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PM Modi Extends Birthday Greetings to Sonia Gandhi

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PM Modi Extends Birthday Greetings to Sonia Gandhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday extended birthday wishes to Sonia Gandhi, the Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson, praying for her long life and good health.

In a post on X, the Prime Minister wrote:

“Birthday greetings to Sonia Gandhi Ji. May she be blessed with a long life and good health.”

Born on December 9, 1946, Sonia Gandhi remains one of the most influential figures in Indian politics. She served as the longest-tenured president of the Congress Party, leading the 139-year-old organisation for nearly two decades, before handing over the reins to her son Rahul Gandhi in 2017.

Centre Redesigning PRASAD Scheme to Boost Pilgrim Tourism

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Centre Redesigning PRASAD Scheme to Boost Pilgrim Tourism

The Union Government is actively redesigning the PRASAD scheme (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive) to enhance pilgrim tourism across India, as Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat informed the Lok Sabha on Monday.

During the Question Hour, Shekhawat addressed various supplementary queries and revealed that the government has sanctioned 54 projects under the scheme in the last ten years.

The Culture Minister clarified that the scheme has been structured around a defined financial cycle, which is nearing its completion, prompting the Ministry to initiate a redesign aimed at strengthening and upgrading the programme.

Launched in 2014–15, the PRASAD scheme focuses primarily on the development, beautification, and rejuvenation of major pilgrimage sites across the nation. By revitalizing these important cultural landmarks, the government seeks to infuse new life into India’s pilgrim tourism.

The initiative works based on proposals from various state governments, targeting key objectives to enhance tourist experiences:

  • Developing efficient tourist infrastructure,
  • Improving overall facilities and accessibility,
  • Ensuring a better overall experience for pilgrims and visitors.

This redesign phase represents a critical effort to modernize pilgrimage destinations and ensure their integration into the broader tourism ecosystem. As India looks towards boosting its economic recovery through tourism, pilgrim tourism remains a vital segment that attracts millions of devotees and tourists.

Experts believe that enhancing the infrastructure at these sites will not only serve the needs of local communities but also contribute significantly to the country’s economy. Improved amenities and facilities can lead to a surge in both domestic and international visitors, thereby supporting local artisans and businesses.

In a statement, Minister Shekhawat emphasized that the ministry is keen on evolving the scheme to meet the modern-day needs of pilgrims while ensuring the preservation of the spiritual and cultural essence of these sites. This holistic approach reflects the government’s commitment to sustainable tourism development.

The upcoming changes in the PRASAD scheme align with broader governmental plans to revitalize India’s tourism industry, particularly in the wake of challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. By upgrading these significant pilgrimage sites, the government aims to attract more tourists, thereby stimulating economic growth.

In conclusion, the redesigning of the PRASAD scheme signifies a major step towards rejuvenating India’s rich cultural heritage and ensuring that the pilgrimage experience is accessible, enjoyable, and beneficial for all involved.

SC Seeks ED’s Reply in 3 Days on Journalist Mahesh Langa’s Bail Plea in Money Laundering Case

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SC Seeks ED’s Reply in 3 Days on Journalist Mahesh Langa’s Bail Plea in Money Laundering Case

The Supreme Court on Monday directed the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to file its reply within three days on the bail plea of journalist Mahesh Langa, who is facing charges under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in connection with an alleged financial fraud.

A bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi also asked senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Langa, to submit a rejoinder within two days of the ED filing its response. The matter will next be heard on December 15.

“Journalist Facing Six Cases,” Sibal Tells Court

During the brief hearing, Sibal noted that Langa was facing six different cases.

The ED’s counsel countered, saying, “The journalist is accused of extortion,” while seeking a short adjournment due to the unavailability of Solicitor General Tushar Mehta.

The Supreme Court had earlier, on September 8, issued notices to the Gujarat Government and the ED on Langa’s bail plea.

Bench Questions Nature of Journalism Involved

While issuing notice in September, the bench had remarked:

“What kind of a journalist is he? With due respect, there are very genuine journalists. But there are also people who ride around on scooters saying they are ‘patrakar’, and everyone knows what they actually do.”

Sibal responded that the allegations were unproven and that Langa had been repeatedly granted anticipatory bail before the ED case was invoked.

Background of the Case

  • The Gujarat High Court rejected Langa’s bail plea on July 31, citing possible prejudice to the prosecution.
  • The ED arrested him on February 25 in connection with an alleged financial fraud.
  • Langa was first arrested in October 2024 in a GST fraud case.
  • The money laundering case stems from two FIRs filed by Ahmedabad Police for fraud, cheating, criminal breach of trust, misappropriation, and causing wrongful loss of lakhs of rupees.

Langa remains in judicial custody as the Supreme Court prepares to hear the matter later this month

INDIA Bloc Faces Internal Discord After Omar Abdullah’s ‘Life Support’ Remark; Allies Call for Introspection, BJP Says Alliance “Already Dead”

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INDIA Bloc Faces Internal Discord After Omar Abdullah’s ‘Life Support’ Remark; Allies Call for Introspection, BJP Says Alliance “Already Dead”

A day after Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said the INDIA bloc is “on life support”, fissures within the Opposition alliance came to the fore as several constituents flagged concerns over the lack of coordination and demanded urgent introspection.

The Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Communist Party of India (CPI) were among the parties calling for the alliance to “re-energise” itself, while the RJD termed Abdullah’s view a “rushed comment”. The PDP accused the National Conference (NC) of using the bloc for electoral gain while supporting the NDA narrative elsewhere.

CPI, Shiv Sena Seek Coordination, Review

CPI general secretary D. Raja said no meeting of the INDIA bloc had been held after the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

“When secular democratic parties came together, the goal was to save India and defeat the BJP. Why is the bloc not functioning as expected? We need introspection,” he said, adding that lessons must be learnt from the Haryana, Maharashtra and Bihar elections.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi echoed similar concerns, saying no major meeting had taken place after the polls.

“Seat-sharing delays, lack of a common agenda, and friendly fights hurt us in Maharashtra and Bihar,” she said.

RJD, SP Disagree With Abdullah’s Assessment

RJD’s Manoj Jha said sarcastic remarks won’t help.

“If it is on life support, they are also part of it. What efforts are they making to revive it?” he asked.

Samajwadi Party MP Rajeev Rai rejected Abdullah’s comment altogether, saying defeats should not demoralise parties fighting “fascist forces”.

PDP Targets NC; Says Abdullah Using Bloc for Votes

PDP leader Waheed-ur-Rehman Parra accused the NC of using both the INDIA bloc and the PAGD only during elections.

“When he goes outside the State, he supports the NDA Government’s narrative,” he alleged.

BJP, NDA Mock Opposition; Say Alliance Has “Passed Away”

The BJP seized on Abdullah’s remarks, claiming they reflect the Opposition’s crumbling cohesion.

BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain said:

“The INDI alliance has already passed away, and even its last rites have been performed.”

JD(U)’s Neeraj Kumar said the alliance is “on a ventilator”, while BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari said the comments amounted to a “slap on Rahul Gandhi’s leadership”.

He added that “after losing 95 elections, the Congress has become a parasitic party”.

Abdullah Defends His Statement at HT Summit

Speaking at the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit, Abdullah said the INDIA bloc risks being shifted to the “ICU” due to infighting, organisational failures, and inability to match the BJP’s round-the-clock election machinery.

He outlined strategic shortcomings within the alliance and contrasted them with the BJP’s “unmatched work ethic”.

The Congress has yet to respond officially to Abdullah’s remarks.

LG Manoj Sinha Thanks PM Modi, Rajnath Singh as 22 Strategic Projects Inaugurated in J&K

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LG Manoj Sinha Thanks PM Modi, Rajnath Singh as 22 Strategic Projects Inaugurated in J&K

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday extended gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh after the latter inaugurated 22 strategically important infrastructure projects in Jammu and Kashmir. The inauguration was held from Shyok in Leh district of the Union Territory of Ladakh.

The 22 J&K projects were part of 125 completed works executed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) across the country. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated all projects during his one-day visit to Leh.

The event was attended virtually by LG Manoj Sinha, J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Kisanrao Bagde, Mizoram Governor General (Dr) Vijay Kumar Singh, Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma, and Union Ministers Kiren Rijiju and Dr Jitendra Singh. Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi also joined the ceremony online.

At the Leh venue, Ladakh LG Kavinder Gupta, Northern Command GOC-in-C Lt Gen Pratik Sharma, BRO DG Lt Gen Raghu Srinivasan, GOC 14 Corps Lt Gen Hitesh Bhalla, senior officials and BRO personnel were present.

Infrastructure to Strengthen Military Readiness & Local Development

In a statement issued in Jammu, LG Sinha said the national security infrastructure projects executed under Project BEACON and Project SAMPARK will significantly boost military mobility, ensure year-round access to remote areas, enhance quick-response capability, and contribute to local socio-economic development.

Sinha expressed his “heartfelt gratitude” to Prime Minister Modi for the government’s continued focus on strengthening border infrastructure and uplifting remote communities.

Projects Spread Across 9 States/UTs

The inaugurated BRO works include:

  • 28 roads
  • 93 bridges
  • Shyok Tunnel on the Darbuk–Shyok–Daulat Beg Oldie (DSDBO) Road in Ladakh

These projects span Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, West Bengal and Mizoram—all crucial regions for national security and connectivity.

Centre Approves Four New EWS Quota MDS Seats at IGGDC Jammu; Total Expansion May Reach 11 Seats in 2026-27

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Centre Approves Four New EWS Quota MDS Seats at IGGDC Jammu; Total Expansion May Reach 11 Seats in 2026-27

In a major boost to postgraduate dental education in Jammu & Kashmir, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has approved four additional MDS seats under the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) quota at Indira Gandhi Government Dental College (IGGDC) Jammu for the academic session 2026–27. The move marks a significant step toward expanding specialist dental education capacity in the region.

At present, IGGDC admits 17 postgraduate students annually. With the latest approval, four more seats—one each in Prosthodontics & Crown & Bridge, Conservative Dentistry & Endodontics, Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics, and Pediatric & Preventive Dentistry—have been formally sanctioned.

More Seats Under Consideration

Official sources confirmed that a Dental Council of India (DCI) inspection is currently underway to evaluate the feasibility of seven additional seats across various specialities.

“If the DCI clears these seats, IGGDC will witness a total enhancement of 11 seats—seven regular seats plus four EWS quota seats—from the 2026-27 academic session. This will be one of the largest single-year expansions in the college’s MDS capacity,” sources said.

Approval Valid for One Year, Subject to Renewal

According to the Ministry’s Letter of Permission dated December 4, 2025, the newly approved seats have been granted for one year and will be renewed annually based on the institution’s adherence to targets, infrastructure standards, and compliance norms.

“The process of renewal of permission in the original/increased intake capacity will continue till such time the expansion of facilities is completed,” the letter notes.

Strict Compliance Mandated

The Ministry has warned that admissions made in violation of guidelines will be considered “irregular” and may invite action under the Dentists Act, 1948.

The college administration has been advised to maintain strict compliance with statutory regulations and promptly report any discrepancies to the Dental Council of India (DCI) or the Central Government.

India, Russia Call for ‘Uncompromising’ Global Fight Against Terrorism; Firm Up 5-Year Economic Roadmap

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India, Russia Call for ‘Uncompromising’ Global Fight Against Terrorism; Firm Up 5-Year Economic Roadmap

India and Russia on Friday issued a strong joint call for an “uncompromising” global fight against terrorism, denouncing “hidden agendas and double standards” while reaffirming their long-standing security partnership. At the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin underscored the need for a united global front against terrorism, calling it a direct assault on humanity.

The two leaders condemned the recent terror attacks in Pahalgam (J&K) and Moscow’s Crocus City Hall, stressing that groups such as ISIS, ISKP and their affiliates must be eliminated through a zero-tolerance policy.

Modi said, “Be it the attack in Pahalgam or the cowardly attack on Crocus City Hall — the root of these incidents is the same. Terrorism is a direct attack on the values of humanity.”

The joint statement urged concerted global action against UN-listed terrorist groups, terrorism financing networks, cross-border terrorism, safe havens, and radicalisation through digital platforms. Both sides emphasised strict adherence to the UN Charter and relevant UNSC resolutions.

Focus on Afghanistan

India and Russia reaffirmed close coordination on Afghanistan and welcomed counter-terror measures targeting ISIS, ISKP and other extremist networks. They stressed the urgent need for uninterrupted humanitarian aid to the Afghan people.

Economic Partnership Gets Major Push

Amid geopolitical disruptions and Western sanctions, India and Russia finalised a five-year economic cooperation plan till 2030, aiming to boost trade, investments, mobility, health collaboration, and energy partnerships.

Prime Minister Modi highlighted the “pole-star-like steadfastness” of India-Russia ties over the past eight decades. The two sides also pushed for:

  • Early conclusion of an India–Eurasian Economic Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA)
  • Fast-tracking a bilateral agreement on investment promotion and protection
  • Reducing India’s large trade deficit, currently driven by crude oil imports

Russia’s President Putin received a ceremonial welcome, with PM Modi personally greeting him at the airport and hosting a private dinner on Thursday night.

Ukraine Conflict

Modi reiterated India’s consistent stand favouring peace and dialogue:

“India welcomes all efforts for a peaceful and lasting resolution. We have always been ready to contribute and will continue to do so.”

Diplomatic Gifts Highlight India’s Cultural Elegance

Prime Minister Modi presented President Putin with culturally significant gifts, including:

  • Assam Black Tea (GI-tagged)
  • Kashmiri Saffron (Kong/Zaffran)
  • Murshidabad Silver Tea Set
  • Handcrafted Silver Horse from Maharashtra
  • Marble Chess Set from Agra
  • Russian edition of the Srimad Bhagavad Gita

The collection symbolised India’s rich craftsmanship and the enduring India-Russia friendship.

Govt Reviews Performance of All 16 Defence PSUs; Focus on Indigenisation and R&D

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Govt Reviews Performance of All 16 Defence PSUs; Focus on Indigenisation and R&D

The Central government has recently conducted a comprehensive review of all 16 Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), assessing their turnover, profit, indigenisation progress, export initiatives and research and development (R&D) plans aimed at strengthening “Aatmanirbharta” in defence manufacturing. This was revealed in Parliament on Friday.

Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth, responding to queries in the Lok Sabha, was asked whether the government had drawn up any action plan based on the findings of the review to improve the overall performance of the DPSUs.

In a written reply, the minister said, “The government, as part of regular review, has recently reviewed the functioning and performance of all the sixteen Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) on 10.11.2025. The aim and objective of the meeting was to review their turnover, profit, efforts for indigenisation and R&D, including exports, to achieve ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in defence manufacturing.”

He added that the government has a “strong and explicit resolve” to promote indigenous military hardware through extensive R&D under the broader “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiative.

Seth further clarified that there is no specific budgetary allocation for R&D in DPSUs, but these undertakings fund their research projects from their internal earnings, depending on requirements and market potential.

On NC Founder’s Birth Anniversary, Farooq Abdullah Says J&K Govt Working On ‘Razor’s Edge’

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On NC Founder’s Birth Anniversary, Farooq Abdullah Says J&K Govt Working On ‘Razor’s Edge’

Former Chief Minister and president of the ruling National Conference (NC), Dr Farooq Abdullah, said on Friday that the elected government in Jammu and Kashmir was working on the ‘razor’s edge’ as, according to him, all powers are vested in the Lt Governor.

Addressing the media on the 120th birth anniversary of NC founder, late Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, at his mausoleum in Hazratbal area of Srinagar city, Dr Abdullah said, “Whatever could be done during the last year after our government came to power has been done despite a sword hanging over our head. All powers lie with the Lt Governor, and we have to walk on the razor’s edge under these circumstances. When we demand statehood, we don’t do it for ourselves. We want it to be restored so that the people benefit here.”

“We have four more years to go. Just be patient and see how much change would be brought about in your lives. All MLAs are moving out into their areas regularly and attending to the problems faced by the people. People also have to be honest in their dealings. Local contractors engaged in doing government construction must ensure their work is honest. You have to compete by e-tendering to get contracts now. The days of contractors getting work at the choice of the engineers are over.”

In a highly politically significant statement, he said, “The days of the old people in public life are over. Youth must be encouraged to come forward and make their contribution to public life. Women have to come forward to meaningfully contribute to the development of society.”

All senior leaders of the party, including Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Assembly Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather, and senior leaders like Chowdhary Mohammad Ramzan, Mubarak Gul, Nazir Gurezi and others offered ‘Fateha’ prayers at the mausoleum of the party founder.

As part of the day’s functions connected with the birth anniversary of the late Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, his grandson Omar Abdullah laid the foundation stones for two New Gates at Hazratbal Shrine.

The gates named “Bab-ul-Salam” and “Bab-ul-Noor” are being constructed on the main road leading to the shrine.

NC Chief Spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq said the project aims to enhance the entry points to one of Kashmir’s most significant religious sites and honour Sheikh Abdullah’s legacy on his birth anniversary. (Agencies)

Supreme Court Dismisses Plea Seeking Ban on Arundhati Roy’s Book Over Cover Depiction

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Supreme Court Dismisses Plea Seeking Ban on Arundhati Roy’s Book Over Cover Depiction

The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed a petition seeking a ban on the sale, circulation, and display of celebrated author Arundhati Roy’s book “Mother Mary Comes to Me” on the grounds that its cover portrays her smoking a bidi or cigarette, allegedly violating tobacco control laws.

A bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi rejected the appeal filed by one Rajasimhan challenging the Kerala High Court’s order, which had already dismissed the PIL on similar grounds.

“She is a renowned author. She has not promoted such a thing. There is a warning in the book, and she is a prominent person as well. Why do such a thing for publicity? There is no hoarding in the city with the picture of the book. It is only for someone who purchases and reads the book. Her picture does not portray any promotion,” the CJI observed.

‘No Violation of Tobacco Act’

The bench held that neither the author nor the publisher, Penguin Hamish Hamilton, had violated Section 5 of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) 2003.

Section 5 explicitly prohibits:

  • advertisement,
  • promotion,
  • sponsorship of cigarettes and tobacco products,
  • direct or surrogate advertising,
  • promotional displays in media or public spaces.

However, it allows health warnings on packages and limited displays at retail points.

“We see no reason to interfere with the High Court’s order,” the bench ruled.

Petitioner’s Argument Rejected

The petitioner’s counsel argued that Roy is shown smoking what could be a “ganja bidi” or a normal bidi, and that the book carries only a small disclaimer instead of a prominent health warning.

Rejecting the contention, the CJI said:

“The book, publisher or author has nothing to do with advertising cigarettes. This is not an advertisement. You may disagree with the views of the author, but that does not mean such a case can lie.”

The book is a memoir authored by Arundhati Roy

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