Tag: national

  • Justice Bhushan Gavai Appointed as the 52nd Chief Justice of India

    Justice Bhushan Gavai Appointed as the 52nd Chief Justice of India

    The Honorable President of India has approved the signing of the Warrant for the appointment of Shri Justice Bhushan Gavai as the succeeding Chief Justice of India. The Department of Justice, Government of India, has subsequently issued the notification regarding his appointment. Shri Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai will officially assume the position of Chief Justice of India on 14th May 2025.

    Born on 24th November 1960 in Amravati, he was enrolled at the Bar on 16th March 1985. He commenced his professional journey under the mentorship of the late Barrister Shri Raja S. Bhonsale, former Advocate General and High Court Judge, until 1987. Following this, he practiced independently at the Bombay High Court from 1987 to 1990, primarily before the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court since 1990.

    Shri Justice Gavai specializes in Constitutional Law and Administrative Law. He has served as Standing Counsel for the Amravati Municipal Corporation, Municipal Corporation of Nagpur, and Amravati University. Additionally, he has represented various autonomous bodies and Corporations, including SICOM and DCVL, as well as Municipal Councils in the Vidarbha region.

    He held the positions of Assistant Government Pleader and Additional Public Prosecutor at the High Court of Judicature at Bombay, Nagpur Bench, from August 1992 to July 1993. Subsequently, he was designated as Government Pleader and Public Prosecutor for the Nagpur Bench on 17th January 2000.

    Shri Justice Bhushan Gavai was appointed as an Additional Judge of the Bombay High Court on 14th November 2003 and became a permanent Judge of the Bombay High Court on 12th November 2005. 

    He has presided over Benches dealing with various assignments at the Principal Seat in Mumbai, as well as in Nagpur, Aurangabad, and Panaji. He was elevated to the position of Judge of the Supreme Court of India on 24th May 2019.

    Throughout the past six years, he has been engaged in approximately 700 Benches addressing a wide array of cases, which encompass constitutional and administrative law, civil law, criminal law, commercial disputes, arbitration law, electricity law, education affairs, environmental law, among others.

    He has authored approximately 300 judgments, including Constitutional Bench Judgments addressing various issues, thereby upholding the rule of law and safeguarding citizens’ fundamental, human, and legal rights.

    Shri Justice Gavai has actively participated in numerous international conferences, including those held in Ulaanbaatar (Mongolia), New York (U.S.A.), Cardiff (U.K.), and Nairobi (Kenya). He has delivered lectures on diverse constitutional and environmental matters at esteemed Universities and Institutions such as Columbia University and Harvard University.

    He is scheduled to retire on 23rd November 2025.

    More news: PNN Digital – News

  • PM Modi Champions Youth-Led Growth at YUGM

    PM Modi Champions Youth-Led Growth at YUGM

    New Delhi, India, April 29: In a historic address at the YUGM Innovation Conclave, Prime Minister Narendra Modi underscored India’s strategic commitment to empowering its youth to spearhead innovation. Describing this as the onset of a “Developed India,” he articulated a vision where talent, temperament, and technology form the cornerstone of the nation’s growth engine.

    The event, a wonderful initiative by the Ministry of Education, gathered talented leaders from academia, government, and industry. PM Modi highlighted the ongoing evolution of India’s education system to meet global standards through the New National Education Policy, enhanced digital infrastructure, and exciting programs like One Nation, One Subscription, which has made research materials accessible to everyone.

    He emphasised India’s rising global standing, mentioning enhanced university rankings and indigenous innovations like the hyperloop at IIT Madras and the nation’s first MRI machine. He noted that these developments showcase the strength of India’s innovation landscape.

    At the core of his address was the emphasis on “Make AI in India” and “Make AI Work for India,” aligning with the country’s vision to establish itself as a leader in frontier technologies. The Prime Minister reiterated the importance of a swift idea-to-product cycle and urged industry leaders to mentor and provide funding to young innovators.

    He said the university campuses in India are evolving into centres of Yuvashakti, youth power, where research and entrepreneurial vigour intersect. The establishment of Superhubs, along with the ₹50,000 crore National Research Foundation, illustrates the government’s dedication to research.

    With a strong foundation built on discipline, focus, trust, clarity, and alignment, PM Modi’s message shines brightly: India’s innovation ecosystem isn’t just growing; it’s rapidly moving toward global leadership.

  • Rafale Marine – India and France Sign ₹63,000 Crore Deal for 26 Aircrafts

    Rafale Marine – India and France Sign ₹63,000 Crore Deal for 26 Aircrafts

    New Delhi [India], April 28: In a significant enhancement of its naval capabilities, India has entered into an intergovernmental agreement with France to procure 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets at an estimated cost of nearly ₹63,000 crore. The agreement, dated April 28, 2025, encompasses 22 single-seat and 4 dual-seat aircraft, along with associated training, simulators, weaponry, and performance-based logistics support.

    This agreement was executed by Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and French Minister of Armed Forces Sébastien Lecornu, in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh at Nausena Bhawan, New Delhi.

    Rafale Marine, the exciting naval variant of the Rafale fighter aircraft, is set to take to the skies on aircraft carriers like INS Vikrant. This addition will truly elevate the air capabilities of the Indian Navy, offering cutting-edge features for naval operations.

    Plus, the deal beautifully aligns with India’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative, which aims for independence in defense production. It also includes some fantastic clauses for technology transfer, paving the way for the use of homegrown weapons and the establishment of production lines for Rafale fuselages.

    It will support aircraft engine maintenance, repair, and overhaul facilities, as well as enhance sensor and weapon capabilities right here in India.

    The commencement of the delivery of Rafale Marine aircraft is anticipated to begin in 2028, culminating by 2030. This development represents a significant milestone in the modernization of India’s naval forces and the enhancement of the country’s military partnership with France, its long-standing defense ally.

    More news: PNN Digital – News

  • UDAN Scheme Soars High: Celebrating 8 Years of Revolutionary Air Connectivity in India

    UDAN Scheme Soars High: Celebrating 8 Years of Revolutionary Air Connectivity in India

    New Delhi [India], April 26: The aviation sector of India has experienced a significant transformation, propelled by the UDAN scheme—Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik. Launched in 2016, this initiative was designed to democratise aviation, thereby making air travel accessible to the general populace, which was previously considered a luxury.

    As the UDAN Scheme commemorates eight groundbreaking years, it stands as a testament to inclusive growth, linking tier-2 and tier-3 towns through affordable air travel.

    With 625 routes in service and 90 airports, including heliports and water aerodromes, UDAN has carried over 1.49 crore passengers, making travel more accessible than ever for our citizens! This initiative has truly kickstarted development in areas that were previously unconnected. At the heart of this remarkable scheme is its Viability Gap Funding model, supported by a wonderful teamwork among the central government, state governments, and airport operators.

    “Aviation was once considered the domain of a select few, but that has changed now with the advent of UDAN. My dream is to see a person who wears a ‘hawai chappal’ to fly on the ‘hawai jahaz’.”

    – Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi

    Projects such as UDAN Yatri Cafes, seaplane operations, and the Krishi UDAN scheme for farmers exemplify the dynamic and citizen-centric nature of the initiative. The revamped UDAN program is, however, poised to introduce 120 new destinations with a target of 40 million new passengers, emphasising a particular focus on aspirational districts as well as the North-East region of India.

    UDAN Scheme

    UDAN isn’t just about aviation—it’s really about our trust in the government, a clear vision for the future, and aligning with what citizens hope for. It emphasises discipline, focus, and a commitment to continuity, ensuring that every single Indian is taken care of, even when soaring at 30,000 feet!

    As India rises, so do its people—one flight at a time.

    More news: PNN Digital – News

  • TRAI’s JCoR Meeting Tackles Telecom Spam, Fraud, and Cross-Sector Collaboration

    TRAI’s JCoR Meeting Tackles Telecom Spam, Fraud, and Cross-Sector Collaboration

    New Delhi [India], April 25: Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) hosted a major joint meeting of the Joint Committee of Regulators (JCoR) to address major regulatory issues in the digital world, including unsolicited commercial communication (UCC), spam, and spoofed calls. The meeting witnessed the participation of members from various industries like banking, insurance, IT, and telecommunication to address the issues that cross-sectoral collaboration can solve.

    The committee, which was initially formed by TRAI, is a forum for regulators from telecom, IT, finance, and consumer affairs ministries to come together to discuss concerns related to digital communication. At the meeting, TRAI Chairman Shri Anil Kumar Lahoti emphasized the importance of fighting spam and fraud, more so among sensitive groups like senior citizens. One of the priority agenda items was tackling the misuse of communication platforms by spammers and fraudsters.

    One of the most important topics of discussion was the roll-out of the 1600 series numbers, which are government and financial industry transactional calls. The committee members agreed that the transition needed to be accelerated to ensure transparency and prevent fraudulent calls. They also discussed onboarding commercial communication senders onto the Digital Consent Acquisition (DCA) platform and how to prevent fraudulent communications, including removing unused message headers and blocking numbers that scam.

    JCoR members also exchanged views on the new trend of scams and spam through OTT and RCS communication platforms. The session concluded with a reiteration of enhancing cooperation to safeguard consumers and create a more secure telecommunication environment.

  • India Unites in Prayer and Purpose Following Pahalgam Attack

    India Unites in Prayer and Purpose Following Pahalgam Attack

    New Delhi [India], April 25: In the wake of the recent tragic attack in Pahalgam that has left the nation grieving, Aushim Khetarpal, Founder of the Shirdi Sai Baba Foundation, has issued a heartfelt appeal to the citizens of India, emphasizing the transformative power of collective prayer and national solidarity.

    In a powerful message addressed to the people of India, Khetarpal described prayer as not just a spiritual act, but a unifying force capable of turning sorrow into strength and despair into purpose. “Prayer is a roar of unity, a call of hope, a balm for the wounded, and the breath of healing,” he stated.

    The Foundation, known for its humanitarian and spiritual outreach, is set to host the Radiant Differently Abled Sports Awards this June — an event that, this year, will take on a deeper significance. According to Khetarpal, the ceremony will serve not only as a celebration of resilience and courage among differently abled athletes but also as a platform of remembrance and support for the families affected by the recent violence.

    “We pledge to raise funds for the families of the victims — to stand with them, to honour them, and to assure them: they are not alone,” Khetarpal affirmed, urging citizens to contribute with both compassion and purpose.

    Framing the initiative not as charity, but as a moral duty, the Foundation is calling on the public to join hands in a nationwide act of giving — one that transcends monetary aid and becomes a symbol of national solidarity and healing.

    “May the blessings of Shirdi Sai Baba guide us. May the light of love conquer the darkness of hate,” Khetarpal concluded. “And may we, together, build a future rooted in compassion, peace, and unwavering unity.”

    The Foundation’s efforts come at a time when the country is grappling with deep loss, yet determined to rise above hate through unity and hope. Citizens across India are being encouraged to offer prayers, extend support, and contribute to a cause that reflects the very spirit of the nation — resilient, compassionate, and united.

  • 15.43 Lakh New Workers Enrolled in ESI Scheme: A Major Milestone in Social Security

    15.43 Lakh New Workers Enrolled in ESI Scheme: A Major Milestone in Social Security

    New Delhi [India], April 25: In February 2025, a significant increase in enrollments under the Employees’ State Insurance – ESI Scheme was recorded, with 15.43 million new workers joining. This scheme exemplifies the government’s commitment to enhancing social security for workers in the industrial sector.

    It’s heartening to see that a significant proportion of these new enrollments—7.36 lakh, or almost 47.7%—are individuals aged 25 years and below.

    This reflects a wonderful momentum in expanding social security coverage for our new entrant workers. Furthermore, with 3.35 lakh women workers enrolled, we can truly appreciate the government’s efforts to foster gender balance in the workforce.

    Furthermore, the incorporation of 74 transgender employees under the ESI Scheme exemplifies the ongoing efforts to provide equitable benefits to every segment of society. Additionally, the overall coverage in February observed the enrollment of 23,526 new establishments under the scheme, thereby enhancing the robustness of its provisions.

    The provisional payroll numbers clearly indicate that the ESI Scheme is thriving, emphasising inclusion, gender equality, and the importance of youth employment. This marks a significant step toward transforming India into a more secure and well-governed nation, ensuring that its working class enjoys proper social security.

    The statistics reflect the efforts of the Ministry of Labour and Employment towards nation-building, with the aim of developing a more secure and productive citizenry.

    More News: https://pnndigital.com/category/news/

  • Jag Mohan Garg: Land Pooling Policy and Delhi’s Urban Renaissance

    Jag Mohan Garg: Land Pooling Policy and Delhi’s Urban Renaissance

    “This policy exemplifies how collaboration between landowners and authorities can lead to sustainable urbanization and economic revitalization.” – Jagmohan Garg

    New Delhi [India], April 24: The Delhi Land Pooling Policy, introduced by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), is a transformative initiative aimed at unlocking large parcels of land for development, thereby addressing the challenges of rapid urbanization and infrastructure development in the nation’s capital. This policy has gained momentum, offering a promising solution for planned urban growth and sustainable housing.

    Jagmohan Garg, a prominent figure in the Real Estate Industry and Director of Tirupati Infraprojects discusses the Land Pooling Policy.

    Background and Objectives

    Delhi, with its burgeoning population, faces immense pressure from rapid urbanization. The traditional method of land acquisition through government compensation has proven inefficient due to legal disputes and uncompetitive compensation rates. In response, the DDA has shifted its role from a developer to a facilitator, promoting public-private partnerships to accelerate urban development. The Land Pooling Policy is designed to aggregate small land pieces into larger plots, facilitating the development of essential infrastructure such as roads, water supply, sewage systems, and drainage.

    Under this policy, landowners pool their parcels into a larger land bank. After infrastructure development, a portion of the land is returned to the original owners or developers. The return ratio varies based on the size of the land contributed, with smaller plots receiving 48% of the land back and larger plots receiving up to 60%. This approach ensures that landowners benefit directly from the development process while contributing to the city’s growth.

    “Land pooling is a visionary approach that not only unlocks the potential of underutilized land but also fosters sustainable and inclusive urban growth. By aggregating small parcels into larger, more manageable plots, this policy paves the way for planned infrastructure development, affordable housing, and economic revitalization.”

    “It represents a significant leap forward in addressing the challenges of rapid urbanization, ensuring that cities like Delhi can evolve into vibrant, livable spaces that meet the needs of their ever-growing population.” Believes Jagmohan Garg

    Benefits and Challenges

    The policy offers several benefits, including the promotion of planned development, increased land availability, and economic growth. It is expected to unlock around 40,000 acres of land, primarily in outer Delhi areas like Bawana, Najafgarh, and Narela, thereby increasing land availability for housing and commercial projects.

    However, the policy faces challenges such as the holdout problem, policy paralysis, and environmental concerns. The reduction in Floor Area Ratio (FAR) from 400 to 200 has also been criticized for potentially undermining the objective of increasing land supply and reducing property prices.

    Master Plan Delhi 2041: A Framework for Future Development

    The Master Plan Delhi 2041 (MPD-2041) is a strategic framework designed to guide the city’s future growth, emphasizing sustainability, inclusivity, and innovative interventions such as transit-oriented development hubs and land pooling. Despite its approval by the DDA, the plan’s notification has been pending with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs for over a year.

    This delay has hindered the implementation of policies like land pooling, which are integral to the plan. The MPD-2041 aims to address urban planning challenges, including the regularization of unauthorized colonies and the regeneration of older built environments.

    Jagmohan Garg says, “Recent developments suggest that there is renewed hope for the Land Pooling Policy to gain momentum. The application window for participation under the policy has been extended multiple times, indicating ongoing efforts to engage landowners and developers.”

    Additionally, the Supreme Court’s notice on a Public Interest Litigation seeking the implementation of Land Pooling and Green Development policies highlights the urgency and importance of these initiatives for Delhi’s sustainable development.

    As Delhi continues to grow, the Land Pooling Policy and the Master Plan 2041 are crucial for shaping the city’s future. While challenges remain, the potential benefits of these initiatives are substantial.

    With ongoing efforts to address bureaucratic hurdles and environmental concerns, there is optimism that these policies will contribute to a more sustainable, livable, and vibrant Delhi. The implementation of these policies will be closely watched by urban planners, developers, and residents alike, as they hold the key to transforming Delhi into a model city for urban development.

    Disclaimer: Views expressed above are the author’s own and do not reflect the publication’s views.

  • PM Modi Presents National Panchayat Awards in Bihar

    PM Modi Presents National Panchayat Awards in Bihar

    Madhubani (Bihar) [India], April 24: In the context of the National Panchayati Raj Day celebrations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Madhubani, Bihar, during which he awarded the prestigious National Panchayat Awards.

    The awards play a vital role in recognising and celebrating the dedication and hard work of Panchayats that have reached remarkable milestones in governance, development, and public service. These awards don’t just acknowledge outstanding efforts; they also inspire even greater achievements within India’s local governance system.

    At the ceremony, PM Modi and other leaders stood together in a heartfelt moment of silence to honor the victims of the recent Pahalgam Terrorist Attack. This collective gesture beautifully underscored the importance of unity and strength during challenging times.

    The identification of high-performance Panchayats exemplifies the government’s persistent focus on cultivating local leadership and advancing rural empowerment. The Panchayat system constitutes a vital element of India’s decentralized governance framework, facilitating participation by citizens at the grassroots level in decision-making processes.

    The occasion inaugurated new programs to extend Panchayat contributions nationally. By honoring these leaders, the government highlights the discipline, concentration, sharpness, and consistency needed for progress. The day reminds everyone of the coordination between local governance and national development.

    Disclaimer: The views expressed in this release are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or stand of PNN Digital. While we strive for accuracy, the information is for general informational purposes only and may be subject to change.

  • Pahalgam Terrorist Attack: India Responds Strongly With 5 Robust Measures

    Pahalgam Terrorist Attack: India Responds Strongly With 5 Robust Measures

    New Delhi [India], April 24: In retaliation for the Pahalgam Terrorist Attack, India has released five robust measures to reorient its diplomatic and security strategy with Pakistan. While addressing a press conference, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri informed that the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has chosen to put on hold the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 immediately, as a token of Pakistan’s continued patronage of cross-border terrorism.

    The treaty, an agreement that has been in the making for years under negotiations by the World Bank to manage the distribution of water from the Indus River system, has now been put “in abeyance” pending credible and irreversible proof of Pakistan stopping its support for terrorist operations.

    Besides the above step, India has also taken a decision to shut the Attari integrated checkpost for a temporary period. If you are a Pakistani citizen who crossed into India on valid documents, kindly arrange your return by May 1, 2025.

    It is worth mentioning that the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) has been withdrawn for Pakistani nationals, and all SVES visas issued so far are considered invalid. Holders of this visa will be given a 48-hour window to leave the country.

    Diplomatic ties are being minimized. All Pakistani defense and military advisors at their High Commission in New Delhi have been made persona non grata and need to leave within a week. India will also pull out its defense advisors from the High Commission in Islamabad.

    These initiatives prove India’s resurgence of focus towards clarity, consistency, and alignment in foreign affairs, particularly based on ongoing security threats. For the sake of increasing regional turbulence, these provocative measures aim at strengthening national defense and displaying diplomatic determination.

    Disclaimer: The views expressed in this release are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or stand of PNN Digital. While we strive for accuracy, the information is for general informational purposes only and may be subject to change.