West Bengal launches statewide waterbody database survey to identify areas needing dredging for irrigation projects
The West Bengal government initiated a project to create a comprehensive database of waterbodies across the state to identify those requiring dredging due to siltation. The irrigation minister announced this constituency-wise survey during assembly proceedings, stating it would be cost-effective for the state treasury. The minister criticized the central government for not releasing funds for the irrigation department's dredging and canal digging activities. He also alleged discrimination by the center regarding state project allocations and suggested holding a legislative debate on this issue. The speaker noted such debates typically occur during budget sessions.

India-UK Free Trade Agreement targets doubling bilateral trade within five years, addressing taxation and business mobility
India and the UK have concluded a Free Trade Agreement that aims to provide stability and predictability for businesses in both countries. The Commerce Minister emphasized the agreement will help double bilateral trade within five years and facilitate greater investments between the two economies. The deal includes provisions for business mobility and addresses double taxation concerns for temporary workers. The FTA is estimated to increase bilateral trade by 25.5 billion pounds annually in the long run, representing the UK's largest trade deal since Brexit. The agreement is currently undergoing legal text finalization before formal implementation, with a target to reach 120 billion dollars in bilateral trade by 2030.

Police arrest two in nationwide sextortion and banking fraud syndicate using fake SIM cards
Delhi Police arrested two individuals connected to a nationwide cyber crime syndicate involved in sextortion and banking frauds. The first accused, a mobile SIM outlet agent, fraudulently issued SIM cards using manipulated biometric data and supplied them to cyber criminals. The second accused, a resident from Rajasthan, delivered synthetic bank account kits and earned approximately Rs 6 lakh through commission-based work recruited via social media. Police recovered five active SIM cards and linked the operation to at least 60 cyber crime complaints across India. This arrest follows an earlier bust of the same racket involving six people and a money trail exceeding Rs 5 crore.

Jharkhand government transfers 56 IAS officers in major administrative reshuffle with dual departmental charges
The Jharkhand government implemented a major administrative reshuffle involving 56 Indian Administrative Service officers through transfers and new charge assignments. The reorganization included fresh appointments, inter-departmental transfers, and allocation of additional responsibilities to senior officials. Key changes involved officers receiving dual charges across departments including Excise and Prohibition, Disaster Management, Building Construction, Revenue and Land Reforms, Finance, and Panchayati Raj. The reshuffle encompassed various administrative levels from secretaries to directors, representing a significant bureaucratic restructuring within the state administration.

Capital markets regulator approves startup founder stock option retention and relaxed delisting rules for state companies
The capital markets regulator approved multiple proposals to ease business operations for market participants. Key measures include allowing startup founders to retain employee stock options granted at least one year before IPO filing, previously requiring liquidation. The board relaxed delisting requirements for select state-owned companies, removing the two-thirds threshold for public shareholder approval and modifying floor price calculations. Five state entities with 90% government ownership will benefit from these changes. The regulator simplified compliance for foreign portfolio investors focused exclusively on government securities, harmonizing review requirements. Additional approvals covered alternate investment fund co-investment opportunities, angel investor classifications, and various ease-of-business measures across social stock exchanges and investment trusts.

Union Minister opens vehicle scrapping facilities with 40,000 annual capacity supporting National Vehicle Scrappage Policy
A Union Minister inaugurated two vehicle scrapping facilities operated by a major automotive manufacturer in Lucknow and Raipur, with combined capacity to dismantle 40,000 end-of-life vehicles annually. The facilities, designed under the National Vehicle Scrappage Policy, can handle passenger and commercial vehicles across all brands including two- and three-wheelers. The Raipur facility can process 25,000 vehicles yearly while Lucknow handles 15,000 vehicles. These centers focus on safe dismantling and material recovery for recycling, creating employment opportunities and supporting the transition to cleaner, fuel-efficient vehicles through structured incentives.

Airline chairman apologizes after plane crash kills over 270 people, cites clean maintenance record
The chairman of a major airline group apologized following a plane crash that killed over 270 people when a London-bound aircraft crashed into a medical complex shortly after takeoff. The chairman expressed deep regret and committed to supporting victims' families. He stated the aircraft had a clean maintenance history, with one engine recently replaced and both pilots being highly experienced professionals. Investigation findings are pending, with speculation about various causes including human error and mechanical issues. The chairman defended the airline's safety record and maintenance partnerships while acknowledging communication issues regarding subsequent flight cancellations and delays.

Defense Secretary declines to specify US military assistance for potential Israeli strikes against Iran
The Defense Secretary testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee that the Pentagon is providing military options to the President regarding the Israel-Iran conflict. The Secretary declined to specify whether the US would assist with Israeli strikes, including potential use of bunker buster bombs requiring US pilots and B-2 stealth bombers. The US has repositioned refueling tankers and fighter aircraft in the region for potential evacuations or airstrikes. The Secretary faced criticism for using unsecured messaging apps to share sensitive military strike information, with the Pentagon's watchdog investigating this matter. The testimony occurred amid broader discussions about the administration's proposed trillion-dollar defense budget increase.

Telecom operator partners with satellite firm to deliver cellular services directly to smartphones in unconnected regions
A major telecom operator partnered with a satellite communications firm to deliver satellite services directly to smartphones across unconnected regions. The satellite company is building a space-based cellular broadband network accessible by standard mobile devices without specialized software. The partnership will integrate the operator's terrestrial network with space-based cellular technology to provide voice, video, data streaming and internet access. Competitors have already partnered with another satellite firm for similar services. The regulatory authority has recommended spectrum allocation for satellite communications services through administrative routes rather than auction.

India-UK Free Trade Agreement aims to double bilateral trade to USD 120 billion by 2030
India's Commerce Minister stated the India-UK Free Trade Agreement provides stability and predictability for businesses in both countries during discussions in London. The FTA, announced in May with implementation pending legal formalization, aims to double bilateral trade to USD 120 billion by 2030. UK officials estimate the deal will increase annual bilateral trade by GBP 25.5 billion long-term, calling it the biggest trade deal since Brexit. The agreement includes tariff reductions across key sectors and improved professional mobility. Current bilateral trade stands at USD 21.34 billion in 2023-24.

Chief Minister refuses to observe Constitution Murder Day, accuses central government of undermining democracy daily
A state chief minister criticized the central government's decision to observe June 25 as 'Constitution Murder Day,' calling it a mockery of democracy. The official refused to participate in the observance and accused the ruling party of undermining democratic institutions daily. The chief minister questioned the current power structure, alleging that the Home Minister effectively runs the country while the Prime Minister travels frequently. Additional criticisms included claims of toppling elected state governments, compromising independent institutions, economic policies like demonetization, and interference in federal rights. The official also objected to central directives regarding state cultural observances and accused the government of targeting linguistic minorities from the state.

Uttarakhand Power Corporation finalizes plan to electrify 43 border outposts and 882 homes in remote villages
The Uttarakhand Power Corporation Limited has finalized an action plan to supply grid-based electricity to remote border villages near the India-China border under government schemes. The tender process is complete for providing electricity to 43 border outposts across three districts and 882 homes in eight border villages. Survey work including technical estimates, route planning, and pole positioning is currently underway despite challenging weather conditions and difficult terrain access in the mountainous regions.

Labour Minister Announces Block-Level Help Desks for Construction Workers to Access Welfare Schemes and Benefits
A state labour minister announced establishment of help desks at block level to assist construction workers in accessing welfare schemes. The help desks will serve as one-stop centers for worker registration, benefit applications, awareness programs, and grievance redressal. These centers will be staffed with welfare officers and IT infrastructure to ensure transparent processing. The welfare board provides various benefits including maternity benefits, educational support for children, tool grants, medical assistance, disability pensions, and travel reimbursements for registered construction workers.

Bangalore Water Board sets Guinness Record with 533,642 conservation pledges amid billing challenges
The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board achieved a Guinness World Record for conducting a massive water conservation awareness campaign from March 21-28, with 533,642 people taking conservation pledges. The state's Deputy Chief Minister received the certificate and highlighted ongoing water supply challenges, noting that 35 percent of citizens don't pay water bills while treated drinking water is used for all purposes. The board faces annual losses of Rs 400-500 crore and plans to revise water tariffs to address financial shortfalls while implementing comprehensive plans to supply water to the city's two crore residents.

Finance Minister calls on fintech companies to combat digital arrests, cyberfrauds, and deepfake threats targeting consumers
The Finance Minister urged fintech companies to develop solutions addressing rising digital arrests, cyberfrauds, and fly-by-night operators targeting consumers. Speaking at a digital payments ceremony, the Minister highlighted deep fake technology as another major threat requiring attention. The official called for expanded digital lending to MSMEs and encouraged fintechs to export successful models globally, noting UPI's acceptance in seven countries. India's fintech market is projected to reach USD 400 billion by 2028-29 with 30% annual growth. The Minister emphasized India's leadership in real-time digital transactions and cited Direct Benefit Transfer savings of Rs 3.48 lakh crore since 2014.

Indian Prime Minister makes historic first visit to Croatia for bilateral talks with Croatian counterpart
The Indian Prime Minister conducted delegation-level talks with the Croatian Prime Minister in Zagreb to enhance bilateral relations. This marked the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Croatia, occurring during the final leg of a three-nation tour. The Croatian leader personally received the Indian Prime Minister at the airport, emphasizing the visit's significance at an important geopolitical moment. Both leaders discussed opening new avenues for cooperation across multiple sectors, with the Indian delegation including senior officials. The visit aims to strengthen India's engagement with European Union partners, building on centuries-old cultural links between the nations.

Markets regulator approves special measures for voluntary delisting of government-owned companies with 90% ownership
The markets regulator approved special measures to facilitate voluntary delisting of public sector undertakings where government ownership equals or exceeds 90 percent. Key relaxations include eliminating the two-thirds public shareholder approval requirement and allowing delisting at a fixed price with minimum 15 percent premium over floor price, regardless of trading frequency. The measures address situations where shares trade at prices not reflecting company fundamentals, making delisting financially burdensome under current rules requiring 60-day volume weighted average pricing. The provisions exclude banks, non-banking financial companies, and insurance companies from these special measures.

Federal government praises state's digital land record modernization covering 38,000 sq km with drone surveying
The federal government commended a state's land record modernization efforts and indicated potential project-specific funding support. Key initiatives include detailed land parcel mapping, digital record preservation, and drone surveying covering over 38,000 square kilometers. The state has digitized approximately 39.8 crore pages of historical revenue records across 22 districts, making them accessible through a web portal. Modern record rooms with climate-controlled storage and advanced scanning equipment have been established. Officials reviewed progress on digital land record programs and capital incentive schemes during a recent meeting.