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AIIMS Develops India’s First High-Precision TEM Diagnostic Method for Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia

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Introduction: A Breakthrough in Rare Disease Diagnostics In a significant leap for India’s healthcare and diagnostic capabilities, scientists from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi , have developed a first-of-its-kind diagnostic method for identifying Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia (PCD) — a rare genetic condition that affects the respiratory system. This new method utilizes Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) to offer diagnostic precision 640 times greater than conventional techniques. What is Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia? Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia (PCD) is a rare and underdiagnosed genetic disorder that impairs the structure and function of motile cilia — hair-like structures that line the respiratory tract. These cilia are crucial for clearing mucus and pathogens. Dysfunction leads to chronic respiratory infections, bronchiectasis, sinusitis , and in some cases, infertility and situs inversus . India’s First TEM-Based PCD Diagnostic Protocol ...
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Bill Gates Applauds India's 'Namo Drone Didi' Program: A Game-Changer in Rural Empowerment and Agri-Tech

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Microsoft Founder Bill Gates Lauds India’s Namo Drone Didi Program In a strong endorsement of India’s evolving rural development model, Microsoft founder Bill Gates has praised the Namo Drone Didi initiative, launched in 2023 by the Government of India. The program empowers rural women by training them to operate drones for agricultural purposes, thereby boosting productivity, reducing manual labor, and enhancing socio-economic inclusion. Gates shared a detailed video and blog highlighting his interaction with three "Drone Didis" from Bihar— Sangita Devi , Sumintra Devi , and Kajol Kumari —during his visit to Delhi last month. He applauded the initiative's early success and expressed optimism about its future scalability. What is the Namo Drone Didi Program? Launched under the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Namo Drone Didi scheme is part of a broader strategy to promote women-led development and precision agriculture . It aims to provide 15,000 dro...
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Location: Pune, Maharashtra, India
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Father of RG Kar Victim Loses Faith in Legal System Amid Allegations of CBI Inconsistencies

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  A Father’s Frustration with the System The father of the 31-year-old postgraduate doctor who was raped and murdered at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College on August 9, 2024, has publicly expressed his deep disillusionment with the Indian legal system. In a powerful and emotional statement, he told ANI that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has presented contradictory reports in two different courts—the Calcutta High Court and Sealdah District Court. “This is not just a failure of investigation—this is a betrayal. Even Supreme Court judges could not believe the differences in what the CBI is saying. We had faith in the agency, but now, we are losing all hope,” he stated. Allegations of Withheld Evidence The father alleged that the CBI is deliberately withholding key details about the case, despite reportedly knowing who the perpetrators are. He believes the answers lie in his daughter’s phone, which the CBI claims it does not possess—an assertion he disputes. According t...
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Location: Pune, Maharashtra, India
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Supreme Court Upholds Conviction of 11 in Cuddalore Honour-Killing Case

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In a strong message against caste-based violence, the Supreme Court of India has upheld the conviction and sentences of 11 individuals involved in a 2003 honour-killing case in Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu . The tragic case involved the brutal murder of a young couple belonging to different castes. Background: A Crime Rooted in Caste Discrimination The case stems from the gruesome murder of a Dalit boy and a girl from the Vanniyar community , who married against the wishes of their families. The couple was poisoned to death publicly in their village, a crime orchestrated by the girl's own father and brother , among others. The crime was rooted in caste prejudice, which the Supreme Court strongly condemned, describing it as an outcome of India's " deeply entrenched hierarchical caste system ." Trial and High Court Verdict Initially: 15 individuals were charged. The trial court convicted 13 persons and acquitted 2. Upon appeal, the Madras High C...
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Location: Pune, Maharashtra, India
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India Lifts Over 170 Million People Out of Poverty: World Bank Report Sparks Political Credit War

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Massive Decline in Extreme Poverty, Says World Bank According to the World Bank’s latest "Poverty and Equity Brief" report, extreme poverty in India has dramatically declined between 2011-12 and 2022-23. The number of people living below the international poverty line (USD 2.15/day) dropped from 16.2% to just 2.3% , lifting 171 million people above extreme poverty. The findings also highlight a sharp fall in rural poverty from 18.4% to 2.8% , and a decrease in urban poverty from 10.7% to 1.1% during this period. The rural-urban poverty gap has significantly narrowed from 7.7 to 1.7 percentage points , indicating faster poverty alleviation in rural India. Government Claims Success of Inclusive Development Model The Narendra Modi-led Central Government quickly welcomed the World Bank's findings. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting issued a statement calling it a "decisive victory" against poverty and an endorsement of the government’s pro...
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Location: Pune, Maharashtra, India
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Uttar Pradesh Sets Ambitious Goal to Triple Exports by 2030 Amid Global Opportunities

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Turning Global Challenges into Opportunities In a major economic push, the Uttar Pradesh (UP) government has set an ambitious target to triple its exports by 2030 , leveraging the global trade shifts triggered by the ongoing US-China tariff war . An official statement released on Saturday highlighted how Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s administration is positioning UP to seize emerging opportunities amid global economic realignments. While the standoff between the world’s two largest economies presents a broader chance for India, Uttar Pradesh is particularly well-placed with its improving law and order situation , world-class infrastructure , and an abundant skilled workforce to emerge as a preferred investment destination. Rising Export Numbers with Strategic Schemes Since the launch of the highly successful One District One Product (ODOP) scheme, Uttar Pradesh’s exports have surged from ₹88,967 crore to over ₹2 lakh crore , marking a strong trajectory of growth. The ODO...
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Location: Pune, Maharashtra, India
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India's Direct Tax Collections Surge 15.6% to ₹27 Lakh Crore in FY 2024-25

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India's direct tax collections have showcased remarkable resilience and strength, growing by 15.59% in the financial year 2024-25 , according to data released by the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) . The gross direct tax mop-up rose to ₹27.02 lakh crore , up from ₹23.38 lakh crore recorded in FY 2023-24. Key Highlights of the Tax Collections Corporate Tax collections grew from ₹11.31 lakh crore to ₹12.72 lakh crore . Non-Corporate Tax collections surged from ₹11.68 lakh crore to ₹13.73 lakh crore . Securities Transaction Tax (STT) receipts witnessed an impressive jump from ₹34,192 crore to ₹53,296 crore . Wealth tax and other minor direct taxes saw a dip from ₹4,068 crore to ₹3,366 crore . After adjusting for refunds (which increased by 26.04% to ₹4.76 lakh crore ), the net direct tax collections stood at ₹22.26 lakh crore , reflecting a healthy 13.57% growth compared to last year’s ₹19.60 lakh crore. This strong performance indicates a buoyan...
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Location: Pune, Maharashtra, India
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Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025: Centre Defends Constitutionality in Supreme Court Amid National Debate

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Centre Files Affidavit in SC Defending Waqf Amendment Act, 2025 The Central Government has filed a preliminary affidavit before the Supreme Court of India urging the dismissal of petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 . The affidavit asserts that the new law does not infringe upon any fundamental rights or religious freedoms protected under Articles 25 and 26 of the Indian Constitution. Amendment Targets Administrative Regulation, Not Religious Practices In its affidavit, the Centre clarified that the amendments are limited to the secular domain , focusing on the regulation, management, and administration of Waqf properties . It argued that these changes are aimed at improving governance, transparency, and accountability within Waqf Boards, and do not interfere with religious practices . The government reiterated that the Waqf-by-user clause remains protected, provided it is registered by April 8, 2025. There is no mandatory requir...
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Location: Pune, Maharashtra, India
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India Suspends Indus Waters Treaty in Strong Response to Pahalgam Terror Attack

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In a bold and historic move following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, India has officially suspended the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 with Pakistan. The decision, confirmed at a high-level Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi , marks a significant escalation in diplomatic and strategic pressure on Pakistan. What Prompted the Decision? On April 22, a heinous terrorist attack in Pahalgam , Jammu & Kashmir, claimed the lives of 26 civilians , including a Nepali national. The attack, attributed to Pakistan-based terror outfits, prompted an emergency CCS meeting attended by top leadership— Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh , and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar . Key Announcements from the CCS Meeting Suspension of Indus Waters Treaty: India formally notified Pakistan of this suspension under Article XII (3) of the treaty, citing Pakistan's sustained support for cross-border terrorism . Closure...
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Location: Pune, Maharashtra, India
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SC Grants Interim Bail to Vikas Yadav in Nitish Katara Murder Case Till May 8

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  Context and Background The Supreme Court of India has granted interim bail to Vikas Yadav , a convict in the high-profile Nitish Katara murder case , until May 8, 2025 , due to the deteriorating health of his mother. Vikas Yadav, who is currently serving a 25-year sentence without remission , has been incarcerated for his role in the 2002 murder of Katara, which was deemed an honour killing. Vikas Yadav is the son of former UP politician DP Yadav , and was convicted along with his cousin Vishal Yadav for the abduction and brutal killing of Nitish Katara , a business executive who was reportedly in a romantic relationship with Bharti Yadav , Vikas's sister. Supreme Court's Directions and Conditions for Bail The bench led by Justice Abhay S Oka issued the interim bail considering humanitarian grounds, stating that the court was “only considering the case in the context of the health condition of the convict’s mother.” The conditions for interim bail are as follows: ...
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Location: Pune, Maharashtra, India
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Delhi High Court Issues Notice to Swiggy, Zepto Over App Inaccessibility for Visually Impaired Users

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Landmark plea raises concerns on digital inclusion and rights of persons with disabilities Background of the Case On Wednesday, the Delhi High Court issued notices to food delivery giants Swiggy and Zepto , along with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) , in a significant case concerning digital accessibility for visually impaired users . The petition, filed by the NGO Mission Accessibility , alleges that these companies' mobile applications are not designed to be accessible to persons with visual impairments, thereby violating multiple legal and constitutional provisions. The case was heard by Justice Sachin Datta , who directed all respondents to file their replies within four weeks . The matter will next be taken up on May 28, 2025 . Key Allegations by the Petitioner The petition, filed through advocates Sarah and Taha Bin Tasneem , with advocate Rahul Bajaj appearing for the petitioner, outlines specific issues related to the user interface...
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Location: Pune, Maharashtra, India
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India Takes Stern Measures Against Pakistan Following Pahalgam Terror Attack

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  India Takes Stern Measures Against Pakistan Following Pahalgam Terror Attack #NationalSecurity #IndiaStrikesBack #IndusWaterTreaty #PahalgamAttack A Strong Diplomatic & Strategic Message to Pakistan In the wake of the devastating Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians , including 25 Indian and one Nepali tourist, India has initiated a series of tough diplomatic, security, and strategic actions aimed at holding Pakistan accountable for supporting cross-border terrorism . On April 17, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) , chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi , held a high-level meeting in New Delhi where these decisions were finalized. Indus Waters Treaty Held in Abeyance One of the most significant announcements was the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 . Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated that the treaty will remain in abeyance until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures terrorism . This marks a major shift in India’s stance, leve...
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Location: Pune, Maharashtra, India
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Pahalgam Terror Attack: NIA Assists J&K Police in Deadliest Civilian Assault in Two Decades

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NIA Joins Investigation in Pahalgam A team from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrived at the Pahalgam terror attack site in Jammu & Kashmir’s Anantnag district on Wednesday, in what is being termed the deadliest attack on civilians in nearly 20 years. The visit follows the brutal killing of 26 tourists and the injury of over three dozen others at the Baisaran meadow, a popular destination often referred to as ‘Mini Switzerland’. Led by a Deputy Inspector General (DIG)-rank officer , the NIA team is currently assisting the Jammu and Kashmir Police in collecting forensic evidence and assessing the attack site. The case is likely to be officially handed over to the NIA by the Ministry of Home Affairs soon. Lashkar-e-Taiba Proxy Claims Responsibility According to initial reports, the attack was orchestrated by The Resistance Front (TRF) —a proxy outfit of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) . This development further escalates the geopolitical implications of...
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Location: Pune, Maharashtra, India
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How India's Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) Saved ₹3.5 Lakh Crore and Transformed Welfare Delivery

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What is Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)? Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) is a government initiative in India aimed at reforming the system of welfare delivery by transferring subsidies and financial assistance directly into the bank accounts of beneficiaries. It was formally launched in January 2013 and significantly expanded post-2014 under the Modi government as a key pillar of the Digital India mission . The DBT system utilizes the JAM trinity — Jan Dhan accounts, Aadhaar, and Mobile phones — to ensure direct, traceable, and efficient delivery of public welfare funds, eliminating the need for intermediaries. Key Findings: ₹3.48 Lakh Crore in Savings A recent report by the BlueKraft Digital Foundation , as cited by the Ministry of Finance , has revealed that DBT has led to cumulative savings of ₹3.48 lakh crore from 2009 to 2024 . These savings are primarily attributed to plugging leakages in subsidy delivery, eliminating ghost beneficiaries , and reducing administrative overheads ...
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Location: Pune, Maharashtra, India
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Gold Shines Bright in 2025: 25% Surge Makes Bullion the Star Performer

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Gold Surges 25% in Early 2025 Gold has delivered a standout performance in the first four months of 2025, surging nearly 25% and hitting all-time highs on both MCX (Multi Commodity Exchange of India) and COMEX (Commodity Exchange, U.S.) , according to a report by Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd (MOFSL) . In comparison, silver has also experienced a rally—rising by 15% on COMEX—though the scale and pace of its performance have lagged behind gold. What’s Driving the Rally? According to MOFSL, the rally in gold has been driven by: Heightened geopolitical tensions , particularly in Asia and the Middle East Escalating U.S.-China trade wars , with steep tariffs and retaliatory measures A global flight to safety amid fears of stagflation and slowing growth Weakening of the U.S. dollar , which has depreciated by over 7% against major global currencies in 2025 Central bank purchases , particularly from emerging economies like China Trump’s Tariffs and Global Trade T...
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Location: Pune, Maharashtra, India
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Supreme Court Under Fire: BJP MP Nishikant Dubey Sparks Controversy with Criticism of Judiciary

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BJP MP Questions Supreme Court's Role in Lawmaking In a politically charged statement, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey alleged that the Supreme Court of India is “inciting religious wars” and overstepping its constitutional mandate by interfering in legislative matters. Dubey questioned whether the Parliament should remain operational if the judiciary continues to dictate legal directives, suggesting that the top court has exceeded its jurisdiction. Context: Remarks Amid Waqf Amendment Act Hearing The remarks came in the backdrop of ongoing Supreme Court hearings on the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. The apex court had earlier suggested it might issue interim orders regarding contentious provisions, including the inclusion of non-Muslims in Waqf Boards and the authority of collectors in waqf property disputes. Dubey's Remarks and Legal References Citing Articles 141 and 368 of the Constitution, Dubey emphasized the separation of powers, asserting that wh...
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Location: Pune, Maharashtra, India
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No GST on UPI Transactions Above ₹2000: Ministry of Finance Clarifies

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💼 No GST on UPI Transactions Above ₹2000: Ministry of Finance Clarifies Government Responds to Misinformation The Ministry of Finance has officially debunked circulating claims about the imposition of Goods and Services Tax (GST) on UPI transactions exceeding ₹2,000 . In a public statement issued on Friday, the Ministry termed these reports as “completely false, misleading, and without any basis.” As of now, there is no proposal under consideration to levy GST on UPI (Unified Payments Interface) transactions above any threshold, including the ₹2,000 mark. Understanding the GST and MDR Framework The confusion seems to have arisen due to a lack of clarity around the Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) —a fee that was previously charged to merchants on digital transactions. To clarify: GST is levied only on MDR , not on the digital payment transaction itself. Since January 1, 2020 , as per a Gazette Notification dated December 30, 2019 , the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT...
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Location: Pune, Maharashtra, India
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