National
Centre Significantly Boosts Funding for Vigyan Dhara Scheme
The budget for the scheme has risen dramatically from ₹330.75 crore for the fiscal year 2024-25 to ₹1,425.00 crore for 2025-26.
For the unified scheme ‘Vigyan Dhara’, the proposed allocation spans ₹10,579.84 crore for the period between 2021-22 and 2025-26, in line with the recommendations of the 15th Finance Commission.
This budget increase highlights the government’s commitment to strengthening the role of science and technology as crucial drivers of national development, according to an official press release issued on Tuesday.
Launched on January 16, 2025, the Vigyan Dhara scheme consolidates three major umbrella initiatives into one, focusing on:
— **Science and Technology (S&T) Institutional and Human Capacity Building**: This aspect aims to enhance India’s scientific infrastructure and workforce by improving research and development (R&D) facilities across academic institutions, thereby fostering a vibrant research environment.
— **Research and Development (R&D)**: Vigyan Dhara prioritises research across key domains, including fundamental studies, translational research in sustainable energy and water, and access to global mega facilities. It also encourages collaborative efforts through international partnerships.
— **Innovation, Technology Development, and Deployment**: This component promotes innovation at all levels— from primary education to industry— and focuses on advancing technology development and deployment. It aims to enhance collaboration among academia, government, and industry, in addition to supporting startups.
The strategic integration of these components enhances the efficiency of fund utilization and ensures coordination among various sub-schemes and programs, streamlining efforts towards scientific advancement in India.
Key priorities of the scheme include Capacity Building, Research and Development, Innovation and Technology Development, Gender Equity in Science and Technology, and International Collaboration.
According to the press note, Vigyan Dhara is poised to transform India’s scientific landscape by fostering innovation, enhancing research capabilities, and advancing technological progress. “The government’s increased budget allocation signifies a strong commitment to positioning India as a global leader in science and technology while promoting inclusive participation aligned with the nation’s long-term development objectives,” it noted.
National
MBBS Student Alleges She Was Drugged, Raped by Friend in Delhi Hotel
New Delhi: An 18-year-old MBBS student has accused a 20-year-old male friend of drugging and sexually assaulting her at a hotel in Delhi’s Adarsh Nagar area. The alleged incident took place on September 9, police officials said.
According to the complaint, the accused, who is also a medical student, invited the woman to “Hotel Apple” on the pretext of spending time together. Once there, he allegedly gave her a drink laced with drugs and then raped her.
The survivor told police that the accused recorded obscene videos and took pictures during the assault. He later threatened to make the content viral if she reported the incident.
The woman, a native of Jind in Haryana, is currently staying at the hostel of Baba Saheb Ambedkar Medical College in Rohini, Delhi.
Based on her complaint, police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code. A search is underway to locate and arrest the accused, officials added.
In a separate case earlier this month, a school manager in Uttar Pradesh was arrested for allegedly raping a Class 8 student. In February, a tuition teacher in Delhi’s CR Park area was accused of repeatedly raping a 15-year-old student over three years and threatening her with blackmail.
National
8 Patients Dead In Jaipur Hospital Fire
Jaipur: Eight patients died after a fire broke out at the trauma centre of the state-run Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Hospital in Jaipur late Sunday night.

Officials said the blaze started in the storage area of the Neuro ICU, possibly due to a short circuit. There were 11 patients in the ICU at the time. Smoke quickly spread, causing panic among patients and staff.
Hospital workers and attendants tried to rescue patients, even moving them out on their beds. Firefighters controlled the blaze in about two hours.
Families of the victims alleged that hospital staff ignored early warnings about smoke and fled during the fire.
Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma and other ministers visited the hospital to review the situation and assured a detailed probe into the incident.
National
75-Year-Old Man Marries 35-Year-Old, Dies Before Honeymoon
Uttar Pradesh: A 75-year-old man who remarried in search of companionship died barely hours after his wedding, sparking shock and speculation in his village.

The deceased, identified as Sangruram, a resident of Kuchhmuchh village in Jaunpur district, had been living alone after losing his first wife a year ago. With no children, he supported himself through farming. Despite advice from relatives against remarriage, Sangruram wed 35-year-old Manbhavati, a resident of Jalalpur area, on Monday, September 29.
The marriage was first registered in court, followed by traditional rituals at a local temple. According to Manbhavati, the couple spent most of the wedding night conversing, as Sangruram assured her that she would take responsibility for the household while he would “take care of the children.”
However, by the next morning, his health deteriorated suddenly. He was rushed to hospital, where doctors declared him dead.
The unexpected death has triggered varied reactions in the village. While some residents believe it to be a natural occurrence given his age, others have expressed suspicion about the circumstances.
Relatives, including nephews residing in Delhi, have halted funeral rites until their arrival. They have also raised questions about whether a police inquiry or post-mortem examination will be conducted before the cremation.
Authorities have yet to issue an official statement regarding further investigation.
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