INDIA

New Delhi, April 19 (IANS) Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Saturday signalled steady progress in her government’s plans to improve doorstep medical facilities by upgrading existing clinics and opening new ones to create 1,139 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs. “Under the PM-ABHIM scheme, the Centre has given us funding to build 1,139 Arogya Mandirs in Delhi, which will provide treatment facilities to every resident of the city,” CM Gupta said at an event to mark World Liver Day.She also reiterated her government’s commitment to deliver healthcare facilities to the public.“Not a single person, whether from the marginalised section or from a well-to-do background, should be forced to run around for healthcare,” said CM Rekha.“It is our responsibility to have a good health infrastructure in the co...

Kolkata, April 19 (IANS) Women in Dhuliyan, one of the worst-affected areas in West Bengal's minority-dominated Murshidabad district, have urged the Centre to set up permanent Border Security Force (BSF) camps in violence-hit pockets to ensure their safety following recent communal unrest over protests against the Waqf Act.On Saturday, a delegation from the National Commission for Women (NCW), led by its chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar, visited Dhuliyan to meet those affected by last week's violence, most of whom are Hindus.Several women broke down during their interaction with the delegation and pleaded for the permanent deployment of central forces.“We won’t survive without permanent BSF camps here. If needed, we are ready to offer our own land and homes for setting them up,” said a woman, s...

New Delhi, April 19 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday urged all citizens to adopt mindful eating practices and prioritise healthier living.On the occasion of the World Liver Day, PM Modi spoke about the importance of small yet impactful changes, highlighting that measures such as reducing oil intake can significantly contribute to improving overall health and well-being.Responding to a post by Union Health Minister JP Nadda on X, PM Modi said: “Commendable effort to mark #WorldLiverDay with a call for mindful eating and healthier living. Small steps like reducing oil intake can make a big difference. Together, let’s build a fitter, healthier India by raising awareness about obesity”.Earlier, Nadda said that on the occasion of the World Liver Day, take a pledge to reduce your ...

New Delhi, April 19 (IANS) In a groundbreaking move to bridge the digital divide and empower remote border communities, the Indian Army has enabled seamless 4G and 5G mobile connectivity across high-altitude regions of Ladakh, including forward locations in Eastern and Western Ladakh, as well as the Siachen Glacier.For the first time, troops deployed in some of the world’s most challenging and inhospitable terrains — such as Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO), Galwan, Demchok, Chumar, Batalik, Dras, and Siachen — now enjoy access to reliable high-speed mobile networks.This development marks a major morale boost for soldiers posted at isolated, winter cut-off posts situated at altitudes above 18,000 feet, enabling them to stay connected with their families and loved ones.The initiative is the result ...

Bhopal, April 19 (IANS) Senior BJP leader and Madhya Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla on Saturday criticised the Congress, accusing it of attempting to build pressure on investigating agencies in connection with the National Herald case.The minister alleged that whenever Congress' top leadership faces "corruption charges", they start making excuses, blame the BJP and question central agencies' credibility.Interacting with media persons in Datia, he said: "People booked under charges of corruption won't accept action, instead, they would blame the agencies and others. But, there is a law to take action. Congress is blaming the BJP and agencies because they have nothing to say in defence."Notably, since the day the Enforcement Directorate (ED) filed its first charge sheet on the...

New Delhi, April 19 (IANS) A powerful earthquake measuring 5.8 on the Richter scale struck Afghanistan on Saturday afternoon at 12:17 pm IST, as reported by the National Center for Seismology (NCS). The quake’s epicentre was located at 36.10 degrees North latitude and 71.20 degrees East longitude, with a depth of 130 kilometres. Tremors from the earthquake were felt across several northern regions of India, including Jammu & Kashmir and the Delhi-NCR area.While there have been no immediate reports of damage or injuries, authorities are keeping a close watch on the situation.The NCS confirmed the seismic activity via a post on social media platform X."EQ of M: 5.8, On: 19/04/2025 12:17:53 IST, Lat: 36.10 N, Long: 71.20 E, Depth: 130 Km, Location: Afghanistan," NCS said in a post on X.Th...

Bengaluru, April 19 (IANS) Ricky Rai, son of the late underworld don Muthappa Rai, was shot at by unidentified assailants outside his farmhouse in Bidadi on the outskirts of Bengaluru. Ricky has been admitted to Manipal Hospital in Bengaluru, and sources said that he narrowly escaped death.The Bidadi Police have registered an FIR against four individuals, including Muthappa Rai's second wife Anuradha.The complaint was filed by Ricky's driver Basavaraj.According to police reports, the bullets were fired while Ricky was travelling in his car. Basavaraj was driving, and Ricky reportedly managed to bend down just as the bullets were fired, narrowly avoiding fatal injuries.Sources indicate that he sustained injuries to his nose and hand.Ricky was seriously injured in the attack. He was initiall...

Imphal, April 19 (IANS) The Manipur government has launched a drive to verify the licensed arms and asked all the district administrations to examine the papers of the arms license holders and arms dealers, officials said on Saturday.A senior official said that the Commissioner (Home) has, in an urgent circular, asked the Deputy Commissioners of all 16 districts to take steps to verify the papers of arms license holders and arms dealers in their respective districts.Accordingly, all the Deputy Commissioners directed the arms license holders and arms dealers to submit their papers in their nearest or respective police stations on or before April 25."Non-compliance with the orders may lead to penalisation and cancellation of arms license," the official said, referring to the circular of the ...

New Delhi/Ottawa, April 19 (IANS) An Indian student was killed by a stray bullet in Canada when she was standing at the bus stop, Hamilton Police said. Harsimrat Randhawa, 21, was a student at Mohawk College in Hamilton, Ontario.The incident occurred on Wednesday, and Hamilton Police are investigating the homicide.Hamilton Police shared that when they reached the crime scene, they found Randhawa with a gunshot wound to the chest. She was rushed to a hospital, but succumbed.Meanwhile, reacting to the incident, the Consulate General of India in Toronto, in a post on X, said, "We are deeply saddened by the tragic death of Indian student Harsimrat Randhawa in Hamilton, Ontario.""As per local police, she was an innocent victim, fatally struck by a stray bullet during a shooting incident involvi...