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PM Modi to Launch Five Ladakh Development Projects Worth ₹3,350 Crore

/ Governance Community

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate and dedicate five major development projects worth approximately ₹3,350 crore in Ladakh through video conferencing tomorrow. The initiatives focus on improving regional connectivity, strengthening power infrastructure, preserving cultural heritage and enhancing water security. The Prime Minister will also address the gathering during the event. Among the key projects is the new passenger terminal building at Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh, constructed at a cost of ₹640 crore. Spanning 23,800 square metres, the facility is designed to accommodate up to 35 lakh passengers annually. Modi will also dedicate the 298-km-long Nimmu-Padum-Darcha Road, built by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO). The strategic route connects Nimmu in Leh with Darcha in Himachal Pradesh through the remote Zanskar Valley, offering an alternative access corridor to Ladakh alongside the Srinagar-Leh and Manali-Leh highways. The Prime Minister will further inaugurate the 9 MW Hanu Small Hydroelectric Project and the 66 kV double-circuit Dah-Hanu-Khaltsi Transmission Line to strengthen electricity transmission and improve power supply reliability across the region. The remaining initiatives include India’s first Petroglyph Conservation Park at Sindhu Ghat in Leh and 40 water bodies developed across 40 villages under Project Him Sarovar, aimed at supporting water security in Ladakh. Source: News on AIR

PM Modi to Launch Five Ladakh Development Projects Worth ₹3,350 Crore Read More »

Netflix marks 10 years in India; CEO Ted Sarandos meets PM Modi, launches storytelling initiative

/ Media Entertainment & Art Community

Netflix Co-CEO Ted Sarandos met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Wednesday as the streaming giant celebrated a decade of operations in India and announced the Netflix India Storytelling Initiative, a long-term investment aimed at developing the country’s creative talent ecosystem. The multi-phase initiative seeks to strengthen India’s pipeline of creators in animation, visual effects (VFX), gaming and comics, building on Netflix’s collaboration with the Indian creative industry over the past 10 years. During this period, the platform has produced more than 200 original titles and filmed across 100+ locations in the country. According to Netflix, the initiative aligns with the government’s Viksit Bharat @ 2047 vision by enhancing skill development, industry partnerships and creator training to position India as a global storytelling hub. As part of the first phase, Netflix will collaborate with the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT) to jointly develop specialised courses in Visual Effects Mastery and Media Technology Workflows. The company will also sponsor 100 scholarships for Indian students enrolled in IICT’s in-person programmes, covering areas such as interactive comics, sequential art, virtual production, character animation, and e-sports and gaming management. In another key partnership, Netflix has joined hands with the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) to train audio description writers and voice artists, making films and series more accessible to audiences with visual and hearing impairments while adhering to international accessibility standards. Sarandos said India has long been one of the world’s richest storytelling nations and reaffirmed Netflix’s commitment to investing in the next generation of Indian creators. He added that strengthening the country’s creative ecosystem would create more opportunities for emerging talent while taking Indian stories to global audiences. The visit also commemorated Netflix’s 10-year journey in India through an event organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Tourism. During the event, the Ministry of Tourism and Netflix India launched “As Seen on Netflix,” a dedicated section on the Incredible India website that allows viewers to explore real-life locations, cultural traditions and experiences featured in Netflix productions. Sarandos also participated in a fireside discussion with Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat at the National Gallery of Modern Art, where they highlighted the role of authentic storytelling in promoting tourism, preserving cultural heritage and supporting India’s creative economy. The event also showcased two new promotional films celebrating India’s wildlife and cultural heritage. The collaboration builds upon a memorandum of understanding signed between the Ministry of Tourism and Netflix India last year to promote India’s tourism and cultural diplomacy through storytelling. Highlighting its decade-long journey in India, Netflix cited acclaimed productions such as The Elephant Whisperers, Amar Singh Chamkila, Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar, Musafir Café, Made in Korea and the upcoming patriotic series Operation Safed Sagar as examples of Indian stories resonating with audiences worldwide. As Netflix enters its second decade in India, the company said it will continue investing in India’s creative workforce while helping more local stories reach international audiences. Source: Variety

Netflix marks 10 years in India; CEO Ted Sarandos meets PM Modi, launches storytelling initiative Read More »

ICAR Unveils India’s First Indigenous Vaccine Against African Swine Fever

/ Health & Wellness Community

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has developed India’s first homegrown vaccine to combat African swine fever (ASF), marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to protect livestock from one of the world’s most destructive pig diseases. African swine fever, caused by the African swine fever virus (ASFV), is a highly contagious viral disease that affects both domestic and wild pigs and is known for causing extremely high mortality rates. ICAR described the vaccine’s development as a major advancement in strengthening India’s animal health ecosystem. ICAR Director General M.L. Jat hailed the achievement as a landmark in veterinary science, saying it demonstrates India’s growing capability to create globally competitive animal health technologies. He added that the breakthrough would enhance disease preparedness, improve livestock health, and contribute to the country’s food and biosecurity. The vaccine has been developed by scientists at the ICAR-National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (ICAR-NIHSAD), Bhopal, using a novel attenuated ASFV Genotype II strain. According to the Union Agriculture Ministry, the vaccine has successfully cleared a series of laboratory evaluations, including tests for sterility, purity, safety, genetic stability, immune response, protective efficacy, and the possibility of the virus regaining virulence. Designed for healthy pigs aged over eight weeks, the vaccine is administered as a 1 ml intramuscular injection, followed by a booster dose after 14 days. Officials believe the vaccine will play a crucial role in reducing pig mortality, limiting financial losses, and improving the livelihoods of pig farmers across the country. The Agriculture Ministry said the vaccine is expected to strengthen India’s animal health security by providing an effective preventive solution against ASF, while supporting the long-term sustainability of the pig farming industry. ASF has emerged as a major threat to the global livestock sector, with mortality rates that can reach nearly 100 per cent. Since the disease was first detected in India in 2020, it has spread across several states and Union Territories, leading to widespread pig deaths, disruptions in production, restrictions on livestock movement and trade, and severe economic hardship for farmers, particularly in the Northeastern region. In the absence of an approved vaccine or effective treatment until now, authorities have relied on rapid disease detection, culling infected animals, and enforcing strict biosecurity measures to contain outbreaks. The financial impact of ASF has been substantial. The Ministry noted that outbreaks in Assam during 2020 and 2021 resulted in estimated losses of around ₹276 crore due to pig deaths and culling. In Mizoram, the disease affected more than 11,382 households by 2025, with reported economic losses estimated at nearly ₹982 crore. Source: The Hindu  

ICAR Unveils India’s First Indigenous Vaccine Against African Swine Fever Read More »

Parliament Clears Bill to Expand Supreme Court Bench Strength to 37 Judges

/ Governance Community

Parliament has approved the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026, paving the way for an increase in the sanctioned strength of Supreme Court judges from 33 to 37, excluding the Chief Justice of India. The Rajya Sabha passed the legislation after a discussion and returned it to the Lok Sabha, which had already cleared the Bill earlier this week. The legislation amends the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956 to accommodate the growing workload of the country’s highest court. Before the Bill was introduced, President Droupadi Murmu had promulgated an ordinance in May this year authorising the increase in the number of judges. Responding to the debate in the Rajya Sabha, Union Law and Justice Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal said the expansion of the apex court’s bench reflects the government’s broader judicial reform agenda under the vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas. He stated that strengthening the Supreme Court’s capacity would improve judicial efficiency and help address the increasing complexity and volume of cases before the court. The minister noted that the government has been implementing several measures to accelerate the disposal of pending cases. He said the rise in litigation, evolving constitutional issues and growing legal challenges have made it necessary to enhance the court’s judicial strength. During the discussion, Congress MP Vivek Tankha questioned the government’s decision to first issue an ordinance for the move, pointing out that nearly 95,000 cases remain pending before the Supreme Court. Supporting the legislation, BJP MP Sangeeta Yadav described it as a landmark reform that would strengthen the justice delivery system and improve access to timely justice. She observed that many cases have remained unresolved for more than a decade, making the expansion of the bench essential. Several members from different political parties backed the Bill while raising broader concerns about judicial infrastructure and vacancies. TMC MP Dr Menaka Guruswamy highlighted that nearly 30 per cent of High Court posts remain vacant. DMK MP R Girirajan said the additional judges would help reduce the Supreme Court’s mounting backlog, while BJD MP Dr Sasmit Patra emphasised the need to improve infrastructure in both the Supreme Court and High Courts. YSRCP MP S. Niranjan Reddy pointed to the increasing number of cases handled by each judge. AIADMK MP I.S. Inbadurai welcomed the move, calling it a timely reform, and urged the Centre to fill vacant judicial posts in the Madras High Court, where only 52 judges are currently serving against a sanctioned strength of 75. Shiv Sena MP Dr Jyoti N. Waghmare said the legislation would strengthen public confidence in the judiciary and contribute to faster justice delivery. Members including Rajendra Jain (NCP), Sanjay Singh (AAP), Milind Deora (Shiv Sena), Vijay Chintakayala (TDP) and Mahua Maji (JMM) also participated in the debate. Following the passage of the Bill, the Rajya Sabha proceeded with Special Mentions, during which members raised issues of public importance, before adjourning for the day. Source: News on AIR

Parliament Clears Bill to Expand Supreme Court Bench Strength to 37 Judges Read More »

Pralhad Joshi Assumes Charge as Education Minister After Dharmendra Pradhan’s Resignation

/ Education Community

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi has been entrusted with the additional charge of the Ministry of Education after Dharmendra Pradhan stepped down from the post amid mounting protests over alleged examination paper leaks. Speaking to reporters after taking charge, Joshi expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the responsibility. He said he accepted the role with humility and highlighted the achievements of the Modi government over the past 12 years, adding that he would work with a strong sense of duty in his new assignment. Pradhan’s resignation came after weeks of nationwide demonstrations led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which had demanded his resignation over the government’s handling of the examination paper leak controversy. Following the resignation, the CJP announced the immediate withdrawal of its protest movement. Supporters gathered at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar were asked to disperse after the government agreed to the group’s key demands. The decision was announced during a joint press conference addressed by CJP spokespersons Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, along with Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh. According to the CJP, the government has assured that all police cases registered against protesting students will be withdrawn and that no future action will be taken against them. The government has also agreed to provide the maximum compensation permissible under existing rules to the families of students who died by suicide in connection with the NEET paper leak controversy. Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation was the principal demand of the protesters, and its acceptance paved the way for the suspension of the agitation. Source: NDTV  

Pralhad Joshi Assumes Charge as Education Minister After Dharmendra Pradhan’s Resignation Read More »

India’s Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Resigns Amid Nationwide Student Protests Over Exam Paper Leaks

/ Education Community

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned on Saturday following weeks of nationwide student protests demanding accountability over a series of alleged examination paper leaks. His resignation marks a significant development in one of the largest youth-led protest movements seen in India in recent years. In a statement shared on X, Pradhan said he had submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, citing the ongoing unrest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar and across the country. He stated that his decision was aimed at preventing what he described as “anti-national forces” from exploiting the situation. Pradhan also expressed respect for the aspirations of young people and said he did not want students to become entangled in legal disputes instead of focusing on their education and careers. The protests were spearheaded by the satirical student-led group Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which celebrated the resignation as a victory for democracy. Speaking to supporters at Jantar Mantar, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke declared the movement successful, while the organisation posted on X that “Cockroaches won… Democracy won!” Despite the minister’s resignation, the CJP said its campaign is not over. The group has reiterated three key demands: ₹1 crore in compensation for the families of students who allegedly died by suicide, protection from legal action for all protest participants, and a public apology from Delhi Police and the Rapid Action Force over the handling of demonstrations. The protests intensified after clashes earlier this week, during which police used baton charges, tear gas, and reportedly pellet guns to disperse demonstrators marching towards Parliament. Several students were injured in the confrontations, further fuelling public anger. Government representatives had initiated talks with protest leaders on Friday, with another round of discussions scheduled for Saturday. It remains uncertain whether those negotiations will proceed following Pradhan’s resignation. Before the resignation, the central government had announced plans to establish fast-track courts for examination paper leak cases and introduce stricter anti-cheating legislation in an effort to restore confidence in the country’s examination system. The demonstrations have become a broader expression of frustration among India’s youth over issues such as unemployment, corruption, transparency, and government accountability. Source: Al Jazeera

India’s Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Resigns Amid Nationwide Student Protests Over Exam Paper Leaks Read More »

Government Mulls Mandatory CBFC Certification for OTT Film Releases; ZEE5 May Face Action Over ‘Satluj’

/ Media Entertainment & Art Community

The Central government is considering amending the Information Technology (IT) Rules, 2021 to make Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) approval mandatory for films before they are released on OTT platforms. The proposed move follows the controversy surrounding the release of the film ‘Satluj’, which was streamed without CBFC certification. According to government sources, the proposed amendment would require all films intended for OTT release to obtain censorship clearance before being made available to viewers. At present, OTT content is not governed by the CBFC certification process, making changes to the IT Rules necessary to implement such a requirement. The government is also examining possible action against streaming platform ZEE5, which released Satluj while the film was reportedly still under review by the CBFC. Sources said the certification board had suggested multiple edits to the film before its release. The film was removed from ZEE5 just two days after its July 3 release following a government directive citing national security concerns. Officials clarified that while the Centre can regulate online streaming under the IT Rules, screenings of uncertified films at private venues fall under the jurisdiction of state governments. Directed by Honey Trehan, Satluj is based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, who exposed the cremation of thousands of unidentified bodies in Punjab during 1984–1994 before he was allegedly abducted and killed by police personnel in 1995. Despite its removal from OTT platforms, the film has reportedly been screened at private venues, including several gurdwaras in Punjab. The issue has gained political attention ahead of the state’s Assembly elections scheduled for next year. Under Part III of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has the authority to invoke Section 69A of the IT Act to block online content that falls outside the CBFC’s regulatory framework. The provision allows the government to restrict digital content on grounds such as national security, sovereignty, public order, and the integrity of India. Government sources also indicated that a Centre-appointed committee reviewing Satluj has recommended that the ban on the film’s public availability through online streaming platforms should continue, citing concerns that its content may affect India’s sovereignty and integrity. Source: PTI

Government Mulls Mandatory CBFC Certification for OTT Film Releases; ZEE5 May Face Action Over ‘Satluj’ Read More »

EPFO to Credit 8.25% Interest for FY 2025–26 by July 15, Rolls Out New Centralised Digital Platform

/ Governance Community

Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) is set to credit an annual interest rate of 8.25% for the financial year 2025–26 into nearly 34 crore EPF accounts by July 15. Announcing the development, Mansukh Mandaviya said that more than ₹1.44 lakh crore will be transferred to subscribers through the organisation’s newly launched Centralised IT Enabled Services (CITES) platform. The minister also confirmed that EPFO has successfully completed the migration of its member records from a decentralised system to a unified centralised database. This transition will provide members with access to a single online portal where they can check their PF balance, membership details, claim status, pensionable service records, and other benefits through one integrated interface. The new CITES platform introduces automated pre-validation of claims, allowing the system to assess eligibility, identify missing information, and notify members if their withdrawal request exceeds the permissible limit before it reaches an EPFO office. The automation is expected to reduce claim rejections and significantly improve first-time claim approval rates. The CITES initiative is part of EPFO’s broader digital transformation strategy aimed at modernising service delivery through automation and rule-based processing. The platform is expected to enhance operational efficiency while offering faster, more transparent, and citizen-centric services to EPF subscribers. Source: News on AIR

EPFO to Credit 8.25% Interest for FY 2025–26 by July 15, Rolls Out New Centralised Digital Platform Read More »

Kerala Set to Launch PM-RAHAT Scheme, Offers ₹1.5 Lakh Cashless Treatment for Road Accident Victims

/ Health & Wellness Community

Kerala is preparing to roll out the PM-RAHAT (Prime Minister–Road Accident Victims’ Hospitalisation and Assured Treatment) scheme, aimed at strengthening emergency healthcare access for road accident victims across the state. The announcement was made by Kerala Transport Minister C.P. John during discussions on departmental grants in the Assembly on Tuesday. Under the scheme, accident victims will be entitled to cashless medical treatment of up to ₹1.5 lakh for a maximum period of seven days from the date of the accident. The official state launch will take place at the Medical College Hospital in Thiruvananthapuram and will be inaugurated by Health Minister K. Muraleedharan. Alongside the scheme, the Transport Department is also preparing a statewide road safety awareness campaign inspired by Kerala’s literacy movement. The initiative aims to educate people from children to senior citizens, with a long-term target of reducing annual road accident fatalities from over 4,000 to nearly 1,000. The government is also planning to identify and eliminate accident-prone black spots across the state through road geometry corrections and improved traffic signage. In another relief measure, authorities are finalising a proposal to provide immediate financial assistance of ₹10,000 to families of victims involved in accidents with KSRTC buses to help cover funeral expenses while compensation claims remain pending before the Motor Accidents Claims Tribunal. Kerala is further exploring green transport alternatives, with a pilot proposal under consideration to introduce hydrogen-powered buses in collaboration with KSRTC, Travancore Titanium Products Limited and Anert. The state government is simultaneously reviewing multiple infrastructure and tourism development initiatives, including expanding inland water cargo transport routes, introducing new boat connectivity services in Thiruvananthapuram, and launching a sunset cruise service on Vembanad Lake to boost tourism. Meanwhile, PWD Minister P.K. Basheer said the government is planning reforms to the PWD Manual to ensure faster execution of projects, while Water Resources Minister Mons Joseph confirmed Kerala’s participation in the parliamentary committee evaluating the ongoing Mullaperiyar dam dispute. Local Self-Governments Minister K.M. Shaji also assured that concerns regarding the Life Mission housing project would be addressed without excluding eligible beneficiaries. Source: The Hindu

Kerala Set to Launch PM-RAHAT Scheme, Offers ₹1.5 Lakh Cashless Treatment for Road Accident Victims Read More »

Centre Approves ₹10,000 Crore ATF Stabilisation Package to Cushion Airlines Amid West Asia Crisis

/ Governance Community

The Union Government has approved a one-time budgetary support package of ₹10,000 crore to help stabilise Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) prices and protect the aviation sector from the impact of sharp global fuel price fluctuations triggered by the ongoing conflict in West Asia. Speaking at an Inter-Ministerial briefing in New Delhi on recent developments in West Asia, Rohit Raj, Director in the Ministry of Civil Aviation, said the measure has been introduced in the larger public interest to safeguard air connectivity, maintain stability in aviation services, and prevent a significant increase in airfares for passengers. He clarified that the initiative is not a subsidy but a temporary stabilisation mechanism designed to absorb the impact of exceptional fuel price volatility. The arrangement includes provisions for accountability, monitoring, and recovery of funds. According to Raj, reducing airlines’ exposure to sudden spikes in fuel costs will help limit the transfer of additional expenses to travellers while ensuring uninterrupted air services across the country. He emphasized that reliable air connectivity plays a crucial role in supporting regional development, tourism, trade, healthcare, education, and investment, adding that the government remains committed to affordable and dependable air travel while promoting the growth of India’s civil aviation sector. Providing an update on the country’s energy situation, Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, said India has sufficient stocks of petrol, diesel, LPG, and natural gas. She noted that no LPG distributorships have reported shortages and highlighted improvements in service delivery, with online LPG bookings reaching 99% and OTP-based deliveries exceeding 96%. Sharma said authorities continue to monitor the market closely and take enforcement action against black marketing and hoarding of petroleum products. Since March, more than eight lakh PNG connections have been activated, while infrastructure for nearly 2.98 lakh additional connections has been established. She also revealed that approximately 1.43 crore domestic LPG cylinders were delivered across the country over the past three days. During the same period, around 19,000 tonnes of commercial LPG were sold, along with more than 1.57 lakh five-kilogram Free Trade LPG cylinders. Meanwhile, Asim R. Mahajan, Additional Secretary (Gulf) in the Ministry of External Affairs, said the government is closely monitoring developments across the Gulf and West Asia. He advised Indian citizens to avoid travel to Iran and stated that Indian embassies and consulates in the region continue to operate 24/7 helplines and provide assistance to citizens. Mahajan added that flight operations between the region and India are gradually improving, with additional services being introduced. He also noted that the government is regularly issuing travel advisories and updates related to local regulations and flight operations to keep citizens informed. Source: News on AIR

Centre Approves ₹10,000 Crore ATF Stabilisation Package to Cushion Airlines Amid West Asia Crisis Read More »