15 C 
From Obama, Trump To Putin: A Look At PM Modis Airport Welcome For Foreign Leaders
PM Modi has personally welcomed leaders including Putin, Sheikh Tamim, Sheikh Mohamed, Trump, Shinzo Abe, Sheikh Hasina, and Obama.
Three drug offenders convicted by Khammam court
British American Tobacco plans to offload stake in Indias ITC Hotels
Dec 4 (Reuters) British American Tobacco is looking to offload its stake in Indias ITC Hotels, it said on Thursday, through an accelerated bookbuild process. The tobacco group plans to sell between 7% and its entire 15.3% stake in ITC Hotels, with proceeds from the block trade earmarked for deleveraging its balance sheet. In May, BAT sld a $1.5 billion stake in ITC Ltd, the parent company from which ITC Hotels was spun off as a separate listed entity in January. As previously stated, a direct stake in ITC Hotels is not a strategic holding for BAT, CEO Tadeu
Water level in Mullaperiyar dam stands at 139.15 feet on December 4, 2025
Residents seek action to utilise space meant for shops under the Palakkarai overbridge
several roadside vendors continue to encroach pavements and carriageways near Heber Road and surrounding stretches, obstructing traffic and posing safety risks
Man loses money in alleged digital arrest scam
OTP-based Tatkal booking introduced for 13 trains operated by SCR
'Couldn't Live Up To Promise': IndiGo CEO Acknowledges Failures In Letter To Staff Amid Chaos
In an internal letter to employees, he admitted that the airline had not been able to meet its commitments.
Students, parents protest against closure of govt. school
Taking exception to the proposed move to close the government higher primary school at Benakanakatti village in Dharwad taluk and merge it with KPS (Karnataka Public School) magnet school, scores of students and their parents staged a demonstration before the school on Thursday
Persons with disabilities represent less than 1 pc of corporate workforce: Report
Mumbai, Dec 4 (PTI) There is less than 1 per cent representation of persons with disabilities (PwDs) at organisations across the country even as there has been a discussion, advocacy and policy reform over the years, a report said on Thursday. The total number of corporate workers with disabilities remains below 1 per cent, and 37.9 per cent of the companies surveyed indicated that they do not have any permanently employed disabled individuals, according to Marching Sheep PwD Inclusion Index 2025: Building Disability confident organisations report. The Marching Sheep PwD Inclusion Index 2025: Building Disability confident organisations report is based
In Focus Podcast | Do we need to change how cities are governed in India?
In this episode, Thoniparambil Raghunandan and Anant Maringanti discuss the question.
Kolkatas bus, not as celebrated as the tram or taxi, to be given its due by heritage fest
The fifth edition of the annual The City as a Museum event on art and heritage from December 6 to 15 will celebrate this humble mode of transport by converting the bus into a mobile installation
International congress on nuclear medicine begins in Chennai
The four-day event, organised by The Society of Nuclear Medicine, India, aims to spread awareness on the specialty and scale up its services in India
As Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit India on December 4, Thursday, all preparations for his welcome have been made. Across cities, people have shown enthusiasm by performing arti, making sand arts and even taking out march in respect of the Russian leader and the country's ties with India
Exports to Russia to Double in Two Years
Indias merchandise trade with Russia remains sharply imbalanced
Congress Govt. to Fill 40,000 Job Vacancies Soon: Revanth Reddy
The Congress government will build the Pranahita-Chevella project at Tummidihetti and provide water to Adilabad: CM
Make Telugu Mandatory For Securing Jobs: Venkaiah Naidu
The former V-P reminded that the Britishers used English as the official language for governance but we should replace it with Telugu as we are Telugu people
From judo mats to the ice rink, Vladimir Putin's sporting pursuits reveal a carefully crafted athletic persona. Explore how combat sports and ice hockey have shaped his image and fueled global curiosity about his physical regime, strengthening his long-cultivated strongman aura.
Couldn't Live Up To Promise To Customers: IndiGo CEO Amid Disruptions
As the airline faces massive disruptions, including 300 cancellations on Thursday alone, IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers has acknowledged that the carrier failed to live up to its promise of providing a good experience to its customers.
Dessert Holdings Partners with Synoptek to Drive Digital Transformation and Growth
ZTE CDO Cui Li speaks at Economist Impacts AI Innovation Asia 2025
Rupee recovers from record low level, rises 19 paise to close at 89.96/USD
Mumbai, Dec 4 (PTI) The rupee rebounded from its all-time low levels and appreciated by 19 paise to close at 89.96 against the US dollar on Thursday, on softness in the US dollar index and on reports of the Reserve Bank of Indias supposed intervention. Forex traders said the greenback fell after ADP non-farm payroll data came in sharply below forecast, and the softness in the US dollar index supported the rupee at lower levels. The rupee opened weak earlier in the day and touched a fresh all-time low of 90.43 amid selling pressure from foreign investors and rising crude
The vision document is currently in draft stage; and the government has sought suggestions from The India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA), the apex industry body for the entire mobile and electronics ecosystem in India
Nirmala Sitharaman Hits Back After Trinamool MP Objects To Hindi Speech
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday lashed out at TMC MP Saugata Roy for objecting to her speaking in Hindi on a bill, pointing out that the translation technology allows members to listen to speeches in any language.
62 Indian Students Denied Entry to US in Last 5 Years: Govt Data
Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh in a written response to a query in Rajya Sabha also shared country-wise data on Indian students deported from several countries over this period
80 Eminent Doctors Issue Public Health Advisory Over Air Pollution
India faces a severe public health emergency as air pollution worsens across major cities. Padma awardee doctors' issue urgent advisory and here is what you need to know to stay safe.
SMAT | Shahrukh dropped from TN squad, sent home along with Pradosh and Andre
Reliance Jio is India's largest telecom operator with a subscriber base of over 500 million.
We are also covering: What To Expect From Putin's Visit? India Eyes Boost To Economic Ties, Bigger Market For Products, and other stories.
Improving soil quality key to saving agriculture
Meet 25-year-old Hyderabadi model who is turning heads at Chanel
When a young woman from Hyderabad opens a fashion show for Chanel in New York City, it is not just her success story it becomes a proud moment for the entire city. Bhavitha Mandava, a 25-year-old model with roots in Hyderabad, has achieved what many only dream of. She didnt just walk the runway for Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Amid IndiGo flight delays, cancellation, CEO says 'Couldn't live upto...' in letter to employees
Amid IndiGo flight cancellation and delays for the past few days, IndiGo CEO, Pieter Elbers, wrote a letter a letter to employees expressing grief over the current situation. He said, Couldn't live up to promise to customers. Passengers have been facing chaos at airports across the country.
NYT Connections, created under the guidance of associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu, has quickly become one of The New York Times most recognisable digital word games. Its premise is straightforward but often unexpectedly tricky: players are tasked with sorting 16 words into four themed categories, each tied together by a subtle underlying connection.
Stock markets snap four-day losing streak, Sensex climbs 158 points as IT shares rally
Mumbai, Dec 4 (PTI) Snapping the four-day losing run, benchmark Sensex climbed 158 points and Nifty settled above 26,000 on Thursday following buying in tech and IT shares. The 30-share BSE Sensex edged higher by 158.51 points or 0.19 per cent to settle at 85,265.32. During the day, it rose by 380.4 points or 0.44 per cent to 85,487.21. The 50-share NSE Nifty climbed 47.75 points or 0.18 per cent to 26,033.75. Sensex dropped around 613 points or 0.72 per cent while Nifty shed nearly 230 points or 0.8 per cent in four straight sessions to Wednesday. Tata Consultancy Services,
Cameraman dies of heart attack while covering KTR protest rally
Hyderabad: A cameraperson, working for India Today, suffered a heart attack and died while covering BRS working president KT Rama Raos (KTR) visit to Jeedimetla industrial estate in Malkajgiri Medchal district on Thursday. Cameraman Damodar, who was covering the event, collapsed. Although he was promptly shifted to the nearby Ramaraju hospital for treatment, he passed Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Bengaluru techie ends life, neighbours arrested for harassment and extortion over property dispute
Based on a 10-page death note recovered from the scene and a formal complaint filed by the deceaseds mother, police have arrested a couple on charges of abetment to suicide and extortion.
Indian Navy showcases maritime power at Navy Day 2025 in Thiruvananthapuram
Senior dignitaries, including Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, senior officials from the Centre and State, military leaders, and thousands of spectators witnessed the impressive display
95% of Srirangam bus stand construciton completed, says Mayor
Rajasthan : Bomb Threat To Ajmer Sharif, Atomic Plant; Search Operation Underway
A probe into the source of the email is underway
AVM: a movie production house close to Chennaiites
A movie enterprise launched by M. Saravanans father A.V. Meiyappan, AVM was a powerful brand, known for both the star-driven tentpole films and the tiny ones riding on fine scripts and good word-of-mouth reviews
Skys the limit: Piyush Goyal urges Indian businesses to explore untapped Russian market
NBEMS Reopens Application Window For Only Practical DNB Final Examination December 2025
NBEMS has reopened applications for the DNB Final Examination December 2025 session practical exams only, with the deadline set for December 17, 2025.
The 23rd Annual Summit between India and Russia held in New Delhi signifies a pivotal moment in the evolution of their economic collaboration. Both nations are eager to uncover fresh opportunities for partnership, particularly in transformative connectivity initiatives. The agenda is rich with discussions aimed at boosting trade and diversifying their economic ties.
Nutritionist Suggests 4 Powerful Root Vegetables For Women's Hormonal Health
Nutritionist Lovneet Batra shares four key root vegetables that can help women support their hormonal health naturally.
An ugly collapse is coming: Chip Roy's chilling warning to Congress as US debt explodes past $38T
Falling rupee makes imports costlier, fuels inflation: Experts
The Indian rupee recently fell below the 90-mark against the US dollar, sparking concerns from opposition parties and raising questions about the impact on ordinary citizens. Experts noted that a weaker rupee benefits exporters and the IT sector by improving competitiveness but makes imports costlier, fueling inflation and squeezing corporate margins.
From CM To PM: The 25-Year Bond Between Narendra Modi And Vladimir Putin
Under the Modi-Putin era, the partnership has demonstrated its continuity and expansion despite significant global geopolitical shifts
Madhya Pradesh: Man Cuts Off Leopards Paws After It Died in Snare Meant for Pigs, Arrested
A man in Madhya Pradeshs Indore district was arrested for chopping off a leopards paws after the animal died in a snare set for pigs. Forest officials recovered the paws, an air gun, and weapons. Investigation continues.
Stop coughing with these 3 drinks
Jaandaaron top in the main event
Work at illegal resort construction site around Avalanche Dam halted
A massive, uncontrollable fan frenzy for Hardik Pandya brought the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy venue to a standstill, forcing organisers to relocate the clash between Baroda and Gujarat. Overwhelming crowds near the hotel, nets and entry points created major security concerns.
Govt refutes report of new $2 bn submarine deal with Russia, calls it 'misleading'
The government dismissed Bloombergs claim of a new $2 billion submarine deal with Russia, clarifying that the deal is part of a 2019 contract with delivery now rescheduled for 2028. Meanwhile, Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov expressed optimism about India-Russia trade reaching $100 billion by 2030, citing rapid growth, expanding cooperation across sectors, and the opening of VTB Banks new flagship office to strengthen financial infrastructure.
7 foods to eat before sleep that can keep you warm through night
HOCKEY | Germany breaks the mould with shared leadership
Cricket Fans React to Team Indias New Jersey for T20 World Cup
The new jersey, co-designed by Adidas and BCCI, revives the striped aesthetic of the 1990s Indian kits.
Akhanda 2's Kumbh Mela Scene Was Shot For 12 Days, Reveals Boyapati Srinu
The Kumbh Mela 10-Minute Scene In Akhanda 2 Was Shot For 12 Days By Four Units, Revealed Boyapati Srinu
DVAC police book town panchayat official for graft in Virudhunagar district
Man bludgeoned to death in Shamshabad; 14-yr-old among arrestees
Hyderabad: The RGI airport police arrested two persons, including a 14-year-old boy, for allegedly killing a 70-year-old man at Siddanthi colony in Shamshabad on Monday night. The accused are Abdul Javeed, 35, was the victims Soudaiahs neighbour, who frequently quarrelled, hurling abuses at each other. On Monday, between 7 pm and 10.30 pm, when Soudaiah Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Wordle Answer Today: Hints and solution to crack the December 4 Puzzle #1629 with ease
Wordle is a browser-based word puzzle that challenges players to uncover a five-letter target word within six tries. What began as a modest hobby project has since evolved into a global sensation, celebrated for its mix of vocabulary skill, pattern recognition and logical deduction.
Gold Can Further Move Up 15 pc in 2026: WGC
After setting more than 50 all-time highs and edging over 60 per cent by the end of November, gold has emerged as one of the strongest performing assets in 2025
Santissimo, Regina Memorabilis, Eagle Day and Psychic Star please
Forest destruction for illegal poppy farming causing Manipurs recurrent floods: Biren Singh
Imphal, Dec 4:Former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh has said that Manipurs recurrent floods are a direct consequence of large-scale destruction of forests for illegal poppy cultivation. The former CM alleged that armed militants are involved in these illicit activities, clearing vast stretches of forest land to plant poppy and questioned why the forest officials []
Oona Chaplin plays Varang, the leader of the Fire clan, in James Cameron's much-awaited fantasy adventure. Here, she discussed the character and why she doesn't consider Varang as the villain, calling it a revolutionary character.
Rape case: Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil expelled from Kerala Congress
KPCC President Sunny Joseph, confirming the expulsion, said that the party had taken the step after reviewing the gravity of the charges. The Thiruvananthapuram Principal Sessions Court has rejected Mamkootathils plea for anticipatory bail in the alleged rape case
Former Mizoram Governor Swaraj Kaushal Passes Away, PM Modi Expresses Grief
Extending condolences to his family, the Prime Minister said his thoughts were with Kaushals daughter Bansuri and other family members in this difficult time.
Record $12.5 billion debt buyback: Treasury pulls off the largest rescue move in US history
US Treasury debt buyback: The US Treasury executed a record $12.5 billion debt buyback, injecting fresh cash into the banking system. This move, reminiscent of 2019 market conditions, could temporarily boost assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum. However, the large scale suggests underlying banking system stress, potentially leading to increased caution and long-term inflation concerns that favor Bitcoin.
BRS leaders visit industrial areas to protest against Congress HILTP
Hyderabad: Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president K. T. Rama Rao on Thursday alleged that the Congress government in Telangana is committing a huge land scam of Rs 5 lakh crore in the name of Hyderabad Industrial Land Transformation Policy. He claimed that the lands that were once given by the government to industries to Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
President Putin's visit to India is set to significantly enhance economic cooperation. Discussions are focused on expanding Indian exports, particularly in pharmaceuticals, agricultural goods, and automobiles. This visit is expected to open new avenues for Indian businesses in the Russian market. Agreements in shipping, healthcare, and connectivity are anticipated. The collaboration will also strengthen people-to-people ties and scientific exchange.
Yami Gautam called out the 'paid trends' and dropped a long note slamming the unfair marketing practices that affects the film industry.
New Delhi: India-Russia defence ministers key meeting ahead of Modi-Putin meet
Rise of corruption in Karnataka: BJP targets Siddaramaiah over Upa Lokayuktas comments
Upa Lokayukta Justice B. Veerappa's remarks on escalating corruption in Karnataka have empowered the BJP. The opposition party is now targeting Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and the ruling Congress government. The BJP claims the judge's comments validate their accusations of misgovernance. They are demanding accountability from the Chief Minister. The situation highlights a significant political challenge for the current administration.
4 gods and goddesses who should not be kept together in pooja ghar
Gold Falls Rs 600 To Rs 1,31,600/10g On Muted Global Trends, Rate-Cut Jitters
New Delhi, Dec 4: Gold prices fell by Rs 600 to Rs 1,31,600 per 10 grams in the national capital on Thursday, following weak global trends and investor caution ahead of the US Federal Reserves policy meeting next week. The precious metal of 99.9 per cent purity had closed at Rs 1,32,200 per 10 grams on Wednesday. Silver extended its losses for the second straight day, depreciating by Rs 900 to Rs 1,80,000 per kilogram (inclusive of all taxes) from [] The post Gold Falls Rs 600 To Rs 1,31,600/10g On Muted Global Trends, Rate-Cut Jitters appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
December Supermoon: Last full moon of the year - best time, place and how to watch
The last supermoon of 2025 is on Dec. 4, with the Cold Moon glowing brighter and larger as it nears the perigee, just 221,965 miles from Earth. This phenomenon marks the third and final supermoon of the year, linked to winters return and once called the long night moon. It reaches the maximum illumination at 6:15 p.m. EST but will seem full for several nights. NASA notes, Different publications use slightly different thresholds for deciding when a full moon is close enough to the Earth to qualify as a supermoon.
Pak-Linked Drug Racket Busted In J&K; 6 Held With 5 Kg Heroin Worth Rs 30 Crore
Jammu, Dec 4: Police on Thursday claimed to have busted a cross-border narcotics racket by arresting six people and recovering nearly five kilograms of heroin along with three pistols here, officials said. The value of the seized drug is more than Rs 30 crore in international market, they said. A major narcotics racket has been busted in Jammu. Six members have been arrested. Four of them have been sent to judicial custody. As many as 4.95 kilograms of heroin was [] The post Pak-Linked Drug Racket Busted In J&K; 6 Held With 5 Kg Heroin Worth Rs 30 Crore appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Putin's India Visit: A Look At The Russian President's Diet, And How He Eats During His Travels
Vladimir Putin is visiting India on December 4-5, 2025. In general, what he actually eats while travelling is usually prepared separately by his own team.
Centre says 2.90 lakh beneficiaries deleted under National Food Security Act in Punjab
CHANDIGARH: The Union Government has stated that under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 23.79 lakh cases were flagged in Punjab. Over 2.90 lakh beneficiaries have been deleted, and the verification of 20.69 lakh has not been completed. Earlier, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had alleged that the centre had deleted 8 lakh beneficiaries, and he would not allow any beneficiary to be removed. In reply to a question asked by Punjab Congress president and Member of Parliament from Ludhiana, Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, Union Minister of State for the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya stated that there are 40,93,003 ration cards as of date and 1,51,67,073 beneficiaries under the NFSA in Punjab. Of these, e-KYC of 20,69,338 beneficiaries was not completed. While 23,79,400 cases were flagged and 2,90,940 beneficiaries were removed after field verification and due process. Sharing the number of ration cards, it also stated that 40,93,003 are as of date in 2025, while last year the number of ration cards was 41,76,455 and in 2023 the figure stood at 37,87, 561 and in 2022 the number was 40,67,879. In response to a query regarding whether the Union government issued repeated reminders and deadlines to the Punjab government to complete Aadhaar-based e-KYC and beneficiary verification under the National Food Security Act, The department of food and public distribution has issued multiple communications to all state governments, including the government of Punjab, urging the timely completion of Aadhaar based e-KYC and beneficiary verification under NFS A. These include repeated reminders, DO letters, and reviews through video conferences. Various communications by this department were sent to states, followed by several review meetings via video conference, advising the state to take immediate corrective action on the large number of flagged cases reflected in the Rightful Targeting Dashboard and to expedite eKYC completion. While identification of eligible households under Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) and Priority Households (PHH) is the statutory responsibility of the State Governments under the NFSA, the Union Government supports States through regular monitoring and technological interventions to ensure rightful targeting, stated the reply. Regarding steps taken by the government to ensure that eligible poor families in Punjab do not lose access to subsidised food grains, the reply noted that while identification of eligible households under Antyodaya Anna Yojana and Priority Households is the statutory responsibility of state governments under NFSA, the union government supports states through regular monitoring and technological interventions to ensure rightful targeting. Key initiatives include the development and provision of the Rightful Targeting dashboard, which analytically highlights flagged beneficiaries to enable states to verify these cases on the ground and sanitise their databases, regular advisories, correspondences. Review meetings with the government of Punjab to ensure timely e-KYC completion and verification, and the removal or retention of flagged cases under the Rightful Targeting dashboard after field verification by the state government so that genuine beneficiaries are not deleted. In August this year, CM Mann had said, As long as I am the CM of Punjab, no beneficiary will be deleted. The Centre allegedly asked the Punjab Government to delete 8,02,493 ration cards under the Public Distribution System (PDS), claiming they did not fulfil the eligibility criteria. This means that 32 lakh beneficiaries of Punjab will be deprived of subsidised wheat. Of the 1.53 crore beneficiaries, the state government has verified 1.29 crore beneficiaries according to the original checklist, he said. Mann added that he has requested a six-month extension from the Centre and intends to raise the issue at the highest levels of the Union Government.
ADAPT fest in Mumbai celebrates inclusion with fashion show and awards
From fashion to awards, the two-day festival celebrated diversity and empowerment, marking the International Day of Persons with Disabilities; actors fromHindifilm industry and changemakers joined hands to amplify the message of accessibility and equality.
In Concrete Action To Curb Air Pollution, MPCB Shuts Down 19 RMC Units In Mumbai Region
Air quality monitoring stations and mobile air quality monitoring vans to assess emissions in areas with a high density of ready mix concrete (RMC) units
Divyendu Sharma on Crafting Ratan: A Role of Depth and Emotion
The actor opens up about the challenges and rewards of portraying a layered character in Saali Mohabbat
Odisha Man Sets Mother On Fire For Denying Money To Buy Liquor: Cops
An elderly woman suffered severe burn injuries after she was allegedly assaulted and set on fire by her son in Odisha's Bhadrak district, police said on Thursday. The incident took place at Galaganda village within Tihidi police limits.
'Reverse migration begins now': Trump declares war on migrants, orders halt on 3rd world arrivals
Man dies as brick wall collapses in Ramanathapuram
12 Maoist killed in Chhattisgarh encounter; toll at 275 so far this year
Bijapur: Twelve Maoists and three personnel of the District Reserve Guard (DRG), a specialized unit of the state police, were killed in a fierce encounter in Chhattisgarhs Bijapur district on Wednesday, officials said. Two other DRG jawans suffered injuries in the gunfight, they said, adding the anti-Maoist operation was still underway in the district. The Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Inside Snapchats Chennai Creator Connect: How the platform is winning Gen-Z India
From viral Tamil creators to AR-led trends, Snapchat outlines why Chennai is central to its growth story
Nearly 20 per cent cashless treatment requests of road accident victims rejected since March 2024
NEW DELHI: Out of the total 6,833 treatment requests raised by road accident victims under the Cashless Treatment of Road Accident Victims Scheme so far, only 5,480 victims have been found eligible, and the remaining 1,353 cases (nearly 20 per cent) have been rejected by the police, Parliament was informed on Thursday. Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, in a written reply to Lok Sabha, said the total fund disbursed under the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund is Rs 73,88,848. Out of the total number of 6,833 treatment requests raised, 5,480 victims have been found eligible. The remaining cases have been rejected by the Police, Gadkari said. On March 14, 2024, the ministry launched a pilot programme in Chandigarh, which was later expanded to six states to provide cashless treatment to road accident victims. Under the Cashless Treatment of Road Accident Victims Scheme, 2025, the victims are entitled to cashless treatment up to Rs 1.5 lakh per victim per accident for a maximum period of 7 days from the date of the accident and applicable to all road accidents caused by the use of a motor vehicle on any category of road. Out of the 2,644 claims raised by hospitals and approved by concerned State Health Agency, payment of Rs 73,88,848/- has been disbursed to hospitals, he added. The minister said the reimbursement to hospitals is being done through the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund (MVAF), which is funded through contributions from General Insurance companies. A total of 32,557 hospitals have been empanelled under the National Health Authority for the cashless treatment of accident victims. Recently, road secretary V Umashankar had said the government will soon formally launch a cashless treatment scheme for road accident victims across India after making suitable modifications in the scheme by incorporating technical and project learning during the pilot project. The scheme is aimed at reducing the number of deaths arising from road accidents every year due to a delay in timely medical intervention. Any person being a victim of a road accident, arising out of the use of a motor vehicle, occurring on any road, shall be entitled to cashless treatment in accordance with the provisions of this scheme, the notification had said. Responding to another question, Gadkari said the pace of highway project awards has slowed down over the two previous financial years, mainly due to strictly ensuring 90 per cent right of way (ROW) before start, forest & wildlife clearances and approved general arrangement of drawing (GAD) for ROBs/RUBs; and stricter scrutiny of projects. These measures are aimed to ensure smooth implementation without substantial delays, he said.
