India News

Centre proposes stricter microbial contamination norms under Schedule M

The Union Health Ministry has proposed tightening microbial contamination limits in Grade A clean areas to align India's pharmaceutical manufacturing standards with WHO guidelines

Cabinet clears ₹2,814-crore support for lithium, nickel processing plants

The five-year scheme offers a 30 per cent capital subsidy for four lithium and nickel processing plants, aiming to reduce import dependence and strengthen critical mineral supply chains

SC upholds states' power to levy additional sales tax under pre-GST laws

The seven-judge Bench ruled that additional sales tax was within states' powers under the erstwhile tax regime, but said the 2017 introduction of GST had made the reference largely academic.

Cabinet clears ₹4,371-crore VISTAR scheme to revamp India's statistics

The five-year VISTAR scheme will fund 59 surveys, the 8th Economic Census and AI-driven statistical reforms, while strengthening state-level data systems and GDP estimates.

Indian Railways freight loading rises 8.3% to 145.07 million tonnes in Oct

Indian Railways transported 145.07 million tonnes of freight in October, up 8.3 per cent year-on-year, aided by higher foodgrain and coal loading, while passenger traffic also rose.

SC upholds ARCs' right to replace banks in pending cheque dishonour cases

The Supreme Court has upheld a Bombay High Court ruling allowing ARCs to replace banks in pending cheque dishonour cases after acquiring loans and related securities under the SARFAESI Act.

UpGrad moves NCLT against Bira 91 maker B9 Beverages over ₹1.02 cr dues

UpGrad has filed an insolvency petition against B9 Beverages over alleged dues of ₹1.02 crore, adding to the Bira 91 maker's mounting creditor pressure and financial troubles.

Cabinet clears ₹14,500 crore VGF scheme for 92 GWh energy storage capacity

The scheme will support 92 GWh of grid-scale energy storage capacity by FY31, including pumped storage and battery projects, with an estimated investment of ₹97,600 crore

Delhi SIR: SC to hear plea over EC's Form 6 clarification on Nov 19

The bench said the matter would be taken up for hearing on November 19

IMA welcomes rank-based system in Neet, seeks safeguards to protect merit

The proposed system is yet to be notified through final NMC regulations. A draft regulation is expected to be issued for stakeholder consultation

What is Form 6? EC clarifies its use for voters excluded from SIR rolls

The Election Commission said previously enrolled voters whose names are missing from draft SIR rolls can use Form 6 to seek inclusion in the final electoral roll without facing automatic prosecution

Govt approves strengthening of fast track courts to deal with child abuse

The courts, including exclusive POCSO courts, are meant to ensure time-bound trials and disposal of pending rape cases and crimes against children

Delhi HC warns against forum shopping in intellectual property disputes

The court returned 17 commercial suits, largely involving intellectual property disputes, saying the parties had little or no substantial connection with Delhi

Cabinet approves ₹4,371 crore to overhaul India's data collection system

Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Wednesday said the Cabinet has cleared ₹4,371 crore to modernise the country's data collection system

Twin cyclone impact: Andhra govt seeks ₹4,500 crore 'immediate' relief

The chief Minister estimated that very severe cyclonic storm Arnab inflicted a loss of at least ₹4,563 crore and severe cyclonic storm Murasu immediately after that ₹343 crore

EC separates new voter inclusion form, declaration in online version

In September, it had already withdrawn the declaration from its digital platforms in states where the special intensive revision of voters' (SIR) list has been completed

SC upholds states' power to levy additional sales tax under 1974 ruling

While declining to undertake a fresh adjudication on the reference, the court clarified that the five-judge Constitution Bench ruling in S Kodar vs State of Kerala (1974) continued to hold the field

Delhi HC to hear lawyers' plea seeking action against suspended ACP, cops

The controversy stems from an October 23 incident at Shahdara police station, where advocate Lalit Bansal allegedly sustained a serious head injury during a scuffle

Laws penalising having more than 2 children have lost relevance: SC

Supreme Court referred the validity of a two-child disqualification provision under Maharashtra law to a larger bench, saying such laws raise concerns over reproductive autonomy under Article 21

Diwali shopping rush brings Delhi traffic to a crawl, key roads hit

Heavy traffic was reported in and around several major shopping hubs, including Sarojini Nagar, South Extension, Lajpat Nagar, Karol Bagh, Kamla Nagar, Chandni Chowk and Rajouri Garden