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

Couple Uses Dupatta to Rescue Biker from Flash Flood

Published

5 days ago

September 1, 2026

Namma Kudla

National: A family in Himachal Pradesh’s Chamba risked their lives to rescue a biker trapped in a flash flood following heavy rainfall.

The incident occurred on the Kakiara-Tunuhatti road in the Bharmala area of Bhatiyat. Heavy rain caused water to flood the road, creating a strong and dangerous current.

The biker struggled to stay safe as he was caught in the fast-flowing water. Two women, including a newlywed woman, quickly used a dupatta as a makeshift rope to rescue him.

The biker held onto the dupatta while the family members pulled him towards safety. Another person also joined the rescue effort.

A video of the incident has gone viral on social media. The family’s courage and quick thinking have received widespread praise online.

National

Two Arrested for Alleged Assault on Minor Girl in Moving Bus

Published

6 days ago

August 31, 2026

Namma Kudla

Noida: Two men, including a bus driver and conductor, have been arrested for allegedly gang-raping a 16-year-old girl on a moving sleeper bus in Greater Noida.

Police said the incident occurred on August 4 when the girl boarded an empty bus while travelling to Noida Sector 63.

The accused allegedly assaulted the girl and later abandoned her near Kashmere Gate in Delhi, around 40 kilometres away.

Following the survivor’s complaint, police launched an investigation and arrested both accused from Timarpur in North Delhi.

The bus has been seized, and CCTV footage and forensic evidence are being examined.

Further investigation is underway.

National

21-Year-Old Model Murdered Inside Home, Gym Trainer Accused

Published

1 week ago

August 27, 2026

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: A 21-year-old woman was allegedly stabbed to death inside her home in West Delhi on Wednesday. The police suspect her gym trainer, identified as Imran, in the case.

The victim, identified as Muskan, was a student and model. She was reportedly alone at her home on the second floor of a building in Tilak Nagar when the incident took place.

According to the police, Imran allegedly attacked Muskan with a knife. He then fled from the spot.

Neighbours heard Muskan’s screams and rushed to her house. They found her lying in a pool of blood.

The neighbours immediately took her to a nearby hospital. However, she died while undergoing treatment.

Police teams have launched a search for the accused. Investigators are also checking CCTV footage from the area to trace his movements.

Muskan’s friend Aman said she was the youngest of three sisters. He said her elder sister, who is in Chandigarh, called him after learning about the attack.

Aman said he immediately asked another friend to reach the house and take Muskan to the hospital. By the time he arrived, an ambulance had already taken her away.

He also claimed that Muskan’s sisters had earlier told him that Imran used to harass her. He said Imran had allegedly behaved in a similar manner in the past.

The police are investigating the exact motive behind the murder. Further details are awaited.