National

The BJP-Shiv Sena-led victory in the Maharashtra municipal elections was praised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who attributed it to the "pro-people good governance" policy. PM Modi thanked the voters, saying that the NDA's "vision for development has struck a chord" with the state's citizens. "Thank you, Maharashtra!" he wrote on X. "The state's vibrant populace supports the NDA's pro-people, good government agenda! The outcomes of several municipal corporation elections show that the NDA's relationship with Maharashtra's populace has strengthened. Our development vision and track record have resonated. I want to express my appreciation to everyone in Maharashtra. This vote will honor the state's magnificent culture and give progress more impetus." Additionally, he praised the NDA e...

Mohan Yadav, the chief minister of Madhya Pradesh, declared that the state government will implement a specific artificial intelligence (AI) policy with the goal of enhancing public welfare and governance. Speaking at the Regional AI Impact Conference in Bhopal, which was conducted in partnership with the India AI Mission, Yadav stated that, with backing from the Center, the state is adopting proactive measures to make AI the foundation of transparent, effective, and citizen-centric governance. "On this unique occasion, I would like to declare that the Madhya Pradesh government will implement an AI policy to improve the state's governance structure and guarantee the welfare of its citizens. The Chief Minister stated that the application of AI must be centered on the general welfare. Ya...

On the occasion of Makar Sankranti, the Hindu harvest festival, Prime Minister Narendra Modi fed his cows food at his home in Lok Kalyan Marg (LKM). On the occasion of Makar Sankranti, a harvest holiday celebrated throughout India in accordance with local customs, Prime Minister Modi greeted the country on Wednesday. Celebrated as a mid-winter harvest festival, it commemorates the Sun's entry into the sign of Capricorn (Makar). Many regions of the nation commemorate Sankranti, a holy day, in accordance with regional traditions and customs. In a post on X, PM Modi wrote, "I pray to Lord Surya for everyone's happiness, prosperity, and excellent health." Attending the Pongal celebrations in the nation's capital on Wednesday, PM Modi praised the event as a worldwide celebration honoring on...

According to the government, "SAMPANN" (System for Accounting and Management of Pension) has made it possible for retirees to safely access, preserve, and recover their official documents at any time and from any location, guaranteeing increased convenience, authenticity, and long-term digital record preservation. For Department of Telecommunications (DoT) retirees, it is an integrated online pension management system that creates a single platform for processing, approving, and paying pensions straight to pensioners' bank accounts. According to the Ministry of Communications, it also improves efficiency and transparency for telecom retirees by providing online grievance redress, digital profile maintenance, and transaction records. The ministry added that crucial pension-related docum...

In order to discourage smuggling and promote indigenous agriculture, the Federation of All India Farmer Associations (FAIFA) called on the government to reverse the notified excise rates on tobacco products and change them to revenue-neutral rates. In a statement, FAIFA stated that maintaining farmer incomes, safeguarding jobs along the value chain, and coordinating economic policy with long-term public health objectives all depend on a stable tax system. With effect from February 1, the Ministry of Finance's "Chewing Tobacco, Jarda Scented Tobacco and Gutkha Packing Machines (Capacity Determination and Collection of Duty) Rules, 2026" announcement imposes an excise charge of between Rs 2,050 and Rs 8,500 per 1,000 sticks, depending on cigarette length. According to FAIFA, such a drast...

Renowned NASA astronaut Sunita Williams has been announced as a key participant and Guest of Honor for the Kerala Literature Festival (KLF) 2026. KLF's organizer, DC Books, announced the news on social media by posting a banner inviting Sunita Williams to the event. "Her name is etched in space," the post says. We are thrilled to announce that our Guest of Honor will be the renowned astronaut Sunita Williams. Prepare yourself for an incredible experience at the Kerala Literature Festival with Sunita Williams. Don't pass up this opportunity to hear from a woman who has demonstrated that bravery is limitless. Over 500 speakers from all over the world will be present at KLF 2026, and Germany has been announced as this year's guest country. The Kerala Literature Festival, which takes place...

Prime Minister Narendra Modi cautioned against the abuse of antibiotics, but Dr. M. Srinivas, Director at AIIMS, Delhi, advised against using them over-the-counter without first consulting a physician. In his final "Mann Ki Baat" of the year, Prime Minister Modi expressed alarm about the nation's "extremely worrying" AMR levels and advised citizens not to take antibiotics carelessly. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) recently released a concerning report that the Prime Minister cited, stating that antibiotics are losing their effectiveness in treating illnesses including pneumonia and urinary tract infections in India. "We won't have any medications to treat patients in the intensive care unit if everyone takes antibiotics and develops resistance. "It is extremely detriment...

The flag of the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi temple has grown in popularity among pilgrims as a memento. At the Ram Janmbhoomi temple, a trader observed an increase in demand for the saffron flag since many tourists buy it as a memento. "We have placed a special order for the Ram Mandir flag because it is highly sought after by the public." He added that tourists buy between 100 and 200 flags every day. Declaring that flags are also given to other states for individuals who desire them but are unable to travel, the statement highlighted demand. The small-sized flag costs Rs. 50, while the large-sized flag costs Rs. 100, he stated. It allows guests to select a size that best suits their need. On November 25, it was formally raised. The building of the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya was comple...

India inaugurated its first-ever national-level "Organized Crime Network Database" (OCND), a historic project targeted at dismantling criminal syndicates that have repeatedly threatened internal security, in a significant boost to the country's fight against terror-linked networks and organized crime. The database was unveiled by Union Home Minister Amit Shah during the "Anti-Terror Conference-2025," a two-day yearly event hosted by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), the nation's anti-terror force. Because the database is AI-powered and intended to serve as an intelligent analytical tool, investigating officers can quickly obtain thorough information about organized crime. Investigating agencies can obtain First Information Reports (FIRs), charge sheets, dossiers, and other cruci...

The Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), which will celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2025, is one of India's most significant rural infrastructure projects. The initiative, which was started to provide all-weather connectivity to formerly disconnected rural communities, has become a major factor in the expansion of agriculture, the creation of jobs, better access to healthcare and education, and the reduction of poverty. According to an official statement, PMGSY has approved 8,25,114 km of rural roads since its founding, of which 7,87,520 km have been finished, representing approximately 95% physical progress as of December 2025. During the implementation period from FY 2024–2025 to FY 2028–2029, a total road length of 62,500 kilometers is planned to be built, with an overall fin...