Nikhil Singhal, a distinguished media strategist, Founder of Vigor Media Worldwide, and President of the Noida High Rise Federation, was honored with the prestigious Uttar Pradesh Anmol Ratan Award. The award ceremony, hosted by the Tapasya Foundation Trust, took place at the iconic Taj Lucknow.
This recognition highlights his remarkable contributions to the public relations industry and his exemplary leadership in strategic communication.
As President of Noida High Rise Federation, Nikhil has been instrumental in advocating for the rights and concerns of high-rise residents in Noida, ensuring effective communication between stakeholders and government authorities.
Awarded as ET Global Leader title by The Economic Times in 2021, Nikhil was also recognized as the Most Followed Indian Media Strategist by Khaleej Times in 2022. He was featured in the Times 40 Under 40 list in 2022, an honor that celebrates young leaders making a significant impact in their fields.
Actor Kamal Haasan has been appointed as the Chairperson of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry’s Media and Entertainment Committee South. This was announced during the FICCI’s Media and Entertainment Business Conclave South Connect 2025, which was held in Chennai.
In his foreword to FICCI’s Media and Entertainment report that is celebrating the 25th edition, he urged the stakeholders to aim for a bold future, taking India’s Media and Entertainment sector to a $100 billion industry, and have content that resonates with audience across the globe.
Pointing out collaborations across regions and languages would be key to building an inclusive and representative industry, the actore lauded the FICCI report that would help bridge information gaps and set the path for progress.
India and China celebrated the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries on April 1, 1950, with a warmth that bodes well for relations between the two Asian superpowers.
The occasion was marked by the exchange of messages between President Draupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi and,
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Li Qiang in Beijing. We would do well to recall at this point the spirit in which Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first prime minister, advocated strong ties between the two nations, both of which had at that time fully overthrown the yoke of foreign domination.
Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) has entered into a partnership with Rajasthan Part I Power Transmission Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Adani Energy Solutions Limited (AESL), the company said in a press release.
The joint venture will see the development of a 6,000 MW, ±800 kV high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission system that will transport renewable energy from Bhadla in Rajasthan to Fatehpur, Uttar Pradesh, with completion expected by 2029.
This project is a crucial step towards meeting India’s goal of achieving 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030 and demonstrates BHEL's continued commitment to India's energy infrastructure and the Make in India initiative, said BHEL.
The HVDC link will play a pivotal role in facilitating bi-directional power flow, ensuring grid stability,
and aiding in the smooth integration of renewable energy into the national grid.
This marks BHEL’s fourth major Ultra High Voltage Direct Current (UHVDC) transmission project. Previously, the company has executed the North-East Agra +800 kV, 6,000 MW, Raigarh-Pugalur +800 kV, 6,000 MW, and is currently involved in the Khavda-Nagpur +800 kV, 6,000 MW HVDC link,
in collaboration with Hitachi Energy India.
For the current project, BHEL will provide critical equipment, including Converter Transformers, Shunt Reactors, and Thyristor Valves to convert alternating current (AC) power at Bhadla into direct current (DC), which will then be transmitted over a distance of more than 950 kilometers.
Citi and State Bank of India (SBI) have announced a social loan facility of $295 million to provide financing support to India's small farmers. The loan will be given by Citi’s Trade & Working Capital Solutions.
This is aimed at improving farmers' agricultural productivity and income generation.
SBI will utilize the facility to finance its Kisan Credit Card loan portfolio, to help meet the credit requirements of the agricultural sector, especially the farmers with small landholding.
“Our collaboration with Citi on this social loan facility underscores our commitment to advancing financial inclusion for India’s farming community," Jayati Bansal, said.
The Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) is boosting financial independence among marginalized groups as nearly 50 percent of the 52 crore PMMY accounts belong to individuals from Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC), says a report by State Bank of India (SBI).
US President Donald Trump announced reciprocal tariffs on all imports from India and other nations, calling the move “kind reciprocal."
Overall, Trump announced universal tariffs of at least 10 percent on practically all imports, with higher rates on countries that have the highest trade deficits with the US.
He also said the US would impose a 25 per cent tariff on all foreign-made automobiles to address “horrendous imbalances” that have impacted the US industrial base.
Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu will launch a new initiative – Public, Private, People Partnership (P-4) policy - in Amaravati on the occasion of Ugadi festival, an official statement said.
More than 11,000 people from a cross section of society, including self-help groups of women, students, farmers and agriculture labourers,
from all parts of the state would attend the programme to be held at Velagapudi village near the state secretariat, the statement stated.
Chief secretary K Vijayanand said the P-4 policy was aimed at providing an interface between high net worth individuals (HNIs) and economically weaker sections to eradicate poverty in the state.
Under the policy, the government will facilitate the construction of homes, LPG connections, 100% tap water connections, incentives for rooftop solar installations, access to high-speed internet, and promotion of family-based entrepreneurship, Naidu said.
Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi was appointed as the new President of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC).
Naqvi, who has served as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman since February 2024 will assume the role immediately. He succeeds Shammi Silva, President of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC).
The ACC said that Naqvi brings a visionary approach focused on unity, innovation, and strategic growth, reinforcing Asia’s position as the epicentre of world cricket.
Under his leadership, the ACC looks forward to a dynamic and collaborative future, with an enhanced commitment to development programs, youth engagement, and elevating the global prominence of Asian cricket.
The government has removed the fee to update or modify nominee details in PPF accounts. This change comes as part of the Government Savings Promotion General Rules, 2018, which have now been updated via Gazette Notification April 2, 2025.
Department of Posts (DoP) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Nippon India Mutual Fund to provide door-to-door KYC verification services for their investors. This partnership aims to streamline the KYC process, ensuring convenience, security, and compliance for investors across India.
India Post’s unparalleled reach, with a presence in even the remotest corners of the country, sets it apart as an ideal partner for mutual fund companies seeking to expand their investor base. After successfully handling more than 5 lakh KYC verifications for UTI and SUUTI in a short period, India Post has proven its capability to manage large-scale operations efficiently.
The door-to-door KYC service will offer investors the convenience of completing the process from home, a crucial benefit for the investors especially the elderly. This partnership aligns with the Government of India’s emphasis on Jan Nivesh, the initiative aimed at promoting financial inclusion for the common masses.
