The US State Department issued a travel advisory warning against travel to areas near the India-Pakistan border, the Line of Control, and the provinces of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa due to terrorism and potential for armed conflict. Americans are specifically advised to avoid these regions because of frequent terrorist attacks.
Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri criticizes Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin for urging couples to have more children, disputing the claim that states with higher birth rates will benefit in the delimitation exercise. Amid concern over fair representation, Stalin warns that Tamil Nadu's political influence could diminish.
Road transport minister Nitin Gadkari criticized engineers, consultants, and contractors for neglecting road safety, citing faulty planning and poor signage as primary causes of accidents. He urged collaboration between the industry and government to improve infrastructure, enforcement, and education. Experts highlighted the aim of achieving zero fatalities through improved road design and management.
The cabinet has approved two ropeway projects in Uttarakhand, reducing travel time significantly. These projects, Sonprayag to Kedarnath and Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib, will be implemented on a public-private partnership basis, costing around Rs 6,811 crore. The ropeways will provide fast, eco-friendly connectivity and are expected to boost pilgrimage and tourism.
The Centre launches a capacity building programme to curb the 'Sarpanch Pati' phenomenon, focusing on leadership and decision-making skills of women in Panchayati Raj Institutions. The initiative includes a primer on laws against gender-based violence to empower women leaders and enhance their legal knowledge.
TMC leader Derek O'Brien highlighted the role of Christian-run educational institutions in India's development and urged them to reconnect with alumni to promote their contributions positively. He criticized government policies affecting the Christian community and called for uniting against the Waqf (Amendment) Bill and uniform civil code.
The Enforcement Directorate has issued a FEMA violation notice to One97 Communications, owner of Paytm, for alleged irregularities related to its acquisition of Little Internet Private Limited and Nearbuy India Private Limited. The notice addresses potential contraventions between 2015 and 2019 involving investment transactions and includes certain current and past directors and officers.
The first cases of avian influenza virus (H5N1) in domestic cats in India have been reported in Madhya Pradesh's Chhindwara. This raises concerns about the virus's potential to mutate and infect humans. Scientists identified a specific strain and noted 27 mutations in the infected cats. This occurrence calls for enhanced surveillance in poultry, wild birds, mammals, and humans, due to potential human-to-human transmission.
The government aims to construct 10,000 km of national highways in 2025-26, marking the lowest target in seven years. This effort includes constructing 5,800 km of high-speed corridors. The plan also involves raising significant funds from highway project monetization and private investment while focusing on road safety and removing hazardous locations.
Prayagraj is hosting the Maha kumbh 2025, the largest human gathering event, with significant efforts on cleanliness and water quality improvement. Authorities have installed extensive sanitation facilities and launched public awareness campaigns. Key initiatives include sewage treatment, constructing new ghats, and monitoring sanitation through volunteers and mobile apps.
Maharashtra's Aveo Pharmaceuticals was raided by state and central drug inspectors following a BBC documentary exposing their illegal export of unlicensed, addictive opioid pills to West Africa, leading to halted production and seized inventory. Authorities issued stricter export and manufacturing directives in response.
