New Delhi, May 31: The implementation of Legal Metrology Reforms in the Northern States of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Ladakh was reviewed as a part of a series of regional reviews being undertaken across the country. The review meeting is held to facilitate implementation of the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026 and recommendations of the High-Level Committee (HLC) on regulatory reforms. The meeting was chaired by Nidhi Khare, Secretary, Department of Consumer Affairs, Govt of India.

The meeting follows similar consultations held with Southern States earlier this week and forms part of the Department’s ongoing engagement with States and Union Territories to ensure smooth, uniform and effective implementation of the recent reforms introduced under the Legal Metrology Act, 2009.

During the meeting, senior officers of the Department interacted with Controllers and Legal Metrology officers of participating States and UTs to review progress on key reforms aimed at reducing compliance burden, improving Ease of Doing Business and creating a more trust based regulatory framework while safeguarding consumer interests.

A major focus of the discussions was the replacement of the existing licensing regime with a registration-based system for manufacturers, dealers and repairers of weights and measures. States were advised that the intent of the reform is not merely to replace the word “licence” with “registration”, but to fundamentally simplify the regulatory process. Registrations are to be granted automatically on submission of prescribed documents, thereby reducing delays and making it easier for businesses to operate within the legal framework.

The Department also reviewed the implementation of the newly introduced “Improvement Notice” mechanism under the Jan Vishwas reforms. The provision seeks to encourage voluntary compliance by providing an opportunity to rectify first-time procedural violations before penal action is initiated. The reform is expected to reduce unnecessary litigation and foster a more compliance oriented regulatory environment.

Verification and stamping of weights and measures was another key area of discussion. States were informed about the expansion of the Government Approved Test Centre (GATC) framework and the growing role of self-verification and third-party verification mechanisms. The Department urged States and UTs to notify their GATC Rules at the earliest and bring more categories of weighing and measuring instruments under the GATC framework to improve availability of verification services and reduce turnaround time for businesses.

The meeting also reviewed progress relating to digitisation initiatives, including the e-Maap portal, capacity building of Legal Metrology officers and measures for strengthening verification infrastructure across the country. States shared updates on amendments to their Enforcement Rules and steps being taken to align their regulatory frameworks with the recent reforms.

The Department reiterated that while procedural compliances are being simplified and regulatory processes are being made more industry friendly, there will be no compromise on consumer protection. Strict action against fraud, tampering and deliberate violations affecting consumers will continue under the Legal Metrology framework.

The ongoing regional consultations reflect the Government’s commitment to working closely with States and UTs to build a modern, transparent and efficient Legal Metrology ecosystem that promotes Ease of Doing Business, encourages voluntary compliance and strengthens consumer confidence across the country.

Mangaluru (Karnataka) May 31: Vice President C P Radhakrishnan on Sunday said inclusive development would be central to India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation by 2047, stressing that progress must benefit all sections of society.

Addressing a gathering at the inauguration of the Siri Mathashree Industrial Park, organised under the aegis of Dharmasthala institutions, Radhakrishnan said the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India) could be realised only through equitable progress, social empowerment and economic opportunities for all.

He said India had witnessed a rapid transformation over the past decade through initiatives aimed at improving the lives of the poor, farmers, women and youth, while strengthening infrastructure and promoting innovation.

“The country’s development journey is centred on inclusive growth and last-mile delivery. Economic progress must benefit every citizen and ensure dignity and opportunity for all,” he said.

Highlighting the role of young people in nation-building, Radhakrishnan said the aspirations and energy of the country’s youth would be crucial to achieving the goal of a developed India by the centenary of Independence.

He called upon students and entrepreneurs to contribute to innovation, skill development and nation-building efforts, adding that the country was creating an ecosystem that encouraged enterprise and technological advancement.

Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot, who also addressed the event, said flagship programmes such as ‘Make in India’, ‘Startup India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ had provided fresh direction to India’s growth trajectory and strengthened the country’s self-reliance.

He said these initiatives had encouraged entrepreneurship, enhanced manufacturing capabilities and created new opportunities for employment and economic development.

Gehlot noted that India’s progress was being driven by a combination of innovation, welfare measures and people-centric governance, adding that sustained investments in education, technology and infrastructure were laying the foundation for long-term growth.

The governor also emphasised the need for balanced and inclusive development to ensure that the benefits of growth reached marginalised communities and remote regions.

The speakers underlined the importance of collective participation in achieving the national goal of ‘Viksit Bharat’ and said cooperation among governments, institutions and citizens would be essential to transforming India into a developed nation.

The programme was attended by public representatives, educational leaders, students and other dignitaries.

New Delhi, May 31: Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh and Australian Deputy Prime Minister & Minister for Defence Mr Richard Marles will co-chair the second India-Australia Defence Ministers’ Dialogue in New Delhi on June 01, 2026. The dialogue will review the progress in bilateral defence cooperation and identify new avenues for collaboration.

The discussions will focus on strengthening defence & security cooperation, enhancing military interoperability, industry collaboration, including co-development and co-production opportunities, and regional & global security developments of mutual interest. The meeting is expected to further strengthen bilateral defence relations, enhance strategic trust and cooperation, promote stability and security in the Indo-Pacific region and identify new areas of collaborations in defence &  security.

The visit of Mr Richard Marles follows the inaugural Dialogue held in Australia in October 2025 and reflects the growing momentum in the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Australia is a key partner in India’s vision of a free, open, inclusive and prosperous Indo-Pacific. The visit underscores the growing depth and maturity of the India-Australia defence partnership.

New Delhi, May 31: Admiral Krishna Swaminathan on Sunday assumed charge as India’s new chief of the Naval Staff amid a fast evolving regional maritime security scenario.

He succeeds Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi, who retired from service.

Admiral Swaminathan was serving as the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command.

“The Indian Navy stands vigilant to protect national interests wherever they are and is very actively deployed in a regional security environment that continues to remain challenging, complex, unpredictable, and uncertain,” he told reporters.

“It shall be my highest priority to ensure that the Indian Navy maintains the highest level of operational readiness and combat effectiveness so that it can protect the nation’s security and economic interests,” he said.

Admiral Swaminathan said the Indian Navy is well set on a course of capability enhancement and modernisation.

“It shall be my endeavour to sustain the growth momentum of the Navy, consolidate all ongoing programs, scale up where required, and sharpen our operational capabilities through the induction of niche and emerging technologies,” he said.

Srinagar, May 31: The Centre has waived the mandatory cooling-off period for senior IPS officer and IGP Kashmir Vidhi Kumar Birdi, making him eligible for a fresh central deputation ahead of schedule.

According to an order issued on May 30, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved a proposal of the Ministry of Home Affairs to exempt Birdi from the cooling-off requirement that normally applies before an officer can take up another assignment at the Centre.

The decision is significant as Birdi was repatriated prematurely from the Central Reserve Police Force in September 2023 while serving as Inspector General. He was sent back to his parent cadre and subsequently posted in Jammu and Kashmir.

A 2003-batch IPS officer, Birdi originally belonged to the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir cadre, which was merged with the AGMUT cadre following the reorganisation of the former state after the abrogation of Article 370.

After rejoining the AGMUT cadre on October 13, 2023, he was appointed Inspector General of Police, Kashmir Zone. Under prevailing deputation rules, officers are generally required to complete a three-year cooling-off period in their parent cadre before becoming eligible for another central assignment. In Birdi’s case, that period was scheduled to end in October 2026.

With the ACC now waiving the requirement, Birdi has become immediately eligible for a fresh posting at the Centre, fuelling speculation that he may be under consideration for a key assignment in the Union government.