Maharashtra: 1st rank among 10 Indian LEED states

From the states mapped, Maharashtra tops the list, followed by Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Haryana, in the US Green Building Council’s (USGBC) list of India’s top 10 states for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), the world’s most widely used green building rating system. The top 10 states for LEED are home to more than 840 million Indians and together include over 475 million gross sq ft of LEED-certified space. 

Here are the detailed rankings:

“India is a leader in green building and continues to demonstrate year-over-year growth,” says Gopalakrishnan Padmanabhan, Managing Director, Southeast Asia and Middle East, USGBC and Green Business Certification Inc (GBCI). “Many government agencies and state governments have started offering incentives around LEED, and businesses, educational institutions and non-profits across every sector in India are committing to LEED. These leaders are stepping up and answering the call, advancing sustainable, healthy and environment-friendly buildings and working to raise the living standard for the people in their communities.”

 

LEED is an international symbol of sustainability excellence that signifies a building is lowering carbon emissions, conserving resources and cutting costs, while prioritising sustainable practices and creating a healthier environment. Buildings that are LEED-certified create healthier spaces for people, as well as use less energy and water, reduce air pollution, provide cleaner air indoors and save money for businesses and families. They also generate fewer emissions compared to traditional buildings—not only during the construction stage but after they are occupied and throughout the entire lifecycle of a building.

Aadhaar Authentications Cross 27 Billion in FY25

Aadhaar authentication transactions surged past 27.07 billion in FY 2024–25, including 2.47 billion in March alone, reflecting its growing adoption across sectors such as banking, finance, telecom, and public service delivery. Since its inception, the cumulative number of Aadhaar authentication transactions has exceeded 148 billion.The Unique Identification Authority of India’s (UIDAI) AI/ML-based face authentication technology is also witnessing a sharp rise in usage. In March 2025 alone, over 150 million face authentication transactions were recorded. This biometric modality is now used ..

IEPFA Holds Preparatory Meet for 'Niveshak Shivir' Initiative

The Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA), under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India, hosted a preparatory meeting on April 28, 2025, with Nodal Officers from stakeholder companies via video conference. The session, chaired by IEPFA CEO Smt. Anita Shah Akella, focused on finalising operational plans for the upcoming ""Niveshak Shivir"" initiative—a joint effort between IEPFA and the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).""Niveshak Shivir"" aims to improve investor services and streamline the claims process by reaching out to cities with a high nu..

India, France Sign Deal for 26 Rafale-Marine Jets for Navy

India and France have signed an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) for the acquisition of 26 Rafale-Marine aircraft for the Indian Navy, comprising 22 single-seater and four twin-seater jets. The deal also includes training systems, simulators, associated equipment, weapons, and performance-based logistics, along with additional equipment for the Indian Air Force’s existing Rafale fleet.The IGA was signed by India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and French Minister of Armed Forces Sébastien Lecornu. The agreement, along with supply protocols for aircraft and weapons, was exchanged in the..