The Ministry of Education refuted allegations by Congress leader Sam Pitroda about objectionable content disrupting his virtual interaction with IIT Ranchi students. The ministry clarified there is no IIT in Ranchi and confirmed Pitroda was not invited to any event at the nearby IIIT. Any attempt to malign the institution’s reputation would face legal action, emphasizing the institution’s esteemed status and contributions.
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Former USAID mission director for India, Veena Reddy, is under scrutiny after US President Donald Trump questioned a $21 million aid package aimed at boosting voter turnout in India. The BJP claims this confirms foreign interference in Indian elections, while Congress dismisses the remarks.
India has become the second highest target for cyber attacks globally in 2024, with 95 entities affected by data theft, following the United States. Key sectors impacted include finance, banking, and government. Major breaches involved millions of records and ransomware incidents were significant.
A parliamentary panel has flagged delays in implementing the Jal Jeevan Mission, which now has an extended deadline to 2028. It also highlighted the lack of consensus among states on inter-linking river projects and inadequate flood forecast systems requiring technological upgrades.
Political parties have historically had a complicated relationship with CAG reports, intensifying around elections. The reports have been used both as ammunition by the opposition and concealed by ruling parties. Key examples include the 2G and coal block 'scams' which led to UPA's downfall.
In West Godavari district, a Santro car travelling from Hyderabad to Mandapeta collided with a stationary vehicle on the National Highway, resulting in the deaths of Bhogella Venkata Satya Suresh, his wife Navya, and their daughter Vasavi. A severely injured woman, Uppuluri Sri Ramya, was hospitalized. Police registered a case and are investigating the accident.
Union culture minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat suggested that symbols of colonial heritage or past invaders that insult India's heritage and culture may be reviewed and removed from the protected monuments list. He refused to comment specifically on Aurangzeb’s tomb, citing adherence to the law protecting all notified monuments.
The government has authorised 1.10 lakh hospital admissions worth Rs 202.96 crore for senior citizens aged 70 and above under the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), union minister Prataprao Jadhav informed Rajya Sabha. Over 47 lakh seniors have enrolled for Ayushman Vay Vandana cards. The scheme offers Rs 5 lakh annual free treatment, covering 1,961 procedures across 27 specialties. States can tailor benefit packages, and accredited hospitals receive incentives.
The West Bengal government informed the Supreme Court about conducting a fresh assessment of community backwardness for OBC categorization and reservation, aiming to complete it within three months. The move follows the Calcutta High Court's order cancelling OBC status of some castes, criticizing the state’s criteria, particularly in quickly including certain Muslim communities.
Sanjay Raut emphasizes that Congress is responsible for maintaining the India alliance formed against BJP before the Lok Sabha polls. He highlights the lack of meetings and a convenor since the elections, questioning the bloc's sustainability. Congress insists the alliance remains strong, despite internal disagreements.
Opposition MPs raised concerns during a debate over the Immigration and Foreigners Bill 2025, citing provisions that grant immigration authorities arbitrary powers. They demanded the Bill be sent to a joint parliamentary committee for thorough scrutiny, highlighting worries such as unchecked authority of officers and seizure of passports.