The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority is exploring a new investment avenue for pension funds. The proposal would allow these funds to invest directly into large-scale national infrastructure projects. This move aims to provide long-term capital for infrastructure development while seeking stable returns for subscribers. The plan is currently in the discussion and evaluation phase.
A project in Utah has successfully moved 17 million tons of radioactive mill tailings from the banks of the Colorado River. The waste was transported by rail, and teams are now monitoring groundwater for contamination. Further work will involve excavating contaminated soil near the original site. The goal is to ensure long-term safety for local communities and the river ecosystem, with plans to revegetate the area to prevent erosion.
The Central Bureau of Investigation has filed a second chargesheet in the Reliance Home Finance Limited loan case. The document names three senior executives from the Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group. It also includes seven companies as accused. The charges relate to alleged financial irregularities concerning loans from RHFL.
Jammu and Kashmir Police announced on Thursday they have dismantled a major interstate narcotics network in Srinagar. The operation resulted in the seizure of over 219,000 pharmaceutical drug tablets and capsules. Authorities also recovered cash, gold, a firearm, and other valuables from the suspects. The bust targeted a significant supply chain of controlled pharmaceutical substances.
India has expressed support for connectivity initiatives under the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. However, Prime Minister Modi's potential visit to Pakistan remains uncertain. The Times of India reports that Pakistan's support for terrorism is a key factor in India's stance. The statement highlights India's broader regional engagement while maintaining a firm position on security concerns.
The Supreme Court of India has issued a stay order on the execution of a convict in the 2008 Gujarat serial blasts case. The order was issued by a bench headed by Justice Trivedi. The convict was sentenced to death for his role in the blasts that occurred in Ahmedabad. The court has halted the hanging pending further legal proceedings.
The Supreme Court has directed authorities to confiscate vehicles and stop the renewal of registration certificates and PUC certificates if owners have unpaid e-challans. The court reprimanded officials for the massive backlog of unpaid fines. This action addresses the nationwide issue of over Rs 23,000 crore in unrecovered traffic penalties. The order aims to enforce compliance and recover pending dues.
In Goa, the Election Commission has addressed a list of 97 voters whose citizenship was previously under review. The commission reported that 88 of these individuals have now returned to the electoral rolls. Three others have been confirmed to be Portuguese citizens, while the remaining six are residing abroad. This clarifies the status of voters flagged during a process to identify potential dual citizens.
Ray Vetuskey, 64, is celebrating the 100th birthday of the kidney he received from his mother 48 years ago. The transplant was performed in 1978 when Vetuskey was 16 years old. His donated kidney has significantly outlived the typical 15–20 year expectancy for such transplants. Vetuskey is now the longest-surviving kidney transplant recipient at New York's Strong Memorial Hospital, where doctors expect the kidney to last his lifetime.
The Supreme Court of India has expressed disapproval of the practice of granting out-of-turn hearings. It emphasized that the right to access to justice is equal for all citizens. The court's remarks came during a proceeding on March 26. This stance reinforces the principle that no litigant should receive preferential treatment in court scheduling.
Authors Stephen and Tabitha King donated $120,000 to a heating assistance fundraiser in Maine. The fundraiser collected a total of $241,820 to help families heat their homes this winter. It was established due to worries about decreased federal aid for heating costs. The effort addresses the financial struggles many households face during Maine's cold winters.
Tax officials conducted a raid and seized Rs 1.12 crore in Indian currency and foreign cash worth Rs 4.34 lakh. The individual involved was taken in for questioning. The Assessing Officer later treated both sums as unexplained income. However, the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal ruled in the man's favor after his sister-in-law provided a valid explanation for the foreign currency.
The Saudi-led military coalition stated it intercepted missiles and drones launched by Houthi forces. The attack targeted the Khamis Mushait province in Saudi Arabia. Debris from one intercepted ballistic missile caused limited material damage, according to Saudi Civil Defence authorities. The incident is part of the ongoing conflict between the Saudi coalition and Yemen's Houthi rebels.
The Ram Temple Trust has mandated that all its employees undergo full police verification. Staff must also provide character certificates issued by the police. The Trust is further collecting comprehensive personal details, including information about family members. This process is intended to ensure thorough background checks for individuals working at the temple.
A 120-acre family farm in Essex, Massachusetts has been permanently protected from commercial development. The conservation deal safeguards the agricultural, forestry, and wildlife values of the historic Hoyt Farm. The initiative was led by local leaders and state agencies. It aims to preserve natural resources and enhance community food security. The agreement was structured to minimize financial burden on the town.
The Monterey Bay Aquarium has rescued and cared for more than 1,000 stranded southern sea otters since 1984. Most of these otters were found in distress along the California coast. Many were orphaned pups requiring intensive, long-term care. The aquarium's program aims to rehabilitate the animals and release them back to the wild. This effort supports the recovery of a threatened species protected under U.S. law.
In response to the recent flydubai incident, former US President Donald Trump stated the United States would retaliate forcefully if Iran is found responsible. Speaking on the matter, Trump vowed that Iran would be hit very hard. The statement directly ties any potential US military action to Iran's alleged involvement. This marks a clear threat of escalation should Tehran be deemed culpable for the event.
The Indian government is targeting the end of the current fiscal year to seal a deal for 114 Rafale fighter jets. The agreement is with French manufacturer Dassault Aviation. The French company has agreed to integrate Indian-made weapons systems onto the aircraft. This move is part of India's efforts to modernize its air force and enhance domestic defense production.
Archaeologists have retrieved exceptionally well-preserved worked wood from Lake Arendsee in Germany. The artifacts, which are approximately 10,500 years old, were found at a depth of 20 meters. They include a large post with tool marks and several split wooden boards. Researchers suggest these pieces may be remnants of Mesolithic huts or other structures, providing new clues about hunter-gatherer societies.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh called for greater financial integration among India's three military services. He emphasized the need for unified budgets and resource management. Singh also stressed the importance of digitizing defense processes. This push aims to enhance efficiency and jointness within the armed forces.