The Union Education Ministry will launch a nationwide initiative through the National Institute of Open Schooling. This program aims to identify and enroll out-of-school children. The goal is to achieve 100% gross enrollment ratio by 2030. Open schooling offers flexible learning options. This drive will focus on marginalized groups. The network of NIOS centers will be expanded to improve access.
Raymond Group Chairman Gautam Singhania sustained minor injuries in a speedboat accident in the Maldives. He is recovering in a Mumbai hospital. Two other Indian men, including rally driver Hari Singh, are reported missing, and search operations are ongoing.
Himachal Pradesh is set to introduce a new 'orphan and widow cess' on petrol and diesel, with rates capped at Rs 5 per litre. This proposed levy, aimed at creating a dedicated funding stream for welfare measures, will be applied on the initial sale of fuel within the state.
The government is taking strong action against illegal online gambling and betting. Around 300 websites and apps have been blocked recently. This crackdown follows the Online Gaming Act. Enforcement agencies are working to identify and disable these platforms. The move aims to curb financial fraud and protect users. Over 8,400 illegal sites have been blocked so far.
India has sent a 2.5-ton consignment of medical supplies and equipment to Kabul following a deadly airstrike on a drug rehabilitation center. The shipment aims to support the treatment and recovery of those injured in the March 16 attack, which reportedly killed over 400 people. India reiterated its solidarity with the Afghan people and commitment to humanitarian support.
Uttarakhand High Court imposed a gag order on gym owner Mohammad Deepak, restraining him from social media statements amid an ongoing investigation. The court refused to quash the FIR against him, citing his status as a «suspected accused» and deeming his requests for police protection and action against officials as attempts to pressure the investigation.
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee released the TMC's election manifesto, accusing the BJP of conspiracies to capture the state and weaken institutions. She unveiled '10 Protigya' pledges focusing on welfare, jobs, housing, and infrastructure, promising enhanced financial aid for women and support for youth and farmers. Elections are scheduled for April 23 and April 29.
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant recused himself from hearing petitions challenging the 2023 law on appointing election commissioners, citing a conflict of interest. The law removed the CJI from the selection panel, a change stemming from a previous Supreme Court ruling. The matter will now be heard by a bench without a prospective CJI.
A three-member expert committee will rewrite the Class 8 NCERT textbook chapter on the judiciary. This follows a controversy over a section mentioning corruption in the judiciary. The Supreme Court has closed its proceedings after the government's assurance. NCERT had previously withdrawn the chapter. The committee includes K. K. Venugopal, Indu Malhotra, and Justice Aniruddha Bose.
Tragedy struck Riyadh as an Indian national lost their life on March 18th amidst escalating regional tensions. The Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia has confirmed the demise and is actively supporting the deceased's family while coordinating with local authorities.
Congress leader Shama Mohamed has expressed concern over the low representation of women in the party's candidate list for the Kerala assembly elections, with only nine out of 92 tickets allotted to women. She appealed to Rahul Gandhi to intervene and support women leaders in the state unit. The party has finalized all 95 nominees for the upcoming polls.
The Trinamool Congress has filed a petition in the Calcutta High Court. They are challenging the Election Commission's decision to transfer several IAS and IPS officers in West Bengal. This action followed the announcement of assembly polls. The party questions the EC's authority to make these transfers without state government consultation. The Chief Minister has strongly criticized the move.
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat asserted that India possesses the capability to end the Middle East conflict, noting global recognition of its peace-promoting role. He attributed wars to selfish interests and dominance, advocating for harmony and India's traditional philosophy of interconnectedness to restore global balance through dharma.
Indian airlines may continue operating over Oman and Saudi Arabia, subject to conditions. The regulator said flights must not operate below FL 320, or 32,000 feet, in specified parts of these airspaces. About the nine airspaces, the DGCA asked airlines to «refrain from operating within the affected airspace...at all flight levels and altitudes».
The National Building Code (NBC) is set to be replaced by a National Building Standard (NBS) by April-end, granting states and municipal bodies greater authority over development control, fire safety, and administration.
