Thursday, May 22

National News

BJP highlights economic strength, benefits of Ujjwala Yojana
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BJP highlights economic strength, benefits of Ujjwala Yojana

New Delhi, May 22, 2025.The BJP on Thursday cited a host of developments to project buoyancy in the Indian economy and the positive impacts of the Modi government's welfare measures.Its national spokesperson Tuhin Sinha noted that the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, a scheme providing LPG connections to poor households that completed its ninth anniversary on May 1, has provided 10.33 crore connections so far, with nearly nine crore beneficiaries turning out to be sustained users of the programme.This negates the opposition's claim that many beneficiaries did not opt for refills after utilising the initial free gas cylinders
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Rupee falls 37 paise to close at 85.96 against US dollar
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Rupee falls 37 paise to close at 85.96 against US dollar

New Delhi, May 22, 2025.Rupee depreciated 37 paise to close at 85.96 (provisional) against the US dollar on Thursday, on dollar demand from importers and foreign banks as well as surge in crude oil prices.Forex traders said surging US bond yields are rattling global investors. Moreover, the narrowing yield differential between India and the US, is making Indian assets less attractive.Besides, elevated crude oil prices amid rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, further dented investor sentiments.
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COVID’s JN.1 variant returns in India, over 250 cases reported
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COVID’s JN.1 variant returns in India, over 250 cases reported

Jaipur, May 21, 2025.In the wake of rising COVID-19 cases in parts of Asia, the health authorities are monitoring the JN.1 variant, a descendant of the Omicron strain. Singapore, Hong Kong, China, and Thailand have detected many cases. While India has also reported over 250 active cases in different cities including Mumbai, Chennai, and Ahmedabad. Bollywood actress Shilpa Shirodkar has also been tested COVID positive.Southeast Asia's recent COVID-19 surge is primarily driven by JN.1, variant evolved from Omicron BA.2.86. According to the World Health Organisation, this variant carries approximately 30 mutations in its genetic makeup. Among the recent cases, two specific mutations - LF.7 and NB.1.8 have emerged as the most prevalent versions. ​​​​​​​JN.1, discovered in August 20...
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Government to implement 8th Pay Commission from 1 January 2026:Central employees’ salary may increase from ₹40,000 to ₹1 lakh; know the details
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Government to implement 8th Pay Commission from 1 January 2026:Central employees’ salary may increase from ₹40,000 to ₹1 lakh; know the details

New Delhi, May 21, 2025.The government will implement the 8th Pay Commission from January 1, 2026. The Pay Commission was approved on January 16, 2025. Meanwhile, the government has been advised to merge the levels of employees. It is also expected that the Pay Commission may implement a fitment factor of up to 2.86.This could increase the salary of central employees from ₹40,000 to ₹1 lakh . At the same time, the revision of salary, pension, and allowances will benefit more than 50 lakh central government employees and about 65 lakh pensioners.This commission will assess adjustments in salary and pension. It will focus on important issues such as the fitment factor and minimum wage standards. Millions of employees and pensioners are waiting for the implementation of the 8th Pa...
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UIDAI’s data initiative aligns with India’s vision for evidence-based policy and open data for public good
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UIDAI’s data initiative aligns with India’s vision for evidence-based policy and open data for public good

New Delhi May 19, 2025.The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has begun sharing non-personal, anonymized data from the Aadhaar Dashboard on the open government data platform, data.gov.inThe move aims to further promote transparency, research, and data-driven policy making.The datasets, released by Chief Data Officer (CDO) and Deputy Director General of UIDAI, include aggregated insights on Aadhaar enrolment, updates, and authentication patterns, categorized by geography, age-group and other relevant parameters.By making these non-personal and anonymized datasets accessible, UIDAI aims to support academic research, innovation in digital services, and collaborative developments.This initiative opens new avenues for evidence-based policy-making and techn...
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Nationwide ‘Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan’ to Begin from May 29:  Union Minister Shri  Shivraj Singh Chouhan
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Nationwide ‘Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan’ to Begin from May 29:  Union Minister Shri  Shivraj Singh Chouhan

New Delhi, May 19, 2025.Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, today addressed a press conference at the National Media Centre, New Delhi, to brief about the launch of the nationwide “Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan”, starting from May 29, to 12 June 2025. He emphasized that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the vision of a developed India is being actively pursued, and to realize this goal, it is essential to build a foundation of developed agriculture, modern farming practices, and prosperous farmers. Agriculture, which remains the backbone of the Indian economy, not only provides livelihood to nearly half of the population but also underpins national food security.The Minister highlighted tha...
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Infosys a Top 100 Global Brand for 2025. Achieves 34% Brand Value Surge, Ranks among the Top 5% of Most Trusted Brands in the U.S.
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Infosys a Top 100 Global Brand for 2025. Achieves 34% Brand Value Surge, Ranks among the Top 5% of Most Trusted Brands in the U.S.

New Delhi, May 19, 2025. Infosys (NSE: INFY) (BSE: INFY) (NYSE: INFY), a global leader in next-generation digital services and consulting, today announced that it has been ranked, for the fourth consecutive year, among the 100 most valuable brands in the world, according to Kantar, the leading marketing data and analytics business, in its annual BrandZ Most Valuable Global Brands report. Infosys is ranked as #73 most valuable brand in the world and featured amongst the top 5% of most trusted global brands in the U.S."Our efforts are relentlessly focused on building Infosys into one of the most respected IT services brands in the world, differentiated by our expertise and innovation in helping our clients navigate an AI-first world. Even as we evolve to remain relevant to the changi...
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Cyber literacy – one call can empty your bank account
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Cyber literacy – one call can empty your bank account

New Delhi, May 19, 2025.In phone calls, the most important part of our identity is our voice. When someone calls us, without seeing the face, we recognize who it is just by hearing the voice. Taking advantage of this, cyber criminals can execute the 'voice cloning scam'.In this scam, cyber criminals use artificial intelligence (AI) to copy a person's voice. After that, they try to obtain money or sensitive information by calling their family members, friends, or office colleagues. Therefore, it is necessary to be alert and cautious of this scam.Question- How do people fall victim to voice cloning scams?Answer- In this scam, cyber criminals emotionally blackmail people. They use AI technology to first clone a person's voice. Then they call someone known to that person and pr...
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Bisleri International, NBT & CEE Sign a Joint MoU to Launch Educational Book on Plastic Waste Management for Schools in 48 Languages
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Bisleri International, NBT & CEE Sign a Joint MoU to Launch Educational Book on Plastic Waste Management for Schools in 48 Languages

New Delhi, May 17, 2025.Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd. signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Book Trust, India (NBT) and Centre for Environment Education (CEE) to develop and distribute an educational book on plastic waste management for schools across the country. The initiative, aimed at promoting sustainability and environmental awareness among youth, will be created by NBT in collaboration with Bisleri and the Centre for Environment Education (CEE). Bisleri will sponsor the printing of 1 lakh books in 48 languages. The books will be distributed to educational institutions nationwide over the next two years. The MoU was formally signed at a ceremony held at the Constitution Club of India by Mr. Angelo George, CEO, ...
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Cabinet approval for HCL-Foxconn OSAT joint venture a strategic milestone
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Cabinet approval for HCL-Foxconn OSAT joint venture a strategic milestone

New Delhi, May 2025.The Cabinet’s approval of the HCL–Foxconn OSAT joint venture marks a strategic milestone in India’s semiconductor journey,”  “With an investment of ₹3,700 crore, the project brings large scale advanced packaging and testing capabilities specifically for display driver ICs—addressing a critical gap in India’s display and electronics value chain.This isn't just about building infrastructure—it reflects India’s growing maturity in semiconductor manufacturing, with trusted partners, strategic intent, and industrial scale.” Commented Ashok Chandak, President IESA and SEMI India.Foxconn, one of the world’s largest electronics manufacturers, brings world-class expertise in chip packaging and testing—core to the downstream semiconductor supply chain. HCL Group,...
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Former defence secretary Ajay Kumar appointed UPSC chairman
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Former defence secretary Ajay Kumar appointed UPSC chairman

New Delhi, May 14, 2025.Former defence secretary Ajay Kumar has been appointed as the new chairman of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), as per an order issued by the Union Ministry of Personnel on Tuesday.His appointment fills the vacancy created following the end of Preeti Sudan’s tenure on April 29.Kumar, a retired 1985-batch IAS officer of the Kerala cadre, served as India’s defence secretary from August 23, 2019, to October 31, 2022, according to his official records.The UPSC, which is responsible for conducting the civil services examinations to recruit officers for the IAS, IFS, IPS, and other key services, is led by a chairman and may have up to 10 members. Currently, two member positions remain vacant in the commission.Kumar’s appointment was approved by Presi...
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Justice BR Gavai Takes Oath As 52nd Chief Justice, Will Have 6-Month Tenure
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Justice BR Gavai Takes Oath As 52nd Chief Justice, Will Have 6-Month Tenure

New Delhi, May 14, 2025.Justice Bhushan Ramakrishna Gavai was sworn in as the Chief Justice of India (CJI) on Wednesday. President Droupadi Murmu administered the oath of office to him at a ceremony held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.CJI Gavai succeeds Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna, who demitted office on May 13, and will hold office till November 23, 2025. He is the 52nd Chief Justice of India.Born on November 24, 1960, at Amravati in Maharashtra, Justice Gavai was elevated as an additional judge of the Bombay High Court on November 14, 2003. He became a permanent judge of the high court on November 12, 2005The SC collegium in its recommendation elevating Justice Gavai to the Supreme Court had said, “His recommendation, in no way, is to be misconstrued to mean that three senior-...
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Harvansh Chawla appointed chairman of BRICS Chamber of Commerce & Industry
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Harvansh Chawla appointed chairman of BRICS Chamber of Commerce & Industry

New Delhi, May 13, 2025.The BRICS Chamber of Commerce and Industry has appointed Harvansh Chawla, lawyer and expert in international trade law, as its new chairman.With over three decades of experience in international law, trade policy, infrastructure development, and corporate advisory, Chawla has been legal advisor to global corporations, including Northrop Grumman, Singapore Airlines, Denso Corporation, and Alcatel."My focus will be on promoting innovation-led growth, reducing trade barriers, and fostering stronger partnerships to enhance the global competitiveness of BRICS economies," he said on Tuesday.
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PM Modi lauds military’s valour, sends message of ‘Lakshman Rekha’ to Pak from border IAF base
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PM Modi lauds military’s valour, sends message of ‘Lakshman Rekha’ to Pak from border IAF base

New Delhi, May 13, 2025.With an S-400 missile defence system in the backdrop, Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent a firm message Tuesday from Adampur Air Base to Pakistan: Not only have you failed to harm any of India's military installations but you will be annihilated if terrorism continues from your soil.In his first speech to the armed forces since Operation Sindoor, Modi lauded the military for humbling Pakistan in the four-day engagement that resulted in the destruction of nine terror sites, killing of over 100 terrorists and damage to its eight military installations.
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Mega travel alert:29 airports closed, tourists & localities stranded – Railways launches rescue mission from J&K
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Mega travel alert:29 airports closed, tourists & localities stranded – Railways launches rescue mission from J&K

New Delhi, May 09, 2025.A total of 29 airports in eight states — Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh — have been temporarily closed due to heightened security concerns. Delhi Airport alone witnessed the cancellation of over 138 flights on Friday.This has led to stranding of tourists at such places especially Jammu. As a result, Indian Railways has announced special trains to bring back stuck passengers from Jammu and nearby areas. Plus, people leaving at cities near Pakistan border are also looking to relocate to safer places. To help such people, Indian Railways has announced three special trains from J&K to New Delhi.Northern Railway said on an 'X' post that for the convenience of rail passengers, a...
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Colonel Sofiya says, ‘Pakistan uses civilians as shields
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Colonel Sofiya says, ‘Pakistan uses civilians as shields

New Delhi, May 09, 2025.The Ministry of External Affairs held a press conference on Friday on Operation Sindoor, where Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh briefed the media about the Pakistani attacks on the night of May 8–9.Colonel Sofiya Qureshi stated that on the intervening night of May 8–9, the Pakistani Army launched multiple attacks targeting Indian military infrastructure.Infiltration attempts were reported at 36 locations along the international border, leading to cross-border firing. Indian forces successfully neutralised the infiltrators.
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Indo-Pak conflict: Gujarat govt bans use of drones, firecrackers till May 15, 2025
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Indo-Pak conflict: Gujarat govt bans use of drones, firecrackers till May 15, 2025

Gujarat, May 09, 2025.The Gujarat government on Friday imposed a ban on the use of drones and firecrackers till May 15 in light of the military conflict between India and Pakistan.The government also warned of taking strict action against those social media users who "spread anti-national sentiments"."No firecrackers or drones will be allowed in any functions or events until the 15th of this month. Kindly cooperate and follow the guidelines," 
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PSU banks refute rumours, say ATMs well stocked and fully functional
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PSU banks refute rumours, say ATMs well stocked and fully functional

New Delhi, May 09, 2025.Dismissing rumours, public sector banks including State Bank of India and Punjab National Bank on Friday said their ATMs are fully functional, well-stocked, and that digital services are operating smoothly.The announcements came against the backdrop of reports on social media that ATMs are likely to be shut in the coming days on account of rising tension between India and Pakistan.They also said that all their digital services are operating smoothly.
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Govt advises OTT platforms to stop streaming Pakistan-origin content
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Govt advises OTT platforms to stop streaming Pakistan-origin content

New Delhi, May 09, 2025.Amid rising tensions with Pakistan, the government on Thursday advised OTT platforms and social media intermediaries operating in India to discontinue streaming of Pakistan-origin content, including web-series, films and podcasts with immediate effect.The advisory by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting comes in the wake of strikes by Indian armed forces on terror sites in Pakistan to avenge the terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22."In the interest of national security, all OTT platforms, media streaming platforms and intermediaries operating in India are advised to discontinue the web-series, films, songs, podcasts and other streaming media content, whether made available on a subscription based model or otherwise, having its origins in Paki...
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India avenges Pahalgam attack under ‘Operation Sindoor
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India avenges Pahalgam attack under ‘Operation Sindoor

New Delhi, May 07, 2025.India launched Operation Sindoor, striking terrorist camps in Pakistan and PoK at 1:05 am, 15 days after the Pahalgam attack. Nine hideouts were hit, with over 100 terrorists killed.Dedicated to the widows of the April 22 attack, the operation drew praise from PM Modi, who monitored it overnight, calling it a reflection of 'New India.'The Indian Air Force led the precision strikes, firing 24 missiles, according to Pakistan’s ISPR. The Cabinet was briefed, with PM Modi lauding the armed forces for their swift and decisive action.
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YouTube starts testing two-person premium plans in India
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YouTube starts testing two-person premium plans in India

New Delhi, May 06, 2025.YouTube is trying out a new subscription option that lets two people share a Premium or Music Premium membership. The pilot program is currently live in India, France, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.The new two-person YouTube Premium plan in India is priced at Rs 219 per month, while the Music Premium duo option costs Rs 149 per month. Both users must be 13 years or older, have a Google account, and belong to the same Google family group.A YouTube spokesperson confirmed, “We’re experimenting with new ways to offer more flexibility and value, including a two-person plan at a reduced cost.”In March, YouTube announced it had surpassed 125 million global subscribers for Music and Premium services combined. Alphabet, meanwhile, has crossed 270 million total paid s...
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Security drills across 244 districts tomorrow
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Security drills across 244 districts tomorrow

Jaipur, May 06, 2025.The Government of India will conduct a nationwide civil defence mock drill on Wednesday, May 7, which aims to test India's preparedness for large-scale emergencies and hostile attacks.The large-scale exercise, involving 244 designated Civil Defence districts, comes in the wake of the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 Indian civilians. “This is a nationwide preparedness initiative, not a cause for alarm,” reiterated a senior official.A civil defence mock drill is a preparedness exercise aimed at testing how civilians and government systems respond during emergencies like war, missile attacks, or aerial strikes.Real-life scenarios will be recreated, air raid sirens go off, lights are turned off across cit...
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Govt notifies cashless treatment scheme for road accident victims nationwide
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Govt notifies cashless treatment scheme for road accident victims nationwide

New Delhi, May 06, 2025.Road accident victims all over India will be entitled for cashless treatment of up to Rs 1.5 lakh for the first seven days at designated hospitals, said a notification issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) issued on Tuesday.According to a gazette notification, the (Cashless Treatment of Road Accident Victims Scheme, 2025) scheme has come into force with effect from May 5, 2025.The scheme is aimed at reducing the number of deaths arising from road accidents every year due to delay in timely medical intervention.
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