PM's Economic Advisory Council to hold first meeting at NITI Aayog today

Agencies
October 11, 2017

New Delhi, Oct 11: The first meeting of the newly-constituted Economic Advisory Council to Prime Minister Narendra Modi (EAC-PM) will be held today at the NITI Aayog.

The council, set up with the Prime Minister's approval on September 26, 2017 and comprising reputed economists and experts, will be chaired by Dr. Bibey Debroy. Principal Adviser of NITI Aayog Ratan P. Watal will be the council'a member secretary and Dr. Surjit Bhalla, Dr. Rathin Roy and Dr. Ashima Goyal its part-time members.

With the constitution of the Council, the government has set up a unique independent institutional mechanism. This is mandated to analyse all critical issues, economic or otherwise referred to it by the Prime Minister and to advise him on the same. Members of the Council will also be expected to address issues of macro-economic importance and express their views.

The Council held a brainstorming session with stakeholders on October 9 at the NITI Aayog in the run-up to the first meeting of the Council.  The Council will address all issues of emergent importance, will engage with a broad spectrum of stakeholders and formulate advice accordingly.

In another development, former RBI Governor C Rangarajan said that he expected the economy to grow at 6.5 per cent for the year 2017-18. He also said that job opportunities and economic growth of the country were inter-related.

"Jobs (jobs creation) are not independent. They are related to growth. When the economy grows, jobs also grow. So you cannot talk of jobs separately from growth", the former chairman of the Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Council said.

"I think the possibility is that growth will pick up in the next few quarters but one doesn't know by how much. Perhaps by the year as a whole my own estimation is the economy may grow at 6.5 per cent", the former RBI Governor noted.

NITI AAYOG WORKING ON DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION INDEX

Meanwhile, the NITI Aayhog is working on a Digital Transformation Index for start-ups in the country.

"NITI Aayog is working on a Digital Transformation Index for start-ups", its Officer on Special Duty Aalekh Sharan said,

Digital Transformation Index (DTI) is a tool used for gauging how well one helps an organisation grow and thrive in a digital world.

Steps such as measuring the spirit of cooperation and competitiveness among states and ensuring best practices are shared and replicated are being taken, he said, adding that many top innovators are engaged with multinational companies abroad.

"The challenge is to bring them back home and inspire them to contribute towards innovation in India. This is something which will create more jobs, he said at an event organised by the CII in association with USPTO-GIPA in Kolkata on Tuesday.

Sharan also underscored the need for stronger industry-academia linkages for creating a strong eco-system of innovation.

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News Network
November 21,2025

Tejas.jpg

An Indian Air Force (IAF) Tejas fighter jet crashed on Friday, November 21, afternoon during its aerial demonstration at the Dubai Air Show, plunging to the ground at around 2:10 pm local time while performing a manoeuvre before thousands of spectators.

The IAF confirmed the incident, stating that a Tejas aircraft participating in the show had crashed and that further details were being gathered. An Air Force spokesperson said more information would be shared after initial assessments.

The crash sent thick black smoke billowing into the sky near the airport, causing panic among visitors, including families and children who had gathered to watch the display. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the pilot managed to eject before the aircraft went down. Emergency response teams rushed to the scene, and officials have not released information on casualties or damage so far.

The Tejas is a 4.5-generation, multi-role fighter aircraft developed indigenously by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). Designed for versatility, it is capable of offensive air support, close combat, ground attack missions and maritime operations. The aircraft family includes single-seat fighters and twin-seat trainers for both the Air Force and Navy.

HAL describes the latest version, the LCA Mk1A, as the most advanced in the series, featuring an AESA radar, an upgraded electronic warfare suite with radar-warning and self-protection jamming, smart multifunction displays, a digital map generator, a combined interrogator–transponder system and a modern radio altimeter. These enhancements significantly improve the aircraft’s combat capability and survivability.

Further updates from IAF and UAE authorities are awaited.

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News Network
November 27,2025

Bengaluru, Nov 27: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s camp is reportedly on alert as the Congress leadership tussle in the state intensifies, particularly amid speculation over the potential promotion of Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar. Siddaramaiah is said to be in a “wait-and-watch” mode after admitting to “confusion” earlier this week and urging the party to “put a full stop” to it.

Sources say his supporters are ready to act if senior leaders — including party chief Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, and Rahul Gandhi — give any indication of backing Shivakumar. If the party insists on a leadership change, Siddaramaiah’s camp has a list of alternatives, underscoring the deep rift between the two leaders. One possible candidate is Home Minister G. Parameshwara, a Siddaramaiah loyalist and influential Dalit leader.

The strategy was reportedly finalized at a meeting led by PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi, another Siddaramaiah supporter, who stressed that Delhi leaders need to resolve the issue. Kharge and the Gandhis are expected to meet soon, after which Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar may be summoned to Delhi.

Shivakumar has largely stayed non-confrontational, publicly endorsing Siddaramaiah and downplaying speculation about his own ambitions. However, he has made pointed comments emphasizing the importance of honoring promises, directed at Siddaramaiah.

The feud traces back to the 2023 state election, when Siddaramaiah was chosen as Chief Minister while Shivakumar, who led the party’s campaign, was made Deputy CM and state party chief — a departure from the Congress’ usual “one post per person” rule.

There were also hints of a prior understanding that Siddaramaiah would step down midway through the term. As the halfway mark passed last week, Shivakumar-aligned lawmakers have ramped up pressure on the party for a leadership change, with Shivakumar himself hinting at stepping down as state party chief to pursue the top job.

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News Network
December 4,2025

Udupi: A 40-year-old NRI from Udupi has reportedly lost more than Rs 12.25 lakh in an online investment scam operated through Telegram.

According to a complaint filed at the CEN police station, Leo Jerome Mendonsa, who has been working in Dubai for the past 15 years in computer accessories sales, maintains NRI accounts in Karkala and Nitte.

On November 12, 2025, Mendonsa was added to a Telegram group called Instaflow Earnings by unknown individuals. Users identified as Priya and Dipannita persuaded him to invest in “Revenue Tasks.” Initially, Mendonsa transferred Rs 1,100 multiple times and received the promised returns, encouraging him to continue.

On November 14, another user, Nishmitha Shetty, directed him to register on a website, digitvisionuoce.cc, and invest Rs 4 lakh in various shares. Over the next few days, he made multiple transfers totaling Rs 12,25,000, including Rs 50,000 via Google Pay, believing the scheme was legitimate.

After receiving the money, the alleged handlers stopped responding, and neither the invested amount nor the promised profits were returned.

The CEN police have registered a case under Sections 66(C) and 66(D) of the IT Act and Section 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and investigations are ongoing.

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