Stories from India

A new expressway project is expected to reduce travel time between Meerut and Prayagraj from nearly 12 hours to approximately 6 hours. The project is described as the longest expressway in the state.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a new expressway spanning two districts in Uttar Pradesh. The Prime Minister stated that the expressway will serve as a lifeline for the state's development, similar to the role of the Ganges River.

Anti-social elements attacked the vehicle of a BJP candidate in Basanti, located in the South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal.

The Gujarat State Election Commission has announced that voting for local body elections will take place on April 26, 2026. This follows previous announcements regarding local election schedules in the region. The announcement follows previous administrative preparations for the upcoming electoral cycle.

Members of the BJP and BRS parties held protests regarding the postponement of the Khanapur Municipal Chairman election.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will participate in a meeting of BRICS foreign ministers in New Delhi on May 14 and 15. Lavrov is also scheduled to meet with Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in Astana on Thursday. The announcement was made by Zakharova. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova stated the event provides an opportunity for deep discussion on international agenda issues. The meeting aims to improve global governance with an emphasis on increasing the role of the world order. The meeting was chaired by Viveka Garwal, Secretary of the Ministry of Culture. The session witnessed participation from various members.

According to the NGO Public Eye, half of the most frequently used pesticides in India are classified as dangerous or highly dangerous by the FAO. The report was discussed in the context of pesticide reform projects.

Three individuals filed a lawsuit in 2020 against the Swiss company Saint-Genta regarding an insecticide incident in India in 2017. Patients reported acute intoxication symptoms including vomiting, headaches, and loss of consciousness leading to hospitalizations.

Between 12% and 14% of farmers in the Andhra Pradesh region have transitioned to 100% natural farming techniques. The transition to these methods typically requires three to five years to complete. Natural farming practices include soil cover techniques that allow for year-round harvesting. A regional vice-president has expressed support for zero-budget natural farming in the area. Farmers are using natural farming methods with low-cost artificial fertilizers and pesticides, leading to healthier food products and reduced environmental pollution. Over 14,240 farmers in the district have adopted natural farming, receiving technical information and organic fertilizers. This approach is increasing farmers' income and allowing them to contribute to public health by providing disease-free food.

Farmers in the Andhra Pradesh region of India are facing difficulties with crop harvesting due to very low rainfall. Vijay Kumar, vice-president of Zero Budget Natural Farming, is leading efforts within the organization to address these challenges.