Delhi faces challenges in HIV treatment coverage, with only 70% of identified patients linked to care. The Union health ministry is intensifying district-level action to improve testing, treatment linkage, and patient follow-up, aiming to bridge the gap in the HIV care continuum. Efforts focus on patient-centric models and addressing barriers like stigma and mobility.

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has expedited counselling for super-specialty postgraduate seats by allowing those cleared by its First Appeal Committee to be included immediately. This move aims to reduce delays and provide clarity for medical aspirants, enabling counselling authorities to proceed without waiting for final approval letters.

Private hospitals have been granted a final extension until April 30, 2026, to complete mandatory empanelment formalities for the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS). This move follows technical hurdles on the new digital portal, with non-compliance leading to de-empanelment from May 1.

The Indian-flagged LPG tanker Pine Gas faced a nearly three-week delay passing through the Strait of Hormuz after Iran began selective passage. The vessel, carrying 45,000 metric tons of LPG, was eventually rerouted via a less-used channel north of Larak Island, guided by the Indian Navy and escorted by warships.

A disturbing video from Bihar's Nalanda district, showing a mob assaulting a woman, has sparked outrage. Opposition leaders decried the incident as a «shameful» breakdown of law and order, drawing parallels to the Manipur violence. Police have arrested two individuals, with efforts ongoing to apprehend others involved in the alleged gang rape attempt and public humiliation.

India stands on the cusp of eradicating Naxalism, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah declaring the movement effectively dismantled. Decades of development and security operations have significantly shrunk the Red Corridor, pushing the insurgency into isolated pockets. While armed rebellion may be over, securing lasting peace through governance remains crucial.

Actor-politician Vijay and his Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam party face legal action for alleged model code of conduct breaches during a campaign event. Police registered cases for obstructing public proceedings and causing disturbance with excessive sound systems and early gatherings. The violations reportedly led to public inconvenience and traffic disruption ahead of the upcoming polls.

The annual college application frenzy often prioritizes rankings over individual fit. Experts suggest this approach teaches students that identity is a performance. Admissions officers seek genuine engagement, not just achievements. Parents are advised to encourage curiosity and allow for failure. This fosters courage for real attempts, aligning with university goals.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has alerted the Election Commission about a 'grave conspiracy' to manipulate electoral rolls ahead of the polls. She alleges the BJP, in league with the ECI, is attempting to add non-residents to voter lists, a process she claims has already caused hardship and deaths. Banerjee demands an immediate halt to this 'undemocratic exercise'.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a Rs 3,300 crore semiconductor plant in Sanand, Gujarat. This facility by Kaynes Technology will produce over 7 lakh chips daily. India is strengthening its position in the global semiconductor supply chain. The nation is committed to self-reliance in manufacturing. This marks a crucial step in India's ambitious plans for the electronics sector.

The BJP's Kerala election manifesto pledges a Rs 3,000 monthly welfare pension for needy women and seniors, alongside 20,000 litres of free water per household. The party also promised two free LPG cylinders annually for poor families and a Rs 2,500 monthly health card. Key development plans include an AIIMS and a high-speed rail network.