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Union Budget 2026-27: Govt Gives Push To Economy To Maintain Growth Momentum: FM Sitharaman

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Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that through the Union budget 2026-27, the government is laying the path and giving a push to the economy to maintain the growth momentum. She added that primarily, the government is looking at building the ecosystem with structural reforms, with an aim to create an environment for improving productivity and employment opportunities.

Addressing the post-Budget press conference, the Finance Minister said that the total capital expenditure allocation this time is 12.2 lakh crore, which is 4.4 per cent of GDP,the highest in the last 10 years, to give a major push to structural reforms to support the overall economic growth. Ms. Sitharaman said the government expects the fiscal deficit to be at 4.3 per cent of the GDP in 2026-27, lower than 4.4 per cent projected for the current financial year.

Replying to the questions regarding the provisions in the technology sector, She said the 21st century is completely driven by technology and the government will ensure that technology is brought in to benefit the common man. Ms Sitharaman said 1000 crore rupees per year per city is being given, and the emphasis is going to be largely on tier 2 and tier 3 cities.

While asked about the electronic sector, She said the electronic components manufacturing scheme for 40,000 crores rupees is a major encouragement for India to become self-sufficient. On the rare minerals corridor, She said the government has announced establishing rare earth corridors so that India can be able to meet its own requirements with its materials.

The Financial Minister said once the government identifies and be able to explore these minerals, the country’s dependency on external sources will be lesser. She also noted that looking at the success of Defence corridors, the rare-earth corridors will make a big difference to the Indian economy.

Patna: PM Modi delighted Chhari-Dhand Bird Sanctuary includes in Ramsar list

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday expressed his delight over the inclusion of Patna Bird Sanctuary in Etah, Uttar Pradesh, and Chhari-Dhand in Kutch, Gujarat, in the prestigious Ramsar Sites list, highlighting India’s commitment to biodiversity and wetland conservation.

Posting on X, the Prime Minister said, “Delighted that the Patna Bird Sanctuary in Etah (Uttar Pradesh) and Chhari-Dhand in Kutch (Gujarat) are Ramsar Sites. Congratulations to the local population there as well as all those passionate about wetland conservation. These recognitions reaffirm our commitment to preserving biodiversity and protecting vital ecosystems. May these wetlands continue to thrive as safe habitats for countless migratory and native species.”

His post came in response to Union Minister Bhupender Yadav, who announced the Ramsar recognition of the two wetlands.

The Minister’s post noted, “With World Wetlands Day close by, I am delighted to announce that there are two new additions to India’s growing Ramsar network. Patna Bird Sanctuary in Etah, Uttar Pradesh, and Chhari-Dhand in Kutch, Gujarat, are the new entrants to the coveted Ramsar Sites list.”

The announcement highlighted that these wetlands provide crucial habitats for hundreds of migratory and resident bird species, in addition to mammals such as chinkara, wolves, caracal, desert cats, and desert foxes, along with several endangered avian species.

India’s Ramsar network, under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, has seen a remarkable expansion of over 276 per cent, increasing from 26 sites in 2014 to 98 at present. These designations reflect India’s strong commitment to environmental protection, wetland conservation, and biodiversity preservation.

Patna Bird Sanctuary and Chhari-Dhand are recognised not only for their ecological importance but also for the role they play in sustaining local livelihoods and supporting ecosystem services.

Officials noted that the international recognition is expected to boost conservation efforts in these regions, raising awareness about wetland protection among local communities.

Experts said that the inclusion of these sites ahead of World Wetlands Day sends a strong signal about India’s proactive measures to safeguard its natural habitats and highlights the growing importance of wetlands in combating climate change and maintaining ecological balance.

The recognition adds to India’s expanding list of Ramsar wetlands, reaffirming the nation’s focus on sustainable development, habitat protection, and fostering environmental stewardship at both local and global levels.

Union Minister Bhupender Yadav Greets..

Congratulations Team Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat and the Wetland community!

With World Wetlands Day close by, I am delighted to announce that there are two new additions to India’s Ramsar growing network.

Patna Bird Sanctuary in Etah, Uttar Pradesh, and Chhari-Dhand in Kutch, Gujarat are the new entrants to the coveted Ramsar sites list.

This international recognition reflects India’s strong commitment to protect our environment and conserve our rich wetlands.

Hundreds of migratory and resident avian species find their home in the two wetlands, apart from being the habitat of chinkara, wolves, caracal, desert cats and desert foxes besides endangered birds.

Under the visionary leadership of PM Shri Narendramodi
ji, Indian Ramsar network has seen an expansion of over 276% – climbing from 26 in 2014 to 98 now.

Senior IFS Officer Vinay Kumar unanimously elected as President of Telangana IFS Officers’ Association

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The new executive committee of the Telangana Indian Forest Service (IFS) Association has been elected. In the meeting held today, Senior IFS Officer Mr. Vinay Kumar was unanimously elected as the new president of the Association.

Mr. Ratnakar Jauhari was elected as the Vice-President, Dr. Priyanka Varghese as the Secretary, and Mr. Ranjith Naik as the Joint Secretary of the association. The elected IFS officers have assumed their responsibilities. Mrs. B. Praveena, IFS, has been appointed as the Treasurer.

The new executive committee members stated that they will work for the welfare of the officers in addition to their duties related to forest conservation. The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Dr. C. Suvarna, extended her best wishes to the newly elected members.

IFS Association condemned MLA’s inappropriate remarks against IPS officer

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Hyderabad: The Indian Forest Service Association (IFS) strongly condemns the inappropriate and hateful remarks made by the Hon’ble  MLA, Sri Padi Kaushik Reddy, against Mr. Goush Alam, IPS on January 29, 2026. This was stated in a press release issued today by Dr. Priyanka Varghese, Secretary of the Telangana IFS Association.

While officers were lawfully discharging their official responsibilities, .he Legislator made inappropriate personal remarks invoking religious identity and advanced unsubstantiated allegations. Such remarks are devoid of factual basis and  undermine constitutional principles, while also casting aspersions on the integrity and institutional independence of the Indian Police Service.

The Indian Forest Service Association firmly supports Sri Gaush Alam, IPS, apart from rendering apology it is also urged the relevant legislative authorities to acknowledge the incident and respond to this behavior with suitable measures in accordance with the established protocols.

The Indian Forest Service continues to uphold its commitment to neutrality, professionalism, and service in full conformity with the Constitution of India.

 

Home Ministry Mandates Two-Year Central Deputation For IPS Officers To Be Eligible For IGP Posting

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The government has made a two-year Central experience mandatory for Indian Police Service (IPS) officers at the rank of Superintendent of Police (SP) and Deputy Inspector General (DIG) to be eligible for posting as Inspector General of Police (IGP) with the Union Government.

The Union Home Ministry has written a letter to all the Chief Secretaries of the state governments in this regard. The Ministry said that this directive will be applicable to IPS officers from the 2011 batch onwards.

Bhupender Yadav Announces Addition Of Two New Wetlands To India’s Ramsar Network

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Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Bhupender Yadav has announced the addition of two new wetlands to India’s Ramsar network.

These are the Patna Bird Sanctuary in Etah district, Uttar Pradesh and Chhari-Dhand in Kutch district of Gujarat. Mr Yadav highlighted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India’s Ramsar network has expanded by over 276 per cent, from 26 sites in 2014 to 98 sites at present.

He stated that the international recognition reflects India’s strong commitment to protecting the environment and conserving its wetlands. The Minister informed that the two wetlands provide habitat to hundreds of migratory and resident bird species. The areas are also home to wildlife such as chinkara, wolves, caracal, desert cats and desert foxes, besides endangered birds.

India is one of the Contracting Parties to the Convention on Wetlands, known as the Ramsar Convention, signed in Ramsar, Iran, in 1971. India became a signatory to the convention on 1st February 1982. These sites are significant, as they can serve as model examples of the nation’s commitment to conservation and management under internationally accepted frameworks.

IPE’s SANSKRITI 2K26 Draws National Attention with Eminent Celebrity Guests and Academic Leadership

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The Institute of Public Enterprise (IPE), Hyderabad, a premier B-School in India hosted its flagship National Management Fest SANSKRITI 2K26 at its Shamirpet campus, witnessing enthusiastic participation from management institutions across the country.

The Valedictory Ceremony was graced by Shri Kamal Kamaraju, acclaimed actor known for his work in Telugu and Tamil cinema, and Shri Pranav Kaushik, noted actor, singer, and filmmaker, who inspired students by sharing insights from their professional journeys and emphasizing creativity, passion, and adaptability for success.

The ceremony was presided over by Prof. S Sreenivasa Murthy, Director, IPE, along with Prof. V Srikanth, Dean – Academics; Prof. Ch Lakshmi Kumari, Dean – Research; Dr. Rajkumar Pillay, Coordinator – Student Affairs; and Dr. Jyothi K, Joint Coordinator – Student Affairs.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. S. Sreenivasa Murthy reiterated IPE’s vision of nurturing industry-ready managers through experiential learning, leadership development, and continuous industry engagement, with events like SANSKRITI serving as integral platforms for student growth.

With enthusiastic student participation and national-level exposure, SANSKRITI 2K26 reaffirmed IPE’s position as a preferred destination for aspirants seeking quality management education, strong industry interface, and a dynamic campus life.

Admissions for the upcoming academic year are now open for IPE’s AICTE-approved PGDM programmes, including Marketing, Banking & Financial Services, Human Resource Management, International Business, and Business Analytics and Fellow Programme in Management (FPM).

SC Directs States To Provide Free Biodegradable Sanitary Pads In Schools

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The Supreme Court says Menstrual Health Fundamental Right Under Article 21; Directs States To Provide Free Biodegradable Sanitary Pads In Schools

The Supreme Court has ruled that the right to menstrual hygiene is an integral part of the right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution. The Apex court yesterday issued a series of binding directions to states and Union Territories and schools to ensure dignity, health and equality for girls and women. A bench of Justice JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan directed all states and Union Territories to ensure that every school provides biodegradable sanitary napkins free of cost to adolescent girls.

The bench observed that the lack of basic facilities and stigma around menstruation directly affects girls’ health, education and privacy. The court further ordered authorities to ensure that schools are equipped with functional and hygienic gender-segregated toilets. The Court directed the pan-India implementation of the Union’s national policy, ‘Menstrual Hygiene Policy for School-going Girls’, in schools for adolescent girl children from Classes 6th-12th. The top court was hearing a plea seeking free sanitary pads and adequate sanitation facilities for schoolgirls.

The apex body made it clear that the compliance would be mandatory for both government and private institutions. It warned that private schools could face derecognition if they fail to provide separate toilets for girls and boys or do not ensure access to free sanitary pads for students.

FM Nirmala Sitharaman to Present Union Budget 2026-27 On Feb 1

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Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Union Budget 2026-27 in the Lok Sabha tomorrow. After the presentation of the Budget in the Lower House, a copy of the budget will be tabled in the Rajya Sabha. This will be the ninth consecutive Budget presentation by Mrs Sitharaman since assuming office in 2019. It will be the third Budget of the Narendra Modi government in its third term.

The Budget documents will be available on the Mobile App and the website after the completion of the Budget Speech in Parliament. The Finance Minister will interact with around thirty college students from different regions of the country after the presentation of the Union Budget.

Before the budget Preparation, the Finance Minister held pre Budget consultations meetings with several stakeholders, including experts and representatives from economists, trade unions, the education and health sector, MSME, trade and services, industry, economists, the financial sector and capital markets.

Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan had also held extensive pre-Budget consultations on various aspects related to agriculture and rural development and submitted a compiled report of suggestions to the Finance Minister. During the course of Budget preparation, various inputs have been sought from the citizens, including youth, through various platforms, which will reflect in the upcoming Union Budget 2026-27.

Chennai: National Biodiversity Authority Disburses Rs 17 Lakh To BMC Under ABS Mechanism

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The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) has disbursed Rs 17 lakh to the Biodiversity Management Committee (BMC) of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), Maharashtra, under the Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) framework, furthering India’s efforts towards the sustainable use of biological resources and equitable benefit sharing.

The amount was released through the Maharashtra State Biodiversity Board following the commercial utilisation of soil micro-organisms belonging to the Bacillus genus. These micro-organisms have been used to develop value-added probiotic products, demonstrating the link between biodiversity conservation and modern biotechnology. Under the ABS mechanism, a portion of the commercial gains from biological resources is shared with local communities to support development initiatives.

According to the NBA, micro-organisms are increasingly emerging as a key driver of innovation within the biotechnology sector. The sector has contributed around Rs 10 crore to the accumulated ABS fund, reflecting the growing role of microbial resources across healthcare, agriculture and industrial applications.

Maharashtra remains the second-largest beneficiary of ABS disbursements after Andhra Pradesh. Excluding releases linked to Red Sanders wood, the state has received the highest share of ABS funds. With the latest release, total ABS support extended to Maharashtra has reached nearly Rs 8 crore, benefiting over 200 Biodiversity Management Committees and seven institutions across the state.

At the national level, cumulative ABS disbursements have crossed Rs 144.37 crore (approximately USD 16 million). The NBA said this milestone reflects the effective implementation of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, and aligns with India’s commitments under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the country’s National Biodiversity Targets, particularly those focused on equitable benefit sharing, community empowerment and livelihood security.

The ABS framework also contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals, reinforcing India’s leadership in implementing the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Nagoya Protocol while promoting inclusive and sustainable development.