Category: News

New Delhi, May 11 (BNP): The Central Government has officially notified the Viksit Bharat-GRAM G Act, 2025, aimed at strengthening rural livelihoods by guaranteeing 125 days of employment annually to rural households across the country.

Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan made the announcement on Sunday, stating that the new Act will come into effect from July 1, 2026. The initiative is expected to provide enhanced employment opportunities, economic stability, and social security to millions of rural families.

Addressing the media, Chouhan said the Viksit Bharat-GRAM G Act has been introduced as part of the government’s broader vision for inclusive rural development and empowerment. He stated that the scheme would help improve income generation, reduce migration from villages, and create sustainable livelihood opportunities in rural areas.

The Minister further emphasised that the Act reflects the government’s commitment towards strengthening village economies, improving living standards, and ensuring greater participation of rural communities in the country’s development journey.

Officials said detailed implementation guidelines and operational mechanisms for the scheme will be rolled out ahead of its launch on July 1.

Tehran, May 11 (BNP): Iran has expressed its willingness to continue diplomatic engagement and negotiations, provided the talks are conducted with “dignity,” mutual respect, and without pressure or threats, according to Iranian media reports.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that Tehran remains open to dialogue and peaceful solutions but will firmly safeguard the country’s national interests and sovereignty. He emphasised that negotiations must be based on fairness, respect, and international principles rather than coercion or unilateral demands.

The remarks come at a time of heightened tensions in the West Asia region and ongoing diplomatic efforts involving the United States and regional mediators to reduce conflict and restore stability. Reports indicate that discussions are continuing through indirect diplomatic channels, with Iran recently responding to a US-backed proposal aimed at easing tensions in the region.

Iranian officials have maintained that while the country prefers diplomacy over confrontation, it will not compromise on its rights, security, or strategic interests during any future negotiations.

Guwahati, May 11 (BNP): Senior BJP leader Himanta Biswa Sarma was unanimously elected as the leader of the BJP Legislature Party and the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Assam on Sunday, paving the way for him to continue as the Chief Minister for a second consecutive term.

Following his election, Sarma met Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya and formally staked claim to form the new government in the state.

The swearing-in ceremony of the new Council of Ministers is scheduled to be held on May 12 in Guwahati and is expected to witness the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, senior BJP leaders, NDA allies, and several dignitaries.

Sarma’s re-election as NDA leader comes after the alliance secured a strong mandate in the 126-member Assam Assembly. Party leaders and supporters celebrated the announcement, expressing confidence in the continuation of the government’s development agenda in the state.

The BJP leader is expected to continue focusing on infrastructure growth, welfare initiatives, law and order, and economic development during his second term as Chief Minister.

New Delhi, May 11 (BNP): Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged citizens to place “nation first” and adopt responsible practices to minimise the impact of the ongoing West Asia crisis on India’s economy and energy security.

Emphasising that the Centre is making all possible efforts to protect people from the adverse effects of the conflict, the Prime Minister appealed to citizens to use fuel and essential resources judiciously during the challenging period.

Among the key appeals, PM Modi called on people to reduce unnecessary consumption of petrol and diesel, avoid wastage of electricity and fuel, and support measures aimed at maintaining economic stability. He also urged citizens to prioritise national interest over personal comfort and cooperate with the government in managing the situation responsibly.

The Prime Minister highlighted that global tensions in the West Asia region could affect fuel prices, supply chains, and economic conditions worldwide, including India. He assured that the government is continuously monitoring the situation and taking necessary steps to ensure adequate availability of essential commodities and energy supplies.

The appeal comes amid rising international concerns over escalating tensions in the Gulf region and their possible impact on global markets and oil trade.

Chennai, May 11 (BNP): On his very first day as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, C. Joseph Vijay on Sunday signed three important files aimed at public welfare and social security. One of the key decisions includes providing 200 units of free electricity to domestic consumers using up to 500 units of electricity on a bimonthly basis.

Mr. Vijay signed the files shortly after the swearing-in ceremony held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai, in the presence of thousands of fans, supporters, and party workers.

Apart from the free electricity scheme, the newly sworn-in Chief Minister also announced the formation of a special task force to combat the growing drug menace in the state and directed officials to implement stronger measures to ensure women’s safety.

The announcements mark the beginning of Vijay’s administration with a focus on welfare, law enforcement, and public safety.

Delhi. May 9 (BNP): Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday strongly criticised the Enforcement Directorate (ED) following its raid on the premises linked to Rajya Sabha MP Sanjeev Arora, alleging that Punjabis were being “harassed in every possible way.”

Reacting to the ED action, Kejriwal accused the BJP-led Central government of misusing investigative agencies to target opposition leaders and suppress political voices from Punjab. He said the repeated raids and investigations against AAP leaders reflected a larger pattern of political vendetta.

“Punjabis have been harassed in every possible way,” Kejriwal said while addressing reporters, adding that the people of Punjab would not be intimidated by such actions. He claimed the raids were politically motivated and aimed at weakening the Aam Aadmi Party ahead of upcoming political developments.

The Enforcement Directorate conducted searches at locations linked to Sanjeev Arora as part of an ongoing investigation. However, officials have not yet released detailed information regarding the nature of the case or the findings of the raid.

The development has triggered a fresh political confrontation between the AAP and the BJP, with party leaders rallying behind Arora and questioning the timing of the enforcement action.

West Bengal, May 9 (BNP): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday paid tribute to veteran BJP worker Makhanlal Sarkar during a public event in West Bengal, touching the 98-year-old’s feet as a mark of respect for his decades-long contribution to nationalist politics.

The gesture drew widespread attention at the event, with Modi acknowledging Sarkar’s lifelong dedication to the nationalist movement and the BJP’s ideological roots. Sarkar is regarded as one of the party’s oldest grassroots workers in West Bengal and has remained associated with nationalist causes since the early years after Independence.

According to party leaders, Makhanlal Sarkar was among those who accompanied Bharatiya Jana Sangh founder Syama Prasad Mukherjee during the 1952 Kashmir movement. He was reportedly arrested during the campaign launched to hoist the Indian tricolour in the region, which later became a defining chapter in the Jana Sangh’s political history.

The Prime Minister’s interaction with the veteran worker came amid BJP celebrations in West Bengal following the party’s electoral success in the state. Senior leaders present at the event described Sarkar as a symbol of commitment and ideological perseverance within the organisation.

May 9 (BNP): The Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) is playing a key role in advancing the Government of India’s goal of achieving “Insurance for All by 2047,” according to LIC CEO and MD R. Doraiswamy.

He said the scheme has significantly expanded life insurance coverage among low-income and underserved sections of society by offering affordable protection and easy enrolment through the banking system.

Launched in 2015, PMJJBY provides a simple one-year life insurance cover linked to bank accounts, helping bridge the gap for millions who previously had little or no access to formal insurance products. Officials noted that the scheme is part of a broader financial inclusion push aimed at building a stronger social security framework in the country.

The LIC chief highlighted that India’s insurance penetration was relatively low at the time of the scheme’s introduction, and initiatives like PMJJBY have helped make insurance more accessible and affordable for the masses.

He added that the government’s long-term vision of universal insurance coverage is being supported by such flagship schemes, which aim to ensure financial protection for families across both rural and urban areas.

Officials believe that continued expansion of PMJJBY and related schemes will be crucial in increasing awareness, deepening insurance penetration, and achieving the national goal of “Insurance for All by 2047.”

May 9 (BNP): The Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) is playing a key role in advancing the Government of India’s goal of achieving “Insurance for All by 2047,” according to LIC CEO and MD R. Doraiswamy.

He said the scheme has significantly expanded life insurance coverage among low-income and underserved sections of society by offering affordable protection and easy enrolment through the banking system.

Launched in 2015, PMJJBY provides a simple one-year life insurance cover linked to bank accounts, helping bridge the gap for millions who previously had little or no access to formal insurance products. Officials noted that the scheme is part of a broader financial inclusion push aimed at building a stronger social security framework in the country.

The LIC chief highlighted that India’s insurance penetration was relatively low at the time of the scheme’s introduction, and initiatives like PMJJBY have helped make insurance more accessible and affordable for the masses.

He added that the government’s long-term vision of universal insurance coverage is being supported by such flagship schemes, which aim to ensure financial protection for families across both rural and urban areas.

Officials believe that continued expansion of PMJJBY and related schemes will be crucial in increasing awareness, deepening insurance penetration, and achieving the national goal of “Insurance for All by 2047.”

May 9 (BNP): The Government of India on Saturday announced important leadership appointments in the armed forces, naming Lieutenant General N.S. Raja Subramani (Retd.) as the next Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan as the next Chief of the Naval Staff.

Lt Gen N.S. Raja Subramani (Retd.), PVSM, AVSM, SM, VSM, will assume office as the Chief of Defence Staff and will also function as Secretary to the Government of India in the Department of Military Affairs from the date he takes charge, until further orders. His appointment is aimed at further strengthening jointness among the three services and improving higher defence coordination and strategic planning.

In a parallel decision, Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan has been appointed as the next Chief of the Naval Staff. He will take charge on the 31st of this month and will serve in the position until December 31, 2028.

Currently serving as the Commander-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command in Mumbai, Vice Admiral Swaminathan brings extensive operational and leadership experience to the role. His appointment is expected to further enhance the Navy’s operational readiness, maritime security capabilities, and ongoing modernisation efforts.

Officials stated that these appointments reflect the government’s continued focus on strengthening India’s defence leadership framework, ensuring seamless command transitions, and reinforcing national security preparedness across all three services.