Hetero Labs donated electoral bonds worth Rs. 60 crore
IT Dept had found Rs. 550 crore unaccounted income during raid at Hetero Labs in 2021
New Delhi: The release of data on electoral bonds by the Election Commission, as mandated by the Supreme Court, has shed light on concerning contributions from pharmaceutical companies, particularly Hetero Drugs, a major manufacturer of Remdesivir, a drug crucial in treating COVID-19 patients.
According to the data, Hetero Drugs and its subsidiary Hetero Labs have collectively donated ₹60 crore to political parties through electoral bonds. Hetero Labs is the manufacturer of Remdesivir, which has been touted as a "life-saving drug" in the treatment of COVID-19 but has faced criticism due to its high cost and availability issues.
The significant contribution made by Hetero Drugs raises questions about the potential influence of pharmaceutical companies on political parties, particularly in a context where healthcare and drug pricing policies are of paramount importance.
It's worth noting that Hetero Drugs and Hetero Labs have faced scrutiny in the past. In 2021, both companies were subjected to income tax raids, with the IT department reportedly detecting unaccounted income amounting to ₹550 crore during the raids conducted at their offices in Sanath Nagar.
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Azim Premji Foundation Scholarship: How to apply, when to apply; details here
Bengaluru: The Azim Premji Foundation has announced the Azim Premji Scholarship for the academic year 2025–26, aimed at supporting up to 2.5 lakh girls across 18 Indian states who are pursuing higher education after completing school. An official release from the foundation also stated that in the coming years the scholarship will be implemented across the country.
When to Apply:
According to a release from the foundation, the application process for the Azim Premji Scholarship 2025–26 will commence in September 2025. “Details of the program and any changes in the program design or coverage will be notified at the start of the application process,” the release added.
Where to Apply:
According to the release, the scholarship this year will be implemented across 18 states, namely Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Odisha, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Telangana, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. Students residing in these states and enrolled in recognised higher education institutions will be eligible to apply.
How to Apply:
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Girls who have completed their Class 10 and 12 education in government (public) schools and have secured admission in a bona fide higher education institution either a government-run college/university or select private institutions can apply for the scholarship.
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Once the application portal opens in September, students will be required to submit personal details, educational qualifications, proof of admission, and bank account information.
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The scholarship amount ₹30,000 per year will be transferred directly into the students' bank accounts in two instalments each academic year, read the release.
