Tag: national

New Delhi [India], October 11: The Eighth Session of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) Assembly, scheduled from 27 to 30 October 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, will bring the world together under one Sun, one vision, and one shared commitment to solar energy.

Launched by India and France at COP21 in Paris, ISA is the largest treaty-based intergovernmental organisation from the Global South, bringing together 124 Member and Signatory Countries. This high-level ministerial gathering comes weeks ahead of COP30 in Brazil, shaping priorities for scaling solar energy, unlocking transformative finance, charting technology and policy roadmaps, and building skill ecosystems to accelerate a just and inclusive energy transition.

At the curtain-raiser today, Shri Pralhad Joshi, Hon’ble Minister of New and Renewable Energy, GoI, & President of the ISA Assembly, said, “Owing to its clear vision and the consistent policies, India achieved its renewable energy targets five years ahead of the schedule, crossing the 50% mark in overall installed electricity capacity from non-fossil resources. Today with approximately 125 GW of solar capacity, India is the world’s third largest solar producer. This progress shows how the national ambition can translate to meaningful change at the local level. It is because our success story is more than just numbers; it is about the people. We have seen firsthand how decentralised solar transforms lives, bring light to rural homes, powers local health centres and gives new tools to our farmers. With PM Surya Ghar – Muft Bijli Yojana, more than 20 lakh households are benefiting from solar power.”

He further added, “Under the PM-KUSUM scheme, we are taking this transformation to the heartland of India. The three components of the scheme target the installation of 10 gigawatts of small solar plants; support 1.4 million off-grid solar pumps; and solarise 3.5 million grid-connected agricultural pumps. Together, these efforts are ensuring that clean energy reaches the last mile. It is this combination of scale and inclusiveness that defines India’s energy transition.”

Shri Santosh Kumar Sarangi, Secretary, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, GoI, noted, “Today we are the third largest in solar power, fourth largest in wind power and overall, we are now the third largest renewable energy installation in the world. Additionally, in manufacturing of solar modules we are the second largest after China. Our manufacturing is not only confined to solar modules but also extends to areas like green hydrogen which is a pivotal part of our energy security—and is going ahead as per our goal of manufacturing about 5 million tonnes of green hydrogen by 2031.”

He also noted, “ISA’s role in experience sharing, in cross learning and in deploying solar both at scale as well as at a distributed level has been commendable and I compliment the partner countries who have collaborated within the framework of ISA for expansion of solar energy in their respective countries. We remain committed to continue this collaboration in future and in a variety of ways through both financial support as well as technical support which we have been extending to ISA.  We also wish to see how it can be scaled up in other countries. Some of the deployment experiments in Africa have shown encouraging results. Given India’s success in deploying solar energy at both utility and distributed levels—through household and farm-level initiatives such as the PM Surya Ghar – Muft Bijli Yojana, which aims to solarise 10 million households, and the PM-KUSUM scheme for farm-level solarisation—India is ready to partner with other countries in implementing similar initiatives.”

Mr Ashish Khanna, Director General of ISA said, “Global renewable energy is at an inflection point. It took oil 25 years to reach 1,000 GW — renewables doubled that in just two years. For the first time, renewable generation has surpassed fossil generation. This is a decisive moment for the Global South to lead. The coming decade must be defined not only by ambition but by tangible action. In this new energy landscape, ISA is emerging as a platform of aggregation—convening nations for collective action to drive large-scale solar deployment. Our vision is to accelerate this momentum by moving from commitments to concrete projects, from dialogue to delivery, and from potential to measurable impact—ensuring solar truly becomes the foundation of a sustainable and inclusive future.”

Recalling Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision at the first ISA Assembly in 2018, Mr Khanna emphasised ISA’s role in enhancing solar deployment through aggregation, harmonising technology standards, enabling data-driven energy planning, supporting research and innovation, and advancing One Sun, One World, One Grid (OSOWOG). He highlighted India’s potential to become the “Silicon Valley for Solar” with the establishment of the Global Capability Centre (GCC), linked with STAR-C hubs worldwide for technical support, digital tools, and training.

The Eighth Session of the ISA Assembly will focus on four strategic pillars: Catalytic Finance Hub; Global Capability Centre & Digitisation; Regional & Country-Level Engagement; and Technology Roadmap & Policy. Ministerial and technical sessions will explore actionable priorities, including advancing catalytic finance through the Africa Solar Facility, strengthening country partnerships through the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Platform, a dedicated initiative to support SIDS in accelerating solar energy deployment through finance, technology, and capacity-building partnerships. and scaling innovation via floating solar, AI and digitisation, OSOWOG, green hydrogen, and standards and testing and solar for agriculture, underscoring ISA’s shift from ambition to action.

The Assembly will also see the release of ISA’s flagship reports—Ease of Doing Solar 2025 and Solar Trends 2025—outlining global progress and pathways to scale solar deployment.

Ahead of the Assembly, ISA convened Regional Committee Meetings across its four regions: Europe & Others in Brussels (10–12 June), Asia-Pacific in Colombo (15–17 July), Latin America & the Caribbean in Santiago (4–6 August), and Africa in Accra (2–4 September). These meetings, attended by representatives from over 100 countries, reviewed progress, addressed challenges, and aligned regional initiatives with ISA’s global priorities. Recommendations on catalytic finance, innovation partnerships, and solarisation for energy access will feed into the Assembly’s deliberations and outcomes.

For more information, visit the ISA website: www.isa.int

New Delhi [India], October 11: After 20 child deaths in Madhya Pradesh, Delhi banned the killer cough syrup Coldrif. But this tragedy is now driving India’s biggest clean-up of its drug manufacturing ecosystem in years.

A Tragedy That Triggered a Reckoning – Killer Cough Syrup

Sometimes it takes a crisis to wake up a system. The deaths linked to Coldrif cough syrup, manufactured by Sreesan Pharmaceuticals in Tamil Nadu, have done just that.

Investigators found 48.6% diethylene glycol, a toxic industrial solvent, in samples, hundreds of times above the safety limit. The same chemical has caused tragedies abroad. But this time, India didn’t shrug and move on.

Within days, Delhi, Kerala, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh banned the syrup. The Union Health Ministry launched a national crackdown on substandard formulations. And for the first time in a long time, the drug regulators and state governments are acting in sync.

Swift Action, Not Silence

The Delhi Drugs Control Department issued a public ban on October 10, declaring Coldrif “Not of Standard Quality” and “injurious to health.”
The order directed every pharmacy, distributor, and citizen to stop sale and use immediately.

Instead of the usual bureaucratic limbo, this was a clear, fast response, backed by states across India. Delhi led, others followed. That’s what good governance looks like.

Behind the Numbers, Human Stories

Every reform story begins with pain. Parents in Parasia, Madhya Pradesh, still carry photos of the children they lost. They went to trusted local doctors, seeking a simple cure for cough and fever. What they got instead was tragedy.

But their grief is now driving change. It has pushed regulators, doctors, and manufacturers into one urgent question: how did toxic solvents end up in a children’s syrup, and how do we make sure it never happens again?

India’s Drug System Under the Microscope

The answer lies in India’s layered but fragmented regulatory system.
The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) approves new drugs and oversees imports, while state regulators handle manufacturing licenses. That’s a lot of moving parts, and sometimes, too many blind spots.

The good news? Those gaps are finally being filled.

Following the Coldrif incident, CDSCO chief Dr. Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi issued a directive on October 7 to all States and Union Territories: test all raw materials, excipients, and finished drugs thoroughly under the Drugs Rules, 1945.

It’s not just talk. States are now conducting joint audits, modernising testing labs, and creating a national database of manufacturers. The goal: traceability from factory to pharmacy, every batch logged, every bottle accountable.

Accountability Without Delay

In Tamil Nadu, the source state, action was swift and decisive. The government suspended two senior drug inspectors and cancelled Sreesan Pharma’s license. The factory, located near Kancheepuram, was sealed after inspections found over 300 quality violations.

The company’s proprietor, G. Ranganathan, was arrested on October 9. Investigations revealed that the manufacturer had used non-pharmacopoeial grade solvents, likely contaminated with diethylene glycol.

This time, the message from regulators was clear: Cutting corners is no longer cheap, it’s criminal.

A Reform Moment for Indian Pharma

India’s pharmaceutical industry is one of the world’s largest, supplying affordable medicine to over 200 countries. But incidents like Coldrif remind us that scale must be matched with safety.

The Central and State governments are now using this as a pivot point.

• Nationwide audits of cough syrup makers have begun.
  
• The World Health Organization has been formally notified of the recalls.
  
• New guidelines for continuous quality monitoring are being implemented.
  

Industry leaders are also stepping up. Several pharma associations have begun internal compliance checks and training drives for small and medium manufacturers, a move that could reshape India’s pharmaceutical credibility globally.

From Crisis to Course Correction

To be fair, India has faced diethylene glycol scares before, in 1986, and again in 2022 when exported syrups caused child deaths abroad. Each time, the system promised reform.
This time, it’s delivering.

The new joint regulatory audit model, backed by the Health Ministry and CDSCO, ensures every state shares accountability. The Ministry is also pushing for AI-based tracking of manufacturing and distribution chains, something that can identify red flags before they hit pharmacy shelves.

That’s not damage control, that’s evolution.

Ground-Level Vigilance

In Madhya Pradesh, over 4,000 frontline workers, ASHAs, nurses, and Anganwadi staff, have been conducting door-to-door checks to seize leftover bottles of Coldrif. As of October 10, more than 540 bottles have been recovered and destroyed safely.

This people-first approach shows the system learning from past mistakes. It’s no longer just about punishment, it’s about prevention.

A Global Reputation at Stake, and Strengthened

India’s “pharmacy of the world” tag comes with immense responsibility. When something goes wrong here, it echoes globally. But the Coldrif case could end up reinforcing India’s seriousness about safety rather than undermining it.

By moving fast, auditing openly, and owning the problem, India is showing that transparency is its strongest antidote.

As one senior CDSCO official put it, “We can’t control every mistake. But we can control how fast we fix it.”

Stronger, Cleaner, Safer

The Coldrif ban is not just about a single syrup; it’s about the system’s reset.

From Delhi’s ban to Tamil Nadu’s crackdown, from DCGI’s directives to on-ground vigilance, India’s drug oversight is entering a new era of accountability. The tragedy that began in Parasia may well become the turning point that made Indian medicine safer for everyone.

PNN News

New Delhi [India], October 9: An International Honorary Doctorate Ceremony was held on October 5 at Hotel Vijay Elanza, Coimbatore, organised by St Mother Therasa University, Australia, Affiliated to Cambridge School of Distance Education, UK, where outstanding individuals from across India were honored for their exceptional contributions in various fields. The ceremony was held on the recommendation of Mr John Amalan, Managing Director of Indian Media Works.

During the event, Mr Kumarasen, Senior Vice President of Larsen & Toubro (L&T), was conferred with an Honorary Doctorate in Global Corporate Leadership in recognition of his outstanding leadership in global corporate management and his remarkable contributions to the industrial sector.

Similarly, Mr Sabarinathan, Sub-Inspector of the Greater Chennai Police, was also honored with an Honorary Doctorate in Public Service for his exceptional social service initiatives. He founded a WhatsApp group involving fellow police officers to support the families of police personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty. Through this initiative, he has successfully raised and distributed financial aid amounting to nearly ₹7.5 crore to such families — a truly commendable effort.

These honorary doctorates were conferred on the recommendation of Mr John Amalan, President of Indian Media Works. The recognition celebrates the vision, dedication, and innovative thinking of the awardees, which have become driving forces for positive social transformation.

The evening stood as a powerful celebration of service, leadership, and innovation — organised by Indian Media Works.

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Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], October 9: The Innovation in Rare Earths and Lithium (IRLi 2025) Summit, organized by CMA India, commenced today at The Capitol Hotel, Bengaluru, bringing together policymakers, global experts, scientists, industry leaders, and innovators to discuss India’s growing leadership in the critical minerals and clean energy ecosystem.

The two-day summit, themed “Innovation for a Sustainable Future,” focuses on driving advancements in Rare Earth Elements (REE) and Lithium — the backbone of clean technologies, battery storage, and next-generation manufacturing.

Dignitaries and Chief Guests

The inaugural session on October 9th featured the presence of dignitaries from the Ministry of Mines, Government of India, as Guests of Honour, who emphasized the nation’s commitment to sustainable exploration, responsible mining, and domestic value creation in critical minerals.

The Hon’ble Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, and Minister of New and Renewable Energy, Shri Pralhad Joshi, will join the event on October 10th, 2025, to address industry leaders and highlight India’s roadmap for renewable energy and self-reliance in critical minerals.

“India’s critical minerals strategy is central to its energy transition goals. IRLi serves as a vital forum for connecting industry and policy toward building a sustainable and secure resource future,” said a senior official from the Ministry of Mines during the opening session.

Keynote Address

Delivering the keynote speech, Dr. Deependra Singh, Former Chairman and Managing Director, IREL (India) Limited, highlighted the need to accelerate domestic research and technology innovation in rare earth processing and lithium extraction.

“India must take a leadership role not only in exploration but also in advanced processing and application of critical minerals. Innovation will define our future competitiveness,” said Dr. Singh.

Title Sponsor – Flytta: Powering India’s Clean Energy Future

The summit is proudly supported by FLYTTA, the Title Sponsor for IRLi 2025.
Flytta, led by its visionary Founder and CEO Mr. Rahul Kanuganti, is at the forefront of India’s sustainable logistics and electric mobility transformation.

The company recently unveiled India’s first retrofitted 13-ton electric truck for heavy-duty applications — a breakthrough in green supply chain innovation aligned with the nation’s net-zero commitments.

“At Flytta, we believe in integrating technology with responsibility. IRLi 2025 is a crucial platform to unite innovators and policymakers working toward a cleaner, greener, and self-reliant India,” said Mr. Rahul Kanuganti, CEO, Flytta.

Event Highlights

The summit brings together more than 200 delegates and 25+ industry experts from across India and abroad.
Key sessions at IRLi 2025 include:

• Advanced exploration and sustainable mining of REE and Lithium
• Innovation in extraction technology for critical minerals
• Development of rare earth magnets and lithium-ion recycling systems
• Diversity, inclusion, and workforce innovation in the minerals sector

Distinguished Speakers

• Dr. CVS Kiran, VP – R&D Strategic Initiatives, Skyroot Aerospace
• Mr. Kunal Dagga, Founder & Director, MolSynth
• Mr. Rajiv Krishnamurthy, Managing Director, DELKOR – TAKRAF
• Ms. Pallavi Gill, CEO, RCMPA
• Mr. Rahul Kanuganti, Founder & CEO, Flytta
• Dr. Abhilash, Sr. Principal Scientist, CSIR-NML
• Dr. D. K. Singh, Former CMD, IREL (India) Ltd
• Dr. T. Sreenivas, Editor-in-Chief, CMA (India)
• Padmashri Dr. Chaitanyamoy Ganguly, President, CMA (India)
• Mr. Sandeep Hamilton, Founder & Chairman, CMA (India)
• Dr. Chenna Rao Borra, Assistant Professor, IIT Kharagpur
• Dr. P. Krishnamurthy, Former Regional Director, AMD
• Dr. Anand Babu, Sr. Scientist, CSIR–CECRI

Founding Members – Critical Minerals Association (CMA India)

• Mr. Sandeep Hamilton – Chairman
• Padmashri Dr. Chaitanyamoy Ganguly – President
• Mr. Satyanarayana Mathala – Secretary
• Mr. Prasad Kotha – Treasurer
• Mr. Carlton Mody – Joint Secretary
• Mr. Rahul Kanuganti – Joint Secretary
• Mr. Vincent Pala (Former Union Minister) – Joint Secretary
• Mr. Channamalikarjun Patil – Executive Member
• Dr. K. K. Pandey – Executive Member
• Mr. Ramachandra Rao – Executive Member

About IRLi

IRLi (Innovation in Rare Earths and Lithium) is a premier industry platform designed to promote research, collaboration, and leadership in the field of critical minerals and clean energy technologies.
The summit fosters dialogue between government, academia, and industry to accelerate India’s transition to a self-reliant and sustainable future through innovation in rare earth and lithium development.

About CMA India

The Critical Minerals Association (CMA India) is a national organization dedicated to fostering responsible mining, exploration, and innovation in India’s critical minerals sector. By uniting key stakeholders from government, research institutions, and industry, CMA India aims to strengthen India’s strategic capabilities in critical materials essential for clean energy, defense, and technology-driven industries.

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New Delhi [India], October 8: When passion meets precision, miracles happen. India Pride IMLI – The Archer isn’t just a movie, it’s a bullseye aimed straight at India’s conscience. Written, directed, and produced by Swatantra (Savi) Goel, this film fires a powerful arrow through themes of grit, gender, and opportunity.

A Tribal Girl with a Bow, and a Dream

Releasing October 17, 2025, across India, India Pride IMLI – The Archer is not your routine sports drama. It’s a salute to raw talent, the kind you can’t manufacture in elite academies.

At its core is IMLI, played by Prasanna Bist, an Adivasi girl whose natural archery talent could give seasoned athletes a run for their medals. She’s never trained, never seen a sports camp, yet her aim is sharper than most who do.

Enter a government sports officer, who spots her talent by sheer accident while passing through her village. In that one scene, destiny flips. He convinces her reluctant parents to let Imli train at his academy, marking the start of her journey from anonymity to national recognition.

The Rise of a Champion

Under the guidance of her selfless coach, Mr Iyer (Vikram Kochhar), Imli evolves from an untrained prodigy into a National Archery Champion. However, this isn’t a typical overnight success montage. The film, like life, makes her earn every inch of progress. Sweat, discipline, rejection, repeat.

Director Savi Goel doesn’t romanticise the struggle. He respects it. The storytelling is emotional, yes, but never manipulative. Every victory feels deserved, every setback punches harder because it’s real.

In a world where social media “success” is often just one viral clip away, India Pride IMLI reminds us that authentic achievement is built on hard work, not hashtags.

Savi Goel: Banker Turned Dream Builder

Let’s talk about the man behind the lens. Swatantra (Savi) Goel, once a senior officer at State Bank of India, traded balance sheets for storyboards. After migrating to the U.S. and experiencing success there, he returned to India in 2016 to pursue his original dream: cinema that means something.

And he’s serious about it. Eight films in eight years. Each rooted in social relevance, family values, and emotional depth, this refreshing combination stands out in a market obsessed with glossy thrillers and remakes.

Goel’s creative manifesto is simple:

“Cinema should not just entertain, it should elevate.”

That mindset shines through India Pride IMLI. It’s entertainment with a backbone.

The Message: Talent Doesn’t Need a Pincode

The story hits a universal nerve, but its roots are proudly Indian. Imli’s transformation mirrors the dreams of thousands of girls from tribal, rural, and economically disadvantaged families; young women who often go unnoticed in the crowd, despite possessing extraordinary gifts.

The film aligns beautifully with initiatives like Khelo India, proving how the right ecosystem can change destinies. Government sports schemes, often dismissed as bureaucratic exercises, take on a human dimension here.

It’s a cinematic shoutout to rural India: you don’t need privilege to aim high, just purpose.

Performances That Hit the Mark

• Prasanna Bist (Imli): She doesn’t act the role, she lives it. Bist captures the innocence of a village girl and the fierce focus of an athlete with startling authenticity.
• Vikram Kochhar (Mr Iyer): His portrayal of a selfless mentor gives the film its emotional core. Kochhar blends tough love and tenderness like a craftsman.
• Supporting Cast: Harshad Shinde, Maan Singh Meena, Ratan Lal, Jyoti, and Pragya Mishra (a promising new talent) lend solid performances that anchor the narrative.

Add to that Dushyant Dubey’s emotionally rich music and Raaja Phadtare’s clean, vivid cinematography, and the result is a film that looks and feels premium without losing authenticity.

The Soundtrack: Three Songs, One Emotion

The movie features three songs, each positioned to amplify the emotional and motivational journey rather than serve as filler. Dushyant Dubey’s score moves between earthy tribal rhythms and uplifting orchestral notes, a blend that perfectly matches Imli’s evolution.

It’s not a jukebox film; it’s a musical narrative.

Behind the Scenes: A Tight Crew, One Vision

Digital promotions and PR are facilitated through DigitalExpoWorld, a long-time collaborator of Goel. The synergy is evident: every element, from editing to marketing, reflects the same creative clarity.

Goel has already penned three more scripts ready for production, keeping his streak of “one meaningful movie a year” alive. He’s built a niche: cinema with conscience.

Cinema with Social Muscle

In an era when many filmmakers chase trends, Goel chases truth. His work bridges the gap between aspiration and accessibility, between India’s metropolitan areas and its rural villages.

India Pride IMLI isn’t designed for red carpets alone. It’s meant to travel, to schools, sports academies, small-town theatres, and living rooms that need a reminder: the next champion might be drinking tap water from a mud pot today.

This film doesn’t sell poverty; it celebrates potential.

A Personal Dream, A National Message

For Goel, this isn’t just another release; it’s a statement. He calls it a film “for families and youth alike,” not because it plays it safe, but because it plays it true.

His journey from banker to filmmaker mirrors Imli’s: both traded stability for passion, both fought systems, both aimed for something bigger than comfort.

And it’s that parallel that gives India Pride IMLI its quiet power.

India’s Next Chapter: Stories That Matter

If Indian cinema is to evolve beyond box-office math, it needs stories like this, rooted in emotion, driven by honesty, and backed by craftsmanship.

The movie industry is full of franchises, sequels, and universe-building gimmicks. But Goel’s approach is refreshingly human. He’s building something else entirely: a legacy.

Release and Expectations

Set for a nationwide release on October 17, 2025, India Pride IMLI – The Archer is already generating buzz among family audiences, educators, and sports enthusiasts. Goel is optimistic, and rightly so. With an inspiring narrative, tight storytelling, and heartfelt performances, this one has the potential to become a modern Indian classic.

It’s not just another underdog story; it’s India’s story.

Aiming Higher

When asked what keeps him motivated after eight back-to-back films, Goel’s answer is disarmingly simple:

“Every story I tell has to make someone believe again.”

And that’s precisely what India Pride IMLI does, it makes you believe. In talent. In grit. In the idea that a tribal girl with a bow can take on the nation and win.

Barabanki (Uttar Pradesh) [India], October 8: Today, under a direct order from Delhi’s Karakarduma Court, Barabanki authorities raided S.M. Hightech City Private Limited at Agro Park, UPSIDC. The company had been pumping out bottles of “CLEAR FRESH”, a sham version of the legitimate CLEAR brand, deceiving customers with fake mineral water. 

Officials recovered massive quantities of bottled water and stickers, collectively estimated in crores of rupees. All production material and bottles were seized in the presence of the Umra Chowki police from Kursi Thana. 

Court-appointed commissioner and company lawyers present: Authorised company lawyer Rajan Dwivedi and court-appointed local commissioner advocate Nimish Goyal oversaw the seizure, ensuring every step stayed within legal bounds. 

The Karakarduma Court’s order was crystal clear: investigate the allegations thoroughly. The local commissioner documented every seized item, prepared inventories, and ensured all paperwork was court-ready. No corners were cut. 

Authorities say S.M. Hightech City Private Limited sold fake CLEAR bottles in the market, a case that touches both consumer safety and brand protection. 

In India, fake product scandals aren’t rare, but courts cracking down like this? That sends a serious message. 

Authorities are urging citizens: always stick to certified mineral water brands. Drinking fake water is not just shady; it’s dangerous. Experts warn that counterfeit water can trigger severe health issues. 

“Fake mineral water doesn’t just harm consumers. It shakes trust in the market and affects the economy,” said one official. This raid proves that proactive action matters. Delays and more consumers suffer. 

This isn’t a slap on the wrist. Police and judiciary are signalling: fake and substandard products won’t be tolerated. Officials emphasised that the raid reassures citizens that their health and safety are a priority. 

Authorities are warning: any company caught producing counterfeit mineral water will face immediate, strict action. Citizens are asked to report suspicious products without delay. 

India has a growing mineral water market, and consumer trust is everything. Fake mineral water isn’t just a health hazard; it erodes confidence in brands, disrupts local businesses, and tarnishes India’s emerging consumer economy. 

Barabanki’s raid serves as a precedent-setting action, signalling that even small industrial areas aren’t immune from law enforcement scrutiny. Companies cutting corners, beware. 

What Authorities Seized 

• Bottles branded “CLEAR FRESH” 

• Packaging materials and stickers 

• Production equipment 

Estimated market value: several crores. The seized items are under police custody, pending lab analysis. 

Officials clarified that all actions were documented, and evidence will support court proceedings to hold the culprits accountable. 

The Barabanki operation might be one factory, but the principle is bigger: India needs enforcement-first policies for consumer protection. 

Authorities’ Advice to Citizens 

• Buy mineral water only from certified brands. 

• Avoid suspicious sources. 

• Report any dubious products immediately. 

PNN News

(from left) Dr. Biswaroop Roy Chowdhury, Nguyen Thu Trang, Chu Thị Hang and Dr. Nguyen Hoang Anh (Julia) with the dance workshop participants.

New Delhi [India], October 8: In a remarkable initiative to strengthen cultural ties between India and Vietnam, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Vietnam has collaborated with the India Book of Records (IBR) to promote Indo–Vietnam Cultural Heritage through a series of programs showcasing talent and cultural exchange.

The India Book of Records, the official keeper of Indian records for more than two decades, publishes annual books, monthly magazines, and broadcasts weekly television shows aimed at promoting Indian talent both nationally and internationally. In collaboration with UNESCO–Vietnam, IBR has undertaken multiple projects to celebrate and share the rich cultural heritage of both nations on the global stage.

Earlier this year, IBR launched the book Nguoi Bao Ton Di San – The Guardian of Heritage on February 14, 2025, to honor the shared cultural legacy of India and Vietnam, with launches held in both countries. In addition, IBR announced a film project titled Vuon Tình Yeu – Prem Ki Surdhara, based on Indo–Vietnam culture, at the Constitution Club of India, New Delhi. The film’s shooting is currently underway in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, with the second phase scheduled in Hanoi, Vietnam. The film is set to release on February 14, 2026.

These initiatives aim to provide an international platform for Indian talent while celebrating cultural collaboration.

Furthering this mission, IBR organized a Vietnamese Cultural Dance Training Program from October 2–5, 2025, at its head office for young Indian talents. The event successfully brought together Indian participants and Vietnamese experts, offering a unique opportunity for cultural exchange.

This exclusive training was conducted by distinguished Vietnamese artists affiliated with UNESCO, under the expert guidance of Prof. Chu Bao Que, a revered figure in cultural arts and the brand ambassador of this project. The program was led by Dr. Nguyen Hoang Anh (Julia), Artist Chu Thị Hang, and Artist Nguyen Thu Trang, who selected 16 students aged 13 to 17 from various schools for personalized instruction in Vietnamese dance techniques and cultural nuances.

Ivy Roy Chowdhury, Sejal Garg, Ananya Singh, and Tanusha Chopra represented Modern Vidya Niketan, Sec 17, Faridabad. M. Sri Sanjana participated from Modern Vidya Niketan, Sec 88, Faridabad, while Saanvi Bindal represented Modern Vidya Niketan, Aravalli Hills. Rianshi Jalhotra attended from DPS Greater Faridabad, Sector 81, and Tejaswini Joshi from Vidya Mandir Public School, Faridabad. Rishika Kashyap represented Jiva Public School, Faridabad, and Rishit Koranga attended from Doon Bharati Public School, Faridabad. Mrityunjay Srivastava participated from Gauri Kala Mandal, while Ishika Chaudhary represented Hansraj Convent School, Faridabad. Tanvi Bankura attended from Geeta Public School, and Khushi Vaishnav from DC Model School, Faridabad. Aradhaya Ranawat participated from Mt. Abu Public School, New Delhi, and Radhika Goyal represented Kalka Public School, Faridabad.

The next activity in this cultural series will be jointly organized by UNESCO and IBR in Vietnam, where Indian dancers will have the opportunity to teach Indian dance culture while learning Vietnam’s rich cultural dance heritage.

Nominations are now open for those wishing to join the upcoming Indo–Vietnam Cultural Dance Activity. Interested candidates can apply at: indiabookofrecords.in/unesco-ibrdancetraining

For more details, please contact: +91 88263 33382

Email: composition@indiabookofrecords.in

(Issued by: Dr Biswaroop Roy Chowdhury, Editor-in-chief, India Book of Records)

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Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], October 8: India has finally stopped talking about the future. It built it. The Navi Mumbai International Airport isn’t just another terminal. It’s a ₹19,650-crore statement. Digital, green, unapologetically ambitious, this airport makes it clear: India is no longer following. It’s leading.

A Digital Take-Off

Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the airport today. But here’s the thing: NMIA isn’t just “new.” It’s India’s first fully digital airport. Facial recognition check-ins, paperless boarding, automated baggage handling. You barely have to lift a finger.

Airports usually test your patience. NMIA doesn’t. It moves you. Smoothly. Efficiently. Finally, a system that actually makes sense.

Phase One: Twelve Million Passengers, Zero Excuses

The first phase handles 12 million passengers a year, plus 300,000 tonnes of cargo. Meanwhile, Mumbai’s main airport is still bursting at the seams.

Two terminals, scalable design. Eventually, NMIA could host 90 million passengers annually. Heathrow, Changi? Comparable. India isn’t building a “backup.” It’s building a benchmark.

Built From Scratch

No inherited chaos. No legacy bottlenecks. NMIA is greenfield from the ground up.

The Adani Group and CIDCO partnership blends private efficiency with public oversight. Everything, logistics, passenger flow, and terminal design, was engineered to perform. Not to “function.” To impress.

Think of it like this: NMIA doesn’t iterate. It reinvents.

Mumbai’s Second Lung

If CSMIA is the heart, NMIA is the lung. Panvel’s location plugs into the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, Mumbai–Pune Expressway, and upcoming Metro lines. Faster access. Less congestion. Smoother cargo movement.

This isn’t convenient. It’s a strategy. Navi Mumbai, Thane, and Pune are suddenly closer to the world. That’s how an ecosystem grows, intentionally.

Sustainability That Works

Most airports talk green. NMIA is green. Solar power, EV charging, rainwater harvesting, and Sustainable Aviation Fuel storage. LEED Gold standards. Every watt, every litre, every airflow monitored.

Carbon neutral? That’s the baseline. NMIA aims for carbon intelligence. It adapts. Optimizes. Learns. India has been talking about sustainability for years. NMIA just put that talk on the runway.

The Future on Rails

Shuttle buses? Chaos. NMIA has an Automated People Mover. Electric. AI-controlled. Smooth. Silent. Futuristic, yes, but functional.

Changi, Incheon, and Doha use this tech. NMIA scales beyond terminals, connecting with the city’s transport grid. Think efficiency with imagination.

Infrastructure That Pays Back

₹19,650 crore. Big number. Bigger story: jobs. NMIA will create over 100,000 direct and indirect roles. Logistics, tech, hospitality, cargo. Around it are warehouses, hotels, and restaurants.

Pharma, e-commerce, and manufacturing all gain. Mumbai handles 60% of India’s air cargo exports. NMIA could double that with 24/7 operations and next-gen storage.

This isn’t just infrastructure. It’s economic architecture.

Designed for Experience

Airports usually test your patience. NMIA flips the script. Indian cultural motifs meet minimalism. Natural light. Smart climate control. Wayfinding that actually works.

AI kiosks that help. Biometric gates that recognise you instantly. Baggage systems are better than most people’s memories. Less waiting. More flying. Finally.

A Long Time Coming

The idea of a second Mumbai airport has been around since the 1990s. Land disputes, clearances, politics, take your pick.

This time, execution mattered. CIDCO planned it. Adani delivered. Modi ensured it moved. Result: relentless execution. Ambition turned into reality.

A Global Statement

NMIA isn’t just for western India. It’s a global signal. Digital infrastructure, scale, sustainability credentials, it belongs in the same sentence as Singapore, Dubai, Doha.

Step off a plane here. You’re not just seeing a terminal. You’re witnessing a nation flexing digital muscle. India is no longer following. It sets the pace.

The Takeaway

Navi Mumbai International Airport isn’t just infrastructure. Its intent made tangible. Digital-first. Green. Executed with precision. Call it ambition. Call it audacity. Either way, it’s airborne

PNN National

Leh (Ladakh) [India], October 7: Instead of glaciers, Sonam Wangchuk, an engineer, inventor, educator, and climate activist, is making headlines for defying authority.

Sonam Wangchuk Arrest – The Detention That Shook the Himalayas

On September 26, 2024, Ladakh police hauled 59-year-old Sonam Wangchuk out of his home. His crime? Advocating for democratic rights in Ladakh. His punishment?

Detention under the National Security Act (NSA) which allows preventive imprisonment for up to a year without trial. He was shipped over 1,600 kilometres to Jodhpur Central Jail in Rajasthan.

Authorities accused him of inciting violence and provoking revolt. Translation: he spoke loudly enough to make the establishment uncomfortable, peacefully. His wife, Gitanjali J. Angmo, didn’t flinch. She filed a habeas corpus petition in the Supreme Court demanding to know where her husband was and why. Calm, measured, and defiant, she told reporters, “We will fight this on its merits.”

If you’ve ever built ice stupas to save water, you know resolve when you see it.

From Engineer to Instigator

Wangchuk is not your garden-variety activist. In 1988, fresh from college, he co-founded SECMOL, a school for students rejected by conventional education. Instead of forcing rote memorisation, he taught thinking. Critical, independent, disruptive thinking.

His solar energy projects, climate-responsive architecture, and sustainable housing experiments earned international attention. In 2018, he received the Ramon Magsaysay Award.

Bollywood noticed too. Aamir Khan’s Phunsukh Wangdu in 3 Idiots? That was Wangchuk, distilled into a cinematic hero. Fame, awards, and admiration didn’t make him tame. Heroes have a nasty habit of making the establishment nervous.

From Ladakh’s Hope to Delhi’s Headache

Wangchuk rejoiced in 2019 when Article 370 was repealed. Many Ladakhis did the same. Autonomy and recognition seemed like positive developments. Five years later, Ladakh remains a Union Territory with no legislature.

Tribal communities, the majority of the population, demanded statehood and protection under the Sixth Schedule, which ensures self-governance.

Wangchuk became their voice. Reluctantly, perhaps, but inevitably. As he once said, “Politics may not interest you, but politics will eventually find you.” He wasn’t wrong.

The Spark That Ignited Detention

In September 2024, Wangchuk and civil society groups, including the Apex Body Leh and Kargil Democratic Alliance, began a hunger strike demanding Sixth Schedule protections. On day fifteen of a thirty-five-day fast, a youth protest turned violent, the BJP’s Leh office was torched, security forces fired, and four people died.

Authorities pinned the blame on Wangchuk, though he wasn’t physically present. Within 48 hours, he was detained by the NSA. Allies were rounded up. Land leases and foreign funding for SECMOL and the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives (HIAL) were cancelled. Message delivered: dissent, even with a conscience, carries a price.

A Wife’s Courtroom War

Gitanjali Angmo moved to the Supreme Court on October 2. Represented by Kapil Sibal, she argued the government violated procedure by not disclosing detention grounds. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta dismissed concerns, urging the court not to “create hype.”

The Supreme Court didn’t release Wangchuk immediately but ensured his medical care. Next hearing: October 14. Meanwhile, Angmo’s legal battle continues, challenging the idea that her husband is anti-national.

The Irony of Patriotism

For decades, Wangchuk was India’s ecological poster boy. Solar tents for soldiers, ice stupas to preserve water, sustainable housing in the Himalayas; he literally helped protect lives.

Now the same government that once sought his expertise brands him a national security threat. His wife summed it up bluntly: “They could not buy him, so they jailed him.”

Ecology Meets Politics

Climate change is causing Ladakh to melt quickly. Wangchuk cautioned that uncontrolled mining and solar projects could destroy delicate ecosystems. He rallied the populace, marched, and fasted in addition to issuing warnings. Hunger strikes masquerading as environmental demonstrations.

When ecology collides with politics and money, money usually wins. But Wangchuk? He’s the anomaly. And in Delhi’s eyes, anomalies are threats.

The Global Echo

The world is watching. Manshi Asher, Himalayan environmental justice researcher, notes Wangchuk operates at the intersection of sustainability and governance. In centralised, extractive economies, communities lose. Wangchuk fights for ecology and democracy simultaneously.

Delhi sees a dissenter. The world sees a line in the sand.

From Gandhi to Galwan

His activism borrows from Gandhian non-violence. Hunger strikes, marches, and peaceful protests have always been his method. From jail, he urged Ladakhis to maintain peace and unity.

Yet tragedy has struck: four protesters died, and Stanzin Dorje, a local businessman who joined the hunger strike, committed suicide under pressure. The question looms: can a democracy silence a man protecting his homeland’s environment?

The Fragile Frontier

Ladakh borders China and Pakistan. It’s a geopolitical powder keg. Local leaders warn that branding Ladakhi leaders anti-national could backfire. “You cannot govern a border region with an iron fist forever,” said Sajad Kargili, Kargil Democratic Alliance.

Yet Delhi doubles down. Every protest, every detention, every revoked license sends the same message: dissent will not be tolerated. History shows one thing, though: you can arrest a man, not a movement.

Sonam Wangchuk: Hero or Mirage?

Here’s the uncomfortable truth: Wangchuk might not be a flawless hero. He may bear some responsibility for the unrest. Geniuses often spark revolutions, and sometimes fires they cannot control. He has moved mountains, literally. Did his words move mobs, too? Possibly.

But one thing is clear: the world is defending Phunsukh Wangdu, the cinematic hero. 

Wangchuk is human. And humans can falter. Every hero is one misstep away from being the villain. In Ladakh’s fragile landscape, the stakes could not be higher.

PNN News

New Delhi [India], October 7: Punjab just got a productivity shot in the arm. The GST rate cut, from 12% to 5%, isn’t just a tax tweak; it’s an industrial adrenaline rush. From textiles to bicycles, artisans to MSMEs, Punjab’s economy is now geared for an affordable, competitive, and employment-rich future.

The Tax Cut Heard Across the North

In India’s economic playbook, few moves pack the punch of a well-timed tax reform. The recent GST reforms in Punjab, slashing rates from 12% to 5% across key sectors, are exactly that.

This isn’t about marginal relief. It’s about turning Punjab’s traditional strengths, agriculture, textiles, handicrafts, dairy, and bicycles, into next-gen growth engines. Lower taxes mean cheaper products, fatter margins, and happier consumers. Or in simple terms: Punjab just got its competitiveness discount renewed.

The result? A 6–7% retail price drop across categories like food, apparel, and agro-products. That’s the kind of math consumers love and manufacturers dream about.

Textiles: The Fabric of a Revival

Punjab’s textile sector already has a pedigree. Ludhiana’s mills, Amritsar’s artisans, and Patiala’s craftswomen make everything from Phulkari embroidery to hand-block prints. Now, they’re getting a tax cut that could redefine margins and market share.

With GST down from 12% to 5%, the entire textile chain, from spinners to exporters, breathes easier. Costs go down. Demand goes up. And for once, artisans don’t have to choose between tradition and survival.

Let’s break it down:

• Phulkari embroidery, crafted by 20,000 women-led artisans, now hits global shelves cheaper. With stronger exports to the US, Canada, and the UK, Punjab’s heritage is going global again.
• Woollen shawls and stoles from Ludhiana get new life; affordability meets global appeal.
• Hand-block printed fabrics, once struggling with high input costs, now look appealing to boutique buyers and D2C fashion brands.
• Women’s cotton kurtas, Punjab’s unsung fashion export, get a price advantage on e-commerce shelves and in international markets.

In short, the reform isn’t just cutting taxes, it’s cutting excuses. If Punjab’s textile players can’t grow now, the problem isn’t policy.

Footwear: The Punjabi Jutti Marches On

If you’ve ever seen a Punjabi Jutti, you know it’s an art you can walk in. Handcrafted, colourful, and globally adored. The only thing not charming? Its price tag, until now.

Thanks to the GST cut, Punjabi Juttis, crafted by over 15,000 artisans in Patiala, Amritsar, and Fazilka, get a fighting chance in both domestic and export markets. Designer brands and wedding markets will feel this impact first.

This isn’t charity, it’s smart economics. When traditional crafts become affordable, they don’t just survive; they scale.

Handicrafts & Wooden Wonders: From Heritage to High Street

Punjab’s woodcraft artisans have always been storytellers with chisels. From intricate lacquer toys in Amritsar to luxury furniture in Hoshiarpur, every product carries a legacy. But legacy doesn’t pay rent.

With GST now at 5%, these artisans finally see daylight. Lower prices make handcrafted wooden products more attractive to boutique buyers, architects, and exporters. The sector, employing 8,000+ carpenters, now competes not just on nostalgia but on price and design.

And those wooden lacquer toys? The 3,000 artisans crafting them now have reason to smile. Lower costs mean higher demand, especially from a world rediscovering sustainable toys over plastic junk.

Metalware & Utensils: Steel, Brass, and a Shot of Confidence

In Ludhiana and Jalandhar, the clang of metal is the soundtrack of livelihood. Here, thousands of MSMEs forge steel kitchen utensils, brass lamps, and copper wares that grace both homes and hotels worldwide.

With GST dropping from 12% to 5%, the industry’s biggest headache, thin margins, has just been eased. Lower taxes mean cheaper retail prices and stronger export pricing.

Let’s talk scale:

• Over 25,000 workers make stainless steel utensils for both home and HoReCa markets.
• Another 5,000 artisans craft brass and copper items for the ceremonial and wellness sectors.

When taxation backs tradition, competitiveness stops being a dream and starts being a spreadsheet reality.

Food & Agro: Punjab’s Taste of Reform

Punjab feeds the nation, and now, its food MSMEs finally get a seat at the reform table.

The GST reduction to 5% for dairy, agro, and food products slices retail prices by 6–7%. The immediate winners? Small producers and women-led enterprises who now see improved margins and better market access.

Consider the lineup:

• Namkeen & snacks: 30,000 workers strong, now producing more affordable munchies for domestic and export shelves.
• Pickles & preserves: women-led SHGs in Gurdaspur and Hoshiarpur find their jars of spice more profitable.
• Honey products: 15,000 rural beekeepers see demand buzzing again, with new export potential to the Middle East and the US.
• Paneer & dairy items: 40,000 people in the dairy value chain benefit from lower input taxes and rising consumption.
• Papad and wadi: iconic Punjabi snacks get formalised into GST-compliant microbusinesses.
• Dairy-based mithai: 10,000 sweet-makers in Amritsar and Ludhiana will tell you, the only thing sweeter than their product now is the tax rate.

This isn’t just fiscal housekeeping. It’s economic justice for small producers who form the backbone of Punjab’s food heritage.

Bicycles: Pedalling Past the Tax Drag

Ludhiana’s bicycle industry is not just a legacy; it’s a logistics lifeline. With over 40,000 workers employed across factories and MSME units, Punjab’s cycle makers power mobility across India and beyond.

The GST cut from 12% to 5% makes bicycles cheaper for households, schools, and government schemes. That means higher volume sales and better export competitiveness, especially in South Asia and Africa, where affordability is everything.

This move isn’t just about manufacturing; it’s about momentum. Punjab’s cycle industry now gets to ride uphill with a tailwind.

Why These Reforms Hit the Sweet Spot

Let’s skip the jargon. Here’s why these reforms matter:

1. Affordability – A 5–7% retail price drop means more buyers, faster turnover, and healthier MSMEs.
2. Competitiveness – When input costs drop, exports thrive. Punjab’s artisan exports to the West are back in the game.
3. Formalisation – Lower tax rates make compliance feasible for small units. Informal becomes formal, and livelihoods get security.
4. Livelihood Boost – Across textiles, dairy, and food, over 200,000 workers stand to benefit directly.
5. Cultural Continuity – Traditional crafts like Phulkari and Jutti find modern relevance without losing authenticity.

This is not a small win; it’s a structural upgrade. Punjab, often viewed through the agricultural lens, is repositioning as a diversified powerhouse where manufacturing, craft, and food innovation co-exist.

Punjab as a Reform Model

What happens in Punjab doesn’t stay in Punjab. The GST rationalisation here could be a template for other states balancing tradition and modernity.

India’s larger GST structure has often drawn criticism for being too complex or regressive for small businesses. Punjab’s move shows how targeted tax cuts can deliver visible, people-first outcomes, more sales, more jobs, more exports.

If Delhi or Maharashtra replicated this for their craft clusters or food MSMEs, we’d be looking at a national growth story stitched in the fabric of local enterprise.

The Road Ahead: Growth, but Smart

Reforms open doors, but walking through them requires hustle. The tax cut is the catalyst; execution is the differentiator. Punjab’s MSMEs must now focus on branding, export readiness, and design-led manufacturing.

Government initiatives can only spark momentum. It’s entrepreneurs, artisans, and cooperatives that’ll have to turn it into sustained growth.

If Punjab plays it right, this GST cut could transform it from a state of legacy industries to a laboratory of local manufacturing excellence.

Bottom Line

Punjab just made itself cheaper, sharper, and stronger. This 7% price correction isn’t cosmetic; it’s catalytic. From phulkari looms to dairy cooperatives, Punjab’s real economy just got a policy that actually listens to the people who run it.

PNN News