India - Loktej English

Apple to Invest ₹100 Crore in Green Energy in India

Loktej English Team — Thu, 07 May 2026 19:39:59 +0530

Apple has announced an investment of ₹100 crore in renewable energy in India. The company stated that it is collaborating with CleanMax, one of the country's leading renewable energy companies.

This initial investment will help develop over 150 megawatts of renewable energy capacity, which will provide electricity to approximately 150,000 Indian homes each year. There is also a possibility of increasing investment in the future. Previously, Apple had worked with CleanMax on rooftop solar projects to power its offices and retail stores in the country with 100% renewable energy.

The American company's goal is to achieve carbon neutrality across its operations by 2030. Sarah Chandler, Vice President of Environmental and Supply Chain Innovation at Apple, mentioned that the company's commitment to the environment is also a driving force for innovation within the company and globally. Apple takes pride in increasing its investment in India's clean energy economy and expanding its efforts to protect the country's valuable natural resources.

Additionally, Apple is supporting recycling and waste management programs in collaboration with WWF-India, prioritizing environmental and social safeguards. By advancing its collaboration with 'Sahas Zero Waste', a leading waste management organization in Goa, this model establishes facilities that collect recyclable materials with full traceability, sort them, and extract usable products. Apple is now expanding this model in new areas, including Coimbatore, in partnership with local administrations, communities, and waste workers.

Under a new partnership through Acumen, Apple is also supporting early-stage green enterprises, providing grants to six green enterprises developing solutions in waste management, circular economy and consumption, and regenerative agriculture and livelihoods. Overall, Apple has reduced its global greenhouse gas emissions by more than 60% compared to 2015 levels, while its revenue has increased by 78% during the same period.

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Modi Describes West Bengal Victory as Memorable, Congratulates Workers from Assam, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala

Loktej English Team — Tue, 05 May 2026 12:13:51 +0530

Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the BJP's victory in the West Bengal assembly elections as memorable and expressed gratitude to the state's people, assuring them of every possible effort to fulfill their aspirations. On Monday, he attributed the BJP-National Democratic Alliance's (NDA) victories in the assembly elections of Assam and Puducherry to the party's good governance and the hard work of its workers, thanking the people of these states.

He assured the people of Kerala and Tamil Nadu that the party would work on their issues and expressed gratitude to party workers and voters who supported the party for their tireless efforts in the elections. Modi congratulated actor Vijay's party TVK and the United Democratic Front (UDF) in Kerala for their victories. In a series of posts on social media commenting on the assembly elections, he noted that the lotus has bloomed in West Bengal.

He stated that the 2026 assembly elections in West Bengal would always be remembered, highlighting the victory of the people's power and the success of the BJP's governance politics. He saluted every citizen of West Bengal, mentioning that the people had given the BJP a magnificent mandate. Assuring them of living up to this mandate, he committed that the party would make every effort to fulfill the dreams and aspirations of the people of West Bengal, promising a government that ensures opportunities and respect for all sections of society.

Modi acknowledged that the record-breaking victory of the BJP in West Bengal would not have been possible without the efforts and struggles of countless workers over generations. He saluted all those who have worked hard at the grassroots level, faced various difficulties, and communicated about the party's development agenda, calling them the strength of the party. He credited the BJP alliance's victory in Assam to all BJP-NDA workers who have tirelessly worked among the people, noting that the progress of the party and alliance over the past decade is commendable.

He stated that their efforts have allowed the positive agenda to find a place in the hearts of the people. Commenting on the alliance's success in Puducherry, he expressed pride in the NDA workers in Puducherry for their extraordinary grassroots efforts, stating that they have consistently engaged with the public and elaborated on the party's vision and achievements, which is why the people have blessed them once again. Modi expressed heartfelt gratitude to the voters in Tamil Nadu who supported the NDA in the assembly elections, stating that they would always remain at the forefront of solving the people's problems and improving their living standards.

He also congratulated actor Vijay's party TVK for their impressive performance, stating that the central government would make every effort for the progress and welfare of Tamil Nadu's people. Modi thanked all those who voted for the BJP-NDA in Kerala, stating that they would continue to raise important issues for Kerala's progress and work hard to realize the dream of a developing Kerala. He also congratulated the UDF for their victory in Kerala, affirming that the central government would always support the developmental aspirations of the people of Kerala.

Supreme Court Deals a Major Blow to TMC: Upholds Election Commission's Decision on Appointment of Counting Personnel

Loktej English Team — Sat, 02 May 2026 19:42:17 +0530

The Supreme Court delivered a significant ruling on Saturday regarding the Trinamool Congress (TMC) petition questioning the selection of staff for vote counting in West Bengal. A special bench comprising Justice P S Narasimha and Justice Joymalya Bagchi clarified that the Election Commission of India (ECI) has the full authority to choose its preferred officials for counting.

The court stated that the ECI's circular dated April 13 cannot be deemed incorrect. The TMC had alleged that the ECI was only appointing supervisors from the central government and public sector undertakings (PSUs), which could affect fairness. The Supreme Court's special bench rejected TMC's argument challenging the Calcutta High Court's decision.

The court noted that the Election Commission had made it clear that there would be a mix of employees from both the central and state governments in the counting process, thus any fear of malpractice was unfounded. A senior lawyer representing the commission assured the court that the returning officer has the authority to deploy staff from any government pool. Following this clarification, the court disposed of the petition, stating that no new orders were necessary in this matter.

Voting for the 294 assembly seats in West Bengal has already been completed in two phases (on April 23 and 29), and all eyes are now on the counting scheduled for May 4. The Calcutta High Court had previously dismissed TMC's petition on April 30, stating that there is nothing illegal in appointing PSU and central government employees as counting supervisors.

With the Supreme Court's stance, it is now clear that the Election Commission will conduct the counting process according to its established rules. Senior lawyer Kapil Sibal represented TMC but ultimately had to return empty-handed.

GST Collection Reached ₹2,42,702 Crore in April

Loktej English Team — Fri, 01 May 2026 20:44:05 +0530

The gross revenue collection under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) increased by 8.7 percent to ₹2,42,702 crore in April 2026. Data released by the Finance Ministry on Friday indicated that the domestic GST collection in April was ₹1,85,122 crore, while the GST revenue from imported goods stood at ₹57,580 crore, reflecting increases of 4.3 percent and 25.8 percent, respectively.

In the first month of the financial year, the government also issued refunds amounting to ₹31,793 crore under GST, which is 19.3 percent higher on a year-on-year basis. After accounting for refunds, the net GST collection rose by 7.3 percent to ₹2,10,909 crore, with domestic collection showing a slight increase of 0.3 percent to ₹1,65,126 crore and GST from imported goods increasing by 42.9 percent to ₹45,784 crore.

Prime Minister Modi arrives at Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple during road show, welcomed by devotees with conch shells

Loktej English Team — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 19:47:34 +0530

On April 29, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Shri Kashi Vishwanath Dham during a road show in his parliamentary constituency of Kashi. Residents and BJP workers welcomed him with conch shells, drums, and flower petals at various locations.

Meanwhile, the second phase of voting is ongoing in Bengal, making the Prime Minister's visit to Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple particularly significant. At Shri Vishwanath Dham, the sound of damru and the conch shells welcomed Prime Minister Modi. The BJP had set up five points along the route from Bareka to Kashi Vishwanath Temple for his welcome.

At these points, BJP workers welcomed him with drums and conch shells while showering rose petals. Ministers, public representatives, BJP officials, workers, and the people of Kashi were present at these five points, which included Manduadih, Police Line, Lahurabir, Maidagin, Chowk, and the Kashi Vishwanath Temple gate.

The number of BJP MPs in Rajya Sabha increased to 113, Chairman approved the merger

Loktej English Team — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 18:20:25 +0530

The strength of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the Rajya Sabha has increased. Seven MPs, including Raghav Chadha who left the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) to join the BJP, have received formal approval from Rajya Sabha Chairman C.P. Radhakrishnan. Following this, the number of BJP MPs in the Rajya Sabha rose from 106 to 113. On Monday, the Rajya Sabha Secretariat released an updated list of all party MPs in the house, which included the names of these seven leaders in the BJP MPs list.

This has provided the BJP with greater political strength in the upper house. Notably, the MPs who joined the BJP on April 24 include Raghav Chadha, Ashok Kumar Mittal, Harbhajan Singh, Sandeep Kumar Pathak, Dr. Vikramjeet Singh Sahni, Swati Maliwal, and Rajinder Gupta.

All of them have now officially become part of the BJP parliamentary party. Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju confirmed this development on the social media platform X, stating that Rajya Sabha Chairman C.P. Radhakrishnan has accepted the merger of the seven AAP MPs into the BJP.

Now, Raghav Chadha, Sandeep Pathak, Ashok Mittal, Harbhajan Singh, Swati Maliwal, Rajinder Gupta, and Vikramjeet Singh Sahni are members of the BJP parliamentary party. Rijiju also praised the conduct of these MPs, noting that they have never used indecent language or engaged in any indiscipline or un-parliamentary behavior. He described this as an example of positive politics.

He further stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, everyone is welcome in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) for nation-building. He also targeted the opposition alliance, suggesting they should say goodbye to the 'tukde-tukde' coalition. Political analysts believe that this development will strengthen the BJP's position in the Rajya Sabha and may provide the party with a strategic advantage in upcoming legislative activities, especially at a time when the strength in the upper house plays a decisive role in the passage of several important bills.

Historic Free Trade Agreement Signed Between India and New Zealand

Loktej English Team — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 18:17:46 +0530

A new golden chapter has been added to the bilateral relations between India and New Zealand with the signing of a historic free trade agreement (FTA). New Zealand's Prime Minister Christopher Luxon described this agreement as a revolutionary step that occurs 'once in a generation.' Under this agreement, New Zealand exporters will gain direct access to the vast Indian market, which has a population of 1.4 billion.

Luxon expressed happiness, stating that what was considered impossible for decades has now become a reality under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This deal is expected to elevate the economies of both countries to new heights. India's Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal shared important details of the agreement, noting that upon its implementation, nearly 70 percent of products exported from India to New Zealand will now be exempt from customs duty.

This move will particularly benefit India's micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and traditional artisans. Goyal highlighted that the leather industry in Agra and the handloom sector in Uttar Pradesh will directly benefit from this agreement. Handicraft products under the 'One District, One Product' (ODOP) initiative will now gain global recognition, leading to a significant increase in the income of local weavers.

Alongside trade, this agreement will also strengthen strategic partnerships and connectivity. New Zealand's Trade Minister Todd McClay emphasized that India is a 'strategic priority' for New Zealand, and direct flights between the two countries are expected to commence soon. This will not only facilitate business travel but also provide a significant boost to the tourism sector.

Experts believe that this FTA will open new avenues for investment in sectors such as agriculture, dairy, and technology. For India, this agreement represents a major strategic step towards making its economy the third-largest power in the world, which will also help reduce the trade deficit in the future.

With rising temperatures, maximum electricity demand recorded at 252 gigawatts on Friday

Loktej English Team — Sun, 26 Apr 2026 19:10:57 +0530

On April 25, the maximum electricity demand in the country reached a record level of 252.07 gigawatts due to the increased use of cooling devices, such as air conditioners and coolers, amid severe heat. According to the latest data from the Ministry of Power, the previous maximum electricity demand was recorded at 250 gigawatts in May 2024.

The ministry reported that on April 24, the maximum electricity demand was 252.07 gigawatts, while it was 240.12 gigawatts on April 23 and 239.70 gigawatts on April 22. The government had estimated that the maximum electricity demand could reach 270 gigawatts this summer, although the actual demand has been lower than this estimate so far. Last year, the maximum electricity demand during the summer was recorded at 242.77 gigawatts in June 2025, while it was 235.32 gigawatts in April 2025.

Experts suggest that with rising heat in the country, the increased use of air conditioners, coolers, and other electrical devices could further increase electricity demand. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), there is a possibility of heatwave conditions persisting in large parts of northwestern, central, and eastern India until this weekend.

Historic Split in Aam Aadmi Party: Raghav Chadha and Six MPs Leave Kejriwal's Side, Join BJP

Loktej English Team — Sat, 25 Apr 2026 19:36:22 +0530

On April 25, 2026, it was reported that April 24, 2026, marked a dark chapter for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Senior leader and Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha, along with six other MPs, officially parted ways with AAP.

Alongside Chadha, Sandeep Pathak, Ashok Mittal, Swati Maliwal, Harbhajan Singh, Rajinder Gupta, and Vikramjeet Sahni also left the party to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). This is considered the largest split since the party's formation in 2012. The departure of these MPs has not only diminished the party's strength in the Rajya Sabha but has also raised serious questions about Arvind Kejriwal's leadership.

The party, which emerged from the anti-corruption movement led by Anna Hazare, has lost several prominent figures over the past 14 years. Founding members Prashant Bhushan and Yogendra Yadav distanced themselves in 2015 by questioning the party's internal democracy and funding. Subsequently, leaders like Shazia Ilmi, Kumar Vishwas, Ashutosh, and Kapil Mishra also left one by one.

Some accused the party of authoritarianism, while others cited a deviation from ideology. The recent events have proven that discontent, which began with the founding members, has now reached the most trusted allies of the current leadership. The main argument from the departing leaders has often been the lack of self-rule within the party and a centralized power structure.

While Yogendra Yadav described the functioning as 'similar to old parties', Raghav Chadha and the other MPs' move to the BJP indicates a significant internal conflict between the party's power in Punjab and Delhi. The party, which emerged from the anti-corruption movement, is now struggling to protect itself from the collapse of its own strong pillars. Political analysts believe that after such a significant split, it will be a major challenge for AAP to maintain its credibility in the upcoming elections.

PM Modi's Morning Stroll by the Hooghly River in Kolkata Amidst the West Bengal Election Battle

Loktej English Team — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 19:54:59 +0530

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was seen in a different light the day after a record 92.88 percent voting in the first phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections 2026. On Friday morning, he spent time by the Hooghly River in Kolkata and enjoyed a boat ride.

Sharing his pictures on social media, he referred to the Ganges as the 'soul of Bengal'. Wearing sunglasses and holding a camera, he captured the beauty of the river's waves, the famous Vidyasagar Setu, and the Howrah Bridge. He noted that the sacred water of the Ganges embodies the eternal spirit of a whole civilization, which holds a special place in Bengali life.

During his morning stroll, he had a warm interaction with the boatmen of Hooghly and appreciated their hard work. He also conversed with local citizens who had come for a walk. On this occasion, he reiterated his government's commitment to the development of West Bengal and the well-being of its people.

While indulging his passion for photography, PM Modi showcased Bengal's natural and infrastructural beauty to the world, which his supporters viewed as a reflection of his connection to the state's culture. Although this visit appeared personal and spiritual, it also held significant political implications. He described the heavy voting by women and youth in the first phase as a 'storm of change' against the Trinamool Congress.

After accusing the TMC of infringing on women's rights during election rallies, his presence by the Hooghly River is seen as a major effort to build an emotional connection with Bengal's voters. During his campaign in Krishnanagar and other areas, he made it clear that this election would be decisive for Bengal's identity and development.

UPI-Based PF Withdrawal Facility May Start by End of May

Loktej English Team — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 19:50:17 +0530

The Employee Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) is preparing to offer a significant benefit to its millions of subscribers. As per sources, a UPI-based system for withdrawing PF money may be launched by the end of May 2026.

EPFO is rapidly working on its new digital framework 'CITES 2.0' to eliminate the weeks-long claim settlement process. Once this facility is operational, employees will be able to log in to their UAN portal and receive money in real-time by simply entering their UPI ID, making the entire process extremely simple and transparent. Although withdrawing money is set to become easier, EPFO has also established some important conditions to ensure future social security.

Under the new provisions, any employee will be able to withdraw a maximum of 75 percent of their total PF balance through UPI, while the remaining 25 percent will be kept secure in the account to ensure savings for old age. This withdrawal process will be entirely based on OTP authentication, eliminating the possibility of any digital fraud and ensuring that the money reaches the employee's linked bank account directly. Along with this major technological change, the government is also planning to introduce new social security schemes (EPF, EPS, and EDLI) in 2026.

Experts believe that the UPI facility will not only reduce claim rejections due to technical glitches but will also ensure accountability within the EPFO framework. However, the official notification for this revolutionary step is still awaited, but this digital upgrade is expected to be a milestone for the entire banking and pension sector. It will not only save time but also provide immediate relief to millions of employees in financial emergencies.

Surge in Crude Oil Prices in International Market, Brent Crude Exceeds $105

Loktej English Team — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 19:29:19 +0530

Due to ongoing tensions in West Asia, crude oil prices in the international market have shown an upward trend for the fourth consecutive day. Brent crude surged to $105.86 per barrel today.

Similarly, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude also crossed the $100 per barrel mark, reaching over $97 per barrel. However, a slight decline in crude oil prices was recorded later. The postponement of peace talks between the United States and Iran, along with the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, has nearly halted crude oil supply through this major maritime route, with no signs of resumption in the near future.

This has contributed to the continuous rise in crude oil prices. Today, Brent crude started trading at $101.66 per barrel, quickly jumping to $105.86 per barrel. As of 9:15 AM Indian time, Brent crude was trading at $103.76 per barrel, up by 1.80 percent.

Similarly, WTI crude began trading at $92.69 per barrel, surpassing the $92 per barrel mark, and later rose to $97.22 per barrel. However, a slight decline was also noted later. By 9:15 AM Indian time, WTI crude was trading at $94.97 per barrel, up by 2.13 percent.

It is noteworthy that the conflict that began in West Asia at the end of February has shaken the global petroleum-based energy market. The near closure of the Strait of Hormuz has led to a significant drop in oil and gas supply from the Persian Gulf. The United States has imposed a blockade to exert pressure on Iran, while Iran is attempting to keep the Strait of Hormuz closed to international traffic.

In this effort, Iranian gunboats fired on cargo ships near Oman on Wednesday. Experts suggest that immediate peace talks between the United States and Iran do not seem likely. Although U.S.

President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire, he has exacerbated tensions by stating that the blockade in the Strait of Hormuz will continue. On the other hand, Iran has consistently stated that it will respond firmly to U.S. Threats.

By firing on cargo ships near Oman, Iran has indicated that it will not bow to U.S. Threats.

Given the obstinate attitudes of both countries, it appears that the movement of cargo ships and oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz will not be possible in the immediate future. In such a scenario, disruptions in crude oil supply worldwide will continue, resulting in rising crude oil prices.