The Indian home ministry has instructed all states and UTs to screen prisoners and prison staff for tuberculosis as part of a nationwide 100-day campaign on TB elimination. The initiative aims to conduct awareness drives, provide information on prevention, symptoms, and cure, and curb TB prevalence in prisons.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the achievement of the Genome India Project, which sequenced 10,000 genomes despite COVID-19 challenges. This milestone advances biotechnology and India's health potential, providing genetic data to aid precision medicine. The project, linked to India's burgeoning bioeconomy, underscores the country's role as a solution provider in global health.
The sub-committee on the Graded Response Action Plan has implemented stage III measures in Delhi-NCR due to severe air quality. This includes mandatory hybrid learning for students up to grade V and restrictions on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles, as well as nonessential diesel-powered goods vehicles.
Arvind Kejriwal accuses BJP of electoral malpractice in New Delhi Assembly constituency, alleging fake applications for vote cancellations and additions. He demands stringent action against BJP candidate Parvesh Verma and election officials involved. AAP calls for Election Commission intervention to ensure fair elections and uphold democracy.
A deadly stampede occurred at Tirupati's Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam ticket distribution, leaving six dead and over 40 injured. Witness D Venkata Lakshmi described the chaos, with people walking over others and pushing uncontrollably. Survivors blamed poor crowd management by police, noting the sudden gate opening led to the panic. The tragedy could have been prevented with better crowd control measures.
US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, discussed the potential for strengthened ties between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President-elect Donald Trump. While unsure about Modi's invitation to Trump's swearing-in, he noted the leaders' strong camaraderie and anticipated future meetings to further the evolving India-US partnership.
Farmers in West Bengal are transforming agriculture through innovative techniques like Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) and solar-powered farming, leading to reduced irrigation costs, increased yields, and sustainable practices. SwitchON Foundation has been instrumental in training farmers and providing essential resources for these advancements.
A Bengaluru resident's social media post about free bus rides for women in Karnataka has sparked debate. Observations raised concerns over fairness, pointing out male passengers pay fares while women travel free, and questioning financial sustainability. BJP criticized the scheme amid fare hikes. Supporters argue it empowers women, enhancing mobility and access to opportunities.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasised India's advocacy for peace and democracy during the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention, stressing the nation's heritage and cultural ethos. He called on the Indian diaspora to contribute towards India's development, celebrated their role globally, and lauded improvements in consular services.
Jammu and Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah called for clarity on the INDIA bloc's alliance amid the Congress-AAP clash in the Delhi assembly elections. He urged opposition parties to decide if the alliance was only for Lok Sabha elections or also for assembly polls. Tensions have risen with Congress attacking AAP's governance and demanding a return to ballot papers.
Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan clarified his comments on Arvind Kejriwal's expected victory in the Delhi Assembly elections, stating his words were taken out of context. Chavan expressed that a coalition between Congress and AAP would have been advantageous; however, the Congress party has gained significant momentum and aims for victory independently.
Female Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) is lower in households with children under 14, especially in urban areas, and most notably affects women aged 20-35. The Periodic Labour Force Survey analysis highlights rising female LFPR in rural India since 2017-18, with married rural women showing higher participation growth. Government schemes have contributed to this increase.
Union urban affairs minister Manohar Lal Khattar announced that positive news regarding the memorial for former PM Manmohan Singh will emerge within the next two days. Singh's family was expected to visit potential sites at Rajghat, though this remains unconfirmed. This follows the government's recent decision on a site for former President Pranab Mukherjee's memorial.
The Bangladesh interim government has approved the import of 50,000 tonnes of non-basmati parboiled rice from India to fulfill domestic demand. A private Indian company will supply the rice at a cost of $22,942,000, evidencing a consistent trade relationship despite recent diplomatic tensions.
UP CM Yogi Adityanath defends the survey of Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal, warning against ignoring historical occupation of Hindu religious sites. He criticizes the Waqf Board, highlights Sanatan Dharma's significance, and urges political opponents to embrace India's spiritual heritage.
Pritish Nandy, renowned poet, editor, film producer, Rajya Sabha member, and animal rights activist, passed away at 73 in Mumbai. Known for his work in poetry, journalism, and film production, Nandy made significant contributions to Indian media, including the corporatisation of Bollywood and advocating for animal rights.
The first JPC meeting on the 'one nation, one election' bills saw opposition MPs call the legislations an attack on constitutional norms, whereas BJP and allies argued for reduced expenditure and administrative load benefits, citing broad public support and historical precedents.
SC directs Centre to implement a scheme by March 14 to ensure cashless treatment for road accident victims during the golden hour, as required under the Motor Vehicles Act. The scheme, aimed at saving lives, must address concerns regarding payment limits and treatment duration.
Citizens face difficulty accessing RTI status reports due to non-functioning OTP feature on the RTI portal, causing delays and complications. The issue remains unresolved despite complaints, with OTPs either not being received or not working, frustrating users seeking transparency as per their legal rights.
The Maldives ensured it will not compromise India’s security amid concerns regarding Chinese vessels, while agreeing to extend the lease of Indian helicopters and a Dornier aircraft. Defence cooperation between the countries accelerated, including the handover of defence equipment and the continuation of the MNDF 'Ekatha Harbour' project.
The Supreme Court is set to decide on the legitimacy of the 2023 law altering the selection panel for chief election commissioner (CEC) and ECs, contrasting Parliament's legislative power with SC’s authority. The court's previous order outlined a panel including the PM, LoP, and CJI, but Parliament replaced the CJI with a Union minister, raising concerns about EC independence.
Following a proposal to temporarily halt the selection of sitting or former judges' lawyer children for high court judges, another SC collegium member suggested they should meet a higher benchmark. This aims to balance merit-based appointments with concerns over the advantages of judicial lineage.
The Supreme Court of India has acknowledged its error in rejecting the juvenility plea of a convict, ordering his immediate release after 25 years in jail. The court recognized the convict was 14 at the time of the crime and highlighted the importance of rehabilitation for juveniles.
A stampede during the distribution of Vaikuntha Dwara Sarva Darshan tokens for Lord Venkateswara temple in Tirupati resulted in six deaths and over 30 injuries. The chaos involved poor crowd management as devotees surged forward. TTD had organized the event, expecting large crowds. Andhra CM Naidu is overseeing the situation.
China expresses sincere appreciation for India and other nations that sent condolences following the deadly Tibet earthquake, which resulted in 126 casualties. India, along with leaders from 22 countries and several international organizations, extended messages of sympathy and support for the victims and their families.
Arvind Kejriwal accuses Congress of secret collaboration with BJP, after Ashok Gehlot calls AAP their main opposition in Delhi elections. Gehlot denies the claims, asserting Congress aims to win. The controversy follows a heated exchange and allegations from both parties, with AAP and Congress locked in a critical rivalry.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Visakhapatnam, launching projects worth Rs 2 lakh crore to boost the development of Andhra Pradesh. The plans include making Andhra Pradesh a $2.5 trillion economy by 2047, setting up a green hydrogen hub, and advancing railway electrification and urban modernization.