The decision affects the plan prepared by the government led by Samrat Choudhary. Officials say the agriculture department will now revise district-wise targets and send a fresh plan to the Centre. The move has raised concerns about how many farmers will benefit from soil testing this year.

Soil testing runs under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana, where the Centre funds 60% of the cost and the state pays the remaining 40%.

Last year, Bihar tested about three lakh soil samples, including 50,000 from natural farming areas. Experts say soil testing helps farmers know which nutrients their land lacks and improves crop productivity.

The state has soil testing laboratories in all 38 districts, along with several divisional and referral labs to support the program.

The post Narendra Modi Government Cuts Soil Testing Proposal by 75% in Bihar appeared first on India Podcast.

The post Pharma industry moving from volume to value-driven growth: Economic Survey 2025-26 appeared first on India Podcast.

Lalit Modi posted the apology on X, saying he never intended to hurt sentiments. He said he holds deep respect for India and the Indian government. He added that his statement was misrepresented and taken out of context. He expressed regret and offered a sincere apology.

The controversy began after a video from Vijay Mallya’s birthday party surfaced online. Lalit Modi shared the clip on Instagram. In the video, he jokingly referred to himself and Mallya as India’s “two biggest fugitives.” The caption added fuel to public anger.

The video triggered political and public backlash. Soon after, the Ministry of External Affairs faced questions on the return of economic offenders. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that India remains committed to bringing back all fugitives who have evaded the law. He confirmed that the government continues talks with several countries on extradition.

Following the strong response and government stance, Lalit Modi deleted the video and issued his apology. The incident once again highlighted public sensitivity around fugitive offenders and accountability.

The post Lalit Modi Apologises Over Video appeared first on India Podcast.

On Monday morning, silver prices surged nearly six percent in a single session. March futures touched a fresh lifetime high of ₹2,54,174 per kilogram. Within one day, prices jumped by almost ₹12,000 per kilogram, triggering sharp market reactions.

Silver has shown strong momentum over the past week. Prices rose nearly 15 percent in a shortened trading week. The metal gained more than ₹31,000 per kilogram during this period. Last Friday, silver traded near ₹2.42 lakh before breaking the new record.

Experts attribute the rally to long-term supply shortages and rising global demand. Silver supply has remained tight for nearly seven years. At the same time, demand continues to grow steadily.

Silver plays a key role in solar panels, electric vehicles, and electronic devices. The renewable energy push has sharply lifted industrial consumption.

Market analysts expect further upside. They believe silver prices may reach ₹2.75 lakh per kilogram in the near future. If global demand stays strong, 2026 could prove rewarding for silver investors.

The post Silver Prices Break Historic Record appeared first on India Podcast.

During a safari in Zone-1’s Shukrana area, ST-9 rested in a tree’s shade, enjoying the winter sun. After a while, she quietly moved into the forest. Tourists who noticed her immediately captured the moment on cameras and mobiles. The sighting left the crowd thrilled and made their safari truly memorable.

Around 500 tourists witnessed the tigress, creating excitement across the reserve. To manage the increasing number of visitors, the Forest Department arranged extra safari vehicles. They plan to continue safaris throughout the festive season, ensuring smooth experiences for all tourists.

This season, frequent appearances of ST-9 and tiger ST-2304 have boosted tourist enthusiasm. The tiger population in Sariska has also grown significantly, reaching nearly 50, including males, females, and cubs. The June 2025 update recorded around 48-49 tigers, including 10 males and 14 females. Conservation efforts are paying off, as the reserve now hosts a healthy, thriving tiger population.

Sariska’s tiger sightings before New Year offer tourists a rare glimpse of these majestic animals in their natural habitat.

The post Sariska Tigers Surprise Tourists Before New Year appeared first on India Podcast.

The wife approached the Superintendent of Police (SP) in Chhatarpur after previous complaints in Tikamgarh went unaddressed.

Under the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, 2019, triple talaq—whether oral, written, or electronic—is illegal and punishable by up to 3 years in prison. This incident highlights ongoing enforcement challenges despite the law.

The post Triple Talaq Case in Chhatarpur: Maulana Threatens Wife Over Looks, Demands ₹12 Lakh appeared first on India Podcast.

Lieutenant Governor K. Kailashnathan administered the Constitution Day pledge to officers and staff at Raj Nivas. The pledge emphasized commitment to the principles of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity as enshrined in the Constitution. Officials across departments actively participated, reflecting their dedication to the nation’s democratic ethos.

In addition to Raj Nivas, various public institutions and educational organizations conducted pledge-taking ceremonies and awareness sessions. These activities aimed to instill respect for constitutional rights and duties among government employees and the general public.

Speaking on the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor highlighted the relevance of Constitution Day in today’s society. He encouraged citizens and officials alike to remain vigilant and responsible in protecting constitutional principles. The event reinforced the role of public institutions in promoting civic responsibility and governance in line with constitutional mandates.

By observing Constitution Day, Puducherry not only commemorated the historic adoption of India’s Constitution but also reinforced awareness of the rights and duties of citizens in a democratic society.

The post Puducherry Marks Constitution Day with Pledge at Raj Nivas appeared first on India Podcast.

Analysts argue that if Pakistan can raise the Ayodhya issue at international forums and China can repeatedly claim Arunachal Pradesh, then India must openly spotlight Islamabad’s human rights abuses in Balochistan and Beijing’s pressure on Taiwan. With India now among the world’s top economies, a major defence power, and a key geopolitical player, critics believe the old “we don’t interfere in others’ internal matters” approach is outdated.

Pakistan remains burdened by economic collapse and IMF dependence, while China faces slowing growth, demographic decline, and growing global distrust. Experts say this provides India with a strategic opportunity to strengthen ties with Taiwan, expose Balochistan repression, and counter both nations diplomatically.

With China–Pakistan alignment deepening, strategic voices insist that India must shed defensive diplomacy and adopt a confident, proactive stance befitting a “New India” in 2025.

The post Ayodhya–Arunachal Objections by Pakistan and China Demand a Stronger Indian Response, Echoing Balochistan and Taiwan appeared first on India Podcast.

Jaiswal stated that Arunachal Pradesh is an “integral and inalienable part of India,” a fact that remains unchanged regardless of China’s repeated objections. He emphasized that no amount of denial from Beijing can alter this established reality. India has taken up the issue with China “strongly and firmly,” demanding an explanation for the arbitrary detention, which violates multiple international aviation conventions.

The MEA also pointed out that China’s action contradicts its own rules allowing 24-hour visa-free transit for passengers of all nationalities. The incident occurred because China continues to claim Arunachal Pradesh as its territory, leading officials to term the passport “invalid.”

India’s sharp reaction underscores rising tensions over repeated Chinese attempts to question India’s sovereignty over Arunachal Pradesh.

The post India Slams China for Terming Arunachal Woman’s Passport ‘Invalid’; Says Arunachal Is and Will Always Be India’s Integral Part appeared first on India Podcast.

Making his first-ever International Emmy nomination, Diljit walked the red carpet alongside filmmaker Imtiaz Ali. He impressed everyone in a shimmery suit jacket, crisp white shirt, black bow tie, black trousers, and his signature black turban. His nomination marked a global milestone for India, highlighting the legacy of Punjab’s legendary singer Amar Singh Chamkila.

Diljit competed against David Mitchell for Ludwig and Diego Vasquez for One Hundred Years of Solitude. Directed by Imtiaz Ali, Amar Singh Chamkila traces the singer’s rise as the “Elvis of Punjab” in the 1980s. Known for his bold, revolutionary songs, Chamkila’s life ended tragically in 1988 when he and his wife Amarjot Kaur were killed at the age of 27.

India has seen previous Emmy successes, such as Delhi Crime winning Best Drama Series in 2020 and comedian Vir Das winning in 2021 for Vir Das: For India. Despite missing the trophy, Diljit’s nomination has put Punjabi cinema on the global stage and inspired artists across India.

Fans and media praised his performance, while social media buzzed with messages of pride for his achievement. Diljit’s journey from regional cinema to the international spotlight shows how talent combined with perseverance can break barriers. His presence at the Emmys demonstrates India’s growing influence in global entertainment.

The post Diljit Dosanjh: Red Carpet Glory, Emmy Heartbreak appeared first on India Podcast.