The Political and Business Daily - April 12, 2025

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In this issue

April 12, 2025

If ED has fundamental rights, it must think of people's rights: SC

THE Supreme Court has said ED should also think of the fundamental rights of the people and frowned upon the agency's plea seeking the transfer of the Nagrik Apurti Nigam (NAN) scam case from Chhattisgarh to New Delhi.

1 min

RBI set to buy govt bonds worth ₹40K cr on April 17

THE Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced that it will conduct an Open Market Operation (OMO) purchase of government bonds worth Rs 40,000 crore on April 17.

1 min

'Parivar ka saath, parivar ka vikas': PM Modi takes dig at oppn parties

IN a swipe at opposition parties, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said those hankering for power focus solely on promoting their own families, while his government works on the theme of inclusive development.

1 min

India geared up for 'high degree' of urgency: EAM on negotiations for trade agreements with US, EU

THE Trump administration was quick in responding to what was tabled for a bilateral trade pact with India and New Delhi is geared up for a \"very high\" degree of urgency in concluding trade deals with the US, the European Union and the UK, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Friday.

1 min

MHA: Nominations, recommendations for Padma awards-2026 kick starts now

THE Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has started the process of nominations and recommendations for the Padma awards-2026 to be announced on the eve of next year's Republic Day.

1 min

Minister Nadda launches Ayushman Bharat scheme in Odisha, sets Bengal as next target

UNION Health Minister J P Nadda on Friday launched the Ayushman Bharat Yojana in Odisha, and expressed hope that the central health insurance scheme will soon be implemented in neigh-bouring West Bengal - the only state where it is still not in force.

2 mins

The Myth of India's Economic Prosperity under Muslim Rule

A widely accepted narrative asserts that India was the world’s largest economy until British rule took hold roughly 200 years ago, with this supposed golden age often cred-ited to Muslim governance, particu-larly under the Mughal Empire.

6 mins

Odisha observes 'Chhena Poda Dibasa' to cherish unique dessert

ODISHA Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday greeted the people of the state on the occasion of 'Chhenapoda Dibasa’.

1 min

Health Assurance

Ayushman Bharat's Political Impact

2 mins

The Delimitation Dilemma

The upcoming 2026 delimitation may reduce representation of southern states, sparking political concern over fairness and federalism, writes Rabinarayan Samantara

4 mins

Yoga, meditation may have brief effects on blood pressure, long-term effects unclear

RELAXING techniques, including yoga, meditation and breath control, help bring down one's blood pressure in short-term. However, the long-term effects are unclear, according, to a review of previously published studies.

1 min

How does fast fashion deal with textile waste?

THE world's fashion industry only emits a large amount of carbon dioxide emissions but also produces an increasingly unmanageable heap of textile waste.

3 mins

SC sets aside order, says CBI probe shouldn’t be directed in routine manner

THE Supreme Court has set aside an order of the Punjab and Haryana High Court which transferred the probe in a case to the CBI, and said such directions should not be routinely passed.

1 min

Scams, kickbacks have become ‘order of the day’ in K’taka: BJP

THE BJP on Friday said the Congress government in Karnataka may not last long with corruption and appeasement politics becoming the “order of the day” in the state.

1 min

Experts welcome order for mandatory nutritional labels on packaged foods

HEALTH experts on Friday welcomed the SC’s decision to make nutritional labels on packaged foods mandatory.

1 min

Congratulate Centre on bringing back Rana, but what happened to black money: Farooq

NATIONAL Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah on Friday congratulated the central government over the extradition of 26/11 Mumbai attacks accused Tahawwur Hussain Rana but simultaneously took a dig at the BJP over its promise of bringing back black money.

1 min

India important for stability of Indo-Pacific: Italian Dy PM

INDIA is an important country for stability in the Indo-Pacific region, Italian Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani said on Friday.

1 min

What steps taken to remove encroachments along Ganga? SC asks Centre, Bihar

EXPRESSING concern, the Supreme Court has directed the Centre and Bihar government to file status reports on the steps taken to clear illegal constructions on the banks of the Ganges.

1 min

Successful trials of glide bomb pave way for induction into IAF

THE Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully conducted the release trials of long-range glide bomb “Gaurav” from the Sukhoi aircraft.

1 min

BJP should fight TMC politically: TMC leader

A day after the Calcutta High Court questioned the Centre over the suspension of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) in West Bengal, Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Saket Gokhale slammed the BJP-led government, saying it should fight them politically instead of targeting the people.

1 min

Take party’s message to every household, Cong workers told

CONGRESS president Mallikarjun Kharge lauded the party's Gujarat unit on Friday for successfully organising the AICC session in Ahmedabad and urged it to take the message of the grand old party to every household.

1 min

Tahawwur Rana had plans to target other Indian cities akin to 26/11 Mumbai attacks: NIA

THE National Investigation Agency has said accused Tahawwur Rana planned several other plots similar to the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks to target multiple Indian cities.

1 min

Foundation stone for India's first GaN-based semicon manufacturing plant laid in Raipur

THE foundation stone for India's first Gallium Nitride (GaN)-based semiconductor manufacturing plant of chip-making firm Polymatech Electronics in Nava Raipur was laid by Chattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Friday.

1 min

Mutual Fund industry's AUM hits record ₹65.74L cr in March: AMFI

INDIA’S mutual fund industry reached a new milestone in March, with total assets under management (AUM) rising to an all-time high of Rs 65.74 lakh crore, according to the Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI) data on Friday.

1 min

Poor show by manufacturing, mining pulls down IIP growth to 6- month low of 2.9 pc in February

INDIA'S industrial production growth decelerated to a six-month low of 2.9 per cent in February 2025, mainly due to poor performance of the manufacturing, mining and power sectors, according to official data released on Friday.

1 min

NSE adds over 2 cr new investor accounts in just 6 months; surpasses 22 crore mark

THE total number of investor accounts on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) surpassed 22 crore this month, a sharp increase of more than 2 crore accounts within just six months of crossing the 20-crore mark in October 2024, it was announced on Friday.

1 min

Sensex, Nifty surge nearly 2 pc as US suspends additional 26 per cent tariffs on India till July 9

BENCHMARK Sensex surged by 1,310 points while Nifty closed above 22,900 level on Friday on gains in banking, oil and metal shares as investors rejoiced the 90-day suspension of additional import duties by the US.

1 min

GenAI driving over 30 pc productivity gains for India’s insurance industry

ARTIFICIAL Intelligence (AI), especially Generative AI, is transforming the India's insurance industry this year, with productivity gains of over 30 per cent, a new report said on Friday.

1 min

India to protect its interests in trade pact with US: Goyal

INDIA is in continuous dialogue with the US on the proposed bilateral trade agreement (BTA), and the government will safeguard the nation's and public interests as it is never advisable to take any step in undue haste, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Friday.

1 min

Smartphones now India’s largest export commodity, total production hits %5.24L cr

SMARTPHONES have now become India’s single largest export commodity, crossing an all-time high of Rs 2,00,000 crore in FY25 which is a staggering 55 per cent annual growth, the India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA) said on Friday.

1 min

Drug peddler injured in police encounter in Bhubaneswar

AN alleged drug peddler was injured in an encounter with the police in Bhubaneswar, an officer said on Friday.

1 min

DMK minister relieved from party post following remarks on Shaivism & Vaishnavism

SENIOR DMK leader and Tamil Nadu Minister K Ponmudy was on Friday removed from a key party post in the wake of a row over his remarks on Shaivism and Vaishnavism that drew widespread criticism, including from DMK MP Kanimozhi and BJP state president —-K Annamalai. DMK President and — Chief

1 min

HC orders CBI probe against CM’s Secy for disproportionate assets case

THE High Court here on Friday ordered the CBI to register an FIR and launch a probe against the former Chief Principal Secretary of Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on a complaint accusing the retired bureaucrat of amassing wealth disproportionate to his known sources of income.

1 min

AM/NS India observes World Health Day across Odisha

ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AM/NS India) marked World Health Day across its Odisha operations, aligning with the global theme \"Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures.\"

1 min

Rana’s extradition a big breakthrough, will reveal real plot of 26/11 attacks: Ajit Pawar

MAHARASHTRA Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Friday termed Tahawwur Hussain Rana's extradition a major breakthrough and said it would help unravel the crucial details of the conspiracy behind the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.

2 mins

Demand for separate railway division at Bondamunda gains momentum

RAMESH Kumar Agarwal, Member of the Zonal Railway Users’ Consultative Committee (ZRUCC) from Rourkela, has urged Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to immediately declare Bondamunda as a separate railway division under the Ministry of Railways.

1 min

AIADMK & BJP join hands for 2026 TN elections: EPS to lead charge, says Amit Shah

THE BJP and AIADMK on Friday sealed a poll alliance, with Union Minister Amit Shah declaring that the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly election will be fought under the leadership of AIADMK chief Edappadi K Palaniswami.

1 min

BRS demands inquiry by central agencies into 400-acre land mortgage issue in Hyderabad, Congress Govt refutes

THE opposition BRS on Friday demanded an inquiry by central agencies like CBI or Serious Fraud Investigation Office, into the \"irregularities\" of alleged mortgage of 400 acres of land adjacent to the University of Hyderabad to a private bank by the Congress government.

2 mins

Caste census report tabled in K'nataka cabinet

THE much-awaited Socio-Economic and Education Survey report, popularly known as the \"caste census,\" was presented before the Karnataka cabinet on Friday.

1 min

PM Modi advocates looking at ancient Advaita philosophy to resolve modern-day conflicts

PRIME Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said global challenges of war, conflict, and erosion of human values were rooted in the mindset of division -- of “self and other”-- and maintained Indian philosophy of Advaita can help provide solutions to these issues.

1 min

NIT Rourkela team’s Kodo millet, beetroot extract packaging to keep seafood fresh

RESEARCHERS from the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Rourkela have developed an intelligent food packaging film using natural and biodegradable materials including Kodo millet starch and beetroot extract.

1 min

With Tahawwur Rana in NIA custody, Gate No. 2 of JLN Metro Station remains shut

WITH Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a key accused in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks case, lodged at the National Investigation Agency headquarters, Gate No. 2 of the Jawaharlal Nehru Metro Station located nearby remained closed for a second straight day on Friday.

1 min

Delhi Assembly's PAC to table CAG findings on AAP govt's performance by Monsoon Session

THE Delhi Assembly has decided to adopt the Central government's audit para monitoring system (APMS) application to fast-track scrutiny of CAG reports tabled in the recent budget session, Speaker Vijender Gupta said on Friday.

1 min

Property dealer shot dead in his SUV in Paschim Vihar East

A 50-year-old property dealer was allegedly shot dead inside his car by unidentified assailants in outer Delhi's Paschim Vihar East on Friday morning, a police officer said.

1 min

JNU Students’ Union elections to be held on April 25; results on April 28

THE Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union (JNUSU) elections for the academic year 2024-25 will be held on April 25, with the final results scheduled to be declared on April 28, according to a notification released by the JNUSU Election Committee on Friday.

1 min

Money laundering cases: Delhi HC asks ED reply on Karti' s plea

THE Delhi High Court has asked the ED's response on the plea of Congress MP Karti Chidambaram seeking to defer framing of charges in two cases against him.

1 min

AAP seeks MCD Commissioner's removal over imposition of additional user charges

DELHI Mayor Mahesh Kumar wrote to Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday, seeking the removal of MCD Commissioner Ashwani Kumar over additional user charges on property-tax payers without consulting the elected House.

1 min

MCD to elect new mayor, deputy mayor on April 25

THE Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) will hold elections for the posts of mayor and deputy mayor on April 25.

1 min

Delhi govt to bring new transparent excise policy: CM

THE BJP government in Delhi will come up with a new “foolproof” excise policy, adopting best practices of other states to boost revenue, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has said.

1 min

Women CM, LoP reflect changing educational landscape: Delhi LG

DELHI LG V K Saxena on Friday said the growing participation of women in higher education is a reflection of the changing educational and political landscape of the country as he cited the example of Delhi having women as both the chief minister and the leader of opposition (LoP).

1 min

Former Russian Min Ovsiannikov sentenced to 40 months in prison for violating British sanctions

A former Russian government minister who violated British sanctions by receiving significant financial support from family members was sentenced Friday to more than three years in prison.

1 min

Indian Consulate in Melbourne vandalised again, High Commission raises issue

THE Indian Consulate in Melbourne has been targeted in an act of vandalism with the Indian High Commission in Canberra raising the issue with Australian authorities on Friday.

1 min

IMF: Trump tariffs' external shock creates uncertainty for Sri Lanka

THE external shock in the form of tariffs imposed on a range of countries by the Trump administration has created uncertainity for Sri Lanka in its path to recovery from economic crisis, the IMF said here on Friday.

1 min

Britain announces more support for Ukraine's fight against Russia as Kyiv's Western backers meet

BRITAIN on Friday announced a “surge” of military support to Ukraine, as the war-ravaged country's Western backers gathered to drum up more weapons and ammunition to fight off Russia's invasion and a US envoy flew to Moscow amid ongoing ceasefire efforts.

1 min

FM Sitharaman rolls out red carpet for Austrian companies to invest in India

FINANCE Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday invited Austrian companies to invest in India and highlighted the huge potential for strengthening bilateral economic ties between the two countries in renewable energy, electric vehicles, innovations and startups.

2 mins

Slovakia President dazzled by PM Modi's 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' initiative, hints at replicating it

SLOVAKIA President Peter Pellegrini on Friday heaped praise on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative, terming it as a gamechanger while hinting rolling out similar programme in the European nation.

1 min

NYC sightseeing helicopter plunges into river, killing 6 including Spanish family, pilot

A New York City sightseeing helicopter broke apart in midair Thursday and crashed upside-down into the Hudson River, killing the pilot and a family of five Spanish tourists in the latest US aviation disaster, officials said.

1 min

Trade war: China slaps 125 pc tariffs on US, Xi asks EU to 'jointly resist' America

CHINA on Friday upped its additional tariff on US goods to 125 per cent, retaliating to America's 145 per cent levy even as President Xi Jinping urged the European Union to “jointly resist the unilateral bullying\" by Washington.

1 min

US hails Tahawwur Rana's extradition, says ‘long sought justice’ for 26/11 victims

Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday hailed the extradition of Tahawwur Hussain Rana - a key conspirator in the deadly 2008 Mumbai terror attacks - to India, stating _that Washington and New Delhi have \"long sought justice” for the 26/11 victims.

1 min

Over 100 PTI supporters demanding jailed former PM Imran Khan's release arrested in Pakistan's Punjab

OVER 100 activists of Pakistan Tehreek e-Insaf (PTI) party have been arrested for staging rallies across Punjab province to demand jailed former prime minister Imran Khan's release and condemn the toppling of his government three years ago, police said on Friday.

1 min

England cricket great James Anderson awarded knighthood

Arise, Sir Jimmy.

1 min

ICC eyes changes to two- ball rule in ODIs: Report

THE International Cricket Council (ICC) is considering altering the rules with the use of two new balls in ODI cricket in a bit to balance the game for bowlers.

2 mins

Indian team finishes second overall in ISSF World Cup

THE Indian team finished a creditable second in the year's first ISSF World Cup for rifle, pistol and shotgun shooters despite the young trap mixed team pair of Lakshay Sheoran and Neeru missing out on a medal by a point in the final event of the tournament here.

1 min

Avani shoots bogey-free 68 to lie T10th, Tvesa is T32nd in South Africa

Inpia's Avani Prashanth fired the best opening round of her rookie season as she opened with a bogey-free 4under 68 to be Tied-10th at the Investec SA Women's Open here.

1 min

Vinesh Phogat to open international-level academy with Haryana Govt prize money

FORMER wrestler Vinesh Phogat has revealed she plans to open a world-class institute to train youngsters using the Rs 4 crore prize money she has received from the Haryana Government for her exceptional, yet heartbreaking, performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

1 min

Mohamed Salah signs new Liverpool deal until 2027

LIVERPOOL have officially ended months of speculation by announcing a new long-term contract for star forward Mohamed Salah, tying the Egyptian to the club until 2027.

1 min

ISL Final: I really want to win this trophy again, says Bengaluru FC head coach Zaragoza

AHEAD of the summit clash of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season against Mohun Bagan Super Giant on Saturday, Bengaluru FC head coach Gerard Zaragoza expressed his desire to lift the trophy again adding that his team is fully geared up for the title encounter.

1 min

Pankaj Advani enters final of WBL World Matchplay Billiards C'ship

Multiple-time world champion Pankaj Advani advanced to the final of the WBL World Matchplay Billiards Championship with a 7-5 victory over compatriot Shrikrishna Suri here on Thursday.