Government moved Arunish Chawla to the department of investment and public asset management and replaced him with Tuhin Kanta Pandey as revenue secretary. Chawla was revenue secretary for less than two weeks. This reshuffle in the finance ministry is quite unprecedented. Pandey, being the finance secretary, will now coordinate the Budget exercise.
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India expressed solidarity with the Taliban regime, condemning Pakistani airstrikes that have targeted Afghan civilians, including women and children. Pakistan's airstrikes, claimed to be in retaliation against cross-border terrorist attacks, were accused of violating Afghanistan's sovereignty. The Taliban called these attacks a blatant violation of international principles, promising retaliation.
The US Army will no longer accept transgender individuals for enlistment or perform gender transition-related medical procedures. This follows a directive from Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, emphasizing military unity and compliance with President Trump's earlier executive order regarding transgender military personnel.
The government is considering sites near Kisan Ghat and Rashtriya Smriti Sthal for former PM Manmohan Singh's memorial. BJP chief J P Nadda confirmed the allocation of space. While guidelines prefer Rashtriya Smriti Sthal, the final decision will be a political one. The designated spot could accommodate two more memorials despite past constraints.
Kapil Dev emphasises a balanced approach for cricketers’ families during extended tours, aligning with BCCI's new policy. Families can join players for limited days depending on tour length. Virat Kohli also highlights the importance of family support for player rejuvenation. Kapil expressed this at an event featuring top golfers in New Delhi.
H B Karibasamma, an 85-year-old retired teacher in Karnataka, is set to become the first recipient of the right to die with dignity in the state. After battling health issues and advocating for 24 years, her efforts are about to materialize with the state's recent decision.
Saif Ali Khan has been recovering in the hospital after he was stabbed by a burglar at his house, on January 16. The actor was rushed to the hospital in an auto-rickshaw. Now as per reports, the rickshaw driver has been rewarded by an institution.
Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the development of Asia's longest Hyperloop tube at IIT Madras, measuring 410 meters, with plans to become the world's longest soon. His visit to Chennai highlighted India's advancements in indigenously testing Hyperloop technology, with promising results and further development of electronic components at Chennai’s Integral Coach Factory.
Northern Railways completed another successful trial run on the Katra-Banihal section of the USBRL project, which includes India's first cable-stayed rail bridge and the world's highest railway bridge. Statutory inspections and further trials are scheduled for early January, guiding the commencement of train services to Kashmir Valley.
In Seelampur, New Delhi, Kunal, a 17-year-old, was fatally stabbed. This incident sparked outrage among local residents. They protested, demanding justice and increased safety. The community cited rising violence and a lack of police action. Residents expressed fear and some considered leaving the area. Heavy police presence was deployed to manage the tension. The investigation is underway.
A 65-year-old woman in Lakhisarai district was allegedly gang-raped by four men who forcibly entered her home past midnight asking for cigarettes. Two suspects have been arrested, while two remain at large. The incident left the victim hospitalized and triggered an intense manhunt. Authorities vow severe punishment for the culprits.