April 19, 2026

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge NEW DELHI: Hitting back at PM Modi, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said a “desperate and frustrated PM, with nothing meaningful to show for the last 12 years, turned an official address to the nation into a political speech full of mudslinging and outright lies”. “The model code of conduct is in place and it was very clear how PM Modi misused official machinery to attack his opponents. This is a travesty of democracy and the Constitution of India,” Kharge said in a post on X. Congress termed Modi’s speech “a distress address rather than a national address”, claiming he was “unhinged” after the defeat of the bill. ICC spokesman Jairam Ramesh said Modi should have apologised for “his shameless, deceitful attempts to push through a devious delimitation proposal in the name of women. His ‘niyat’ (intent) is anything but saaf (clean). It is poisonous”. Ramesh said PM Narendra Modi should answer why the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam passed in Sept 2023 was notified late on the night April 16, after a delay of 30 months.“His talking of mahila samman is sheer hypocrisy given the way he has conducted himself throughout his life. What the PM attempted in the Lok Sabha yesterday — a weakening of our democracy and our federalism — was exactly the sort of attack on the Constitution that was anticipated when the PM called for ‘400 paar’ in the run-up to the 2024 LS elections,” Ramesh said. The Congress spokesman said the Prime Minister’s “attempts to invoke the legacy of the Constitutionmakers only induce a revulsion at his dishonesty”. He also rubbished the PM Modi’s claims that Congress had opposed the Jan Dhan-Aadhar-Mobile and GST, arguing that both policies are “entirely Congress creations”. “The PM ended his speech by saying there was a ‘waqt ka intezaar’ for women’s reservation. There is no need for a ‘muhurat’ to give India’s women their due. Congress challenges the PM to move a bill in the Parliament tomorrow to implement women’s reservation within the existing set-up of the Lok Sabha,” Ramesh said.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosCong, TMC, DMK Guilty’, PM Modi Blasts Oppn For Blocking Women Reservation BillIndia Summons Iran Envoy Summoned After Ships Targeted In Strait of Hormuz | WatchWomen’s Reservation Amendment Fails In Lok Sabha, Delimitation Bill Put On HoldYogi Adityanath Alleges ‘Identity Crisis’ In Bengal, Targets TMC Over GovernanceBJP Leaders Protest Outside Rahul’s Residence Over Women Quota Bill; Hema Malini, Bansuri Lead10th Indian Vessel Crosses Strait Of Hormuz Since Conflict Began”Women Were Being Used” Tharoor Backs Women’s Reservation, Warns On Delimitation Issue: “You’re Firing… After Clearance!” India-Flagged Ship’s Last Words Before Hormuz TurnbackNation Awaits PM Modi’s Address As Women Bill Fails And Hormuz Crisis Escalates‘Not A Failure Of The Government’: Why Rijiju Is Blaming The Opposition For Women’s Bill Defeat123Photostories6 healthy leaves you should add to your daily dietAkshaya Tritiya 2026: Buy these 5 things for good fortune5 grand palaces that are now world-famous museums7 factors driving real estate growth in India’s non-metro cities7 foods in your kitchen that actually came from PersiaAlia-Ranbir to Saif-Kareena: 5 celebrity weddings that completely rewrote the Indian shaadi style rulebook’The Devil Wears Prada 2′ to ‘The Odyssey,’ and more: Hollywood’s biggest 2026 Summer releases10 iconic biryani varieties in India you probably haven’t tried yetThings you should NEVER Do on Akshaya Tritiya based on your birth dateTop 5 residential hotspots in Nagpur for upscale living and long-term investment potential123Hot PicksIran warDelimitation Bill DefeatPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingIPL Orange Cap 2026VijayPM Modi LiveWorld Largest EconomySue BirdIce SpicePahalgam Pony Wallah StoryWomen Quota BillE Coli Smuggling CaseErika Kirk Event

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Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge NEW DELHI: Hitting back at PM Modi, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said a “desperate and frustrated PM, with nothing meaningful to show for the last 12 years, turned an official address to the nation into a political speech full of mudslinging and outright lies”. “The model code of conduct is in place and it was very clear how PM Modi misused official machinery to attack his opponents. This is a travesty of democracy and the Constitution of India,” Kharge said in a post on X. Congress termed Modi’s speech “a distress address rather than a national address”, claiming he was “unhinged” after the defeat of the bill. ICC spokesman Jairam Ramesh said Modi should have apologised for “his shameless, deceitful attempts to push through a devious delimitation proposal in the name of women. His ‘niyat’ (intent) is anything but saaf (clean). It is poisonous”. Ramesh said PM Narendra Modi should answer why the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam passed in Sept 2023 was notified late on the night April 16, after a delay of 30 months.“His talking of mahila samman is sheer hypocrisy given the way he has conducted himself throughout his life. What the PM attempted in the Lok Sabha yesterday — a weakening of our democracy and our federalism — was exactly the sort of attack on the Constitution that was anticipated when the PM called for ‘400 paar’ in the run-up to the 2024 LS elections,” Ramesh said. The Congress spokesman said the Prime Minister’s “attempts to invoke the legacy of the Constitutionmakers only induce a revulsion at his dishonesty”. He also rubbished the PM Modi’s claims that Congress had opposed the Jan Dhan-Aadhar-Mobile and GST, arguing that both policies are “entirely Congress creations”. “The PM ended his speech by saying there was a ‘waqt ka intezaar’ for women’s reservation. There is no need for a ‘muhurat’ to give India’s women their due. Congress challenges the PM to move a bill in the Parliament tomorrow to implement women’s reservation within the existing set-up of the Lok Sabha,” Ramesh said.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosCong, TMC, DMK Guilty’, PM Modi Blasts Oppn For Blocking Women Reservation BillIndia Summons Iran Envoy Summoned After Ships Targeted In Strait of Hormuz | WatchWomen’s Reservation Amendment Fails In Lok Sabha, Delimitation Bill Put On HoldYogi Adityanath Alleges ‘Identity Crisis’ In Bengal, Targets TMC Over GovernanceBJP Leaders Protest Outside Rahul’s Residence Over Women Quota Bill; Hema Malini, Bansuri Lead10th Indian Vessel Crosses Strait Of Hormuz Since Conflict Began”Women Were Being Used” Tharoor Backs Women’s Reservation, Warns On Delimitation Issue: “You’re Firing… After Clearance!” India-Flagged Ship’s Last Words Before Hormuz TurnbackNation Awaits PM Modi’s Address As Women Bill Fails And Hormuz Crisis Escalates‘Not A Failure Of The Government’: Why Rijiju Is Blaming The Opposition For Women’s Bill Defeat123Photostories6 healthy leaves you should add to your daily dietAkshaya Tritiya 2026: Buy these 5 things for good fortune5 grand palaces that are now world-famous museums7 factors driving real estate growth in India’s non-metro cities7 foods in your kitchen that actually came from PersiaAlia-Ranbir to Saif-Kareena: 5 celebrity weddings that completely rewrote the Indian shaadi style rulebook’The Devil Wears Prada 2′ to ‘The Odyssey,’ and more: Hollywood’s biggest 2026 Summer releases10 iconic biryani varieties in India you probably haven’t tried yetThings you should NEVER Do on Akshaya Tritiya based on your birth dateTop 5 residential hotspots in Nagpur for upscale living and long-term investment potential123Hot PicksIran warDelimitation Bill DefeatPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingIPL Orange Cap 2026VijayPM Modi LiveWorld Largest EconomySue BirdIce SpicePahalgam Pony Wallah StoryWomen Quota BillE Coli Smuggling CaseErika Kirk Event


Congress: PM Modi turned official address into political speech
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge

NEW DELHI: Hitting back at PM Modi, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said a “desperate and frustrated PM, with nothing meaningful to show for the last 12 years, turned an official address to the nation into a political speech full of mudslinging and outright lies”. “The model code of conduct is in place and it was very clear how PM Modi misused official machinery to attack his opponents. This is a travesty of democracy and the Constitution of India,” Kharge said in a post on X. Congress termed Modi’s speech “a distress address rather than a national address”, claiming he was “unhinged” after the defeat of the bill. ICC spokesman Jairam Ramesh said Modi should have apologised for “his shameless, deceitful attempts to push through a devious delimitation proposal in the name of women. His ‘niyat’ (intent) is anything but saaf (clean). It is poisonous”. Ramesh said PM Narendra Modi should answer why the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam passed in Sept 2023 was notified late on the night April 16, after a delay of 30 months.“His talking of mahila samman is sheer hypocrisy given the way he has conducted himself throughout his life. What the PM attempted in the Lok Sabha yesterday — a weakening of our democracy and our federalism — was exactly the sort of attack on the Constitution that was anticipated when the PM called for ‘400 paar’ in the run-up to the 2024 LS elections,” Ramesh said. The Congress spokesman said the Prime Minister’s “attempts to invoke the legacy of the Constitutionmakers only induce a revulsion at his dishonesty”. He also rubbished the PM Modi’s claims that Congress had opposed the Jan Dhan-Aadhar-Mobile and GST, arguing that both policies are “entirely Congress creations”. “The PM ended his speech by saying there was a ‘waqt ka intezaar’ for women’s reservation. There is no need for a ‘muhurat’ to give India’s women their due. Congress challenges the PM to move a bill in the Parliament tomorrow to implement women’s reservation within the existing set-up of the Lok Sabha,” Ramesh said.



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The Times of India’s campaign on destressing and mental health is important in shaping understanding. Parents must realise that success is not defined by coaching or a narrow set of exams. We must also build a culture where digital use is balanced with physical activity, conversation and rest. This is a societal issue of aspirations and perception, not just performance. What policy measures are being taken to reduce stress and make learning more meaningful? ■ NEP addresses the fundamentals. We have introduced new curriculum, syllabus, textbooks and pedagogy, with more sports, arts and skill development. Bagless days and full-fledged courses in sports and skills are meant to reduce academic burden. The aim is to move from certificates to competencies. Students should not feel limited to JEE or NEET. A 360-degree approach builds confidence and helps reduce distress, while also giving students space away from constant digital pressure. 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NEW DELHI: The opposition parties are mulling another notice in Parliament for removal of chief election commissioner Gyanesh Kumar , the move coming days after their earlier plea was rejected by the Speaker of Lok Sabha and the Chairman of the RajyaSabha.Sources said key INDIA bloc parties are discussing the matter and working on a possible draft. The decision to revive the issue was based on the fact that the presiding officers of the two Houses Om Birla and CP Radhakrishnan gave reasoned orders on why the notices were being rejected. It is felt that the notices can be submitted again by rectifying the lacunae mentioned by the two Chairs.It was said that one reason for the rejection was the absence of specific instances of misdemeanour.Sources said talks are at an early stage and would take some time to mature. The bid to press against CEC Kumar appears an attempt to make a political statement in the wake of controversies surrounding the SIR in election-bound West Bengal, after similar rows erupted in other states. While there is consensus among opposition parties on the issue, Trinamool Congress has been its prime mover.While the earlier notice was submitted in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, the opposition is still to decide if to follow the same pattern or to pick one House for the new petition. The discussion on re-petitioning against the CEC comes in the wake of the Modi govt’s defeat on the Constitution amendment bill on delimitation and women’s quota.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosCong, TMC, DMK Guilty’, PM Modi Blasts Oppn For Blocking Women Reservation BillIndia Summons Iran Envoy Summoned After Ships Targeted In Strait of Hormuz | WatchWomen’s Reservation Amendment Fails In Lok Sabha, Delimitation Bill Put On HoldYogi Adityanath Alleges ‘Identity Crisis’ In Bengal, Targets TMC Over GovernanceBJP Leaders Protest Outside Rahul’s Residence Over Women Quota Bill; Hema Malini, Bansuri Lead10th Indian Vessel Crosses Strait Of Hormuz Since Conflict Began”Women Were Being Used” Tharoor Backs Women’s Reservation, Warns On Delimitation Issue: “You’re Firing… After Clearance!” India-Flagged Ship’s Last Words Before Hormuz TurnbackNation Awaits PM Modi’s Address As Women Bill Fails And Hormuz Crisis Escalates‘Not A Failure Of The Government’: Why Rijiju Is Blaming The Opposition For Women’s Bill Defeat123PhotostoriesAkshaya Tritiya 2026: Why these foods are considered auspicious and bring good fortune and prosperity5 watches rich men with old money wear6 healthy leaves you should add to your daily dietAkshaya Tritiya 2026: Buy these 5 things for good fortune5 grand palaces that are now world-famous museums7 factors driving real estate growth in India’s non-metro cities7 foods in your kitchen that actually came from PersiaAlia-Ranbir to Saif-Kareena: 5 celebrity weddings that completely rewrote the Indian shaadi style rulebook’The Devil Wears Prada 2′ to ‘The Odyssey,’ and more: Hollywood’s biggest 2026 Summer releases10 iconic biryani varieties in India you probably haven’t tried yet123Hot PicksIran warDelimitation Bill DefeatPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingIPL Orange Cap 2026VijayPM Modi LiveWorld Largest EconomySue BirdIce SpicePahalgam Pony Wallah StoryWomen Quota BillE Coli Smuggling CaseErika Kirk Event

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Representative image (AI-generated) NEW DELHI: Medical devices used every day—from syringes and surgical sutures to implants—may soon face tighter regulation, with Centre proposing stricter labelling rules and a standardised testing fee system aimed at improving safety and accountability. Under a draft amendment to Medical Devices Rules, 2017, manufacturers may be required to clearly disclose on product labels where devices are sterilised, including licence number of the facility. The move is intended to improve traceability so that authorities can quickly identify the source in case of infection or device failure. Govt has also proposed fixing testing charges across categories. As per the draft, implantation tests could cost Rs 5,000, sterility tests, Rs 2,000 and surgical sutures, Rs 3,000. These charges will rise by 5% annually, while fees for tests not listed will be decided by authorised laboratories. Officials say the changes are aimed at bringing uniformity in testing and strengthening oversight in the fastgrowing medical devices sector, where regulation has often been flagged as uneven. The industry, however, has raised concerns over feasibility and cost implications. Rajiv Nath, forum coordinator, Association of Indian Medical Device Industry, said that while the proposals are a step towards strengthening quality systems, they may need to be fine-tuned for smooth implementation. “The testing fees may not fully reflect actual lab costs, and if fixed without consulting NABL-accredited labs, it could make testing difficult to sustain, leading to delays. This may increase compliance costs and put some pressure on supply and prices, especially for high-volume items like syringes and consumables,” he said. “A riskbased approach, with stricter checks for high-risk devices, would be more effective. The sterilisation labelling requirement also needs review as it may delay exports by 3-4 weeks…,” the forum coordinator added.About the AuthorAnuja JaiswalAnuja Jaiswal is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India, with an impressive 18-year career in narrative journalism. She specializes in health and heritage reporting, expertly simplifying complex health information to make it engaging and understandable for readers. Her deep dives into heritage topics are well-researched, resulting in captivating narratives that resonate with her audience. Over the years, she has worked in Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh and West UP, gaining diverse on-ground experience that shapes her storytelling.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosCong, TMC, DMK Guilty’, PM Modi Blasts Oppn For Blocking Women Reservation BillIndia Summons Iran Envoy Summoned After Ships Targeted In Strait of Hormuz | WatchWomen’s Reservation Amendment Fails In Lok Sabha, Delimitation Bill Put On HoldYogi Adityanath Alleges ‘Identity Crisis’ In Bengal, Targets TMC Over GovernanceBJP Leaders Protest Outside Rahul’s Residence Over Women Quota Bill; Hema Malini, Bansuri Lead10th Indian Vessel Crosses Strait Of Hormuz Since Conflict Began”Women Were Being Used” Tharoor Backs Women’s Reservation, Warns On Delimitation Issue: “You’re Firing… After Clearance!” India-Flagged Ship’s Last Words Before Hormuz TurnbackNation Awaits PM Modi’s Address As Women Bill Fails And Hormuz Crisis Escalates‘Not A Failure Of The Government’: Why Rijiju Is Blaming The Opposition For Women’s Bill Defeat123PhotostoriesAkshaya Tritiya 2026: Why these foods are considered auspicious and bring good fortune and prosperity5 watches rich men with old money wear6 healthy leaves you should add to your daily dietAkshaya Tritiya 2026: Buy these 5 things for good fortune5 grand palaces that are now world-famous museums7 factors driving real estate growth in India’s non-metro cities7 foods in your kitchen that actually came from PersiaAlia-Ranbir to Saif-Kareena: 5 celebrity weddings that completely rewrote the Indian shaadi style rulebook’The Devil Wears Prada 2′ to ‘The Odyssey,’ and more: Hollywood’s biggest 2026 Summer releases10 iconic biryani varieties in India you probably haven’t tried yet123Hot PicksIran warDelimitation Bill DefeatPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingIPL Orange Cap 2026VijayPM Modi LiveWorld Largest EconomySue BirdIce SpicePahalgam Pony Wallah StoryWomen Quota BillE Coli Smuggling CaseErika Kirk Event

Representative image (AI-generated) NEW DELHI: Medical devices used every day—from syringes and surgical sutures to implants—may soon face tighter regulation, with Centre proposing stricter labelling rules and a standardised testing fee system aimed at improving safety and accountability. Under a draft amendment to Medical Devices Rules, 2017, manufacturers may be required to clearly disclose on product labels where devices are sterilised, including licence number of the facility. The move is intended to improve traceability so that authorities can quickly identify the source in case of infection or device failure. Govt has also proposed fixing testing charges across categories. As per the draft, implantation tests could cost Rs 5,000, sterility tests, Rs 2,000 and surgical sutures, Rs 3,000. These charges will rise by 5% annually, while fees for tests not listed will be decided by authorised laboratories. Officials say the changes are aimed at bringing uniformity in testing and strengthening oversight in the fastgrowing medical devices sector, where regulation has often been flagged as uneven. The industry, however, has raised concerns over feasibility and cost implications. Rajiv Nath, forum coordinator, Association of Indian Medical Device Industry, said that while the proposals are a step towards strengthening quality systems, they may need to be fine-tuned for smooth implementation. “The testing fees may not fully reflect actual lab costs, and if fixed without consulting NABL-accredited labs, it could make testing difficult to sustain, leading to delays. This may increase compliance costs and put some pressure on supply and prices, especially for high-volume items like syringes and consumables,” he said. “A riskbased approach, with stricter checks for high-risk devices, would be more effective. The sterilisation labelling requirement also needs review as it may delay exports by 3-4 weeks…,” the forum coordinator added.About the AuthorAnuja JaiswalAnuja Jaiswal is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India, with an impressive 18-year career in narrative journalism. She specializes in health and heritage reporting, expertly simplifying complex health information to make it engaging and understandable for readers. Her deep dives into heritage topics are well-researched, resulting in captivating narratives that resonate with her audience. Over the years, she has worked in Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh and West UP, gaining diverse on-ground experience that shapes her storytelling.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosCong, TMC, DMK Guilty’, PM Modi Blasts Oppn For Blocking Women Reservation BillIndia Summons Iran Envoy Summoned After Ships Targeted In Strait of Hormuz | WatchWomen’s Reservation Amendment Fails In Lok Sabha, Delimitation Bill Put On HoldYogi Adityanath Alleges ‘Identity Crisis’ In Bengal, Targets TMC Over GovernanceBJP Leaders Protest Outside Rahul’s Residence Over Women Quota Bill; Hema Malini, Bansuri Lead10th Indian Vessel Crosses Strait Of Hormuz Since Conflict Began”Women Were Being Used” Tharoor Backs Women’s Reservation, Warns On Delimitation Issue: “You’re Firing… After Clearance!” India-Flagged Ship’s Last Words Before Hormuz TurnbackNation Awaits PM Modi’s Address As Women Bill Fails And Hormuz Crisis Escalates‘Not A Failure Of The Government’: Why Rijiju Is Blaming The Opposition For Women’s Bill Defeat123PhotostoriesAkshaya Tritiya 2026: Why these foods are considered auspicious and bring good fortune and prosperity5 watches rich men with old money wear6 healthy leaves you should add to your daily dietAkshaya Tritiya 2026: Buy these 5 things for good fortune5 grand palaces that are now world-famous museums7 factors driving real estate growth in India’s non-metro cities7 foods in your kitchen that actually came from PersiaAlia-Ranbir to Saif-Kareena: 5 celebrity weddings that completely rewrote the Indian shaadi style rulebook’The Devil Wears Prada 2′ to ‘The Odyssey,’ and more: Hollywood’s biggest 2026 Summer releases10 iconic biryani varieties in India you probably haven’t tried yet123Hot PicksIran warDelimitation Bill DefeatPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingIPL Orange Cap 2026VijayPM Modi LiveWorld Largest EconomySue BirdIce SpicePahalgam Pony Wallah StoryWomen Quota BillE Coli Smuggling CaseErika Kirk Event

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