9, May 2026
PMJJBY Supports India’s Vision of “Insurance for All by 2047”: LIC CEO
May 9 (BNP): The Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) is playing a key role in advancing the Government of India’s goal of achieving “Insurance for All by 2047,” according to LIC CEO and MD R. Doraiswamy.
He said the scheme has significantly expanded life insurance coverage among low-income and underserved sections of society by offering affordable protection and easy enrolment through the banking system.
Launched in 2015, PMJJBY provides a simple one-year life insurance cover linked to bank accounts, helping bridge the gap for millions who previously had little or no access to formal insurance products. Officials noted that the scheme is part of a broader financial inclusion push aimed at building a stronger social security framework in the country.
The LIC chief highlighted that India’s insurance penetration was relatively low at the time of the scheme’s introduction, and initiatives like PMJJBY have helped make insurance more accessible and affordable for the masses.
He added that the government’s long-term vision of universal insurance coverage is being supported by such flagship schemes, which aim to ensure financial protection for families across both rural and urban areas.
Officials believe that continued expansion of PMJJBY and related schemes will be crucial in increasing awareness, deepening insurance penetration, and achieving the national goal of “Insurance for All by 2047.”
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- By Neel Achary
9, May 2026
PMJJBY Key to Government’s Goal of Universal Insurance Coverage by 2047: LIC CEO
May 9 (BNP): The Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) is playing a key role in advancing the Government of India’s goal of achieving “Insurance for All by 2047,” according to LIC CEO and MD R. Doraiswamy.
He said the scheme has significantly expanded life insurance coverage among low-income and underserved sections of society by offering affordable protection and easy enrolment through the banking system.
Launched in 2015, PMJJBY provides a simple one-year life insurance cover linked to bank accounts, helping bridge the gap for millions who previously had little or no access to formal insurance products. Officials noted that the scheme is part of a broader financial inclusion push aimed at building a stronger social security framework in the country.
The LIC chief highlighted that India’s insurance penetration was relatively low at the time of the scheme’s introduction, and initiatives like PMJJBY have helped make insurance more accessible and affordable for the masses.
He added that the government’s long-term vision of universal insurance coverage is being supported by such flagship schemes, which aim to ensure financial protection for families across both rural and urban areas.
Officials believe that continued expansion of PMJJBY and related schemes will be crucial in increasing awareness, deepening insurance penetration, and achieving the national goal of “Insurance for All by 2047.”
9, May 2026
Govt Appoints New CDS and Naval Chief in Key Defence Leadership Changes
May 9 (BNP): The Government of India on Saturday announced important leadership appointments in the armed forces, naming Lieutenant General N.S. Raja Subramani (Retd.) as the next Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan as the next Chief of the Naval Staff.
Lt Gen N.S. Raja Subramani (Retd.), PVSM, AVSM, SM, VSM, will assume office as the Chief of Defence Staff and will also function as Secretary to the Government of India in the Department of Military Affairs from the date he takes charge, until further orders. His appointment is aimed at further strengthening jointness among the three services and improving higher defence coordination and strategic planning.
In a parallel decision, Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan has been appointed as the next Chief of the Naval Staff. He will take charge on the 31st of this month and will serve in the position until December 31, 2028.
Currently serving as the Commander-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command in Mumbai, Vice Admiral Swaminathan brings extensive operational and leadership experience to the role. His appointment is expected to further enhance the Navy’s operational readiness, maritime security capabilities, and ongoing modernisation efforts.
Officials stated that these appointments reflect the government’s continued focus on strengthening India’s defence leadership framework, ensuring seamless command transitions, and reinforcing national security preparedness across all three services.
9, May 2026
Sindhudurg Village Leads Maharashtra by Completing First Self-Enumeration for Census 2027
May 9 (BNP): Muth village in Sindhudurg district has become the first village in Maharashtra to complete the self-enumeration process ahead of Census 2027, marking an early milestone in the state’s census preparations.
The achievement was made possible through active participation of residents and coordinated efforts by revenue officials. The village, located in Vengurla taluka, has 36 households and a population of 144.
The exercise was conducted under the guidance of Sindhudurg District Collector Tripti Dhodmise, officials said.
Chief Principal Census Officer Nirupama J. Dange welcomed the development and encouraged other villages across Maharashtra to complete self-enumeration within the stipulated timeline. She noted that such initiatives would strengthen the accuracy, efficiency, and smooth execution of the upcoming census process.
Officials said the achievement highlights growing awareness and participation at the grassroots level in digital and citizen-driven governance initiatives.
9, May 2026
India–EU Partnership Enters Stronger Phase of Engagement: Sitharaman at Europe Day 2026
New Delhi, May 9 (BNP): Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that the India–European Union partnership has gained fresh momentum, reflecting deeper cooperation across economic, trade, and strategic areas.
Speaking at the Europe Day 2026 event, she noted that the relationship between India and the EU has steadily strengthened, supported by shared priorities such as economic stability, sustainable growth, and a fair global trading system.
She highlighted that both sides are actively working to expand collaboration in key areas including trade, investment, technology, clean energy transition, and strengthening supply chains. According to her, these efforts are helping convert long-standing strategic understanding into concrete outcomes for businesses and economies on both sides.
Sitharaman also underlined that India and the EU, as major global economic partners, have significant scope to deepen cooperation in emerging sectors while jointly addressing global economic challenges. She expressed optimism that continued dialogue and engagement will further enhance the partnership in the coming years.
The statement reflects the growing importance of India–EU relations in supporting global economic stability and advancing shared development goals.
9, May 2026
Suvendu Adhikari Set to Take Oath as West Bengal’s First BJP Chief Minister
Kolkata, May 9 (BNP): Suvendu Adhikari has been formally elected as the BJP legislature party leader in West Bengal and is set to take oath as the new Chief Minister, marking the party’s first-ever government in the state following a decisive electoral victory.
The BJP secured 207 seats in the 294-member Assembly, bringing an end to 15 years of Trinamool Congress rule led by Mamata Banerjee. Adhikari’s elevation came after a unanimous decision during the BJP legislature party meeting chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who stated that all MLAs supported a single name for the Chief Minister’s post.
Soon after being elected leader, Adhikari met the Governor and formally staked claim to form the new government. The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled to be held at Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkata, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several senior NDA leaders are expected to attend.
Adhikari’s political rise has been marked by a series of high-profile electoral victories against Mamata Banerjee in Nandigram and Bhabanipur, including a symbolic win in her traditional stronghold. Once regarded as a key strategist within the Trinamool Congress, Adhikari joined the BJP in 2020 and rapidly emerged as the party’s most influential face in West Bengal.
Known for his strong organisational network, deep understanding of Bengal politics, and aggressive campaign strategy, Adhikari played a central role in the BJP’s successful electoral push across the state. His appointment as Chief Minister is being viewed as a major political milestone for the BJP in eastern India and signals a new chapter in West Bengal’s political landscape.
9, May 2026
Markets Have Already Adjusted to Slower Growth and Higher Inflation, Says SEBI Analyst
May 9 (BNP): A SEBI analyst has said that financial markets have already taken into account expectations of weaker GDP growth and rising inflation following recent shocks in global oil prices.
According to the analyst, investors have been gradually pricing in the impact of higher crude oil costs, which are likely to put upward pressure on inflation and weigh on economic growth. As a result, much of the expected downside has already been reflected in current market levels.
Despite concerns over global uncertainty and energy price volatility, markets have shown a degree of stability, suggesting that participants are not being caught off guard by these macroeconomic risks.
Overall, the commentary indicates that while inflationary pressures and slower growth remain key concerns, they are largely anticipated by investors rather than emerging as fresh surprises.
9, May 2026
India Pushes for Quick Resolution of Issues in EFTA Trade Pact to Boost Benefits
May 9 (BNP): India has called for the early resolution of implementation-related issues in its trade agreement with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) to ensure that businesses on both sides can fully benefit from the pact, according to an official statement.
The India–EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA), which came into effect in October 2025, was a key focus during Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agarwal’s recent visit to Switzerland on May 6–7. The visit aimed at strengthening trade and investment cooperation and improving the on-ground implementation of the agreement.
During discussions, India emphasised the need to address operational and regulatory challenges at an early stage so that the market access opportunities under TEPA can be effectively utilised by exporters, investors, and industry stakeholders from both regions.
Officials noted that the agreement is already showing encouraging early results. Within 200 days of its implementation, new Indian product categories have entered the Swiss market, services trade has expanded, and investor interest between India and EFTA countries has strengthened.
India reiterated that smoother implementation and timely resolution of outstanding issues will be crucial in maximising the benefits of TEPA and deepening long-term economic engagement with the EFTA bloc, which includes Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein.
9, May 2026
IIM Sambalpur–MCL MoU to Train 500 Officers in AI for Coal Sector Transformation
May 9 (BNP): The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Sambalpur has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) to train 500 officers in Artificial Intelligence (AI), aiming to modernise coal operations and strengthen data-driven decision-making across the organisation.
The agreement was formalised by Keshav Rao, Director (HR), MCL, and Prof. Mahadeo Jaiswal, Director, IIM Sambalpur, in the presence of senior officials including MCL Chairman-cum-Managing Director Uday Anant Kaole and IIM Sambalpur faculty representatives.
Under the collaboration, officers from various departments will be trained in AI applications to improve core areas such as coal production, business development, operational efficiency, and process management. The initiative is expected to help MCL integrate advanced technologies into its day-to-day functioning and long-term planning.
Speaking on the partnership, Prof. Mahadeo Jaiswal said IIM Sambalpur is focused on preparing leaders for a technology-driven future. He added that the collaboration reflects a shared vision of using AI and machine learning to transform traditional industries through innovation, skill development, and strategic capability building.
MCL leadership also highlighted that the initiative is part of a broader effort to make the organisation more future-ready by adopting digital tools and modern management practices.
Notably, IIM Sambalpur is among the pioneering institutions globally to introduce AI education across its entire student cohort, integrating it into all areas of management learning.
The partnership marks a significant step toward strengthening industry–academia collaboration and accelerating digital transformation in India’s coal sector, particularly within Coal India Limited subsidiaries like MCL.
9, May 2026
General Manager Ashish Tiwari Strengthens Team Leadership & Training Initiatives at Andaaz Restaurant, New Jersey
Andaaz Restaurant continues to strengthen its hospitality standards through enhanced team leadership and employee training initiatives under the guidance of Ashish Tiwari, General Manager of the restaurant.
Recognizing that exceptional hospitality begins with empowered teams, Ashish Tiwari has introduced a focused leadership and training program aimed at improving operational efficiency, service excellence, staff development, and guest engagement across all departments.
The initiative includes structured training sessions in guest relations, communication skills, fine dining service standards, food knowledge, operational coordination, and workplace professionalism. The program is designed to help employees build confidence, improve performance, and deliver a more refined dining experience to guests.
Speaking about the initiative, Ashish Tiwari said,
“In the hospitality industry, a motivated and well-trained team is the foundation of guest satisfaction. At Andaaz Restaurant, we believe leadership is not only about managing operations but also about mentoring people, encouraging growth, and building a positive work culture where every team member feels valued.”
The restaurant management has also placed strong emphasis on continuous learning and teamwork by encouraging staff participation in skill enhancement workshops, operational briefings, and service improvement strategies. The goal is to create a collaborative workplace environment that supports both personal and professional growth.
Under Ashish Tiwari’s leadership, the restaurant has continued to focus on maintaining premium hospitality standards while fostering a culture of discipline, creativity, and accountability. The training initiatives are expected to further elevate service quality and strengthen the restaurant’s reputation for delivering memorable guest experiences.
Known for its contemporary Indian cuisine and modern dining atmosphere, Andaaz Restaurant remains committed to innovation, employee development, and customer-centric hospitality practices in the evolving restaurant industry.
