Amit Shah Addresses the All India Forensic Science Summit 2025 Organised by NFSU in New Delhi
Union Minister Amit Shah addressed the All India Forensic Science Summit 2025 organised by the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) in New Delhi as the Chief Guest. The theme of the conference was 'Role of Forensic Science in Effective Implementation of New Criminal Laws and Combating Terrorism'. The conference was attended by many dignitaries including Justice V. Ramasubramanian, Chairperson, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Attorney General R. Venkataramani, Rajya Sabha MP and Chairman, Bar Council of India Manan Kumar Mishra, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan and Vice Chancellor, NFSU Dr. J. M. Vyas.
Telangana Becomes First State to Implement SC Sub-Categorisation
The Telangana government became the first in India to implement Scheduled Castes (SC) sub-categorisation, following the Supreme Court's approval. On April 14, 2025—coinciding with Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's birth anniversary—the state issued a Government Order (GO) enforcing the Telangana Scheduled Castes (Rationalisation of Reservations) Act, 2025. The move aims to rationalise the existing 15% SC reservation by dividing 59 SC sub-castes into three groups based on inter-se backwardness, thus ensuring more equitable distribution of benefits.
Assam Mandates Assamese as Compulsory Official Language for All Government Works
Assamese to be compulsory official language for all government notifications, orders, acts and other such works in Assam, announced Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. He further said that Bengali and Bodo will be used respectively in the districts of Barak Valley and Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR).
All Notifications, Orders, Acts, Rules, Regulations, and Guidelines issued by the Central Government shall be published by translating them into Assamese (Bodo and Bengali, wherever applicable) within thirty (30) days of receipt by the department concerned.
Legacy documents comprising Acts, Rules, Regulations, and Notifications shall also be translated into Assamese (Bodo and Bengali, wherever applicable) over a period of two years in a phased manner. The translation work shall be undertaken with the assistance of the language departments of the Universities.
In the event of any ambiguity, discrepancy, or requirement of legal interpretation, the English version of such laws, Notifications, Roles, Regulations, and ordinances shall prevail.
India's International Technology Engagement Strategy for Quantum
The Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India released the first edition of the International Technology Engagement Strategy for Quantum (ITES-Q). This milestone aligns with the celebration of World Quantum Day and the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQST 2025), as designated by the United Nations. This strategy reflects India's outward-facing roadmap to accelerate global collaboration, foster innovation, and align with the National Quantum Mission (NQM) for leadership in quantum science, technology, and innovation (QSTI).
It was released with the intent to accelerate discovery, foster innovation, and catalyse adoption across critical sectors.
Apr 14, 2025
India and Italy Agree to Take Forward IMEEC Initiative
India and Italy decided to expand cooperation in areas of trade, defence, clean energy and high technology while agreeing to work jointly in implementing the ambitious India-Middle-East-Europe-Economic Corridor (IMEEC).
Ways to deepen India-Italy cooperation under the framework of Joint Strategic Action Plan (JSAP) 2025-29 figured prominently during talks between External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Italian Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajan.
Tajani, also the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, was on a two-day visit to India.
Kerala Declares CM Pinarayi Vijayan's Dharmadam Constituency Extreme Poverty-Free
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's Dharmadam Assembly constituency in Kannur was declared as the state's first extreme poverty-free constituency.
In a function held at Pinarayi village in his constituency, Vijayan said that the entire state will be declared as an extreme poverty-free state on 1 November, 2025.
Significantly, the four common factors taken as indicators of extreme poverty were food availability, health, income, and housing, which were considered basic requirements for survival of a family.
Apr 13, 2025
Global Technology Summit (GTS) 2025
The 9th edition of the Global Technology Summit (GTS), a flagship event co-hosted by the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, and Carnegie India, took place in New Delhi from April 10 to 12, 2025. The Summit brought together global leaders from various sectors—government, industry, academia, and civil society—aiming to shape global technology policy. With the theme "Sambhavna" (meaning possibilities), GTS 2025 explored how emerging technologies can foster inclusive growth, enhance digital governance, and facilitate cross-border cooperation. The Summit addressed some of the world's most pressing tech challenges, engaging over 150 speakers from more than 40 countries, and providing a platform for young professionals to contribute to the dialogue.
Apr 12, 2025
CM Dhami Launches Bhagirath App for Water Conservation in Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami launched the Bhagirath mobile app as part of the state's Jal Sanrakshan Abhiyan (Water Conservation Campaign) 2025. The initiative, aligning with the campaign's theme 'Dhara Mera, Naula Mera, Gaon Mera, Prayas Mera,' aims to involve citizens in reporting endangered water sources in their areas. The app will enable the government to take prompt action to conserve and restore critical water bodies like Naulas, Dharaas, and rain-fed rivers. CM Dhami emphasised the need for public participation and the role of sustainable water management practices in ensuring the long-term viability of water resources in the state.
The 8th Session of India-Russia Working Group on Priority Investment Projects held in New Delhi
The 8th Session of the India-Russia Working Group on Priority Investment Projects (IRWG-PIP) under the India-Russia Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation was held in New Delhi.
The Working Group meeting was held successfully, with the co-chairs signing a protocol highlighting multiple projects of strategic importance to both nations.
The Working Group also reviewed the outcomes of the 7th session, and both sides agreed to include six new strategic projects aimed at deepening bilateral investment cooperation. Discussions were held in a constructive atmosphere, with both countries reaffirming their commitment to expand investment collaboration across various sectors.
On the sidelines of the 8th Session of IRWG-PIP, the 2nd Edition of the India-Russia Investment Forum was also organised, in collaboration with Invest India, Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC), and the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation.
Apr 11, 2025
India, UK Hold 13th Economic and Financial Dialogue in London
The 13th Ministerial meeting of the India-UK Economic and Financial Dialogue was held at London. The Indian delegation, led by Nirmala Sitharaman, Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, held high-level discussions with the UK delegation led by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Rt. Hon. Rachel Reeves.
The Indian delegation comprised of the Finance Secretary, Chairman IFSCA, Whole Time Member from SEBI and other senior officers from Ministry of Finance and Indian High Commission in London. Governor RBI also attended the meeting in virtual mode. The UK delegation included the Governor of Bank of England, FCA CEO, Economic Secretary of Treasury, and senior officials from HM's Treasury.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to continue collaboration in financial services sector, FinTech and Digital economy and between the respective regulatory bodies; collaboration at bilateral and multilateral fora to address mutual and global economic issues including mobilising affordable finance and investment for low carbon economic growth, taxation matters and illicit financial flows.
Maharashtra Government Renames Khultabad as Ratnapur
In a move aimed at reviving pre-Mughal heritage and identity, the Maharashtra government announced the renaming of the historic town Khultabad to its original name, Ratnapur. This decision was declared by the State's Social Justice Minister Sanjay Shirsat, reflecting the ongoing initiative by the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance to restore the original cultural and historical names of places altered during the Mughal period. Khultabad, located in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar district, is not only known for its scenic and spiritual significance but also for housing the tomb of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb.