India's High Commissioner to Canada, Dinesh Patnaik, has vehemently denied allegations of the Indian government's involvement in Hardeep Singh Nijjar's killing, demanding concrete evidence. Patnaik stressed that accusations lack substantiation and that ongoing legal proceedings do not implicate India as a state. He reiterated India's willingness to act if credible proof is provided.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended greetings on Makar Sankranti, Pongal, and Magh Bihu, celebrating India's diverse harvest festivals. He highlighted their significance in honoring nature, farmers, and cultural traditions, wishing for prosperity and well-being for all citizens.
The Indian Army is prepared to integrate women into infantry roles, contingent on societal readiness, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi stated. He emphasized gender neutrality and uniform standards, noting a sequential induction into combat roles. The Army is also undergoing significant modernization, focusing on drone capabilities, advanced weaponry, and self-reliance in ammunition for future warfare.
West Delhi commuters will soon experience relief as the Delhi government launches a Rs 64.04 crore project to repair roads and upgrade stormwater drains along the Nangloi-Najafgarh corridor. This initiative aims to improve drainage, reconstruct roads, and enhance safety, addressing years of neglect and waterlogging issues.
Delhi's government has approved a Carbon Credit Monetisation Framework to generate revenue from its environmental initiatives like electric vehicles and urban forestry. This no-financial-liability model will allow the city to sell tradable carbon credits, creating a new funding stream for pollution control and sustainability projects.
A court in Chandausi has ordered an FIR against former Sambhal officials and police personnel following the 2024 violence. The order came after a plea from a man whose son was allegedly shot by police during a court-ordered survey of Shahi Jama Masjid, which resulted in fatalities and injuries.
West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee accused the Election Commission of unilaterally deleting 54 lakh names from draft electoral rolls, alleging a BJP-EC nexus. She claimed genuine voters, including women who changed surnames, were removed without notice, possibly using AI tools. Banerjee further alleged plans to remove another crore names and accused the EC of restricting booth-level agents.
Security forces engaged in a search operation in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district after spotting suspected terrorist movement. Gunshots were heard in the Najote forest area as militants fired upon noticing the advancing troops. The operation has been intensified to track down the ultras, with heightened anti-terrorist activities across the region ahead of Republic Day.
The Supreme Court delivered a split verdict on Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, which requires prior approval to probe government officials. Justice Nagarathna deemed it unconstitutional, arguing it protects the corrupt, while Justice Viswanathan upheld its validity, provided Lokpal/Lokayukta grants sanction, to prevent policy paralysis.
