National

Sonia Charges BJP Government with Failing to Deliver Maternity Benefits Under NFSA

Published

1 year ago

March 26, 2025

On Wednesday, Sonia Gandhi, chairperson of the Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP), accused the BJP-led central government of neglecting its maternity entitlements obligations under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013, and the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY).

Addressing the Rajya Sabha during Zero Hour, Gandhi emphasized the critical nature of the issue, stating, “I rise to speak on a matter of significant importance: the non-fulfillment of maternity entitlements under the National Food Security Act, 2013, and the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana.”

She reminded the House that the NFSA was enacted by Parliament in September 2013 during the tenure of then Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and has served as a cornerstone for the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKY).

“The Act stipulates a maternity entitlement of Rs 6,000 per child for pregnant women working in the informal sector. Although the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, launched in 2017, aims to meet this obligation, it only provides Rs 5,000 for the first child, with a similar provision for a second child if it is a girl,” she noted.

Gandhi referenced an analysis indicating that in the year 2022-23, around 68% of pregnant women received at least one installment of PMMVY for their first birth. However, this figure plummeted to just 12% in the subsequent year. “I would like to ask the Union government why this decline was permitted,” she questioned.

She further asserted that fully implementing the maternity benefits outlined in the NFSA, 2013, would necessitate an annual budget of approximately Rs 12,000 crore, yet the budget documents lack detailed allocations for the PMMVY.

“The Ministry of Women and Child Development has a program called Samarthya, which has an allocation of merely Rs 2,521 crore for the year 2025-26. This clearly indicates that the PMMVY is significantly underfunded, thus breaching the critical provisions of the law enacted by Parliament,” Gandhi added.

National

Jammu University Introduces Fuel-Saving Measures

Published

4 days ago

May 14, 2026

Namma Kudla

National : The University of Jammu has announced several fuel-saving measures following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal for fuel conservation. Vice-Chancellor Prof Umesh Rai said the university has decided to conduct all PhD viva voce examinations online to reduce travel and save fuel.

The university will also prefer virtual speakers for national and international conferences. In another step, the Academic Council meeting planned in Poonch has been shifted to the Jammu University campus to avoid unnecessary travel.

Prof Rai said the measures will help save fuel, time and resources. He also encouraged university staff to use bicycles and carpool while travelling to the campus.

National

One Year On: Pahalgam Attack Still Haunts the Nation

Published

4 weeks ago

April 21, 2026

Namma Kudla

National: One year after the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, the nation remembers the 26 people who lost their lives. The attack took place on April 22 at Baisaran, a popular tourist spot.

At first, reports said only five people were injured. Later, it became clear that it was one of the worst terror attacks in the region in decades. Terrorists came out of the forest and opened fire on tourists.

Survivors said the attackers separated men from women and children. They then shot the men at close range. Many victims were reportedly targeted after being asked about their religion.

A heartbreaking image of Himanshi Narwal sitting beside her husband’s body became a symbol of the tragedy. Her husband, a naval officer, was among those killed.

The group The Resistance front, linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility. The case was investigated by the National Investigation Agency.

After months of tracking, security forces launched Operation Mahadev. On July 28, 2025, all three terrorists were killed after a long search operation.

The attack remains a painful memory and a reminder of the need for strong security.

National

Social Media Influencer-Turned Gangster Held Abroad

Published

1 month 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.