Category: India

The electoral fate of 699 candidates in the Delhi Assembly elections were sealed on Wednesday as at least 60 per cent of 1.56 crore voters exercised their franchise to choose their government either from ruling AAP or BJP.

The voting took place between 7 am and 6 pm in 70 constituencies, without major incidents though leaders and workers keeping a vigil on polling booths accused each other of malpractices.

President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna, Delhi Chief Minister Atishi, AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal and top Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra were among the VIPs who exercised their franchise in the capital. Kejriwal came to vote with his family, including his ageing parents.

Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar and Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar also voted in the capital with their families. Kumar said everyone has worked very hard for the smooth conduct of polls.

AAP levelled allegations of the BJP distributing money, police preventing voters from reaching polling stations and election officers turning their eyes away from irregularities to help its rivals. The Election Commission and police denied all allegations.

A BJP leader’s allegation that people wearing burqas were attempting fraudulent voting led to high drama in Seelampur but police denied the allegations. Congress alleged that both AAP and BJP committed “blatant violations” of Model Code of Conduct while the EC “watched in silence”.

At 12 midnight, the Voter Turnout app of the EC showed a voting percentage of 60.44 per cent with six – East Delhi, North-East Delhi, Northwest Delhi, Shahdara, Southwest Delhi and West Delhi – of the 11 districts showing a turnout of over 60 per cent.

All five constituencies in the Northeast district together polled 66.25 per cent while the Southeast district with seven seats polled the least at 56.31 per cent.

In 2020, Delhi had recorded 62.59 per cent voter turnout when AAP won 62 seats and the rest eight were bagged by the BJP. The final voting percentage for this election would be known only by Thursday.

Among the constituencies, Mustafabad polled the maximum of 69 per cent while the least was in Karol Bagh at 47.4 per cent. There were 42 constituencies that had over 60 per cent polling, which included Babarpur, Badli, Chhattarpur, Mundka, Palam, Rohini, Rajinder Nagar, Sangam Vihar, Seelampur, Seemapuri, Uttam Nagar, Mangolpuri, Dwarka, Matiala and Rajouri Garden.

New Delhi seat where Kejriwal is locked in a keen contest against BJP’s Parvesh Verma and Congress’ Sandeep Dikshit polled 56.41 per cent while Kalkaji where Atishi is seeking reelection saw a turnout of 54.59 per cent. Jangpura, where the former Deputy Chief Minister is fighting, polled 57.42 per cent.

Posh areas of Greater Kailash, where Delhi Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj was contesting, also did not cross 60 per cent mark as it settled for 54.5 per cent.

AAP and BJP exuded confidence that they would win the electoral battle while Congress leaders claimed they would see a better performance while hoping to win a couple of seats. The outcome could also have a bearing on the future of the I.N.D.I.A. bloc as top leaders of the Congress had gone on an offensive against Kejriwal and AAP.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/elections/delhi/delhi-assembly-elections-2025-fate-of-699-candidates-sealed-results-on-february-8-3391673

Long-haul flights to South America, violent seas in tottery boats, hikes through treacherous terrain, dark cells at the US-Mexico border and a deportation flight back to India – the promise of an American dream fell flat for 104 Indian migrants who returned to India after US President Donald Trump’s hardline stance on illegal immigration.

Harvinder Singh, a native of Punjab’s Tahli village in Hoshiarpur district, said he was promised a work visa in the US by agent whom he paid Rs 42 lakh. At the last minute, Singh was told the visa did not come through and was later put on consecutive flights from Delhi till Qatar and then Brazil. “In Brazil, I was told I will be put on a flight from Peru, but there was no such flight. Then taxis took us further to Colombia and further to the beginning of Panama. From there, I was told a ship will transport us, but there was no ship either. This is where our donkey route, which lasted two days, began,” he told reporters.

After walking through a mountainous route, Singh and the migrants accompanying him were sent in a small boat into the deep sea towards the Mexico border. In the four-hour sea journey, the boat carrying them capsized, leading to the death of one of the persons accompanying him. Another died in the Panama jungle. All this while, they survived on meagre portions of rice.

Darapur village’s Sukhpal Singh also faced a similar ordeal, travelling 15 hours by sea route, and walking 40-45 kilometres through hills that were flanked by deep-treacherous valleys. “If someone got injured, they were left to die. We saw many bodies on the way,” he said. The journey bore no fruit, as the Jalandhar district native was arrested in Mexico, just before he could cross the border to enter the US. “We were lodged in a dark cell for 14 days, and we never saw the sun. There are thousands of Punjabi boys, families and children in similar circumstances,” he said, appealing to people to not try moving abroad through wrong routes.

A US military aircraft carrying 104 illegal immigrants from various states landed in Amritsar on Wednesday, the first such batch of Indians deported by the Donald Trump government. Of them, 33 each were from Haryana and Gujarat, 30 from Punjab, three each from Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, and two from Chandigarh, sources told PTI. Nineteen women and 13 minors, including a four-year-old boy and two girls, aged five and seven, were among the deportees, they said.

Among them was Jaspal Singh, who claimed that their hands and legs were cuffed throughout the journey and they were unshackled only after landing at the Amritsar airport. He had been assured by a travel agent that he would be sent to the US in a legal way, with the price pegged at Rs 30 lakh. He was taken to Brazil, where he stayed for six months, before being captured by the US Border Patrol on January 24.

Kanubhai Patel, whose daughter is among the deportees, claimed she had gone to Europe for a vacation with her friends a month ago. “I have no idea what she planned after reaching Europe. The last time we talked with her was January 14. We have no idea how she reached the US,” said Patel, a resident of Chandranagar-Dabhla village in Gujarat’s Mehsana district.

Family members of the illegal immigrants from Punjab said they took huge loans to facilitate their travel to America hoping for a bright future but now face crushing debt. They now seek strict action against those agents.

“We sold whatever little we had and borrowed money on high interest to pay the agent, hoping for a better future. But he (agent) deceived us. Now, not only has my husband been deported we are also left with a huge debt,” Harvinder Singh’s wife Kuljinder Kaur told PTI.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/walked-45-kilometres-saw-dead-bodies-on-the-way-indians-deported-from-us-7645107#pfrom=home-ndtv_topscroll

A hunting expedition by a group of villagers went fatally wrong as one of them was shot dead by some other members, who allegedly mistook him for a wild boar in a forest area in Maharashtra’s Palghar district, police said on Wednesday.

One person was injured in the incident that took place in the night of January 28, they said, adding that at least six men have been detained in this connection.

Palghar’s Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Abhijit Dharashivkar said the group of villagers had ventured into Borsheti forest area at Manor in the district for hunting of wild boars.

“During the expedition, some villagers got separated from the group. After some time, one of the hunters mistook them for wild boars and opened fire, hitting two villagers. One of them died on the spot, while the other sustained serious injuries,” he said.

Shocked and panicked by the accidental killing, the group dragged the deceased person’s body into the bushes and hid it instead of reporting about the incident to the police, he said.

“After receiving a tip-off, the police conducted a probe and detained six villagers suspected to be involved in the crime. After an extensive search on Wednesday, the authorities recovered the highly decomposed body of the victim and sent it for a postmortem examination to ascertain the exact cause of the death,” Dharashivkar said.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/man-mistaken-to-be-wild-animal-shot-dead-by-hunting-expedition-group-7643303

The 104 Indians deported from the US were “handcuffed and their legs were chained” during their long fight back home. They were sent back in a US military C-17 Globemaster aircraft and not a chartered flight, making it the first known instance of the US deploying a military aircraft to send deported immigrants from India back home.
The deportees claim they were shackled throughout the flight. However, top sources have contradicted their version, stating they were not handcuffed.
The flight landed in Punjab’s Amritsar Wednesday afternoon, grounding the ‘American dream’ of those onboard. Out of the 104 repatriated Indians, 99 are from Haryana, Gujarat and Punjab.

The arrivals in Amritsar included 25 women and 13 children. The state-wise break-up based on multiple reports is: Haryana 35, Gujarat 33, Punjab 31, three from UP and 2 from Maharashtra, TOI reported.

“Some of them said barring the kids, they were made to wear handcuffs during the flight. I can’t confirm it, though,” a Punjab government official told TOI.

The Union government has not ruled out more deportation flights from the US. The administration said that all repatriated citizens whose antecedents had been verified would be “accepted back”.
Asked why a military aircraft was used to send deported immigrants from India back home, a US embassy spokesperson only said the military was supporting the new Trump administration’s efforts to expedite the removal of illegal migrants globally. When illegal Indian immigrants were last deported in Oct 2024, US authorities had used a charter flight.
Several of the deportees were picked up “at the US-Mexico border about 10 days ago”. Some said they travelled to the US from the UK.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/how-deported-indians-were-sent-back-home-in-us-military-aircraft-handcuffed-and-legs-chained-article-117964868

Liquor baron Vijay Mallya has submitted before the Karnataka High Court that the Rs 6,200 crore debt he owes to banks has been recovered “multiple times over,” and sought a statement of accounts detailing the amounts recovered from him, United Breweries Holdings Limited (UBHL, now in liquidation), and other certificate debtors.

The High Court on Wednesday issued a notice to banks in response to the petition filed by fugitive businessman on February 3.

Justice R Devdas directed the banks to respond by February 13.

Senior advocate Sajan Poovayya, representing Mallya, argued that the winding-up order against Kingfisher Airlines and its holding company, UBHL, had been upheld at all judicial levels, including the Supreme Court.

He contended the debts had already been recovered, yet additional recovery proceedings continued against Mallya.

Poovaiah informed the court that a debt recovery tribunal (DRT) had ordered Kingfisher Airlines, as the primary debtor, and UBHL, as the guarantor, to pay Rs 6,200 crore.

“That order attained finality. However, between 2017 and now, the Rs 6,200 crore has been recovered multiple times over. According to an admitted statement, as of today, the recovery officer confirms that Rs 10,200 crore has been recovered. Additionally, the official liquidator states that the banks have regained their dues, and even the Finance Minister informed Parliament that Rs 14,000 crore has been recovered,” he stated.

He clarified that the petition does not dispute the repayment of loans, but argues that under the Companies Act, once the debt is fully repaid, the guarantor company (UBHL) has no remaining liability and can seek revival.

However, this process requires a certification from the recovery officer confirming that the debt has been fully settled, which has not yet been issued. Meanwhile, recoveries continue without clarity on whether the primary debt has been entirely paid.

The plea requests the banks to provide a statement detailing the amounts recovered in their favour, along with information about the original owners of the assets used to generate these recoveries, following the amended recovery certificate issued by the DRT on April 10, 2017.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/vijay-mallya-says-rs-6200-crore-debt-recovered-multiple-times-in-submission-to-karnataka-hc-9215985.html

A 13-year-old schoolgirl was sexually assaulted by three teachers in a government school in Tamil Nadu’s Krishnagiri district.

All three accused have been sent to a 15-day police remand after being arrested on Wednesday under various sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

“A 13-year-old girl student was allegedly sexually assaulted by three teachers at a government middle school in Krishnagiri district. The three teachers have been suspended by the District Education Officer (DEO) and arrested under various sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The accused teachers have been sent to police remand for 15 days,” ANI quoted Krishnagiri collector C Dinesh Kumar as saying.

According to police, the crime took place inside the restroom of the school on January 2.

A senior police official who was aware of the matter informed that the incident came to light on February 2, a full month after the alleged crime took place when the student’s parents informed the headmaster about the assault.

After getting the information, the district education officer (DEO) and the child helpline initiated action against the teachers.

“Based on the complaint lodged by the survivor’s parents, the three accused teachers have been suspended and arrested under various sections of the POCSO Act,” he added.

The Anna University case

Late last year, the Kotturpuram police in Tamil Nadu arrested 37-year-old Gnanasekaran, a biryani hawker, the lone accused in the Anna University case. He had trespassed into the university and allegedly assaulted a second-year student.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/3-teachers-held-for-sexually-assaulting-13-year-old-schoolgirl-in-tamil-nadu-sent-for-15-day-remand-101738813122339.html

The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, in collaboration with the India Cellular & Electronics Association (ICEA), has launched the TruthTell Hackathon. The innovative competition aims at developing AI-powered solutions to combat misinformation in live broadcasting journalism.
This hackathon is part of the Create in India Challenge (CIC) – Season 1, under the inaugural World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025. With a prize pool of Rs10 lakh, the challenge invites developers, data scientists, and media professionals to create real-time misinformation detection and fact-checking tools.
In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, misinformation spreads rapidly, particularly during live broadcasts. The initiative seeks to address this issue by enhancing trust and transparency in media reporting through AI-driven verification systems.

Massive Interest & Women’s Participation

The Hackathon has already received an overwhelming response, with over 5,600 registrations from across the globe, including an impressive 36% participation from women.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj on Wednesday and at around 11 am, he will take a holy dip at the Sangam, his office said in a statement.
Maha Kumbh 2025, which commenced on January 13, is the world’s largest spiritual and cultural gathering, attracting devotees from across the globe. The Maha Kumbh will continue until Mahashivratri on February 26.
Prime Minister Modi will visit Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj on February 5, it said. At around 11 am, he will take a holy dip at the Sangam and offer prayers to Maa Ganga. However, there has been no official word if the Prime Minister take a dip at the Sangam nose.

PM Modi earlier visited Prayagraj in December last year when he inaugurated 167 development projects worth Rs 5,500 crore, improving connectivity, amenities and services for the general public.

Security Tighetend After Kumbh Stampede

Security has been tightened in the Mela region for Prime Minister Modi’s visit. The Uttar Pradesh government had reinforced security and crowd management measures after the Mauni Amavasya stampede. At least 30 people were killed and 60 others injured in a stampede that broke out at the Maha Kumbh Mela on January 29.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has been personally inspecting preparations and security management as additional personnel, medical staff, and resources have been deployed to ensure a ‘zero-error’ at the fair.

30 Killed In Kumbh Stampede

The pre-dawn stampede at the Sangam area of the Maha Kumbh broke out as millions of pilgrims jostled for space to take a holy dip on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya. According to Uttar Pradesh Police, the stampede-like situation happened at the Kumbh Mela because the crowd gathered ahead of time for the snan and broke barriers.
Following the unfortunate incident, the third ‘Amrit Snan’ on the auspicious occasion of Basant Panchami was held amid a tight vigil.

SC Rejects Plea On Kumbh Stampede

The Supreme Court on Monday, February 3, rejected a plea seeking action against Uttar Pradesh government officials over the Maha Kumbh Stampede. Referring to the stampede as “unfortunate”, the Supreme Court rejected the plea and asked the petitioner to approach the High Court instead.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/pm-modi-to-visit-maha-kumbh-take-holy-dip-at-sangam-today-article-117930869

TMC MP Shatrughan Sinha on Tuesday said that non-vegetarian food items must be banned nationwide while acknowledging the regional differences in India that make implementing such a rule challenging.

He used this as an example to underscore the difficulties in enforcing the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) across the country. However, he praised the successful implementation of the common law in Uttarakhand.

“Not just beef, but non-veg food in general must be banned in the country. The governments have banned beef in many places, but in several areas, it’s still legal. People can eat it openly in the Northeast, but not in North India,” the TMC lawmaker said.

The rules which can be imposed in North India cannot be imposed in the Northeastern states, he added.

“In a similar way, there are many fine prints and loopholes in the UCC. An all-party meeting must be held before drafting UCC provisions,” Sinha remarked.

In a historic move, Uttarakhand became the first state in India to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), effective from January 27.

The Uttarakhand Uniform Civil Code Act, 2024, will streamline various personal laws, including those related to marriage, divorce, succession, and inheritance.

Gujarat Inches Closer To UCC

Sinha’s remark came as Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Tuesday announced setting up a five-member panel to prepare the draft for the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and make the law.

“A five-member committee under the chairmanship of retired Supreme Court judge Ranjana Desai has been constituted,” he said while addressing a press conference.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/shatrughan-sinha-wants-ban-on-non-vegetarian-food-across-india-praises-ucc-of-uttarakhand-9214847.html

Days after a woman was detected with ‘fetus in fetu’, an extremely rare condition, two fetuses were removed successfully post-delivery from her three-day-old child’s abdomen in Amravati district of Maharashtra on Tuesday, doctors said.

The 32-year-old woman from Buldhana district was detected with the rare congenital anomaly, in which a malformed fetus is located within the body of another fetus, last month when she underwent sonography as part of regular health check-up.

The woman delivered a baby boy on February 1 at Buldhana Women’s Hospital. Subsequently, she and the child were shifted to a super specialty government hospital in Amravati district where a team of doctors operated upon the newborn to remove two fetuses from his stomach, they said.

The boy was operated under the supervision of Dr Usha Gajbhiye at Amravati Divisional Hospital.

Talking to reporters, Dr Gajbhiye said there were two twins like fetuses with hands and legs in the stomach of the three-day-old child.

The fetuses were removed successfully during the operation and the baby and mother were doing well, she said.

Obstetrician and gynaecologist at the Buldhana hospital, Dr Prasad Agarwal, who conducted sonography on the woman when she was 35-week pregnant, told reporters last Tuesday that ‘fetus in fetu’ is one of the rarest medical conditions, occurring one in five lakh cases.

Only about 200 such cases have been reported (across the world) till now, that, too, after delivery, including 10-15 cases in India, he had said.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/2-fetuses-successfully-removed-from-newborns-abdomen-in-maharashtra-7634759

An Indian man, who illegally entered Bangladesh, was shot by the Border Security Forces (BSF) at the border while he was returning to India on Tuesday. The man, identified as Akhtar Jamal Roni, had entered Bangladesh to attend a religious function on Monday, officials said.

According to the BSF Tripura Frontier, Roni was accompanied by a woman.

The security forces first saw the duo approaching the border fence from the Bangladesh side. Despite multiple warnings from the officials, they attempted to breach the fencing and engaged in a fight with the security guards. The two even tried to snatch one of the official’s Pump Action Gun (PAG), officials said.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/indian-man-who-illegally-entered-bangladesh-to-attend-event-shot-at-border-7636829

Election for the 70 assembly seats of Delhi, crucial for Arvind Kejriwal in view of the massive corruption allegations against him and his government, are being held today. The triangular contest is between the ruling AAP, BJP and the Congress.

Here are the top 8 points in this story:

1.  Arvind Kejriwal’s Aam Aadmi Party has swept the last two elections. But since then, the government has been facing huge corruption allegations in connection with a now-scrapped liquor policy.
2. The BJP is hoping for victory this time, powered by huge rallies led by PM Modi and an early start from its mammoth election machinery. After 10 years in Delhi’s political fringes, the Congress is also hoping for a comeback.
3. Mr Kejriwal and several of his ministers, including his closest aide Manish Sisodia, had been in jail for months and the AAP chief had to step down from the Chief Minister’s post, leaving Atishi in charge. He, however, took a moral high ground, saying he would be back in the top post only after a “certificate of honesty” from the people.
4. The AAP government has also been hamstrung owing to its repeated face-offs with the Lieutenant Governor over multiple issues.
5. Despite the clear decision of the Supreme Court that the elected government has all the power and the LG has a say in only three specific areas – land, public order and the police- the Union government gave the LG power over bureaucrats with an Ordinance.
6. The arrest of Manish Sisodia and Arvind Kejriwal were also spurred by the Lieutenant Governor’s clearance of a probe into the liquor scam. Mr Kejriwal was arrested in March last year and spent almost six months in jail. Manish Sisodia was in jail for 17 months.
7. Several other AAP ministers and leaders including Sanjay Singh, Satyendar Jain and Amanatullah Khan were also arrested under various allegations. The corruption allegations have been crucial for AAP, which came to power on the wings of the anti-corruption crusade of noted Gandhian Anna Hazare.
8. AAP, which pulled the plug on its alliance government with the Congress just after 48 days during its first stint, won the 2015 election after Mr Kejriwal apologised to the people of Delhi and sought another chance, promising that he would stay on for full five years.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/govt-introduces-truthtell-hackathon-to-fight-misinformation-in-live-broadcasting-article-117913852

Seoni (MP): A sub-adult tigress and a wild boar fell into a well after a chase by the predator went wrong in the buffer area of the Pench Tiger Reserve (PTR) in Madhya Pradesh’s Seoni district on Tuesday, a senior forest department official said.

After a four-hour-long operation, the tigress, aged around three years, and the wild boar were safely rescued from the well by the forest department using a hydraulic machine, he said.

The incident occurred near Hardua village in the Khawasa buffer area when the tigress went after her prey, a wild boar, the reserve’s deputy director, Rajnish Kumar Singh, said.

The hunting chase went wrong and the tigress slipped into the well. The wild boar also ended up in the same water body while trying to escape the attack, he said.

After the tigress was spotted struggling in the water, a cot was lowered into the well with the help of a rope and the wild animal sat on it, Singh said.

A rescue team put a cage into the well with a hydraulic crane and captured the tigress safely. The wild boar was also rescued in the same way, he said.

Around 60 rescuers were involved in the operation to save the two wild animals, informed the PTR deputy director.

SOURCE : https://www.deccanherald.com/india/madhya-pradesh/tigress-pounces-on-wild-boar-both-fall-into-well-in-pench-reserve-3388903

The Supreme Court on Tuesday took exception to the failure by the States of Telangana and Punjab and the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir for failing to respond to a public interest litigation petition seeking enforcement of the Right to Education Act [Md. Imran Ahmad v. Union of India].

A Bench of Justices Vikram Nath, Sanjay Karol and Sandeep Mehta said that the failure by the Union Territory and the two States in filing their reply was delaying the hearing in the case.

“Despite service of notice, no one has entered appearance on behalf of three States i.e. State of Telangana, State of Punjab and State of Jammu & Kashmir. Neither responses nor counter affidavits have been filed by them. They have not even filed their responses whereas rest others States have already filed their responses. The matter is being delayed due to non-filing of responses of these three States,” the Court stated.

Hence, it cautioned the that Chief Secretaries will have to be present for the next hearing if no responses are filed by then.

“We direct the Chief Secretaries of the concerned States to remain present on the next date, in case no response is filed by the said States. In case the response is filed and States are duly represented, the presence of the Chief Secretaries would not be necessary,” the order said.

Source : https://www.barandbench.com/news/supreme-court-cautions-telangana-punjab-jk-failing-respond-pil-rte-act

Authorities have banned begging in Madhya Pradesh capital Bhopal and warned of penal action against those found involved in it as well as people who give alms.

The state’s Indore district has already banned begging.

Bhopal district collector Kaushlendra Vikram Singh prohibited begging in an order issued on Monday evening under section 163 (2) of the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita.

Several beggars, seeking alms at traffic signals, have been found involved in criminal activities and drug-addiction. Their presence at the traffic signals also creates the fear of accidents, the order noted.

It said begging and offering alms has been completely banned in the entire Bhopal district.

“Legal action will be taken against the person who gives anything in the form of alms to beggars or buys any goods from them,” the order stated.

Cases will be registered under relevant legal provisions against those who violate the administration’s prohibitory order against begging, it said.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/india/madhya-pradesh/after-indore-begging-giving-alms-banned-in-bhopal-3388080

Akash Bobba, a 22-year-old Indian-origin techie is in the news after reports surfaced that claimed that he was hired by Elon Musk to be a part of recently formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).Bobba has also received flak for lacking the necessary experience to be handling such a high-profile job. Notably, Tesla CEO Musk hired six engineers between 19 and 24 years old who will now have unrestricted access to classified government systems.
Though Bobba may lack extensive experience, he makes up for it with an impressive resume, having worked at several major Silicon Valley firms before joining Musk’s DOGE.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, in an exclusive interview with Navika Kumar, Times Network Group Editor-in-Chief addressed Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s claim that he had suggested the idea of tax relief to the government. Sitharaman firmly rejected the claim during the interview. “Delhi ke chunav ke liye, poore desh ke liye main 1 lakh crore ka income forego karun kya? Nahin,” said Sitharaman. She said that the proposal was driven by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to honouring taxpayers, and not by any political considerations.

“PM Modi ji ka taxpayer ko samman karne ke liye ye proposal lekar aye hum. Usme Kejriwal ji toh “10 lakh tak de dijiye” bola. But we gave Rs 12 lakh,” Sitharaman retorted.
Taking a jibe at Kejriwal, she said,”He was in IRS before. Couldn’t he get that figure right?”

When asked about claims from BJP leaders who said that the tax rebate was for Delhi, Sitharaman said, “The tax rebate will be available to all taxpayers, including those from Delhi. Did we say it’s only for Delhi? No, we didn’t. Did we say Delhi people are excluded from relief? No, we didn’t. The tax rebate is for everyone.”

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/arvind-kejriwal-ki-baat-woh-khud-nahi-maante-sitharaman-dismisses-delhi-polls-connection-to-tax-relief-article-117890061

A video of Mamta Kulkarni’s appearance on Aap Ki Adalat has gone viral on social media, showing the former actress getting emotional over not being allowed to take ‘snan’ during Maha Kumbh. In the clip, Mamta – who was appointed as Mahamandaleshwar of Kinnar Akhara by Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Lakshmi Narayan Tripathi amid much controversy – can be heard saying, “Maine kaha.. ‘Main Mahakali hoon. Jis snan me aap dubki maar rahe ho woh main hi hoon.'”

Seeming to explain how she was not allowed to take the ‘snan’, Mamta said, “Phir maine kaha chalo mera snan nahi ho pa raha, kam se kam mujhe yehi bata do mujhe chai milega. Phir unhone bola mujhe ki chai wala snan lene gaya. Toh Prachand Chandika aur bhadak gayi.. Laashein gir padi thi wahan pe. Ye main nahi chahti thi, lekin woh bardasht hi nahi kar payi ki chai wale ja sakte hain snan ke liye, toh itna toh maine koi bure karm nahi kiye, 23 saal se toh tapasya kar rahi thi, agar mera sthaan nahi hai snan ke liye, toh woh bhi nahi samajh pa rahi honge.”
The video quickly sparked reactions online, with many users questioning its context.

“Loop mein 3 baar dekha… kuch samajh nahi aa raha hai!!! What’s her problem? That the tea guy could take a shower before she did, or that she didn’t get to drink tea?” one user commented.

Another wrote, “And just to be sure, the next destination is Bigg Boss. All this drama these bhandwood agents do by demeaning our Hindu religion…”

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/next-stop-is-bigg-boss-mamta-kulkarnis-main-mahakali-hu-video-clip-is-viral-article-117892270

A vast crowd of devotees bathed at the Triveni Sangam in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj on Basant Panchami, marking the peaceful conclusion of the third ‘Amrit Snan’ during the Mahakumbh Mela.(HT_PRINT)

Over 2.57 crore participated in the holy bathing rituals till 8 pm, according to the Uttar Pradesh government. 13 akharas carried out processions, each within a 40 minute window.(HT_PRINT)

The entrance of the Naga Sadhus was filled with fervor and enthralled visitors of the Mela.(Anand Prashad )

The Naga sadhus wore only ash on their bodies from head to toe along with garlands of marigold and rose.(Anand Prashad )

Naga Sadhus also displayed their prowess at handling various traditional weaponry(Ishant)

Naga sadhus of Shambhu Panchayati Atal Akhara arrived at the Triveni Sangam adorned in traditional jewellery and symbols such as tridents as well.(Nitin Sharma )

Along with the male Naga sadhus, a significant number of female sanyasis were also present on the occasion, often wearing loose orange robes and garlands(Ishant)

The Naga Sadhus are smeared with ash to symbolise a complete renunciation of worldly possessions and desires.(Ishant)

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/photos/news/mahakumbh-2-5-crore-took-amrit-snan-dip-naga-sadhus-continue-to-mesmerise-visitors-photos-101738639531782-8.html

The Madras High Court on Monday questioned the continued usage of the term “Gender Identity Disorder” to describe the state of persons who identify themselves as transgender or part of the LGBTQIA+ spectrum.

Justice Anand Venkatesh opined that it is inappropriate to use such terms since it presumes that LGBTQIA+ persons are suffering from a disorder, when their sexual orientations and gender identities are natural.

“(Even) big countries are trying to say there is nothing like that (LGBTQ+ identities) … Somehow impression is given it (LGBTQ+ identities) is a disorder. Why would you use this language – ‘Gender Identity Disorder’? it shows the mindset. Whereas what we are trying to do is tell the whole world, there is no disorder (in people being part of LGBTQ+ community). Nature has decided to create someone this way,” he said.

He added that if the society’s mindset does not change to accept such people as natural, all other efforts will ultimately go to waste.

“You can bring any change in curriculum, but if you continue to say these persons are suffering from “Gender Identity Disorder”, all of this is waste, because fundamentally we are not changing (our mindset)” the judge said.

The Court also criticised the National Medical Commission (NMC) for dragging its feet when it came to introducing changes to its regulations and the curriculum in medical schools to do away with outdated notions about the LGBTQIA+ community.

The Bench was told today that the NMC had failed to implement several proactive suggestions made by an expert committee on this issue.

“(Scientific institutions at the level of NMC) are assuming such persons are suffering from “Gender Identity Disorder”! And these are persons who are supposed to be looking at facts as facts,” Justice Venkatesh said.

The Court was also told that the NMC was yet to amend its regulations to classify conversion therapy as professional misconduct as the revised regulations introduced in 2023 were yet to be notified.

The judge proceeded to suggest that the existing regulations from 2004 be amended for now, so that conversion therapy is treated as misconduct.

“2004 regulations are in force. Therefore, till the new regulations come into force, steps can be taken to amend the existing regulations and to incorporate conversion therapy as professional misconduct,” the Court said.

The order was passed on a case that began in 2021 with a lesbian couple’s plea for protection in the face of opposition from their parents to their relationship.

Over time, Justice Venkatesh broadened the scope of the case and issued several directives for the welfare of LGBTQIA+ persons, including the legal recognition of LGBTQIA+ relationships, the need to revamp the curriculum in medical colleges to tackle queerphobia and a proposal to have a State policy for the welfare of the LGBTQIA+ community.

During today’s hearing, the State informed the Court that it was proposing to have two policies – one for the welfare of transgender and intersex persons and another for others who are part of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Source : https://www.barandbench.com/news/dont-refer-gender-identity-disorder-madras-high-court

The incident has sparked widespread concern among travellers, who are now questioning the reliability of airport equipment.

A passenger flying IndiGo from Chandigarh to Delhi recently reported a discrepancy at the airport check-in counter. When weighing his luggage, the scales at two different counters displayed different readings for the same bag, raising concerns about the accuracy of the equipment. The passenger explained that he initially suspected an issue because his bag felt lighter than the weight displayed on the machine. When he expressed his concerns to the IndiGo staff member at the counter, she suggested that he weigh his bag on a different belt. However, when he did so, the second scale also showed a different reading, further fueling his suspicions.

The passenger documented the incident and shared it on social media, where the video quickly went viral. “Chandigarh Airport. 30th Jan, ’25. Around 16:00 hrs @indigo.6e Counter. Same Bag. Two counters. Two different weights. 2.3 KGs difference,” Daksh Sethi wrote on Instagram along with the video.

He further added, “Can these machines be easily manipulated? I hope this is a rare case and a technical glitch. I generally felt that my bag wasn’t as heavy as it showed, so the lady at the counter asked me to check it on the other belt. And to my surprise, it showed a different number! These little things break our trust in the system. I hope this is taken up very seriously.”

Watch the video here:

The incident has sparked widespread concern among travellers, who are now questioning the reliability of airport equipment and the potential implications for baggage handling and fees. One user wrote, “This has happened with me and my husband almost 3 times in the last 5 years.”

Source: https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/indigo-flyer-finds-different-weights-for-same-bag-at-chandigarh-airport-airline-responds-7621360 

The woman has told police that she was fed up with Iqbal’s blackmailing.

In a chilling case of murder, a woman in Uttar Pradesh’s Bareilly allegedly choked a man to death while getting intimate with him. The woman has told police that Iqbal had been blackmailing her into sexual acts and she was left with no choice. The 32-year-old woman was arrested in the murder case yesterday, two days after Iqbal’s body was found near his home.

The woman told police that Iqbal was a Zari Zardosi artisan who visited homes in her village. This was how they got acquainted with each other and exchanged numbers. They would talk often over the phone. One day, Iqbal asked her to visit him at his place. The woman has said that Iqbal forced her into getting intimate with him. When she warned him that she would tell her husband, Iqbal told her that he had call recordings and he would destroy her home.

“I have little children so I endured this. He blackmailed into getting physical with him multiple times. I was tired of this. On Wednesday, Iqbal went to drop his wife at her parents’ home. I spoke to him while he was on his way back and told him I wanted to meet,” she has said, according to a police statement.

Iqbal gave the woman two pills to put her husband to sleep. “Around 8 pm, I served tea to my husband. I had put the pills in his cup. Soon after, he went to sleep while browsing his phone. Around 11.40 pm, I spoke to Iqbal over the phone and he asked me to come over. He said he was alone at home,” she said.

The woman has told police that she was fed up with Iqbal’s blackmailing. “While going to his place, I thought that either I would die or I would kill him. We were talking to each other when he started getting intimate with me. I held his hands apart and sat on his chest. Then I kept one hand on his mouth and choked him with the other. Once I was convinced that he was dead, I dragged his body to the staircase and returned home. I was so upset with Iqbal. I had no other choice because I wanted to protect my family,” she has said, according to the police statement.

Source: https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/bareilly-murder-i-was-tired-of-blackmail-up-woman-chokes-man-to-death-during-sex-7621455

The heightened measures have been put in place for the Basant Panchami Amrit Snan in the wake of a stampede at Sangam on Mauni Amavasya.

The Uttar Pradesh government on Sunday said it has put into place a special crowd management plan named ‘Operation Eleven’ for the ‘Amrit Snan’ on Basant Panchami at Maha Kumbh. The ‘Amrit Snan’ on Basant Panchami will take place on Monday.

According to a statement, the plan, devised under “strict instructions” from Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, ensures a “one-way traffic route” for devotees and smooth movement on pontoon bridges. To prevent overcrowding at the Triveni ghats, additional police forces have been deployed and barricades have been increased.

The heightened measures have been put in place as part of the state government’s “zero-error” programme for the Basant Panchami Amrit Snan in the wake of a stampede at Sangam on Mauni Amavasya which claimed at least 30 lives and left 60 pilgrims injured who had gathered for a holy dip on one of the most auspicious bathing dates at the Kumbh.

The key measures under Operation Eleven:

1. Strict enforcement of the one-way route — A one-way traffic system will be strictly enforced on Basant Panchami Snan day to ensure the smooth movement of devotees. Traffic diversions will be in place on major routes to control congestion and pontoon bridges will remain accessible. Additional police forces and barricades will be stationed at bathing ghats to regulate crowd movement.

2. Enhanced security at key locations — Security has been tightened on the New Yamuna Bridge with an additional Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) unit led by a senior officer deployed to control traffic from Naini to Sangam. Two motorcycle patrol squads will be on continuous duty and bridge railings have been reinforced to prevent accidents.

3. Special monitoring at Shastri Bridge — To regulate traffic from Jhunsi to Sangam, one PAC company and a senior officer have been stationed at Shastri Bridge, along with two mobile patrol squads.

4. Crowd control at Tikarmafi Turn — A Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) unit under the supervision of a senior officer has been deployed to manage crowds at Tikarmafi Turn. Traffic from Jhunsi will be diverted via Katka Tiraha, Giraffe Chauraha, Chhatnag Turn and Samudrakup Turn for smooth movement.

5. Special arrangements at Phaphamau and pontoon bridges — At Phaphamau Bridge and pontoon bridges, two motorcycle patrol squads will monitor crowd movement and PAC personnel will be deployed at entry and exit points.

6. Railway stations and bus movement regulation — At Jhunsi railway station, a PAC unit led by a senior officer has been stationed, with reinforced barricades at entry and exit points. Railways is coordinating to increase train frequency for pilgrims.

7. Special bus operations in Jhunsi — A temporary bus station at Saraswati Dwar will facilitate travel to Gorakhpur and Varanasi. Additional buses will be stationed at Jhunsi overnight, with shuttle services between Andawa, Saraswati Dwar and Sahso to ensure smooth transport for devotees.

8. Enhanced security at Prayag Junction — Three Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs), along with police forces and two PAC companies, have been deployed at Prayag Junction. Strong barricades have been set up at Yudhishthir Chauraha to control traffic from the IERT Flyover. Adequate signage has also been installed for pilgrims.

9. Crowd management at GT Jawahar and Harshvardhan Chauraha — To regulate traffic at Medical College Chauraha and Balson Chauraha, senior officers, police personnel and PAC units have been stationed. Diversions will be in place from Balson via Bakshi Bandh to Nagvasuki. Pilgrims will be guided from Stanley Road Chauraha via Lajpat Rai Road, Mandalayukta Office Tiraha, Bharat Scouts, Mazar Chauraha and IERT parking to reach the fairgrounds.

10. Additional security and traffic control measures — Additional traffic police and security forces have been deployed at Andawa and Sahso Chauraha, with nine motorcycle patrol squads monitoring the area. Cranes will also be available to handle any emergencies.

Source: https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/maha-kumbh-2025-operation-eleven-to-manage-crowd-during-basant-panchami-amrit-snan-after-stampede-at-sangam-in-prayagraj-7621185

A complaint was filed against Congress leader Sonia Gandhi before a court in Bihar’s Muzaffarpur district for her ‘poor thing’ remark on President Droupadi Murmu.

Sudhir Ojha, a Muzaffarpur-based lawyer, filed a complaint on Saturday against Gandhi seeking registration of an FIR against her for allegedly disrespecting the country’s highest constitutional authority.

Ojha also named Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra as co-accused and sought legal action against them as well.

“Sonia Gandhi has insulted President Murmu by making the ‘poor thing’ remark. It’s a disrespect to the highest constitutional authority in the country. Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra are co-accused in it. A case should be registered against them under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS),” Ojha told reporters after filing the complaint before the CJM court in Muzaffarpur.

The court will hear the matter on February 10.

After the President’s joint address to Parliament ahead of the Budget session, Sonia Gandhi was asked by reporters outside the House about Murmu’s nearly hour-long speech.

“The President was getting very tired by the end… she could hardly speak, poor thing,” Sonia Gandhi, the former Congress chief, was heard saying in clips in what appeared to be a reference to how long the address was.

Rahul Gandhi described the speech as “boring” in one of the clips. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra was also present there.

The Rashtrapati Bhavan had, later, released a statement, calling the remark “unacceptable” and saying that Murmu was not tired. Rashtrapati Bhavan condemned the remark, without naming Sonia Gandhi.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/india/bihar/complaint-against-sonia-gandhi-in-bihar-court-for-remark-on-president-murmu-3385304

At least six people died, two were injuries, and several remain missing after a vehicle carrying 14 people plunged into a canal in Haryana’s Fatehabad late on Friday night, officials said.

According to Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Jagdish Chandra, “The 14 people were returning after attending a wedding ceremony in Punjab’s Fazilka when the vehicle they were travelling in plunged into a canal in Fatehabad.”

He said that out of the 14 people, 6 bodies were recovered, 2 were alive and the rest 6 were missing.

“We rescued 3 people at night, one of them succumbed at night itself and the rest of the two are alive. We have recovered 5 more bodies. The bodies have been identified. NDRF and SDRF teams are carrying out the search and rescue operations. Six bodies have been recovered and six people are still missing,” SDM Chandra told reporters.

“The deceased have been identified by their families. Among the deceased include a 1.5-month-old infant and a 10-year-old girl, a man and a woman,” he added.

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/tragic-accident-in-haryana-6-dead-several-missing-after-vehicle-plunges-into-canal-in-fatehabad-search-operation-underway

In a first, the Rashtrapati Bhavan has allowed a CRPF officer to host her wedding ceremony in its complex on February 12. CRPF Assistant Commandant Poonam Gupta, who led the CRPF’s all-women contingent during the 74th Republic Day Parade, was given permission by President Droupadi Murmu because she was highly impressed by the conduct and service of the person getting married, according to reports.
The CRPF officer is currently posted as a PSO at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, according to reports.
According to media reports, President Murmu has arranged for the ceremony at the Mother Teresa Crown Complex in Rashtrapati Bhavan.

The reports suggest that the wedding will involve only a limited number of relatives and friends who would be proofed before entry.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday met the victims of the Maha Kumbh stampede at a hospital here.

He inquired about their well-being from the doctors and directed the medical staff to provide them with the best possible care, an official statement said.

Thirty people were killed and 60 others were injured during a stampede in the Maha Kumbh early January 29.

“The state government is concerned about all the devotees. There will be no shortage in their treatment and comfort,” Yogi Adityanath was quoted as saying in the statement.

Yogi Adityanath also directed the hospital administration to ensure the safe return of the injured to their home towns.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/maha-kumbh-stampede-yogi-adityanath-meets-injured-in-hospital-7613364

Weeks after a 15-year-old schoolboy in Kerala’s Kochi died by suicide, his mother has alleged that brutal ragging crushed her son and pushed him toward death. In a statement posted on Instagram, Rajna PM alleged that her son, Mihir Ahammed, was beaten up, verbally abused and forced to lick the toilet seat.

Police have registered a case of suicide, but Mihir’s mother has said she had written to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s office and the Kerala police chief and sought an immediate and impartial probe into her son’s death. Mihir died by suicide on January 15 after he jumped from their 26th-floor flat in Kochi’s Thripunithara, barely an hour after he returned from school.

Teen’s Mother Seeks Justice

“After his death, my husband and I began gathering information to understand why Mihir took such a drastic step. Through conversations with his friends, schoolmates, and by reviewing social media messages, we uncovered the horrific reality of what he endured. Mihir was subjected to brutal ragging, bullying, and physical assault by a gang of students at school and on the school bus,” his mother said.

“The evidence we gathered paints a chilling picture. Mihir was beaten, verbally abused, and forced to endure unimaginable humiliation even on his last day. He was forcibly taken to the washroom, made to lick a toilet seat, and had his head pushed into the toilet while it was flushed. These acts of cruelty broke him in ways we cannot fathom.”

Mihir’s mother said he was bullied for his skin colour. “They didn’t end the cruelty even after his death. A shocking chat screenshot reveals the extent of their cruelty. They messaged ‘fxxk ni*ga he actually died’ and celebrated his death,” she wrote.

Big Charge Against School

Rajna PM said Mihir’s friends had started an Instagram page titled ‘Justice for Mihir’ to amplify their demand for justice. “However, the page has now been deleted, and there are reports that the school is intimidating students to suppress the truth. When I approached the school authorities with evidence and demanded accountability, they only informed me that the information was forwarded to the police. I strongly believe they are attempting to cover up these incidents to protect the school’s reputation,” she said. The teen’s mother said she has approached the Chief Minister’s office and DGP for immediate action. “I fear delays in gathering digital evidence may allow the culprits to erase their tracks.”

Ms Rajna said she had also flagged the incident to the Kerala State Commission for Protection of Child Rights. According to a Mathrubhumi report, the child rights body’s chairman has confirmed that the panel has taken note of the teen’s tragic death. She has also alleged that the school’s vice-principal harassed Mihir.

Kerala Education V Sivankutty has ordered a thorough investigation into the chilling incident, Mathrubhumi has reported.

Celebrities Speak Out

Top actors have spoken out against the ragging culture and mourned the loss of a young life. Samantha Ruth Prabhu said the news had “absolutely shattered” her. “It’s 2025. Yet, we’ve lost another bright young life, snuffed out because a few individuals, filled with hate and venom pushed someone to the brink!”

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/kochi-ragging-suicide-mihir-ahammed-made-to-lick-toilet-seat-teen-dies-by-suicide-mother-alleges-ragging-7614832

Following the increase in GBS cases in Nanded, Kirkatwadi, Dhayari, and other localities on Sinhgad Road, the Pune Municipal Corporation has been collecting water samples from borewells and wells for investigations.

Pune: The number of suspected deaths in Maharashtra due to Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), a rare nerve disorder, have risen to four, while the tally of cases recorded in the state so far stood at 140, health officials said.

A 36-year-old man died due to “trauma to the respiratory system due to pneumonia” at Yashwantrao Chavan Memorial Hospital in the neighbouring Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation limits on Thursday.

The fourth suspected victim was a 60-year-old man from the Dhayari area off Sinhgad Road here who died on Friday.

The man was admitted to the hospital on January 27 following loose motions and weakness in the lower limbs. He died due to cardiac arrest, according to the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) health department.

According to state health officials, of 140 suspected patients, 98 were diagnosed as confirmed GBS cases.

“A total of 26 patients are from Pune city, 78 from newly added villages in the PMC area, 15 from Pimpri Chinchwad, 10 from Pune Rural, and 11 are from other districts,” said the official release.

No fresh case was reported on Friday.

Most of the cases recorded in the state are from Pune and surrounding areas.

A total of 160 water samples from different parts of Pune city were sent to the Public Health Laboratory for chemical and biological analysis, and samples from eight water sources were found contaminated.

Source: https://www.deccanherald.com/india/maharashtra/suspected-gbs-deaths-in-maharashtra-rise-to-4-case-tally-at-140-ecoli-found-in-water-sample-3383394

Addressing a public meeting in Timarpur in support of BJP candidate Surya Prakash Khatri, Saini said Kejriwal has failed to fulfil his promise of cleaning the Yamuna River.

New Delhi: Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Friday accused AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal of defaming his state of birth by levelling false allegations that the BJP government has mixed “poison” in the Yamuna water being supplied to Delhi.

Addressing a public meeting in Timarpur in support of BJP candidate Surya Prakash Khatri, Saini said Kejriwal has failed to fulfil his promise of cleaning the Yamuna River.

“Kejriwal has defamed his own state of birth Haryana by making these false allegations. He is resorting to cheap politics to cover up his failure in fulfilling his promises to the people of Delhi,” he said.

Kejriwal was born in Bhiwani district of Haryana.

Earlier in the day, Saini visited the Yamuna Ghat in Wazirabad and presented water samples from both Haryana and Delhi.

He stated that in Delhi, polluted water is being dumped into the Yamuna.

“We supply clean water to Delhi through the Yamuna, but due to mismanagement, the Delhi government is polluting it. When the same water reaches Faridabad, its quality is significantly compromised, raising the risk of serious health issues like cancer,” Saini said.

Source: https://www.deccanherald.com/india/haryana/delhi-assembly-elections-2025-yamuna-poisoned-remark-kejriwal-defaming-his-state-of-birth-haryana-says-cm-saini-3383348

Although India has taken steps to reduce its reliance on the US dollar, country’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had earlier clarified that India has “no interest” in weakening the US dollar. In December 2024, then Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Shaktikanta Das had clearly stated that India was not pursuing “de-dollarisation”.​​

Since assuming office earlier this month, US President Donald Trump has repeatedly warned BRICS nations of 100 per cent tariffs if they attempt to replace US dollar as the global reserve currency with an alternative currency.
Earlier today, Trump said that the US requires a commitment from the BRICS nations that they will “neither create a new currency, nor back any other currency to replace the mighty US dollar.” “There is no chance that BRICS will replace the US Dollar in International Trade, or anywhere else, and any Country that tries should say hello to Tariffs, and goodbye to America!” the US President posted on Truth Social.
What Is BRICS?
BRICS, formed in 2009, is the only major international group of which the United States is not a part. BRICS consists of ten countries- Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates.

BRICS was established on the premise that already-existing international organisations were overly dominated by western powers and fail to serve the agenda of developing nations. The BRICS group has become a major political force in the last two decades, with member nations hoping to increase their sway in the global order.

The prices of 19kg commerical gas cylinders has been reduced by Rs 7, hours before Budget 2025.

New Delhi: The oil marketing companies on Saturday revised the prices of commercial LPG gas cylinders and reduced the prices of 19 kg commercial LPG gas cylinders by Rs 7 with effect from today. In Delhi, the retail sale price of a 19 kg commercial LPG cylinder is Rs 1797 from today.
This comes as national awaits for the Union Budget 2025-26, the first for the Modi 3.0 government and a record eighth one for Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

In Kolkata, the price of a 19-kg LPG cyclinder has been reduced from Rs 1911 to Rs 1904. The current rate of a commerical LPG cylinder in Mumbai is Rs 1,749 and Rs 1,959 in Chenna, as per the IOCL webiste.

This comes after a reuction in the price of commercial LPGs on January 1. The rate of aviation turbine fuel (ATF) was cut by 1.5%, or Rs 1,401.37 per kilolitre, to Rs 90,455.47 per kl in Delhi.

Source: https://www.timesnownews.com/india/prices-of-commercial-lpg-gas-cylinders-slashed-by-rupees-7-on-budget-day-2025-nirmala-sitharaman-article-117810812

PM Narendra Modi evoked the Hindu goddess of wealth and said he was praying that Lakshmi be especially generous towards the poor and the middle classes

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday hinted at the possibility of a generous Budget for the poor and middle classes. Evoking the Hindu goddess of wealth, Modi said he was praying that Lakshmi be especially generous towards the poor and the middle classes. To be sure, he also spoke about the need for prudence and achievement.

The Prime Minister’s remarks a day before the third Modi government will present its second full Budget hinted towards the Budget with something out of the ordinary for the poor and the middle classes. Normally, the middle class is a constituency seen as being most invested in income tax rates, which comes under the direct purview of the Budget.

Income tax slabs in India have not been changed much since 2020 and there has been a growing clamour for doing so on account of two reasons. Inflation has meant that higher slabs now kick in at much lower real incomes than what was the case earlier. Also, the slowdown in the economy — India’s GDP growth went down from 8.2% in 2023-24 to an expected 6.4% in 2024-25 — has necessitated the need for policy efforts to boost consumption.

It remains to be seen whether Modi’s remarks lead to some big-bang announcement for the poor such as the restoration of LPG subsidies — the Bharatiya Janata Party and many opposition parties have been making this promise in almost all state elections — or an increase in government’s existing welfare programmes which are support income (such as PM-KISAN) or asset generating (such as PMAY or Jal Jeewan Mission).

To be sure, the government will also need to be mindful of its fiscal consolidation imperative while delivering on these expectations, which is perhaps what Modi endorsed when talking about Lakshmi’s relation to prudence. “I can say with confidence this Budget session will infuse new confidence, and energy in attaining our goal of Viksit Bharat [developed India],” said Modi outside the Parliament ahead of the Budget Session. He called innovation, inclusion, and investment the basis of the roadmap for economic activities.

Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/modi-hints-at-special-provisions-for-poor-middle-classes-in-budget-101738302377968.html

Cylinder blasts: The blasts can be heard in the video which was shot from 2-3 km away from the spot.

A series of blasts were heard after a massive fire broke out in a truck carrying gas cylinders at Bhopura Chowk on Delhi-Wazirabad Road in the Thana Teela Mod area of Ghaziabad district of Uttar Pradesh. The fire department received the alert at 4:45 am, and eight fire engines have been deployed to contain the blaze.

Watch video here

In the video, recorded from a distance of 2-3 km from the accident site, loud blasts can be heard as a massive fire engulfs a truck loaded with gas cylinders at Bhopura Chowk.

According to Chief Fire Officer Rahul Kumar, fire brigade officials and employees were on the spot but as the cylinders continued to explode, the fire brigade personnel are not able to reach the truck. “The sound of the cylinder blast can be heard for several km in the vicinity,” added CFO Rahul Kumar.

“Around 4.35 am we received information regarding a fire broke out in a truck laden with LPG cylinders. Fire tenders were rushed to the spot. The police vacated the nearby houses. The fire had spread to 2-3 houses and some vehicles. The fire has been completely doused. No causality has been reported,” he said.

Source: https://www.indiatvnews.com/uttar-pradesh/blasts-after-truck-carrying-lpg-cylinder-catches-fire-in-ghaziabad-bhopura-chowk-sound-of-explosions-heard-from-several-km-videos-latest-updates-2025-02-01-974033

The decision came following the controversial appointment of Mamta Kulkarni, a former Bollywood actress with a checkered past, as Mahamandaleshwar.

Rishi Ajay Das, the founder of Kinnar Akhada, has expelled both Mamta Kulkarni and Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Laxmi Narayan Tripathi from the Akhada.

The decision comes in the wake of the controversial appointment of Mamta Kulkarni, a former Bollywood actress with a checkered past, as Mahamandaleshwar.

Tripathi had allegedly appointed Kulkarni without the founder’s consent, an act that has sparked considerable outrage.

According to a press release issued on January 30, 2025, Rishi Ajay Das noted, “As the founder of Kinnar Akhada, I am hereby relieving Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Laxmi Narayan Tripathi from his position as Acharya Mahamandaleshwar of the Kinnar Akhada, effective immediately. His appointment was made with the goal of promoting religious activities and uplifting the transgender community, but he has deviated from these responsibilities.”

The controversy revolves around an agreement Tripathi entered into with Juna Akhada in 2019, which Ajay Das claims was allegedly done without his approval. He further alleged that the contract between the two Akhadas was legally invalid due to the lack of his consent and signature.

Moreover, Ajay Das accused Tripathi of undermining the tenets of the Kinnar Akhada by allowing Mamta Kulkarni to join and take on the prestigious role of Mahamandaleshwar despite her past involvement in criminal activities.

Ajay Das explained that Mamta Kulkarni’s appointment was particularly concerning because she had a criminal history.

“By giving such a person the title of Mahamandaleshwar, what kind of guru are you offering to Sanatan Dharma? This is a question of ethics,” he wrote.

The founder emphasized that this appointment was not only unethical but also a betrayal of the Akhada’s religious values.

The expulsion of both individuals has ignited debates within the spiritual community, with the President of the Akhil Bharatiya Akhada Parishad, Mahant Ravindra Puri, speaking out in support of Tripathi and Kulkarni.

Puri challenged the legitimacy of Ajay Das’s decision, saying, “I want to ask, who is he (Rishi Ajay Das) to expel Laxmi Narayan Tripathi?”

Source: https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/mamta-kulkarni-laxmi-narayan-tripathi-expelled-from-kinnar-akhada-7602749

The Congress general secretary said that while AAP leaders talked about Modi’s ‘Rajmahal’ and BJP leaders about Kejriwal’s ‘Sheesh Mahal’, none of them spoke about the real issues of the people.

Launching a blistering attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Friday said there was no difference between the two as both were “cowards and corrupt”.

Addressing a public meeting at Mustafabad, Priyanka Gandhi said while Modi kept blaming India’s first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru, Kejriwal blamed Modi. However, neither took any responsibility.

The BJP’s politics has always been one of creating divisions, she said in the constituency, which had been hit by riots in 2020.

The Congress general secretary said that while AAP leaders talked about Modi’s ‘Rajmahal’ and BJP leaders about Kejriwal’s ‘Sheesh Mahal’, none of them spoke about the real issues of the people.

Source: https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/priyanka-gandhi-vadra-slams-pm-modi-kejriwal-calls-both-cowards-and-corrupt