Category: NATIONAL

New Delhi | December 4, 2025 — Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Wednesday announced that the IRCTC website maintained an impressive 99.98% uptime between April and October 2025. The achievement highlights the railway portal’s reliability in handling high volumes of bookings and inquiries, ensuring smooth digital services for millions of passengers nationwide.

The minister added that continuous technological upgrades, robust server infrastructure, and effective monitoring systems contributed to this record uptime. IRCTC officials stated that the platform handled peak traffic efficiently during festive seasons and special train services, reinforcing confidence in India’s digital railway ecosystem and supporting the government’s push toward digital governance.

New Delhi | December 4, 2025 — The Supreme Court on Wednesday came down heavily on the justice delivery system over a 16-year delay in an acid attack case, calling it a “mockery of the system.” While hearing the matter in New Delhi, the apex court expressed deep concern over the prolonged suffering of the survivor and the failure to ensure timely justice in such a grave crime.

The court observed that delays of this magnitude not only shatter victims’ lives but also weaken public faith in the rule of law. Stressing the need for fast-track trials in heinous crimes like acid attacks, the Supreme Court directed authorities to ensure strict accountability and time-bound disposal of such cases. The remarks are being seen as a strong reminder to the judiciary and law enforcement agencies to prioritize victim-centric justice.

Visakhapatnam | December 4, 2025 — The Andhra Pradesh government has allotted 480 acres of land for the proposed Adani-Google AI Data Centre in Visakhapatnam, marking a major boost to the state’s digital and technology infrastructure. The landmark project is expected to position Visakhapatnam as a key hub for artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and data-driven innovation in India.

Officials said the high-capacity data centre will significantly enhance India’s AI ecosystem while creating thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities. The collaboration between Adani Group and Google is also expected to attract further global investments, strengthen digital security, and support the country’s rapidly growing demand for data storage and advanced computing services.

Anantapur | December 4, 2025 — Andhra Pradesh police on Tuesday recovered ₹72 lakh in unaccounted cash from an inter-state bus during a routine vehicle inspection in Anantapur district. Two persons were arrested in connection with the seizure, and preliminary investigations suggest the money was being transported without valid documents.

Police officials stated that the accused failed to give a satisfactory explanation regarding the source and intended use of the cash. The seized amount has been handed over to the appropriate authorities for further verification, while officials continue to investigate possible links to illegal trade, hawala transactions, or election-related funding. The operation marks another major crackdown on illegal cash movement across state borders.

New Delhi | December 4, 2025 — Union Finance Minister on Tuesday addressed concerns surrounding the IMF’s reported ‘C’ grade on India’s growth data, asserting that the country’s economic numbers remain transparent, credible, and globally acceptable. Speaking in New Delhi, the minister clarified that the IMF’s assessment has been misinterpreted and does not undermine India’s overall growth story.

The Finance Minister stressed that India continues to be one of the fastest-growing major economies in the world, driven by strong domestic demand, infrastructure spending, and structural reforms. She also highlighted that global agencies regularly revise their assessment frameworks and urged the public not to draw negative conclusions based on selective interpretations of international reports.

Bengaluru | December 3, 2025 — Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Wednesday left for Delhi, stating he will attend a marriage function and some small meetings, amid speculation surrounding the state’s Chief Minister post. His visit comes at a politically sensitive time, with party circles and media closely monitoring developments in Bengaluru and Delhi.

Shivakumar refrained from commenting on the ongoing political tussle, emphasizing that his trip is personal and routine. However, political analysts suggest that his movement to the national capital could coincide with discussions over leadership positions and party strategy in Karnataka. The visit has fueled heightened political curiosity as stakeholders await further updates on the CM post situation.

New Delhi | December 3, 2025 — The Indian Railways has announced plans to implement OTP-based window ticket bookings for Tatkal services, aiming to curb misuse and fraudulent bookings. The move, expected to roll out in the coming weeks, will require passengers to verify their identity through a one-time password (OTP) sent to their registered mobile number before confirming Tatkal tickets at railway counters.

Officials stated that this initiative is part of a broader effort to streamline ticketing, improve transparency, and ensure genuine passengers get fair access to Tatkal quotas. The OTP-based system is expected to significantly reduce middlemen and scalping activities while enhancing passenger convenience and security. Railways has assured the public that the transition will be smooth, with clear instructions provided at counters and online platforms.

New Delhi | December 3, 2025 — Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday reaffirmed India’s commitment to empowering divyang (persons with disabilities) citizens on the occasion of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Addressing a special event in New Delhi, PM Modi highlighted the government’s initiatives aimed at accessibility, inclusive education, and skill development for divyang individuals across the country.

The Prime Minister urged society to foster greater awareness, inclusion, and respect for persons with disabilities, emphasizing that technological innovations and policy measures should aim to remove barriers in all spheres of life. He also commended efforts by NGOs, institutions, and citizens contributing to the welfare and upliftment of divyang communities, underscoring that inclusive growth is central to India’s development vision.

New Delhi | December 3, 2025 — Union Minister Nityanand Rai on Wednesday reaffirmed that the Bharat Ke Veer Trust ensures that the next of kin of martyred personnel receive a minimum of ₹1 crore from all available entitlements. Speaking at a public event in New Delhi, Rai emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting the families of soldiers and honoring their sacrifice.

The minister highlighted that the trust consolidates contributions, ex-gratia payments, and other welfare measures to provide financial security and dignity to the families of martyrs. He urged citizens to contribute to the initiative, stating that collective support can help strengthen the morale of India’s armed forces while ensuring the well-being of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the nation.