Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis clarified that businessman Gautam Adani was not present at the 2019 BJP-NCP meeting, contrary to Ajit Pawar's claims. Fadnavis asserted that Sharad Pawar, who was present, later betrayed their agreement on government formation. He also indicated the possibility of imposing President's Rule was discussed, with Sharad Pawar tasked to write to the Governor.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted searches at 20 locations linked to Santiago Martin, a significant political donor known as the 'lottery king,' and his associates. The searches, spanning across multiple states, are part of an ongoing investigation into alleged money laundering related to the illegal distribution and sale of lotteries.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to receive Dominica's highest civilian award, the Dominica Award of Honour. The award recognizes Modi's contributions to Dominica during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly the supply of 70,000 AstraZeneca vaccine doses in 2021.
A parliamentary committee, revisiting a long-standing debate, is set to discuss the inclusion of «salary» in determining the «creamy layer» for OBC reservation in UPSC exams. MPs argue that including «salary» contradicts a 1993 order, while the government justifies its stance based on the lack of «equivalence of posts» between PSU and government jobs.
Sharad Pawar confirmed a 2019 meeting at Gautam Adani's residence. Amit Shah and Ajit Pawar were present for power-sharing discussions between BJP and NCP. Ajit Pawar stated the meeting involved talks of BJP dropping cases against NCP leaders in exchange for joining forces. Sharad Pawar expressed reservations, leading to the collapse of the short-lived government.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar claimed that the entire Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), under Sharad Pawar's leadership, was prepared to join the BJP-Shiv Sena government in 2022. He stated that all NCP MLAs, including those currently with Sharad Pawar, had signed a letter supporting the decision.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) attached property belonging to Adil Manzoor Langoo, a key suspect in the February killing of two migrant workers in Srinagar. Langoo, linked to the Lashkar-e-Taiba offshoot The Resistance Front (TRF), was arrested with two others. The NIA alleges the killings were part of a larger conspiracy to spread terror, orchestrated by their Pakistan-based handler.
In a 24-hour operation dubbed 'Operation Kawach,' Delhi Police raided 907 locations known for drug trafficking, resulting in the detention of 1,240 individuals and the arrest of over 700. The operation, aimed at combating drug trafficking in the national capital, led to the identification of 64 drug hotspots and the seizure of significant quantities of drugs, cash, and vehicles.
The Sikkim government announced the closure of 97 schools with low enrollment. Education Minister Raju Basnet stated that students will be merged into nearby schools to improve resource allocation and educational quality. This decision aligns with the government's commitment to prioritize education.
India successfully conducted flight tests of the Guided Pinaka Weapon System, meeting the required standards for range, accuracy, and rate of fire. The tests involved firing rockets from upgraded Pinaka launchers, demonstrating the system's ability to engage multiple targets. This indigenous system, developed by DRDO and other agencies, enhances the artillery firepower of the Indian Army.
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has announced plans to allow students to accelerate or decelerate their undergraduate degrees.
Delhi NCR will be under GRAP 3 restrictions starting tomorrow at 8 am due to severe air quality. Construction, demolition, and non-essential mining will be halted. Restrictions on interstate buses and a shift to virtual learning for primary schools are also included.
Mahesh Khichi of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) was elected as Delhi's first Dalit Mayor, defeating BJP's Kishan Lal by three votes. Congress abstained from voting. Khichi's term will only last five months due to previous election postponements.
India is seeking the extradition of Khalistani terrorist Arshdeep Singh, known as Arsh Dalla, from Canada following his arrest after a shooting incident in Milton, Ontario. Dalla, a proclaimed offender in India with over 50 criminal cases against him, is wanted for various charges including murder, terrorism, and terror financing.
Congress leader Ghulam Ahmed Mir sparked controversy by promising subsidized cooking gas cylinders to «everyone, including infiltrators» if the INDIA bloc wins the election. The BJP condemned the statement, accusing Congress of resorting to religious appeasement, while highlighting its own anti-infiltration campaign in the state.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during a Maharashtra rally, accused Congress of plotting to reinstate Article 370 and create a separate Constitution for Kashmir. He criticized Congress for opposing the BJP's efforts to integrate Kashmir and for allegedly attempting to divide Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes.
Commander Prerna Deosthalee and her brother, Commander Ishan Deosthalee, are making history in the Indian Navy by simultaneously commanding different warships. Prerna, the first woman to command a naval warship, leads INS Trinkat, while Ishan commands INS Vibhuti. President Draupadi Murmu praised the Indian Navy's capabilities during her visit to INS Vikrant, highlighting their life-saving actions and strategic influence.
During a rally in Maharashtra, Rahul Gandhi accused Prime Minister Modi of disregarding the Indian Constitution, comparing it to a blank book. Gandhi emphasized the Congress party's commitment to protecting the rights of marginalized communities, including their representation in decision-making. He criticized the BJP for allegedly disrespecting tribal communities and diverting resources away from Maharashtra.
Congress leader Kanhaiya Kumar sparked controversy by criticizing Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis's call for a «Dharma-Yuddha» in the upcoming elections. Kumar suggested that protecting religion shouldn't be mere rhetoric while Fadnavis's wife posts on Instagram. The BJP condemned Kumar's remarks, calling them disrespectful to Marathi women.
UPPSC aspirants in Prayagraj, India, are protesting for the fourth consecutive day, demanding changes to upcoming exam schedules. Students allege police used force to disrupt their protests, while police claim non-student instigators are provoking the unrest. Political leaders have also weighed in on the situation, with some criticizing the government's handling of the protests.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to receive the Dominica Award of Honour, Dominica's highest civilian award. The award recognizes PM Modi's contributions to Dominica during the Covid-19 pandemic and his efforts to strengthen ties between the two nations. Dominica's President will confer the award at the India-CARICOM Summit in November 2024.
A Delhi court granted bail to AAP leader Amanatullah Khan in a money laundering case connected to the Delhi Waqf Board. The court acknowledged the ED's chargesheet but highlighted a procedural error, leading to the dismissal of charges against Khan and his co-accused.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids at 23 locations across Maharashtra and Gujarat in connection with a money laundering case. The investigation targets Siraj Ahmed Harun Meman, a Malegaon-based trader accused of conducting over Rs 100 crore in transactions through unauthorized bank accounts.
Delhi Airport is operating normally despite low visibility due to high air pollution. The Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 428, categorized as «severe.» However, stronger winds are expected to improve air quality to the «very poor» range.
The Oxford Union is set to host a debate on Kashmiri independence, sparking controversy. The event features speakers advocating for an independent Kashmir, including a Kashmiri independence activist and a representative of the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front. A British Hindu group condemned the event, citing concerns about the speakers' alleged ties to terrorism and the potential to escalate tensions.
India commemorated the 135th birth anniversary of its first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru. Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Nehru's legacy, acknowledging his contributions to India's independence struggle and leadership in the post-independence era.
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra criticized Delhi's severe air pollution, comparing her return from Wayanad with clean air to entering a «gas chamber.» She highlighted the health risks, especially for vulnerable groups, and urged a collective effort to find solutions for cleaner air in the capital.
An oncologist at Chennai's Kalaignar Centenary Super-Specialty Hospital, Dr Balaji Jaganathan, was seriously injured in a knife attack by a patient's relative dissatisfied with the treatment his mother received. The attack sparked protests by medical professionals demanding better security measures. The assailant was apprehended, and authorities promised swift action and increased security at medical facilities.
Developing nations need trillions in annual climate funding by 2030, according to a UN report released at COP29. The report estimates that these countries will require between $1.1 trillion and $2.4 trillion annually to meet their mitigation targets. This figure highlights the financial chasm between developed and developing nations in tackling climate change.