Thursday, March 12

National

AIIMS Director raises alarm over unprescribed antibiotic use
National

AIIMS Director raises alarm over unprescribed antibiotic use

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...
Shopkeepers in Ayodhya place special orders as demand for the Ram Mandir flag rises
National

Shopkeepers in Ayodhya place special orders as demand for the Ram Mandir flag rises

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...
‘Organized Crime Network Database’: India’s new database aims to track criminal networks and terror financing
National

‘Organized Crime Network Database’: India’s new database aims to track criminal networks and terror financing

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...
Rural roads constructed as part of the PM program to connect India’s villages span 7.87 lakh km
National

Rural roads constructed as part of the PM program to connect India’s villages span 7.87 lakh km

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...
India-New Zealand FTA negotiations were first spearheaded by women: PM Modi
National

India-New Zealand FTA negotiations were first spearheaded by women: PM Modi

The India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which is India's first women-led FTA with nearly all of the negotiation team being female, is a historic milestone, according to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal's post, which PM Modi tweeted, emphasizes that India's FTAs now go well beyond tariff reductions as part of a larger goal to develop the economy and better millions of people's lives. "In this insightful article, Union Minister Shri @PiyushGoyal explains that India's FTAs today go well beyond tariff reductions, forming part of a broader mission to strengthen the economy and improve the lives of millions," the Prime Minister remarked in response to a post made by Goyal on X. The FTA creates new opportunities for all-encompassing eco...
On December 26, the Indian Ministry of Railways announced a rise in passenger fares
National

On December 26, the Indian Ministry of Railways announced a rise in passenger fares

In order to balance growing operating costs while minimizing the impact on customers, the Ministry of Railways announced a rationalization of passenger tickets. A revised fare structure is scheduled to go into effect on December 26. Daily commuters would benefit from the Railways' announcement that there will be no fee increases for suburban services and Monthly Season Ticket (MST) holders. Similarly, there won't be a fee rise for regular-class travelers up to 215 kilometers. Fares in regular class will rise by one paise per kilometer for trips longer than 215 kilometers. The fare rise for Mail and Express non-AC categories has been set at 2 paise per kilometre, and AC classes will also experience a consistent 2 paise per km increase. The Ministry made it clear that travelers will only...
Indian airlines reported 22 safety infractions in 2024: Centre
National

Indian airlines reported 22 safety infractions in 2024: Centre

According to the government, scheduled Indian airlines reported 22 safety infractions in 2024. Additionally, scheduled Indian airlines reported 21 instances of in-flight engine shutdowns in the same year. The Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Murlidhar Mohol, told the Lok Sabha that "all the occurrences are investigated to find the cause and prevent the recurrence." To guarantee the safe operation and upkeep of aircraft, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has created extensive Civil Aviation Regulations. The minister further stated that these rules are regularly revised and in line with international standards, such as those of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Thus far in 2025, the aviation regu...
Telangana Chief Minister urges Centre to establish IIM, Kendriya Vidyalayas, Navodaya schools
National

Telangana Chief Minister urges Centre to establish IIM, Kendriya Vidyalayas, Navodaya schools

In Delhi, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy met with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. CM Reddy urged the Union Education Minister to establish Kendriya Vidyalayas and Navodaya schools in certain Telangana regions, as well as to approve an Indian Institute of Management (IIM) in Hyderabad. At the Union Minister's chambers in the Parliament, the Chief Minister and Minister Pradhan had a meeting. The CM informed the union minister during the meeting about Hyderabad's rapid growth in the fields of technology, life sciences, aerospace, defense, logistics, and advanced manufacturing, as well as the pressing need to create an IIM in the ancient city. CM Revanth Reddy stated that the Union government has established 21 IIMs in 19 states ...
Viksit Gujarat 2047: State secures new AI collaborations to drive innovation
National

Viksit Gujarat 2047: State secures new AI collaborations to drive innovation

The Gujarat Unified Digital Stack will soon be operational throughout the state, according to Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. This will improve real-time data sharing between ministries and allow citizens to access all government services via a single platform. He made the statement at the opening of the AI Experience Zone and the Regional AI Impact Conference at Gandhinagar's Mahatma Mandir. There were also Science and Technology Minister Arjun Modhwadia and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi. The conference emphasized Gujarat's connection with the national AI mission as a pre-event to the AI Impact Summit 2026. In order to facilitate plug-and-play AI deployment across ministries, the Chief Minister introduced the Gujarat AI Stack, which includes six essential AI tools for a...
Swadeshotsav 2025 kick-off: Amit Shah urges citizens to embrace local industry & heritage
National

Swadeshotsav 2025 kick-off: Amit Shah urges citizens to embrace local industry & heritage

Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah opened the 'Swadeshotsav 2025', a national expo produced by Swarnim Jagran Manch and Swarnim Bharat Varsh Foundation, at the Gujarat University Ground in Ahmedabad's Navarangpura. The event is consistent with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's objective of creating a 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (developed India) by encouraging indigenous industry, knowledge, and cultural legacy. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi were among the dignitaries who attended the opening ceremony. Following the inauguration, Union Home Minister Shah opened the Swanubhuti Exhibition, which showcases India's'swadeshi' (indigenous) prowess in a variety of areas. The five-day expo, which runs from December 5 to 9, 2025, includes a ser...