National

Jitendra Singh and Bill Gates Explore Biotech Collaboration and the Private Sector’s Contribution to India’s Innovation Drive

Published

1 year ago

March 20, 2025

Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft and a noted philanthropist, recently met with Union Minister for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh to discuss ways to enhance private sector and startup involvement in India’s innovation and biomanufacturing initiatives. The meeting, which included delegations from both parties, focused on topics such as advancements in gene therapy, vaccine innovation, biotechnology production, and the evolving startup ecosystem in India.

Dr. Singh highlighted that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, India has experienced significant growth in biotechnology innovations, backed by initiatives like Bio E3—emphasizing biotechnology for the economy, employment, and the environment. He pointed out the increasing role of private players and startups in India’s biotechnological revolution, facilitated by structured entities like the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) that promote collaborative efforts.

Gates commended India’s progress in biotechnology, recognizing its leading role in vaccine development, including partnerships that resulted in the HPV and COVID-19 vaccines. He expressed a desire to support India’s initiatives against diseases such as tuberculosis and malaria, noting that India’s research ecosystem offers vast opportunities for global health advancements.

A significant point of discussion was the boom in India’s biotechnology startups, which now exceeds 10,000. Dr. Singh indicated that 70% of these startups are focused on medical and health biotech, while the remainder contributes to agriculture, environment, and industrial biotechnology. He emphasized the government’s commitment to scaling these innovations with increased funding and supportive policies to accelerate commercialisation.

During the meeting, Gates and Dr. Singh also explored potential direct investment opportunities in Indian biotech startups through Gift City, a financial hub aimed at facilitating global investments. Gates mentioned that while the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation primarily engages in philanthropy, innovative financial structures can enable direct investments in promising Indian startups.

As India continues to advance its biotechnology sector, Dr. Singh reaffirmed the government’s dedication to fostering public-private partnerships, ensuring the industry’s growth and sustainability. With enhanced R&D funding and international collaboration, India is on track to become a global leader in biotechnology innovation.

National

Social Media Influencer-Turned Gangster Held Abroad

Published

4 days ago

April 9, 2026

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: Rao Inderjeet Yadav has been arrested in Dubai. He is wanted in a murder case from Haryana.

He fled India in 2024 after a businessman was killed in Rohtak. Police had been searching for him since then. Officials said Dubai authorities have asked for documents. He is likely to be brought back to India soon.

Yadav faces more than 15 criminal cases. These include extortion, fraud, and illegal land deals. The Enforcement Directorate also investigated him for money laundering. Raids led to the seizure of cash, cars, and documents.

He also ran a music company called Gems Tunes. It produced regional songs.

Yadav had a large social media following. He often showed his rich lifestyle online. He has denied all charges. He claims he is being framed.

Police are now preparing for further action.

National

Man Killed by Wife’s Lover in Andhra Pradesh, Son Raises Alarm

Published

5 days ago

April 8, 2026

Namma Kudla

Andhra Pradesh: A 45-year-old man was killed by his wife’s lover in Annamayya district of Andhra Pradesh. The incident happened on Monday night in a forest area near Chowdepalli.

The victim, Gandhi from Tamil Nadu, had come with his five-year-old son to search for his wife. Police said the wife was in a relationship with another man named Narasimhulu.

Narasimhulu allegedly took Gandhi and the child into the forest. He and his aides then attacked Gandhi with a stone and killed him in front of the boy.

The frightened child hid in nearby bushes. After the attackers left, he stayed beside his father’s body the whole night.

At sunrise, the boy walked to a nearby village and informed locals. The police were alerted and started an investigation.

Police have taken the accused and his two aides into custody. The child has been placed in a care centre.

National

Woman Delivers Baby Girl on Train in Andhra Pradesh

Published

5 days ago

April 8, 2026

Namma Kudla

Andhra Pradesh : A pregnant woman gave birth to a baby girl on a moving train in Andhra Pradesh. The incident ended safely with the help of railway staff.

The woman was eight months pregnant. She boarded the train with her family, believing she still had one month left for delivery. She was travelling from Chennai to Dhanbad on Train No. 13352.

After the train crossed Annavaram station, she began to feel labour pain. Her family members became worried and immediately informed the ticket examiner.

Railway staff member G. Jyothi responded quickly and helped the woman. Understanding the emergency, the train was given a special halt at Elamanchili station. An ambulance was also arranged.

The woman delivered a healthy baby girl on the train. After the delivery, both the mother and the newborn were shifted to Elamanchili Government Hospital in a 108 ambulance.

Officials confirmed that both the mother and baby are safe and healthy. The train was halted at the station for about 40 minutes to manage the situation.

Railway staff ensured privacy by asking male passengers to leave the coach. Their timely action helped ensure a safe delivery.

This incident highlights the importance of quick response and human support during emergencies.