India
SC may consider pleas challenging validity of law to appoint CEC, ECs
The Supreme Court may address the pleas challenging the constitutionality of the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners Act, 2023, on February 4. This new law removed the Chief Justice of India from the selection panel for appointing election commissioners. There is urgency as the Chief Election Commissioner is retiring in February.
Four cows found dead at a gaushala in UP's Bareilly
Four cows were found dead at a gaushala in Bareilly's Aonla, causing protests by local right-wing organisations. District Magistrate Ravindra Kumar discovered deficiencies at the shelter, including poor winter arrangements and lack of green fodder. An investigation has been ordered, and strict action is to be taken against those found negligent.
Tirupati stampede: At least 4 killed in stampede at Andhra's famous Temple; CM Naidu expresses grief
At least six devotees died and dozens were injured in a stampede here on Wednesday night as hundreds of them jostled for tickets for Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam at Lord Venkateswara Swamy temple on Tirumala Hills, said an official. Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Chairman BR Naidu said one body has been identified. Hundreds of devotees turned up from across the country for the 10-day Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam commencing from January 10. Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu expressed his deep shock over the death of four devotees in the stampede
Elgar Parishad-Maoist links case: Bombay HC grants bail to two accused noting long incarceration
The Bombay High Court granted bail to Rona Wilson and Sudhir Dhawale in the Elgar Parishad-Maoist links case after they had spent over six years in jail without the trial starting. The court cited the lengthy witness list and delays in framing charges. While on bail, both must surrender their passports and cannot leave the city.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, family land in Kerala for Vakacio
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban is on a private two-week visit to Kerala, India with his family. He describes India as a land of culture and economic growth. Orban emphasizes his interest in India's history and future, citing its poised economic explosion and rich culture. India and Hungary have strong political and economic ties, with significant Indian investments in Hungary.
Modi set to open vital defence Z-Morh tunnel
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Jammu and Kashmir on January 13 to inaugurate the Z-Morh tunnel on the Srinagar-Leh highway in Ganderbal. Security preparations are underway, and the visit follows the incident in October 2024, where seven workers were killed in an attack at the tunnel's construction site.
Sheikh Hasina allowed to stay for as long as she wishes
Former Bangladeshi PM Sheikh Hasina, exiled in India, will remain in the country under a special arrangement, with no plans for her extradition to Dhaka. The Bangladesh government has charged her with murder, but India insists on maintaining its tradition of protecting political figures like Hasina.
Look east policy makes Odisha launch pad for trade and investment: EAM
External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar emphasized the importance of Odisha in India's Look East Policy, highlighting its strengths in trade, technology, and tourism. Speaking at the Pravasi Bhartiya Divas, Jaishankar urged NRIs and PIOs to invest in the state, citing its strategic resources, talent, and tourism potential.
Tuhin Kanta Pandey appointed revenue secretary; Arunish Chawla takes over as DIPAM secretary
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has appointed Tuhin Kanta Pandey as Secretary, Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance while Arunish Chawla will take over Pandey’s previous role at DIPAM. Chawla will also hold additional responsibilities in the Department of Public Enterprises and the Ministry of Culture until further orders.
MFIs must promote loan repayment digitally, focus on cybersecurity & resilient IT infra: DFS secy
Financial Services Secretary M Nagaraju encourages microfinance institutions to promote digital loan repayment and enhance cybersecurity. During a meeting, MFIs sought support for credit guarantee schemes and special funding, highlighting their growth and challenges, including rising stress and delinquency rates in the microfinance sector.
Must Watch
Tirupati: Six killed, several injured in stampede
A tragic stampede at Vishnu Nivasam in Tirupati resulted in the deaths of four people during the distribution of Vaikunta Dwara Sarva Darshan tokens. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has contacted officials regarding the care for the injured and directed higher officials to the scene to implement relief measures for better treatment.
Suspected case of HMPV detected in Gujarat's Sabarkantha
A suspected human metapneumovirus (HMPV) case involving an eight-year-old boy has been reported in Himatnagar, Gujarat. His blood sample has been sent for government confirmation after a private lab's positive test. Isolation wards have been established in major civil hospitals across Gujarat, following the state's first confirmed HMPV case in an infant.
Pritish Nandy, veteran poet and journalist, dies at 73; Anupam Kher pays heartfelt tribute to 'yaaron ka yaar'
Veteran poet, journalist, and filmmaker Pritish Nandy has died at 73. Friends and admirers mourn his fearless voice, lyrical poetry, and contributions to Indian journalism and film. Actor Anupam Kher paid an emotional tribute, recalling their close bond and Nandy's influential role during his early days in Mumbai. Nandy's passing marks the end of an era.
Assam miners trapped: Indian Navy mobilizes specialised team to assist in the rescue mission
In response to an urgent request for assistance, the Indian Navy has mobilized a specialised team to assist in the rescue of miners trapped in Umrangso, a remote industrial town in the Dima Hasao district of Assam. The team, comprising one officer and eleven sailors, includes highly trained Clearance Divers skilled in deep-depth diving and recovery operations and is on site.
Asaram moves fresh plea in Jodhpur HC for interim bail
Asaram has filed a fresh interim bail plea in the Jodhpur High Court after the Supreme Court granted him interim bail on medical grounds until March 31. The bail is related to a rape case in Gandhinagar, but Asaram remains in Jodhpur Central Jail for a separate rape case. His counsel cites old age and health issues in the plea.
Frame policy on cashless treatment for motor accident victims: Supreme Court to Centre
The Supreme Court directs the Centre to establish a scheme by March 14, 2025, for cashless medical treatment of motor accident victims during the critical 'golden hour.' The scheme aims to save lives by providing timely care and addresses financial hurdles commonly faced during emergencies.
