Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the importance of the youth in transforming India into a developed nation, highlighting Swami Vivekananda's faith in the younger generation. Speaking on National Youth Day, Modi underscored ambitious goals, including achieving 20% ethanol blending by 2030 and hosting the Olympics. He called for active citizen involvement in realizing the vision of 'Viksit Bharat.'
Arvind Kejriwal's claim that Ramesh Bidhuri is the BJP's chief ministerial candidate for Delhi has been denied by Bidhuri, who called it baseless. Bidhuri accused Kejriwal of misleading propaganda and reiterated his commitment to serving the people and the Bharatiya Janata Party without seeking any post.
India and Bangladesh addressed escalating border tensions, emphasizing a cooperative approach to crime prevention. Disputes stem from «unequal agreements» of a previous government. The efforts to install barbed wire fencing along the border were halted amid objections from the Border Guard Bangladesh.
Union home minister Amit Shah attributed BJP's victory in the Maharashtra assembly polls to ending the 'politics of betrayal' started by Sharad Pawar. He also criticized Uddhav Thackeray and claimed that Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena represents Balasaheb’s ideology, while Ajit Pawar’s faction is the real NCP.
Tamil Nadu's governor criticized chief minister MK Stalin for calling his walkout 'childish,' after Ravi protested the omission of the National Anthem at the assembly's opening session. Stalin defended the state's tradition of playing the Tamil Anthem at the start and the National Anthem at the end.
Amid speculation of internal discord within INDIA alliance, Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav denies any rift, asserting the alliance's unity. Contrasting opinions emerge from within, with some leaders blaming Congress for failing to maintain unity post-elections, while others prioritize direct contests against BJP.
Delhi Chief Minister Atishi launched a crowdfunding campaign, urging public support for her election bid from the Kalkaji seat. Highlighting BJP's financial power, she emphasized AAP's reliance on honest public contributions. Campaign billboards feature former CM Arvind Kejriwal, aiming to capitalize on his popularity. Atishi faces BJP's Ramesh Bhiduri in the upcoming Delhi elections.
Independent MP Pappu Yadav called for a Bihar bandh to demand the cancellation of the BPSC exam, alleging a question paper leak. Despite the government ordering a fresh test, protests and demonstrations continue. Yadav plans to collaborate with other party leaders to support affected students and disrupt House proceedings from March 21.
In Bijapur's National Park area, police found three Maoists bodies and a significant cache of weapons and explosives. The discovery followed an IED attack that injured a CRPF jawan. Ongoing search operations are underway, with recent encounters at the Sukma-Bijapur border resulting in additional casualties and the recovery of additional weapons.
Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar expressed concerns over the hiring of retired individuals and the extension of government officials' tenures, suggesting it hinders career progression for others. Speaking at the National Conference of State Public Service Commissions in Bengaluru, Dhankhar emphasized the importance of objectivity and non-favoritism in public service appointments.
Prayagraj Maha Kumbh showcases Sanatan Dharma's vibrancy, featuring diverse 'akharas' as guardians of tradition. Rooted in ancient rituals and martial protection, these groups maintain spirituality through hierarchy and discipline. The event includes Shaivite, Vaishnava, Sikh, Sanyasin, and Kinnar akharas, each with unique practices.
Union minister Jyotiraditya Scindia announced the opening of a Passport Seva Kendra in each of the 543 parliamentary constituencies in India. While inaugurating a center in Guna, MP, he mentioned that six new passport centers will also be opened in the state this year, with the aim of expanding services and easing access for residents.
In Luna village, painted storks are valued highly by the residents, who have significantly reduced their kite flying activities during Uttarayan to protect the birds. Awareness programs and vigilance have fostered a strong bond between villagers and storks, ensuring the birds' safety and curbing hunting practices.
A gang in Bihar exploited young men by falsely offering payments for impregnating women. The suspects, identified as Prince Raj, Bhola Kumar, and Rahul Kumar, used a fake job service website to advertise payments of Rs 5-10 lakh. Police arrested the trio following a complaint and recovered six mobile phones.
Kerala Police have arrested 15 individuals, including a minor, in connection with the alleged rape of a Dalit teenager. The victim, now 18, disclosed being repeatedly assaulted since age 13. Over 60 individuals are implicated, and further arrests are expected. Authorities are investigating and providing the victim with psychological support. Activists and political figures demand strict action.
Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath, on the first anniversary of Ram Lalla's idol consecration, emphasized that the Ram Temple in Ayodhya symbolizes the perseverance and democratic assertion of suppressed civilizations. He highlighted the transformations in Ayodhya, including the development of an international airport and solar city initiatives.
Karnataka deputy CM DK Shivakumar dismissed rumours of a power struggle within the Congress-led government and affirmed his commitment to serving the full five-year term alongside CM Siddaramaiah. Despite speculation about a rotational chief minister formula, Shivakumar stressed that party directives would guide their actions, quashing any talk of imminent leadership changes.
Bihar minister Prem Kumar underscored public support for the NDA, dismissing Lalu Yadav's influence. He advocates for a double-engine government for fast-tracked development. Union minister Chirag Paswan is confident NDA will win over 225 seats in the assembly polls. CM Nitish Kumar reaffirmed commitment to women's empowerment and highlighted welfare work.
In Dhanbad, Jharkhand, the principal of a private school allegedly instructed 80 girls to remove their shirts for writing messages on them during a 'pen day' celebration. The district administration has initiated an investigation. A committee including various district officials will probe the incident, with appropriate actions to follow based on their findings.
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar emphasized the need to avoid service extensions and post-retirement recruitment to ensure fairness and meritocracy in public service commissions. He highlighted the necessity of curbing paper leaks, fostering a harmonious political climate, and strengthening institutions for India's progress.
BJP candidate Ramesh Bidhuri claims many AAP leaders will be jailed and accuses them of providing fake Aadhaar cards to Bangladeshi infiltrators. Arvind Kejriwal refutes these allegations, asserting BJP's involvement in fraudulent voting practices. AAP MP Sanjay Singh accuses BJP of bribing voters with Rs 1,100.
A nine-month-old infant in Ahmedabad has been confirmed as Gujarat's fourth human metapneumovirus (HMPV) case within a week. The child was hospitalized on January 6 with respiratory symptoms. The state's other cases include an eight-year-old boy, an 80-year-old asthma patient, and a two-month-old from Rajasthan.
The road transport ministry plans to limit the toll rates for elevated highways and tunnels in urban areas to five times the normal rate, down from the current 10 times. This move aims to make these routes more affordable and encourage their use, easing travel on stretches like the Dwarka Expressway and others.
Rahul Gandhi will begin his campaign in Delhi for the upcoming assembly polls, addressing a rally in Seelampur on January 13. This marks his first rally in the capital, set to take place against the backdrop of earlier events by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and following a month-long Congress yatra.