The Central Government has removed Padma Jaiswal, a 2003-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the AGMUT cadre, from service after a detailed inquiry into corruption allegations dating back nearly two decades. This action represents a significant step in a long-running disciplinary case involving financial irregularities during her early posting in Arunachal Pradesh. Jaiswal, who was serving as Special Secretary in the Delhi Government’s Department of Administr

The Delhi government has introduced a series of practical measures aimed at conserving fuel, reducing traffic congestion, and promoting sustainable commuting practices. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced these steps during a press conference, emphasising a collaborative approach that involves both government departments and citizens. The initiatives align with national efforts to promote energy efficiency amid global uncertainties. Delhi government employees to get mandator

The Indian Army and the Indian Navy have taken a significant step towards deeper integration by signing a Memorandum of Association (MoA) on Affiliation. This agreement formalises structured, long-term collaboration between units and establishments of the two services, marking a key milestone in the armed forces’ efforts to enhance interoperability and operational synergy. The MoA was signed in New Delhi by Lt Gen VPS Kaushik, Adjutant General of the Indian Army, and Vice Adm

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has extended firm assurances to India regarding the continued and uninterrupted flow of energy supplies from Russia. Speaking in an interview with RT India ahead of the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi, Lavrov emphasised that Moscow remains fully committed to honouring its agreements with New Delhi, even as geopolitical tensions and external pressures mount on global energy markets. Lavrov stated that India’s interests conce

India has commenced the two-day BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting at Bharat Mandapam in the national capital, under its 2026 chairship of the expanded grouping. Chaired by External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, the gathering brings together senior diplomats from BRICS member countries and partner nations to discuss global and regional challenges while advancing shared goals of resilience, innovation, cooperation, and sustainability. The meeting features a symbolic family

India has voiced strong disapproval following an attack on an Indian-flagged cargo vessel near the Omani coast, describing the incident as “unacceptable” and highlighting the growing risks to commercial shipping and civilian mariners in a volatile maritime region. Vessels in the Strait of Hormuz near Bandar Abbas, Iran. Representative image: Reuters File | Firstpost MEA’s Firm Response The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a clear statement on Thursday condemning the

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced the rollout of Phase 3 of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, marking a significant step towards updating and purifying voter lists across the country. This phase covers 19 states and Union Territories, including major regions such as Delhi and Maharashtra, and is expected to involve nearly 37 crore electors. The initiative reflects the Commission’s ongoing commitment to maintaining accurate and credibl

In a significant boost to India’s growing stature as a global technology and innovation hub, ride-hailing and mobility giant Uber has announced plans to set up its first data centre in the country in collaboration with the Adani Group. The facility is expected to become operational later this year and will play a pivotal role in testing and deploying advanced technological solutions. Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi made the announcement following a meeting with Adani Group Chairma

The Election Commission of India (ECI) is ready to roll out the third and final phase of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in the coming days. This phase will cover nearly 40 crore electors across 22 States and Union Territories, bringing the nationwide exercise to completion and aiming to create more accurate and updated voter lists across the country. The process was temporarily deferred due to the recent Assembly elections in Kerala, Assam, Puducherry

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has highlighted India’s significant shift from being a major consumer of foreign technology to an emerging developer and exporter of cutting-edge innovations. This transition marks a pivotal moment in the country’s quest to become a global hub for deep-tech advancements. Speaking at the inaugural IIT Madras Technology Summit 2026, held on May 5, 2026, at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, Pradhan emphasized the growing strength of India’

In a significant moment during the first session of the 17th Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, DMK leader and Leader of Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin reiterated his long-held view on Sanatana Dharma. Speaking while congratulating the newly elected Speaker J.C.D. Prabhakar on May 12, Stalin stated that Sanatana Dharma, which he described as dividing people, must be eradicated. His remarks, delivered in the presence of Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, have once again brought the

In a significant show of collective responsibility, several BJP-ruled states and senior leaders have promptly implemented practical steps to promote fuel conservation and reduce government expenditure. This follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal urging citizens and officials to adopt austerity practices amid global energy uncertainties arising from the West Asia situation. The Prime Minister himself set a strong example by directing a nearly 50% reduction in the size o

The Indian government has raised the effective customs duty on gold and silver imports from 6% to 15%, with the change taking immediate effect. The duty on platinum has also been increased to 15.4%. This policy adjustment, announced through a Finance Ministry notification, combines a higher basic customs duty and Agriculture Infrastructure and Development Cess (AIDC) to address pressures on the country’s foreign exchange reserves. The decision aligns closely with recent appea

The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between India and Oman is set to take effect on June 1, 2026, marking a significant milestone in strengthening economic ties between the two nations. Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal announced the development after productive discussions with the Omani delegation on the sidelines of the CII Annual Business Summit 2026. This agreement, signed in December 2025, represents Oman’s first comprehensive trade p

In a proud moment for India's defence manufacturing sector, Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) has successfully rolled out the first Airbus C295 military transport aircraft assembled at its Final Assembly Line (FAL) in Vadodara. This milestone, achieved on May 12, 2026, arrives four months ahead of the original September 2026 schedule, reflecting the strong momentum of the Tata-Airbus partnership and India's growing capabilities in high-technology aerospace production. This

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 12, 2026, expressed his happiness over the West Bengal government’s decision to implement the Centre’s flagship Ayushman Bharat (Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana or PM-JAY) scheme. In a post on X, he emphasised that the welfare of the people of West Bengal remains paramount and that the scheme would bring quality and affordable healthcare to millions in the state. He also highlighted the role of coordinated efforts between the Centre and th

India has firmly criticised China for providing technical assistance to Pakistan during the 2025 military confrontation known as Operation Sindoor. The Ministry of External Affairs emphasised that countries which regard themselves as responsible global actors should carefully consider how supporting efforts to shield terrorist infrastructure can harm their international reputation and standing. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal addressed the matter during the daily media brief

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invited the Indian diaspora to become active ambassadors for India's tourism sector by encouraging at least five foreign families each to visit the country. This appeal forms part of a broader message emphasising national responsibility during a period of global economic uncertainty. Speaking at a public event in Vadodara, Gujarat, on May 11-12, the Prime Minister highlighted the potential of iconic landmarks like the Statue of Unity to attrac

The Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has introduced a significant reform in India's hydrocarbon sector by rationalising royalty rates for crude oil, natural gas, and casing head condensate. Notified on May 8, 2026, these changes aim to create a more predictable and investor-friendly fiscal regime, encourage exploration in challenging areas, and support the goal of enhancing domestic energy production. India lowered upstream royalty burdens for oil and gas producers

In a grand ceremony at the Veterinary College Field in Khanapara, Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Assam for a second successive term today. Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya administered the oath of office and secrecy. This event marks the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) historic third consecutive victory in the state, reflecting strong public trust in the alliance’s vision for progress and stability. The swearing-in was attende