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.

It has been alleged that no action has yet been taken against M K Vinod Kumar, Deputy Inspector General (DIG), Prisons, who is accused of accepting bribes from jail inmates and their relatives.

Though the Vigilance Director has reported to the Home Department that Vinod Kumar received bribes from jail inmates to facilitate paroles and provide additional facilities within the jail, the government has not taken any action against him. It has been alleged that the government is delaying action against him despite the Vigilance wing ordering action against the DIG.

The vigilance registered a case against DIG Vinod Kumar on December 17 for alleged bribery. It found that Vinod Kumar had taken money to arrange parole for convicts and to provide facilities in the prison. It had reportedly found that a retired officer of Viyoor Jail is the DIG’s agent and that the money is being received by him through this officer. The DIG has also received money through Google Pay. It has been found that he has accepted bribes from the convicts in the TP Chandrasekharan murder case, Kodi suni and Annan Sijith for arranging parole and providing facilities in the jail.

The Vigilance also found that in addition to his salary, Rs 35 lakh was deposited in his bank account in just one month. His wife’s account also has Rs 40 lakh.

It has been alleged that political protection is being given to the DIG that is the reason for not taking any action against him.

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Saturday took a swipe at Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar over the controversy surrounding a Muslim woman doctor allegedly being asked to remove her hijab during an appointment letter distribution programme.

Terming the incident “sad and unfortunate,” Mayawati said the issue is directly related to women’s safety and dignity and should have been resolved long ago through the Chief Minister’s direct intervention.

She further remarked that statements made by ministers have only deepened the controversy. In such a situation, she said, the Chief Minister should express remorse and put an end to the matter.

Mayawati also questioned an incident in Bahraich where a police salute was reportedly given to a religious storyteller (kathavachak) during a police parade. She said police parades and salutes have their own traditions, discipline, and decorum, and these should not be compromised. She demanded that the Director General of Police (DGP) take cognizance of the matter and initiate appropriate action.

Criticising the Uttar Pradesh Assembly’s winter session, the BSP chief said it was diverted from issues of public interest. She noted that the government should have been held accountable on critical matters such as the shortage of fertilisers faced by farmers and other public welfare concerns.

Mayawati also described it as unfortunate that serious issues such as air pollution were not adequately discussed during the winter session of Parliament. She also urged the central government to adopt a long-term policy to address the growing anti-India activities in Bangladesh.

The Uttarakhand government will set up modern wildlife sterilisation and rehabilitation centres to control the wildlife population in all 13 districts of the state. This was stated by the chief minister, Pushkar Singh Dhami, on Saturday.

Chief Minister said that the decision for strict adherence to the wildlife population control plan was taken in the wake of rising man-animal conflicts in the state, especially in the hill areas.

“Recurring cases of man-wildlife conflicts are frequently coming to light for some time. Besides this massive damage to agriculture and horticulture crops owing to attacks by animals like elephants, blue bulls, bears, leopards, and monkeys, there is a need for effective measures to reduce man-animal conflicts. This can be done by raising solar fencing and sensor-based alert systems in a phased and planned manner around the fields adjoining forest-covered areas,” said Dhami.

Chief Minister added, “Population control of wild animals has also been necessary to prevent man-animal conflicts. Modern wildlife sterilisation centres will be set up by the state forest department in every district. Along with this, rescue and rehabilitation centres for identified wild animals will also be opened in every district of the state.”

Chief Minister stated that the needed spade works for implementation of these plans will be completed on priority, and an action plan for the same will be presented in the next two weeks.

Chief Minister announced that forest officials in ranges will be delegated more power for effective prevention of human-wildlife conflict under the relevant provisions of the Central Wildlife Act.

Dhami claimed that necessary amendments will be made to the law as required for decentralisation of power in the forest department, as a discussion with Union Minister Bhupender Yadav has already been held in this regard.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma on Saturday said that his government had reformed the policies and curriculum of the Education and Youth Affairs departments to provide the best possible education, support for students, and job opportunities for youth.

Addressing the concluding session of the Rajasthan Shikshak Sangh (Rashtriya) at the tribal-dominated Banswara on Saturday, CM Sharma said that the new national education policy has the potential to inculcate national, social, and cultural values into youth to make them skilled, knowledgeable, and responsible citizens of the new India.

Besides providing the best possible academic infrastructure, the state government has supported and encouraged students, particularly those from the weaker sections in remote and backward areas, he said.

Sharma said that financial support for free uniforms and school bags has been provided to all students from Class 1 to 8, and to all girl students from Class 9 to 12 in government schools across the state. An amount of Rs 800 is allocated to each beneficiary for this purpose.

“We have built smart classrooms in 714 schools, opened digital libraries in 500 PM Shri Schools, and established ‘O’-Labs in 142 PM Shri Schools. As many as 41.25 lakh students have so far been provided Rs 330 crore under this scheme,” the CM added.

On the career and future prospects of youths, Sharma said, “We have so far provided government jobs to 92,000 unemployed youth, and the recruitment process for 1.53 lakh posts has been initiated. The government has also succeeded in fulfilling 70 percent of the promises made in the 2023 BJP manifesto in just two years,” the CM said.

The West Bengal government on Saturday rechristened the ‘Karmashree’ scheme as ‘Mahatma-Shree’ to honour father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi amid row over Narendra Modi government’s decision to scrap MGNREGA rural employment scheme.

A notification from the Panchayat and Rural Development Department said, “This scheme shall be called ‘Mahatma-Shree’. It shall come into force from the date of issuance of this notification.”

The objective of the “Mahatma-Shree” scheme, the notification stated, is to provide at least 100 days of wage employment to each Job Card holder household in a financial year through various works implemented by different Departments of the State Government.

All other provisions of the scheme shall remain in force as it is.

Also Read : Sonia Gandhi condemns scrapping of MGNREGA, calls it an ‘attack’ on rural poor

Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan, dismissing the hijab controversy as a non-issue, said the matter should not be politicised. He advised AYUSH doctor Nusrat Praveen to join her job.

During the distribution of appointment letters to AYUSH doctors on 15 December, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had pulled down the hijab (veil) from the face of Dr. Nusrat Parveen. A video clip of the incident was posted on social media by Bihar’s main Opposition party, the RJD. The video triggered a political debate from Bihar to Jammu & Kashmir, and even to Pakistan.

The Governor said that Nitish Kumar considers everyone as his daughter. “He is like a father, and Dr. Nusrat is like his daughter. Portraying the conduct between a father and daughter in a wrong way is not good for society,” he said.

He added that turning the incident into a controversy was completely wrong and deeply unfortunate. The Governor also asserted that his remarks should not be seen as an attempt to defend the chief minister.

Reiterating his appeal, Khan advised Dr. Nusrat to join her job and said that no one should indulge in politics over the issue.

On Friday, the Principal of Government Tibbi College & Hospital, Patna, Mahfoozur Rahman, had said that Dr. Nusrat would join on Saturday. However, on Saturday evening, Rahman said, “AYUSH doctor Nusrat Praveen has not joined yet, and there is no update on her future course of action.”

Meanwhile, Jharkhand Health Minister Irfan Ansari entered the controversy and offered Dr. Nusrat a job in his state with a monthly salary of Rs 3 lakh and a posting of her choice. On social media, he said that Jharkhand would not tolerate the insult of a daughter.

Responding to the offer, JD(U)’s chief spokesperson Neeraj Kumar said Irfan Ansari’s offer was a lie and that the Jharkhand minister had no authority to make such appointments.

He further said that Ansari promised a salary of Rs 3 lakh, whereas the Jharkhand government pays doctors only Rs 40,000 per month. AYUSH doctors are paid Rs 25,000 on a contract basis as Community Health Officers. The JD(U) leader challenged Ansari to release the rules and regulations of the Jharkhand Health Department if he had the courage.

He demanded an apology for lying to Bihar’s daughter, failing which he asked Ansari to resign from his post.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday accused the Opposition Congress of trying to protect infiltrators, asserting that his government has taken concrete steps to stop illegal immigration.

Addressing a rally after inaugurating the new terminal building of the Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati, Modi said he was correcting the “mistakes” committed by the Congress over the last six to seven decades. He also claimed that the Congress had neglected the development of the Northeast during its rule.

“The development of Assam and the Northeast was not even on the agenda of Congress governments. People in Congress governments used to say, ‘Who even goes to Assam and the Northeast?’ Their mindset was that Assam and the Northeast did not need modern airports, better railways, or highways. Because of this very thinking, Congress neglected the entire region for decades. The mistakes that Congress kept making for decades, Modi is correcting them one by one,” the Prime Minister said.

Modi also criticised the grand old party over its stance on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise, alleging that the Opposition had adopted “anti-national agendas”.

“The Election Commission started the SIR to ensure infiltrators are kept out of the electoral process, but ‘deshdrohis’ are trying to protect them,” he said.

He added, “The Central Government has taken strict steps to stop infiltration. Along with deporting illegal infiltrators, their identification is also being carried out. However, Congress has adopted anti-national agendas. Even the Supreme Court has spoken about removing infiltrators, yet their lawyers argue in court in favour of allowing them to stay.”

Modi further alleged that the Congress had committed another “grave wrong” by attempting to erase the very identity of the region.

“The roots of this wrongdoing go back to the period before Independence. At a time when the Muslim League and the British were preparing the ground for the partition of India, there was also a plan to make Assam a part of East Pakistan. Congress was moving towards becoming part of that conspiracy. It was then that Bordoloi ji stood up against his own party and saved Assam from being separated from the nation,” he said.

Modi also alleged that violence continued to grow unchecked in the Northeast during Congress rule.

“During Congress governments, an era of violence continued unchecked. In the Northeast, places that once witnessed violence and bloodshed are today seeing digital connectivity. In the times to come, these very districts will also become industrial corridors. A new sense of confidence has emerged about the Northeast, and we must strengthen it further,” he said.

The Prime Minister, however, did not mention the violence in Manipur during his own tenure. The northeastern state plunged into unprecedented unrest following ethnic clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities.

Uttar Pradesh Congress president Ajay Rai on Saturday took a sharp dig at the Yogi Adityanath-led government over the alleged codeine-based cough syrup case, remarking that “the bulldozer seems to have caught a chill.”

He accused the government of trying to suppress voices by “blowing whistles.”

Addressing the media at his residential office in Lahurabir, Rai referred to the production of Azad Adhikar Sena national president Amitabh Thakur before a Varanasi court on Friday under heavy security.

He alleged that police personnel deployed at the court kept blowing whistles to prevent Thakur from speaking to the media.

Rai said the state government has now resorted to silencing dissent by such means. He added that the issue of codeine-based cough syrup has been dominating discussions across the state and the country, yet no concrete action or arrest has been made so far.

“No major accused has been brought into custody. The main accused in the cough syrup case has been absconding abroad for months,” he said.

Drawing a comparison, Rai cited a recent fire incident at a nightclub in Goa, where the club operators, the Luthra brothers, allegedly fled abroad but were extradited from Thailand and sent to jail.

“Why is similar action not being taken in the cough syrup case?” he questioned.

Rai also criticized the state leadership, saying that before the start of the Assembly session, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and the two Deputy Chief Ministers held a photo session and addressed the press.

“What was the intention behind that?” he asked, adding that Amitabh Thakur, who raised the issue and named those allegedly involved, was sent to jail despite not being affiliated with any political party.

He further alleged that the manner in which a former officer was produced in court raised serious questions about democracy.

“In a democracy, if someone is prevented from speaking to the media and raising their voice by blowing whistles, it shows how dissent is being suppressed,” Rai said.

Concluding his remarks, he questioned the government’s much-publicized use of bulldozers, asking why no action was being taken in the cough syrup case. “Where is the bulldozer now?” he asked.

The first confidential investigation report, running into 66 pages, on the horrific accident on the Yamuna Expressway in Mathura in which 19 people were burnt alive, has been submitted. The report squarely holds officials of the Yamuna Expressway Authority responsible for the tragedy and identifies the accident site as a “black spot.”

According to the report, the stretch of road where the accident occurred is low-lying and curved, making road signs invisible during foggy conditions.

Investigators noted that road markings had not been painted for long distances, there were no streetlights installed, and reflectors were ineffective in dense fog. The absence of CCTV cameras at the site also made it difficult to accurately reconstruct how the accident unfolded.

The accident took place on December 16 at milestone 127 under the Baldev police station area, when dense fog engulfed the expressway. A sleeper bus slowed down after encountering sudden low visibility. Vehicles following it failed to react in time, leading to a massive pile-up involving 18 vehicles. Six buses and three cars caught fire, killing 19 people, including a BJP leader, and leaving over 90 others injured. Many passengers did not get a chance to escape as the fire spread rapidly.

Following the incident, the District Magistrate constituted a six-member inquiry committee led by ADM (Administration) Amresh Kumar. The team completed its probe within 48 hours and submitted its report on Friday evening.

Separately, an 11-member team from Haryana’s Indian Institute of Road Transport (IIRT) is also conducting an independent investigation. On Friday, IIRT Head of Department Dr. Shruti visited the accident site with her team and carried out a detailed inspection for nearly three hours. Samples were collected from the spot for further analysis.

The IIRT team also stopped two double-decker buses passing through the expressway to examine safety arrangements inside them. They checked emergency exits, tyre fitness, first-aid boxes, and assessed the difficulties passengers might face while evacuating double-decker buses during emergencies.

Later, the investigators, along with a forensic team, visited the Raya cut yard where the burnt vehicles had been stored. From inside one of the buses, they recovered a 5-kg gas cylinder, a burnt mobile phone, and some personal belongings of passengers, which have been sent to a laboratory for examination.
Further findings from both investigations are awaited, while questions continue to be raised over safety lapses and infrastructure shortcomings on one of Uttar Pradesh’s busiest expressways.

One of the most insightful and humorous voices in Malayalam cinema has come to an end. The renowned director, screenwriter, and actor Sreenivasan died on December 20, 2025, at the age of 69.His passing has left a huge hole in the Indian film industry. For over forty years, he served as a moral voice and a source of gentle humor.

From Kannur to the Golden Era of Malayalam Cinema

Sreenivasan attended the Madras Film Institute and was born in Kannur in 1956. While he made his acting debut in Manimuzhakkam (1976), it was his screenwriting in the 1980s that redefined the Malayalam “Golden Age.” He possessed a rare gift for social satire, often portraying characters that were relatable, flawed, and deeply human. Whether it was in Vadakkunokkiyanthram or the Nadodikkattu, his characters mirrored the struggles of the common man.

Master of Screenwriting

Sreenivasan was an unparalleled writer. His screenplays for movies like Sandesham, Chithram, Varavelpu, and Pattanapravesham were more than just light entertainment; they were scathing critiques of the political climate, unemployment, and the hypocrisies of the middle class.

Iconic Partnership that Defined an Era

His collaboration with actor Mohanlal and director Sathyan Anthikad produced an unmatched cinematic alchemy. His directing won him national recognition and awards in addition to writing and acting, demonstrating his versatility in all aspects of filmmaking.

A Family Legacy That Runs Through Family & Film

His sons, Vineeth and Dhyan Sreenivasan, who carry on his legacy and his wife, Vimala, survive Sreenivasan. It’s the fact that almost every Malayali has quoted a Sreenivasan dialogue at least once in their daily lives as words. He taught us to find beauty in our commonplace, to challenge authority, and to laugh at ourselves. Even though he is no longer with us, his work will live on in the timeless masterpieces that he has left behind.

Why Sreenivasan Will Always Be Remembered

He was genuinely the “everyman” of Malayalam cinema, of the common people, a genius who could make us laugh and at the same time question our rights.

Emphasising that factories and industrial development not only bring prosperity but also make positive changes in the lives of thousands of families, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav on Saturday urged new entrepreneurs to move forward with innovation, clear thinking, and social responsibility.

The MP CM invited young entrepreneurs to invest more in the state, saying it offers a favourable environment, resources, and facilities for industrial investment, and that the state government is also committed to providing all possible support to investors.

The Chief Minister was addressing the India Summit 2025 for New Entrepreneurs, organised by the Young Entrepreneurs Foundation (YEF), in Indore on Saturday.

Dr Yadav asserted that youth power is the foundation of India’s future, and the dream of a self-reliant India can be realised through entrepreneurship and innovation. He noted that Madhya Pradesh has emerged as the fastest-growing state in the country.

He pointed out that for the first time, the state government has prioritised the Industry Department directly at the Chief Minister’s level to promote industry, ensuring faster decision-making and stronger investor confidence.

“A new commitment to industry has been made in Madhya Pradesh with a clear policy of ‘Enhancing Lives through Industry’. This policy will not only accelerate economic development but also create large-scale employment opportunities for youth,” the CM stated.

Dr Yadav informed the delegates that MoUs worth ₹32 lakh crore were signed at the Global Investor Summit held in Bhopal, of which the groundbreaking ceremony for investments worth ₹6 lakh crore has already been held. He further informed that on 25 December, the groundbreaking ceremony/inauguration ceremony for investments worth ₹2 lakh crore will be held at a single location, which is historic in itself. This event will be held in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah to commemorate the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Chief Minister Dr Yadav stated that the state holds immense potential in many sectors. In light of these possibilities, the state government is working with full commitment to develop them.

The CM said that historic achievements have been made in making the state water-rich through the River Linking Campaign. He also highlighted water-sharing arrangements between Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh.

Citing the example of the Greenko project, Chief Minister Dr Yadav said that while some states and countries take four to ten years to complete, in Madhya Pradesh, this world-leading project has been completed within two years.

During the summit, youth were inspired to pursue innovation, ethical leadership, and social responsibility through panel discussions, motivational sessions, and dialogues.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday reviewed the preparations for the visit of Narendra Modi on December 25 and the inauguration of the newly-constructed Rashtra Prerna Sthal.

The chief minister said here on Saturday that this landmark project, being dedicated to the nation by the prime minister on the birth anniversary of former prime minister and Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee, will emerge as a powerful symbol of national consciousness, cultural heritage, and pride.

He stated that the statues of Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, Deendayal Upadhyaya, and Atal Ji installed at Rashtra Prerna Sthal will inspire future generations to understand and imbibe the ideals of national unity, Integral Humanism, and Atmanirbhar Bharat.

The chief minister directed officials to ensure that all arrangements related to security, traffic management, protocol, hospitality, and crowd control meet the highest standards, keeping in view the presence of the Prime Minister. He made it clear that there should be zero tolerance for negligence at any level.
He instructed that all final touch-ups — including landscaping, gardens, the museum, amphitheatre, and beautification of approach roads — be completed within the stipulated timeline. Reviewing preparations for the arrival of nearly two lakh people from across the state, he assessed transport plans, parking layouts, bus routes, control rooms, and medical units, and directed that nodal officers be deployed for every bus cluster, parking zone, and entry gate.

Yogi further instructed the police and district administration to implement multi-layered security arrangements along VVIP routes, the helipad, the main venue, and public congregation areas. He emphasized the installation of clear signage for traffic diversions, parking facilities, and pedestrian movement to ensure smooth public access. He also stressed seamless coordination and time-bound execution across media management, reception arrangements, cultural programmes, and all protocol-related components.

Rashtra Prerna Sthal: Key Features-
• A grand project developed over 65 acres at an estimated cost of ₹230 crore
• 65-feet-tall bronze statues of Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, and Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee
• A modern museum showcasing the lives, ideas, and contributions of national leaders
• A rally ground and main stage with a capacity of nearly two lakh people
• Amphitheatre, Meditation Centre, Vipassana–Yoga Centre, cafeteria, and civic amenities
• Well-planned layout with attractive landscaping, clear zoning, ample parking, and robust security arrangements.

Ahead of National Farmers’ Day, which is observed on 23rd December, the Federation of All India Farmer Associations (FAIFA) has released a White Paper addressing the mounting pressures on India’s food system.

FAIFA released the White Paper at a national seminar, which highlighted the central role of farmers in meeting India’s escalating food demand and presented strategic interventions to empower farmers and accelerate sustainable growth in the agricultural sector.

The report highlighted the critical role of agriculture in responding to the country’s population growth projected to exceed 1.6 billion by 2050, alongside rising disposable incomes and a rapidly expanding middle class that is reshaping dietary preferences toward more diverse and high-value foods. These demand-side pressures are further compounded by shrinking and fragmented farmland due to urbanization, industrial expansion, and inheritance patterns.

The FAIFA, a non-profit uplifting the cause of millions of farmers and farm workers involved in commercial crop cultivation in states such as Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka, organised the national seminar on the theme “Rising Food Demand and Economic Growth Imperatives” at the Constitution Club of India in New Delhi.

To build a modern and sustainable agriculture sector with empowered farmers the White Paper recommended a four-pillar strategy. Firstly, the permaculture-focused pillar proposes an investment of Rs. 10,000 crores (2026–2030) to bring 5 million hectares under permaculture-based farming.

Secondly, export diversification should be driven by an investment of Rs 15,000 crore to raise agricultural exports to USD 100 billion through 50 Agri-Export Zones, cold-chain expansion, quality certification, and value addition in high-value crops. Thirdly, to uphold India’s non-GMO agricultural integrity, Rs 5,000 crore should be allocated over five years and indigenous seed varieties to be expanded by 50 per cent and 100 climate-resilient non-GMO crops to be developed.

Finally, agricultural financing can be transformed through annual credit disbursement of Rs 50,000 crore, reaching Rs 25 lakh crore by 2028 for 50 million small and marginal farmers via AI-driven digital lending.

Addressing the gathering, Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma, Minister of State for Heavy Industries, said, “Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Modi, India has placed farmers at the centre of its development journey. From strengthening food security to building a resilient, technology-driven agricultural ecosystem, the Modi government’s policies are empowering our annadatas with innovation, infrastructure and access to global markets.”

Murali Babu, president, FAIFA, said, “Under the able leadership of the government, India has made significant strides toward food security, achieving self-sufficiency in staple grains with record food grain production exceeding 315 million tonnes in recent years. However, feeding an ever-growing population presents a formidable challenge.”