LEGAL NEWS
Lok Sabha Passes Immigration & Foreigners Bill, 2025
• The Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025 was passed in the Lok Sabha, aimed at regulating foreigner-related matters and immigration processes.
• Introduced on March 11 by Union Home Minister of State Nityanand Rai, the bill includes strict penalties for illegal activities related to immigration.
• Anyone caught using forged passports or visas for entering, staying, or leaving India faces up to seven years in prison and fines up to ₹10 lakh.
• Overstaying, violating visa conditions, or trespassing in restricted areas could lead to up to three years in jail and fines up to ₹3 lakh.
• The bill grants the central government authority to control locations "frequented by foreigners" and mandates the closure of such premises by the owner if required.
• It also mandates reporting information about foreign nationals by hotels, universities, and educational institutions.
• Union Home Ministry data reveals that 98.4 lakh foreigners visited India between April 2023 and March 2024.
• The bill was passed via voice vote, after amendments proposed by Opposition members were rejected.
NATIONAL NEWS
India's First Nano Electronics Roadshow: A Milestone for Semiconductor Innovation
• India's inaugural Nano Electronics Roadshow took place on March 27 at IISc Bengaluru’s National Science Seminar Complex.
• The event was organized by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) in collaboration with leading institutions like IISc Bengaluru and IITs from Bombay, Madras, Delhi, Kharagpur, and Guwahati.
• This roadshow marked a crucial step toward building a self-reliant semiconductor ecosystem in India.
• Over 100 intellectual properties (IPs) and more than 50 innovative technologies were showcased, representing contributions from over 35 emerging startups.
• The event was supported by six cutting-edge nanoelectronics centers spread across the country.
• It attracted over 700 participants, including industry leaders, policymakers, and academics, fostering discussions on strategies to boost India’s nanoelectronics sector.
• India’s semiconductor market is valued at $45-50 billion, with expectations to reach $100-110 billion by 2030.
India’s Growing Technological and Infrastructure Landscape
• India has emerged as the world’s second-largest 5G market, as highlighted by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
• Investments worth nearly 11 lakh crore rupees are being poured into various industries across the nation.
• Indian Railways is set to become the second-largest carrier globally, with an expected 1.6 billion tons to be handled this year.
• Ports in India are experiencing rapid growth, contributing to the country’s expanding infrastructure.
• Electronic manufacturing in India, once minimal, has now evolved into a significant export sector.
• Over the past decade, the number of medical colleges and IITs in India has doubled, boosting education and research.
• India plans to unveil its first domestically produced chip within this year, marking a major milestone in semiconductor development.
RANKING AND INDEX
Roshni Nadar Becomes First Indian Woman in Top 10 Richest Women Globally
• Roshni Nadar has made history by becoming the first Indian woman to rank in the world’s top 10 richest women, holding 5th place in the Hurun Global Rich List 2025.
• As chairperson of HCL Technologies, her net worth stands at ₹3.5 lakh crore (US$40 billion).
• She is now the third-richest individual in India as of 2025.
• In recognition of her societal contributions, Roshni was awarded the Schaffner Award in 2023.
• In 2024, she was honoured with France’s prestigious Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur.
• Since 2017, Roshni has been listed on Forbes’ list of the world’s 100 most powerful women.
• The Hurun Global Rich List 2025 features 561 women, with 224 being self-made, highlighting the growing influence of women in business.
• Top 10 Richest Women (Hurun Global Rich List 2025):
✓ Alice Walton (USA), daughter of Walmart's founder, leads with US$102 billion.
✓ Francoise Bettencourt Meyers (France), L'Oréal heiress, follows with US$67 billion.
✓ Julia Koch & Family (USA), heirs to Koch Industries, hold US$60 billion.
✓ Jacqueline Mars (USA), heir to Mars Inc., ranks 4th with US$53 billion.
✓ Roshni Nadar, with US$40 billion, claims 5th place.
✓ India ranks 3rd globally in the number of billionaires, adding 13 new ones this year.
✓ 284 Indians feature on the Hurun Global Rich List 2025, with Mukesh Ambani retaining his position as Asia’s richest person.
✓ Mumbai continues to be India’s billionaire hub, with 90 billionaires, while Shanghai leads with 92.
India Becomes the World’s Second-Largest Tea Exporter in 2024
• In 2024, India overtook Sri Lanka to become the world’s second-largest exporter of tea, with Kenya remaining in the top position.
• India exported a total of 255 million kilograms of tea last year, reflecting significant growth.
• The country saw a 10% increase in tea exports compared to 231.69 million kilograms in 2023.
• Tea from India is exported to over 25 countries, including the UAE, Iraq, Iran, Russia, the USA, and the UK.
• Renowned varieties like Assam, Darjeeling, and Nilgiri teas are globally recognized for their high quality.
• Black tea represents 96% of India’s tea exports, with other varieties like green tea, herbal tea, masala tea, and lemon tea also contributing.
• The Tea Board of India has launched various initiatives to enhance the country's tea production.
