The Maharashtra Cabinet has approved several significant initiatives, including the formation of the Sixth State Finance Commission and the creation of 346 new positions in the Anti-Narcotics Task Force. Additionally, key infrastructure projects like a solar energy initiative and irrigation schemes have been sanctioned to improve energy efficiency and land irrigation.
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India extended duty-free import of yellow peas until the end of May to ensure affordable pulse availability and support farmers. Meanwhile, a 10% duty is imposed on lentil imports. The moves seek to balance domestic production and imports, addressing price concerns and supply gaps in the market.
Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced the renaming of 13 areas and two roads in four districts to reflect Indian culture and heritage. The changes include new names in Haridwar, Dehradun, Nainital, and Udham Singh Nagar, inspired by prominent Indian figures.
Kamal Haasan stressed the importance of linguistic pride among Tamilians and warned against underestimating their language preferences. He made these remarks amid the ongoing conflict between the state and Centre over the National Education Policy. Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan clarified that NEP 2020 does not mandate any language.
The Travancore Devaswom Board has temporarily suspended issuing special passes for devotees arriving via the forest route to Sabarimala. This measure aims to reduce wait times for darshan among those using the virtual queue system. The suspension follows a significant increase in the number of devotees taking the forest path. No special passes will be issued until further notice.
India's external affairs minister S. Jaishankar advances US-India relations with early talks with key members of the new Trump administration, focusing on strategic cooperation and regional stability. His engagements underline the significance of US-QUAD collaboration despite Trump's controversial foreign policy stance and social media misinformation.
Indian cricket team's win in the Champions Trophy led to celebrations in Madhya Pradesh, but incidents of vandalism and violence marred the night in Dewas and Mhow. Police detained several individuals, shaved their heads, and paraded them after clashes and arson. Authorities confirmed stability in Mhow, detaining 13 people involved in the unrest.
Home minister Amit Shah will launch the Bharatpol portal to streamline international assistance in criminal matters. Developed by CBI, Bharatpol will facilitate real-time information sharing, speeding up responses for Red and color-coded notices against fugitives. This initiative aims to enhance efficiency in combating transnational crimes and aid law enforcement agencies across India.
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh criticized US President Trump's suggestion of taking over the Gaza Strip, calling it 'bizarre' and 'unacceptable.' He emphasized a two-state solution for sustainable peace. Trump's remarks were also condemned by Hamas and other Palestinian leaders, warning that such plans could destabilize the region. Calls for clear stance from the Indian government were made.
The environment ministry proposes amendments to rules governing GMOs, ensuring transparency by requiring Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) members to disclose conflicts of interest. Members must reveal any personal or professional ties to agenda items before meetings and may be asked to recuse themselves from discussions on those items to avoid bias.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Union Minister Pralhad Joshi convened in Lucknow to review wheat procurement, PM Kusum, and PM Surya Ghar Yojana. The state government's wheat procurement surpassed 1 lakh tonne in early April, benefiting over 20,000 farmers.