India and the Asian Development Bank have signed over 126-million-dollar loan agreement to promote sustainable tourism in Uttarakhand. Union Finance Ministry said the project targets the Tehri Garhwal District, one of Uttarakhand’s most climate-vulnerable and economically disadvantaged regions. It aims to benefit over 87 thousand residents and 2.7 million annual visitors through improved tourism planning, upgraded infrastructure, enhanced sanitation and waste management, and disaster preparedness.

The agreement was signed between Joint Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Juhi Mukherjee and Kai Wei Yeo, Officer-in-Charge, India Resident Mission, for the Asian Development Bank.

Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw today informed that the Railways is introducing a daily time-tabled parcel train from Badgam in Kashmir Valley to Adarsh Nagar station in Delhi from Saturday. The train will provide flexibility to individual traders and fruit growers to book a parcel van online through the portal. This 8 Parcel Van train will originate from Badgam Railway Station at 6:15 AM and reach Adarsh Nagar Railway Station at 5:00 AM the next day.

It will also provide an alternative to fruit and handicraft dealers to showcase their produce across the country. In a social media post, Mr Vaishnaw underscored that the Kashmir valley now has better connectivity with the Jammu-Srinagar line now operational. He also informed that the loading of two parcel vans carrying apples from Badgam to Delhi is beginning today. The parcel vans will carry 23 metric tonnes of apples. The Railways will provide additional parcel vans if demand is received.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday inaugurated the Fast Track Immigration – Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP) at Lucknow, Thiruvananthapuram, Trichy, Kozhikode, and Amritsar airports, offering a seamless immigration experience for travellers.

After inaugurating through video conferencing, Shah said that the FTI-TTP facility will not only enhance the convenience of travellers, but also provide an opportunity to introduce them to the changes taking place in the country.

FTI-TTP is a Central Government initiative launched in 2024 to enhance the efficiency of the immigration process for Indian citizens and those holding Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards. Under the initiative, the applicants, who have pre-registered their biometric information, can bypass long queues and use automated e-gates at the airport.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with Mauritian Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam in Varanasi today. PM Ramgoolam arrived in the spiritual city yesterday and was welcomed by Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel.

At a joint press briefing, Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed the deepening ties between the two countries, saying, “India and Mauritius are two nations, but our dreams are one. Prime Minister Modi stated that India and Mauritius are not just partners but a family. He added that India has always supported decolonisation and full recognition of Mauritius’s sovereignty.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the first Jan Aushadhi Kendra outside India has now been established in Mauritius. He added that Energy security is an important pillar of bilateral partnership. PM Modi also said that IIT Madras and the Indian Institute of Plantation Management have signed agreements with the University of Mauritius.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Dehradun on Thursday to review the damage caused by cloudbursts, heavy rains, and landslides in Uttarakhand. During the visit, he held a detailed review meeting to assess relief and rehabilitation measures and announced financial assistance of Rs. 1,200 crore for the flood-affected regions.

The Prime Minister expressed condolences to families who lost loved ones and announced ex-gratia payments of ₹2 lakh for the deceased and ₹50,000 for those injured. He further assured that children orphaned due to the floods and landslides will receive comprehensive support under the PM CARES for Children scheme.

Highlighting a multi-dimensional approach for recovery, PM Modi outlined measures including rebuilding homes under the PM Awas Yojana, restoring national highways, reconstructing schools, providing relief through the PMNRF, and distributing mini kits for livestock.

Deep in the high-altitude wilderness of Arunachal Pradesh, a landmark wildlife survey has thrown up rare treasures of nature - among them, the first-ever photographic proof of the mysterious and little-seen Pallas's cat.

The survey, conducted by WWF-India with the support of the state Forest Department and local communities, also recorded the presence of snow leopard, common leopard, clouded leopard, leopard cat, and marbled cat above 4,200 metre, indicating the landscape's unique wildcat diversity.

"The discovery of the Pallas's cat in Arunachal Pradesh is a milestone for wildlife research in the eastern Himalayas," said the state's Principal Chief Conservator of Forest Nyilyang Tam.

India’s space sector marked its 100th technology transfer agreement on Wednesday, enabling Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to independently produce Small Satellite Launch Vehicles (SSLVs).

The agreement, facilitated by the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), was signed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), IN-SPACe, and HAL.

Under the deal, ISRO will transfer SSLV know-how to HAL over a period of 24 months, providing training and technical support. “During this period, ISRO will guide HAL in acquiring SSLV technology—from commercial processes to technology integration—culminating in the accomplishment of two missions under the agreement,” an official statement said.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan today inaugurated India’s first overseas Atal Innovation Centre at the IIT Delhi-Abu Dhabi campus during his two-day official visit to the United Arab Emirates. The visit, taking place on September 10–11, aims to deepen bilateral cooperation in education, foster academic excellence and innovation, and explore new avenues of partnership.

At the inaugural ceremony, Minister Pradhan also launched two key academic programs: a Ph.D. program in Energy and Sustainability and a B.Tech program in Chemical Engineering. He commended the collaborative efforts behind the project and engaged with students and faculty during his campus tour.

As part of the visit, the Minister held talks with Sara Musallam, Chairperson of the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK). Discussions centered on strengthening educational cooperation, including support for Indian curriculum-based schools in the UAE and the establishment of Atal Innovation Labs for Indian schools in the Emirates, inspired by the success of Atal Tinkering Labs in India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre on his re-election, expressing confidence in further strengthening ties between India and Norway.

In a post on X, PM Modi wrote, “Congratulations to Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre on his re-election. I look forward to continue working closely together to further strengthen the India-Norway partnership in all areas.”

Norway’s Labour Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre secured another term after Monday’s legislative elections, amid a tight race that also saw a record-breaking performance by the anti-immigration Progress Party, Al Jazeera reported.

Trees may not speak, but they have protectors who gave their lives for them. Every year on September 11, India observes National Forest Martyrs Day to honour the unsung heroes who sacrificed their lives defending forests, trees, and wildlife. It is not just a day of remembrance but a reminder that safeguarding nature is our shared responsibility.

HISTORY BEHIND THE DAY

The origins of this observance trace back to the 1730 Khejarli massacre in Rajasthan. Led by Amrita Devi Bishnoi, more than 350 Bishnois laid down their lives while resisting the felling of sacred Khejri trees ordered by the king’s men. Their legacy inspired later conservation movements, including the Chipko Movement, shaping India’s environmental ethos.