Gujarat gears up for digital Census in 2027

IANS | February 24, 2026 8:24 PM

Gandhinagar, Feb 24 (IANS) Gujarat has begun preparations for the Phase-1 of nationwide Census in 2027, with officials emphasising accuracy, transparency, and the use of digital tools to ease the process.​

Skill development programme in Mumbai's Kandivali trains traditional cobblers for higher incomes

IANS | February 24, 2026 8:23 PM

Mumbai, Feb 24 (IANS) A special skill development training programme for the leather workers’ community was organised at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Skill Development Centre in Mumbai's Kandivali (East) on the initiative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister Piyush Goyal, aiming to make traditional workers self-reliant through modern technical skills and to boost employment.

PM Modi to visit Israel on Feb 25-26 as 1st round of FTA talks begins

IANS | February 24, 2026 7:59 PM

New Delhi, Feb 24 (IANS) The first round of negotiations for the proposed India-Israel Free Trade Agreement (FTA) began in New Delhi and will continue until February 26, coinciding with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Israel on February 25-26, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry said on Tuesday.

India, Gulf Cooperation Council launch FTA talks

IANS | February 24, 2026 7:51 PM

New Delhi, Feb 24 (IANS) The negotiations for the proposed free trade agreement between India and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) were formally launched here on Tuesday with the signing of a joint statement by Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and GCC Secretary General Jasem Mohamed Al-Budaiwi.

Synergy of laws in focus at ECI, state poll commissioners’ round table

IANS | February 24, 2026 7:29 PM

New Delhi, Feb 24 (IANS) Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on Tuesday chaired a National Round Table Conference of the ECI and State Election Commissioners (SECs) that resolved to synergise laws related to panchayats and civic polls with those for parliamentary and state Assembly elections.

Gujarat: Union Cabinet approves metro extension from GIFT City to Shahpur (Lead) ​

IANS | February 24, 2026 6:45 PM

New Delhi/Ahmedabad, Feb 24 (IANS) The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the extension of Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation Limited (GMRC)’s North-South Corridor from GIFT City to Shahpur in Ahmedabad, a move set to strengthen connectivity between the city and the state’s financial hub.​

Narmada to get two new bridges to improve connectivity for tribals

IANS | February 24, 2026 6:44 PM

Narmada/Gandhinagar, Feb 24 (IANS) Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Tuesday approved the construction of two new bridges in Narmada district, a move aimed at improving road connectivity for over 18,000 residents across 11 villages in the tribal region. The project has been sanctioned at a total cost of Rs 302.40 crore.

'Pakistan economy in dire straits'

IANS | February 24, 2026 6:41 PM

New Delhi, Feb 24 (IANS) Pakistan's economy is in dire straits as inequality and poverty are rising, while the Federal government is close to bankruptcy, according to an article in the Pakistani media.