Author: TheStateLine

Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 28 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Wednesday here that Ayurveda in India has not been confined to any one period or region, adding that throughout the ages, this ancient system of medicine has shown us the way to understand life, to achieve balance and to live in harmony with nature.He was addressing the centenary celebrations of the "Arya Vaidya Sala Charitable Hospital" in Kerala through a video message."We have consistently focused on preventive health, the National AYUSH Mission was launched with this vision. We must adapt to the changing times and increase the use of modern technology and AI in Ayurveda," Prime Minister Modi said.He expressed joy at connecting with everyone on this significant occasion and praised the institution for its vital rol...

Bhubaneswar, Jan 28 (IANS) The statewide bandh called by the Naba Nirman Krushak Sangathan (NNKS) on Wednesday over multiple issues had a partial impact on normal life in Odisha. The outfit observed an eight-hour Odisha Bandh from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday over chaos at state-run mandis and severe mismanagement in the paddy procurement system.Apart from this, the farmers’ organisation also protested the alleged forceful installation of electricity smart meters and the imposition of excessive penalties on vehicle owners in the name of the Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC). It is pertinent to mention here that the opposition Congress, the Left parties, and other like-minded bodies extended their support to the bandh call given by the NNKS.Meanwhile, the main opposition Biju Ja...

Kochi, Jan 28 (IANS) The proposed India–European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is expected to significantly enhance export opportunities for Indian spices, with improved market access, regulatory cooperation, and greater trade predictability likely to benefit exporters, farmers, and MSMEs across the value chain, according to the Spices Board India.The EU remains one of the most high-value and tightly regulated markets for Indian spices, accounting for a substantial share of premium exports.Officials said the trade agreement, once operationalised, could help Indian exporters navigate non-tariff barriers more efficiently, align compliance standards and improve realisation through value-added products.Spices Board Chairperson Sangeetha Viswanathan said the agreement comes at a critical jun...

Mumbai, Jan 28 (IANS) The sudden demise of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in an air crash on Wednesday morning has dealt a major blow to the state's politics. Expressing his sorrow, former Chief Minister and BJP MP Narayan Rane stated, “With Ajit Dada’s passing, Maharashtra has lost a fearless and efficient leader. Despite many struggles in his political journey, he remained a firm decision-maker who always maintained a connect with the pain of the common man.”Rane further commented on Ajit Pawar's working style, saying, “Dada believed more in action than words. He never turned his back on responsibility and was always ready to solve people's problems. His departure has created a painful void in the state's public life. In this hour of grief, I share the sorrow of his family,...

Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 28 (IANS) The proposed unity initiative between the SNDP Yogam and the Nair Service Society (NSS) has formally collapsed, with both organisations offering contrasting explanations amid an escalating public exchange between their leaders, Vellappally Natesan and Sukumaran Nair.SNDP Yogam General Secretary Vellappally Natesan on Wednesday described NSS General Secretary Sukumaran Nair as an "innocent, dignified and selfless" leader and said there was no bitterness or protest over the NSS decision to withdraw from the unity move.He maintained that the Nair community is a "brotherly community" and urged that neither Nair nor the NSS be subjected to criticism.However, Nair, responding to Vellappally’s statements, firmly denied allegations of any external pressure influen...

Patna, Jan 28 (IANS) Panic gripped the administration in Bihar's Siwan after a bomb threat was received at the Siwan Civil Court on Wednesday via an unknown email ID, warning that the court premises would be blown up by 12 p.m.Following the threat, the district administration and police swung into action, placing the entire area on high alert.Considering the gravity of the situation, Siwan Superintendent of Police (SP) Puran Kumar Jha and District Magistrate Vivek Ranjan Maitreya reached the court premises and personally monitored the security arrangements.The court complex was sealed and converted into a police camp, and an extensive search operation was launched by the bomb disposal squad.Strict security checks are being carried out at all entry points using advance security liaison ch...

New Delhi, Jan 28 (IANS) Amidst the grand ceremonial arrival and a warm welcome accorded to President Droupadi Murmu at Parliament for her address before this year’s Budget Session stood out the iconic ‘Sengol’ – a symbol of India’s enduring values. As Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Parliamentary Minister Kiren Rijiju, among others, escorted the President, a senior Marshal wearing traditional attire led the procession carrying the Sengol. The Sengol is an august sceptre steeped in the spiritual and cultural traditions of ancient Tamil civilisation. It stands as a resplendent symbol of India’s enduring values, where temporal power is guided by the principles of dharma (righteousness).Once integral to the coronation rites of Tami...

Jaipur, Jan 28 (IANS) The Central Zone Bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in Bhopal has taken serious cognisance of large-scale failure of compensatory afforestation and alleged misuse of public funds in forest areas near Kota district of Rajasthan.The bench, comprising Justice Sheo Kumar Singh, judicial member, and Sudhir Kumar Chaturvedi, expert member, was hearing the original application filed by Tapeshwar Singh Bhati against the State of Rajasthan and others.The application raised concerns over illegal encroachment and failure to restore forest land measuring about 2,375.86 hectares, including Lakhawa I to VIII plantation sites, developed under the Mitigative Measures Scheme associated with forest diversion for National Highway-27 (NH-27). During the proceedings, it was bro...