At a high-level meeting held on Friday, chaired by Ajay Kumar Singh, Additional Chief Secretary of the Department of Health, Medical Education and Family Welfare, Jharkhand, it was decided to formulate a comprehensive new framework for bio-medical waste management in the state.

Under the proposed government guidelines, the existing barcoding and GPS-based tracking systems will be further strengthened to ensure end-to-end monitoring of waste handling.

The government said special emphasis has been placed on enforcing the 48-hour disposal deadline to reduce the risks of infection and environmental contamination.

Additional Chief Secretary Ajay Kumar Singh stressed that negligence in bio-medical waste management will not be tolerated, citing its direct impact on public health and the environment.

He directed officials to ensure that the entire process -- from collection to final disposal -- is carried out scientifically and transparently.

Officials informed the meeting that five Common Bio-medical Waste Treatment Facilities are currently operational in the state and are handling waste disposal safely. The new measures are expected to further improve the system’s efficiency in the state.

They said strict action will be taken against hospitals and healthcare institutions found violating the norms, including the imposition of environmental compensation and possible cancellation of registration.

Additionally, directions have been issued to ensure scientific disposal methods, such as deep burial, are followed in remote and inaccessible areas.

Officials expressed confidence that the new guidelines will make Jharkhand’s bio-medical waste management system more effective, accountable, and secure.’

Bio-medical waste management is a systematic process of segregating, collecting, transporting, treating, and safely disposing of waste generated during the diagnosis, treatment, or immunisation of humans/animals at a health facility.

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Dr. Raizada highlighted the emotional and practical challenges faced by Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) who, in pursuit of better opportunities, acquire citizenship of other countries and are subsequently forced to surrender their Indian passport. He described this situation as “deeply unfortunate and ironic,” noting that while individuals may change their nationality for professional or personal reasons, their cultural identity and emotional connection to India remain intact.

See Also: “Dual Citizenship for Indians” Campaign Highlights Myth of OCI and Calls for Restoration of Indian Citizenship Rights

“An Indian living abroad always carries a part of India in their heart. Our identity, values, and roots do not change with geography or passport,” he stated. Drawing attention to global Indian communities, including Indo-Caribbean populations and Indians settled in countries such as the Netherlands and Mauritius, Dr. Raizada emphasized that generations later, their connection to Indian culture and heritage continues to thrive. 

He further stated that migration in search of better opportunities should not be viewed negatively. “Seeking growth and opportunities abroad is not a crime. On the contrary, NRIs contribute significantly to India - culturally, economically, and socially. However, forcing them to give up their Indian citizenship creates an emotional disconnect and a sense of alienation,” he said.

Sharing insights from his interactions with NRIs and international Indian organizations, Dr. Raizada noted that the demand for dual citizenship has been consistently raised over the years. “This is not a new demand. It has been echoed repeatedly by Indians across the world who wish to stay connected to their homeland without being penalized for their global aspirations,” he added. 

See Also: H-1B Debacle and the Relevance of Dual Citizenship for Indians

Dr. Raizada also pointed out that allowing dual citizenship would serve as a meaningful recognition of the contributions of the Indian diaspora. “Instead of being compelled to surrender their identity, they should feel rewarded for staying connected to India. Dual citizenship can bridge this gap and strengthen the bond between India and its global citizens.” 

Dr. Raizada concluded by urging the Government to act swiftly and compassionately on this issue. “It is time to acknowledge the emotional and cultural realities of Indians abroad. Dual citizenship is not just a legal reform - it is a step towards inclusivity, respect, and a stronger global Indian identity,” he said

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Multiple incidents of violence, including arson, vandalism, and assault, were reported across Kannur district shortly after polling concluded.

In Payyannur, a CPI(M) member’s house and vehicle were attacked, while similar acts of intimidation and property damage were reported in Taliparamba.

Political parties traded blame, with Congress alleging CPM involvement and fake voting, while CPM denied accusations and called for action against those responsible.

Disturbing instances of violence have emerged across multiple regions in Kerala, as the pattern of post-poll violence in the state repeats itself. The district of Kannur has reported multiple election related violence across its constituencies, hours after polling concluded on 9th April.

Violence erupted in the early hours of 10th April in Kerala’s Payyannur, hours after the assembly election polling concluded in the constituency. A CPM stronghold, the constituency witnessed attack to property to assault to arson, and a series of post-polls violence spread shockwaves through the Kannur district. 

The residence of T. Puroshothamam, a native of Mahadeva Gramam and a prominent CPI(M) member, based on the assumption that he worked for former CPM leader and UDF-backed independent candidate V Kunhikrishnan, was attacked by unknown assailants. 

See also: Kerala Assembly Election 2026: What Do Kerala Voters want from their Next Government?

The attackers allegedly smashed the window panes of the house, and set his four-wheeler on fire. His family members sprang into action timely, quickly putting out the flame. Consequently, Puroshothamam suffered losses of around 5 lakhs. A case has been registered in the Payannur Police station, and officials have launched an investigation into the matter. 

Puroshothamam denied participating in the election campaign of UDF Independent candidate V. Kunhikrishnan, however, remarked that he had attended a book inauguration event of the candidate.

Expressing his condemnation over the violence attacks, CPI M Leader V. Kunhikrishnan termed the violent incidents as a sign of the expansion of the “political mafia”. 

“The attackers seemingly assumed Purushothaman supported me during campaigning. It is untrue. He only attended my book release function. In fact, he is a CPM member. We are witnessing the growing influence of a ‘political mafia’ in Payyannur. I mentioned this in my book. More violent things will happen again,” he said.

In another incident, the perimeter wall guarding the house of congress supporter K. P. Rekha, on which an election graffiti depicted Kunhikrishnan, was smashed down into debris. 

See also: Kerala Assembly Elections 2026: Close Fight Likely as LDF Banks on Sitting MLAs, UDF Opts for Major Candidate Overhaul

Elsewhere, P.V. Subhash, a CPM activist and former municipal ward councillor, woke up to discover a funeral wreath placed at his front gate — a menacing symbolic threat commonly used for political intimidation in the region.

In Taliparamba constituency, within the small town of Mayyil, the Congress Office, Gandhi Bhavan was vandalized in the hours that followed the conclusion of Polls. A blame game ensued in the town, as Congress leaders accused CPI workers. In a supposed coordinated attack, a UDF booth agent named P Bhaskaran, was assaulted in his house and was allegedly stabbed on Thursday 9th April. An attempted murder case has been filed in the Mayyil Police Station  against UDF activist Krishnan in regard to this incident 

Kannur DCC president Martin George claimed that the CPM is deploying gangs out of fear of losing ground in its strongholds. Fresh incidents of violence were reported from the Payyannur and Taliparamba assembly constituencies. Martin also accused the party of large-scale fake voting in both these segments. Giving an example, he alleged that Athira Krishnan, who is presently in Canada, voted at a booth in Payyanur with the help of former CPM councillor Pothera Krishnan. “Votes of many people who are currently abroad were cast in a similar manner,” he said, urging the Election Commission to conduct a thorough investigation and take necessary action.

In a statement, CPM Area Secretary Adv. P. Santosh strongly denied any involvement of the party in the violence. Strongly condemning the acts of arson and vandalism, Santosh demanded the immediate arrest of those responsible and asserted that the CPM had no role in the post-poll violence in Payyannur. Police have registered multiple cases and are keeping a close watch on the area to prevent any further incidents.

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The Union Government may amend IT rules to bring X’s Community Notes under Ministry control, allowing them to remove notes deemed objectionable or misleading.

The Internet Freedom Foundation clarified that no committee report recommends these changes and that Dubey misrepresented Australian laws to support his claims for taxation.

Following the pushback from civil society and industry groups, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has extended the deadline for public feedback on the proposed IT Rule amendments to April 29, 2026.

The Union Government could restrict or remove in its entirety the feature of Community notes on X, according to recent media reports. This comes following proposed amendments to the Information Technology Rules, 2021, which states that X’s community guidelines should be brought under the regulatory ambit of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), adds the report.

This would effectively give power to the Union Ministry on scrutinising the information presented by the Community Notes, and remove them if found objectionable or misleading according to them. However, the Union Ministry has invited applications from the public to present their opinions on the Draft IT Rules, 2021.

See Also: BJP Releases Manifesto for West Bengal Elections 2026, Vows to End ‘Period of Darkness’ Under 15 Years of TMC Rule

What Does Nishikant Dubey Have To Say On Community Notes?

Nishikant Dubey, Lok Sabha MP and chairperson of the Parliament's Standing Committee on Communications and Information Technology, said that either social media posts should shut down the community notes feature or pay taxes to the Indian government. He also mentioned on April 10, 2026, that the Parliament’s standing committee unanimously informed MeitY that community notes are not the reflections of intermediaries, meaning that they should not represent stark or critical views on a post. 

In a post on X (dated April 10, 2026), Dubey reflected the same citing Australia’s intermediary in the justice system rules. He uploaded the first page of the overview of the intermediary schemes in Australia (as of 2024). However, in a contrasting move, there is a community note on Dubey’s post that states that no such agreement, unanimous decision, or amendment has been proposed to the MeitY. This fact is also corroborated by a detailed analysis of the Internet Freedom Foundation (IFF), that also points out the specific act of the Australian government, the Australia's Treasury Laws Amendment (News Media and Digital Platforms Mandatory Bargaining Code) Act 2021. 

Internet Freedom Foundation’s Counter Claims

An official statement from the IFF on April 10, 2026, reads: “The only proximate reference appears to be a report of the Standing Committee on Communications and Information Technology dealing with the review of mechanisms to curb fake news, a subject whose administrative nodal ministry is the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, and not, as asserted, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.”

The community note further states that the aforementioned Australian rules cited by Dubey are regarding intermediaries in Australia’s judicial system, not relating taxes paid by social media platforms or publishers. This is again corroborated by the IFF, an independent advocacy organisation focusing on securing internet freedom. 

Additionally, the MeitY has invited feedback/comments of stakeholders on the Draft amendments to Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021. In an official notice issued on April 10, 2026, the Union Ministry stated that users’ feedback would be helpful to get public opinion on the law, concerning digital rules. MeitY has extended the deadline to April 29, 2026, encouraging users to submit their opinions, which will not be disclosed. This comes following consideration from many civil society organisations and industry groups.

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What are Community Notes on X?

Community notes are added context to a post that highlights information by several users who contribute to present their views on the said post. According to X Corporation: “Community Notes aim to create a better informed world by empowering people on X to collaboratively add context to potentially misleading posts. Contributors can leave notes on any post and if enough contributors from different points of view rate that note as helpful, the note will be publicly shown on a post.”

X however makes it clear that it does not influence, edit or modify the notes. It is on the users’ fact-checking ability and counter claims to potentially misleading views that will be presented objectively. 

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