Author: Sharad Natani
Few stories embody grit and courage like that of Rinku Singh Rahi, the IAS officer who stared death in the face, fought corruption, and rose again to crack the UPSC Civil Services Examination. Shot seven times, losing an eye and enduring multiple surgeries, Rahi’s journey is an extraordinary example of perseverance and integrity. From Aligarh to Muzaffarnagar — A Reformer’s Rise A native of Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, Rinku Singh Rahi began his civil service career in 2007 after clearing the PSC exam, becoming a District Social Welfare Officer. In June 2008, posted in Muzaffarnagar, he brought in reforms aimed at…
In a major push to expand affordable healthcare access, the Union Government has eased the rules for setting up Jan Aushadhi Kendras (JAKs) in metropolitan and million-plus cities. The minimum-distance requirement between outlets has been removed, paving the way for more pharmacies under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP). What’s New in the Guidelines A fresh circular issued by the Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI) on September 10 announced that: ●The no-distance restriction now applies to the seven metros — Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Ahmedabad. ●It also extends to 46 cities with a…
At the Eco-Warrior Awards 2025, Uttar Pradesh’s record-breaking afforestation campaign “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” took center stage, bagging the Innovative Initiatives Award for its historic tree plantation drive under Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) Sunil Chaudhary. The initiative has planted a staggering 210 crore trees, making it one of the largest community-driven green movements in the world. From Slogan to Mass Movement Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on World Environment Day (June 5, 2024), “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” went beyond being a government program — it became a people’s movement. In Uttar Pradesh, Chief Minister Yogi…
In a landmark step toward clean energy leadership, the Union Government on Thursday launched a Rs 100-crore scheme for startups to accelerate innovation in green hydrogen production, storage, transportation, and utilisation. The initiative was announced by New & Renewable Energy Minister Pralhad Joshi at India’s first Green Hydrogen R&D Conference. Under the scheme, startups can receive up to Rs 5 crore per pilot project, opening a new wave of funding for technologies that can decarbonise industries, power cities, and generate lakhs of new jobs. Turning Research Into Action Addressing over 25 startups showcasing their innovations — from AI-powered electrolysers to…
Cardiologists are sounding the alarm: most heart attacks don’t arrive without notice. They’re often preceded by subtle warning signs that millions of people mistake for fatigue, stress, or indigestion. Ignoring these symptoms can cost lives, but timely recognition can save them. Dr. A. Sreenivas Kumar, Senior Consultant Cardiologist at Apollo Hospitals, explains, “Heart attacks usually start with warning signs that we tend to dismiss. Awareness is the first line of defence.” The 8 Early Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore Persistent chest pain or discomfort – pressure, heaviness or squeezing feeling lasting more than a few minutes Shortness of breath – even…
In a landmark medical achievement, doctors at Krishna Maternity and Child Care Hospital, Palayamkottai, successfully performed an advanced laparoscopic pediatric surgery to treat a choledochal cyst in a 6-year-old girl — a rare and potentially life-threatening congenital condition. This minimally invasive procedure marks a significant shift from traditional open surgeries, offering faster recovery, less post-operative pain, and reduced scarring for young patients. A Rare, Silent Threat in Children A choledochal cyst is an uncommon congenital abnormality where the bile duct develops a cystic dilation, blocking the normal flow of bile from the liver to the small intestine. This condition, more…