Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday praised the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) for its crucial role in developing strategic infrastructure across India’s difficult and remote regions, stating that a nation’s future depends on the strength of its infrastructure network. Addressing the BRO Strategic Infrastructure Conclave, Singh highlighted the organisation’s contribution to strengthening border connectivity through the construction of roads, bridges, tunnels, and other critical projects. He said that robust infrastructure is essential not only for economic progress but also for national security and defence preparedness.

“The stronger a country’s infrastructure, the stronger its future will be,” Singh said, underlining the importance of modern and resilient infrastructure in shaping India’s growth trajectory. The Defence Minister noted that the BRO has evolved into a key strategic organisation by executing challenging projects in high-altitude and remote areas, where harsh weather conditions and difficult terrain create significant construction hurdles.

Over the years, BRO has played a major role in improving connectivity along India’s border regions, particularly in the Himalayan areas. These infrastructure projects have enhanced the mobility of the armed forces while also improving access to essential services for people living in isolated communities. Singh emphasised that modern warfare and national security requirements demand faster movement of troops, equipment, and supplies. In this context, strategically located roads, tunnels, and bridges have become vital assets for maintaining operational readiness.

The Defence Minister also highlighted the importance of technology and innovation in infrastructure development. He said that the use of advanced construction techniques, digital tools, and improved project management systems has helped accelerate the completion of critical projects. The BRO has recently completed several landmark projects, including high-altitude roads and tunnels that provide all-weather connectivity in strategically important areas. Such developments have reduced travel time, improved logistics capabilities, and strengthened India's presence in border regions.

Apart from defence benefits, Singh pointed out that infrastructure development is also transforming the lives of civilians in border villages. Better connectivity has opened new opportunities in areas such as tourism, trade, healthcare, and education. The Strategic Infrastructure Conclave focused on the future of infrastructure development, with discussions on innovation, technology adoption, and strengthening India’s strategic capabilities. Singh said that continued investment in infrastructure will remain a key priority as India moves towards becoming a more secure, connected, and self-reliant nation.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.

Doctors at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi have successfully carried out a rare and highly intricate lung surgery on a four-month-old infant born with a congenital lung defect affecting both lungs. The baby recovered well and was discharged just two days after the procedure.

According to AIIMS, the infant had been diagnosed before birth with Congenital Pulmonary Airway Malformation (CPAM), an uncommon condition in which sections of the lungs develop abnormally, creating cyst-like, non-functional tissue. Unlike most CPAM cases that involve only one lung, this child's condition affected both lungs, making the surgery significantly more complex.

To preserve as much healthy lung tissue as possible, the surgical team opted for a segmentectomy instead of removing an entire lung lobe. Surgeons removed only the diseased portions—segments 9 and 10 of the right lower lobe—which are among the most technically demanding areas of the lung to operate on.

Dr. Sandeep Agarwala, Head of the Department of Pediatric Surgery at AIIMS, described the procedure as a major technical accomplishment. He said performing minimally invasive keyhole surgery on a four-month-old infant required exceptional teamwork and was made possible by the expertise of the medical staff and the institute's advanced infrastructure for complex pediatric surgeries.

The operation was led by Professor Vishesh Jain from the Department of Pediatric Surgery. A crucial element of the surgery's success was the use of selective lung ventilation, a specialized anaesthesia technique that enables surgeons to operate on one lung while the other continues to support breathing. The anaesthesia team was led by Dr. Abhishek from the Department of Anaesthesia.

The surgery was completed without any complications, allowing the infant to return home just two days later. Because the congenital abnormality affects both lungs, doctors treated only the right lung during this operation. AIIMS said the child will undergo a second procedure on the left lung after recovering from the initial surgery. The institute noted that this case highlights the growing feasibility of lung-preserving surgery in very young infants. By removing only the diseased segments instead of an entire lobe, surgeons can potentially improve long-term lung function while reducing the loss of healthy tissue in carefully selected pediatric patients.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.

A Special NIA Court in Jammu has ruled that the arrest and custodial interrogation of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) founder and designated terrorist Hafiz Muhammad Saeed are essential for conducting a fair, comprehensive, and effective investigation into a terror-related case. Acting on an application filed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) under Section 75 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), the court issued an open-ended non-bailable warrant (NBW) against Saeed.

Special Judge Prem Sagar noted that Saeed, listed as Accused No. 8 in the FIR, must be taken into custody to ensure a thorough investigation. The court directed that the non-bailable warrant be forwarded to the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of the NIA in Jammu for execution in accordance with the law.

The NIA informed the court that it has already filed a supplementary chargesheet in the case. According to the agency, Hafiz Muhammad Saeed, a resident of Sargodha in Pakistan's Punjab province, is a designated terrorist under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967, and the founder of the banned terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba. The agency stated that Saeed is currently based in Pakistan and has been deliberately evading arrest, making the issuance of an open-dated non-bailable warrant necessary for the continuation of legal proceedings and the investigation.

After reviewing the submissions made by the investigating officer and examining the application, the court accepted the NIA's request and disposed of the plea. The case has been registered under Sections 147, 148, 149, 150 and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with Sections 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 38, 39 and 40 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

The investigation relates to the April 22, 2025, terrorist attack at Baisaran meadow near Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir, where terrorists opened fire on civilians, killing 26 people, including several tourists. The NIA, which is leading the investigation, alleges that the attack was planned and directed by Pakistan-based operatives of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba. In its supplementary chargesheet, the agency has named Hafiz Muhammad Saeed as Accused No. 8, accusing him of being part of the larger conspiracy behind the deadly assault.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday said India is making significant progress in medical research, highlighting the country's growing ability to create homegrown healthcare solutions using advanced technologies such as gene therapy and nuclear medicine. Speaking at the 22nd convocation ceremony of King George's Medical University (KGMU) in Lucknow, Singh said India's healthcare system has become more self-reliant, accessible, affordable, technologically advanced, and focused on public welfare than ever before.

He noted that Indian researchers have successfully developed an indigenous gene therapy for haemophilia, marking a major breakthrough in the treatment of the inherited blood disorder. He also pointed to scientists in Pune who have created an advanced nanomedicine for breast cancer treatment, showcasing India's expanding capabilities in cutting-edge medical science. The Defence Minister said the government's Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme has accelerated domestic manufacturing of medical devices, reducing dependence on imports while strengthening India's healthcare infrastructure.

Highlighting recent achievements, Singh said India introduced Nafithromycin in 2024, the country's first domestically developed macrolide antibiotic, which is expected to play an important role in treating Community-Acquired Bacterial Pneumonia. He also recalled that India developed its first indigenous MRI machine in 2023, describing it as affordable, lightweight, high-field, and capable of delivering faster imaging.

Singh further said affordable healthcare has become more accessible through the network of over 19,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras, which provide quality medicines to citizens at significantly lower prices. Addressing doctors and medical professionals, he urged them to prioritize their own physical and mental well-being, acknowledging that the medical profession involves long hours and high levels of stress that can affect personal health.

The minister also praised the healthcare transformation in Uttar Pradesh under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, stating that the state's medical infrastructure has expanded rapidly over the past nine years. According to Singh, Uttar Pradesh had only 17 medical colleges before 2017, but the number has now increased to 81 institutions. He added that the state is home to two operational AIIMS campuses and has successfully achieved the goal of having at least one medical college in every district.

Emphasizing the importance of medical education, Singh said improving healthcare services requires a larger pool of qualified doctors and specialists. He added that the government has therefore undertaken an unprecedented expansion of medical education to strengthen the country's healthcare system for the future.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from PTI.

On Made in SG, Melanie Oliveiro chats with Singaporean singer-songwriter Frances Tan, who recently competed in the Commonwealth Song Contest — an international music competition featuring participants from all 56 Commonwealth countries. Tan shares her experience of being chosen as a Grand Finalist, representing Singapore alongside six other finalist nations. She also discusses her original track, Just Me, which she submitted as her contest entry.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.

Following the shooting incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, Donald Trump and the White House administration responded strongly, accusing the media and the Democratic Party of contributing to rising political violence. Reged Ahmad and Jonathan Yerushalmy explore the origins of the deep political divide between Democrats and Republicans in the United States. At the same time, Usha Vance has started a new podcast, raising questions about her motives, while King Charles’s upcoming visit to the White House is expected to shed light on Donald Trump’s relationship with the British monarchy.

Disclaimer: This video is taken from The Guardian.

In “Made in SG,” Melanie Oliveiro interviews author K. C. Vijayan about his biography The Benjamin Sheares Story: From Pioneering Gynaecologist to Singapore President. The book offers a vivid and humanising account of Benjamin Sheares, Singapore’s second President and a prominent figure in the Eurasian community, tracing his journey from working in busy maternity wards during the baby boom era to serving as President of Singapore from 1971 to 1981 at the Istana.

Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA.

A new AI system developed by NTU can forecast the rate at which food spoils, enabling supermarkets to reduce waste, enhance safety, and manage inventory more efficiently. The technology works by predicting bacterial growth in food. Could this signal the future of food retail? Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman discuss with Natalie Ong, CNA journalist, and Professor William Chen, Executive Director of FRESH@NTU, to explore the possibilities.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.