The Agewell Foundation urged union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman to prioritize India's ageing population in the Union Budget, with over 32 crore Indians projected to be 60+ by 2050. Recommendations include tax deductions for elderly care, expanded pensions, healthcare policy reforms, GST cuts on essential items, and financial aid for pilgrimages. The NGO also proposed funds for senior digital literacy, vocational training, and caregiver training, emphasizing dignity and well-being for the elderly.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the commissioning of two warships, INS Surat and INS Nilgiri, along with the submarine INS Vaghsheer, on January 15. This move aims to enhance India’s naval capabilities and self-reliance in defense. The vessels, featuring advanced technology, are set to strengthen India's strategic presence in the Indian Ocean Region.
A CBI special court in Chhattisgarh has discharged former CM Bhupesh Baghel from all charges in the sleaze CD case. Baghel, his former adviser Vinod Verma, and Kailash Murarka appeared in court, which found no basis for prosecution. The case was linked to an alleged sex CD involving ex-minister Rajesh Munat.
During Dr Manmohan Singh's funeral, the government made a rare exception to allow Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi to lay wreaths. Despite not being on the original list, protocol officials deviated from the rules to include them. Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge attended in their official capacities.
IMA president Dr Dilip Bhanushali criticized the integration of alternative medicine systems with modern medicine, calling it a 'menace' during a ceremony in Dehradun. He warned it can lead to harmful treatments by inadequately trained practitioners, promoting quackery. Bhanushali emphasized that rigorous training of modern surgeons cannot be equaled by short-term training for alternative medicine practitioners.
The road transport ministry has proposed to Finance ministry toll exemptions for National Highways with less than four lanes and annual passes costing approximately Rs 3,000 for unlimited car travel. These initiatives aim to ease the financial burden on commuters. Exemptions primarily target publicly funded roads where collection costs outweigh revenue, while annual passes seek to provide relief without significantly impacting revenue from commercial vehicles.
February 2025 experienced the highest temperatures since 1901, with IMD predicting March to May will also be unusually warm, impacting crops in India. Most regions anticipate above-normal heatwave days, posing risks to vulnerable populations, especially the elderly and children.
The framing of charges in the SSC cash-for-jobs case in West Bengal was postponed as accused Sujay Krishna Bhadra fell ill and was hospitalized. Accused individuals, including ex-minister Partha Chatterjee, face money laundering charges. The proceedings will resume on January 2 once all accused are present.
The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) requests President Droupadi Murmu's intervention regarding the draft national policy framework on agriculture marketing, which faces opposition for potentially resurrecting controversial farm laws. Farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal's indefinite hunger strike amplifies their demands for legal crop procurement guarantees.
The Ayush drug licensing authority in Kerala warned Pankajakasthuri Herbals India Pvt Ltd for publishing a misleading ad without approval, violating Rule 170. Rule 170 requires state licensing authority clearance for ayurvedic drug ads, despite its contested history and temporary removals from legal enforcement.
India and Nepal met to discuss customs cooperation. They want to stop smuggling and other crimes across the border. Both countries are worried about gold, drugs, and fake money. They will share information and work together. They also talked about using technology to track goods and improve trade. Abhai Kumar Srivastav and Mahesh Bhattarai led the discussions.