Mrudula Pattanshetti

The government has revamped the National Security Advisory Board, appointing Alok Joshi, the former R&AW chief, as its Chairman. The reconstituted board includes retired officers from the military and police services, along with a retired IFS officer. This multi-disciplinary body will provide long-term analysis and policy recommendations to the National Security Council.

Adulthood has rather come early for Ather, which will celebrate its 12th anniversary later this year. And the IPO is not just a growth enabler for the EV maker, it is a critical financial lifeline. But can it reignite the public market’s faith in EVs after Ola Electric’s not-so-encouraging performance on the bourses?

IAS officer Ashok Khemka, known for his integrity and numerous transfers, is retiring after 34 years of service. He gained prominence for cancelling a land deal linked to Robert Vadra in 2012. Khemka, an IIT and TIFR alumnus with a law degree, served in various departments, often for short periods.

Gold buying on Akshaya Tritiya: Gold has a tendency to perform in cycles and its recent performance has come in the last 5 years due to global uncertainty, rising inflation, geopolitical tensions, and strong central bank demand.

Delivering the Dr Ambedkar Memorial Lecture in New Delhi recently, Supreme Court judge BR Gavai recounted Babasaheb’s contributions in giving India a Constitution, which ‘has not only stood the test of the time for past 75 years, but has also kept the country strong, stable and united’

World Liberty Financial, a crypto firm majority-owned by the Trump family, signed a letter of intent with the Pakistan Crypto Council to boost blockchain innovation. Executives met with Pakistan's Prime Minister and Army Chief. This deal, aiming to establish Pakistan as a crypto hub, arrives amid heightened India-Pakistan tensions, raising concerns in India about potential financial data shifts.

In Canada's federal elections, 22 candidates of Punjab origin secured victories. Liberals won 12 seats, while Conservatives took 10. Key wins included Anita Anand and Bardish Chagger. Jagmeet Singh faced defeat. Kamal Khera also lost her seat to Amarjit Gill. Tim Uppal retained his seat. Amarjeet Sohi, previously mayor of Edmonton, won his election. Sukh Dhaliwal also retained his seat.

The Supreme Court has mandated changes to the digital KYC process, ensuring accessibility for persons with disabilities, including those with facial disfigurements and visual impairments. The court emphasized that digital access is a crucial component of the right to life under Article 21.