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PM Modi condoles veteran nuclear scientist R Chidambaram’s death

Under his leadership, India conducted its second series of nuclear tests in 1998, solidifying the country’s strategic nuclear capabilities.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed profound sadness on Saturday over the passing of esteemed nuclear scientist Dr. Rajagopala Chidambaram. Modi noted that Dr. Chidambaram was a pivotal architect of India’s nuclear program and made significant contributions to enhancing the country’s scientific and strategic capabilities.

In a post on X, the Prime Minister stated, “I am deeply saddened by the demise of Dr. Rajagopala Chidambaram. He played a crucial role in India’s nuclear program and was instrumental in advancing our scientific and strategic strengths. The nation will remember him with gratitude, and his legacy will inspire future generations.”

Dr. Rajagopala Chidambaram, a prominent nuclear scientist and former principal scientific advisor to the Government of India, passed away at 3:20 AM on Saturday at Jaslok Hospital in Mumbai due to age-related complications. He was 88 years old.

Chidambaram was a key figure in India’s nuclear journey, participating in both the first nuclear test, Pokhran I (Operation Smiling Buddha) on May 18, 1974, and the second, Pokhran II (Operation Shakti) in 1998. His outstanding contributions were recognized when he received the Padma Shri in 1975 and the Padma Vibhushan in 1999.

Born in Chennai in 1936, Chidambaram graduated from Presidency College before obtaining a PhD from the Indian Institute of Science in Bengaluru. He joined the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) in 1962, where he eventually became director in 1990. In 1993, he was appointed chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission, a role he held until 2000.

Under his leadership, India conducted its second series of nuclear tests in 1998, solidifying the country’s strategic nuclear capabilities. He also played a vital role in the Indo-US civil nuclear agreement, which marked a significant step in reintegrating India into the global nuclear community.

In 2002, Chidambaram succeeded APJ Abdul Kalam as the second principal scientific advisor to the country, serving until 2018. During this time, he advocated for various scientific advancements, including the Rural Technology Action Group (RuTAG), which aimed to empower rural communities, as well as initiatives like the Society for Electronic Transactions and Security (SETS) focused on enhancing cybersecurity and the National Knowledge Network (NKN) designed for connecting academic and research institutions across India.

The Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India described Chidambaram as a “true scientific pioneer,” highlighting how his contributions to nuclear science and strategic technologies are integral to India’s progress in science and technology.

The office added, “Dr. Chidambaram’s crucial involvement in the Pokhran-II nuclear tests in 1998 established India’s scientific and strategic capabilities on the global stage. His work in condensed matter physics, nuclear energy, and strategic policymaking created a lasting legacy.”

Ajit Kumar Mohanty, secretary of the Department of Atomic Energy, praised him as “a doyen of science and technology whose contributions significantly enhanced India’s nuclear capabilities and strategic self-reliance.” He characterized Chidambaram’s passing as “an irreparable loss for the scientific community and the nation.”

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Uttar Pradesh govt bans sale of meat within 500 m of religious places during Navratri

Additionally, stringent measures will be enforced on Ram Navami, which falls on April 6, including a complete prohibition on animal slaughter and meat sales.

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In anticipation of the nine-day Chaitra Navratri festival starting on Sunday, March 30, the Uttar Pradesh Government has announced a crackdown on illegal slaughterhouses and imposed a ban on the sale of meat within a 500-meter radius of religious sites.

Additionally, stringent measures will be enforced on Ram Navami, which falls on April 6, including a complete prohibition on animal slaughter and meat sales.

Amrit Abhijat, Principal Secretary of the Urban Development Department, has instructed district magistrates, police commissioners, and municipal commissioners to swiftly implement the closure of slaughterhouses and enforce the meat sale restrictions near places of worship, as stated by the Uttar Pradesh Government on Saturday, March 29, 2025.

The Yogi Adityanath Administration cited previous directives from 2014 and 2017, reiterating that illegal animal slaughter and meat sales near religious locations are strictly forbidden. To ensure compliance, the government has established district-level committees led by district magistrates, comprising officials from various departments, including police, the Pollution Control Board, Animal Husbandry, Transport, Labour, Health, and Food Safety Administration.

In line with the U.P. Municipal Corporation Act of 1959 and the Food Safety Acts of 2006 and 2011, the government has called for rigorous punitive measures against those who violate these regulations.

Director of Information Shishir emphasized, “There will be no meat or fish shops within 500 meters during Navratri. Shops outside this radius must adhere to their licensing terms. Open selling is prohibited, and all meat retailers will be closed on Ram Navami.”

The Chaitra Navratri festival, honoring Goddess Durga, will begin on Sunday, March 30, 2025.

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In Nagpur, PM Modi pays tributes to RSS founders, says their memorial dedicated to values of Indian culture

Upon Modi’s arrival at the Nagpur airport, he was welcomed by Chief Minister Fadnavis, Union Minister Gadkari, and State BJP president Chandrashekhar Bawankule, further highlighting the day’s importance in the context of state and national politics.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid a heartfelt visit to the Dr. Hedgewar Smruti Mandir in Nagpur on Sunday, where he honored the legacies of two influential figures in the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), founder Keshav Baliram Hedgewar and his successor, M S Golwalkar.

Accompanied by prominent leaders, including RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, former general secretary Suresh Bhaiyyaji Joshi, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, who are all associated with Nagpur, Modi visited the memorial located in Reshimbagh, the RSS’s administrative headquarters.

During his visit, the Prime Minister met with RSS officials at the Smruti Bhavan within the complex and posed for group photographs with their members. In a guestbook at the venue, Modi expressed that the memorials symbolize the core values of Indian culture and nationalism, writing, “The memorial of the two strong pillars of RSS is an inspiration to lakhs of swayamsevaks who have dedicated themselves to the service of the nation.”

Modi described his emotions, stating, “I am overwhelmed to visit the Smruti Mandir which cherishes the memories of Param Pujaniya Dr. Hedgewar and Pujya Guruji.”

His visit coincided with the Sangh’s Pratipada program, celebrating Gudi Padwa, which marks the commencement of the Hindu New Year. This visit marks Modi’s first to the Smruti Mandir since he assumed office as Prime Minister. Historical perspectives were noted, especially as former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had previously visited the same site on August 27, 2000.

In addition to his tribute at the Smruti Mandir, Modi visited Deekshabhoomi in Nagpur, a significant site where Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar and his followers converted to Buddhism in 1956, underscoring the Prime Minister’s commitment to honoring India’s diverse historical and cultural legacy.

Upon Modi’s arrival at the Nagpur airport, he was welcomed by Chief Minister Fadnavis, Union Minister Gadkari, and State BJP president Chandrashekhar Bawankule, further highlighting the day’s importance in the context of state and national politics.

This visit not only reinforces Modi’s ties with the RSS but also reflects his ongoing engagement with the cultural and spiritual heritage of India, aiming to inspire solidarity and national service among its citizens.

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Farm loan waiver: Eknath Shinde says Maharashtra govt committed to fulfilling all poll promises, day after Ajit Pawar’s state’s financial constraints remark

His statements came shortly after Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Ajit Pawar had remarked on the necessity for farmers to manage their finances effectively rather than wait for potential relief from loan waivers.

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Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said on Saturday that the government is committed to fulfilling every promise made in its election manifesto, a day after a controversial remark by his cabinet colleague, Ajit Pawar, who suggested that farmers should not expect a waiver on crop loans and should instead pay their dues on time due to the state’s financial limitations.

Shinde emphasized the importance of maintaining a balanced state budget, asserting that there should be sufficient funding for welfare programs, development projects, and employee salaries.

He announced plans to increase the monthly aid for women under the Ladki Bahin Yojana from ₹1,500 to ₹2,100, contingent on the improvement of the state’s financial situation.

His statements came shortly after Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Ajit Pawar had remarked on the necessity for farmers to manage their finances effectively rather than wait for potential relief from loan waivers.

“We will honor every commitment stated in our manifesto. No promise will be ignored, and we will never consider it a mistake in printing,” Shinde, who is also the leader of Shiv Sena, told reporters when responding to inquiries about Pawar’s comments.

While visiting the samadhi of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj in Vadhu, Pune district, on the anniversary of his death, Shinde reiterated the government’s ongoing support for agriculture over the last two and a half years.

He noted that the government had provided ₹16,000 crore in relief for farmers suffering from crop damage due to unseasonal rains.

He also pointed out the allocation of ₹45,000 crore for related agricultural initiatives and mentioned current programs like the Shetkari Samman Yojana and Crop Insurance Scheme, underscoring the government’s dedication to the agricultural sector.

In response to questions about the planned increase in aid under the Ladki Bahin Yojana, Shinde assured that “as soon as the state’s economic conditions improve, our sisters will receive ₹2,100. We will keep our promises.”

Moreover, he emphasized the need for funding across all areas, including welfare initiatives, development, and personnel wages. He expressed confidence that enhanced investments would strengthen the state’s financial position.

Defending the Saugat-e-Modi scheme against opposition criticisms, Shinde highlighted that programs initiated by the Prime Minister have successfully lifted 35 crore individuals out of poverty and provided free rations to 80 crore people across various communities.

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