In a landmark move to modernize India’s statistical infrastructure, the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has launched a series of digital initiatives aimed at enhancing data accessibility, capacity building, and technological integration within the official statistical system.

At the recently held Conference of State Government Ministers, MoSPI unveiled a revamped Microdata Portal—a significant upgrade that promises improved user experience, broader accessibility, and seamless integration of national statistical datasets. Developed in collaboration with the World Bank Technology Team, the new portal addresses long-standing technological limitations of its predecessor by adopting a modern, scalable tech stack, ensuring adherence to advanced security standards and enabling responsive design for ease of access across devices.

West Bengal has earned Geographical Indication (GI) tags for seven state products, including the iconic ‘Nolen Gurer Sandesh’ and Baruipur guavas, a development expected to boost local economy and lend global recognition to the state’s traditional

offerings, an official said on Friday.

‘Nolen Gurer Sandesh’, a winter delicacy made from fresh ‘chhena’ (curdled milk) and the season’s prized ‘nolen gur (date palm jaggery) holds a cherished place in Bengali households. The jaggery imparts a rich, caramel-like flavour and warm golden hue to the ‘sandesh’ (a type of sweetmeat).

In Boxing, India’s Hitesh Gulia bagged the Men’s 70 kg Gold at the World Boxing Cup 2025 in Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil this morning. Fighting in the red corner, the Indian pugilist defeated Odel Kamara of England in the final.

Meanwhile, another Indian Boxer Abhinash Jamwal clinched the silver medal at the men’s 65 kg category today. Abhinash lost to Yuri Reis of the host country, nil-5 in the final.

Earlier, India’s Manish Rathore won the bronze medal in the men’s 55 kg category yesterday.

On April 7, the world observes World Health Day as a way to raise awareness of important health challenges and motivate group efforts to address them. To increase awareness and drive worldwide action, the day is dedicated to a certain health issue each year. It highlights the necessity of international collaboration in addressing health issues and acts as a reminder of the significance of good health for general well-being.

Every year, the day centers on a different theme in an effort to increase awareness and inspire global action. It highlights the need for international cooperation in addressing health issues and serves as a reminder that overall well-being depends on good health.

Renowned Indian sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik has become the first Indian to receive the prestigious Fred Darrington Sand Master Award for his outstanding contributions to sand art. The award was presented during the Sandworld 2025 International Sand Art Festival in Dorset, England.

To mark the occasion, Pattnaik created a 10-foot-high sculpture of Lord Ganesha carrying the message of “World Peace”. The award holds special significance this year as it commemorates the 100th birth anniversary of legendary British sculptor Fred Darrington. Sudarshan Pattnaik, a Padma Shri awardee from Odisha, has participated in over 65 international sand art festivals and championships. His work, often blending spiritual themes with social messages, has earned him widespread recognition – but the Weymouth award marks a new high.

The Sandworld exhibition at Lodmoor Park, known for its massive, detailed sand sculptures created using just sand and water, features works from artists across the world. But this year, it’s a message from India – carved in sand and rooted in peace – that’s leaving the deepest impression.

Brazil has proposed the creation of a new international body to accelerate global climate action. The plan is shared ahead of this year’s UN climate conference (Conference of the Parties – COP30) in Belem, a city in northern Brazil, in November 2025. The plan suggests forming a “Climate Change Council” under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

The council would aim to fast-track decisions made at COP meetings, better coordinate international efforts, and make climate action more effective. Brazil says the current process is too slow and complex.

While the idea has sparked interest, key developed countries – including Germany, the Netherlands, and Sweden – have responded with caution. They support the need for reform but warn that any changes must not weaken the core UNFCCC process that guides international climate negotiations. The proposal remains informal for now, but it is expected to be a major talking point at COP30 later this year.

Former world champion Rudrankksh Balasaheb Patil won the gold medal in the men’s 10m air rifle shooting event at the ISSF World Cup 2025 Buenos Aires yesterday. Local hero Marcelo Julian Gutierrez took bronze with 230.1. This was Rudrankksh Patil’s second individual gold medal at an ISSF World Cup. He also clinched the 10-meter air rifle title at the 2023 Cairo edition. With this, India now jointly leads the medal standings along with China, both nations picking up identical two gold, one silver, one bronze tallies till now. Eight more finals are yet to be played. The USA also won two golds and came third while Hungary won the other gold.

Meanwhile, Arjun Babuta, who finished fourth at the Paris 2024 Olympics, missed out on a podium spot in Buenos Aires again despite making the final. Babuta shot 144.9 for a seventh-placed finish. India’s Kiran Ankush Jadhav finished sixth with 631.5 but didn’t compete in the final as he was competing for Ranking Points Only (RPO). Patil’s triumph was India’s fourth medal at the first ISSF World Cup of the season.

Indian shooter Sift Kaur Samra produced a sensational come-from-behind performance to win her first individual ISSF World Cup gold medal in the women’s 50m rifle 3 positions (3P) final in Buenos Aires, Argentina. (More Sports News)

The 23-year-old from Faridkot thus earned India its first gold of the season-opening World Cup stage event at the Tiro Federal Argentino de Buenos Aires shooting range late on Friday.

The world record holder was a huge 7.2 points behind Anita Mangold of Germany after 15-shots in the first Kneeling position. However she staged a dream comeback in the second Prone and final Standing positions to win by a canter in the end.

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini Sunday announced a 10 per cent hike in reservation for Agniveers in state police jobs, taking the total reservation for Agniveers to 20 per cent.

Making the announcement, Saini said Haryana has become the first state in the country to secure the future of Agniveers by reserving jobs for them after their service period in the Army.

Chairing a review meeting on providing reservations in jobs to Agniveers, the chief minister also said that a separate portal would be created for Agniveers to register themselves.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Colombo today, aimed at bolstering the strategic and developmental partnership between the two neighbours. Several agreements in various sectors, including defence and energy, have been signed in the presence of the two leaders.

Addressing the joint press conference, Prime Minister Modi highlighted that President Dissanayake had chosen India for his first foreign visit, calling it a reflection of the deep and special ties between the two nations. He said Sri Lanka holds a significant place in India’s Neighbourhood First policy and Mission Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR). The leaders also discussed the long-standing fishermen issue and agreed to adopt a humanitarian approach. Mr Modi stressed the need for the quick release of detained fishermen and the return of their boats. They also touched upon the importance of reconciliation.