Inspection of drug manufacturing sites in India is confidential information that is exempt from public disclosure under the Right to Information according to the drug regulatory authorities. Though the Central Drug Standards Control Organisation (CDSCO) is supposed to have started risk-based inspection of drug-making facilities since December 2022, when asked how many such inspections have been conducted each month since then the CDSCO claimed that the information was exempt under the RTI Act. However, retired and active drug controllers pointed out that there was no blanket exemption on this information.“The public has the right to seek information on how many inspections have been conducted each year along with the dates of the inspections, the name of company and the names of the drug inspectors who conducted the inspection. Drug inspectors are public functionaries paid with public money to ensure safety of drugs in public interest. Why shouldn’t this information be available in the public domain, on the website of every state drug controller?” asked Dr KV Babu, ophthalmologist and RTI activist, who sought the information.Section 8(1) (d) cited by most drug authorities to deny information “exempts information the disclosure of which would prejudice the commercial interests of a third party, unless the public interest in disclosure is served”. The law clearly states that public interest overrides commercial interests.Section 8(1) (h) exempts “information that would impede the investigation or prosecution of offenders”. “This would only apply to those inspections which resulted in cases being filed as the drug authorities can claim that revealing the inspection reports could affect the case in court. But barring those inspection reports, the details of all other inspections can be made public. However, since there is no rule mandating the disclosure, the default mode is to not reveal it,” said an assistant drug controller who did not want to be named.Section (g) protects “information that would endanger life or physical safety, or identify sources of information for law enforcement”. “How does revealing this apply to information regarding inspection of drug-making facilities? If anything, not revealing it is endangering the life of the public who consume the medicines,” said Dr Babu.CDSCO’s drug alert list released every month shows that there are companies whose products are repeatedly found to be substandard with serious failings such as the presence of bacterial endotoxins and sterility issues in Ringer Lactate intravenous fluids. The products of one such company, Paschim Banga Pharmaceuticals, killed six new mothers in Karnataka, after which it was shut down. However, the Ringer Lactate fluid produced by this company was found contaminated with bacterial endotoxins in April 2020, again in August 2023, October 2024 and in November 2024 before it was connected to the deaths in Karnataka. Samples tested in December 2024 and those tested in January and February 2025 were also found similarly contaminated. However, with no data on inspections in the public domain, there is no way of knowing if drug control authorities ever inspected this unit before the deaths occurred or when they last inspected it or what they found if they did.Similarly, samples of yet another manufacturer of Ringer Lactate fluid, Swaroop Pharmaceuticals in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh being sold in Odisha were found to be contaminated with bacterial endotoxins in July, August, September, October and December 2022. In January 2023, samples of the product lifted in Mizoram, in February in Odisha and again in December 2023 were found to be similarly contaminated. Yet there is no information in the public domain on whether inspections were conducted of the manufacturing facility of this company and what was found to be the reason for the repeated contamination. There is no information regarding any risk-based inspection of manufacturers of Ringer lactate fluid following the deaths in Karnataka.“Earlier, every unit had to be inspected once a year by state drug inspectors and every two years the licence had to be renewed after the unit was inspected to see if they are fit for renewal. This was diluted in the name of ‘ease of business’ and now inspections need to be done only once every three years. Framing of regulations ought to be patient/consumer centric and not to suit the business,” said Ravi Uday Bhaskar Director-General of All India Drug Controller Officers Confederation.Incidentally, there is no prioritization of inspection of manufacturing sites, from where drugs originate. Most of the drug regulation is in the form of lifting samples from an estimated 1.7 lakh pharmacies, stockists, distributors etc scattered across the country and getting them tested. In contrast there are less than 8,000 manufacturing units according to the 2023 report of the government’s survey of pharma clusters. According to the survey, there are 118 pharma clusters in India and 7,673 pharma manufacturing units.Though the government announced risk-based inspections, the rules do not specify any criteria, parameters or methodology to determine what constitutes a “risk-based” inspection or how manufacturers are to be categorized by risk level, making it open ended and discretionary. “This results in inconsistent interpretation across states and in practice, a reduction in inspection frequency and oversight, thereby diluting regulatory control over manufacturing compliance,” said Uday Bhaskar. RTIs queries to 16 zonal offices and the CDSCO on inspections have been stonewalled repeatedly.

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said India was being recognised globally for speeding up development through next-generation reforms that cut across sectors and strengthen long-term growth.In a post on social media platform LinkedIn, PM Modi said India had become a focus of global attention due to the innovation and energy of its people. “The world now looks at India with hope and confidence. They appreciate the manner in which the pace of progress has been accelerated with next-generation reforms,” he said.The prime minister credited the country’s young population and the spirit of the citizens for it, saying, “I have been telling many people that India has boarded the Reform Express. The primary engine of this Reform Express is India’s demography, our young generation and the indomitable spirit of our people.”Looking back at the year as it ends, the prime minister said that “2025 will be remembered as a year when India treated reforms as a continuous national mission, building on the work of the past 11 years. We modernised institutions, simplified governance, and strengthened the foundations for long-term, inclusive growth,” he said.PM Modi said the government pushed ahead with higher ambition, faster execution and deeper change. He added that the reforms were meant to help citizens live with dignity, give entrepreneurs confidence to innovate and allow institutions to function with clarity and trust.Citing examples, the prime minister pointed to reforms in GST, labour laws, foreign investment, taxation, rural employment, and more. He said the simplified two-slab GST structure of 5 per cent and 18 per cent had eased the burden on households, MSMEs, farmers and labour-intensive sectors.PM Modi also said that the middle class has been given major relief, with no income tax for those earning up to Rs 12 lakh a year, while small businesses were supported by expanding the definition of small companies. He also highlighted 100 per cent FDI in insurance, new maritime and labour laws, key trade agreements, clean energy reforms under the SHANTI Act, and higher rural employment under the Viksit Bharat–G RAM G Act, 2025.Concluding his post, PM Modi said the reforms aimed to move India from a control-based system to one built on trust, with citizens at the centre. “Building a Viksit Bharat is the polestar of our development trajectory. I urge everyone in India and abroad to deepen their bond with the India growth story. Keep trusting India and investing in our people,” he said.

Begum Khalida Zia, Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister and BNP’s chairperson, passed away early on Tuesday at the age of 80. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his condolences over the death of the Bangladeshi leader. PM Modi also expressed shock and concern over the reported targeting of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s residence.In India, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee and Union minister Amit Shah came heads on to each other. Shah accused the Bengal CM of not allotting land for border fencing with Bangladesh, while Banerjee, steering away from his charges, claimed that people in Bengal will not allow the BJP to come to power in West Bengal.In a major feat in business, India has moved past Japan to become the world’s fourth-largest economy in nominal GDP terms, according to the government’s year-end economic review. While in sports, India faces a major setback as ODI vice-captain Shreyas Iyer’s return to competitive cricket has been delayed after the batter failed to receive the required clearance from the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE).Here are the top 5 stories for the evening:Former Bangladesh PM Khaleda Zia passes away at 80Begum Khalida Zia, the key rival of Bangladesh’s ousted PM Sheikh Hasina took her last breath on Tuesday. The BNP chairperson was born in India’s Jalpaiguri. Zia had been in critical condition for months and was undergoing treatment when her situation began worsening on Tuesday morning.Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bangladesh’s leader of interim government Muhammed Yunus expressed their condolences.Read the full storyPM Modi reacts to reports of attack on Putin’s housePrime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday voiced concern over reports that Russian President Vladimir Putin’s residence was targeted, urging restraint and a renewed emphasis on diplomacy. Russia claimed that Ukraine launched a drone attack on Putin’s state residence between Moscow and St Petersburg. According to Reuters, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said 91 long-range drones were fired in the Novgorod region on December 28–29, all of which were intercepted by Russian air defences.Read the full storyAmit Shah and Mamata Banerjee launch attacks at each otherUnion Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday targeted West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC chief Mamata Banerjee, accusing her government of failing to allot land for border fencing along the Bangladesh border, which he said has enabled infiltration through the state’s eastern frontiers. Mamata Banerjee sidestepping Shah’s allegations and asserting that the people of West Bengal would not allow the BJP to come to power in the state.Read the full storyIndia overtakes Japan to become world’s fourth largest economyIndia has overtaken Japan to become the world’s fourth-largest economy in nominal GDP terms, according to the government’s year-end economic review.With GDP estimated at $4.18 trillion, India now ranks behind only the US, China and Germany, and is projected to surpass Germany to become the third-largest economy in the next 2.5–3 years. Final confirmation will come after the IMF releases its 2025 data in the first half of 2026, the government said.Read the full storyRapid weight loss delays Shreyas Iyer’s return to competitive cricketODI vice-captain Shreyas Iyer’s return to competitive cricket has been delayed after he failed to get clearance from the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE). He was expected to leave the facility on December 30 but will now stay at least another week to complete his Return to Play (RTP) process.While Iyer is batting without discomfort, rapid weight loss following an abdominal injury has reduced his strength below optimum levels. He has lost around 6 kg due to the injury and, despite regaining some weight, the drop in muscle mass remains a concern that will be closely addressed in the coming week.Read the full story

NEW DELHI: The defence ministry on Tuesday inked contracts worth Rs 4,666 crore for procurement of over 4.25 lakh close-quarter battle carbines with two domestic firms and 48 heavyweight torpedoes for the Scorpene or Kalvari-class submarines with an Italian one.The Rs 2,770 crore deal for the CQB carbines, along with accessories, was inked with Bharat Forge Ltd and PLR Systems (a joint venture between Adani Defence and Israel Weapon Industries) in the presence of defence secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh.While 60% of the carbines will be manufactured by Bharat Forge, the rest by PLR Systems, with the deliveries to the Army and Navy likely to be completed in around five years. “This marks the culmination of an extraordinary, persistent effort to equip Indian soldiers with world-class lethality, replacing legacy systems with cutting-edge indigenous technology under the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ vision,” the MoD said, in a statement.“The CQB carbines provide a critical edge in close combat through their compact design and high rate of fire, ensuring rapid, decisive lethality in confined spaces. The contract highlights the synergy between the govt and private sector, which will further give impetus to the Make-in-India initiative,” it added.The Rs 1,896 crore contract for the procurement and integration of 48 “Black Shark” heavyweight torpedoes, along with associated equipment, for the Navy’s six Kalvari-class or Scorpene submarines, in turn, was signed with WASS Submarine Systems S.R.L., Italy. The diesel-electric Scorpene submarines have been constructed by the Mumbai-based Mazagon Docks in collaboration with the French Naval Group under Project-75 for over Rs 23,000 crore. The first submarine INS Kalvari was commissioned into the Navy in Dec 2017, while the sixth INS Vagsheer in Jan this year.“The delivery of the 48 torpedoes will begin from April 2028 and be completed by early-2030.The torpedoes, which have significant operational capabilities and advanced technological features, will enhance the combat capability of the six Kalvari-class submarines,” the MoD said.

Screengrab from viral video (Image/Instagram)

NEW DELHI: A video of travel influencer Klaudia Falenta went viral on social media after she shared a frightening experience at New Delhi Railway Station, where she was nearly scammed while trying to board a train to Varanasi.Klaudia, a solo traveller and content creator, posted a reel on Instagram on Sunday, sharing details of the incident. In the video, she described the episode as “another crazy travel day in India,” adding that it “definitely got my blood boiling.” Reacting to the incident, Klaudia said “why I hate Delhi train stations” as she recounted the alleged scam attempt.

According to her post, she woke up early in the morning and took an Uber to the station for an eight-hour train journey. At the station entrance, a man approached her, claimed her ticket was invalid and attempted to redirect her to another office. “ That’s why I hate Delhi station. This man just tried to straight up scam me, tried to get me to go… Oh my god, I’m literally foaming at the mouth,” Klaudia said in the video.The influencer explained that the encounter lasted about ten minutes, during which she showed her other valid tickets before the man let her go.“Well, the reason I was so stressed and angry was because it was 10 minutes until my train departed,” she added. She later managed to reach her platform and catch the train after receiving help navigating a closed entry point.In the caption accompanying the reel, Klaudia said she hesitated before sharing the footage.“I almost didn’t wanna include these clips, because it’s so out of my character to be angry like this and I don’t like seeing it. But then, I wouldn’t stay true to what I wanted to do which is show travel for what it really is. The unfiltered and real—travel is not always positive and happy and that’s when you grow the most as a person,” she wrote.The post drew supportive reactions from social media users. One commented, “More strength to you… you will have better experience at other Indian locations.” Another advised, “Just don’t talk to those characters… Just mind your business when you are dealing with them.” A third wrote, “Glad that you are overcoming challenges which sometimes we Indians cannot think about.”Despite the stressful encounter, Klaudia said the rest of her journey went smoothly. She enjoyed the train ride, interacted with fellow passengers and later explored Varanasi.“From here on, it was easy sailing. So I jumped into my Uber and it was time to explore Varanasi,” she said.

Mamata Banerjee and Amit Shah (R)

NEW DELHI: Union home minister Amit Shah on Tuesday launched a pointed attack on West Bengal chief minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo Mamata Banerjee, accusing her government of not allotting land to establish border fence on border with neighbouring Bangladesh, enabling infiltration through the state’s eastern borders.However, CM Mamata hit back at Shah, steering away from his charges and claiming that “people will not allow BJP to come to power in West Bengal.”

He reiterated that “BJP will stop infiltration” as West Bengal heads toward the 2026 assembly elections, and further alleged that the Mamata government is “not allotting land to establish border fencing with Bangladesh.” Emphasising the broader implications, Shah said infiltration had become a national security concern rather than an issue limited to the state. He said, “Infiltration happening through Bengal borders is not an issue limited only to Bengal, it is now a matter of national security. We have to save the country’s culture. If we have to ensure the safety of country, we need a patriotic government here which will seal the borders. Mamata Banerjee can’t do this, only BJP can.”Doubling down on his criticism, Shah added, “It is the West Bengal government which is not allotting land to establish border fencing along Bangladesh…Can the CM answer why infiltration has stopped at the borders of Tripura, Assam, Rajasthan, Punjab, Kashmir and Gujarat? It is because, in West Bengal, infiltration occurs under your watch to bring about demographic change and strengthen your votes…The next election will be fought on the issues of stopping infiltration and removing infiltrators from here...Infiltration happening from the Bengal border is an issue of national security.”In Kolkata, Shah also accused the TMC of having “surpassed the Left in establishing politics of fear and violence.”On women’s safety, he said, “Women’s security is a big issue. They (TMC) say women shouldn’t go out after 7 PM. Are we living in the Mughal era? It’s the responsibility of the government to provide security whenever it’s needed.”Targeting TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee and CM Mamata, Shah said, “Here only ‘Bhaipo’ has the right to earn, and no one else.”Expressing confidence in the BJP’s performance in the upcoming polls, Shah said, “In 2026, BJP will form government with two-third majority in West Bengal.”He also cited the BJP’s electoral trajectory in the state, saying, “In the 2014 elections, we got 17% of the votes and two seats…in the 2021 Assembly elections, we got 38% of the votes and 77 seats…the party that had only three seats secured 77 seats in a span of just 5 years…the Congress…reached absolute zero…the Communist alliance…could not get even a single seat, and we became the main opposition.”Shah further appealed to voters, saying the people of Bengal had given Congress, the Left, and TMC opportunities to govern and that it was time to “give BJP a chance.” He also assured the Matua community that they “have no reason to fear,” adding that the BJP “will accommodate all religiously persecuted refugees in India.”