The BJP has enforced the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in Uttarakhand, demonstrating its commitment to core promises. This move, facilitated by central leadership and aimed to be implemented incrementally, could be a precursor for similar laws in BJP-governed states like UP, Gujarat, and Assam. This follows other key BJP agendas like the Ram Mandir construction and scrapping J&K's special status.
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar expressed hope that the entire country would soon adopt the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), following Uttarakhand's implementation of it. He criticized those opposing the UCC as ignorant, emphasizing that it is a constitutional mandate aimed at promoting gender equality.
A 41-year-old chartered accountant from Pune has become the first confirmed casualty of the Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) outbreak in the city, with cases rising to 111 in just under three weeks. The Maharashtra health department has involved experts from Delhi and Bengaluru to assess the situation and guide public health measures.
BJP's income rose to Rs 4,340.5 crore in 2023-24, with Rs 1,685.6 crore from electoral bonds, the highest ever. Congress's income surged to Rs 1,225 crore, with a 384% spike in bond receipts. BJP's expenditure was Rs 2,211.7 crore, while Congress spent Rs 1,025.2 crore. Individual and corporate donations contributed significantly to both parties.
BJP and allies have cleared significant amendments to the Waqf Act, ending the 'waqf by user' scheme. Proposed changes include the inclusion of non-Muslims in the Central Waqf Council and excluding minority Muslim sects from Waqf board jurisdiction. These measures aim to tackle misuse and corruption, with the bill expected to be passed in Parliament.
A division bench has delivered a split verdict on the burial of a Christian tribal in Chhattisgarh. Justice B V Nagarathna allowed burial in his village, citing religious discrimination, while Justice Satish Chandra Sharma emphasized no unqualified right to choose the place of burial. The funeral will be conducted at a designated Christian burial ground 20-25 km away.
A Delhi court has ordered an FIR against journalist Rana Ayyub for allegedly posting hate speech and promoting religious enmity on social media. The complaint, filed by advocate Amita Sachdeva, accuses Ayyub of insulting Hindu deities and spreading anti-India sentiment, with specific allegations against Vinayak Damodar Savarkar.
The CBI and Bengal government contested in the Calcutta High Court over whose appeal for capital punishment for Sanjay Roy, the RG Kar rape-murder convict, should be considered. The victim's family opposes the death sentence for now, fearing it could impede the investigation and the trial of other suspects.
The Supreme Court declined to entertain writ petitions seeking criminal charges against Tamil Nadu Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin for his remarks about 'Sanatana Dharma.' The petitioners agreed to withdraw their petitions and explore other legal remedies. Udhayanidhi's contentious speech equated 'Sanatana Dharma' with diseases and called for its eradication.
Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah's wife B M Parvathi and Minister Byrathi Suresh were summoned by the ED for questioning in a land allotment case, but the Dharwad bench of the High Court stayed the summons until February 10. The court reserved judgment on transferring the probe to the CBI, with arguments highlighting the potential disruption to ongoing proceedings.
India and China have agreed to resume the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage in 2025 and to restart direct flights, aiming to normalize bilateral ties. This follows Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri's visit to Beijing, signaling potential future high-level engagements. Both nations aim to address economic concerns and promote people-to-people exchanges to enhance mutual trust and relations.
PM Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump discussed enhancing their Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership, covering technology, trade, and defense. Modi expressed commitment to global peace and prosperity. Trump's focus included India's procurement of American security equipment and fair trade. They also addressed issues like illegal immigration and planned mutual visits.
Agriculture department officials in Bihar's Bhojpur district encountered a bizarre situation when farmland data in a digital crop survey app mistakenly showed plots located in the Indian Ocean, caused by a smartphone glitch. The issue was quickly resolved. The survey aims to provide detailed crop information for better marketing, crop insurance, and policy implementation.
Delhi Chief Minister Atishi accuses Haryana's BJP government of deliberately polluting the Yamuna to disrupt Delhi’s water supply before elections. Elevated ammonia levels are cited, which Delhi Jal Board claims supports this allegation. Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini refutes the accusations, attributing the crisis to Delhi's mismanagement. The Election Commission seeks a report on the matter.
Arvinder Singh Sahney, chairman of IndianOil, expressed confidence that US sanctions on Russian oil exports will not affect India's crude supply due to its diverse sources. Indian refineries can tap into alternatives from the Gulf, Africa, the Americas, OPEC, and non-OPEC producers, ensuring energy security.
A four-storey building collapsed in Burari, north Delhi, trapping several people. The incident occurred around 6:30 pm in Kaushik Enclave. Rescue operations involve police, fire services, DDMA, and NDRF. Ten people have been rescued so far, with some hospitalized. Approximately 12-15 people are still believed to be trapped. Authorities continue rescue efforts, and assistance is being provided by local officials.
The mystery illness in Badhaal village, J&K, has resulted in the death of 17 individuals from three families since December 2024. Higher concentrations of carbamates and organophosphorus in the deceased’s blood samples have been identified as possible causes. The investigation continues to determine whether the exposure was accidental or deliberate.
India and China have agreed to resume the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra in 2025, aiming to rebuild bilateral relations. Key measures include increasing people-to-people exchanges, resuming direct flights, and enhancing cooperation on trans-border rivers. High-level talks discussed regional and global issues of mutual interest.
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.
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) in Haryana will suspend Ayushman Bharat scheme services from February 3 due to Rs 400 crore in pending reimbursements. Around 1,300 hospitals are affected. Key demands include immediate payment of dues, no deductions after approval, and rectification of the TMS 2 portal. Discussions with the state government have not resolved the issue.
Uttarakhand has become the first state in India to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami launched the UCC portal and issued a notification for its adoption. The UCC standardizes personal laws across religions, covering marriage, divorce, inheritance, and live-in relationships.
Maharashtra reported its first suspected death linked to Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) in Solapur, prompting deployment of a central expert team. 101 GBS cases have been identified in Pune district. The state health department has issued water and food hygiene guidelines, and intensified surveillance efforts, including household surveys and water sample analysis, to combat the outbreak.
The Joint Parliamentary Committee has approved the proposed Waqf amendment bill, removing the clause that existing Waqf properties can be questioned on the grounds of 'Waqf by user'. Despite opposition objections and numerous amendments proposed, the committee passed all changes brought by the ruling BJP-led NDA.
Union home minister Amit Shah visited Prayagraj for the ongoing Maha Kumbh, taking a holy bath at the Triveni Sangam. The event, showcasing Sanatan culture and unity, has attracted over 110 million pilgrims since January 13 and is expected to draw 45 crore visitors by its end on February 26.
At the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, 22-year-old Pravesh Yadav, evading arrest since July 2023 for liquor smuggling, was apprehended by police during strong surveillance. Superintendent of Police, Abhimanyu Manglik, outlined Yadav's involvement in transporting adulterated liquor from Alwar to Bihar, leading to charges under multiple IPC sections, Excise Act, and Gangster Act.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto on Saturday acknowledged the deep cultural ties and historical influence of Indian civilization on Indonesia. Praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership in poverty alleviation, Subianto expressed his admiration for India. The visit, featuring important MoUs in health, traditional medicine, and maritime security, contributed to strengthening bilateral relations.
Union aviation secretary Vumlunmang Vualnam has urgently convened a meeting with airlines following the sharp increase in airfares to Prayagraj during the Maha Kumbh. The demand for flights has led to prices skyrocketing, with return tickets from major cities exceeding Rs 50,000 in some cases. Additional flights have been approved, but supply still falls short of meeting the high demand.
Congress accused Election Commission officials of attacking their Rithala assembly candidate, Sushant Mishra, during a permitted padyatra. Mishra claims the officials did not identify themselves and tried to stop their march. The District Magistrate of North-West Delhi refuted the allegations, stating election staff conducted their duties impartially.
Uttarakhand is set to introduce the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) on Monday, becoming the first Indian state to adopt such a law post-independence. The UCC addresses issues like marriage, divorce, inheritance, and live-in relationships. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami highlighted consultations with diverse communities and emphasized the law's goal to bring uniformity and empower women.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha highlighted the positive changes in Jammu & Kashmir, emphasizing good governance's role in fostering peace and development. He praised the successful assembly elections, announced future local body elections, and stressed unity against divisive forces. Sinha also acknowledged the Indian Army's dedication in ensuring the region's security and stability.