CBI busted fake passport racket in West Bengal, Sikkim; Two arrests, raids at 50 locations

The CBI received input that Debashish Bhattacharjee, Senior Passport Assistant (SPA) posted at RPO Kolkata, informed Sachin Kumar (accused) that he had processed 14 applications for which bribes should be transferred to him.  24 people, including 16 passport department officials, mainly from the Regional Passport Office (RPO), Kolkata, were named in the FIR, said the CBI official.  The officials and the middlemen were running a fake passport racket that was used to issue Indian travel documents to Nepalese citizens based on forged documents in exchange for hefty bribes.  Two Darjeeling-based…

India slips in Global Hunger Index report, ranks 111th among 125 countries; govt calls it ‘flawed’

With a score of 28.7 in the Global Hunger Index-2023, India has a level of hunger that is serious, according to a report based on the index.  India ranked 111th out of 125 countries in the Global Hunger Index-2023 with the country reporting the highest child wasting rate at 18.7 per cent.  The Global Hunger Index (GHI) is a tool for comprehensively measuring and tracking hunger at global, regional, and national levels.  India’s neighbouring countries Pakistan (102nd), Bangladesh (81st), Nepal (69th), and Sri Lanka (60th) have fared better than it…

Union Minister Parshottam Rupala calls for innovations to foster sustainable agri-food systems

Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Parshottam Rupala said that in view of the increasing food demand, environmental degradation and the challenges posed by climate change, there is an urgent need to transform agri-food systems into sustainable enterprises through scientific innovations. He was speaking after inaugurating the 16th Agricultural Science Congress (ASC) in Kochi today. Shri Rupala added that the agricultural scientists should strive to infuse greater mechanisation in the agriculture production process and develop and popularise specialised farm implements for women in agriculture. Union Minister shared his observation…

Union Ayush Minister launched month long Ayurveda celebration drive of Ministry of Ayush,

Union Minister of Ayush and Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shri Sarbananda Sonowal   unveiled month long celebration drive regarding 8th National Ayurveda Day across India in a curtain raiser press conference at media center, today.  Ayurveda Day is celebrated across India as a mark of respect to Lord Dhanvantari, God of Ayurveda. It also coincides with Dhanteras, seeking Lord’s blessings for sound health for themselves and others. Addressing the media persons Union Minister emphasized on the “Jan Sandesh, Jan Bhagidhari and Jan Andolan for Jan Arogya aspect of Ayurveda, and said,”…

PRESIDENT OF INDIA TO VISIT JAMMU AND KASHMIR FROM OCTOBER 11 TO 12

The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu will visit Jammu and Kashmir from October 11 to 12, 2023. On October 11, 2023, the President will grace the 20th convocation of the University of Kashmir at Srinagar. On the same day, she will interact with the members of local tribal groups and women Self Help Groups at Raj Bhavan, Srinagar. The President will also attend a civic reception to be hosted in her honour at the Raj Bhavan. On October 12, 2023, the President will visit Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine where she will…

Jagannath temple in Puri to enforce dress code for devotees from January 1

Dress code for devotees in Puri’s Jagannath from Jan 1, temple authorities start awareness programme.  The kind of dresses to be allowed will soon be decided.  Security personnel deployed at ‘Singha Dwar’ of the temple, and Pratihari servitors inside the temple have been assigned the responsibility to enforce the code.  People wearing half-plants, shorts, torn jeans, skirts, and sleeveless dresses will not be allowed entry into the temple  Not just Puri and temples in Uttar Pradesh, dress codes are being implemented in temples across India.  The 12th-century Jagannath temple in…

About 18,000 Indians living and working in Israel, are “safe, so far…”; The Govt making all efforts to evacuate Indian nationals

Indian expats in Israel awoke to sirens on Saturday when Hamas launched a massive attack on the country.   There are about 18,000 Indians living in the conflict-hit nation.  A Kerala native was reportedly injured; however, others are safe and in touch with the Indian embassy.  So far, at least 1,100 people have died and thousands wounded on both sides, according to AFP.  A report suggests there are roughly 85,000 Jews of Indian descent living in Israel.  Govt making all efforts to evacuate Indian nationals.  Indian expats in Israel awoke…

Sagar Parikrama: A successful journey towards resolving issues of fishers on ground

A massive fishers and fish farmers outreach program namely Sagar Parikrama Yatra led by Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Shri Parshottam Rupala is being undertaken since March 2022 through a pre-decided sea route from Gujarat to West Bengal covering around 8000 km of India’s coastline. Sagar Parikrama aims to meet the fishers at their door-steps and understand their issues and grievances, promote sustainable fishing and publicise the schemes and programs of the government and it has been instrumental so far. During Sagar Parikrama, fishers get an opportunity…

Ministry of Culture Organizes Curtain Raiser and logo launch event for IAADB

Ministry of Culture organized the curtain raiser event for the India Art Architecture Design Biennale (IAADB ‘23) last evening at the National Gallery of Modern Art, Delhi along with the Logo launch for the Biennale. In a video message,  the Union Minister for Culture, Tourism, and DONER, announced that the Ministry of Culture is hosting its inaugural India Art Architecture Design Biennale in December 2023, with events scheduled in Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru. He extended his best wishes for the Biennale’s success. Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture…

PM conveys best wishes to air warriors and their families on Air Force Day

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has conveyed his best wishes to air warriors and their families on the occasion of Air Force Day. The Prime Minister posted on X: “Best wishes to all air warriors and their families on Air Force Day. India is proud of the valour, commitment and dedication of the Indian Air Force. Their great service and sacrifice ensure our skies are safe.” **