National News: Latest India Updates

Hotels and restaurants charging 'gas and fuel surcharge' unfair practice: CCPA

IANS | March 25, 2026 5:00 PM

New Delhi, March 25 (IANS) The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has flagged the practice of hotels and restaurants demanding or collecting additional charges -- 'LPG charges', 'gas surcharge' and 'fuel cost recovery' -- in consumer bills, terming it an unfair trade practice, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution said on Wednesday.

Cabinet okays continuation of Immigration, Visa, Foreigners Registration and Tracking Scheme for Rs 1,800 crore

IANS | March 25, 2026 4:39 PM

New Delhi, March 25 (IANS) The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday approved the continuation of the Immigration, Visa, Foreigners Registration and Tracking (IVFRT) Scheme beyond March 31, 2026 for a period of five years -- from April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2031 -- with a budget outlay of Rs 1,800 crore.

E-comm, healthcare industry lead hiring activity, digital skills in high demand: Report

IANS | March 25, 2026 4:36 PM

New Delhi, March 25 (IANS) India's e-commerce and healthcare sectors lead hiring activity in the first half of FY 2026–27, even as digital skills continue to see strong demand across industries, according to a report released on Wednesday.

Cabinet okays modified UDAN scheme with Rs 28,840 crore outlay, to develop 100 airports

IANS | March 25, 2026 4:30 PM

New Delhi, March 25 (IANS) The Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday approved the Regional Connectivity Scheme-Modified UDAN for a period of 10 years with a total outlay of Rs 28,840 crore, with the budgetary support of the Central Government.

JGU VC receives prestigious STAR Scholars Lighthouse Leadership Award in US

IANS | March 25, 2026 4:30 PM

Washington, D.C., March 25 (IANS) The STAR Scholars Network has conferred its distinguished Lighthouse Leadership Award upon Professor (Dr.) C. Raj Kumar, Founding Vice Chancellor of O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU). This recognition celebrates his exceptional contributions to global higher education, academic leadership, and institution-building.

Centre releases over Rs 1,142 crore to strengthen rural local bodies in 4 states

IANS | March 25, 2026 4:05 PM

New Delhi, March 25 (IANS) The Centre on Friday announced the release of over Rs 1,142 crore to strengthen rural local bodies in Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Punjab and Mizoram during FY 2025–26 as part of the 15th Finance Commission’s untied grants.

CAPF Bill tabled in RS, Oppn questions statuary competence

IANS | March 25, 2026 3:50 PM

New Delhi, March 25 (IANS) The Rajya Sabha on Wednesday began discussion on the Central Armed Police Forces (General Administration) Bill, 2026, which seeks to ensure a dominant role for Indian Police Service officers in the top leadership of the country's paramilitary forces.

Akashvani to air full 6-stanza Vande Mataram from tomorrow in revamped national broadcast

IANS | March 25, 2026 3:49 PM

New Delhi, March 25 (IANS) Akashvani will begin broadcasting a new and complete six-stanza version of the national song Vande Mataram from Thursday, the government announced on Wednesday, marking a significant shift from the long-followed two-stanza rendition.

FCRA Amendment Bill suffers from constitutional maladies: Manish Tewari

IANS | March 25, 2026 3:41 PM

New Delhi, March 25 (IANS) Congress MP Manish Tewari on Wednesday criticised the introduction of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, in the Lok Sabha, stating that the proposed legislation suffers from “serious constitutional maladies”.

DMK to contest 165 seats, alliance finalised; Stalin calls for unity ahead of TN polls

IANS | March 25, 2026 3:32 PM

Chennai, March 25 (IANS) The DMK is set to contest at least 165 seats in the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, as the party finalised its seat-sharing arrangement within the Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA), comprising 26 political parties.

National

Hotels and restaurants charging 'gas and fuel surcharge' unfair practice: CCPA

Cabinet okays continuation of Immigration, Visa, Foreigners Registration and Tracking Scheme for Rs 1,800 crore

E-comm, healthcare industry lead hiring activity, digital skills in high demand: Report

Cabinet okays modified UDAN scheme with Rs 28,840 crore outlay, to develop 100 airports

JGU VC receives prestigious STAR Scholars Lighthouse Leadership Award in US

Centre releases over Rs 1,142 crore to strengthen rural local bodies in 4 states

CAPF Bill tabled in RS, Oppn questions statuary competence

Akashvani to air full 6-stanza Vande Mataram from tomorrow in revamped national broadcast

FCRA Amendment Bill suffers from constitutional maladies: Manish Tewari

DMK to contest 165 seats, alliance finalised; Stalin calls for unity ahead of TN polls

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