Union road transport minister Nitin Gadkari highlighted the impact of social media in exposing government shortcomings, emphasizing the need for quick resolution of road quality issues. He advocated for the mandatory adoption of Automated and Intelligent Machine-Aided Construction technology in highway projects to enhance efficiency and transparency.
Jammu and Kashmir Police conducted raids at 25 locations across Rajouri district, seizing incriminating materials linked to a terror network. This network, associated with Jaish-e-Mohammad and Lashkar-e-Taiba, aimed to activate overground workers for terror activities. These raids follow extensive searches two months prior in connection with separate terror-related cases in Rajouri and Udhampur.
India has rejected claims by the Canadian Commission regarding electoral interference, accusing Canada of meddling in India's internal affairs, fostering illegal migration, and organized crime. Canada had reported that both China and India interfered in its elections, with India being the second most active in such activities.
The Indonesian marching and band contingent received commendation from India's ministry of external affairs and Lt general Bhavnish Kumar for their impressive participation in the 76th Republic Day parade. The 352-member contingent showcased unity and discipline, reflecting Indonesia’s national cohesion. The accompanying military band, Genderang Suling Canka Lokananta, blended traditional military music with noble values. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s visit from January 23-26 strengthened bilateral ties between India and Indonesia.
Delhi Chief Minister Atishi accuses Haryana's BJP government of deliberately polluting the Yamuna to disrupt Delhi’s water supply before elections. Elevated ammonia levels are cited, which Delhi Jal Board claims supports this allegation. Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini refutes the accusations, attributing the crisis to Delhi's mismanagement. The Election Commission seeks a report on the matter.
The CPI (Maoist) politburo's active members have dwindled to four, down from 16 in 2004, due to killings, arrests, surrenders, and deaths. The central committee now has just 11-12 active members. The loss of experienced, ideologically driven leaders, coupled with the rise of militarily focused members, is weakening the Naxal movement. Over time, key leaders have died or been arrested.
Airfares to Prayagraj have surged significantly ahead of the Jan 29 Mauni Amavasya snan, with return tickets from major cities costing upwards of Rs 33,000. The increase in prices is driven by high demand due to the Maha Kumbh festival, attracting numerous pilgrims from India and abroad.
Paytm, Easebuzz, and PayU have responded to an ED probe regarding a cryptocurrency scam involving HPZ Token operated by Chinese nationals. The investigation started in 2022, and the companies have cooperated with authorities. Razorpay stated it has received no new inquiries about the case.
Alerts from three Pune hospitals about Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) cases led to the discovery of an unprecedented cluster of 73 cases by Friday. Experts linked the outbreak to Campylobacter jejuni bacteria. An investigation commenced, with authorities conducting door-to-door surveys and increasing awareness. The Union health ministry is sending a team of doctors to assist local efforts in controlling the spread.
The Supreme Court of India has set up a special investigation team (SIT) with senior IPS officers to probe the functioning of Noida Authority and potential over-compensation in land acquisitions. The SIT will determine whether there was collusion between Noida officials and landowners, and report within two months.
Priyanka Gandhi led a rally in Belagavi, criticizing the BJP and RSS for allegedly insulting the Constitution and its architect B.R. Ambedkar. She accused the Centre of anti-Constitutional and anti-poor policies, referencing Amit Shah’s remarks in Parliament. Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge condemned BJP for creating divisions and troubling Dalits and backward communities.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah visited Badhaal village in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district after 17 people died from a mystery illness since December. Eight people died after a memorial ceremony, and nine more died earlier in December. Authorities are investigating the cause, and the CM assured government assistance to the affected families and urged restraint in political interference.
A high-level inter-ministerial team from New Delhi visited Badhaal village in J&K’s Rajouri district to investigate the cause of death of 17 residents due to a 'mystery illness' since Dec 2024. The local water source tested positive for pesticides or insecticides and was sealed.
In Bengal's Hooghly, a Pocso court sentenced a man to death for raping and murdering a five-year-old girl, marking the fifth such verdict in the state since August. These convictions, based on strong evidence, aim to ensure justice and safety for minors. Legal experts emphasize that emotions should not influence justice despite quicker trials.
India's road transport systems must be designed to mitigate failures, as changing user behavior and addressing legacy issues are vital. Despite better roads and vehicles, road crashes are increasing, with two-wheeler occupants being most at risk. Investigating local crashes and addressing road, vehicle, and behavior issues are crucial.
Tension rises in Biroli village, Jind, over attempts to redirect wastewater through the village center instead of an external pond. Villagers argue this change threatens health and animal safety, clashing with police over the issue. The sarpanch’s representative claims the actions follow norms, but villagers suspect political motives and administrative collusion.
Punjab and Haryana High Court has quashed an FIR against a proclaimed offender under the Negotiable Instruments Act after both parties reached a compromise. Justice Sumeet Goel emphasized that pursuing such cases, when settled, burdens courts unnecessarily and goes against the legislative intent of Sec 138 of the Act. The compromise was deemed a significant factor in deciding to quash the FIR.
The Indian government has taken up the issue with Russian authorities regarding the death of an Indian from Kerala serving in the Russian military and an injured compatriot. It has reiterated its demand for the early discharge and repatriation of remaining Indian nationals still serving in the Russian armed forces.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised J&K CM Omar Abdullah for supporting Modi's efforts to bridge the 'dil ki doori' with Kashmir. Singh emphasized the significance of abrogating Article 370 and reaffirmed India's stance on PoK. He criticized past governments for ineffective handling of terrorism, credited the armed forces for peace improvements, and highlighted sacrifices by the people of J&K, including the Muslim community.
Tension escalated at INS Kadamba Naval Base after a clash between naval personnel and residents, sparked by a minor accident involving a local fisherman and a navy employee. The incident led to a brawl and subsequent protests, resulting in the police involvement and the arrest of four naval personnel.
In J&K’s Rajouri district, three siblings from Badhaal village succumbed within 24 hours to a mystery illness after consuming sweet rice at a family event. This adds to a total of 12 deaths in the village since December. Samples are being analyzed to determine the cause, while local authorities are providing medical assistance and urging the public to stay calm.
The Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, from January 13 to February 26, is set to be the world's largest gathering, with cultural and tourism ministries collaborating to enhance visitor experience. With expected attendance of 40 crore, preparations include enhanced connectivity, cultural showcases, and multilingual toll-free assistance for tourists.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi reflects on the US visa cancellation and its insult to India's democracy. He recounts his emotions during the Godhra arson attack and his commitment to not making intentional mistakes. Modi shares his risk-taking nature and discusses his unexpected political career and initial desires to become a monk.
Two major political parties, BJP and Congress, continue to occupy government bungalows in Lutyens’ Delhi for their offices, despite having built their own headquarters. Notices were issued by the housing ministry, but vacating has not occurred. This situation involves around six bungalows currently occupied by political parties.
Jammu & Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah questions the relevance of the INDIA bloc, suggesting dissolution if it was only formed for Lok Sabha elections. He highlights a lack of clarity regarding leadership, future strategy, and the bloc’s existence while responding to Tejashwi Yadav’s comment about its limited scope and calls for a meeting to address these concerns.
Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu highlights the issue of declining birthrates, urging household discussions on population management. He warns against low birthrates similar to South Korea and Japan. Naidu also introduces the Kuppam Vision-2029 for comprehensive development and launches a subsidised solar panel scheme for energy cost reduction.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi assures the continuation of public welfare schemes if BJP is voted to power in Delhi elections. Modi criticizes AAP for alleged corruption in scheme implementation, emphasizes the need for honest administration, and promotes infrastructural developments like highways and metro expansions.
The Common Central Secretariat's new buildings in Delhi will have canteens with two sections: an economical section with affordable meals, and a premium section with prices comparable to local restaurants. The CPWD has invited bids for these canteens, with 15,000 employees set to use these facilities. Finance and home ministries will be among the first to shift to these buildings.
The Union government is working on guidelines for investigating agencies to handle and seize documents while excluding personal, unrelated data to protect privacy. The guidelines came into focus following cases involving lottery king Santiago Martin and Amazon, where claims of unrelated personal data being at risk were raised.
Rajagopala Chidambaram, India's leading nuclear weapons designer and key figure in the Pokhran nuclear tests, passed away at 88. He contributed significantly to India's nuclear programme and scientific advancements. Tributes poured in from top scientists and political leaders, acknowledging his groundbreaking work and immense impact on India's strategic capabilities and scientific community.
Isro is preparing to launch Mission ShakthiSAT in Sept 2026, featuring 12,000 talented girls from 108 countries. The mission aims to encourage young female participation in space exploration. Selected participants will gather in Chennai to build payloads for scientific experiments. This initiative highlights the potential of untapped talent among young girls worldwide.
India has become the second highest target for cyber attacks globally in 2024, with 95 entities affected by data theft, following the United States. Key sectors impacted include finance, banking, and government. Major breaches involved millions of records and ransomware incidents were significant.
In a bid to support farmers, the NDA government extended the crop insurance scheme for another year and increased its outlay to Rs 69,515 crore over five years. Additionally, the government approved a Rs 825-crore innovation and technology fund and a Rs 3,850 crore subsidy for Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP).
The state animal resources development department in Bengal is conducting a survey on domesticated animals as part of the Centre's 21st livestock census. Officials face challenges as some pet owners hide their pets, fearing additional taxes. The survey deadline, originally set for Dec, has been extended to Feb.
A leopard was sighted at Infosys' high-security campus in Mysuru, leading to a search by foresters and police. CCTV confirmed its presence near the hostel. Although not spotted during the day, combing operations will continue. Drones with thermal cameras are deployed to ensure the leopard doesn't enter nearby human habitats.