Bill to ease penalties for low-quality drugs passed in Parliament

The Rajya Sabha has passed the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2023, which aims to promote ease of business by decriminalising minor offences and replacing prosecution with direct penalties. The bill includes changes to the Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940, allowing compounding, or paying a fine instead of imprisonment, for substandard medicines. Experts have raised concerns that this change will dilute punishment for manufacturers, potentially compromising public health. The government argues that the amendment is necessary to create a conducive ecosystem for manufacturers. The bill was previously passed by the Lok Sabha on 27 July.

SC pauses release of women SSC officers to keep morale of force high

Supreme Court halts release of women Short Service Commission officers until August, emphasizing their importance and morale. The court seeks to protect their interests, noting their significant contributions and challenging systemic discrimination in the Indian Army.

India’s envoy to UK says Pakistan chose escalation over de-escalation after Pahalgam terror attack

India's High Commissioner to the UK, Vikram Doraiswami, emphasized that India's military response to the recent terrorist attacks in Pahalgam was targeted solely at terror infrastructure. He criticized Pakistan for escalating tensions instead of de-escalating the conflict, urging international intervention to encourage Pakistan to take an "off-ramp." Doraiswami reiterated India's commitment to avoiding military escalation while addressing concerns about further conflict.

Indo-Pak military conflict: Air-raid sirens being installed in Delhi

Delhi authorities are ramping up security measures amid rising tensions with Pakistan, including installing air sirens, deploying civil defense personnel, and conducting mock drills. Heavy security is in place at key locations, while control rooms are being activated and awareness campaigns planned. Additionally, government employees are prohibited from taking leave until further notice.

Rajasthan: Train services cancelled in Barmer, Jaisalmer amid Indo-Pak tensions

Indian Railways cancelled multiple trains in Barmer and Jaisalmer due to Indo-Pak tensions. Border districts are under blackout after Pakistan's attempted drone and missile strikes, minimizing civilian movement in sensitive zones.

Pakistani shelling devastates Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch, reduces homes to ruins | Videos

Pakistani Army's heavy shelling across Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch sector caused extensive damage, injuring 44 people. Homes, vehicles destroyed. Tensions escalate after India's Operation Sindoor, with civilians forced to migrate.

Hurriyat Conference Mirwaiz Farooq urges India, Pakistan to ease rising tensions

Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq called for India and Pakistan to de-escalate rising tensions, warning of potential destruction and suffering for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He expressed sorrow over the ongoing conflict and highlighted the hardships faced by civilians, while also lamenting restrictions that prevented him from attending Friday prayers.

LG Sinha visits J&K's Uri to assess damage after Pakistani shelling in border villages

Jammu and Kashmir's Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha visited the Uri sector to assess damage from recent Pakistani shelling. He instructed local authorities to provide immediate relief to affected families and ensure their safety. Sinha interacted with residents of heavily shelled areas and emphasized national support for those impacted by the violence.

Tech Tonic | Why are AI companies this interested in Google Chrome?

AI companies eye Google Chrome for its massive user base and data potential, amid potential forced divestiture by DOJ. Perplexity, OpenAI, and others show interest in acquiring the browser, signaling a transformative shift towards AI-driven browsing experiences.

228 flights cancelled in 2 days at Delhi airport as India-Pak tensions persist

Delhi Airport cancels 228 flights in two days due to India-Pakistan tensions. Airspace restrictions affect domestic and international travel. 24 airports closed, security heightened after Pakistani drone and missile attack. Passengers advised to expect delays and cooperate with staff.

NIA chargesheets four persons for involvement in supplying weapons to Naxals

The National Investigation Agency has filed charges against four individuals?Vikash Kumar, Satyam Kumar, Devmani Rai, and Ahmad Ansari?for allegedly supplying weapons to Naxalites and other criminal groups. They are charged under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Unlawful Activities Act following an investigation linked to the seizure of an AK-47 in Bihar.

Congress organises nationwide ‘Jai Hind Yatra’ in support of armed forces

Congress launched nationwide 'Jai Hind Yatra' rallies supporting armed forces, condemning Pakistan's terror activities. The party praised Indian military's cross-border strikes, urged public solidarity, and opposed international financial aid to Pakistan.

‘Avoid panic buying; India has enough food, fertiliser, fuel stocks’: Centre

India assures ample supplies of food, fertilizers, and fuel amid tensions with Pakistan. Government urges against panic buying, confirms stable prices and smooth supply lines. Officials emphasize sufficient stocks and readiness to maintain essential services if needed.

Chandigarh administration cancels UT employees' leaves amid tensions with Pakistan

The Chandigarh Administration has canceled leaves for UT employees amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan, requiring them to remain at their headquarters. Similarly, the Haryana government has imposed restrictions on state employees, particularly in the health department. These measures follow recent missile strikes by Indian forces on terror targets in Pakistan in response to a previous attack.

BJP functionary booked over objectionable Facebook posts in Uttar Pradesh's Ballia

An FIR has been filed against Anil Soni, a BJP office-bearer in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh, for allegedly posting offensive remarks on Facebook targeting the Muslim community. The complaint cites derogatory comments about Prophet Muhammad and a controversial post about sugarcane juice. Protests erupted locally, demanding legal action, and police confirmed that investigations are underway.

Pope Leo XIV: Revisiting Cardinal Robert Prevost’s two trips to Kochi

Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, was ordained priests in Kochi in 2004. As an Augustinian, he's the first American pope, known for humility and compassion. His two visits to India deeply impacted local Catholic communities, emphasizing simplicity and support for the oppressed.