PIB Clarifies No Changes to Aadhaar Card Design The Press Information Bureau (PIB) has officially refuted reports suggesting that Aadhaar cards will soon feature only a photo and a QR code, dismissing such claims as fake news. The bureau emphasized that there are no plans for any modifications to the Aadhaar card design, clarifying that the current structure remains unchanged. The misleading information, which circulated online, claimed that the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) is preparing to remove names and addresses from Aadhaar cards, replacing them with a photo and QR code to prevent data misuse and identity theft. However, PIB clarified that this is not accurate. The bureau stated that such rumors are creating unnecessary confusion among the public and urged individuals to rely solely on official sources for information. UIDAI’s official social media handles and PIB-issued press releases are the only credible channels for updates regarding Aadhaar-related policies. The bureau also advised citizens to disregard unverified reports and social media posts that spread misinformation about the Aadhaar card. The clarification comes amid growing concerns about the security and privacy of personal data linked to Aadhaar. While the government has previously discussed measures to enhance data protection, the PIB’s statement underscores that no immediate changes to the card’s physical design are planned. The fake news about the Aadhaar card has sparked debates about the reliability of online information and the need for public awareness about verifying sources. UIDAI has reiterated its commitment to transparency, emphasizing that any changes to the Aadhaar system would be communicated through official channels.#aadhaar_card #unique_identification_authority_of_india #uidai #press_information_bureau #fake_news
Nagaland: Rural development at the centre of development Prof Jayanta Choudhury, head of the Department of Rural Development and Planning at Nagaland University, emphasized that rural development is central to broader development goals. During a discourse organized by the Press Information Bureau (PIB) in Kohima on March 25, he highlighted how the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) rely heavily on improving rural development through inclusive and participatory strategies. The event, part of a discussion on the central scheme “Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin)” (VB–G RAM G), aimed to explore its implications for rural employment and livelihoods. The VB–G RAM G, previously known as MGNREGA, is designed to provide 135 days of wage employment per rural household annually. Prof Choudhury noted that the scheme now features a 60:40 funding split between the central and state governments, with North Eastern and Himalayan states receiving 90% central funding. This adjustment aims to address rural employment gaps and support livelihood initiatives. However, he raised concerns about the scheme’s potential to weaken existing safety nets, citing unresolved issues from the previous MGNREGA framework. Key changes from MGNREGA include a shift from demand-driven to supply-driven planning, revised wage and employment day calculations, and greater emphasis on fiscal responsibility and technology-driven monitoring. Prof Choudhury pointed out that many recommendations from past parliamentary committees remain unimplemented, raising questions about the scheme’s effectiveness. He also highlighted the exclusion of rural work during peak agricultural seasons, which could disrupt employment for those reliant on continuous income.#nagaland #press_information_bureau #mgnrega #prof_jayanta_choudhury
Climate Change Deepens Malnutrition Crisis In Maha: UNICEF Nagpur: Climate change is increasingly contributing to the worsening malnutrition crisis in Maharashtra, with its effects disproportionately impacting pregnant women and young children. UNICEF has highlighted that climate-related shocks such as droughts, rising temperatures, and agrarian distress are intensifying food insecurity and reducing dietary diversity, particularly in tribal regions, farming communities, and urban informal settlements. These issues were discussed at a capacity-building workshop on maternal nutrition and inclusive early childhood development, organized jointly by UNICEF India and the Press Information Bureau at IMA Hall. Experts emphasized that the consequences of climate change are most severe during pregnancy and early childhood—critical periods for fetal growth and brain development. Nutritional deficiencies during these stages can lead to lifelong health problems, including an increased risk of diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases. Dr. Mrudula Phadke, a former vice-chancellor of Maharashtra University of Health Sciences and senior advisor to the state government and UNICEF, noted that food insecurity, heat stress, and physically demanding labor during pregnancy not only endanger the mother’s health but also shape the long-term health outcomes of the child. Dr. Subodh S Gupta from Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences added that nutrition, early childhood development, and climate vulnerability are interconnected factors beginning before conception and accelerating during the first 1,000 days of life.#maharashtra #unicef #press_information_bureau #ima_hall #maternal_nutrition
