. Rana also expressed his gratitude to the Government of Himachal Pradesh, particularly Sh. Jagat Singh Negi, Horticulture Minister, as well as the Secretary (Horticulture) and Director of Horticulture, for promoting farmer-oriented initiatives and strengthening facilities for processing and value addition.

Vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly face a significantly higher risk during heatwaves. Ensuring they remain indoors during peak heat, are dressed in light clothing, and receive adequate fluids is crucial. Special care must be taken never to leave children inside parked vehicles, as temperatures inside can rise rapidly to fatal levels within minutes.

A sports policy is not merely a document—it is a commitment to fairness, motivation, and equal opportunity. When its implementation appears selective, it risks undermining the very purpose it is meant to serve. Recognition should not depend on visibility, influence, or timing—it should be rooted in merit.

The scale of the alleged scam, reportedly exceeding ₹1,500 crore, further amplifies the gravity of the situation. This is no longer a matter of isolated oversight; it suggests systemic failures and raises the possibility of deeper institutional involvement. The focus is now shifting toward the higher echelons of bureaucracy, with questions emerging about the accountability of senior officials, including those occupying key decision-making positions.

At the center of the debate is the role of regulatory bodies such as the Pharmacy Council of India and the All India Council for Technical Education, which oversee pharmacy education in India. Critics say curriculum revisions are slow and often disconnected from real-world industry requirements.

In public service, Navtej Sarna distinguished himself as one of the longest-serving spokespersons of India’s Ministry of External Affairs, serving under Prime Ministers Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh. He later represented India as Ambassador to the United States and Israel, and as High Commissioner to the United Kingdom—roles that demanded both diplomatic tact and firm judgment.

I met him last at the Khushwant Singh Literature Festival in Delhi. By then, age had slowed his gait, but it had not dimmed the warmth in his eyes or his curiosity about the world. He listened as intently as ever. India had honoured him with the Padma Shri in 1992 and the Padma Bhushan in 2005, but his true honour was the trust of the Indian people.

Several temples in the state are managed through trusts formed under government oversight. Critics allege that political considerations influence the appointment of trust members, while financial transparency and accountability remain limited.

The Bill introduces Normative Allocations to improve fiscal predictability. Rule-based allocations allow States to plan employment expenditure within medium-term fiscal frameworks, addressing problems such as delayed reimbursements and reactive budgeting. Shared fiscal responsibility also encourages better asset selection and maintenance.

The ongoing SIR exercise isn’t the first time the ECI is undertaking a thorough voter inventory. Although there is no stipulated time schedule, say once in 10 years or so, for this large-scale exercise, it is well recognised that unless this periodic audit is undertaken, the outcome of elections will not accurately reflect the popular will.