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NEW DELHI: With demand for imported coking coal—an essential input for the steel industry—continuing to rise despite large domestic reserves, the govt on Thursday notified coking coal as a “critical and strategic mineral” to accelerate exploration and mining activities, including those involving deep-seated deposits.The decision was made on the recommendations of the High-Level Committee on…

NEW DELHI: Comptroller and Auditor General K Sanjay Murthy on Thursday raised his concern on excessive regulatory burdens that impede the competitiveness of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and slow down industrial growth.“MSMEs-related reforms need to cut across multiple departments and levels of government — Centre, state, and local bodies,” Murthy said, and added…

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said the Economic Survey 2025–26 offers a comprehensive picture of India’s growth journey, calling it a snapshot of the country’s “Reform Express”.Sharing a post on X, the prime minister said, “The Economic Survey tabled today presents a comprehensive picture of India’s Reform Express, reflecting steady progress in…

NEW DELHI: The sudden death of Ajit Pawar has left his party, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), with many challenges. After losing its most skilful political manager, the party is now in a Catch-22 situation over a possible merger with the rival faction, while also keeping the alliance with the BJP intact.As “Ajit Dada” was…

NEW DELHI: Actor-politician Vijay’s father SA Chandrasekhar has appealed to the Congress to forge an electoral alliance with his son’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) for the upcoming Tamil Nadu assembly election, claiming it could help the grand old party regain its “old glory” in the state. The state Congress, however, has rejected this informal offer.Chandrasekhar…

NEW DELHI: Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday announced government’s decision to provide an additional financial assistance of up to Rs 2 lakh to the women beneficiaries under the “Mukhya Mantri Mahila Rojgar” scheme.In a social media post on X, Nitish said that the amount selected beneficiaries in phases, “provided that the amount previously…

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said the ‘Beating Retreat’ ceremony, scheduled for this evening, marks the formal conclusion of Republic Day celebrations and highlights the strength of India’s military heritage.He added that the event showcases the discipline, traditions and valour of the armed forces, who remain committed to safeguarding the nation.“This evening,…

PTI photo NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Thursday stayed the University Grant Commission’s (UGC) new set of rules aimed at promoting equality in higher education institutions (HEI) amid nationwide protests over the legislation’s controversial definition of discrimination.A bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi issued notices to the Centre and the…

File photo NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Thursday put on hold the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions Regulations, 2026, restoring the older 2012 framework for the time being. The court said the new rules suffer from vagueness, particularly in how caste-based discrimination is defined, and warned they could…

NEW DELHI: Senior Congress leader and MP Shashi Tharoor on Thursday met Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and party chief Mallikarjun Kharge in Parliament and sought to put to rest speculation of a rift, affirming on a positive note that “we are on the same page” after a “warm and constructive discussion” with…