General news

Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation is exploring the establishment of a Rs 25,000-crore Interest Stabilisation Reserve. This reserve aims to protect members’ interest payouts from corporate bond defaults and other market fluctuations. A report suggested that the fund should be built via surplus ETF gains and will invest in government securities. Historical performance indicates that this reserve can effectively manage interest rate stability.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge's comment about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's father sparked widespread outrage among BJP members. Following the incident, the BJP announced nationwide protests against Kharge's remarks, labeling them indecent and offensive. Union home minister Amit Shah criticized Congress for personal attacks and blamed it on their electoral disappointments. Kharge also condemned the ongoing Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, describing it as a threat to democ

The Delhi Police has launched an FIR targeting Congress MPs who attended the student protests at Jamia Millia Islamia. The MPs are accused of entering the university without permission amid ongoing demands for reinstating the students' union. Protesters are also calling for a halt to disciplinary measures against students and improved campus facilities, while university officials draft guidelines for upcoming union elections, adding to the complexity of the situation.

Dr. Navin C. Shah has committed $525,000 to establish a new infectious disease program at BJ Government Medical College. The initiative aims to enhance research, medical training, and patient care for underserved communities in Pune. Collaborating with Johns Hopkins University, the program will focus on public health challenges like tuberculosis and HIV. Faculty and student exchanges are also planned to foster international cooperation in medicine.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens to support local artisans by prioritizing their products while shopping for festivals. He emphasized that doing so would strengthen the 'Vocal for Local' campaign and promote a self-reliant India. Modi highlighted successful local exports such as makhana and arhar dal to various international markets. Additionally, he discussed efforts aimed at reviving traditional skills and farming practices, including natural cotton cultivation.

In his latest statements, external affairs minister S Jaishankar called for a more robust leadership from the UN to confront pressing world issues. He highlighted a significant gap in global decision-making that leaves many regions, particularly in the Global South, behind in critical areas like finance, fuel, food, and fertilizer. Emphasizing the importance of fair AI development, Jaishankar encourages strategies that ensure widespread access to its benefits, fostering international cooperation

The Centre has deployed two Rapid Action Force companies comprising around 250 CRPF personnel to Arunachal Pradesh following violent protests against the proposed 11,200-MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project. A mob torched an NHPC office and a police station in Pasighat, injuring over 40 police personnel. The project, seen as a strategic counter to China’s mega dam, faces opposition from indigenous tribes fearing displacement and submergence of villages.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Reserve Bank of India's data centre and Cybersecurity Training Institute. This inauguration is aimed at strengthening Odisha's digital infrastructure and enhancing financial data security. The data centre in Jatni will be the second of its kind in the country, following Navi Mumbai. Modi's visit includes a helicopter journey to Khurda before reaching the data centre.

Union home minister Amit Shah announced Operation Trident, which targeted an international narcotics cartel in India. The operation, conducted in Assam, Mizoram, and Manipur, uncovered significant hawala transactions and led to arrests. Authorities froze numerous bank accounts and seized illegal items, including detonators and cash. Shah emphasized the government's commitment to eradicating drug networks by December 31, 2029.