India issues digital pilot licence, second after China
India has launched the Electronic Personal License (EPL) for flight crew, taking a significant step towards modernising its aviation sector. With this initiative, India has become the second country in the world after China to adopt a digital licensing system. Launched by Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu, this EPL program will help make the licensing process more convenient, transparent and efficient. The initiative is in line with India's vision of digital transformation and aviation safety, as well as will be helpful in meeting the growing demand of the aviation industry.
Objective
To simplify and digitise the licensing process for pilots.
To promote safety, transparency and efficiency.
To accelerate digital transformation in the aviation sector.
Benefits of EPL
There will be reduced paperwork and the licensing process will be easier.
Real-time tracking and authentication of pilot certificates will be possible.
The process of issuing and renewal of licences will be faster.
There will be reduced chances of fraud and regulatory compliance will be better.
Future of aviation sector
India is one of the fastest growing aviation markets in the world.
20,000 new pilots will be required in the next few years.
50 new airports will be expanded in five years.
120 new domestic flight routes will be introduced in the next decade.
"Digital twin" systems will be developed for airports, which will enhance real-time decision making.
Impact
A senior Indian airline pilot welcomed the initiative, saying that it will simplify the process and pilots will be able to focus more on the safety and efficiency of their flights.
Experts believe that this initiative will prove to be a milestone in the digitalization of India's aviation sector, making regulatory processes more effective.
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Bird count in India
The Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) is one of the world's largest bird count programs, in which bird lovers from all over the world participate and count various species. This year too, West Bengal ranked first by counting the highest number of bird species in India, which is the state's achievement for the third time in a row.
GBBC 2025 was held from February 14 to 17, with a total of 1,068 bird species documented across India. West Bengal topped the list with 543 bird species counted, reflecting the state's rich biodiversity and the contribution of active bird watchers.
GBBC was started in 1998, and India started participating in it from 2013.
Over 5,300 participants took part in 2025, of which 344 were from Bengal.
A total of 1,909 checklists were uploaded from Bengal, down from 2,223 in 2024.
Darjeeling recorded the highest number of species in Bengal at 252, though it was down from 308 species in 2024.
South 24 Parganas uploaded the highest number of checklists at 513.
Observer with most species sighting: Baharuddin S.K. (310 species)
Participant uploading most checklists: Shantanu Manna (112 checklists)
Special rare birds seen:
Ibisbill – Jalong (North Bengal)
Spotted Crake – Baruipur
Common Starling – Malda
Top States (by number of bird species):
West Bengal – 543 species
Uttarakhand – 446 species
Assam – 414 species
Maharashtra – 414 species
Karnataka – 380 species
The spectacular achievement of West Bengal in GBBC 2025 shows that the state is not only rich in bird diversity but is also playing a leading role in bird conservation and awareness efforts.
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Vivek Joshi takes over as Election Commissioner Assumes charge as Commissioner
Vivek Joshi, a Mechanical Engineer from the prestigious IIT-Roorkee and a veteran IAS officer of Haryana cadre of 1989 batch, has been appointed as the Election Commissioner of India. At the age of 58, he is one of the youngest persons to join the Election Commission. With his extensive experience in administrative services, governance and financial regulation, he will make significant contributions in this new role. His tenure will last till February 18, 2031, which is in line with the legal framework laid down for the appointment of Election Commissioners in India.
Tenure as Chief Secretary of Haryana
As Chief Secretary in the Government of Haryana, he played a key role in strengthening administrative efficiency and effective implementation of economic policies.
Role in the Central Government
Vivek Joshi held various important positions in the Central Government, including:
Secretary, Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT)
Secretary, Department of Financial Services
Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India
Member Secretary, Fifth State Finance Commission of Haryana
While serving in all these positions, he gained extensive experience in the administrative, economic and financial fields, which will make him an able leader in the Election Commission.
Appointment as Election Commissioner of India
Vivek Joshi took over as Election Commissioner of India in February 2025.
Tenure of six years or age 65, whichever is earlier.
Since he is born in May 1966, his term will end on 18 February 2031.
Future prospects: Likely to become Chief Election Commissioner
The current Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar will retire on 26 January 2029, and the other Election Commissioner Sukhbir Singh Sandhu retires in July 2028 Gay. Based on seniority, Vivek Joshi may become the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) in 2029. If that happens, he will lead the 2029 Lok Sabha elections, one of India's biggest democratic events.
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Chief Economic Adviser V Anantha Nageswaran's term extended till March 2027
The Government of India has extended the term of Chief Economic Adviser (CEA) V. Anantha Nageswaran till March 2027. The decision was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Nageswaran has played a key role in guiding the government's economic policies and preparing the annual economic survey. His extended tenure comes at a time when the country's economic growth is expected to slow down. According to the Economic Survey 2024-25, GDP growth for FY26 is estimated to be 6.3% to 6.8%.
Nageswaran highlighted the volatility in global stock markets and the impact of external economic factors.
He stressed the need for sustainable economic growth to create jobs and tackle economic structural challenges.
Previous roles:
Nageswaran has previously worked in financial institutions such as Credit Suisse, Julius Baer and has also been a member of the Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Council (PM-EAC).
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International Mother Language Day 2025
International Mother Language Day is celebrated every year on 21 February. This day reminds us of the importance of linguistic and cultural diversity and emphasizes the need to protect endangered languages around the world.
This year UNESCO is celebrating International Mother Language Day on the theme "Silver Jubilee Celebration of International Mother Language Day". On this day, programs related to reading poems, storytelling in different languages and cultural music are being organized. This celebration is taking place at UNESCO's Paris, France Headquarters.
The inspiration to celebrate this day came from Bangladesh, where the 1952 language movement played an important role in getting Bengali recognized as an official language. On 17 November 1999, UNESCO declared 21 February as International Mother Language Day, to promote linguistic diversity and multilingualism.
In 2002, the United Nations General Assembly welcomed the declaration of the day. Subsequently, in 2007, the General Assembly passed resolution A/RES/61/266, calling on Member States to promote the preservation and protection of all languages. Additionally, 2008 was declared the “International Year of Languages”, with UNESCO taking the lead in promoting multilingualism.
Significance of International Mother Language Day
Preservation of linguistic and cultural heritage
Languages are carriers of identity, tradition and history. The extinction of a language leads to the loss of cultural expressions, traditional knowledge and folk-practices. The day raises awareness on the need to document, revitalize and protect endangered languages.
Promoting multilingual education
Mother tongue-based multilingual education improves learning outcomes, preserves local languages, and promotes inclusive and quality education. Integrating mother tongues into the education system can preserve linguistic diversity for future generations.
Strengthening social inclusion and cohesion
Linguistic diversity promotes social cohesion, respect for cultural diversity, and inclusive societies. Giving all languages an appropriate place in public discourse, governance, and technology provides equal opportunities for linguistic communities.
Promoting digital inclusion
Inequity in language representation is a major challenge in the digital age. Currently, only less than a hundred languages are prominently used in the digital world. Ensuring greater linguistic representation in digital platforms, AI tools, and online education is essential to protect linguistic diversity in the modern age.
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