Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid homage to Ram Manohar Lohia on his birth anniversary, remembering him as a remarkable thinker and a leading advocate for social justice. Describing Lohia as a multifaceted personality, the Prime Minister emphasized his key role in mobilizing the public against colonial rule and his significant contributions to India’s development after 1947.

PM Modi noted that Lohia’s steadfast dedication to empowering the poor and marginalized continues to inspire generations. He highlighted that Lohia’s ideas on gender equality and participatory governance remain highly relevant today. On X, he tweeted, “Tributes to Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Ji on his birth anniversary. A multifaceted personality, he played a pivotal role in mobilizing people against colonial rule and later contributed to India’s progress post-1947. An outstanding thinker and a foremost voice of social justice, his unwavering commitment to empowering the poor and marginalized continues to inspire generations. His insights on gender equality and participatory governance are equally noteworthy.”

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also paid tribute via social media, stating, “On the birth anniversary of the great freedom fighter, eminent socialist thinker, and pioneer of ‘Sapta Kranti’, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia, humble tributes. His dedication to social justice, equality, and the national language Hindi will forever inspire us to build a strong and self-reliant India.” Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and other Parliament members offered floral tributes to Lohia in the Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan.

Lohia was an active participant in India’s Independence movement and a prominent socialist leader, associated with the Praja Socialist Party and later the Samyukta Socialist Party. In 1962, he contested against former PM Jawaharlal Nehru from Phulpur but lost. He later won a bye-election in 1963 from Farukkhabad and was elected again in 1967 from Kannauj.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, through the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO), organized the Suraksha Sankalp Karyashala in Delhi to strengthen district-level efforts in combating HIV/AIDS. The workshop focused specifically on the states of Haryana and Delhi as part of a broader strategy to enhance targeted interventions.

The session was chaired by Dr. Rakesh Gupta, Additional Secretary and Director General of NACO. S. P. Bhavsar delivered the background address, highlighting the changing patterns of HIV in India and stressing the importance of district-specific strategies supported by data analysis, focused outreach, and improved healthcare delivery systems.

Dr. Gupta emphasized that HIV/AIDS remains a serious public health concern, requiring continued vigilance, innovation, and coordinated action at all levels. Referring to the global 95:95:95 targets, he explained that the goal is for 95 percent of people living with HIV to know their status, 95 percent of those diagnosed to receive sustained Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART), and 95 percent of those on treatment to achieve viral suppression.

He noted that Delhi still faces significant gaps, with only about 70 percent of identified individuals currently receiving treatment, indicating a need to improve treatment access and retention. Haryana, on the other hand, has achieved progress with a cascade of approximately 81:83:95, though further improvements in diagnosis and treatment linkage are still required. Dr. Gupta also stressed the importance of preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV, which can occur during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding but is entirely preventable through timely testing, counselling, and treatment. He called for stronger antenatal screening and universal access to preventive services.

At the national level, 219 districts have been identified as priority areas for intensified HIV interventions, including 11 in Haryana and 7 in Delhi. Delhi has an adult HIV prevalence of 0.33 percent with around 59,079 people living with HIV, while Haryana has a prevalence of 0.24 percent with approximately 59,642 cases. Specific districts have been prioritized for focused action. In Delhi, these include North, New Delhi, Shahdara, Central, South East, South, and North West. In Haryana, the priority districts are Panipat, Rohtak, Sirsa, Jhajjar, Gurugram, Faridabad, Bhiwani, Hisar, Sonipat, Kaithal, and Fatehabad.

District programme teams are actively participating in the workshop, sharing progress, identifying challenges, and working together to create targeted, results-driven action plans to strengthen HIV response at the grassroots level. Dr. Gupta highlighted the need for coordinated efforts across national, state, and district levels, especially at the field level, to address gaps in awareness, testing, treatment, and adherence. He also outlined a clear roadmap aimed at bringing HIV/AIDS under control in India by World AIDS Day 2027, with an enhanced target of 95:95:99.

The Suraksha Sankalp Karyashala serves as a platform for collaboration among stakeholders, promoting a data-driven approach to HIV prevention and care. It aims to improve treatment linkage and retention, increase viral suppression rates, and expand outreach to vulnerable populations. Discussions during the workshop focused on strengthening programme implementation through better coordination, capacity building, and monitoring, with special emphasis on early diagnosis, timely treatment, sustained adherence, and reducing stigma and discrimination. This initiative aligns with India’s commitment to ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, reflecting a comprehensive and inclusive approach to HIV prevention and ensuring equal access to quality healthcare services for all.
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Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday inaugurated a two-day National Defence Industrial Conclave in Delhi, urging innovators and MSMEs to focus on achieving self-reliance in the defence sector, particularly in drone technology. Highlighting ongoing global conflicts such as Russia-Ukraine and Iran-Israel, he stressed that drones and counter-drone systems will play a crucial role in future warfare.

He called for the development of a fully indigenous drone manufacturing ecosystem in India, emphasizing that not just the final products but also key components like moulds, software, engines, and batteries should be made domestically. Acknowledging challenges, he noted that many countries depend on imports, especially from China, for critical components, and underlined the importance of self-reliance for India’s defence preparedness and strategic autonomy. Encouraging innovators, he assured government support and urged collective efforts to make India a global hub for indigenous drone manufacturing by 2030. He also inaugurated a Defence Industry Exhibition, praising the contributions of MSMEs and startups in strengthening defence self-reliance.

During the event, the 14th edition of the Defence India Startup Challenge (DISC) was launched with over 100 challenges for the first time, mainly from Defence Public Sector Undertakings. Singh emphasized the role of MSMEs as the backbone of innovation, job creation, and economic growth, and called for greater integration of small industries into large defence projects.

He highlighted the need for adopting advanced technologies such as automation, robotics, and AI, and pointed out the vast growth potential in the sector, noting that MSMEs in India have grown significantly in recent years. Initiatives like Innovations for Defence Excellence and ADITI were described as key drivers supporting startups and MSMEs in developing solutions for the armed forces. Senior officials including Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan and other top defence leaders were also present at the inaugural session.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.

The Himachal Pradesh government has issued new guidelines requiring its employees to strictly follow the prescribed dress code and exercise responsible behaviour on social media, warning that violations could lead to disciplinary action. In an official order dated March 16, the Department of Personnel instructed administrative secretaries, department heads, divisional and deputy commissioners, and officials of boards, corporations, and autonomous bodies to ensure these rules are followed.

The guidelines state that employees must wear formal, clean, and modest clothing in subdued colours while at work or attending court. Casual or party wear is not allowed. Male employees are advised to wear shirts and trousers or collared shirts with pants, along with proper footwear. Female employees should wear sarees, formal suits, salwar-kameez, churidars, or kurtas with dupattas, paired with suitable footwear. The use of jeans and T-shirts in offices has been specifically prohibited to maintain professionalism and decorum. The government noted that despite earlier instructions issued in 2017, many employees have not complied with the dress code, and it emphasized the importance of proper grooming and hygiene.

Regarding social media, employees have been reminded to follow the Central Civil Services Conduct Rules, 1964, maintaining integrity, neutrality, and responsible conduct both on and off duty. They have been warned against making unauthorized remarks on government policies or sharing official information on personal platforms. The order also bans employees from expressing political or religious opinions publicly, including on social media, blogs, or vlogs, without permission. Sharing official documents with unauthorized individuals is strictly prohibited.

It further states that any public statements that could criticize government policies or harm intergovernmental relations may result in disciplinary action. Employees participating in public discussions must clarify that their views are personal. All departments have been directed to ensure strict implementation of these rules. Violations will be taken seriously and may lead to appropriate disciplinary measures. The government has also instructed that these guidelines be widely circulated and acknowledged by all employees.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.

In spring 2003, the initial euphoria over Saddam Hussein’s fall quickly turned into deadly chaos across Iraq. Guardian reporters, whether working independently or embedded with military units, witnessed the violence and disorder firsthand, documenting the rapid shift from jubilation to conflict, looting, and unrest that marked the early days following the invasion and the collapse of Saddam’s regime.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.

Our system of mental health diagnosis and labeling has provided clear benefits, helping people access treatment and understand their conditions. However, as a practicing doctor, I am concerned that overdiagnosis and excessive labeling may be causing more harm than good, potentially stigmatizing patients and oversimplifying complex mental health experiences.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.

Under President Lee Jae Myung’s guidance, investor confidence in South Korea has surged, fueled by ambitious reforms—from proposed corporate governance improvements and regulatory adjustments to efforts aimed at revitalizing the stock market. His pro-market policies have shifted sentiment positively, attracting both domestic and international investors and pushing the Kospi to new highs. But is this surge sustainable, or merely a short-term spike? Hairianto Diman and Elakeyaa Selvaraji explore the outlook with Betty Wang, Head of Northeast Asia Research at Oxford Economics.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.

The Barries have returned, and Angus Taylor has emerged victorious in the Liberal leadership contest, defeating Sussan Ley. Speaking on Friday afternoon, the newly elected leader stressed that he had no intention of becoming “One Nation lite,” but vowed to “close the door” to those who do not share “Australian values.” However, the leadership spill was not the only major development in Australian politics this week. Barrie Cassidy and Tony Barry also examine the challenges facing Taylor, the growing momentum of One Nation, and the recent visit by Israeli president Isaac Herzog.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.