Category Archives: government

economy, government, leadership, policy, politics

Takaichi Announces Candidacy for LDP Leadership

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I, Sanae Takaichi, as someone who loves Japan and the Japanese people with all my heart, and who firmly believes in their strength, will once again run in the Liberal Democratic Party leadership election, Takaichi said at a press conference on September 19th.

Calling for Japan to once more stand at the top of the world, she pledged to pursue economic growth without compromise. Her proposals include the creation of a control center for foreign resident issues and stronger measures against illegal overstayers, aiming to shore up conservative support.

At the same time, her willingness to adopt opposition-backed policies has raised doubts among some conservatives about her capacity to build alliances across party lines. Takaichi said she would push for a tax credit system that increases net income relative to wages, known as a refundable tax credit—an idea championed by the Constitutional Democratic Party.

She also pledged to develop backup crisis-management functions for the capital, echoing Nippon Ishin’s second capital concept, and to reform income thresholds, as advocated by the Democratic Party for the People.

Meanwhile, Agriculture Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, who placed third behind Takaichi in last year’s race, launched his campaign team the same day. “We must not forget last year’s result, and fight through with a sense of urgency until the end,” Koizumi said, adding that he will announce his policy platform on September 21st.

Koizumi also gained a significant endorsement. Former Digital Minister Taro Kono said, “When we think about who can truly rebuild the party from its foundation, Koizumi is the most suitable.”

With the official announcement just three days away, leadership contenders are stepping up their campaigns.
https://newsonjapan.com/article/146947.php

community, education, government, policy, technology

Best-performing zilla parishads, civic bodies in education to get incentives

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**Maharashtra Announces Incentive Prizes for Excellence in Education Initiatives**

School Education Minister Shri Dadaji Bhuse announced on Friday that Zilla Parishads and Municipal Corporations excelling in promoting quality and innovative education initiatives in Maharashtra will be awarded incentive prizes. The awards include Rs 5 crore for first place, Rs 3 crore for second place, and Rs 2 crore for the third position.

The announcement was made during the inauguration of the two-day State-Level School Education Conference held in Balewadi, Pune. The event was attended by key officials including School Department Principal Secretary Ranjit Singh Deol, Education Commissioner Sachindra Pratap Singh, Maharashtra Primary Education Council State Project Director Sanjay Yadav, State Educational Research and Training Council Director Rahul Rekhawar, State Examination Council Director Nandkumar Bedse, and other directors and education officers from across the state.

Addressing the gathering, Minister Bhuse emphasized that education must be enjoyable, of high quality, comprehensive, and rooted in national values. He urged the department to implement innovative initiatives to position Maharashtra as a leader in education. Highlighting the importance of artificial intelligence, technology integration, infrastructure development, and flagship schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Yojana, scholarship examinations, and the Nipun Bharat Abhiyan, Bhuse called for a holistic approach to education enhancement.

The minister further underscored the value of experiential learning through educational trips. He suggested organizing visits to historical sites, agricultural activities, and banks to enrich students’ learning experiences.

In addition, Bhuse announced the organization of an elocution competition commemorating the 300th birth anniversary of Lokmata Punyashloka Ahilyadevi Holkar, and a quiz contest marking the 150th birth anniversary of tribal leader Birsa Munda.

**Administrative Reforms and Scholarship Exams Resumption**

Announcing administrative reforms, the minister revealed that the existing 15 school-level committees will be consolidated into four committees to enhance operational efficiency. He also confirmed the resumption of scholarship examinations for Classes 4 and 7 starting from the next academic year.

Principal Secretary Ranjit Singh Deol stressed the importance of local self-government bodies prioritizing education and health. He urged municipal commissioners to ensure effective implementation of government initiatives at the grassroots level.

Education Commissioner Sachindra Pratap Singh spoke about improving the quality of education, the implementation goals of the National Education Policy (NEP), targets set under the Nipun Bharat Abhiyan for 2027, and various ongoing school-level initiatives.

**Launch of Competition Guide and Conference Highlights**

During the ceremony, Minister Bhuse released the Teacher and Officer-Employee Competition Guide, which features 36 competitions and six Olympiads. The guide was prepared under the guidance of Rahul Rekhawar.

The conference included discussions on several critical topics such as the New Education Policy 2020, the PARAKH assessment survey report measuring learning outcomes, administrative reforms, and holistic education strategies.

Officials from different districts presented innovative educational practices implemented locally and were honored by the minister with mementos and books.

Additionally, administrative matters including Class 11 admissions, the Group School Scheme for inclusive education, the Unified District Information System for Education (UDISE) Plus database, and teacher recruitment approvals were deliberated.

Programs and schemes from the Maharashtra Primary Education Council, NEP 2020 action plans, competency-based question banks, e-Vidya educational channels, and yoga curriculum guides were also highlighted for effective execution.

**Upcoming Initiatives and Events**

Minister Bhuse directed schools across the state to organize annual gatherings, student sports competitions, and patriotic drills scheduled for January 26, 2026. He also announced an increase in prize money for science exhibitions, aiming to further encourage student participation and innovation.

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The State-Level School Education Conference marks a significant step toward elevating educational standards in Maharashtra through strategic reforms, incentivizing innovation, and fostering community involvement in education.
https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/maharashtra-announces-incentives-for-best-performing-zilla-parishads-municipal-corporations-in-education-23594869

community development, environment, government, international relations, politics

‘Seva Pakhwada’ launched in Palghar to mark PM Modi`s 75 birthday

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**Seva Pakhwada Launched Across India to Promote People-Centric Governance and Environmental Conservation**

The Seva Pakhwada (Service Fortnight) under Maharashtra government’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Rajaswa Mission was formally launched in Palghar by District Collector Indu Rani Jakhar, an official announced on Friday. This 15-day-long Sewa Pakhwada, initiated by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to mark the 75th birthday of its prominent leader, runs from September 17 to October 2.

The initiative aims to provide citizens with direct access to government services and ensure faster delivery of welfare scheme benefits. It is part of the state government’s broader effort to promote efficient, people-centric governance at the grassroots level, according to reports by news agency PTI.

During her visit, Collector Jakhar reviewed various development initiatives and government schemes in Jawhar and Mokhada talukas. She also inspected farm ponds constructed under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS). In Mokhada taluka, 53 farm ponds have been approved for 2025-26, while Poshera has 35, Hirve 10, and Ase 8. Each pond is designed to store 2.5 lakh litres of water, aiding local irrigation and water conservation efforts.

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**Diplomats from 70 Nations Participate in Sapling Plantation During Delhi’s Seva Pakhwada**

In New Delhi, diplomats from 70 countries came together to plant saplings at the Central Ridge as part of the Delhi government’s 15-day Sewa Pakhwada. A total of 75 diplomats, alongside Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, and Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, attended the event on Thursday.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta planted a tree under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign and highlighted the global significance of the diplomats’ participation. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), she said, “The participation of 75 diplomats from 70 countries has given the campaign a form of global cooperation and shared responsibility.”

Under the Seva Pakhwada, observed on the birthday of visionary Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji, the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0” campaign not only spreads the message of environmental conservation but also symbolizes gratitude toward Mother Earth, she added.

Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa also posted on X, emphasizing that the involvement of foreign diplomats has transformed the mission into a truly global event.

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**PM Modi to Launch ‘Sewa Pakhwada’ and Foundation of PM MITRA Park in Madhya Pradesh**

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to lay the foundation stone for the country’s first PM MITRA Park and launch the fortnight-long ‘Sewa Pakhwada’ during his visit to Dhar district in Madhya Pradesh on Wednesday, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced.

In addition to these events, the Prime Minister will inaugurate the Swasth Nari Sashakt Parivar Abhiyan at Bhainsola village in Dhar district. The campaign focuses on the health and empowerment of women, reinforcing the government’s commitment to social welfare.

These events mark a concentrated push by the central and state governments to enhance public service delivery, environmental sustainability, and community development initiatives across India.

—

*With inputs from PTI*
https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/maharashtra-seva-pakhwada-launched-in-palghar-under-rajaswa-mission-23594841

business, development, education, events, government

UP International Trade Show 2025: CM Yuva Yojana To Be Major Attraction, MoU With 27 Institutions On September 27

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Lucknow, September 19: To provide new opportunities and platforms to the youth, the state government is now taking the CM YUVA Yojana forward on a larger scale. In this series, the CM YUVA Yojana will remain the main attraction at the UP International Trade Show (UPITS-2025), to be held at India Expo Mart, Greater Noida, from September 25 to 29.

### MoU Signing With Leading Institutions

Through the ambitious plan of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, initiatives are being taken to connect the youth of the state with innovative projects, franchise models, and technology-based business ideas. During the event, on September 27, an MoU will be signed between CM YUVA and 27 leading educational institutions.

Along with this, 150 special stalls will be set up in Hall No. 18A, where new business models from various fields will be showcased. Students, youth fellows, university representatives, and people from various industries across the state will participate in this exhibition, offering young people opportunities to learn, connect, and advance towards entrepreneurship.

### Educational Institutions To Join Hands

CM YUVA Yojana’s nodal officer and Joint Commissioner of Industries, Sarveshwar Shukla, said, “The main objective of this MoU is to directly connect the state’s educational institutions with the CM YUVA Yojana. The MoU will directly benefit final-year students and alumni of the institutions, who will get an opportunity to be part of innovative projects.”

He added, “The initiative will not only inspire youth towards entrepreneurship but also play an important role in realizing the state government’s vision of startups and innovation.”

MoUs under the CM YUVA Yojana are being signed with leading institutions such as Galgotia University, GL Bajaj, Chaudhary Charan Singh University (Meerut), Ajay Kumar Garg University, Sharda University, Amity University, and ABES. Students and faculty from these institutions will actively participate in the exhibition, giving youth direct exposure to industry and a chance to explore new opportunities.

### District-Level Participation And Outreach

The state government has instructed CM YUVA fellows from all 75 districts to take part in the exhibition. They have been tasked with collecting data and contact details from each stall, as well as promoting these brands in their respective districts.

In addition, students and officials from colleges in Saharanpur, Meerut, Agra, and Aligarh divisions will also be part of this exhibition. This effort aims to provide youth with a direct opportunity to connect with innovation and entrepreneurship.

### Digital Campaign And Registrations

A digital media campaign has already been launched to promote the program. A large number of youth have registered online so far.

For this purpose, a special website, [conclave.cmyuva.org.in](https://conclave.cmyuva.org.in), has been created, through which interested youth can obtain detailed information about the scheme and register online to visit UPITS.

The campaign is rapidly gaining popularity among youth on social media platforms, further boosting engagement and outreach.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/up-international-trade-show-2025-cm-yuva-yojana-to-be-major-attraction-mou-with-27-institutions-on-september-27

corruption, democracy, elections, government, politics

`Chunaav ka chawkidaar` protected `vote chors`: Rahul Gandhi`s dig at EC

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To buttress his allegation, Rahul Gandhi cited data from a Karnataka assembly constituency to claim that votes of Congress supporters were being systematically deleted.

The Election Commission, however, dubbed the allegations “incorrect and baseless,” stating, “No deletion of any vote can be done online by any member of the public, as misconceived by Gandhi.”

In a post in Hindi on X on Friday, Gandhi said,
“Wake up at 4 a.m. Eliminate two voters in 36 seconds,
Then go back to sleep – this is how vote theft happens!
Chunaav ka chawkidaar jaagta raha, chori dekhta raha, choron ko bachata raha
(The election watchman stayed awake, watched the theft, and protected the thieves),” the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha charged.

Gandhi also shared a 36-second video from his press conference in which he explains the modus operandi of the alleged “vote theft.”

Earlier, in a post on Thursday evening, Gandhi had said,
“The nation’s youth, the nation’s students, the nation’s Gen Z, will defend the Constitution, protect democracy, and stop vote theft. I always stand with them. Jai Hind!”

In his fresh offensive against the Election Commission, Gandhi stated on Thursday that the poll panel must stop protecting “vote chors” and provide, within a week, the information sought by the Karnataka CID in an investigation into voter deletions.

“If not, it will be known for sure that the poll body is complicit in the ‘murder of the Constitution’,” Gandhi alleged at his press conference held at the Congress’ Indira Bhawan headquarters.

He also clarified that this was not the “hydrogen bomb” revelation he had promised — that update would come soon.

Gandhi cited details of alleged attempts to delete 6,018 votes in Karnataka’s Aland constituency in the run-up to the 2023 assembly polls.

He further gave the example of Maharashtra’s Rajura constituency, where he claimed 6,850 voters were added in a “fraudulent” manner using automated software.

“Same system is doing this. It is doing it in Karnataka, Maharashtra, it has done it in Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and we have proof of it,” the Congress leader alleged.

“Our demand is Gyanesh Kumar, do your job. You have taken an oath, you are India’s chief election commissioner, you must give evidence to the Karnataka CID,” Gandhi said, directly addressing the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC).

He also urged the CEC to “stop giving excuses” and immediately release evidence to the Karnataka CID.
https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/chunaav-ka-chawkidaar-protected-vote-chors-rahul-gandhis-dig-at-ec-23594799

children, community, education, government

Nandurbar Collector Dr Mittali Sethi Breaks Stereotypes, Sends Twins To Zilla Parishad Anganwadi (VIDEO)

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When people think of Zilla Parishad (ZP) schools or Anganwadis, they often see them merely as centers for education catering to children from underprivileged families. However, Nandurbar District Magistrate Dr. Mittali Sethi has challenged this perception in a remarkable way.

Dr. Sethi recently enrolled her own twin children, Shukar and Sabar, in the Tokar Lake Anganwadi, located about four kilometers from Nandurbar city. This bold move has sparked statewide discussions and earned widespread praise for highlighting social responsibility as well as the significance of government-run institutions.

The decision was inspired by the innovative “Jholi” concept developed by Anganwadi workers. Explaining her choice, Dr. Sethi said, “Since the school and Anganwadi are in the same premises, attention will be paid to both. We will also gain first-hand experience of what needs to be improved in other Anganwadis across the district. This is about social responsibility.”

### Who is Dr. Mittali Sethi?

An IAS officer, Dr. Sethi took charge as the District Collector of Nandurbar in August 2024, following her tenure as Director of Vanamati Sanstha. Her decision to enroll her children in a ZP Anganwadi is being seen as an inspirational step to encourage urban and middle-class families to reconsider the value of government schools and Anganwadis.

While ZP schools often evoke a sense of nostalgia, they are rarely chosen by families in urban areas today. Dr. Sethi’s initiative is expected to change attitudes and build greater trust in these institutions, particularly in the tribal and rural regions of Maharashtra.

Her action is receiving widespread appreciation across the state, with many praising it as a powerful example for other officers and public figures to follow. By leading through example, Dr. Mittali Sethi is redefining the narrative around government education and social responsibility.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/pune/nandurbar-collector-dr-mitali-sethi-breaks-stereotypes-sends-twins-to-zilla-parishad-anganwadi-video

energy, government, policy, technology, urban development

Indore’s Smart Metering Will Shine From Kashmir To Kerala

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**Indore’s Smart Meter Initiative Draws Delegation from Eight States**

Indore, Madhya Pradesh — Renowned for its exemplary cleanliness, Indore has once again set an example, this time in the field of smart metering. A team of 14 engineers from 11 power supply companies across eight states recently visited the Smart Meter Master Control Centre at Polo Ground to learn about Indore’s smart metering operations.

The delegation included representatives from Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, Kerala, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Haryana, Bihar, and Jammu & Kashmir. The visit was organised in collaboration with the Power Finance Corporation and IIM Indore, highlighting the importance of knowledge sharing in the power distribution sector.

During their visit, the delegates received a detailed briefing on Indore’s eight years of experience with smart metering. They participated in interactive Q&A sessions and toured the meter laboratory, where they observed firsthand how smart meters can be remotely disconnected and reconnected—a feature that enhances operational efficiency and customer service.

Anup Kumar Singh, Managing Director of Madhya Pradesh Paschim Kshetra Vidyut Vitaran Company (West Discom), emphasized the project’s efficient execution. He noted that sharing this expertise with other power distribution companies nationwide is a key goal of the initiative.

The visiting engineers expressed their appreciation for Indore’s accomplishments in smart metering. They affirmed that the insights gained during the visit would be invaluable for implementing similar systems in their respective states and power companies.

Indore’s success story continues to inspire innovation and collaboration across India’s power sector.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/indore/indores-smart-metering-will-shine-from-kashmir-to-kerala

government, politics, public administration

UP Deputy CM Keshav Maurya Directs Officials To Work In Team Spirit During Bahraich Visit

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Lucknow: During his visit to Bahraich district on Thursday, Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya emphasized the importance of teamwork among officials to ensure the effective implementation of government schemes and the swift resolution of public grievances.

Chairing a review meeting at the collectorate, Maurya directed the Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs), Circle Officers (COs), and electricity officers to hold monthly meetings at the tehsil level with public representatives. These meetings aim to address and resolve local issues promptly.

The Deputy CM instructed the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) to launch a campaign for maintaining regular cleanliness at all Community Health Centres (CHCs), Primary Health Centres (PHCs), and health centres. He warned that negligence towards sanitation would result in strict action. Additionally, he mandated that every government office conduct a monthly cleanliness drive involving full staff participation.

Reviewing the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat scheme, he stressed that all Ayushman cardholders must be provided medical services as per the prescribed norms. Maurya also called on officials to ensure uninterrupted power supply in forest-affected areas, timely repair of transformers, and strict adherence to power supply rosters.

On the agricultural front, the Deputy CM highlighted the need for sufficient availability of fertilizers in the district. He directed officials to take strict action against hoarding and overpricing of agricultural inputs. Regarding the sugarcane sector, Maurya urged timely payment to farmers to support their livelihoods.

Further, he ordered the transfer of revenue staff who have been posted at one location for over three years, aiming to enhance administrative efficiency. He also instructed irrigation officials to utilize available resources fully and regularly update public representatives on tubewell operations.

Emphasizing innovation in the execution of government schemes, Keshav Prasad Maurya called for timely grievance redressal and the active participation of people’s representatives in monitoring welfare benefits.

Concluding the meeting, the Deputy CM urged all officers to contribute wholeheartedly towards realizing the vision of a “Developed Uttar Pradesh.”
https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/up-deputy-cm-keshav-maurya-directs-officials-to-work-in-team-spirit-during-bahraich-visit

government, politics, science, security, space

NASA is now a spy agency, thanks to Trump’s order

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**NASA Is Now a Spy Agency, Thanks to Trump’s Executive Order**

*By Akash Pandey | Sep 18, 2025, 06:23 PM*

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**What’s the Story?**

Late last month, the Trump administration quietly issued an executive order redesignating NASA as a national intelligence and security agency. This pivotal change means NASA’s main functions will now officially include “intelligence, counterintelligence, investigative, or national security work.”

The update was first reported by Keith Cowing, founder of NASA Watch and a former NASA scientist. This marks a significant departure for the agency, which has spent the past 67 years primarily focused on space exploration and scientific research.

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**Employee Unrest: Protests Erupt Over Status Change**

The decision to shift NASA’s status has not been met without resistance. Employees have raised concerns, particularly regarding the inclusion of NASA under the Federal Service Labor-Management Relations Statute (FSLMRS). This inclusion effectively excludes employees from collective bargaining rights, which many view as an attack on labor protections.

In response, protests have been organized, including a notable demonstration outside NASA’s headquarters in Washington, D.C., earlier this week.

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**Budget Impact: Proposed Cuts and the Space Race with China**

Alongside the executive order, the Trump administration has proposed nearly a 25% cut to NASA’s 2026 budget. Funding would fall from $24.8 billion to $18.8 billion, with the bulk of the reductions affecting NASA’s science programs.

Despite these cuts, acting NASA chief Sean Duffy has emphasized the administration’s goal of beating China to the Moon and Mars, signaling a focus on competitive space exploration amid rising geopolitical tensions.

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**NASA’s Uncertain Future**

These developments come at a turbulent time for NASA. The White House has threatened to slash the agency’s science budget by up to 50% in the next fiscal year, risking delays or cancellations of dozens of major space missions.

While some lawmakers have suggested revising the proposed budget to ease the impact, NASA faces a critical crossroads as it adapts to the administration’s new direction.

—

*Stay tuned for updates on NASA’s evolving role and the broader implications for space exploration and national security.*
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/nasa-designated-as-national-security-agency-in-trump-executive-order/story

elections, government, india, law, politics

Baseless: Poll body junks Rahul Gandhi’s vote chori charge against Gyanesh Kumar

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The Election Commission of India (ECI) has dismissed the allegations of voter deletions made by Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, during his recent press conference. The Commission called these claims “incorrect and baseless,” emphasizing that no votes can be deleted online by the public.

However, the poll body did acknowledge that certain unsuccessful attempts were made to delete electors in Karnataka’s Aland Assembly Constituency. In response, the ECI has filed an FIR to investigate the matter further.

Rahul Gandhi began his press conference by stating that someone had attempted to delete 6,018 votes from the Aland seat in Karnataka using software and phone numbers from outside the state. He also displayed the cell phone numbers that were allegedly used in the attempt to manipulate the voter list.

The Election Commission continues to monitor the situation and is taking necessary steps to ensure the integrity of the electoral process.
https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/baseless-and-incorrect-election-commission-junks-rahul-gandhis-big-vote-chori-charge-2789335-2025-09-18?utm_source=rss