A.K. Bhattacharya’s Third Book Chronicles India’s Post-1998 Economic Evolution
Veteran journalist A.K. Bhattacharya has released the third volume of his acclaimed series India’s Finance Ministers, offering a comprehensive look at the country’s economic journey from 1998 to 2014. The book examines policy shifts under finance ministers like Yashwant Sinha, Jaswant Singh, P. Chidambaram, and Pranab Mukherjee. With deep research and insider insights, the volume explores reforms, crises, and fiscal decisions that shaped India’s economic landscape post-liberalisation. It’s a valuable contribution to understanding how successive governments balanced growth, governance, and global pressures during a critical phase of economic transformation.
Anantha Chandrakasan Named First Indian-Born Provost of MIT
In a historic academic milestone, Professor Anantha Chandrakasan has been appointed the Provost of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), making him the first Indian-born academic to hold the role. A globally respected engineer and innovator, Chandrakasan previously served as Dean of MIT’s School of Engineering. As Provost, he will oversee academic and budgetary affairs at one of the world’s premier institutions. His appointment is seen as a breakthrough moment for the Indian academic diaspora and a recognition of his leadership in advancing science, innovation, and inclusive education.
FM Sitharaman Lays Foundation for Mini Planetarium at Hanle Dark Sky Reserve
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has laid the foundation stone for a Mini Planetarium and Astro Globe at the Hanle Dark Sky Reserve in Ladakh. Located at one of the world’s highest and clearest sky-viewing sites, the new facility aims to boost astro-tourism and science education. It will provide immersive experiences for visitors and students while promoting Hanle as a global destination for stargazing and amateur astronomy. This initiative aligns with India’s broader push to merge science outreach with eco-tourism in remote regions.
23 Young Authors Win Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puraskar 2025
The Sahitya Akademi has announced the 2025 Yuva Puraskar winners, honoring 23 young authors for outstanding literary contributions in various Indian languages. The award, aimed at encouraging emerging voices, spans genres including poetry, fiction, essays, and drama. These writers represent a vibrant new generation of storytellers engaging with themes like identity, social change, and cultural memory. Each recipient receives a plaque and cash prize, reinforcing the Akademi’s role in nurturing regional literature and promoting multilingual diversity in contemporary Indian writing.
Maharashtra Declares Hindi as ‘General’ Third Language in Schools
The Maharashtra government has revised its language policy, making Hindi a ‘general’ third language in state-run schools. While Marathi remains the primary medium, the new directive allows schools to teach Hindi more flexibly, responding to demographic diversity and national language integration efforts. The move is seen as a cultural balancing act amid political debates over linguistic identity. Educationists say the policy could enhance inter-state mobility for students while retaining the prominence of regional languages.
Bal Sahitya Puraskar 2025: 24 Authors Honored for Children’s Literature
The Sahitya Akademi has revealed the winners of its 2025 Bal Sahitya Puraskar, celebrating 24 authors for their contributions to children’s literature in India. Covering 24 different languages, the winners include storytellers, poets, and illustrators who have enriched young readers with imaginative, educational, and culturally rooted content. The awards recognize excellence in storytelling that nurtures empathy, creativity, and language development among children. With a rising demand for quality children’s books, the honor also encourages writers to continue crafting impactful literature for the next generation.