Day: 5 December 2025

In a move aimed at enhancing convenience and security for millions of passport applicants, the government has made the Passport Verification Record accessible directly through DigiLocker, the national digital document wallet.The new feature enables citizens to securely download and store their police verification records related to passport applications, eliminating the need for physical documents and reducing verification delays. Officials say the integration will streamline processes for both applicants and authorities, ensuring faster document access and improved transparency.   The initiative is expected to significantly benefit individuals applying for fresh passports,…

New scientific findings have raised fresh concerns over nanoplastics released from single-use PET (polyethylene terephthalate) bottles, revealing that these microscopic particles can significantly damage gut bacteria and may also pose risks to human intestinal cells.  Researchers analysing PET bottles under real-world usage conditions found that routine actions—such as squeezing, prolonged storage, temperature changes, and repeated opening—cause the plastic to shed ultra-tiny particles measuring less than 1 micrometre. These nanoplastics are small enough to cross biological barriers, making them particularly concerning.  According to the study, exposure to these particles resulted in: …

MOIL Limited has achieved its highest-ever November production and sales, marking a significant milestone in the company’s operational performance. MOIL recorded 1.65 Lakh Metric Tonnes (LMT) of manganese ore production in November 2025, showing a 1% year-on-year (YoY) increase. Sales reached 1.37 LMT, reflecting a 3% YoY growth.   For the period April–November 2025-26, cumulative production stands at 12.69 LMT, an 8% increase over the same period of the previous year. On this occasion, Shri Ajit Kumar Saxena, CMD, MOIL, stated that the best ever November performance stands as a…