National News

When asked whether Jammu and Kashmir would be governed better as a State or Union Territory, two-thirds of the respondents felt that Statehood has the potential for better governance

Launched in October 2022, India's Tele-Manas mental health helpline has received over 3.5 lakh calls, with primary complaints related to disturbed sleep cycles, sadness, stress, and anxiety. Most callers are males aged 18-45. Instances of suicide-related complaints are below 3% according to a recent government report.

Driven by anxieties of losing land and cultural identity in the absence of Article 370, around 64% voters support restoration of the special status granted to the erstwhile State of Jammu and Kashmir; around 81% people feel a better future lies in restoration of Statehood

The average monthly income of rural households in India increased by nearly 58% over five years, reaching Rs 12,698 in 2021-22. Salaried employment remained the largest income source, notably for non-agricultural households. Additionally, rural household expenditure rose significantly, while financial savings also showed considerable improvement.

A Kasganj court sentenced Ghamandi Singh, his three sons, and two relatives to life imprisonment for the fatal beating of Bacchu Singh in 2021. The judge also imposed a Rs 72,000 fine on each convict. The crime stemmed from a family dispute, and despite seeking leniency, the court upheld the life sentences based on solid evidence and witness testimonies.

The Allahabad high court directed an investigation by the Ghaziabad district judge into how two contradictory orders were uploaded in a defamation case, one of which was unsigned. A young magistrate involved apologized for the error, citing it was unintentional.

The Supreme Court has discharged three Hindustan Unilever Ltd officials charged with abetment of suicide, ruling that mere harassment allegations are insufficient without clear evidence of direct and alarming incitement leading to the act. The court emphasized the need for intention to compel suicide to be prima facie established.

The people expect the political class to resolve the Kashmir issue through political dialogue and democratic deliberations

Lakshadweep and Puducherry will soon be covered under National Tele Mental Health Programme of India and offer Tele MANAS service

A 45-year-old accused in the gang rape of a teenager in Surat died in police custody after falling ill. Arrested alongside another suspect, he was transferred to a hospital after complaining of breathlessness but succumbed during treatment. The incident unraveled when the duo attacked the victim and her friend, leading to a swift police operation for their capture.

Already challenged by the Nipah virus, Kerala’s health system faced a significant test between June and September this year when several sporadic cases of the deadly primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) were reported from many parts of the State. S.R. Praveen travels to Navaikulam in rural Thiruvananthapuram, where a few cases were reported, to explore the nature of water-borne amoebic infections and the evolving treatment protocols 

While Statehood seems to be the main ground of convergence, party choices sharply bring to the fore the divergences between the Jammu region and Kashmir Valley

Road transport minister Nitin Gadkari warns petrol pump owners of penalty for locking or poorly maintaining toilets, suggesting the cancellation of NOCs for non-compliance. The initiative is linked to NHAI's Humsafar policy aiming to standardize and improve facilities along highways and expressways.

Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka will lay foundation for Young India Integrated Residential School complexes at 28 locations in Telangana in the first phase today

PM Narendra Modi directs Union secretaries to perform rigorous employee assessments, citing CCS (Pension) Rules for compulsory retirement of non-performers and corrupt staffers. He emphasizes quick resolution of public grievances and improved governance, referencing BJP's electoral success in Haryana and J&K.

Syed Majid Ali, a medical practitioner, dedicates six weeks every year to organize Ramlila in Ayodhya, promoting communal harmony. The event, founded by his father in 1963, sees Hindus and Muslims collaborating while respecting religious sentiments, emphasizing India's shared cultural legacy.

In a cabinet meeting before the assembly elections, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar abruptly left after 10 minutes, while major decisions with significant financial implications were made. Speculations arise about Pawar's dissatisfaction and potential friction within the Mahayuti alliance, amid warnings of fiscal deficits.

Lokayukta police have interrogated Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah's brother-in-law BM Mallikarjuna Swamy and land-owner J Devaraju for over nine hours in connection with an alleged land allotment scam involving fraudulent documents and legal violations concerning the transfer of three acres of land in Mysuru.