Nimisha Priya, an Indian nurse from Kerala, faces execution in Yemen after being convicted of murdering a Yemeni man. Her family and supporters are desperately seeking a pardon through blood-money negotiations. Despite raising $40,000, Yemen's president has approved her death sentence. Her family and supporters are calling for urgent intervention from the Union Government.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut doubts the survival of PM Modi's government till 2026, which he believes could trigger political changes in Maharashtra and other states. Raut addressed rumours about Rajan Salvi quitting the party due to local issues and maintained there is no unrest in Shiv Sena (UBT). The NDA has a parliamentary majority, relying on coalition partners.
Union Labour Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya announced significant employment growth in India under Modi's regime from 2014, with the employment ratio reaching 64.33% in 2023-24. Job creation increased notably across agriculture, manufacturing, and services sectors, while the unemployment rate dropped to 3.2%.
Union minister Giriraj Singh accused West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee of turning the state into a hub for Bangladeshi infiltrators, while Banerjee blamed the Border Security Force for facilitating the entry of militants. BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari alleged that the state government obstructed BSF operations.
Jammu and Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah expressed hope that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would continue the tradition of sending a 'chadar' to the Ajmer Sharif Dargah despite any pressure. He pointed out the cultural significance of the Dargah for multiple communities and welcomed the Supreme Court's intervention in communal disputes.
The Supreme Court criticizes officials and farmer leaders for making statements complicating the farmers' protest situation. The court demands compliance from Punjab in providing medical aid to Jagjit Singh Dallewal, without breaking his fast. The court denies involving the Centre in MSP negotiations, focusing on Dallewal's health and the state's responsibilities.
A 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck Vanuatu on 17 December 2024, causing significant damage and loss of life. India expressed condolences and extended a relief assistance of USD 500,000 to support recovery efforts, emphasizing the strong relationship under the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC). India's commitment to humanitarian aid and disaster response is reaffirmed in this gesture.
Congress leader V D Satheesan criticizes Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan's statement on Sanatana Dharma, arguing it’s part of cultural heritage and not exclusive to the Sangh Parivar. Vijayan had linked Sanatana Dharma to casteism, which Satheesan and KPCC chief K Sudhakaran counter by defending its broader, non-communal essence.
Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi criticized Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma for being among the richest chief ministers in India while Assam ranks low on the Human Development Index. Gogoi highlighted the wealth disparity as Sarma's assets are valued at Rs 17 crore. The report by the Association for Democratic Reforms shows significant contrasts between leaders' wealth and state development.
Generation Beta, born from 2025 to 2039, is expected to be highly influenced by unpredictable technological advancements and climate crises. This generation will have significant impacts from AI technology, social media, and tighter tech regulations. With a focus on sustainability and resilience, Gen Beta will witness demographic shifts, emphasizing population sustainability rather than overpopulation.
The political conflict between BJP and AAP intensifies with both parties accusing each other of voter fraud ahead of the Delhi Assembly polls. BJP alleges AAP leader Kejriwal of electoral manipulation, while AAP counters by accusing BJP of undermining democracy and tampering with voter lists.
The Supreme Court will hear Asaduddin Owaisi's plea on February 17, which calls for the enforcement of the 1991 Places of Worship Act. This act maintains religious site status as of August 15, 1947. Owaisi's petition followed a Supreme Court directive pausing any new or ongoing litigation aimed at reclaiming religious places until a final decision.
Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra becomes the head of the IAF's Western Air Command, responsible for defending India's western borders, succeeding Air Marshal Pankaj Mohan Sinha. Mishra's career spans over three decades, holding significant command and staff positions, and he is a recipient of prestigious service medals.
The first weekend of 2025 brings the Quadrantid meteor shower, peaking on January 3rd-4th with 80 meteors per hour. Viewing is best from the Northern Hemisphere, despite cold and brief peak window. The Quadrantids, from asteroid 2003 EH1, offer bright fireballs and are named after the historical constellation Quadrans Muralis.
Over 800 OGWs Booked Across Jammu: Police
Katra, the base camp for Vaishno Devi temple resumed normalcy after a week-long shutdown. The government released 18 protesters and suspended the ropeway project until concerns are addressed. Pilgrims returned to the town, and traffic movement was restored. The project aimed to help senior citizens, but locals feared losing their livelihoods.
2024 recorded the warmest year in India since 1901, with an average temperature of 25.75°C, surpassing 2016's previous record. Global temperatures also rose, marking 2024 as the hottest year globally. For January, the IMD forecasts slightly above-normal rainfall and warmer temperatures across most regions but anticipates colder nights in Prayagraj during the Maha Kumbh.
Trucks carrying 337 metric tons of hazardous waste from the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy have been moved to a disposal plant in Pithampur. Security measures are stringent, involving a convoy of 40 vehicles and 700 security personnel. Local industrial workers are concerned about potential safety risks, but officials assure all necessary precautions have been taken.
India's school infrastructure report for 2023-24 reveals progress in basic amenities but highlights gaps in advanced facilities, tech readiness, and access. Dropout rates increase at higher education levels, and disparities among states complicate universal education efforts, signaling the need for optimized resources and improved retention.
Violence at home persists as a major issue, with 6,237 domestic violence complaints out of 25,743 received by the National Commission for Women in 2024. Uttar Pradesh had the highest number of complaints, while dowry harassment and 'right to live with dignity' issues also remain significant concerns.
A video shot by a girl on her mobile phone helped a Bengaluru sessions court convict seven men of the murder of former BJP corporator Rekha Kadiresh. Despite 48 out of 49 witnesses turning hostile, the video evidence was crucial. Rekha, aged 45, was brutally stabbed outside her home in 2021, and the convicts received life imprisonment.
In a significant move, one of the oldest security bunkers in Srinagar's Safakadal area, built in the early 1990s by the BSF, is being dismantled. Local residents have welcomed the move, noting that it will ease traffic congestion. The CRPF, which occupied the bunker, has vacated the area, reflecting improvements in Kashmir Valley's security situation.
Lloyds Metals and Energy Limited allotted shares worth Rs 1,260 each at a nominal value of Rs 4 to its 6,000 workers in Maoist-affected Gadchiroli. The shares, distributed on tenure basis, make the workforce stakeholders in the company. The company plans to expand its steel plant operations significantly.
Farmers' union Sanyukt Kisan Morcha decides not to join the Supreme Court's high-powered committee meeting, criticizing its focus on clearing blockades over core issues like MSP. The decision coincides with leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal's deteriorating health amid a 37-day hunger strike. Other farmer groups also prefer direct talks with the Union government.
India has successfully reduced the emission intensity of its GDP by 36% in 2020 compared to 2005 levels, reflecting significant progress towards its climate goals. The country also reports a notable increase in cumulative renewable power installed capacity, aiming for 50% from non-fossil sources by 2030.
Ashatai, mother of Maharashtra deputy CM Ajit Pawar, expresses her wish for the reunion of Ajit Pawar and his uncle Sharad Pawar. This comes amid speculation of their reconciliation following Ajit’s visit to Sharad on his birthday. Influential figures support the reunion, emphasizing its significance in shaping Maharashtra politics.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has instructed the road transport ministry to address the quality issues in national highways construction by fixing systemic problems like rampant sub-contracting and poor project reports. Modi stressed the importance of developing quality-conscious builders and consultants and directed avoiding division of large projects to bypass Cabinet approval.
India requests Pakistan to expedite the release and repatriation of 183 Indian fishermen and civilian prisoners who have completed their sentences, along with granting consular access to 18 others believed to be Indian. Both countries exchanged lists of nuclear installations and facilities covered under a bilateral agreement.