India's political landscape is ablaze with activity! From the ongoing debates surrounding the new farm bills and their impact on rural India, to the upcoming state elections shaping the national narrative, the stakes couldn't be higher. Key political figures are maneuvering strategically, with alliances shifting and power dynamics constantly in flux. The opposition's challenge to the ruling party is intensifying, sparking vigorous debates on crucial policy matters including economic reforms and social justice initiatives. Parliamentary proceedings are filled with heated exchanges, reflecting the deep divisions within the nation. This evolving political climate directly impacts the lives of every Indian citizen, influencing everything from economic opportunities to social welfare programs. Stay informed about the latest developments in Indian politics, from crucial legislative decisions to grassroots movements, by exploring Abtak.com for in-depth analysis and breaking news updates. Understanding the intricacies of our political system is crucial; stay engaged, stay informed, and stay ahead.
New Delhi, September 3: The Central Government on Wednesday released a set of guidelines for the co-location of Anganwadi Centres (AWCs) with primary schools, outlining the minimum infrastructure requirements and operational criteria necessary for effective implementation. India currently has over 14.02 lakh Anganwadi Centres, of which 2.9 lakh are already co-located with schools. This new initiative aims to expand co-location to ensure better utilization of resources, enhanced school readiness among children, and improved convergence between education and nutrition services. The guidelines have been jointly prepared by the Ministry of Women and Child Development and the Department of School Education and Literacy. They provide a clear framework outlining the models, norms, and roles and responsibilities for implementing co-located facilities across the country, as per the guidelines. According to the guidelines, States and Union Territories (UTs) have been advised to prioritize AWCs that lack their own buildings, operate from rented premises, or have inadequate facilities. Special focus should also be given to centres catering to children from marginalized communities, including economically weaker sections, tribal populations, and migrant families. Parliamentary Panel Reviews Facial Recognition Rollout for Anganwadi Services. To ensure accessibility, the guidelines recommend a maximum travel distance of up to 500 meters in urban areas and up to 1 kilometre in rural areas between the original AWC and the school. However, States and UTs will have the flexibility to make decisions based on local geography and feasibility. For schools selected to house co-located AWCs, adequate indoor space is essential. Additional facilities such as outdoor play areas, child-friendly toilets, safe drinking water, a designated kitchen for preparing hot cooked meals, and space for a Poshan Vatika (nutrition garden) are also recommended to create a supportive environment for early childhood care and development. The guidelines further emphasize safety and security, recommending separate entry and exit gates for AWCs within school premises. Where separate gates are not feasible, streamlined and safe access for all beneficiaries -- including pregnant women and lactating mothers -- must be ensured. States and UTs have been instructed not to co-locate more than two AWCs within a single primary school, depending on space availability. If accommodating both is not possible, the nearest AWC should be co-located, while remaining centres can be mapped to the school under an alternative model. In cases where physical co-location is not feasible, AWCs should be mapped to the nearest school with Grade 1, ensuring a smooth transition for children moving from AWCs to formal schooling. As an initial step, States and UTs have been directed to rationalize data related to AWCs, including block- and district-wise details of functional centres and the status of their buildings -- whether government-owned, community-based, or rented. Using this information, States can identify centres already co-located and those requiring relocation. Anganwadi Workers, Child Care Institutions, and Frontline Workers Honoured at the 79th Independence Day Celebrations. The guidelines also encourage States and UTs to leverage the Gati Shakti portal for mapping AWCs with nearby schools and planning future expansions. These measures will also be integrated with the Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 initiatives, aligning efforts to improve early childhood care and nutrition services. By strengthening infrastructure and integrating services, the Centre aims to streamline early childhood education and nutrition, ensuring a better start for millions of children across the country.
nion Minister of State for Labour and Employment Shobha Karandlaje cited statistics in the Lok Sabha on Monday to show that youth unemployment rates in India were lower than global levels. The minister cited a report by the International Labour Organisation's (ILO) Institute for Human Development (IHD) which states that the worldwide youth unemployment rate was 15.6 per cent in 2021. Further, as per World Employment and Social Outlook Trends, 2024 by ILO, globally, in 2023, the youth unemployment rate was 13.3 per cent. On the other hand, the latest annual Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS ...Read More >
Srinagar, Nov 27 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir's Road Transport Corporation (RTC), a crucial backbone of public transportation, has raised serious concerns over the barring of its buses from entering Srinagar city limits. The move has triggered alarm within the Corporation, with officials cautioning about significant disruptions to public transport services and daily commutes, alongside substantial financial losses for the RTC. The restriction, in effect since November 4 when the maiden session of the Assembly commenced, is causing a daily revenue loss of Rs. 4 lakh to the Corporation. In a lette ...Read More >
Lucknow, December 3: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, on Tuesday, emphasized that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's emphasis on using the term "Divyang" and respecting their sentiments has inspired persons with disabilities to advance in life and various fields with dignity. He highlighted that whenever Divyangjans have been given opportunities, they have consistently demonstrated their exceptional talents and abilities. Speaking at a state-level award ceremony at Lok Bhavan on International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the Chief Minister celebrated the achievements of Divyangjans and reaffi ...Read More >
BJP member Manas Dutta blamed the previous BJD government and held it responsible for not extending their service agreement which ended in April, 2024. As hundreds of women working as support staff under the Mission Shakti department staged a demonstration outside the Assembly over different issues, the opposition BJD on Monday demanded immediate release of their salaries. While the agitating women were shouting slogans at the Mahatma Gandhi Road leading to the Assembly, the issue was raised in ...Read More >
Bengaluru: In a setback to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, the Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Bangalore Zonal Office has provisionally attached 142 immovable properties having an approximate market value of Rs 300 crore under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, in connection with the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) scam. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is accused number one in the case and the investigation is also conducted against others who got the illegal allotments done through the MUDA. His wife B.M. Parvathi is the second accused. "The ...Read More >
In this edition of Frontline Conversations, former Maharashtra Women and Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare discusses how the Ladki Bahin scheme, which provided direct cash transfers to 2.35 crore women, transformed both the economic landscape and political dynamics of the State. The programme, which distributed Rs.7,500 across five instalments to women earning less than Rs. 2.5 lakh annually, not only empowered women with financial independence but also proved to be a decisive factor in Mahayuti's electoral victory, marking a shift in Maharashtra's traditionally male-dominated political ...Read More >
Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced several pre-election promises targeting auto drivers. These include a ₹10 lakh insurance policy, ₹1 lakh for daughters' marriages, a biannual ₹2,500 uniform allowance, free coaching for their children, and the relaunch of the 'PoochO' ride-booking app. Kejriwal and the AAP are campaigning to secure a third term in the upcoming February elections.Ahead of crucial Delhi assembly polls, Arvind Kejriwal promised several measures for auto dri ...Read More >
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Assembly on Tuesday witnessed a noisy scene as Opposition BJD and Congress members held protests inside the House over alleged non-payment of salaries to around 60,000 women supporting staffers under the 'Mission Shakti' scheme. Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik accused the BJP government of "conspiring to stop" salaries of the 'Mission Shakti' staff. As soon as the Question Hour began, the BJD and Congress members trooped to the well of the House and demanded immediate release of salaries of around 60,000 women supporting staff working under the 'Mission Shakti' sch ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], December 15 (ANI): Godrej Agrovet informed stock exchanges that the Gujarat government has allotted area to it in three districts for the expansion of oil palm cultivation under the palm oil mission. Those three districts are Vadodara, Surat, and Tapi, the company informed stock exchanges in a filing late on Saturday. The filing didn't elaborate further details about the allotment of land. India is the world's second-largest consumer and number one vegetable oil importer, and it meets 60 per cent of its need through imports. A large part of it is palm oil and its derivativ ...Read More >
Kanpur, January 27: Due to the massive influx of devotees for the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, Varanasi's District Magistrate in Uttar Pradesh has announced that all schools in the district will be closed from Monday, January 27, 2025, to Wednesday, February 5, 2025. The decision is aimed at ensuring the safety of students and managing traffic congestion caused by the large number of pilgrims arriving in Varanasi for the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025. Despite the school closures, online classes will continue as usual to maintain the academic schedule, News18 reported. This directive applies to all CBSE, ICSE ...Read More >
ess than 24 hours after he asserted in Nigeria's Abuja that stepping out of the comfort zone, innovating and creating new paths has now become the very essence of today's India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday told the gathering of world's most influential leaders converged in Rio de Janeiro for the G20 Summit that the main reason for India's success lies in his government's 'back to basics' and 'march to the future' approach. Addressing the G20 session on 'Social Inclusion and the Fight Against Hunger and Poverty' at the bayside museum of modern art during the two-day 19th G20 Summit, ...Read More >
Union Minister of Rural Development and Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched the third edition of Nayi Chetna - Pahal Badlaav Ki, a national campaign against gender-based violence, at Rang Bhawan Auditorium, New Delhi yesterday. Delivering his address, Shri Chouhan stated that the Government has taken a slew of initiatives for women's economic and social development. He stressed that gender-based violence is not an issue that persists in rural areas, but in urban areas as well. He said with the presence of Union Minister of Women and Child Development Smt. Annpurn ...Read More >
Guwahati: The Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2024 has highlighted a notable increase in school enrolment in rural Assam and significant improvement in digital literacy and better learning outcome compared to the 2022 ASER results. The survey, facilitated by Pratham foundation, covered 24,275 children across 780 villages in 26 districts. The 14th nationwide field based ASER survey was conducted across over 17,000 villages across the country, comprising over 6.49 lakh students in the age group of 3-16 years. The ASER results released on Tuesday has shown a rising trend in enrolment i ...Read More >
Heavy rains across Tamil Nadu have led to school closures in several districts, including Chennai, on Thursday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert, predicting moderate rains and light thunderstorms in parts of the state. Rainfall figures show significant precipitation in multiple areas. Meanwhile, Northern India braces for a cold wave beginning December 9, with the IMD forecasting plunging temperatures in Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.Schools acros ...Read More >
The books for class 9-12 will be available from 2026-27. New Delhi: The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has reduced the prices of books for classes 9 to 12 by 20 per cent. The decision was announced by NCERT Director Dinesh Prasad Saklani during an event held in the national capital on Monday. The reduction in the prices of books will be effective from the upcoming academic year. News agency PTI quoted the minister as saying that while the textbooks for classes 9- ...Read More >
New Delhi, Dec 26 (VOICE) India in 2024 saw a boom in employment rates, with women and youth leading the charge in workforce participation, according to a report.The report by Apna.co, a job and professional networking platform, showed women contributed an impressive 2.8 crore job applications -- 20 per cent higher than in 2023. Similarly, the youth posted a 27 per cent year-on-year increase in job applications. Women contributed an impressive 2.8 crore job applications out of a total of 7 crore, a 25 per cent year-on-year surge, in 2024. Flexible work opportunities, gender-focused initiativ ...Read More >
Thane: Nationalist Congress Party (NCP-SP) MLA Jitendra Awhad said the govt should request all laadki bahin beneficiaries to contribute Rs 50 to the state if it is unable to provide eggs to over 24 lakh govt and aided school students through their midday meal schemes due to financial constraints. Awhad made this scathing remark at the state on Friday after staging a peaceful protest at the Thane collector office, where he presented a set of sugar and eggs to the administration as a symbolic protest against the govt plan. "Govt data shows the annual cost of providing eggs to students is just ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], December 3 (ANI): Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Amendment Bill, 2024 to expand the definition of mineral oils and include petroleum and natural gas passed in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday. The bill was introduced by Union petroleum and natural gas minister Hardeep Singh Puri for consideration and passing. The Bill will regulate the exploration and extraction of natural gas and petroleum. The amended bill expands the definition of mineral oils to include petroleum and natural gas in it. Also Read | Pune: Doctors Perform Rare Laser Surgery on Woman Pregnant With Monoam ...Read More >
Bhubaneswar, Dec 3 (PTI) A delegation of the Opposition BJD on Tuesday met Union Minister for Jal Shakti C R Patil and apprised him of the potential submergence of large areas in Odisha's Malkangiri district, due to construction of a multi-purpose project in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh. The delegation, led by senior leader Debi Prasad Mishra, also submitted a memorandum with the Ministry of Jal Shakti. The regional party in its memorandum mentioned that the Polavaram project is likely to impact the lives and livelihoods of thousands of tribal people, especially those from vulnerable and prim ...Read More >
Punjab farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal's hunger strike enters its 17th day. His health is critical. The Supreme Court urges dialogue between the government and Dallewal. Dallewal demands MSP guarantee and other farmer-centric issues. He has written an open letter to the Prime Minister. Farmers' organizations continue their protests at the Punjab-Haryana border.The Supreme Court on Friday expressed serious concern over the deteriorating health of Punjab farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who ...Read More >
New Delhi, November 26: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that the government at the Centre has strengthened the spirit of the Constitution over the last 10 years. Addressing the Constitution Day celebrations at the Supreme Court, PM Modi highlighted that in the last 10 years, more than 53 crore bank accounts were opened, more than 4 crore pukka houses were given and more than 10 crore free gas connections were given. "In the last 5-6 years, by providing tap water facilities in more than 12 crore houses, the government made the lives of citizens easy, particularly of women," he sai ...Read More >
PUDUCHERRY: With the India Meteorological Department's (IMD) heavy rain forecast for Puducherry, the UT government has ramped up its preparedness to mitigate the impact, including uninterrupted electricity and drinking water supplies, evacuating residents from low-lying areas, and setting up relief camps. Puducherry experienced 7.69 cm of rainfall Karaikal received 9.6 cm of rainfall in the past 24 hours. After visiting several areas in the UT to assess the situation, Chief Minister N Rangasamy convened an emergency meeting with Public Works Minister Lakshminarayanan, Collector A Kulothungan ...Read More >
Cybercrime is quickly increasing in India, with reports surfacing daily about victims losing large sums of money to scammers. These scammers often use tactics like threatening a "digital arrest" to instill fear and pressure individuals into transferring money. They typically operate from foreign countries to evade capture by law enforcement. The Indian government, including Prime Minister Modi, is actively raising awareness about these scams. Recently, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) issued a warning to the public regarding international fraud calls. They advised people to be caut ...Read More >
New Delhi, Dec 12 (VOICE) Without a social change and improvement in the behaviour of drivers, it is difficult to reduce the number of road accidents in the country, said Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari on Thursday, adding that he is forced to "hide his face" in international meets due to the country's poor record on road fatalities. Replying to a question on road safety in Lok Sabha, Nitin Gadkari put the figure for annual road accident fatalities at 1.78 lahks, cautioning that road users should respect the law and a major change should come about in human behaviour to sav ...Read More >
Rajkot: Panic swept through Gayatri Vidyalaya, a private primary school, in the coastal town of Una in Gir-Somnath district, on Friday morning when a lion leapt over the boundary wall and wandered inside the sprawling campus for several hours, feasting on a calf. The incident took place early in the morning at the school, located on the road leading to the union territory of Diu.With around 400 students scheduled to arrive later, staff members who were already present were stunned to see the lion sauntering on the school ground. Realizing that driving away the feline would be a long haul, th ...Read More >
New Delhi, January 31: The unveiling of the Economic Survey on Friday sets the stage for Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to present the Union Budget for 2025-26 in Parliament on Saturday (February 1), which is expected to continue the government's policy of giving a big push to economic growth with equity. The government has prioritised improving the quality of life in rural areas to ensure equitable and inclusive development, according to the Economic Survey 2024-25. The survey highlights financial inclusion as a key focus, with rural households and small businesses getting easier access ...Read More >
Bhubaneswar, Dec 3 (PTI) A delegation of the Opposition BJD on Tuesday met Union Minister for Jal Shakti C R Patil and apprised him of the potential submergence of large areas in Odisha's Malkangiri district, due to construction of a multi-purpose project in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh. The delegation, led by senior leader Debi Prasad Mishra, also submitted a memorandum with the Ministry of Jal Shakti. Also Read | Pune Shocker: Bike Rider Dragged for 2 Kilometres on Bonnet of Car in Pimpri Chinchwad; 3 Booked. The regional party in its memorandum mentioned that the Polavaram project is like ...Read More >
Imphal, Dec 17 (VOICE) With one more militant taken into custody, the number of arrests in connection with Saturday's killing of two migrant workers from Bihar has risen to eight, officials said on Tuesday.A police official said that a hardcore cadre of the banned Kangleipak Communist Party (People's War Group) (KCP-PWG) outfit, identified as Irengbam Rameshwar Singh, 48, was arrested from Kakching Lamkhai area under Kakching district on Monday night. The official said that a police team, acting on secret information, had earlier on Monday arrested seven militants of the KCP-PWG group from a ...Read More >
The Assam government is all set to make 'Lakhpati Didis' out of 30 lakh self-help group members by pumping an annual business of Rs 30,000 crore. The ambitious plan is part of the roadmap prepared by the Assam Panchayat and Rural Development for a period extending to 10 years. At present, approximately 8.5 lakh women will earn Rs 1 lakh per year by themselves through business under the Lakhpati Didi vision. According to Ranjeet Kumar, the minister for Panchayat and Rural Development in Assam, th ...Read More >
The Malda cybercrime police arrested primary school teacher Manojit Burman in connection with a massive online fraud targeting West Bengal’s 'Taruner Swapno' scheme. Burman allegedly used multiple bank accounts linked to him and his family to siphon off funds meant for students purchasing tablets. This arrest raises the total count in the case to 14. The fraud, suspected to involve inter-state gangs from Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Jharkhand, impacted 1,911 of the 16 lakh beneficiaries. Police have registered 120 cases and formed a joint investigation team to expedite the probe into this large ...Read More >