India
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42 published storiesPublished stories.
Government Proposes Cap on Expensive Cancer Drug Trade Margins to Lower Retail Costs
The Department of Pharmaceuticals approved a decisive trade margin rationalization (TMR) policy, capping profit margins on non-scheduled anti-cancer drugs at 30% of their Maximum Retail Price (MRP). Expected to lower the retail costs of roughly 110 oncology medicines—including 35 patented formulations—by up to 70%, the intervention aims to curb excessive markups across the pharmaceutical supply chain. The initiative covers both branded and generic, domestic and imported drugs, yielding an estima
Parliament Begins Detailed Consultations on Revised Digital Public Infrastructure Bill
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Communications and Information Technology initiated formal consultations on the revised Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) Bill on Friday, October 9, 2026. Introduced to establish a unified statutory framework for India's population-scale digital architecture—including identity, open payments, and data-sharing networks—the revised draft incorporates updated privacy safeguards and interoperability standards. The multi-stakeholder hearings bring together Mi
10th India Mobile Congress Opens at Yashobhoomi with Focus on Next-Gen Digital Infrastructure
The 10th edition of the India Mobile Congress (IMC 2026) officially opened on October 8, 2026, at the Yashobhoomi Convention Centre in New Delhi under the flagship theme "Scale Without Boundaries." Jointly organized by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), Asia’s premier technology forum brings together over 150,000 global delegates, 500 exhibitors, and 600 startups from more than 100 countries. Inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra M
Andhra Pradesh Government Declares Severe Drought Across 21 Districts Following Monsoonal Deficit
The Andhra Pradesh government officially declared an early drought across 388 of the state’s 688 mandals in 21 of its 26 districts for the 2026 Kharif season. Promulgated under a Revenue (Disaster Management) Department order following recommendations by the State Committee on Drought, the notification classifies 283 mandals as "severely affected" and 105 as "moderately affected". The decision follows a severe 53.4% monsoonal rainfall deficit between June and August 2026 driven by prevailing El
PM Modi Highlights 25 Years of Public Service at Seva Sankalp Yatra Culmination
Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked a quarter-century of continuous service as head of government on Wednesday, October 7, 2026. The milestone traces his journey from taking the oath as Chief Minister of Gujarat on October 7, 2001, to leading the nation through three consecutive terms as Prime Minister. The historic anniversary coincided with nationwide events under the 'Seva Sankalp' initiative, celebrating his "politics of performance," transformative welfare schemes, digital infrastructure, a
10th India Mobile Congress Kicks Off at Yashobhoomi in New Delhi
The 10th edition of the India Mobile Congress (IMC 2026)—Asia's premier technology and telecommunications forum—officially opened on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at Yashobhoomi (India International Convention & Expo Centre) in Dwarka, New Delhi. Jointly organized by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), the four-day event centers on the theme "Scale Without Boundaries." Unveiled with an expanded focus on 6G research, AI-native networks,
Security Heightened in Central Delhi Ahead of Opposition March to Election Commission
Delhi Police and central security forces significantly stepped up security measures across Central and New Delhi on Tuesday, October 6, 2026. The deployment precedes a planned demonstration by INDIA bloc Parliamentarians marching from Parliament’s Makar Dwar to Nirvachan Sadan, the headquarters of the Election Commission of India (ECI). With multi-layered steel barricading, heavy Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel stationed at key junctions, and comprehensive traffic diversions enforced by Delhi
India and Switzerland Agree to Strengthen Defence and Nuclear Energy Cooperation
During high-level delegation talks held in New Delhi on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Swiss Confederation President Guy Parmelin agreed to expand the bilateral partnership into strategic defence research, cyber security, and civil nuclear energy collaboration. Building upon eight decades of diplomatic relations and the landmark Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA), both nations resolved to establish joint working groups in precision defence engineering, du
Union Environment Ministry Releases Endangered Great Indian Bustards into Wild in Rajasthan
In a historic conservation breakthrough for one of the world's most critically endangered bird species, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav released two captive-bred male Great Indian Bustards (GIBs) into the wild at Sam in Rajasthan's Desert National Park. The initiative marks the official transition of India's decade-long GIB Recovery Programme from captive population building to active rewilding and habitat reintroduction. Jointly executed by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest a
GST Council Considers Proposal to Eliminate Arrest Provisions Under Tax Law
The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council is set to review a major structural proposal to eliminate the executive power of tax officers to directly arrest taxpayers under Section 69 of the Central GST Act. Under the Next-Generation GST 2.0 reform framework, any arrest would require prior judicial authorization from a magistrate, effectively ending administrative detentions during routine compliance disputes. Additionally, the Council is weighing a proposal to raise the monetary threshold for laun
Indian Railways Prepares Deployment of Bengaluru-Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper Train
Marking a major upgrade in long-distance rail connectivity between India's tech hub and financial capital, Indian Railways approved the introduction of the Bengaluru–Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper Express. The high-speed overnight service—designated as Train No. 27652 (KSR Bengaluru to CSMT Mumbai) and Train No. 27651 (CSMT Mumbai to KSR Bengaluru)—will complete the 1,095-km journey in less than 16 hours. Operating six days a week, the indigenous semi-high-speed trainset offers a significant altern
Kumkum Mohod Secures Historic Archery Gold at Asian Games 2026
17-year-old Indian archer Kumkum Mohod created history at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, winning India's first-ever individual gold medal in the women's recurve discipline. In a high-stakes final, Mohod defeated South Korea's Oh Yejin 6-5 in a thrilling 10-8 shoot-off after both archers were tied across five set points. The historic victory marks India's premier individual recurve title at the Asian Games and officially secures an Olympic quota spot for India at the Los Angeles 2028 Olymp
NHSRCL Installs First 100-Metre Steel Bridge for Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project
Achieving a major engineering milestone for India's high-speed rail ambitions, the National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) successfully launched the first steel bridge in Maharashtra for the 508-km Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Corridor. Spanning 100 metres in length and weighing 1,405 metric tonnes, the massive structure was erected over National Highway 3 (Nashik Highway) at Dive-Anjur village in Thane district's Bhiwandi area. Fabricated 1,300 km away in Trichy, Tamil Nadu, unde
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh Inaugurates 2026 Navy Commanders' Conference in New Delhi
Union Defense Minister Rajnath Singh formally inaugurated the second edition of the biannual Navy Commanders' Conference 2026 at Nausena Bhawan, New Delhi. Spanning three days from September 29 to October 1, 2026, the apex-level conference brings together senior naval leadership, operational commanders, and government dignitaries to conduct a military-strategic review of India's maritime preparedness. Key agenda items focus on maintaining energy supply security amid ongoing West Asia conflicts u
Home Minister Amit Shah Launches Key Infrastructure and Safety Projects Worth ₹1,542 Crore in Sabarmati
Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah inaugurated, laid foundation stones for, and flagged off a multi-pronged package of railway safety, capacity, and green infrastructure projects worth over ₹1,542 crore at Sabarmati in Gujarat. The landmark initiative included flagging off India's first Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) dual-fuel train, inaugurating a ₹700-crore WAG-12 locomotive maintenance shed, introducing automatic block signalling, laying the foundation stone for the Kavach automatic t
CJI Surya Kant Inaugurates India's First Victim Rights Centre at Bihar State Legal Services Authority
Chief Justice of India (CJI) Justice Surya Kant inaugurated India's first single-window Victim Rights Centre (VRC) at the Bihar State Legal Services Authority (BSLSA) in Patna. Designed as a pilot project, the Centre integrates legal aid, medical support, victim compensation under BNSS 2023, and law enforcement coordination into a single entry point. Simultaneously, the CJI launched a dedicated Transgender Helpline, flagged off a fleet of Multi-Utility Vehicles (MUVs) for door-to-step legal aid
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Inaugurates 20th Rozgar Mela to Distribute Over 51,000 Appointment Letters
Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually addressed the 20th edition of the Rozgar Mela, distributing over 51,000 appointment letters to newly selected recruits across central government ministries and departments. Organized across 45 locations nationwide, the latest recruitment drive pushes the total number of appointment letters issued under the flagship Rozgar Mela initiative to approximately 12.75 lakh. Addressing the new inductees, the Prime Minister highlighted the crucial role of youth in ac
Indian Railways Successfully Completes High-Speed Trial Run for Upgraded Vande Bharat at 180 km/h
Indian Railways achieved a major engineering milestone as an upgraded Vande Bharat Chair Car rake successfully completed a loaded high-speed trial run at 180 km/h. Monitored by the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) and West Central Railway authorities, the trial evaluated ride stability, track-vehicle interaction, and propulsion efficiency at peak design speeds. The completion of the loaded run marks a crucial step toward final speed certification for high-speed commercial corri
IMD Issues High-Level Alert as Deep Depression Hits Andhra Pradesh and Odisha Coasts
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued red and orange alerts across coastal and interior districts of North Andhra Pradesh and South Odisha after a potent deep depression over the Bay of Bengal crossed the coastline near Kalingapatnam. Generating squally winds up to 65 kmph and torrential rainfall exceeding 21 cm, the system triggered localized flooding, uprooted trees, and prompted disaster response authorities to evacuate thousands of residents to relief shelters.
Indian Air Force Prepares to Host 'Tarang Shakti-26' Multinational Air Exercise in Jodhpur
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is preparing to host the second edition of its flagship multinational exercise, 'Tarang Shakti-26', from September 26 to October 12, 2026, at Air Force Station Jodhpur and adjoining bases in western Rajasthan. Bringing together air forces from nearly 40 countries—including friendly foreign nations deploying combat aircraft—the single-phase exercise will focus on high-end tactical maneuvers, air defense, precision strike drills, and interoperability across complex air w
Supreme Court Rules Against Compelled Speech Regarding Recitation of Vande Mataram
Hearing a constitutional challenge to the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Act, 2026, a Supreme Court bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant observed that citizens exercising conscientious objections against reciting Vande Mataram cannot be subjected to criminal prosecution. The court reaffirmed the landmark 1986 'Bijoe Emmanuel' doctrine—which protects the fundamental right to remain respectfully silent under Articles 19(1)(a) and 25(1)—while issuing notice to the Union gover
Tamil Nadu Launches Major Expansion of School Breakfast Scheme Nationwide
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin launched a major expansion of the flagship Chief Minister's Breakfast Scheme, extending morning meal coverage to over 250,000 primary students enrolled in government-aided schools across the state. Building on the successful implementation across all state-run government schools, the ₹600-crore expansion reinforces Tamil Nadu's pioneering role in child nutrition, health, and primary school attendance.
IMD Issues Orange Alert Across Six Districts in Kerala Amid Severe Rainfall
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued severe weather alerts across six districts in Kerala as heavy monsoon downpours triggered flash floods and landslides in hilly regions. The warnings encompass Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, and Thrissur. State disaster authorities have instituted hourly monitoring after torrential rains caused deadly flash floods in Malappuram's Kottapuzha river.
Reserve Bank of India Issues Directives Framework for Regulating Algorithmic Retail Investment Platforms
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued a binding regulatory framework governing algorithmic retail investment platforms, introducing mandatory algorithm audits, strict risk controls, and transparent disclosure norms. The directives aim to protect retail investors from automated market volatility and unverified algorithmic trading models.
Ministry of Petroleum Mandates Biometric Aadhaar Authentication for Subsidized Domestic LPG Refills
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas announced that domestic LPG consumers across India must complete Biometric Aadhaar Authentication (BAA) by October 1, 2026, to book refills at the regulated Retail Selling Price (RSP) with applicable government subsidies. The directive aims to eliminate duplicate connections and curb unauthorized diversion of subsidized cylinders to commercial establishments.
India Rejects China-Pakistan Joint Boundary Commission Over Occupation of Sovereign Territory
India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) firmly rejected the operationalization of the "Pakistan-China Boundary Joint Commission," asserting that the body carries no legal standing since no recognized physical border exists between Pakistan and China, and calling on Islamabad to immediately vacate all illegally occupied sovereign Indian territories.
Delhi University Students' Union Elections 2026 Record Highest Voter Turnout in Three Years
The Delhi University Students' Union (DUSU) elections for the 2026–27 academic session recorded a voter turnout of 40.46% across 52 polling centres, marking the highest participation rate in the past three years. Polling concluded smoothly across morning and evening colleges with over 1.51 lakh eligible student voters.
India Strong-Names National Energy Interests Following US Sanctions Legislation
Following the U.S. Congress passing the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026—which authorizes up to 100% secondary tariffs on major Russian oil buyers—India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) asserted that New Delhi will take all necessary measures to protect its sovereign economic interests and ensure energy security for its 1.4 billion citizens.
PM Modi Hails Unified Payments Interface as Undisputed Driving Force Behind India's Fintech Success
Inaugurating the Global Fintech Fest 2026 in Mumbai, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) as the "undisputed champion" of India's fintech revolution, advocating for its rapid global expansion to lower cross-border remittance costs.
PM Modi Urges Citizens to Boost Domestic Tourism via 'Wed in India' Campaign
Prime Minister Narendra Modi renewed his call for self-reliance by urging citizens to prioritize domestic destination weddings, avoid unnecessary foreign leisure travel, and support local businesses.
Supreme Court Quashes Criminal FIRs Against Student Protesters Under Article 142
A three-judge bench of the Supreme Court invoked extraordinary powers under Article 142 of the Constitution to quash all FIRs registered nationwide against student protesters to protect their future prospects.
PM E-DRIVE Mandates Higher Domestic Component Localisation for Electric Heavy Vehicles
The Ministry of Heavy Industries has enforced updated domestic component localisation mandates for electric buses and heavy trucks under the ₹10,900 crore PM E-DRIVE scheme.
Indian Airports Discontinue Boarding Pass Stamping for International Travelers
India's Bureau of Immigration officially discontinued the requirement to stamp physical boarding passes for outbound international passengers, allowing travelers to use mobile e-boarding passes.
Indian Railways Introduces Hybrid Annuity PPP Framework for Freight Line Construction
Indian Railways adapted the highway sector's Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM) to build six key freight corridors spanning 647 km with ₹16,000 crore in project bids.
Indian Navy Commissions Indigenous Diving Support Vessel INS Nipun in Mumbai
The Indian Navy commissioned INS Nipun, the second indigenously built Nistar-class Diving Support Vessel, boosting deep-sea diving and submarine rescue capabilities.
Microsoft Expands Global AI Data Center Infrastructure Amid Energy Backlash
Microsoft is expanding its hyperscale AI infrastructure while deploying high-temperature superconductors and a Community-First grid policy to curb public backlash over energy consumption.
India Dispatches Urgent Relief Aircraft and Rescues Citizens Stranded in Nepal Floods
India dispatched three IAF aircraft carrying 57.5 tonnes of relief materials to Nepal while deploying specialized teams and arranging safe returns for rescued citizens.
India Signs Deal with U.S. to Procure Javelin Anti-Tank Missile Systems
The Indian Army signed a Letter of Offer and Acceptance with the U.S. to procure Javelin anti-tank guided missile systems, opening potential avenues for joint production.
India Dispatches Urgent Relief as Over 100 Citizens Reported Missing in Nepal Flash Floods
India dispatched 10 tonnes of emergency relief via an IAF transport aircraft following devastating flash floods in Nepal that left over 130 Indian nationals untraceable.
India and China Agree to Advance Boundary Talks and Set Up New LAC Hotlines
India and China reached an 8-point consensus in Beijing, establishing new LAC hotlines and agreeing to pursue an "early harvest" on boundary delimitation.
Railways Implement "Tank to Tap" Water Filtration System Across 20,000 Locations
Indian Railways has ordered the installation of "Tank to Tap" water filtration systems across 20,000 locations following a CAG report on water quality.
National Medical Commission Proposes Single License for Doctors to Practice Across India
The National Medical Commission has proposed draft regulations enabling doctors to practice across India under a single license and central Unique ID.