BharatBytes

19/08/2025

The Supreme Court on Tuesday rejected the West Bengal government’s plea seeking review of its April 7 verdict in the SSC jobs scam. The court reaffirmed its earlier stance that the 2016 recruitment process was tainted by fraud and manipulation, affecting over 25,753 teaching and non-teaching staff.

The court stood by the Calcutta High Court’s order that not only cancelled these jobs but also asked recruits to return salaries with 12% interest. It said protecting the purity of the selection process must take priority, even if it causes anguish to “untainted” candidates caught in the fallout.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, facing political heat ahead of next year’s assembly polls, hit out at the verdict. She accused the BJP of hypocrisy, pointing to Vyapam in Madhya Pradesh and NEET irregularities, arguing that Bengal was being unfairly targeted.

The Trinamool Congress has already announced a fresh recruitment drive for 44,203 posts, with age relaxations for affected candidates. However, many of the dismissed teachers continue to protest, refusing to sit for exams again.

The BJP is expected to use the case aggressively in its Bengal campaign, framing it as a symbol of corruption under TMC rule.

Do you think Mamata Banerjee can turn this crisis into a political fightback?

13/06/2025

11/06/2025

A groundbreaking discovery from Hyderabad's National Institute of Animal Biotechnology (NIAB) may reshape the future of reproductive health. A team led by Prasad Rao has identified that lowering the levels of a protein called Cathepsin B (Cat B) can help preserve the ovarian reserve—the limited stock of egg cells females are born with.

Using live mice and cultured goat ovaries, the team demonstrated that Cat B contributes to egg loss over time. By reducing its activity, scientists could potentially delay this natural decline—prolonging fertility without the need for invasive treatments.

The implications are enormous. Fertility in women declines in the 30s and 40s, increasing the risk of miscarriage and genetic disorders. Though assisted reproductive technologies like IVF exist, they’re often expensive, invasive, and less successful with age. This new biological insight offers a natural, cost-effective alternative.

The discovery doesn’t just benefit humans. In rural India, where livestock productivity directly impacts farmer incomes, extending the reproductive life of animals could boost productivity and reduce stray cattle issues.

This is one of those rare scientific moments where human medicine and agriculture align. Whether it’s helping women conceive or enabling farmers to breed healthier livestock longer, this breakthrough promises long-term impact, especially for developing nations.

Published in the scientific journal Aging Cell, the findings could usher in a new era in fertility preservation and rural sustainability.

11/06/2025

Colombia is reeling from a wave of terror, as at least 24 coordinated bomb and gun attacks struck Cali and nearby towns on June 10, killing seven people and injuring 28 others. Targets included police stations, municipal buildings, and civilian areas.

According to National Police chief Carlos Triana, the attackers used motorcycle and car bombs, rifles, and possibly even drones. These acts are suspected to be the work of the EMC, a powerful dissident faction of the former FARC guerrilla group.

The attacks come just days after the attempted assassination of conservative Senator Miguel Uribe, who was shot in the head while campaigning. The government believes a 15-year-old hitman was hired for the job. The events have sent shockwaves through the nation, reviving fears of 1980s–90s style violence involving guerrilla groups and drug cartels.

Security expert Elizabeth Dickinson described the offensive as “particularly well-coordinated,” highlighting the EMC’s ability to strike urban areas like Cali. The motive is believed to be retaliation for military operations against their leader, Ivan Mordisco.

While the EMC has not claimed responsibility, they warned civilians to avoid military and police areas—fueling speculation about their involvement.

As peace efforts by President Gustavo Petro continue to flounder, Colombia appears to be entering a new era of instability. Many are questioning the state’s preparedness and security apparatus, especially after revelations that Uribe’s protection detail had been reduced prior to the attack.

11/06/2025

In an unusual economic twist, donkey prices in Pakistan have surged to as high as ₹2 lakh, primarily due to increasing demand from China’s ejiao industry — a traditional Chinese medicine that uses gelatin extracted from donkey hides.

Daily wage earners like Abdul Rasheed from Karachi are feeling the impact. After losing his donkey “Tiger,” his only means of earning, Rasheed is now unable to afford a replacement. Eight years ago, a donkey cost ₹30,000. Today, the cheapest healthy animal sells for over ₹1.5 lakh.

The demand from Chinese buyers, who prize ejiao for its reported anti-fatigue, immunity-boosting, and anti-anemia properties, has created intense competition in local donkey markets like Lyari, pushing prices out of reach for locals.

Donkeys are the backbone of transport and manual goods delivery for thousands of poor workers in Pakistan. Many, like Rasheed, earn barely ₹1,500–₹2,000 per day, half of which goes into the animal’s care — making a new purchase nearly impossible.

Animal rights groups have raised concerns over the mass export of donkeys for their skins, citing unethical treatment and ecological impact. Meanwhile, wage workers are left stranded, caught between economic survival and an international trade boom they cannot compete with.

10/06/2025

In a major shift toward climate-conscious policy, the Indian government has announced a regulation that will restrict air conditioners from being set below 20°C or above 28°C. This rule, applicable to residential, commercial, and vehicular AC systems, marks India’s first move to standardize temperature settings for energy conservation.

The decision was announced by Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, who called it an experimental but necessary step to promote sustainable cooling habits in the face of rising temperatures and electricity consumption.

Currently, ACs in India allow settings as low as 16°C and as high as 30°C. The new mandate will override these extremes, and once enforced, users will be restricted to the 20–28°C range, regardless of device brand or usage type.

The rule builds on a 2020 directive from the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), which set the default AC temperature at 24°C. The new limits aim to reduce electricity spikes, cut carbon emissions, and promote eco-friendly consumption patterns across India.

While some may initially resist the change, the policy is expected to lower energy bills, enhance grid stability, and serve as a model for climate resilience in urban infrastructure.

10/06/2025

In the latest CareEdge state rankings for 2025, West Bengal has been placed 13th among 17 large states in India, with a composite score of 38.9. The rankings assess performance across seven pillars: economic, fiscal, infrastructure, financial development, social, governance, and environment.

Maharashtra emerged at the top with a score of 56.5, showcasing strong performance in financial development and robust results in economic and social areas. Gujarat and Karnataka followed at second and third positions respectively, owing to progressive fiscal policies and infrastructure growth.

Despite its overall rank, West Bengal performed notably well in certain areas—ranking 5th in social development with a score of 67.8, and 8th in infrastructure. However, it lagged behind in governance, environment, and financial development indices.

Among smaller states, Goa topped the list, while Bihar was ranked last, preceded by Jharkhand and Madhya Pradesh.

These rankings serve as a comprehensive benchmark for states to evaluate and improve public systems and economic planning, offering insights into where each state leads or needs improvement.

10/06/2025

In a unique blend of academia and public service, students from top institutions like IITs, IIMs, and leading policy schools will work with the Puri district administration during the Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025.

This initiative is part of a Public Systems and Infrastructure internship designed to expose India’s brightest minds to real-time governance challenges. Interns will engage with on-ground projects involving crowd dynamics, event planning, sanitation systems, emergency preparedness, and digital public communication.

Puri Collector Siddharth Shankar Swain emphasized the scale of the Yatra and said the internship would give students unparalleled exposure to India’s complex, spiritual, and logistical operations. Their work will help generate actionable insights for future editions of the Yatra.

The internship is being coordinated by Chaaipani, a brand and storytelling agency managing activations at the Yatra. Founder Shruti Chaturvedi called the initiative a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for students to witness the interplay of culture, systems, and human behavior at one of India’s grandest events.

The Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025 is set to begin on June 27 and conclude on July 5, with millions expected to attend. This collaboration is a step forward in merging modern education with public administration.

10/06/2025

India has formally begun the process of ratifying the High Seas Treaty, a global pact aimed at the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in international waters. This step aligns with the country’s strong advocacy for ocean protection and was confirmed by Union Earth Sciences Minister Jitendra Singh during the ongoing UN Ocean Conference.

Signed by India in 2023 at the UN General Assembly, the treaty supports the global goal of protecting 30% of the world’s oceans and lands by 2030 — known as the “30x30” target. So far, 49 nations have ratified the treaty, just shy of the 60 needed to bring it into force.

Minister Singh underlined that oceans are vital to India’s people and economy, and reaffirmed India’s support for the Nice Ocean Action Plan, which promotes innovative financing, inclusive partnerships, and practical outcomes under the Sustainable Development Goal 14.

India highlighted its recent progress through initiatives like the Deep Ocean Mission, focused on exploring biodiversity within the country's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Singh also flagged marine plastic pollution as a major challenge and reiterated India's commitment to preventing ocean contamination from land-based sources.

India proposed strategic measures such as expanding marine protected areas, using science-based solutions for ocean governance, and integrating ocean-based climate solutions to enhance coastal resilience. The country also advocated for a circular economy approach and improved wastewater management to reduce marine pollution.

The treaty, once fully ratified, will be a landmark in ocean diplomacy — and India appears poised to be one of its vocal champions.

10/06/2025

In a significant boost to India-Bhutan relations, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma met an 11-member Bhutanese delegation associated with the Gelephu Mindfulness City Project. The delegation, comprising members of the project's Core Working Group and officials from the Royal Bhutanese Consulate General, visited Assam and Meghalaya to build regional cooperation.

CM Sarma welcomed the delegation warmly and praised Bhutan’s visionary project. He assured full support from the Assam government, aligning with Prime Minister Modi’s vision of regional development through international collaboration.

The Gelephu Mindfulness City is envisioned as a sustainable, innovation-driven city rooted in Bhutanese values of Gross National Happiness. CM Sarma noted that the initiative could open doors for collaboration in education, skill-building, medical services, cultural exchange, and entrepreneurship—especially benefiting the youth of both regions.

He encouraged the Bhutanese team to explore key institutions in Assam and proposed a broader, multi-sectoral stakeholder meeting during their next visit. Sarma also expressed his desire to host the Bhutanese royal family in Assam, referencing King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck’s earlier visit.

The dialogue concluded with a shared commitment to deepen institutional and people-to-people ties, enhancing sustainable development and regional harmony.

10/06/2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with members of the seven delegations involved in India's global diplomatic campaign following Operation Sindoor. These multi-party groups visited more than 30 countries to communicate India’s resolute stance against terrorism, particularly after the deadly Pahalgam attack.

The meeting at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg included MPs across party lines, ex-parliamentarians, and diplomats who led the international outreach. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, BJP leaders Ravi Shankar Prasad and Baijayant Panda, DMK's Kanimozhi, JD(U)'s Sanjay Jha, Shiv Sena’s Shrikant Shinde, and NCP(SP)'s Supriya Sule were among the prominent figures involved.

Each delegation focused on a specific global region—from the US and Latin America to Africa, Europe, and Southeast Asia—conveying India's message of zero tolerance towards terrorism. Their mission was to underline Pakistan’s role in cross-border terrorism and present a united national voice to the international community.

The campaign also sought to counter Pakistan's attempts to internationalise the Kashmir issue and spread misinformation. Discussions included enhancing counterterrorism collaboration, regional security, and addressing propaganda narratives.

The inclusion of opposition MPs such as Asaduddin Owaisi and Manish Tewari signaled rare bipartisan solidarity on a critical national issue. The External Affairs Ministry and EAM S. Jaishankar praised the delegations for representing India’s position effectively on global platforms.

PM Modi’s meeting with the teams marks a high point in India's post-Operation Sindoor diplomatic efforts, emphasizing that India stands united in the fight against terrorism.

10/06/2025

In a strong message to Pakistan, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated that India will retaliate decisively if provoked by terrorist attacks. During his address to the Indian diaspora in Belgium, he condemned Pakistan’s open support for terror groups and warned of deep strikes into its territory in case of future attacks.

The remarks come weeks after India launched Operation Sindoor—a precision military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people. Indian air and missile strikes targeted terror bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on May 7.

According to Jaishankar, the operation inflicted heavy damage on Pakistani airfields, with at least eight key sites disabled, effectively forcing Islamabad to halt hostilities. He cited satellite images as evidence of the damage, noting that India’s Rafale jets and other systems proved highly effective.

Despite a ceasefire reached on May 10 through military-level talks, Jaishankar warned that the root issue—Pakistan’s support for terrorism—remains unchanged. He called out Pakistan’s continued use of terror as a “state policy” and said India will not accept such threats lying down.

Jaishankar is currently on a week-long diplomatic visit to Europe, where he is scheduled to meet leaders from the EU, Belgium, and France. He reaffirmed India’s zero-tolerance stance on terrorism and the need for global cooperation against violent extremism.