Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who will present her ninth consecutive Budget on Sunday, is the longest-serving finance minister to hold the post continuously. Sitharaman took charge of the Finance Ministry on May 31, 2019, and has steered the economy through the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical turmoil, making India the fastest-growing major economy in the world. Nirmala Sitharaman completed six years… Continue reading ""
The Supreme Court on Friday directed all states and Union Territories to ensure that schools provide biodegradable menstrual sanitary pads to students for free. Recognising the right to menstrual hygiene and access to menstrual hygiene products, the court said that it is part of the right to life under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution. A bench of Justices J… Continue reading "Supreme Court directs all states to provide free sanitary pads in all schools"
Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman C.P Radhakrishnan has urged the members to contribute to exercising robust parliamentary oversight and maintaining the highest parliamentary decorum to enable the upper house to have a meaningful transaction of the listed business. In his opening remarks during Zero Hour at the commencement of the Session of the Rajya Sabha, Radhakrishnan said that country’s… Continue reading "Vice-President CP Radhakrishnan urges decorum, constructive debate at start of Rajya Sabha Budget Session"
The Budget Session of Parliament began with the ceremonial address of President Droupadi Murmu to the joint sitting of both Houses. Speaking on the occasion, President Murmu highlighted the Central government’s sustained focus on strengthening the country’s public healthcare system, describing health and well-being as a central pillar of inclusive national development. The President outlined the government’s vision of “Sabka… Continue reading "Parliament’s Budget Session begins with President’s speech"
A plane carrying NCP leader and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar crashed on Wednesday morning while attempting to land at Baramati airport in Maharashtra. Pawar and four others died in the fatal crash which happened as the chartered aircraft was attempting an emergency landing at Baramati airport. The two pilots and Ajit’s two security personnel also died in the crash. Visuals from the… Continue reading "Ajit Pawar, 4 others killed in plane crash in Baramati"
India and the European Union on Tuesday announced the conclusion of negotiations for the free trade agreement, described as ‘mother of all deals’, under which 93 per cent of Indian shipments will enjoy duty-free access to the 27-nation bloc, while import of luxury cars and wines from the EU will become less expensive. The deal, concluded after negotiations spanning over… Continue reading "India, EU conclude trade agreement; zero-duty for 93 pc goods"
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday called upon global energy players to invest in India’s energy sector across exploration and downstream sectors, and said the country offers investment opportunities worth $500 billion. The country is now moving towards energy independence, as it has in the past few years ensured energy security, Modi said, addressing the inaugural session of the India… Continue reading "India’s energy sector offers $500-billion investment opportunity: PM Modi"
Banking operations of public sector banks across the country are likely to be impacted on Tuesday with the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) deciding to go ahead with a nationwide strike on January 27 to press for the immediate implementation of a five-day work week. The strike call by the UFBU, an umbrella body of nine unions representing officers… Continue reading "Bank employees to stage strike from today seeking 5-day work week"
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Monday said a “successful India makes the world more stable, prosperous and secure,” as she attended the 77th Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi amid momentum on a landmark India–EU trade deal. Von der Leyen, along with President of the European Council Antonio Costa, graced the parade as chief guests at Kartavya… Continue reading "EU chief says ‘successful India makes world more stable’"
India and the European Union (EU) have successfully concluded negotiations for the proposed Free Trade Agreement, commerce secretary Rajesh Agrawal said on Monday. He said the deal, to be announced formally on January 27, is “balanced and forward-looking,” which will help improve India’s economic integration with the EU. “The deal will come into force sometime next year. Legal scrubbing of… Continue reading "India-EU trade deal finalised, says commerce secy; to take effect next year"