National

Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], August 4: NASA and ISRO’s joint NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) Earth observation satellite has lifted off in a landmark mission, and Kolkata-born scientist Subhradip Ghosh played a pivotal role in its success. NISAR will measure Earth’s changing ecosystems and dynamic surfaces – from melting ice sheets to vegetation changes – providing critical data on biomass, sea-level rise and natural hazards. Launched on July 30, 2025 from India’s Satish Dhawan Space Centre, NISAR carries advanced L- and S-band radars and represents the first-ever joint hardware collaboration between ISRO and NASA. Landmark NASA-ISRO NISAR Earth-Observing Mission The 3-stage Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mk II (GSLV Mk II) rocket – a 52-meter tall launch vehicle – ca...

New Delhi [India], July 28: The Government of India has extended the cut-off date for opting into the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) until 30th September 2025. This move gives central government employees more time to weigh their options between UPS and the National Pension System (NPS). Here’s a breakdown of what this means, who is eligible, and how to make the switch. Understanding the Deadline Extension The Ministry of Finance has extended the UPS option window from the earlier deadline of June 30, 2025, to September 30, 2025. This extension came in response to multiple requests from stakeholders, including government employees and their families, seeking more time to make a well-informed decision about retirement planning. This change applies to:Central government employees in service ...

New Delhi [India], July 26: As India marked the 26th anniversary of the Kargil Vijay Diwas, a powerful wave of patriotism swept the nation from schools to colleges, offices to parks and memorials across the country. In a landmark initiative, State Bank of India (SBI), the nation’s largest bank and Fitistan- Ek Fit Bharat, India’s largest community-based fitness movement, concluded the 2nd Edition of the SBI Kargil Tiger Hill Challenge with resounding success. The nationwide tribute honoured the 527 bravehearts of the Indian Armed Forces who laid down their lives during the Kargil War in 1999. With an overwhelming 35,000+ participants and active involvement of 17 SBI Circles, the challenge went far beyond being a fitness activity. It became a powerful movement of remembrance, respect, unity...

New Delhi [India], July 23: In light of new cybersecurity mandates affecting intelligent transport systems (ITS), this policy recommendation recommends extending the ER-01 cybersecurity certification deadline for CCTV network cameras to January 1, 2026. The ITS India Forum fully supports the intent of the ER-01 mandate – effective April 9, 2025 – to safeguard national security from substandard surveillance systems. However, the forum highlights that while compliance with these standards is crucial amid India’s rapid ITS growth, several operational challenges could delay effective implementation in key projects like tolling and traffic enforcement. To prevent disruptions and ensure the mandate’s success, the forum formally proposes extending the compliance deadline to January 1, 2026. This ...

Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], July 19: In a landmark move poised to redefine urban governance in India, the Telangana government has announced plans to transform Hyderabad into the country’s first fully operational 24×7 city. Under the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, the initiative aims to unlock the city’s full economic potential by fostering a vibrant night-time economy. From IT and healthcare to retail, logistics, and hospitality, the new policy will facilitate round-the-clock activity in key sectors, positioning Hyderabad alongside global cities like New York, Dubai, and Tokyo. This sweeping vision is being operationalized through a coordinated, multi-departmental strategy. As the newly appointed Collector of Hyderabad, Hari Chandana, IAS, brings a wealth of adm...

New Delhi [India], July 18: Ramneek Sharma, Division Secretary of the Uttar Railway Mazdoor Union (URMU), Delhi Division, recently visited Japan as part of a high-level delegation organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). During this significant visit, he toured the United Nations University (UNU) in Tokyo and observed various research and policy programs based on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He also held an important meeting with the Director of the International Labour Organization (ILO) at its Japan office, where they discussed global labour policies, social security, and the challenges faced by Indian railway workers. The primary objective of the visit was to facilitate the exchange of ideas and experiences between India and Japan in the field of labour and ...

Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu) [India], July 16: We create pollution day in and day out, all over the world. Scientists warn that beyond the year 2100, Mother Earth may no longer support life as created by GOD due to rampant pollution. In a decisive move toward achieving a pollution-free India—and the world—MAK India Limited, a company solely dedicated to pollution solutions, led by visionary founder Manu Neethi Manickam (popularly known as MAK), proudly announces that it has developed and successfully field-tested a comprehensive, patented, world-first, field-proven, and Made-in-India solution to all major forms of pollution—air, water, and soil. MAK India Limited Chairman Mr. Manickam Athappa Gounder and General Manager Mr. Ramesh Rajagopal said, “We have a patented, field-proven, world-first a...

New Delhi [India], July 15: I’d like to begin by expressing my gratitude to Prasanna Lohar, President and Founder of India Blockchain Forum, for steering such a meaningful session at Matrix Forum 2025, and to J Sivakumar of SBI for his candid and practical insights from the banking frontlines. These kinds of open, honest conversations are what India’s digital journey needs most right now. Bringing Digital to the Heart of Rural India When we talk about the future of Indian finance, it’s easy to get lost in big numbers and new technology. But at its core, this conversation is about real people—farmers, small business owners, rural communities. Agriculture still employs around 42% of India’s workforce and contributes nearly 18% to our GDP. When we get digital right for this sector, we set the...

Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], July 14: Hyderabad, the vibrant capital of Telangana, is currently witnessing a significant moment in its administrative history. On June 13, 2025, Hari Chandana, a dynamic IAS officer of the 2010 batch from the Telangana cadre, assumed charge as the District Collector of Hyderabad. This is not merely a routine appointment; it is a landmark event that resonates deeply with the spirit of inclusive governance championed by the present Congress government led by Honorable Chief Minister Shri A. Revanth Reddy. Hari Chandana’s appointment to this crucial role is particularly momentous as she is widely recognized as the first Dalit woman to ever serve as the Collector of Hyderabad. Furthermore, her appointment makes her the most prominent Dalit officer to hold this...

Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], July 10: The Kolkata Chapter of the Public Relations Society of India (PRSI) convened its 55th Annual General Body Meeting at The Saturday Club, marking a pivotal moment in the chapter’s journey with the election of a new leadership team. The event reinforced PRSI Kolkata’s commitment to ethical communication, inclusivity, and digital transformation in the field of public relations. Soumyajit Mahapatra, Advisor at i Communications, has been elected as Chairman of the chapter. The newly appointed core team also includes Aninda Das, Vice President – Marketing, Infinity Group, as Vice Chairman; Chitralekha Banerjee, Editor & PR Manager, Wood & Panel, as Secretary; Nirmal Chatterjee, Senior Manager – Industry Relations & Corporate Communications, ITC ...