India

Kolkata, Dec 22 (IANS) The Defence Ministry has praised the Army's swift action in tackling a massive fire that broke out in a slum here on December 21, saying the blaze could have led to catastrophic results had the Army personnel not responded swiftly.

The fire had broken out beneath the Durgapur Bridge, adjacent to the B.P. Poddar Hospital and railway tracks of the Sealdah-Budge Budge section.

"Demonstrating exceptional valour and efficiency, personnel of the 121 Infantry Battalion (Territorial Army), Garhwal Rifles, successfully averted a major disaster in New Alipore, Kolkata, on Saturday. The fire posed a significant threat to lives and critical infrastructure in the area. Responding to the crisis, the battalion immediately deployed its Quick Reaction Team (QRT), equipped with firefighting tools, an ambulance, and three water bowsers. Their rapid mobilisation played a crucial role in containing the flames, which were fanned by strong northwesterly winds," a Defence Ministry spokesperson in Kolkata said.

According to him, the unit worked tirelessly alongside personnel of the state fire services and local authorities, ensuring a coordinated effort that minimised damage and prevented the fire from spreading to nearby critical areas, including the Hospital.

"One of the battalion’s notable contributions was its provision of water from the unit’s resources to support fire trucks, reducing refill times and enhancing the efficiency of firefighting operations. Troops also assisted in accessing narrow by-lanes by carrying heavy hoses, ensuring firefighting efforts reached the most challenging locations," he said.

In addition to firefighting, the soldiers engaged with the affected community, offering reassurance and assistance during the crisis. Their presence brought a sense of safety and comfort to those impacted.

"This exemplary effort underscores the vital role of the Indian Army in disaster management and public welfare. The swift and selfless actions of the 121 Infantry Battalion (Territorial Army), Garhwal Rifles, have been widely praised, reflecting the Army's enduring commitment to safeguarding the nation and its people during emergencies," the spokesperson added.

​--IANS

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New Delhi, Dec 22 (IANS) The Delhi High Court has ordered the Consortium of National Law Universities to revise the results of the CLAT (Common Law Admission Test)-2025 examination.

"The errors in Question Nos 14 and 100 are demonstrably clear and shutting a blind eye to the same would be injustice to the petitioner albeit this court is conscious of the fact that it may impact the result of other candidates," a bench of Justice Jyoti Singh said as it ordered the revision of merit list.

The bench also ordered that since option ‘C’ of Question 14 has been held to be the correct answer, the benefit will extend to all other candidates who have opted for option ‘C’, adding that Question No.100 will be excluded as advised by the expert committee.

Question No. 100 deserves to be excluded in light of the fact that the question setter has not even provided the correct answer as one of the options, the high court said.

The petitioner, Aditya Singh, a minor, challenged the answer key declared for CLAT-2025 for admission to five-year law courses conducted by the National Law Universities (NLUs) in the academic session 2025-26.

With a score of 87 marks, the petitioner contended that he would get admission in one of the NLUs with his present ranking, but he aspired to better his rank so as to get admission in the top 3 NLUs of the country.

The petitioner added that he is likely to achieve a higher score of 93.25, which will improve his existing rank if the alleged errors are rectified.

On the other hand, the Consortium of NLUs urged the court to not interfere in the examination process, as a robust internal check mechanism was in place and the final result had been published with all due care and deliberation and on the recommendation of two Expert Committees comprising of experts and luminaries in the field.

In its judgment, the Delhi HC said that there is no absolute proscription against a court examining a challenge to the answer key in an examination process, even if there is an expert opinion before the court.

"Most certainly, courts must exercise restraint in interfering in academic matters, including those pertaining to examination. (T)he law does not commend a total 'hands-off' approach and in exceptional cases where questions are found to be demonstrably wrong, the resultant injustice to a candidate must be redressed and undone," it added.

In relation to a question, the high court opined that while attempting a comprehension passage in a language test, a candidate is not required to examine the terms or expressions used in the sentences on the touchstone of legal reasoning, applying statutory provisions or articles of Constitution of India or judicial precedents.

Partly allowing the petitioner’s plea, it ordered the Consortium of National Law Universities to award marks to him for Question No.14 in accordance with the scheme of marking and upheld the decision to exclude Question No. 100.

--IANS

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Kheda, Dec 22 (IANS) The Ayushman Bharat PM-Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) has emerged as a lifeline for the economically disadvantaged, offering free healthcare to millions across India. Launched by the government in 2018, the scheme has brought substantial relief to those unable to afford costly treatments.

Under this ambitious initiative, families are entitled to health coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh annually, and can receive treatment at any registered hospital in the country. This includes both serious and non-serious medical conditions, ensuring a wide range of healthcare needs are addressed without any financial burden.

One such success story comes from Kapadwanj in Gujarat's Kheda district.

Amar Bhai Solanki, the head of a household, was diagnosed with stones in both kidneys. The cost of private treatment was unaffordable for his family, with the surgery for one kidney alone priced at nearly Rs 1 lakh. However, with the help of the Ayushman Bharat card, Solanki and his family sought treatment at IK DRC in Ahmedabad. His first surgery was successful, and the second is scheduled soon. The family is overjoyed with the progress and grateful for the support provided by the scheme.

Talking to IANS, family member Bharat Singh Solanki said, "Accessing treatment in private hospitals was extremely challenging due to the high costs. However, with the Ayushman Bharat card, things have become much easier for people like us. We are now receiving top-quality medical care. I would like to thank the PM Modi government for this initiative."

The AB PM-JAY, which currently covers 12 crore families, has been a significant welfare initiative of the Modi government. The scope of the scheme has steadily expanded, now including senior citizens above 70 years, regardless of income. In addition, healthcare benefits are also available to over 37 lakh ASHAs and their families. This expansion ensures that the most vulnerable sections of society continue to benefit from quality healthcare, marking the scheme as a milestone in India’s healthcare system.

--IANS

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Srinagar, Dec 22 (IANS) Jammu and Kashmir’s Department of Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs (FCSCA) has strongly refuted reports about the cancellation of BPL ration cards, terming them “totally fabricated” and “based on false assumptions”.

There were reports on social media, particularly of a video, wherein it has been alleged that “…the Government has issued an order cancelling around 1.5 lakh Below Poverty Line ration cards affecting a huge number of beneficiaries and putting their families in distress …”

As per a statement issued by the Department, no such order has been issued. Besides, it has rebutted the claims that the figure being quoted in the said video does not even match the actual deletion figure of 1.27 lakh cited in media reports for having been reported to the parliament recently with regard to fake and duplicate ration card deletions in Jammu and Kashmir since 2013. These are in fact the deletions carried out in the past, over 10 years in J&K as a part of reforms pursued by the Central Government across the country.

"The document added that elimination of bogus/duplicate ration cards and beneficiaries is an essential requirement under Targeted PDS Control Order of Government of India, which is now being established through technology interventions like Aadhaar seeding, eKYC and through field verification," the statement added.

"As a result of accelerated Aadhaar seeding, pursued by the Department, huge duplication of ration cards and beneficiaries was established leading to deletion of such ration cards and beneficiaries over the years. At the same time, bringing the left-out eligible beneficiaries under the PDS cover has also been seriously pursued by the Department, and this effort has also led to the addition of 8.6 lakh eligible beneficiaries to PDS in J&K since shifting to a dependable Ration Card Management System in September 2022," it said.

"Further, it is clarified that only order issued by the Department in the recent past in the context of PDS seeks inclusion of children born during years 2011 to 2016 in their family ration cards so that additional benefits flow to these beneficiaries and households as per eligibility under PDS,” the statement said.

The Department has also issued explicit orders for prompt inclusion of any eligible beneficiary still left out under PDS, wherever reported. As a result of these efforts, the number of beneficiaries under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), who are provided free food grains every month, has gone up from 66.37 lakh to 66.59 lakh during the last three months.

Additionally, the Department has also pursued, in a mission mode, the inclusion of left-out JK registrants on the e-Shram Portal so that none such registrant who is eligible under PDS for free or subsidised food grains, remains uncovered.

A mammoth exercise for matching nearly 34.80 lakh such registrants in J&K was carried out in coordination with NIC and every registrant who remained unmatched with the PDS database was approached by the Department of Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs and Labour & Employment Department for securing their inclusion. Of these, nearly 34.40 lakh registrants are presently availing benefits under PDS or other schemes, and the remaining 40000, could not either be traced by the Department or they refused to share their details and documents, despite making efforts in coordination with respective district administrations.

A spokesman of the Department said it is making arrangements for providing free food grains every month to 66.59 lakh beneficiaries under NFSA and for providing highly subsidised food grains to another group of 31.81 lakh beneficiaries in the Non-Priority Households category, which implies that 98.40 lakh people are presently benefitted under PDS every month in J&K.

The spokesman further said that technological interventions like Aadhar seeding, e-PDS etc. are aimed at securing the marginalised communities their due share in ration distribution and this would remain a priority of the Department so that eligible beneficiaries benefit under the Targeted Public Distribution System and undeserving are weeded out.

--IANS

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Chennai, Dec 22 (IANS) The DMK on Sunday passed a resolution condemning Union Home Minister Amit Shah's remarks on B. R. Ambedkar.

The resolution was passed during the executive committee meeting, convened at the party headquarters, Anna Arivalayam, in Chennai.

The meeting presided over by DMK President and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin, also strongly opposed the proposed 'One Nation, One Election' Bill.

Additionally, a resolution was passed against the proposed tungsten mining project in the Madurai district.

Around 1,000 party functionaries attended the meeting, including key DMK leaders such as General Secretary Duraimurugan, Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, Treasurer T. R. Baalu, Principal Secretary K. N. Nehru, Organising Secretary R. S. Bharathi, MP Kanimozhi, and other senior members.

As part of its strategy for the upcoming 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, the DMK has set an ambitious target of winning 200 out of the 234 Assembly seats.

To achieve this, the party has asked its members to intensify efforts to promote the welfare schemes implemented under Chief Minister Stalin's leadership.

The DMK has deployed full-time representatives for every Assembly constituency, reporting directly to an election cell operating from the party's state headquarters.

This election cell is headed by Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, who also leads the party's youth wing.

Senior leaders, including Organising Secretary R. S. Bharathi and ministers Thangam Thenarasu, E. V. Velu, and K. N. Nehru, are members of the election cell.

These full-time representatives are tasked with engaging the public and highlighting the transformative impact of the state government's welfare schemes at the grassroots level.

Currently, the DMK holds 133 seats in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, supported by allies such as the Congress (18), VCK (4), CPI (2), and CPI-M (2), bringing the alliance's total to 159 seats.

In the previous elections, the DMK-led alliance secured an impressive 45.38 per cent vote share. With the appointment of full-time constituency coordinators and close monitoring by senior leaders, including Udhayanidhi Stalin, the party is gearing up for a robust campaign to consolidate its position in the state.

--IANS

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Bhubaneswar, Dec 22 (IANS) The Mohan Charan Majhi-led government has directed the Collectors of districts affected due to the recent unseasonal rainfall in Odisha to carry out proper assessment of the damages to crops, Revenue and Disaster Management minister Suresh Pujari said on Sunday.

Speaking to media persons, Revenue Minister Pujari said: "The Collectors have been instructed to carry out the proper assessment of crop loss due to the unseasonal rainfall. The assessment couldn’t be carried out properly due to rainfall which continued till yesterday.

"The revenue officials- Tehsildars, Revenue Inspectors, Amins- from the unaffected areas have also been roped in to do assessment of the loss in the affected areas of the state. The assessment will be conducted accurately after the rain subsides."

Pujari assured the farmers that the state government will provide adequate compensation for the crop loss and also extend help for the sale of the remaining crops. The Revenue Minister stated that he would personally visit the affected areas, if needed.

Meanwhile, the state government has urged the farmers who are insured their Kharif crops under Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (Kharif -2024) to report about the crop loss due to the unseasonal rainfall to avail the insurance compensation.

As per a press statement of the state government, the harvested crops of farmers in many coastal and interior districts -- Angul, Balasore, Bhadrak, Boudh, Cuttack, Dhenkanal, Deogarh, Gajapati, Ganjam, Jagatsinghpur, Jajpur, Kandhamal, Kendrapara, Keonjhar, Khordha, Koraput, Mayurbhanj, Nawrangpur, Nayagarh, Puri and Raygada, would have been damaged due to the unseasonal rainfall over the last two days.

"About 15 lakh farmers from these districts have been enrolled under the scheme. The farmers who have insured their Kharif crops under PMFBY (Kharif -2024) are required to report loss of their harvested crops for claiming insurance compensation," the statement read.

The farmers have been advised to upload the information on crop loss using “Krishi Rakshak” App within 72 hours of the crop loss or inform through the help line No 14447.

The state government further said that the post-harvest loss is covered under PMFBY - Crop Insurance Scheme, if the crop loss has occurred in cut & spread condition or in small bundled condition within 14 days of harvest.

The insurance compensation will be paid to the farmers after a joint survey of the affected fields by the officials of implementing insurance companies and government officers.

The compensation will be paid to insured farmers on the entire sum insured amount based on the loss.

--IANS

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Patna, Dec 22 (IANS) Former Bihar Deputy CM and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav on Sunday joined the students’ stir demanding the cancellation of recently conducted Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) exams and also backed their demand.

However, this has left some of protesting student leaders indignant and pained over attempts to politicize it.

Student leader Dilip Kumar, speaking to IANS, slammed the political parties of their blatant attempts and overtures to join hands with students protest and then ‘hijacking’ it for political gains.

Former Bihar Deputy CM visited city's Gardanibagh locality, where a 24-hour protest has been ongoing and expressed solidarity with the candidates. The protest, led by students is for the cancellation of 70th Combined Competitive Exams (CCE), held on December 13. They claim the exam process was marred by multiple discrepancies and irregularities, further fueling concerns over the transparency of competitive exams conducted by the BPSC.

Tejashwi's outreach hasn't gone down well with the students though, as student leader Dilip Kumar accused him and the political parties of exploiting their movement for political gains.

Speaking to IANS, Kumar stated, "Whenever a party is in opposition, they come to support us. But when they are in power, they remain silent and allow lathi charges on peaceful protests."

He criticised Tejashwi Yadav and other leaders for their 'hypocrisy', pointing out that during the RJD’s tenure in government, several exam paper leaks, including the 2023 constable recruitment paper and the BSSC CGL paper, were reported, but no action was taken.

Kumar further claimed that political leaders have now hijacked the movement and turned it into a 'political platform'.

"The movement, which initially began with candidates organising via a Telegram group, has now been politicised after the entry of leaders and teachers," he alleged.

He however emphasised that the core protestors remained focused on the issue of exam irregularities and their first and foremost demand is transparency and probity in the competitive exams.

Meanwhile, the controversy surrounding the BPSC exams has sparked a broader debate about the role of education mafias and the state's ability to ensure fairness in public recruitment processes.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Dec 22 (IANS) The Department of Consumer Affairs will launch the 'Jago Grahak Jago App,' 'Jagriti App,' and 'Jagriti Dashboard” for public use on Tuesday to mark National Consumers Day.

An official statement on Sunday said that through these initiatives, the Department endeavours to create a transparent and fair digital marketplace where consumers can make informed decisions without being tricked or coerced. Consumers will also be educated about their rights.

"The Apps would considerably enhance the capability of the CCPA in taking suo motu action to protect consumers against dark patterns," the statement explained.

The 'Jago Grahak Jago App,' provides essential e-commerce information about all URLs during a consumer's online activities, alerting them if any URL may be unsafe and requires caution. Meanwhile, the 'Jagriti App,' allows users to report URLs where they suspect the presence of one or more dark patterns declared illegal. These reports are then registered as complaints to the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) for possible redressal and subsequent action.

Additionally, the CCPA is being strengthened with the 'Jagriti Dashboard' which is used to generate real-time reports on e-commerce URLs for the presence of dark patterns, enhancing the capability to monitor and regulate online consumer interactions effectively.

This solution will aid the CCPA in identifying dark patterns, speeding up the resolution of consumer disputes and go a long way in curbing practices that are detrimental to consumer interests, it said.

As part of the government's broader strategy and ongoing efforts to strengthen consumer protection in the digital era and curb unfair practices in e-commerce and online services, the Central Consumer Protection Authority notified the Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Dark Patterns in 2023 and specified 13 dark patterns, namely: False urgency, Basket Sneaking, Confirm shaming, forced action, Subscription trap, Interface Interference, Bait and switch, Drip Pricing, Disguised Advertisements and Nagging, Trick Wording, Saas Billing and Rogue Malwares.

The three apps are part of an intelligent cyber-physical system, which operates in real-time and runs on the Airawat AI Supercomputer under the National Supercomputing Mission for AI and Data Analytics. This innovative system analyses existing text and design elements on e-commerce platforms to determine whether they are being used to influence consumer psychology, the statement explained.

CCPA had earlier issued notices to IndiGo Airlines and BookMyShow under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 for alleged Misleading Advertisement/Unfair Trade Practices in the form of deceptive design patterns. After the CCPA intervention both companies had taken corrective measures to give consumers a fair deal.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Dec 22 (IANS) In a major relief for fliers and air passengers, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has announced the launch of "Udaan Yatri Cafe", an eatery outlet at the airport for providing basic essentials like food and water at affordable and reasonable rates. The one-of-its kind initiative is being launched at Kolkata airport on a pilot basis and if it turns successful, it will be replicated at other airports across the country, managed by the Airports Authority of India (AAI).

Interestingly, the move close on the heels of AAP MP Raghav Chadha flagging the issue of overpriced food and beverages at the airports, in the Parliament and seeking ‘corrective steps’ for making air travel affordable.

With the launch of first "Udaan Yatri Cafe" at Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, air passengers will have access to essential items like water bottles, tea, coffee, and snacks at reasonable prices.

The Rajya Sabha MP has welcomed the move and also expressed hope that such facility would be extended to other airports of the country.

"Finally, the government has heard the voice of the common man. While the initiative begins with Kolkata Airport, I hope it is extended to all airports nationwide. This will ensure that air travelers don’t have to pay Rs 100-250 for basic items like water, tea, or coffee," Chadha said.

He emphasized that affordable amenities at airports are crucial for the convenience of the general public.

It was during the Winter session of Parliament, Raghav Chadha raised the issue in Parliament and brought to the attention of members, the issue of exorbitant prices of water, tea, and snacks at airports and its adverse impact on common man.

In his speech, the RS MP highlighted the plight of passengers and explained how they were forced to pay inflated prices for food and beverages at airports.

"A water bottle costs Rs 100, and tea is priced at Rs 200-250. Can’t the government establish affordable canteens at airports?" he had questioned. He had also criticized the poor management of airports, which he likened to bus stands due to long queues, overcrowding, and disorganization.

His concerns on exorbitant prices at airports also found strong resonance and support on the social media, with many hailing it as a ‘voice for the common man’.

He also raised concerns over sharp rise in airfares in recent times and said it was in stark contrast with government’s own pledge of making ‘air travel affordable for slipper wearing citizens’.

"The government promised that people in slippers would fly, but now even those wearing Bata shoes can’t afford air travel," he told the House.

"A ticket to Maldives costs Rs 17,000, but a ticket to Lakshadweep, which the government is promoting as a tourist destination, costs Rs 25,000," he pointed out.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Dec 22 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to attend the Christmas celebrations organised by the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI) at the CBCI Centre in New Delhi at 6.30 p.m. on Monday - marking a historic occasion as it will be the first time a Prime Minister will be present at the festive event at the headquarters of the Catholic Church in the country.

During the event, PM Modi is expected to interact with key leaders from the Christian community, including Cardinals, Bishops, and prominent lay figures. His presence highlights the government's commitment to fostering inclusive cultural dialogue and strengthening relations with the Christian community, a PMO statement said.

The Catholic Bishops' Conference of India, established in 1944, is a significant body that represents the interests of Catholics across India. It plays a crucial role in promoting faith-based initiatives and addressing social issues affecting the community.

Earlier this week, on December 19, PM Modi attended another Christmas celebration at the residence of Union Minister George Kurian. There, he engaged with eminent members of the Christian community, underscoring the spirit of inclusivity and celebration. In a post on the social media platform X, PM Modi shared: "Attended the Christmas celebrations at the residence of Union Minister George Kurian Ji. Also interacted with eminent members of the Christian community @GeorgekurianBjp."

Kurian, who hails from Kerala, was inducted into the Union Cabinet on June 9, and his ministerial appointment is seen as an outreach to the Christian community. A long-time BJP leader, Kurian is well-known for his calm demeanour and his extensive involvement in various capacities within the party.

Christmas holds great religious and cultural significance for Christians, as it marks the birth of Jesus Christ, revered for his teachings of love, sacrifice, and compassion. The occasion is commemorated with religious services, prayers, and carol singing, reflecting on the spiritual message of hope and humanity’s transformation through Christ’s sacrifice.

--IANS

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