Author: Rishabh Sharma

CHENNAI — The 14th BRICS Science Ministerial Meeting, chaired by India, concluded with the unanimous adoption of the landmark Chennai Declaration, establishing a humanity-first framework for multilateral cooperation in science, technology, and innovation (STI). Union Minister of State Dr. Jitendra Singh announced the consensus, emphasizing a focus on sustainable development, capacity building for the Global South, and expanded mobility for young researchers. The declaration consolidates progress across 14 thematic working groups and establishes structural initiatives, including shared mega-science research networks and startup financing mechanisms, leading into China’s incoming chairship in 2027. Key Commitments & Institutional Outcomes The Chennai Consensus Framework:…

BHUBANESWAR — The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, in collaboration with the Government of Odisha, convened a national workshop titled “Mission Zero – Ending Fatalities in Sanitation Work” at Lokseva Bhawan in Bhubaneswar. Graced by Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Union Social Justice Secretary Sudhansh Pant, the event brought together urban local bodies (ULBs), technology providers, and industry experts. The deliberations focused on eliminating hazardous manual cleaning by scaling up mechanized equipment, enforcing occupational safety frameworks, and expanding social security under the NAMASTE and GARIMA schemes. Key Policy & Operational Directives National Directive: Reaffirmed the Union Government’s…

SILIGURI — Union Home Minister Amit Shah praised the West Bengal government under Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari for handing over 1,129 acres of land to the Border Security Force (BSF) and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) within 45 days of assuming office. Speaking at the SSB Frontier Headquarters in Ranidanga, the Home Minister noted that the acquisition request had been pending since 2014. Emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy toward illegal immigration, he highlighted the strategic importance of securing the Siliguri Corridor (‘Chicken’s Neck’) and announced a ₹189 crore infrastructure package along with a new triangular security grid involving Army posts in Chopra,…

NEW DELHI — The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) led a high-level industry consultation at GAIL headquarters to accelerate the implementation of the Samudra Manthan national offshore exploration initiative. Chaired by MoPNG Secretary Dr. Neeraj Mittal alongside officials from the Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH), the conference brought together public sector leadership—including GAIL CMD Deepak Gupta—and key private energy operators. Aimed at curbing India’s 88%+ reliance on imported crude oil, the initiative prioritizes deepwater and ultra-deepwater exploration to strengthen long-term national energy security. Core Consultative Takeaways Public-Private Synergies: Establishing a unified operational framework between PSUs, private sector operators,…

NEW DELHI — Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the World Leaders Forum, detailing India’s transition from legacy regulatory constraints to an incentive-focused, growth-oriented policy model. The Prime Minister emphasized that political stability and policy continuity have positioned India as a global “bright spot of growth.” Highlighting structural reforms across manufacturing, infrastructure, and technology, he contrasted previous restrictive frameworks with current trust-based governance initiatives designed to streamline enterprise and elevate the nation’s economic trajectory. Key Policy & Economic Highlights Regulatory Mindset Shift: Transitioned the core policy framework from “prohibited-unless-permitted” to “permitted-unless-prohibited.” Incentive-Driven Growth: Replaced historic Production-Linked Punishment (PLP) models with Production-Linked…

NEW DELHI — Addressing the Economic Times World Leaders Forum 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi outlined India’s structural shift from restrictive governance to a trust-based, incentive-driven economic framework. Emphasizing that the global community views India as a “bright spot of growth and hope”, the Prime Minister noted that the government has replaced the historic “Production Linked Punishment” (PLP) mindset of the License Raj with proactive Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes to bolster enterprise, production, and employment generation. Core Governance Principles Deregulation Focus: Transitioning the regulatory framework from “Prohibited unless permitted” to “Permitted unless prohibited”. Compliance Reduction: Systematic decriminalization of minor…

HYDERABAD — Hiliks Technologies Limited has announced strategic changes to its corporate leadership matrix following recent board-level decisions. The technology firm has re-appointed Sandeep Copparapu as Whole-Time Director to ensure operational continuity. Alongside this continuation, the company accepted the official resignation of Nagavenkata Padma Bhaskar Vedanabhatla, who has stepped down from his position as Independent Director.

MUMBAI — Infomedia Press Limited has expanded its corporate leadership with the strategic appointment of Puneet Singhvi to its Board of Directors. Singhvi assumes the position of Additional Director, serving in a Non-Executive, Non-Independent capacity to strengthen the media company’s governance and strategic oversight.

NEW DELHI — In a key central assignment, Parhlad Narayan Meena (IPS, UK: 2012) has been named Deputy Director (Intelligence & Coordination) at the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) for a tenure of five years. Sanctioned by the Ministry of Home Affairs under the Non-Central Staffing Scheme, the move transitions the officer from state policing to a national mandate focused on combating illegal wildlife trade. The Ministry has directed the Uttarakhand government to formally relieve Meena to expedite his joining at WCCB headquarters.

NEW DELHI — Vikram Dev Dutt (IAS, AGMUT: 1993), currently serving as Secretary in the Ministry of Coal, has been assigned additional charge as Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. Dutt will oversee the ministry from August 23 to August 29, 2026, during the temporary leave of absence of Shri Neeraj Mittal (IAS, TN: 1992).