reforms

The government remains committed to reforms and policy certainty, aiming for macroeconomic stability and global competitiveness, according to Principal Secretary Shaktikanta Das. He urged Indian businesses to build resilience by strengthening balance sheets, diversifying markets, and investing in R&D. Recent FTAs are expected to boost integration into global value chains.

Constitutional courts should be extremely reluctant to alter religious practices, a nine-judge Supreme Court bench cautioned. Only the will of the people, expressed through elected representatives in Parliament and assemblies, can bring about reforms in religious customs. The court emphasized that it's impossible to scrutinize every religious practice.

A newly elected Reform UK councillor in Plymouth, Ben Rowe, has been suspended from the party following the emergence of social media posts containing Islamophobic and antisemitic content. These controversial posts surfaced before his election victory, leading to an investigation. Rowe's suspension comes amidst Reform UK's significant electoral gains in Plymouth and across England.

Centre Extends Assam Tenancy Act, Clears Rental Bottlenecks

In a groundbreaking achievement, Tripura has become the trailblazer among Indian states, successfully completing all priority areas of the national deregulation initiative. This ambitious endeavor, rolled out in two phases, is designed to refine business operations, enhance digital governance, and attract significant investments.

The British parliamentary sleaze watchdog will probe hard-right politician Nigel Farage's non- disclosure of a £5 million gift from a billionaire donor to his party, UK media reported Wednesday. The parliament's standards commissioner investigation concerns a gift from Thailand-based aviation entrepreneur and crypto investor Christopher Harborne, who last year donated £12 million to Reform UK. Farage and Reform UK told British media that he did not declare the £5 million because it was a personal gift to pay for his personal security, which Harborne corroborated.

Reform UK has emerged as a major force in English local elections, securing the most council seats and taking control of its first London council. This surge, alongside significant losses for Labour and Conservatives, signals a potential shift to a five-party political landscape. Labour faces historical setbacks, with its leader under pressure amid widespread voter dissatisfaction.

In a determined effort to enhance community safety, Bihar Police has introduced new Rural Superintendent of Police positions, leading to over 1,253 successful convictions this year—including life imprisonment and two death sentences. Additionally, as cybercrime incidents rise dramatically, with daily reports surpassing 8,100, the police have proactively frozen over 5,000 suspicious bank accounts, recovering ₹7.

India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar urged BRICS nations to find practical solutions to geopolitical crises, emphasizing the threat to global energy and economic security from West Asian tensions. He stressed dialogue, diplomacy, and respect for sovereignty, while also highlighting concerns over unilateral sanctions, terrorism, and the need for UN Security Council reform.

The landscape of British politics is shaken as Prime Minister Keir Starmer encounters a formidable challenge from Andy Burnham, who is gearing up for a crucial special election to reclaim his place in Parliament.

The Indian government has rationalised royalty rates and methodologies for crude oil, natural gas, and casing head condensate to simplify regulations and boost the upstream energy sector. This move aims to bring greater clarity, consistency, and predictability to the oil and gas regime, encouraging fresh investments in exploration and production activities.

Outgoing CDS General Anil Chauhan highlighted India's success in Operation Sindoor, attributing it to integrated systems and superior situational awareness, leading to a non-kinetic victory. He stressed the need for multi-domain warfare readiness and cultural shifts for effective theatre commands, acknowledging a decade-long capability gap in implementation.