Digest for 20 October, 2025
National Medical Commission Approves Over 10,600 New MBBS Seats for 2024-25
The National Medical Commission (NMC) has approved 10,650 new MBBS seats for the 2024-25 academic year, establishing 41 new medical colleges and raising the national total to 816. This expansion increases the total number of available undergraduate medical seats to 1,37,600. The move aligns with the government's goal of significantly boosting the country's medical education capacity to address the growing demand for healthcare professionals and improve the doctor-patient ratio across India.
Anti-Pollution Curbs Intensified in Delhi-NCR as Air Quality Worsens to 'Very Poor'
Authorities have invoked Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR after the city's air quality index (AQI) crossed the 300 mark, entering the 'very poor' category. The move introduces stricter measures to combat rising pollution levels ahead of Diwali. These curbs include increased frequency of public transport, daily mechanised road sweeping and water sprinkling, and strict enforcement of dust control norms at construction sites to prevent further deterioration of the region's air quality.
US to Cut Aid to Colombia Over Drug Production, Escalating Tensions
US President Donald Trump has announced he will slash funding to Colombia, accusing its president, Gustavo Petro, of failing to curb drug production. In a social media post, Trump referred to Petro as an "illegal drug dealer" and threatened direct US intervention if operations are not shut down. The statement marks a significant escalation in tensions between the two longtime allies, following earlier US accusations of non-cooperation and a recent move to revoke Petro's visa.
Ladakh Leaders to Resume Talks with Centre After Months-Long Deadlock
Representatives from Ladakh have accepted an invitation from the Ministry of Home Affairs to resume talks in Delhi on October 22, ending a months-long stalemate. Delegations from the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) will discuss their core demands, including statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution for tribal area protection. The development follows a period of intense protests and is seen as a crucial step toward resolving the region's political grievances.
Centre Approves ₹1,950 Crore in Advance Flood Relief for Karnataka and Maharashtra
The Union Home Ministry has approved the advance release of ₹1,950.80 crore to aid flood-affected regions in Karnataka and Maharashtra. The funds, part of the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) for 2025-26, will be allocated with ₹1,566.40 crore for Maharashtra and ₹384.40 crore for Karnataka. This financial assistance is intended to help the state governments provide immediate relief to citizens impacted by severe rainfall and flooding during the recent southwest monsoon season.