The Union Government has released Fifteenth Finance Commission (XV FC) Grants during Financial Year 2024–25 for Rural Local Bodies in Punjab, Uttarakhand and Chhattisgarh. These grants provided to the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) / Rural Local Bodies (RLBs) play a crucial role in strengthening grassroot democracy. For the Rural Local Bodies of Punjab, the 1st installment of Untied Grants amounting to Rs.225.1707 crores have been released. These funds are for eligible 13144 Gram Panchayats, eligible 146 Block Panchayats and all eligible 22 District Panchayats in the state. While the Fifteenth Finance Commission (XV FC) Grants released during Financial Year 2024–25, for Rural Local Bodies in Chhattisgarh are, 2nd installment of Untied Grants of the Financial Year 2024–25 amounting to Rs.237.1393 crore along with the withheld amount of 1st installment of Untied Grants for Financial Year 2024–25 amounting to Rs.6.9714 crore. These funds are for 11548 eligible Gram Panchayats, all eligible 146 Block Panchayats and all eligible 27 Zila Panchayats of the State. While for Rural Local Bodies in Uttarakhand, 1st installment of Untied Grants for the Financial Year 2024–25 amounting to Rs.93.9643 crore have been released. These funds are for eligible 7769 Gram Panchayats, all eligible 995 Block Panchayats and all eligible 13 Zila Panchayats of the State.

Government of India through Ministry of Panchayati Raj and Ministry of Jal Shakti (Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation) recommends release of Fifteenth Finance Commission (XV FC) Grants to States for Rural Local Bodies which are then released by the Ministry of Finance. The allocated Grants are recommended and released in 2 installments in a Financial Year. The Untied Grants will be utilized by Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs)/ Rural Local Bodies (RLBs) for location-specific felt needs, under the Twenty-Nine (29) Subjects enshrined in the Eleventh Schedule of the Constitution, except for salaries and other establishment costs. The Tied Grants can be used for the basic services of (a) sanitation and maintenance of ODF status, and this should include management and treatment of household waste, and human excreta and fecal sludge management in particular and (b) supply of drinking water, rainwater harvesting and water recycling.

Addressing the inaugural session, the Union Minister stated, “India generates around 62 million tonnes of waste annually, with plastic, electronic, and hazardous waste growing rapidly. The traditional linear economic model of take, make, and dispose is no longer sustainable. The increasing pressure on landfills, depletion of natural resources, and environmental damage from unchecked waste disposal require urgent action. The circular economy is not just an alternative; it is essential. It marks a fundamental shift in how we produce, consume, and manage materials”. A well-functioning circular economy not only conserves natural resources but also fosters industrial innovation, economic competitiveness, and job creation, he stated.

Shri Yadav said that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India is shifting from waste management to harnessing the economic potential of recycling through waste to wealth initiative. “The circular economy has a major role in the future including reducing, reusing, and recycling at every stage, from product design to end-of-life management. Waste should not be treated as a burden but as a resource. Adopting sustainable practices is crucial for achieving economic resilience, environmental sustainability, and social security”, he added.

The Salal Power Station of NHPC Limited, located in Jammu and Kashmir, has been awarded the first prize for outstanding work in the implementation of the official language at the Combined Regional Official Language Conference. The conference, organised by the Department of Official Language under the Ministry of Home Affairs, was held in Jaipur on Monday for the Central, Western, and Northern regions.

The award was presented to NHPC Limited's Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) Raj Kumar Chaudhary and Director (Personnel) Uttam Lal by the Chief Minister of Rajasthan Bhajan Lal and the Minister of State for Home Affairs, Government of India Nityanand Rai.

In addition to this achievement, the Town Official Language Implementation Committee (TOLIC), Reasi—chaired by NHPC's Salal Power Station—secured the second prize for its effective execution of official language initiatives. Anish Gouraha, Group General Manager and Head of NHPC Salal Power Station, accepted the award on behalf of TOLIC.

The Uttar Pradesh assembly session set to commence on Tuesday will be the first assembly in the country to be equipped with the facility of a translator, as per a release.

The arrangement for this will be proposed before the Ruling committee and will be implemented once approved by the House of Suit, a statement from the release stated.

The Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has reviewed the translation rehearsals of Awadhi, Braj, Bhojpuri, Bundelkhand and English in the Assembly.

The session starting today is expected to hold discussions on the Prayagraj stampede and Sambhal violence.

The Arunachal Pradesh government has given a positive nod for revamping the Dulari Kanya Scheme with the fixed deposit for institutional births of girl children was raised from Rs 20,000 to Rs 30,000.

The state cabinet also approved an additional Rs 20,000 provided for Class XI admission via direct benefit transfer.

The fourth outdoor cabinet meeting of the Pema Khandu-led Arunachal Pradesh government was held on Monday at ADC headquarter Mini Secretariat Nyapin.

The Gujarat government on Tuesday implemented farmer-centric schemes aimed at increasing agricultural productivity and enhancing their income.

As part of these efforts, the Soil Health Card (SHC) Yojana, launched with the motto 'Swasth Dhara, Khet Hara,' and has benefited 2.15 crore farmers in Gujarat.

Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, launched the Soil Health Card Yojana in 2003-04 when he was the chief minister of the state. Gujarat became the first state in the country to implement this initiative, recognizing the crucial role of soil health in agricultural sustainability. To promote awareness about the Soil Health Card (SHC) Scheme and its benefits, India observes Soil Health Card Day every year on February 19.

Renowned motivational speaker, Counsellor, author, and poet Poonam Kalra successfully launched her fourth book, Poonam Vaani, in a grand event held at Hotel Hyatt Centric, on February 2.

The event was attended by a distinguished audience, including literary enthusiasts, well-known personalities, and admirers of Poonam Kalra's work. Her latest book, Poonam Vaani, is a heartfelt collection of poetry and thoughts that reflect her deep understanding of life, emotions, and personal growth.

Adding to the grandeur of the occasion, Bollywood actor Manoj Bakshi graced the event and extended his best wishes to Poonam Kalra for her latest literary achievement. His presence and words of encouragement added an extra layer of charm to the successful book launch.

A statue of noted Tamil poet and philosopher Thiruvalluvar has been unveiled in the Philippines. An official statement today said, it was unveiled at the Gullas College of Medicine in Cebu yesterday as part of the celebrations to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and the Philippines. The statement said that Indian Ambassador Harsh Kumar Jain unveiled the statue and attended the Indo-Philippine Cultural and Educational Exchange Summit at the college.

President Droupadi Murmu on Monday received credentials from Ambassador of Cuba, Ambassador of Nepal, Ambassador of Cambodia, High Commissioner of Maldives and Ambassador of Somalia at Rashtrapati Bhavan, a statement by the Ministry of External Affairs said.

Those who presented their credentials were- Rath Many, Ambassador of Cambodia, Aishath Azeema, High Commissioner of the Republic of Maldives, Abdullahi Mohammed Odowa, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Juan Carlos Marsan Aguilera, Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba, and Shankar Prasad Sharma, Ambassador of Nepal, as per the statement.

The Centre has approved the continuation of the Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA) scheme through the 15th Finance Commission cycle, extending its implementation until 2025-26. The scheme aims to enhance procurement operations, ensuring fair prices for farmers while stabilizing essential commodity prices for consumers.

Under the Price Support Scheme (PSS) component of PM-AASHA, the government procures notified pulses, oilseeds, and copra that meet Fair Average Quality (FAQ) standards. Central Nodal Agencies (CNAs) conduct the procurement at the Minimum Support Price (MSP), working with state-level agencies to purchase directly from pre-registered farmers.

To boost domestic production and reduce import dependence, the government has allowed 100% procurement of Tur (Arhar), Urad, and Masur under PSS for the 2024-25 procurement year. In the Budget 2025, the government announced that this procurement measure would continue for another four years to achieve self-sufficiency in pulses.