The Human Rights Congress for Bangladesh Minorities (HRCBM) on Saturday asserted that blasphemy allegations have become a deadly instrument of persecution in the country — one that increasingly places religious minorities in mortal danger.

The rights body stated that this reality culminated in one of the most horrifying acts of communal violence in recent months when Hindu youth Dipu Chandra Das was brutally killed in a mob lynching on Thursday night in Bhaluka Upazila of Mymensingh district over false blasphemy accusations, with his body subsequently set ablaze.

Citing eyewitness testimonies, the HRCBM mentioned that Das may have been alive when he was set on fire, and that police intervention to save him was either delayed or missing at a critical moment.

“The killing of Dipu Chandra Das is not an isolated incident. It reflects a systemic and accelerating pattern in which blasphemy allegations are weaponised to terrorise, dispossess, and eliminate minority citizens,” the HRCBM stated.

The HRBM stressed that the brutal killing of Das not only violated individual criminal statutes but also breached the very foundations of Bangladesh’s constitutional order and its binding international obligations.

“The deliberate lynching and subsequent burning of a human being—whether alive or post-mortem—constitute grave crimes in themselves. To isolate debate solely around the act of burning is therefore legally and morally inadequate; the entire sequence represents a total collapse of the rule of law,” it added.

The rights body stated that this was not “mob justice” but an extrajudicial killing carried out under a false religious pretext, intended not only to kill one man, but to terrorise an entire minority community into submission and silence.

“Such acts represent serious social and institutional decay. When repeated with impunity, they do not remain isolated crimes; they become signals, teaching both perpetrators and victims that minority lives are dispensable, and that violence will be tolerated or excused,” the HRCBM noted.

Earlier this month, the rights body documented 73 blasphemy-related incidents in 32 districts from January to November 2025, warning that Bangladesh is facing a deepening human rights crisis driven by the misuse of blasphemy allegations.

According to the HRCBM, a significant number of these cases involved fabricated or manipulated digital evidence, including hacked social media accounts, fake screenshots, impersonation, or unverified online posts, often leading to arrests or mob violence without any cyber-forensic verification.

It added that Das became one of the most tragic symbols of this pattern—where an allegation alone was enough to destroy a life.

Condemning the brutal killing, the rights body said, “He was accused without proof, removed from his workplace, lynched by a mob, and set on fire. Whether death occurred before or during the burning, the meaning of the act remains unchanged: impunity has emboldened brutality, and minority lives have been rendered expendable.”

US Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem said Saturday that the US forces seized another oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela earlier in the day.

“In a pre-dawn action early this morning on Dec. 20, the US Coast Guard with the support of the Department of War apprehended an oil tanker that was last docked in Venezuela,” Noem said on X.

The US military seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela on December 10, a move the Venezuelan government condemned as “a blatant theft and an act of international piracy,” Xinhua news agency reported.

US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that he has ordered a total blockade of all US-sanctioned oil tankers traveling to and from Venezuela. He also said in a later interview that the United States will continue seizing additional oil tankers.

Venezuela is completely surrounded by the largest Armada ever assembled in the History of South America,” Trump wrote in a lengthy post on his social media platform. “It will only get bigger, and the shock to them will be like nothing they have ever seen before — Until such time as they return to the United States of America all of the Oil, Land, and other Assets that they previously stole from us.”

In the post, Trump announced “A TOTAL AND COMPLETE BLOCKADE OF ALL SANCTIONED OIL TANKERS going into, and out of, Venezuela” and demanded the return of oil and assets.

The Venezuelan government responded to Trump’s post, calling his declaration a “reckless and serious threat,” against the country that it says violates international law, free trade and freedom of navigation.

“The President of the United States intends to impose in an absolutely irrational manner, a supposed naval military blockade on Venezuela with the objective of stealing the wealth that belongs to our homeland,” the Venezuelan government said in a statement.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that he generally supports the idea of a trilateral meeting involving the national security advisors of Ukraine, the United States and Russia, expressing cautious optimism about the prospect of such a meeting.

Zelensky said the proposal was put forward by the United States and conveyed to him by Ukraine’s chief peace negotiator, Rustem Umerov, Xinhua news agency reported quoting the Interfax-Ukraine news agency.

Zelensky said that he was not sure that the meeting would bring something new, but noted that the result of previous talks in Türkiye was the return of captured soldiers and civilians.

“I am very glad that we had exchanges. Our people, our military, primarily prisoners, returned home. And civilians. And therefore we need to take such steps,” he said.

Zelensky added that “if the results are exchanges or some other agreements, I cannot be against it, then we support the proposal of the United States of America. Let’s see how it goes.”

He noted, however, that the most difficult issues in the ongoing peace process remain unresolved, including territorial issues, control over the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, and funding for Ukraine’s reconstruction.

US President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner are expected to represent the US side, while the Russian delegation is expected to include Russian President Vladimir Putin’s special envoy Kirill Dmitriev, said the report.

Ukrainian National Security Advisor Rustem Umerov is also expected to meet with the US delegation separately in Miami or another location in the United States.

The US, European and Ukrainian officials have reached consensus or significantly closed gaps on 90 per cent of their differences on a 20-point US draft peace plan during the Berlin talks last weekend, officials with the Trump administration said.

The ruling BJP on Friday reiterated its allegation of a link between billionaire investor George Soros and Rahul Gandhi, claiming that the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha met “enemies of India” during his recent visit to Germany.

Questioning what kind of “conspiracy he was hatching against the country” by “joining hands with such forces”, party spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia shared a purported photograph of Gandhi with Berlin-based Hertie School President Prof. Cornelia Woll and described it as “proof” of his meeting “anti-India forces” abroad.

Addressing the media, Bhatia claimed that Woll is one of the trustees of the Central European University, which he said is funded by a foundation associated with US-based billionaire George Soros.

“Rahul Gandhi and George Soros are like flesh and soul, and now further proof of this has emerged. Why is it that whenever a Parliament session is underway, Rahul Gandhi travels abroad and meets people who are enemies of India, who are jealous of India, and who attack India’s integrity? What kind of anti-India agenda is this, in which the Leader of the Opposition is conspiring against India with foreign forces?” Bhatia alleged.

This is not the first time Rahul Gandhi has been “found linked to anti-India activities”, Bhatia further claimed, calling him the “Mir Jafar of India.”

“George Soros gives anti-India statements, works against India, and funds riots. But he is not an Indian citizen—unlike Gandhi, who has taken an oath to protect India’s Constitution,” he added.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly preparing to brief US President Donald Trump about a possible plan to attack Iran again amid concerns over Tehran’s expanding ballistic missile program.

Netanyahu is expected to meet President Trump later this month in Florida. While the meeting has not been formally scheduled yet, Trump has said that the Israeli Prime Minister wants to see him.

Israel, on the other hand, has confirmed a meeting between Trump and Netanyahu on December 29.

According to a report by NBC, “Netanyahu is expected to make the case to Trump that Iran’s expansion of its ballistic missile program poses a threat that could necessitate swift action.”

Earlier in June this year, Israel and Iran launched air strikes against each other. The fighting started after Israel’s targeted air strikes on Iranian nuclear and military facilities.

The Israeli attacks were part of Israel’s operation “Rising Lion” aimed at destroying Iran’s nuclear capabilities.

Later, the United States also joined Israel in its war against Iran as American fighter jets bombed three Iranian nuclear sites, including the highly fortified Fordow (Fordo).

Iran’s Fordow nuclear facility, which was the primary target of the US attack, was constructed with reinforced concrete at a depth of 80-90 m under the mountain rocks. It could only be penetrated by the massive GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator, which only the US has.

According to US media reports, six B-2 bombers had dropped a dozen 30,000-pound GBU-57 bunker buster bombs at the Fordow nuclear site.

After the attack, Trump had claimed the US strikes had completely obliterated Iran’s nuclear capabilities.

Bangladesh youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi was laid to rest on Saturday beside the grave of poet Kazi Nazrul Islam near the Dhaka University Central Mosque, amid tight security.

Hadi, leader of Inqilab Mancha, was shot dead on December 12 by unidentified assailants. He died in Singapore while undergoing treatment for the gunshot injuries sustained during a campaign-related attack in Dhaka.

Chief Adviser of Bangladesh’s interim government Muhammad Yunus and Army Chief General Waker-uz-Zaman attended the funeral.

In an emotional speech, Yunus said that Hadi would remain in the hearts of all Bangladeshis. “You are in our hearts, and you will remain in the hearts of all Bangladeshis as long as the country exists,” he said.

Following the funeral prayers, thousands of Hadi’s supporters gathered at Dhaka’s Shahbagh intersection, where Inqilab Mancha issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the Yunus administration to arrest those responsible for Hadi’s killing.

The crowd shouted slogans including “Inqilab, Inqilab – Zindabad, Zindabad” and “Not Delhi, Dhaka–Dhaka, Dhaka.”

Hadi’s murder—he was a youth leader who rose to prominence during the student-led uprising against ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina—triggered widespread violence, with supporters demanding swift action against the perpetrators.

Following news of his death, protests erupted in Dhaka and several other cities, with attacks reported on media houses, political offices, and cultural institutions.

Yunus reiterated that those responsible would be brought to justice and urged citizens to remain calm.

The Haryana Right to Service Commission has adopted a strict approach in a case relating to a plot of the Haryana Urban Development Authority (HUDA) in Faridabad.

The Commission observed that despite clear directions issued in its interim order dated October 8, 2025, the delayed possession interest at the rate of 5.5 per cent, as stipulated in the allotment letter, has still not been paid. The Commission termed this lapse as highly unfortunate and unjustified.

The Commission stated that no satisfactory explanation was provided by the competent officers of HUDA, despite the Estate Officer having raised a timely demand for the additional amount. Copies of the orders had been sent to both the field office and the headquarters; non-compliance despite this reflects serious administrative negligence.

The Commission further clarified that it is not a forum meant to provide administrative guidance to officers and expects greater due diligence from them in the future.

Sharing more details, the Commission’s spokesperson said that based on the assurances given during the hearing, directions have been issued to immediately transfer the amount demanded by the Estate Officer and to ensure that the delayed possession interest is credited to the allottee’s account by December 19, 2025. Any further delay will compel the Commission to initiate penal action against the concerned officer.

The Commission also expressed serious concern over the decision taken in 2022 to conduct e-auctions in Sectors 76 and 77, Faridabad, without completion of development works. Fixing responsibility on the then Chief Administrator of HUDA, the Commission stated that this “assumption-based decision” caused unnecessary hardship not only to the present allottee but to several other allottees as well. The matter has also been brought to the notice of the Chief Secretary, Haryana, for appropriate action.

The Commission further observed that HUDA lacks a proactive and well-structured mechanism for granting delayed possession interest at its own level. In most cases, relief is extended to allottees only after the Commission’s intervention, which the Commission described as a matter of serious concern.

Taking into account the mental agony and harassment suffered by the allottee, the Commission has ordered payment of the maximum compensation of Rs 5,000 under Section 17(1)(h) of the Haryana Right to Service Act, 2014. The Authority has been directed to make the payment upfront and subsequently recover the amount from the officer found responsible.

The Commission has also directed the concerned officers to ensure time-bound compliance and to submit compliance reports within the stipulated timelines.

REC Limited, a Maharatna Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Power, has secured top honours at the 5th PSU Transformation Awards 2025, winning accolades across four prestigious categories. The recognitions underscore REC’s strong commitment to operational resilience, sustainability, robust governance and digital transformation.

In the category of Resilience in Action Award, REC was conferred the Silver Award for ‘Cyber Defense & Resilience’. The award was received by Shri K. Venugopal, Senior General Manager (IT) & Head of Department – CISO, along with the CISO team, in recognition of REC’s strengthened cyber security framework and preparedness against evolving digital threats.

Under the Green PSU Award category, REC received the Gold Award for ‘ESG Leadership & Net-Zero Operations’. The honour was accepted by Shri Awanish Kumar Bharati, General Manager (Finance) and Ms. Neha Sharma, Deputy General Manager (Finance), highlighting REC’s leadership in environmental, social and governance practices and its continued efforts towards achieving net-zero goals.

REC’s focus on enterprise risk management was recognised with the Risk Management Leader Award for ‘ISO 31000 for Risk Management – Guidelines’. The award was received by Shri Jeetender Kumar, Deputy General Manager (Finance) and Shri Hitesh Kumar Meena, Deputy Manager, acknowledging the successful implementation of internationally aligned risk management practices across the organisation.

Further strengthening its digital credentials, REC won the Rising Star Award for ‘REC Limited Official Website Transformation: A Digital Gateway to a New Corporate Identity’. The award was received by Shri Ujjal Mondal, Assistant Manager (BDM), recognising the transformation of REC’s official website into a modern, user-centric digital platform.

These multiple recognitions at the 5th PSU Transformation Awards 2025 reaffirm REC Limited’s unwavering pursuit of excellence and its continued focus on innovation, sustainability, good governance and digital advancement in support of India’s power and infrastructure development goals.

India is witnessing a worrying rise in Non-Communicable Diseases, which are linked to obesity in one way or another, and which account for nearly 63 per cent of overall mortality, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, said on Saturday.

“Weight reducing or anti-obesity drugs, currently available, ought to be used very judiciously,” the Minister said while addressing the inaugural session of the 2-day “Asia Oceania Conference on Obesity” (AOCO).

Dr. Singh, who is himself a noted Diabetologist and Professor of Medicine, said obesity is a complex, chronic and relapsing disorder, and not merely a cosmetic or lifestyle concern, calling for a whole-of-society approach to effectively combat what has emerged as one of India’s most pressing public health challenges.

He pointed out that conditions such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and certain cancers are linked to obesity, including central or visceral obesity, which is particularly prevalent among Indians and poses independent health risks even beyond overall body weight.

Referring to the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Minister said it is unprecedented in the Indian context for a Prime Minister to repeatedly speak about obesity and lifestyle-related diseases from national platforms.

He highlighted that the Prime Minister’s emphasis on small, sustainable changes in food habits and daily routines reflects a clear recognition of obesity as a national priority, closely aligned with initiatives such as FIT India, Khelo India and the broader vision of preventive healthcare.

Dr. Singh said since 2014, health has moved to the centre of national policymaking, with the government focusing on prevention, affordability, and early intervention.

He cited Ayushman Bharat, mass screening programmes and India’s growing global leadership in preventive healthcare, including the development of indigenous vaccines, as examples of this shift.

Dr. Singh also highlighted the government’s emphasis on integrating traditional systems of medicine through a dedicated Ministry of AYUSH.

The Minister cautioned against the growing commercialisation and misinformation surrounding obesity management, warning that unscientific claims and so-called quick-fix solutions often mislead people and distract them from evidence-based care.

He stressed that formal approvals alone do not always tell the full story in clinical practice, recalling how the widespread adoption of refined oils in earlier decades led to unintended long-term health consequences.

Emphasising the need to protect public interest, Dr. Singh called for sustained efforts to counter myths and disinformation, particularly through the responsible use of modern media and digital platforms.

Following the Kollam Vigilance court’s order directing the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the case to hand over all documents related to the case including the FIR, remand reports and other connected records to the Enforcement Directorate (ED), the Central agency has begun the process of probing the alleged money-laundering aspects linked to the Sabarimala gold theft.

The Kochi unit of the ED has written to ED Directorate in Delhi seeking permission to register an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR)in Sabarimala gold robbery. It is expected that the required nod would be received by Monday. If permission is granted, the ECIR will be registered on Monday or Tuesday. As a first step, the ED has decided to record the statements of the accused in the case who are now in jail.

Bhopal too became a ‘metro’ city on Saturday. The capital of Madhya Pradesh joined the elite list of Indian cities with metro rail services. Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav formally inaugurated the first phase of the Bhopal Metro on Saturday evening.

The metro service for the public will start from the morning of 21 December. The initial service, the ‘Priority Corridor – Orange Line’, will operate along a stretch of about 7 km between Subhash Nagar and AIIMS Bhopal. It includes eight elevated stations.

On the occasion, Khattar said that India currently ranks third in the world in metro line coverage. He informed that India had a 1,083 km metro network, which has now increased to 1,090 km with today’s addition. The minister added that China currently has the longest metro network in the world.

Khattar said that India would soon surpass the USA in metro line length. “Bhopal has become the 26th city in the country to have metro trains,” he said. “America is in second place globally with a 1,400 km-long network. We have 900 km of metro projects in the pipeline, and India will surpass the USA mark of 1,400 km with the addition of 300 km soon.”

The estimated cost of the Bhopal Metro is ₹10,033 crore, with the Priority Corridor accounting for ₹2,225 crore. According to officials, the Orange Line service is expected to carry 3,000 passengers daily. The minimum fare has been fixed at ₹20.

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya on Saturday launched a sharp attack on Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, alleging that the mafia and the Samajwadi Party “cannot survive without each other.”

Referring to the codeine-based cough syrup case, Maurya said that whoever is found guilty—no matter who they are—will face strict action. He added that investigations by the police and the Enforcement Directorate are underway, and no one involved in the crime will be saved “by Akhilesh Yadav or his company.”

Maurya further accused Akhilesh Yadav of “walking the path of theft and arrogance.” He said that whether the accused are those named by Akhilesh Yadav or individuals emerging during the ongoing investigation, “every single culprit will be identified and arrested, and strict action will be taken as per the law.”

He described such crimes as a betrayal of society, saying that those who “poison people in the name of syrup” are enemies of society who cannot be spared under any circumstances.

Targeting Akhilesh Yadav over the voter list revision, Maurya claimed that during the Bihar elections, Akhilesh had hoped his relative Tejashwi Yadav would become Chief Minister, which would subsequently strengthen his own political prospects. “Since returning after losing the Bihar election, his mental balance has been disturbed,” Maurya alleged.

He said that a review of Akhilesh Yadav’s old tweets shows that “he uses a new term every day” regarding the voter list revision. According to Maurya, purification of the voter list was “extremely necessary.”

He thanked the Election Commission for undertaking the exercise, saying such revisions have been carried out at regular intervals in the past as well. The current process, he said, is essential for the future to ensure voter authenticity and to create a voter list free from foreign infiltrators. The campaign includes removing names of deceased voters, eliminating duplicate registrations, and adding new voters aged 18 and above.

Maurya said BJP workers are working diligently at the booth level regarding Form-6. In contrast, he alleged that the Samajwadi Party “does not have workers, only goons, mafia, and criminals.” He added that BJP’s booth-level strength comes from its committed workers.

On the issue of reservation, Maurya said there would be no compromise of any kind. “Reservation meant for OBC, SC, ST, and economically weaker sections of the general category will certainly be given to them,” he said.

Regarding Lekhpal recruitment, Maurya said the entire appointment process will remain transparent, and strict action will be taken against any officer found guilty of wrongdoing. He said he has written to both the Chief Minister and the Chief Secretary, directing immediate correction of mistakes and necessary action.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said the Union government has taken strict measures to stop infiltration, with identification processes underway to remove illegal infiltrators.

The Prime Minister emphasized that the Opposition and their alliance have openly adopted anti-national agendas, even as the Supreme Court has spoken about removing infiltrators.

Modi, who inaugurated the New Terminal Building of Lokapriya Gopinath Bardoloi International Airport in Guwahati, noted that these parties are issuing statements in defence of infiltrators, and their lawyers are pleading in court to settle them.

Addressing the gathering on the occasion, PM Modi said when the Election Commission is conducting the SIR process to ensure fair elections, these groups are opposing it.

The Prime Minister underlined that such people will not protect the interests of Assamese brothers and sisters, and will allow others to occupy their land and forests.

He warned that their anti-national mindset could recreate the violence and unrest of earlier times.

PM Modi stressed that it is therefore essential to remain vigilant, for the people of Assam to stay united, and to continue defeating the Opposition’s conspiracies to prevent Assam’s development from being derailed.

He said Assam is playing the role of a bridge connecting India with ASEAN countries. The Prime Minister affirmed that this beginning will go much further, and Assam will become an engine of developed India in many sectors.

PM Modi highlighted that through the Act East Policy, the Northeast has been given priority, and today, Assam is emerging as India’s Eastern Gateway.

Criticising the previous governments for keeping Assam and the Northeast away from development, PM Modi said the nation had to pay a heavy price in terms of security, unity, and integrity.

He highlighted that under Opposition rule, violence thrived for decades, whereas in the last 10–11 years, efforts are being made to end it.

The Prime Minister said where once violence and bloodshed prevailed in the Northeast, today digital connectivity through 4G and 5G technology is reaching these areas.

He emphasised that districts once considered violence-affected are now developing as aspirational districts, and in the coming times, these very regions will become industrial corridors.

PM Modi underlined that a new confidence has arisen regarding the Northeast, and stressed the need to strengthen it further.

The Prime Minister remarked that success in the development of Assam and the Northeast is also being achieved because the government is safeguarding the identity and culture of the region.

He highlighted the Opposition by conspiring to erase this identity, and this conspiracy was not limited to just a few years.

“The roots of this wrongdoing go back to the pre-independence era, when the Muslim League and the British government were preparing the ground for India’s partition, and at that time there was also a plan to make Assam a part of undivided Bengal, that is, East Pakistan,” the Prime Minister said.

“Congress was going to be part of this conspiracy, but Bardoloi stood against his own party, opposed this plot to destroy Assam’s identity, and saved Assam from being separated from the country,” PM Modi said.

The Prime Minister emphasised that their party rises above party lines to honor every patriot, and under the leadership of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, when their government came to power, Bardoloi was conferred the Bharat Ratna.

PM Modi said the government under Himanta Biswa Sarma is working diligently to free Assam’s resources from illegal and anti-national encroachments.

He highlighted that efforts are being made at every level to ensure Assam’s resources benefit the people of Assam.

“Assam and the entire Northeast are becoming the new gateway of India’s development,” emphasised PM Modi, highlighting that the vision of multi-modal connectivity has transformed both the condition and direction of this region.

Leader of the Opposition and BJP state president Babulal Marandi has written to Chief Minister Hemant Soren, alleging large-scale irregularities in the MBBS admission process for the 2025–26 academic session conducted by the Jharkhand Entrance Competitive Examination Board (JCECEB).

In his letter, Marandi claimed that serious violations of Medical Counselling Committee guidelines occurred during counselling, resulting in meritorious Jharkhand candidates being denied admission while several out-of-state candidates allegedly secured seats using forged caste and residential certificates.

He referred to a three-member inquiry committee constituted by the Health, Medical Education and Family Welfare Department, which reportedly found multiple cases of fake documents and recommended an independent investigation. Marandi alleged that JCECEB conducted counselling without linking its portal with the National Testing Agency database, enabling post-result changes in category and domicile details, in violation of established norms.

Citing specific instances from RIMS, Dhanbad, Hazaribag and other medical colleges, Marandi alleged collusion between officials and candidates, and said some admissions were stopped only after complaints surfaced in the media.

He demanded immediate cancellation of the entire counselling process, fresh counselling strictly as per rules, suspension or dismissal of erring officials, and a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation to ensure justice to genuine Jharkhand aspirants.

Union Health Minister JP Nadda said on Saturday that King George Medical University (KGMU) has served humanity not only in India but across the world.

Students who have graduated from here are currently serving in many countries around the globe, he said.

Nadda made these remarks while addressing the convocation ceremony held at the KGMU Convention Center. He said that KGMU has a glorious history, and being associated with such an institution is a matter of great fortune.

Nadda said that KGMU has carved a niche for itself in the field of liver and kidney transplants. He said that the convocation ceremony is a golden opportunity in the lives of students, as it marks the beginning of great responsibilities.

Addressing the students, the health minister said, “The role of a doctor is not limited to treatment alone, but also includes fulfilling social responsibilities. When a patient comes to a doctor, they come with the hope of protection and preservation of life. Curing a patient is not an easy task; it requires sensitivity and dedication.”

He said that until the 20th century, there was only one AIIMS in the country, but under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, 23 AIIMS have been established across the country. Earlier, medical students used to go abroad for higher education, but now world-class institutions, infrastructure, and facilities are available in India itself.

JP Nadda said that massive changes are taking place in the medical field. Through Prime Minister Modi’s Ayushman Bharat scheme, 62 crore people have benefited from healthcare facilities. Additionally, all citizens above 70 years of age are being provided with health coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh.

He said that these schemes are a major step towards an accessible and inclusive healthcare system in the country.

Authorities in Uttar Pradesh have intensified crackdown on the illegal sale and non-medical use of codeine-based cough syrup, with multiple raids conducted across several districts. In the Bijnor district, three individuals were arrested in connection with the alleged illegal trade on Saturday.

According to Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Dr. Krishna Gopal Singh, the arrests were made following a complaint by Drug Inspector Umesh Kumar Bharti. The complaint accused Arun, Shivanshu, and Rishabh — residents of Bijnor — of selling and using codeine-based cough syrup for non-medical purposes. Acting on the complaint, police arrested all three and carried out raids at multiple locations in the district.

ASP Singh said that the campaign against illegal narcotics will continue and that investigations are ongoing in another related case. He added that more arrests are likely in the coming days.

The action in Bijnor is part of a broader statewide investigation into an alleged illegal network involved in the storage and distribution of codeine-based cough syrup. Police teams may conduct further raids in other areas as the probe expands.

Meanwhile, the issue has triggered a political row in the state. Following the exposure of what is being described as a large illegal trafficking racket —estimated to be worth around Rs 2,000 crore — Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has made serious allegations against the Samajwadi Party (SP), escalating political tensions in Uttar Pradesh.

Authorities maintain that strict action will be taken against those involved in the illegal drug trade, regardless of their influence or affiliations.

Preparations have begun here for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s program on December 25 with a crucial meeting held at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) headquarters on Saturday to finalize the details of the entire program.

BJP sources claim that around one lakh party workers are expected to attend the event.

The BJP has intensified preparations for the prime minister’s rally, scheduled for December 25 at the Rashtra Prerna Sthal, on the occasion of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s birth anniversary. Party sources said on Saturday that preparations are underway for the participation of approximately one lakh people in this rally.

In this connection, a crucial meeting of party office-bearers was held at the BJP state headquarters on Saturday in the presence of Union Minister and BJP National President J.P. Nadda, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and newly-elected state president Pankaj Chaudhary. During the meeting guidelines for the programs related to Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s birth anniversary, Veer Bal Diwas celebrations, and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) campaign were issued.

According to party leaders, the meeting lasted for about an hour and a half, starting at approximately 4 pm. According to BJP state general secretary Amarpal Maurya, the meeting also discussed organizational issues and upcoming programs in addition to the Prime Minister’s proposed rally.

He said a separate meeting will also be held regarding the programs to be held on December 25 on the occasion of Atal Jayanti.

He informed that a major workshop is likely to be organized at the Indira Gandhi Pratishthan on Sunday on the SIR campaign. BJP MPs, MLAs, other public representatives, and senior office-bearers from Uttar Pradesh will participate in this workshop.

During the meeting, all the prominent leaders informed the office-bearers about the upcoming programs, and the party office-bearers were also introduced to the newly appointed state president.