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Start of Board Exams:
- The CBSE board exams for Class 10 and 12 commenced on Saturday, with more than 42 lakh students registered to appear at over 7,800 centres both in India and abroad.
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Exam Participation:
- A total of 24.12 lakh students are appearing for Class 10 exams in 84 subjects, while 17.88 lakh students are set to take the Class 12 exams across 120 subjects.
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Exam Centres:
- The exams are being conducted at 7,842 centres across India and 26 centres abroad.
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First Day of Exams:
- On the first day, Class 10 students appeared for English (Communicative) and English (Language and Literature) papers, while Class 12 students took the Entrepreneurship exam.
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Exam Dates:
- Class 10 exams will conclude on March 18, while Class 12 exams will finish on April 4.
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Counselling Service for Students:
- To support students and reduce exam-related stress, CBSE has launched its annual counselling service. A team of 66 trained professionals, including principals, counsellors, special educators, and psychologists, will provide voluntary assistance to students.
- The service is available Monday to Saturday, from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm.
- Additionally, 51 counsellors are based in India, and 15 will connect with students from Nepal, Japan, Qatar, Oman, and the UAE.
CBSE Board Exams Begin for Class 10 and 12 Students
Amit Malviya Criticizes Mamata Banerjee Government Over Women’s Safety, Corruption, and Economic Decline
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Attacks on Women’s Safety:
- Senior BJP leader Amit Malviya accused the Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government of failing to protect women, citing incidents in Sandeshkhali and RG Kar Hospital as examples of atrocities against women.
- Malviya questioned the effectiveness of the state’s ‘Lakshmir Bhandar’ scheme, which provides financial assistance to women, accusing the government of not truly prioritizing women’s welfare.
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Shielding Perpetrators of Atrocities:
- Referring to the Sandeshkhali sexual abuse case, Malviya claimed the TMC government protected the perpetrators, including Shahjahan Sheikh, despite the public outrage.
- He also condemned the state’s handling of the rape and murder of a female medic at R G Kar Medical College, accusing the chief minister of attempting to shield those responsible, undermining her claims of supporting women’s empowerment.
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Corruption in the TMC Government:
- Malviya targeted the TMC government for its involvement in corruption, specifically alleging that ruling party members were engaged in syndicates and mafias, intimidating the common people.
- He criticized the culture of “cut money” in state projects, accusing TMC MPs and MLAs of taking bribes. Malviya asserted that the people of West Bengal would vote out the corrupt government in 2026.
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Economic Decline in West Bengal:
- Malviya highlighted the closure of around 4,000 industrial units and the migration of 1.5 lakh labourers from West Bengal due to lack of job opportunities.
- He criticized the state government for failing to revive industrial growth and present any concrete plan for the revival of industries, noting that the state’s budget showed no strategy for industrial development.
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BJP’s Vision for Good Governance:
- Malviya emphasized that the BJP’s governance would prioritize tackling corruption, improving law and order, and creating a safer environment for women.
- He promised that once in power, the BJP would foster investment opportunities by improving the state’s infrastructure and security.
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TMC’s Opposition to BJP and RSS Events:
- Malviya condemned Mamata Banerjee for obstructing political activities of opposition parties, including the BJP and RSS, citing a recent case where the Calcutta High Court had to intervene to allow the RSS to hold a rally in Purba Bardhaman.
- He accused Banerjee of trying to suppress alternative voices and warned that such tactics would not be tolerated going forward.
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Concerns Over Electoral Integrity:
- Malviya dismissed Mamata Banerjee’s concerns about bogus names on electoral rolls, calling them a false narrative rooted in her fear of losing the 2026 elections. He claimed that the Election Commission would prevent any manipulation of the polls.
This article covers Amit Malviya’s criticism of the Mamata Banerjee government, highlighting issues related to women’s safety, corruption, economic decline, and the political climate in West Bengal.
Various Leaders Meet with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha
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hakti Raj Parihar’s Meeting:
- Shakti Raj Parihar, the MLA from Doda West, met with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to discuss several development issues impacting the region.
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Security Situation Briefing:
- Shashank Anand, Inspector General of BSF Jammu Frontier, also met with the Lieutenant Governor. He provided a briefing on the current security situation in the border area and discussed the importance of border security.
- The Lieutenant Governor emphasized the need for heightened vigilance and effective coordination among security agencies to address any potential security threats.
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Mahamandleshwar Sadhvi Sanjananand Giri Ji’s Meeting:
- Mahamandleshwar Sadhvi Sanjananand Giri Ji met with the Lieutenant Governor to discuss the upcoming Chatuspath Yatra, a nationwide spiritual journey. The Yatra’s aims include promoting spirituality, environmental awareness, social welfare, and peace.
- The Lieutenant Governor assured full administrative support to facilitate the smooth conduct of the Yatra across the Union Territory.
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Chatuspath Yatra Vision:
- The Yatra, which will pass through several states and Union Territories, is designed to spread messages of peace, harmony, sustainable living, and spiritual growth.
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Public Delegation Meeting:
- A public delegation, led by MLA Daleep Singh Parihar from Bhaderwah, also met with the Lieutenant Governor to discuss relevant matters.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Emphasizes Healthcare Improvement
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah addressed the first-ever National Conference-cum-Workshop, JK MediCon-2025, organized at Government Medical College (GMC) Jammu. The event was a collaboration between the J&K Medical Council and the Student Research Development Council (SRDC), with prominent attendees including Health Minister Sakeena Itoo and former CM Dr. Farooq Abdullah.
Key Points:
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Emergency Case Handling and Capacity Expansion:
- Omar stressed the need for improved emergency services and healthcare capacity at various GMCs, particularly in rural areas. This would reduce the pressure on major hospitals like GMC Jammu and GMC Srinagar.
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Access to Healthcare in Rural Areas:
- The Chief Minister highlighted the importance of ensuring doctors serve beyond urban centers to offer proper healthcare access to rural populations, despite the unpopularity of this stance.
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Government’s Commitment to Healthcare:
- Omar emphasized that the government is committed to making healthcare more accessible by improving facilities in peripheral areas, addressing the reasons why people flock to urban hospitals.
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MediCon-2025 Discussions:
- The conference aimed to foster discussions on critical medical topics, including advancements in medical technology, ethics in medicine, and the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics in healthcare.
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Medical Ethics and Profit Concerns:
- Omar raised questions about the ethical implications of profit-driven healthcare, especially in corporate hospitals, where doctors are judged by revenue rather than patient care.
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Advancements in AI and Robotic Surgery:
- The potential of AI and robotic surgery in medicine was discussed, but Omar expressed concerns about fully entrusting human lives to machines, stressing the irreplaceable value of human contact in healthcare.
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Praise for Doctors’ Dedication:
- Omar praised doctors for their dedication, acknowledging their vital role in saving lives and providing care during vulnerable moments.
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Future Growth Plans for GMC Jammu:
- The Chief Minister also expressed support for the future growth of GMC Jammu and pledged to contribute to its development, ensuring that future proposals are implemented.
This addresses the key issues highlighted by Omar Abdullah at the conference, focusing on improving healthcare infrastructure and addressing the challenges faced by both medical professionals and patients.
Track Stars Shine as Services Continue to Dominate Medal Tally at National Games
Jyothi Yarraji and Animesh Kujur were the stars of the day as they clinched their second and third gold medals respectively, while 15 race walkers set new records, adding to the excitement of the ongoing National Games. Services continued to dominate the medal tally, maintaining a strong lead with only two competition days left.
Kujur’s Golden Double
The 21-year-old Animesh Kujur, representing Odisha, added the 200m gold to his collection, which already included titles in the 100m and 4x100m relay from earlier in the competition. Kujur clocked 20.58 seconds, narrowly missing the National Games record of 20.55 seconds, set by Amlan Borgohain of Assam in the 2022 edition.
Yarraji Adds Another Gold
Jyothi Yarraji, the 25-year-old sprinter from Andhra Pradesh, also claimed gold in the women’s 200m event with a time of 23.35 seconds. This victory added to her earlier win in the 100m hurdles on Sunday, securing a remarkable double.
Chanda Sets New Record
In the women’s 800m, Delhi’s KM Chanda improved her own Games record with a time of 2:00.82, bettering her previous record of 2:01.58 set in 2022. It was a grand double for Chanda as she had already claimed gold in the 1500m, marking her third consecutive gold at the National Games after winning in 2022 and 2023.
Services Continue to Dominate the Medal Count
Services added an impressive 17 medals on Tuesday, including nine golds, to maintain their position at the top of the overall medal tally with 54 gold, 22 silver, and 21 bronze, for a total of 97 medals. The top team from the last edition, Maharashtra, remained in second place with 144 medals (41 gold, 51 silver, 52 bronze), while Karnataka secured third with 75 medals (33 gold, 18 silver, 24 bronze).
Race Walkers Break Records
In an unprecedented performance, all nine competitors in the women’s 10km race walk bettered the previous Games record, which had stood for 26 years. Haryana’s Ravina clinched gold with a time of 45:52 seconds, smashing the old record of 51:56 seconds set by Y Bala Devi in 1999.
In the men’s 20km race walk, six competitors out of 10 improved the previous record set in 2011. Servin Sebastian of Services won the gold with a personal best of 1:21:23, followed by Suraj Panwar of Uttarakhand with 1:21:34 and Amanjot Singh of Punjab who clocked 1:21:42 for the bronze.
Tennis and Gymnastics Highlights
In tennis, Vaidehi Chaudhary of Gujarat claimed her second gold medal by winning the women’s singles, defeating Vaishnavi Adkar of Maharashtra in straight sets (6-4, 6-4). Chaudhary had already won the women’s doubles gold with Zeel Desai earlier in the competition.
In the men’s singles, Ishak Iqbal of Services made a strong comeback to defeat Dev Javia of Gujarat in a thrilling three-set match (3-6, 6-4, 7-6(5)).
In gymnastics, Maharashtra continued its dominance, winning five golds and two silvers. Their gymnasts outperformed rivals in various events, including men’s and women’s acrobatic group events, acrobatic mixed pair, and men’s trampoline.
Judo, Sattal, and Other Sports
In judo, Unnati Sharma of Uttarakhand clinched gold in the women’s -63kg division, while Garima Chaudhary of Haryana won gold in the -70kg category.
In mountain biking, Pranita Prafull Soman of Maharashtra won gold in the women’s elite XCO event, while Kushiman Gharti of Services took the men’s elite XCO gold.
In netball, Haryana won both the men’s and women’s Fast 5 golds, defeating Kerala and Telangana respectively.
In fencing, Nidhi Gisho of Tamil Nadu claimed the men’s sabre gold, while Taniksha Khatri of Haryana won the women’s epee gold.
Mahant Satyendra Das, Chief Priest of Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, Passes Away
Mahant Satyendra Das, the 85-year-old chief priest of the Ram Janmabhoomi temple in Ayodhya, passed away on Wednesday at the Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGI). He had been admitted to the hospital earlier this month after suffering a brain stroke.
In a statement, the hospital confirmed his passing, saying, “Satendra Das ji, chief priest of Ram Mandir Ayodhya, breathed his last today. He was admitted to the High Dependency Unit (HDU) of the neurology ward on February 3 with a stroke in critical condition.”
A Legacy of Service to the Temple
Mahant Das had served as the head priest of the Ram Janmabhoomi temple since he was 20 years old. He played a pivotal role in the temple’s spiritual and administrative matters and was deeply involved during some of the most critical events in the temple’s history. This included overseeing prayers for the Ram Lalla idol under a makeshift tent following the demolition of the Babri Masjid on December 6, 1992.
Born in the Nirvani Akhara, Mahant Das was known as one of the most approachable and accessible saints in Ayodhya. He became the go-to figure for media personnel from across the country who sought information about Ayodhya and the developments surrounding the Ram temple.
Role During the Babri Masjid Demolition
Mahant Satyendra Das had barely been in his role as chief priest for nine months when the Babri mosque was demolished. Despite the chaos and controversy that followed, he continued to lead the temple’s activities and prayers, ensuring the continuity of the temple’s rituals. His dedication to the temple and its spiritual significance made him an important figure in Ayodhya.
Condolences and Tributes
The Vishva Hindu Parishad’s (VHP) Ayodhya-based spokesman, Sharad Sharma, expressed deep sorrow at his passing. He said, “Mahant Satyendra Das was a widely respected figure and a person who knew the history of the Ayodhya movement by heart. We deeply mourn his death and extend our condolences.”
Mahant Das’s contributions to the Ram Janmabhoomi temple and the Ayodhya movement will be remembered as an integral part of the history of the temple’s journey and the faith of millions of devotees.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Rolls Out Red Carpet for Investors at Invest Karnataka-2025 Meet
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, inaugurating the Invest Karnataka-2025 meet, emphasized India’s commitment to creating a stable and predictable policy environment for investors, underscoring that the country now “rolls out the red carpet” rather than presenting red tape.
Speaking at the event, Singh stated, “When I speak about policy uncertainty, I want to emphasize that today, across all levels of governance in India – central, state, and local bodies – there is a broad consensus that sustainable economic development must be driven by a market-led economy, with the private sector playing a leadership role.” He added that this shared commitment fosters an environment where investors can invest with confidence, knowing there will be continuity in policies.
Highlighting past challenges, Singh acknowledged that investors previously faced numerous hurdles, particularly red tape, which created uncertainty. He said, “Today, India no longer presents red tape to investors. Instead, we roll out the red carpet for them. This cross-party consensus on promoting investment plays a crucial role in reducing uncertainty.”
Addressing Investor Concerns
Singh further explained that one of the major concerns for any investor is uncertainty—specifically, the fear that policy changes might disrupt plans and profits. He pointed out that this issue is not unique to India but is a global challenge. However, the government has taken measures to address these concerns, including replacing the cumbersome process of obtaining multiple clearances with a streamlined, single-window system, ensuring a quicker and hassle-free experience for investors.
Singh also highlighted that India’s rapidly growing market demand is another strong incentive for investment. With the country being one of the fastest-growing consumption markets globally, he pointed out that several recent economic decisions, like the RBI’s recent reduction in the Repo Rate, are expected to strengthen this demand environment. Additionally, the government’s income tax cut announced in the current year’s budget will boost disposable income, further enhancing consumer demand.
Karnataka: A Prime Investment Destination
Singh turned his focus on Karnataka, calling it an ideal destination for investors. “No matter what your investment requirements are, Karnataka provides a solid foundation for growth and success,” he remarked, praising the state’s world-class infrastructure and highly skilled workforce. He expressed optimism that Bengaluru, in particular, would soon give India its first foundational Artificial Intelligence model.
Karnataka, Singh emphasized, offers a powerful value proposition: investing in the state also means tapping into India’s vast and integrated economic ecosystem, with access to diverse resources and a colossal talent pool.
He also lauded the tradition of hosting investor summits pioneered by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his tenure as the Chief Minister of Gujarat, which has now been adopted by nearly every state in India. This development, Singh said, is a positive sign for the nation’s economy.
JSW Group’s Major Investment Announcement
In a significant development at the conclave, JSW Group Chairman Sajjan Jindal announced a massive investment commitment of Rs 1.2 lakh crore in Karnataka. The investment will span across various sectors, including steel, energy, infrastructure, cement, and paints.
Jindal proudly shared, “I am proud to announce that today we are signing an MOU of Rs 1,00,000 crore, and including ongoing investments, JSW will be investing close to Rs 1.2 lakh crore in this state of Karnataka over the next few years, creating thousands of employment opportunities.” He further reiterated his confidence in the state’s potential, describing it as a prime location for businesses to thrive.
Key Attendees
The event also saw the presence of several prominent figures, including Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar, and Union Minister for Food and Civil Supplies Pralhad Joshi. Industry leaders such as Mahindra & Mahindra Group Chairperson Anand Mahindra, Biocon Chairperson Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, and Kirloskar Systems Chairperson Geetanjali Kirloskar, among others, were also present at the summit.
Conclusion
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s remarks at the Invest Karnataka-2025 meet underscored India’s growing role as an investment hub, driven by policy stability, market demand, and state-level commitment. With continued collaboration between the government and the private sector, India is poised to attract even more global investments, further strengthening its position as a key player on the global economic stage.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Holds Productive Meeting with President of Estonia Alar Karis at AI Action Summit in Paris
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a productive first meeting with the President of Estonia, Alar Karis, on the sidelines of the AI Action Summit in Paris today. The discussions centered on deepening bilateral relations between the two countries.
In a post on X, Prime Minister Modi shared, “Had a very productive meeting with the President of Estonia, Mr. Alar Karis on the sidelines of the AI Action Summit in Paris. India’s ties with Estonia are growing remarkably over the years. We discussed ways to boost ties in areas like trade, technology, culture, and more.”
A readout of the meeting highlighted the warm and friendly relations between India and Estonia, based on shared values such as democracy, the rule of law, freedom, and pluralism. Both leaders expressed satisfaction with the increasing cooperation between the two nations in areas like trade, IT and digital technology, culture, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges.
The discussions also focused on cybersecurity, a key area of cooperation between India and Estonia. Prime Minister Modi encouraged the Estonian government and businesses to explore opportunities in India’s growth story, particularly through initiatives like Digital India.
In addition, the leaders noted the importance of the India-Estonia partnership within the broader context of the India-EU strategic partnership. They welcomed the initiation of ministerial exchanges in the India-Nordic-Baltic format, signaling a deeper commitment to regional cooperation. The leaders also discussed global and regional issues of mutual interest, including cooperation at the United Nations.
Prime Minister Modi also appreciated the growing cultural ties between the two nations, specifically highlighting the increasing popularity of Yoga in Estonia, which has become a significant cultural bridge between the two countries.
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson shared on X, “PM @narendramodi met with President @AlarKaris of Estonia on the sidelines of AI Action Summit in Paris today. This was the first meeting between the two leaders. Both leaders discussed various facets of India-Estonia relations including economic, IT & digital, culture, tourism & people-to-people ties and ways to further strengthen the longstanding bilateral relationship.”
About Estonia
Estonia, located on the Baltic Sea in Northern Europe, shares borders with Finland to the north, Sweden to the west, Latvia to the south, and Russia to the east. The meeting between Prime Minister Modi and President Karis represents a significant step in strengthening ties between the two countries and advancing cooperation in a range of areas.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Extends Greetings on Guru Ravidas Ji Jayanti
On the occasion of Guru Ravidas Ji Jayanti, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha extended his heartfelt greetings to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, wishing them well for the auspicious celebration.
In his message, the Lieutenant Governor said, “On the auspicious occasion of Sant Guru Ravidas Ji Jayanti, I extend my hearty greetings and best wishes to all.”
He went on to emphasize the timeless relevance of Guru Ravidas Ji’s teachings, stating, “The life and teachings of Guru Ravidas Ji is an abiding source of inspiration for all of us. Let us re-affirm our commitment to his noble values and ideals and serve humanity with dedication and devotion.”
Guru Ravidas Ji’s teachings, based on love, equality, and service to others, continue to resonate deeply with people of all communities, fostering peace and harmony. His Jayanti celebrations inspire people to follow the path of selfless service and compassion towards all.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Visits Sonamarg Fire-Devastated Market, Assures Support to Affected Traders
Government Commits to Rebuilding Efforts and Future Fire Safety in Sonamarg
Image Caption: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah visits the site of the devastating fire at Sonamarg Market, expressing solidarity with the affected shopkeepers.
Main Article:
In the wake of the devastating fire incident that struck the old market in Sonamarg, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah visited the site to assess the damage and offer his support to the affected traders.
Accompanied by Advisor to CM Nasir Aslam Wani, Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Kangan Mian Mehar Ali, and Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal Jatin Kishore, the Chief Minister expressed his deep concern and solidarity with the traders who lost their shops in the fire. During his visit, CM Abdullah interacted with the members of the Sonamarg Market Association, offering his sympathies and reiterating the government’s commitment to assisting those impacted.
In his address, the Chief Minister assured the traders of the government’s full support, emphasizing that swift measures would be taken to prevent such incidents in the future.
Meeting for Solutions
Later, CM Abdullah chaired a high-level meeting with senior officials, including the Deputy Commissioner, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), and other district officers. The meeting, which included members of the Sonamarg Market Association, centered around addressing the concerns of the traders.
Key demands raised by the traders included:
- Immediate financial assistance to help them recover.
- Permission for building reconstruction to help restore their businesses.
- The establishment of a fire service station in Sonamarg for better emergency preparedness.
Government’s Response
In response to the traders’ concerns, CM Abdullah emphasized the need for a well-planned reconstruction process. He assured that the designs for rebuilding the shops would be developed in consultation with the Tourism Department, District Administration, and the Sonamarg Development Authority (SDA), ensuring that safety was prioritized to prevent future incidents.
With the increasing influx of tourists to Sonamarg—especially following the opening of the new tunnel—the Chief Minister also highlighted the urgent need for a permanent fire service station in the area. He assured that the fire station would be established, with its location to be decided in consultation with all relevant stakeholders to ensure a swift response in case of emergencies.
Financial Assistance Announced
In a final show of support, the Chief Minister announced that financial assistance under the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF) would be extended to the affected traders. This aid aims to provide some relief and help the shopkeepers get back on their feet during this challenging period.
The government’s swift response and commitment to the affected community have brought a sense of hope to the traders, who are eager to rebuild their livelihoods and ensure the continued growth of Sonamarg as a key tourist destination.