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PM inaugurates country’s first All India Institute of Ayurved

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Modi Ayurved

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Prime Minister pitches for ‘health revolution’, says Ayurved hospitals to be set up in every district of the country

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the country’s first All India Institute of Ayurved (AIIA) in the national capital, on Tuesday, and pitched for the need for a “health revolution” in the country through the traditional medicine system.

While dedicating the AIIA, established on the lines of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), the Prime Minister said that his government is working towards setting up an Ayurved hospital in each district of the country.

Asserting on the need for affordable and accessible healthcare for India’s poor, Modi said: “It is very necessary for the expansion of Ayurved that there is a good hospital with all facilities… in every district of the country. The AYUSH Ministry is working swiftly in this direction, and in three years, more than 65 AYUSH hospitals have been developed.”

Stressing that the world was heading “back to nature and wellness”, Modi described Ayurved as India’s strength and urged experts from the field to find medicines which can, like allopathy, give immediate relief to people but without side-effects.

The Prime Minister urged private players to use part of their corporate social responsibility funds to help strengthen Ayurved.

“We have seen the IT revolution in last 30 years. Now, time has come for a health revolution under the aegis of Ayurved. Let’s pledge to strengthen, revive Ayurved,” Modi said.

The Prime Minister suggested a relook at the existing Ayurveda syllabus and underlined the requirement for standard guidelines and treatment in the medicine system so it is not overpowered by allopathy.

Modi claimed that efforts had been made in the past to destroy “India’s strengths” and its traditions such as Yoga and Ayurved were belittled during the “era of slavery”.

“Attempts were even made to reduce the faith that Indians had on them. However, after getting freedom from slavery, there was hope that whatever was left would be preserved,” Modi said, while adding: “But it did not become a priority. Things were left to fate. Those nations who leave their heritage behind are destined to lose their identity.”

He said the AYUSH ministry in collaboration with the Ministry of Skill Development should develop short term courses for students and farmers. The farming of medicinal plants will generate new employment opportunities.

The AIIA, Modi said, would work in collaboration with the AIIMS, Indian Council of Medical Research and other international organisations and hoped that the new institute would turn into a main centre of inter-disciplinary and integrative health practices.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

India News

Siddaramaiah gets clean chit from Lokayukta in MUDA land scam case

The MUDA case has been a political flashpoint in Karnataka, with the BJP accusing the Congress-led state government of favouritism and corruption.

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The Karnataka Lokayukta police, investigating the Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) site allotment case, on Wednesday, cleared Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, his wife BM Parvathi, and two others of all charges, citing a “lack of evidence.” The final report was submitted to the Karnataka High Court, bringing partial closure to the high-profile case.

The other individuals named in the case include Siddaramaiah’s brother-in-law Mallikarjuna Swamy and landowner Devaraju. In a letter to activist Snehamayi Krishna, one of the complainants in the case, the Lokayukta police stated, “Since the allegations against accused-1 to accused-4 have not been proven due to insufficient evidence, the final report is being submitted to the high court.”

However, the investigation is not entirely over. The Lokayukta police added that further inquiries will be conducted into allegations of MUDA’s compensatory plot allotments under the 50:50 ratio scheme between 2016 and 2024. An additional report will be submitted to the high court upon completion of this probe.

The 50:50 scheme, which has been at the center of the controversy, involves MUDA allotting 50% of developed land to individuals whose undeveloped land was acquired for residential layouts. In this case, Parvathi was allegedly allotted compensatory plots in an upscale area of Mysuru, with a higher property value compared to the location of her original land.

The complainants had alleged that Parvathi did not hold legal title to the 3.16 acres of land in Kasare village, Mysuru taluk, which was acquired by MUDA. Despite these claims, the Lokayukta’s findings have cleared the accused of any wrongdoing, at least for now.

The development comes days after the Karnataka High Court rejected a plea to transfer the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the country’s premier investigative agency. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which is in opposition in Karnataka but leads the central government, had pushed for a CBI probe, alleging irregularities in the land allotment process.

The MUDA case has been a political flashpoint in Karnataka, with the BJP accusing the Congress-led state government of favouritism and corruption. The clean chit to Siddaramaiah and his family is likely to provide some relief to the ruling party, even as the opposition continues to question the integrity of the investigation.

As the Lokayukta proceeds with its further investigation into the 50:50 scheme, the case remains a contentious issue in Karnataka’s political landscape. The final outcome of the probe could have significant implications for both the state government and the opposition, as they gear up for future electoral battles.

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Chhaava: Maharashtra CM Fadnavis hails Vicky Kaushal-Rashmika starrer, says will think on public demand for tax-free status

The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) had earlier appealed to the Maharashtra government to grant tax exemption to Chhaava, emphasizing the importance of sharing the legacy of the Maratha king with future generations.

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Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday lauded the recently released film Chhaava, which depicts the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, calling it a historically accurate tribute to the Maratha warrior king.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an event celebrating the birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Fadnavis expressed his admiration for the film and its portrayal of Sambhaji Maharaj’s valour and contributions.

“I extend my heartfelt wishes to all admirers of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj across the globe on this auspicious occasion of his birth anniversary. It is because of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj that we exist today. He taught us self-respect, equality, and unity. He laid the foundation for governance, water and forest conservation, tax structures, and coastal security. He was the first to elevate Marathi to the status of a classical language. As his soldiers, we are committed to upholding his legacy in governing the state,” said Fadnavis, who hails from Nagpur.

The Chief Minister also commended actor Vicky Kaushal, who plays the titular role in Chhaava, and director Laxman Utekar for their efforts in bringing the story of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj to the big screen.

“Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj was a figure of immense bravery, knowledge, and valour, yet history has often done him injustice. I am pleased that a film like Chhaava has been made to honour his legacy. Although I haven’t seen the movie yet, those who have watched it have assured me that it stays true to historical facts. I congratulate the producers, director, and Vicky Kaushal for their dedication to this project,” Fadnavis said.

Addressing demands to make Chhaava tax-free, Fadnavis clarified that Maharashtra abolished entertainment tax in 2017, making such exemptions unnecessary. However, he assured that the state government would actively promote the film to ensure it reaches a wider audience.

“While other states may waive entertainment tax to make films tax-free, Maharashtra has already eliminated this tax. We will focus on promoting Chhaava and spreading awareness about the inspiring history of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj,” he added.

The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) had earlier appealed to the Maharashtra government to grant tax exemption to Chhaava, emphasizing the importance of sharing the legacy of the Maratha king with future generations.

In a statement, the FWICE highlighted the film’s alignment with the principle of ‘Dharmo Rakshati Rakshitah’ (righteousness protects those who uphold it) and urged the government to support its nationwide reach.

“We have written to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, requesting tax exemption for Chhaava. This film beautifully portrays the life and courage of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, and it is essential that his story reaches not just Maharashtra but the entire nation,” the FWICE statement read.

Released on February 14, Chhaava stars Vicky Kaushal as Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj and Rashmika Mandanna in a pivotal role. The period drama has been praised for its historical authenticity and powerful storytelling, resonating with audiences and critics alike.

As Maharashtra continues to celebrate the legacy of its warrior kings, Chhaava stands as a cinematic tribute to the enduring spirit of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, ensuring his contributions are remembered and honoured for generations to come.

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Congress says US President Donald Trump threatening existence of GST, questions PM Modi’s stance

“As India integrates further into the global economy, there is growing recognition that import duties on alcohol need to be reduced to align with international standards,” Giri said.

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The Congress party on Wednesday raised concerns over U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent remarks on reciprocal tariffs, questioning whether the move could undermine India’s Goods and Services Tax (GST) system.

In a pointed statement, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh wondered if Prime Minister Narendra Modi, often referred to as a “Vishwaguru” (global leader), would stand up to protect India’s national sovereignty in the face of such challenges.

Ramesh emphasized that the Congress has long advocated for a revamped GST 2.0, aimed at simplifying the tax structure and making it truly “Good and Simple,” as originally intended. He called for minimizing tax rates and reforming compliance rules to ease the burden on businesses and consumers.

“By its very design, GST applies to imports but not exports, a principle that has never been disputed,” Ramesh said in a post on X (formerly Twitter). “Now, President Trump’s talk of reciprocal tariffs is calling into question the very existence of a consumption tax like GST. Beyond the WTO, this is a matter of national sovereignty. Will President Trump’s good friend in New Delhi, who often boasts of being a Vishwaguru, stand up to this?”

Ramesh also shared an article highlighting that Trump’s proposed tariffs are partly a response to what the U.S. describes as “unfair” taxes, including value-added taxes like Australia’s Goods and Services Tax. This has sparked fears that India’s GST system could face similar scrutiny.

The Congress leader’s remarks come amid recent developments in India-U.S. trade relations. Earlier this month, India reduced tariffs on bourbon whiskey from 150% to 100%, a move seen as a gesture to address U.S. concerns over high import duties. The decision, dated February 13 but gaining media attention on February 14, 2025, benefits American brands like Suntory’s Jim Beam.

During his meeting with Prime Minister Modi at the White House, President Trump criticized what he called “unfair” trade practices in India and outlined plans for reciprocal tariffs on countries imposing duties on U.S. imports. The tariff reduction on bourbon is viewed as a strategic step to ease tensions and pre-empt potential retaliatory measures.

Pratik Jain, a partner at PwC India, noted that the move signals India’s willingness to adjust tariffs for strategic partners. “It reflects the government’s intent to align its trade policies with global expectations,” he said.

However, India’s high tariffs on alcohol imports have long been a point of contention for foreign liquor companies, including Diageo and Pernod Ricard, which operate in the country’s $35 billion spirits market. Vinod Giri, director general of the Brewers Association of India, described the tariff reduction as a symbolic gesture to reassure the U.S. of India’s commitment to fair trade practices.

“As India integrates further into the global economy, there is growing recognition that import duties on alcohol need to be reduced to align with international standards,” Giri said.

The Congress’s critique of the government’s handling of the GST issue and its response to U.S. trade pressures underscores the broader debate over India’s economic policies and its stance on global trade. As the Modi administration navigates these challenges, the opposition’s call for a more robust and simplified GST system adds another layer to the ongoing discourse on India’s economic future.

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