PM Vishwakarma scheme all set to roll out in West Bengal

IANS | May 22, 2026 10:47 PM

Kolkata, May 22 (IANS) Traditional artisans and craftspeople of West Bengal can now avail benefit under the PM Vishwakarma scheme with the state gradually launching a slew of such initiatives of the Union government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Shiv Sena demands NIA probe into political outfit 'Cockroach Janata Party'

IANS | May 22, 2026 9:29 PM

Mumbai, May 22 (IANS) Shiv Sena Spokesperson Krishna Hegde, on Friday, demanded that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) should conduct a probe into the rise of the digital-only political satire outfit 'Cockroach Janata Party’ (CJP). He said that the investigation should emphasise on whether there is an attempt to create "unrest" in the country, similar to what transpired in Nepal and Bangladesh.

Shivraj Singh Chouhan tells officials to cut red tape to help farmers, rural poor get govt benefits

IANS | May 22, 2026 9:20 PM

New Delhi, May 22 (IANS) Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, on Friday directed officials of both his Ministries to immediately establish a planned, time-bound and result-oriented mechanism to ensure that farmers and poor rural citizens do not have to run from pillar to post either to avail benefits of government schemes or for the redressal of grievances.

Ayushman Bharat milestone: 100 crore health records linked with ABHA accounts

IANS | May 22, 2026 8:13 PM

New Delhi, May 22 (IANS) In a major leap towards universalisation of the Ayushman Bharat healthcare scheme and expansion of digital footprints, more than 100 crore health records have been linked with Ayushman Bharat Health Accounts (ABHA). Many states from the Hindi heartland, including Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Gujarat, have fared exceedingly well in linking the health records under ABDM.

MQ-9 drones emerge as key US strike asset in Iran operations: Pentagon

IANS | May 22, 2026 8:00 PM

Washington, May 22 (IANS) The US Air Force's MQ-9 Reaper drones emerged as one of the most heavily used platforms during recent operations linked to Iran, senior Air Force officials told lawmakers this week, describing the unmanned aircraft as a critical force multiplier in combat missions across the Middle East.