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India’s military modernization continues with a modest budget hike of 9.5%, bringing the overall defence budget to Rs 6.8 lakh crore. The capital outlay of Rs 1.8 lakh crore for modernization faces challenges due to major operational shortfalls and unspent funds. Significant investments are planned for indigenous and international defence procurement.
Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman allocated Rs 6.81 lakh crore to the defence sector in the Union Budget 2025, a slight increase from the previous year. Rs 4.88 lakh crore is for revenue expenditure and Rs 1.92 lakh crore for capital expenditure. Significant measures were also announced for the middle class, agriculture, and rural development.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's eighth Union Budget for 2025-26 included significant announcements for Bihar ahead of elections, sparking criticisms of political bias. Opposition leaders also pointed out the neglect of Andhra Pradesh and accused the government of ignoring vital welfare policies. Measures include new airports in Bihar, increased FDI in insurance, and initiatives for the marine sector.
President Droupadi Murmu offered 'dahi-cheeni' to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for good luck before presenting the Union Budget. Sitharaman discussed the Budget with the President, then attended the Cabinet meeting for ratification. The Economic Survey predicts India's growth between 6.3%-6.8% for FY26, highlighting strong economic fundamentals and plans to boost industrial growth.
Rich nations' unfulfilled promises on climate finance might force developing countries to reconsider climate targets. The Economic Survey highlights India's vulnerability and advocates focusing on adaptation over emission mitigation. Key measures include climate-resilient seeds, urban resilience, early warning systems, mangroves, sea walls, and water management. Developed countries falling short of their commitments make low-carbon transition challenging.
Despite summons, Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna have not appeared in court for misleading advertisements. Multiple cases were filed against them, with bailable warrants issued, yet they remained absent. The Supreme Court warns states of contempt for not acting against such ads under the drugs and magic remedies act, 1956.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized Congress after Sonia Gandhi called President Murmu's Budget session speech 'boring' and described the President as 'tired'. Modi labeled this an insult to the tribal community and the poor. BJP leaders demanded an apology from Congress, while Rashtrapati Bhavan condemned the remarks for undermining the high office's dignity.
The Supreme Court has directed the government to draft a legal framework to protect domestic workers, citing their widespread exploitation and a lack of legal safeguards. The court criticised the absence of legislative action and ordered multiple ministries to form a committee of experts to draft recommendations within six months. The judgment came while quashing a criminal case against a former DRDO scientist.
Nine Indian nationals died in a road accident near Jizan, Saudi Arabia. The Indian consulate in Jeddah confirmed the fatalities and assured full support to the victims' families. External affairs minister S Jaishankar expressed his condolences and confirmed communication with the consulate. A helpline has been established for further queries and assistance.
Mumbai Police held a press conference on Tuesday in connection to the attack on Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan, confirming they have strong evidence against the accused. The attack, which occurred on January 16, involved the assailant demanding Rs 1 crore and stabbing both the actor and a nanny at his Bandra residence.
BJP leaders met the Election Commission to seek action against AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal for claiming BJP had mixed poison in the Yamuna. They demanded a public retraction and apology, citing potential public unrest. Union ministers, including Nirmala Sitharaman, criticized Kejriwal's statement as dangerous and irresponsible, urging legal action against him.
Congress MP Rahul Gandhi criticized AAP Supremo Arvind Kejriwal for failing to aid the poor and not being present during critical times. Gandhi also targeted BJP, accusing it of spreading hatred and undermining BR Ambedkar’s Constitution. He emphasized the need for a caste census and called for better representation of marginalized communities.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge criticized Union home minister Amit Shah's visit to the Maha Kumbh, asserting that a dip in the Ganga won’t alleviate poverty. He accused BJP leaders of exploiting religion for publicity and labelled the BJP-RSS actions as traitorous. Kharge emphasized the importance of unity and protecting the Constitution to combat poverty and unemployment.
Aam Aadmi Party released a poster accusing various leaders of dishonesty, including PM Modi and Congress's Rahul Gandhi. This action has escalated tensions between AAP and Congress, with Congress leader Alka Lamba challenging AAP's commitment to the INDIA bloc. The situation reflects ongoing internal conflicts and power struggles within the opposition against the BJP.
The UP government has introduced strict guidelines for implementing the Gangsters and Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act, mandating police to complete investigations within six months. Gang members will be barred from government jobs and schemes. Confiscation of assets is emphasized, prioritizing trials under the Act over others, reflecting a stringent stance on organized crime.
Cab aggregators Ola and Uber have denied allegations of fare discrimination based on customers' mobile phone models. Both companies have stated that their pricing structures are uniform regardless of the device used. This comes after reports suggested potential price disparities, prompting a probe by the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA).
The US Supreme Court has approved the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, accused in the 2008 Mumbai attacks, to India. Rana's lawyer argued against his extradition based on the interpretation of 'offense' in the US-India extradition treaty. However, the US Government supported India's request, and the Ninth Circuit also ruled that the treaty permits Rana's extradition.
Adani Group has debunked rumors about the cancellation of their 484 MW wind power projects in Sri Lanka, asserting the deal is still on. The Sri Lankan government is reviewing the project tariffs as part of routine procedure under the new administration, while the Adani Group remains committed to investing $1 billion in the local green energy sector.
The J&K Police's Special Investigation Unit (SIU) attached properties worth crores of rupees belonging to 11 Pakistan-based commanders of terrorist organisations in Kishtwar. This action is part of the ongoing drive to eliminate terror networks and revive insurgency in the Chenab Valley. Attachment of properties of another 18 absconding terrorists is underway.
AAP has accused the BJP-led central government and Delhi Police of conspiring to kill Arvind Kejriwal. The party has requested the Election Commission of India to reinstate Kejriwal's security cover, alleging repeated attacks during his campaigns. Delhi and Punjab chief ministers claimed these threats were orchestrated under the directives of home minister Amit Shah.
CropLife India has urged the government to reduce GST on agrochemicals to 12 per cent and maintain a uniform 10 per cent customs duty for raw materials and formulations. They also demand a 200 per cent weighted deduction on R&D expenses, while warning that higher customs duties could make crop protection products less affordable for farmers.
Akhilesh Yadav criticised Yogi Adityanath for his remarks on the Yamuna's cleanliness in Delhi, questioning if Adityanath would drink Yamuna water in his own state. Adityanath had targeted Arvind Kejriwal, accusing him of turning the river into a 'dirty drain' and not cooperating in its cleaning under the Namami Gange project.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut claimed that Maharashtra will soon appoint a third deputy chief minister, likely from the Shinde faction. Raut accuses Shinde's group of abandoning the party due to fear of central agencies. Rising tensions persist between the factions, highlighting ideological disputes centered around Balasaheb Thackeray's principles.
Farooq Abdullah, former Jammu and Kashmir CM, attended a religious event at Mata Vaishno Devi shrine, advocating for local residents protesting the ropeway project in Katra. He emphasized the significance of considering the community's interests and praised locals' resilience. He also highlighted universal religious values and community power in government decisions.
Sambhal district administration started excavating a centuries-old well near the Shahi Jama Masjid in Chandausi. This is part of an initiative to revive historical wells and pilgrimage sites. Authorities aim to restore and preserve these structures, addressing complaints about encroachment and neglect. The excavation includes an area under tension due to past claims about the mosque's history.
Increasing numbers of Indian pregnant women in New Jersey are requesting pre-term C-sections due to Trump's announcement on ending birthright citizenship. Despite the risk to mother and child, many feel this is their only chance for stability, particularly those waiting for green cards. The policy change has severe implications for illegal immigrants and H-1B visa holders alike.
Smoke in Pushpak Express led to panic among passengers, causing some to jump out and get hit by Karnataka Express on the adjacent track near Pachora station in Maharashtra. Tight-packed unreserved coaches caused chaos, with several killed or injured. Witnesses recall the tragic scene with dismembered bodies on the track.
The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has clarified that all required documentation for the cheetah relocation project has been submitted and acknowledged by South African officials. The CITES import permit has been issued, and necessary clearances obtained ensure compliance with international regulations. No decision on the exact number of cheetahs has been made yet.
Union health minister JP Nadda emphasized the government's vigilance against illegal sex determination methods, celebrating 10 years of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao. He highlighted the advancements in sex ratio, girls' secondary education enrollment, and institutional deliveries, showcasing the program's positive impact on gender equality and the protection of girl children.
Amidst the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, spiritual leaders Swami Vishnudevananda Giriji Maharaj from Ukraine and Ananda Lila Mata from Russia are promoting love and peace at the Maha Kumbh Mela. They deliver sermons together, emphasizing universal spiritual truths and advocating for world peace, demonstrating that spirituality can transcend national conflicts and bring harmony.
BJP and the opposition clashed over the Waqf bill finalization, with the Joint Parliamentary Committee scheduling meetings on Jan 24-25. The opposition demanded a postponement to Jan 30-31, claiming insufficient time for evidence collection. Despite protest, BJP intends to proceed, emphasizing extensive consultations and the necessity to submit the report in the budget session.
Supreme Court reprimanded the Assam govt for detaining foreign nationals in centers without deporting them. The court emphasized that the right to life applies to all, including foreigners, and directed immediate action for their deportation. Assam was given six weeks to explain the detentions and efforts for deportation, with a virtual appearance by the chief secretary.
Three days after Saif Ali Khan was stabbed, Bandra police recovered the final piece of the broken knife near Bandra Talao. The accused, Shariful Fakir, had discarded the weapon after the attack at the actor’s residence. Fakir will appear in court after completing five days in custody, with all evidence sent for forensic analysis.
Congress accused Arvind Kejriwal of being involved in a 382 crore health scam based on 14 CAG reports, revealing the mishandling of funds in Delhi hospitals. They allege the expenditure of Rs. 382.52 crores more than the tender amount, calling it a reason for the delay in presenting the CAG report.
Sanjay Roy's admission of being in the CCTV footage was crucial in his conviction for the rape and murder of a resident doctor at RG Kar Medical College. Despite denying many questions, his presence at the crime scene was established. Roy's defense claims were dismissed by the judge, leading to his life imprisonment sentence.
Judge Anirban Das sentenced Sanjay Roy to life imprisonment for the rape and murder of a resident doctor. Key allegations such as gang rape, another woman's involvement, and claims of coerced confession were debunked. Evidence indicated Roy acted alone, with the cause of death confirmed as manual strangulation and smothering. The autopsy corroborated no gang-related assault.
Indian citizen Binil TB from Kerala died fighting for Russian forces in Ukraine. Ukraine has no confirmation of Indian fighters for Russia. Kyiv claims nations like North Korea and Cuba have been duped into supporting Russia's war. India is urged to assist in returning Ukrainian children forcibly deported by Russia. 12 Indians have died, and 16 remain unaccounted for.
India welcomes the World Bank-appointed neutral expert's ruling, asserting that differences over the Kishenganga and Ratle hydroelectric projects fall within his competence under the Indus Waters Treaty. India maintains that it does not recognize the parallel Court of Arbitration initiated by Pakistan and emphasizes its commitment to preserving the treaty's integrity.
The Indian home ministry has issued a warning to NGOs regarding penal action for receiving or using foreign contributions (FCs) after their FCRA certification is cancelled or expired. NGOs must be registered under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) and renew their certification six months before expiry to avoid violating FCRA regulations and facing penalties.
Ramchandra Reddy Pratap Reddy, also known as Chalapati, a key CPI (Maoist) ideologue and mentor to commander Madvi Hidma, has been killed in an anti-Maoist operation in Chhattisgarh. His elimination marks a significant milestone in weakening the CPI (Maoist) leadership, reducing its ideological base, and advancing India's goal to end Left-wing extremism by March 2026.
Security forces have killed CPI (Maoist) central committee member Chalapati, who carried a Rs 1 crore bounty, in a two-day encounter in Chhattisgarh’s Gariaband. This significant operation involved Chhattisgarh’s District Reserve Guards, CRPF, CoBRA, and Odisha’s Special Operation Group. Chalapati's death follows the recent killing of the CPI (Maoist) Telangana state committee secretary, marking a notable success against extremists.
The parents of a Kolkata rape-and-murder victim are distraught after convict Sanjay Roy received a life sentence rather than the death penalty. They blame the investigating agency for not proving the case as 'rarest of rare'. Both parents and neighbours expressed disappointment, with plans to cancel celebrations until all involved culprits are punished.
In rural Uttarakhand, young women are breaking barriers in rugby. Despite societal resistance, players like Shivani, Jasvinder, Radhika, and Anjali are making significant strides in the sport. With support from their families, they've faced challenges head-on, participating in national tournaments and inspiring others with their persistence and determination in a traditionally male-dominated field.
Regional parties in India received significant donations through electoral bonds in 2023-24 before the Supreme Court scrapped the bonds in February 2024. Trinamool Congress and BRS were top beneficiaries. AAP was the only national party to declare such receipts. Income and expenditure varied significantly among parties, with TMC, BJD, and TDP seeing notable increases.
In a shocking instance of animal cruelty, a pregnant cow was brutally killed and its unborn calf mutilated in Salkod village, Karnataka. The cow's owner, Krishna Achari, has filed a police complaint. Authorities are investigating the motive behind the act. This incident follows recent attacks on cows in Bengaluru and Mysuru, prompting calls for swift action from local leaders.
The Centre informed the Supreme Court about the widespread application of halal certification beyond food items, affecting prices significantly. The solicitor general highlighted how certification fees were collected even for non-food items like cement and water bottles. UP banned halal-certified food products in November 2023, citing public health and potential consumer confusion.
Legal experts question why Mumbai police have not charged Saif Ali Khan's alleged attacker with attempted murder, given the grievous injuries from multiple stab wounds. The actor’s condition suggests serious harm, warranting the offence under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. They stress adding this charge would strengthen the case, particularly if the robbery charge fails.
Police plan to recreate the sequence of events in Saif Ali Khan's knife attack while ensuring the actor's family is not retraumatized. The suspect, Shariful Fakir, was tracked down in Thane. He had prior criminal records in Bangladesh and planned to escape. Political criticism arose over the Bangladeshi immigrant issue, blaming the central government for not curbing illegal immigration.
Harsha Richaria’s participation in the Shahi Snan at Prayagraj Maha Kumbh has sparked controversy among seers. While Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad president Mahant Ravindra Puri supports her, others like Swami Anand Swaroop object. Richaria seeks to learn about Sanatan Dharma and spread awareness in society. Her involvement has garnered significant attention on social media.
Over the past two years, the CIA developed an AI chatbot to help analysts create detailed profiles of foreign leaders, enhancing the agency's tech capabilities. Under Director William Burns, technology-focused initiatives were prioritized, with Chief Technology Officer Nand Mulchandani spearheading efforts to modernize the workspace and foster collaborations with private tech firms.
