Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Saturday said that while technology is unavoidable and essential in modern times, it must be used for the welfare of society and not in a manner that turns people into its slaves.

Interacting with young entrepreneurs at an event organised as part of the RSS centenary year celebrations, Bhagwat stressed that adopting swadeshi does not mean rejecting technology.

“Technology is unavoidable and it is not bad in itself, but we must ensure that we do not become so dependent on it that it starts controlling us,” he said.

The RSS chief also said that business and industry should not be driven solely by profit motives and must carry a strong sense of social responsibility.

“We work not just for our own benefit but for the good of society. Earning a livelihood should go hand in hand with social responsibility,” he said.

Citing the example of agriculture, Bhagwat said Indian farmers often view farming as a duty rather than merely an occupation.

“This noble thought is rarely seen elsewhere. It reminds us that our work should always be society-centric,” he said.

He further said that modern technology should be adapted to India’s social and economic conditions and there is a need to ensure that technological advancement does not harm society or reduce employment opportunities.

Bhagwat’s remarks come at a time when India is witnessing rapid technological transformation across sectors, highlighting the need to balance innovation with inclusive and ethical growth.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday called upon Indian startups to focus on manufacturing, deep technology and global leadership, asserting that the next decade of Startup India must place the country at the forefront of innovation and technological advancement.

Speaking at a programme at Bharat Mandapam to mark the 10th anniversary of Startup India, the Prime Minister said startups will play a decisive role in shaping India’s economic and technological future.

Hailing Startup India as a “revolution”, Modi said the initiative has transformed India into the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem, growing from fewer than 500 startups in 2014 to over 2 lakh today, including nearly 125 unicorns.

He said risk-taking has now become mainstream in India and that startups are increasingly driving employment, innovation and global competitiveness.

“The Government is with you in all your efforts. I have faith in your capabilities. Your courage, confidence and innovation are shaping India’s future,” the Prime Minister said.

Stating that the past decade has demonstrated India’s entrepreneurial strength, Modi added, “Our goal should be to lead the world in the next 10 years in India’s new startup trends and technologies.”

Launched on January 16, 2016, the Startup India initiative aims to nurture innovation, promote entrepreneurship and create a generation of job creators. Over the past decade, it has helped build a robust ecosystem of more than 2 lakh startups across sectors and regions.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday flagged off the country’s first Vande Bharat sleeper train connecting Howrah and Guwahati (Kamakhya) from Malda Town station in north Bengal. He also virtually flagged off the return Guwahati–Howrah Vande Bharat sleeper service.

During the event, the Prime Minister interacted with children and school students inside the train, exchanging greetings and discussing their travel experience.

According to an official statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the fully air-conditioned Vande Bharat sleeper train has been developed to meet the growing transportation needs of modern India and will offer passengers an “airline-like travel experience at economical fares.”

The statement said the new service will make long-distance journeys faster, safer and more convenient. By reducing travel time on the Howrah–Guwahati route by around 2.5 hours, the train is expected to significantly boost religious tourism and general travel between eastern and northeastern India.

Later in the day, at a public programme in Malda, the Prime Minister is scheduled to dedicate to the nation and lay the foundation stone of multiple rail and road infrastructure projects worth about Rs 3,250 crore, aimed at strengthening connectivity and accelerating development in West Bengal and the North East.

Modi is on a two-day visit to eastern India, during which he will criss-cross poll-bound West Bengal and Assam. The visit combines major infrastructure launches with strong political messaging as preparations intensify for the 2026 Assembly elections.

Air pollution, long known for causing respiratory and cardiac diseases, is now being flagged by medical experts as a serious risk to eye health, with hospitals reporting a sharp rise in cases of eye infections, allergies, dryness and vision-related problems, particularly during winter months.

Doctors say fine particulate matter, especially PM2.5, is the main cause behind problems such as allergic conjunctivitis, scratches on the eye surface, irritation, blurred vision and increased sensitivity to light.

“Every winter, we see a significant rise in patients complaining of red, itchy, watery and burning eyes. The main reason is high air pollution, especially fine particles known as PM2.5,” said Dr Ajay Sharma, Co-founder of Eye Q Eye Hospital.

He explained that PM2.5 consists of tiny particles released from vehicle emissions, dust, burning waste and firecrackers. Due to their extremely small size, these particles easily enter the eyes and settle on the cornea — the transparent front layer of the eye.

“Solid particles irritate and scratch the surface of the eye, while liquid pollutants carry chemicals that mix with tears and weaken the eye’s natural protective layer. This leads to dryness, irritation, blurred vision and increased sensitivity to light,” Dr Sharma said.

He added that children, elderly people, office-goers and patients who have recently undergone eye surgery are particularly vulnerable during the winter smog season.

Dr Taru Dewan, Head of the Department of Ophthalmology at RML Hospital, said winter pollution is especially harmful because smog lingers in the atmosphere for long periods.

“As smog engulfs the city, the eyes bear the brunt along with respiratory illnesses. We are seeing many patients with allergic conjunctivitis of varying severity. Cases of eye dryness also worsen due to constant exposure to smoke,” she said.

She also warned that the risk of eye infection increases when people rub their eyes with unclean hands. “I advise my patients to avoid polluted environments as far as possible and maintain proper hygiene. While individuals cannot control pollution alone, reducing pollution at one’s own level can collectively make a difference,” she added.

Dr Umesh Bareja, Senior Consultant (Ophthalmology) at Sitaram Bhartia Hospital, said eyes, being constantly exposed organs, are directly affected by pollution.

“The most common condition is allergic conjunctivitis, which causes redness, irritation and watering. Pollution also aggravates dry eye disease, especially in people who stare at screens for long hours or use contact lenses,” he said.

Dr Bareja also flagged smoking as a major risk factor. “Even passive smoking damages eye health. Smoking increases the risk of cataract, glaucoma, uveitis and macular degeneration,” he warned.

He stressed that public awareness and strong policy measures are needed to curb vehicular and industrial pollution, burning of waste and coal, deforestation and unregulated construction activity, adding that tobacco consumption should be avoided at all costs.

Dr JS Bhalla, North India Representative in the Scientific Committee of the All India Ophthalmological Society (AIOS), said both indoor and outdoor air pollution contribute to serious eye diseases.

“High levels of PM2.5, while linked to neurological and heart diseases, can also contribute to adult and childhood glaucoma. We are witnessing nearly a 30 per cent increase in dry eye patients in outpatient departments,” said Dr Bhalla, who is also a senior consultant at Perfect Eye Centre, Delhi.

Offering practical advice, Dr Anshika Luthra Sharma, Ophthalmologist and Cornea, Cataract and Refractive Surgeon at Eye Q Eye Hospital, said simple precautions can significantly reduce the impact.

“People should wear wrap-around glasses when stepping outdoors, wash their face and eyes with clean water after returning home, avoid rubbing their eyes, stay well-hydrated and limit outdoor exposure on high-pollution days. If symptoms persist, they should consult an eye specialist instead of self-medicating,” she said.

As many as 30 tableaux will roll down Kartavya Path during the Republic Day Parade on January 26, presenting a grand visual spectacle of India’s cultural richness and developmental achievements.

The tableaux will be showcased under the themes ‘Svatantrata Ka Mantr – Vande Mataram’ and ‘Samrddhi Ka Mantr – Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, coinciding with the 150th anniversary of the national song Vande Mataram.

Of the total, 17 tableaux will be presented by States and Union Territories, while 13 will be from various Ministries, Departments and Services. Several states will project their cultural identity and development journey. Assam will highlight the Ashirakandi craft village, Gujarat and Chhattisgarh will interpret the Vande Mataram theme, Maharashtra will showcase Ganeshotsav as a symbol of self-reliance, while West Bengal will depict its role in India’s freedom movement.

A strong blend of tradition and innovation will mark many displays. Odisha’s “Soil to Silicon” tableau will reflect growth rooted in heritage, Tamil Nadu will showcase India’s emergence as an electric vehicle manufacturing hub, and Kerala will highlight its Water Metro project and 100 per cent digital governance initiative. Nagaland will present the Hornbill Festival as a symbol of culture, tourism and self-reliance.

Among the central ministries, the Ministry of Culture’s tableau titled “Vande Mataram: The Soul-Cry of a Nation” will anchor the central theme. The Department of Military Affairs will present a Tri-Services tableau on Operation Sindoor, symbolising jointness, while the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs will roll out a floral tableau to mark 150 years of Vande Mataram.

The parade will also feature cultural performances by around 2,500 artists, making the Republic Day celebrations a vibrant showcase of India’s unity, heritage and progress.

This year, the President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, will be the Chief Guests at the Republic Day Parade.