in governance.
Tripura proudly stands as the first north-eastern state, the first in eastern India, and the eighth state in the country to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bhashini. This pioneering step underscores Tripura's commitment to digital inclusivity and leveraging technology for enhanced citizen centric governance.
India, Oman Hold Joint Commission Meeting
Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal visited Oman and co-chaired the 11th Session of the India-Oman Joint Commission Meeting (JCM).
The meeting was co-chaired by Qais bin Mohammed Al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion of the Sultanate of Oman.
JCM saw productive discussions on enhancing bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, technology, food security, renewable energy and other key areas. The Minister held a productive bilateral meeting with Minister Qais during which he undertook a detailed review of the bilateral trade and economic relations between India and Oman and identified concrete steps to further strengthen the mutually beneficial business ties.
On the sidelines of the visit, both sides signed the Protocol to amend the India-Oman Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA), aligning it with international standards on cross-border taxation, simplifying tax procedures, and promoting greater cooperation in tax matters.
Jan 28, 2025
'Samman Sanjeevani' App Unveiled on National Girl Child Day
Haryana Cabinet Minister Shruti Choudhry launched the 'Samman Sanjeevani' app, aimed at enhancing the efficiency of the 'Mahila Evam Kishori Samman Yojana'. The initiative is designed to provide essential services to BPL (Below Poverty Line) women and girls between the ages of 10 and 45, particularly sanitary napkins. This app is a part of the Haryana Government's ongoing commitment to ensuring timely and efficient delivery of welfare benefits to its citizens. The event also marked the 10th anniversary of the 'Beti Bachao Beti Padhao' scheme, a major initiative focusing on women's empowerment.
The app helps track the timely delivery of services to beneficiaries.
It aims to streamline the administration of the program, ensuring no delays in service provision.
Uniform Civil Code Rollout Begins in Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand made history by becoming the first state in independent India to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), effective from January 27, 2025. The decision is part of the BJP's election promise, and it has been widely anticipated since the state's assembly elections in 2022. The UCC aims to bring uniformity in personal laws, providing equal rights and responsibilities for all citizens, regardless of their religion or community. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami emphasised that the law's purpose is not to target any individual or group but to ensure fairness, equality, and social harmony.
Key developments surrounding the UCC include extensive consultations, the formation of expert committees, and the drafting of comprehensive rules to ensure smooth implementation. This article outlines the significant aspects of Uttarakhand's Uniform Civil Code, the provisions it encompasses, and the expected societal impact.
Union Govt. Sets up Committee to Shortlist Candidates for Chief Election Commissioner's Post
With Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar set to demit office on February 18, the Union Law Ministry set up a Search Committee headed by Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal to shortlist names for his replacement.
The Search Committee would shortlist names to be considered by the Selection Committee comprising Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a Cabinet Minister and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi.
The process of appointing the CEC from a panel of five as per the Chief Election Commissioner And Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023, is a first.
Jan 27, 2025
International Conference Marks 125 Years of Solar Physics Research in India
An international conference titled 'Sun, Space Weather, and Solar-Stellar Connections' was held in Bengaluru from January 20 to 24, 2025, to commemorate the 125th anniversary of the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory (KSO). Organised by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), the event gathered over 200 solar physicists from India and abroad to discuss advancements in solar magnetism, solar-stellar connections, and space weather.
Established in 1899, KSO has been pivotal in advancing solar astrophysics in India. Its extensive repository of photographic images has provided invaluable insights into solar phenomena such as sunspots, solar flares, and coronal mass ejections. The observatory's unique location and state-of-the-art equipment have significantly contributed to our understanding of the Sun's behaviour and its impact on Earth.
Republic Day 2025: Debutants Who Made Their Mark This Year
The Republic Day Parade 2025 was a remarkable showcase of India's defence capabilities and evolving military strategies. Several key debuts highlighted India's progress towards self-reliance and gender empowerment within the Armed Forces. The event featured the debut of the Tri-Services Tableau, women officers leading the parade, cutting-edge defence technology from the DRDO, and the Indian Coast Guard's participation. Each element reflected the nation's growth in defence strength, technological advancements, and commitment to a secure, empowered future.
The tri-services tableau made its debut at the 76th Republic Day Parade, the tri-services tableau symbolised the spirit of jointness and integration among the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
The tableau theme, 'Shashakt aur Surakshit Bharat' (Empowered and Secure India), represented the Armed Forces' commitment to national security and seamless coordination.
Naveen Patnaik-Led BJD Dissolves All State-Level Frontal Organisations
The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) dissolved all its state-level frontal organisations. The move came ahead of the party's forthcoming organisational election.
Pratap Keshari Deb, MLA was appointed as State Returning Officer for smooth conduct of the Organizational Election of Biju Janata Dal with immediate effect.
After getting the responsibility, senior BJD leader Deb thanked Patnaik for appointing him as the state returning officer for the third consecutive time.
Deb said that elections will be held first at the grassroots level, and later at the block level, district level and then the state level.
The "Hamara Samvidhan – Hamara Swabhiman" campaign, launched on January 24, 2024, by the Vice President of India at the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi, commemorates the 75th anniversary of India's Constitution and its establishment as a Republic. This year-long initiative aims to deepen citizens' understanding of the Constitution and promote legal empowerment across the nation.
Over 1.3 lakh citizens took the Panch Pran Pledge on the MyGov platform, reflecting their commitment to nation-building.
On January 24, 2025, the campaign concluded with a significant event at Parmarth Triveni Pushp, Arail Ghat, Prayagraj, coinciding with the Maha Kumbh Mela.
Jan 26, 2025
National Conference on Good Governance to be Held in Gandhinagar (Gujarat)
With the objective of implementing the Prime Minister's vision of "Maximum Governance – Minimum Government", the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Government of India in collaboration with the Government of Gujarat is organising a two-day National Conference on "Good Governance" from January 30 to 31, 2025 at Gandhinagar.
Chief Minister of Gujarat, Bhupendra Patel and Union Minister of State Jitendra Singh, Chief Secretary, Government of Gujarat will address the inaugural session. During the session, e-Journal on Administrative Reforms, titled Minimum Government-Maximum Governance in two volumes will be unveiled jointly by Bhupendra Patel and Jitendra Singh.
Jan 25, 2025
Cabinet Approves Continuation of National Health Mission for Another Five Years
The Union Cabinet reviewed the progress under the National Health Mission (NHM) over the last three years and was informed that with significant progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), India is on track to meet its health targets well ahead of the 2030 deadline.
The Union Cabinet approved continuation of the National Health Mission for another five years.
Union Minister Piyush Goyal said that the Mission has met historic targets in the past 10 years.
Goyal pointed out that nearly 12 lakh health-care workers joined the National Health Mission (NHM) between 2021 and 2022 and India fought the COVID-19 pandemic under the Mission.