The high-level meeting was attended by key dignitaries including Shri Vikas Sheel (Chief Secretary, Chhattisgarh), Shri Subodh Kumar Singh (Principal Secretary, Chhattisgarh), Shri Sanoj Kumar Jha (Additional Secretary, Ministry of Coal), Shri B. Sairam (Chairman), and Shri Harish Duhan (CMD, SECL), along with senior officials from both the central ministry and state government. The discussions highlighted the critical role of Coal India subsidiary South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), which operates extensively within the state and drives regional socio-economic growth through key assets such as the Gevra Open Cast Mine—the largest coal mining facility in Asia.

The initiative aims to empower women by offering them direct roles in wildlife conservation while establishing a reliable community-level liaison between local villages and forest officials.

As vital frontline communicators, the ‘Bagh Didis’ will monitor tiger sightings, report signs of big cat movement to forest control rooms, and alert authorities when predators approach human settlements. Beyond tracking, they will educate villagers on safe behaviors around forest fringes, discourage residents from entering sensitive wildlife areas, and build awareness regarding natural tiger behavior. Their proactive outreach is designed to prevent accidental encounters and ensure both human safety and wildlife protection.

To support their operational responsibilities, each selected ‘Bagh Didi’ will receive an official identity card, an honorarium, and essential communication tools such as mobile phones and direct emergency contacts. Following the initial rollout around Kanha, the Forest Department plans to expand the model across all tiger reserves in Madhya Pradesh, with a long-term vision of placing at least one ‘Bagh Didi’ in every vulnerable fringe village.

DoT said that telecom service providers have already conducted trials of this service on wireless terrestrial networks operating on 4G and higher-generation technologies. It added that introduction of CNAP services in wireless terrestrial networks established using 2G and 3G technologies and in public switched telephone networks will be considered separately.  PIB

The ECI has directed Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) to ensure that no eligible citizen is left out and no ineligible person is included in the electoral rolls. Chief Electoral Officers, District Election Officers and EROs will oversee the enrolment process. As the exercise is a summary revision, Booth Level Officers will not conduct house-to-house visits. To facilitate wider participation, prospective electors eligible on January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1, 2027, may submit advance applications for enrolment. District-level help desks will also be established to assist eligible voters, particularly migrants and people from vulnerable and marginalised communities. PIB

Women are playing an increasingly prominent role in India’s entrepreneurial and industrial ecosystem. As of October 2026, approximately 3.69 crore registered MSMEs were women-owned, accounting for around 38% of registrations, while more than 1.07 lakh recognised startups had at least one woman director or partner as of March 2026. Women accounted for nearly 70% of the direct workforce in mobile phone manufacturing as of July 2026, while their representation in STEM research careers rose from 13% in 2000-01 to 29% in 2023-24. Initiatives such as Swavalambini and the Yashasvini Campaign are supporting entrepreneurship training, mentorship, formal registration and business development, with the latter facilitating more than 22 lakh women-owned MSME registrations by July 2026.

Access to credit and markets remains central to strengthening women-led enterprises. Under the Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana, women entrepreneurs accounted for approximately two-thirds of the more than 57.79 crore loans sanctioned by April 2026. Other measures include enhanced credit-guarantee coverage for women-led enterprises, subsidies under the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme and funding support for women-led startups through Startup India initiatives. The Government e-Marketplace’s Womaniya initiative is also connecting women-owned businesses with government buyers. In FY 2025-26, contracts worth more than ₹28,000 crore were awarded to women-owned micro and small enterprises through GeM, helping expand market access and procurement opportunities.

Skill development and workplace protections are further supporting women’s economic participation. Programmes such as NAVYA, AI Careers for Women and WISE-KIRAN aim to equip women and girls with skills in emerging technologies, artificial intelligence, research and other future-oriented occupations. The four Labour Codes also provide a framework covering maternity benefits, workplace safety, non-discrimination and women’s employment, including night shifts subject to consent and prescribed safeguards. The broader policy focus is on translating rising workforce participation into better-quality employment, higher incomes, sustainable enterprises and greater economic security, advancing women-led development and the vision of Viksit Bharat. PIB

Mr Agarwal highlighted India’s progress under the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme, including the notification of emission intensity reduction targets for 490 industrial units and the development of the domestic carbon market. Both sides expressed willingness to continue technical engagement on recognition of carbon pricing mechanisms, monitoring, reporting and verification systems and capacity building.

They also agreed to strengthen cooperation and facilitate continued dialogue on carbon markets, CBAM-related methodologies and other areas of mutual interest.

The article highlights progress in key areas, including banking sector reforms, the expansion of digital payments and poverty reduction, illustrating how sustained efforts and policy initiatives can address longstanding challenges and advance the country’s development goals.

The delegation also visited the Delhi Metro Museum at Supreme Court Metro Station to learn about the network’s evolution and achievements. The visit highlighted DMRC’s expertise in metro rail training, technology and capacity building.

In addition to guest rooms, the Yatri Niwas will offer dining areas, a reception lounge, an auditorium, meeting spaces, and a souvenir shop. Landscaping, terrace gardens, and digital displays are also planned to create a comfortable, home-like environment, making organized religious and cultural trips smoother for visitors traveling from Gujarat.