The first JPC meeting on the 'one nation, one election' bills saw opposition MPs call the legislations an attack on constitutional norms, whereas BJP and allies argued for reduced expenditure and administrative load benefits, citing broad public support and historical precedents.
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Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman accused the Trinamool Congress (TMC) of mismanagement and corruption in the implementation of centrally-sponsored schemes in West Bengal. She highlighted serious irregularities, including fake job cards in MNREGA and denied healthcare under Ayushman Bharat, leading to significant financial losses and service gaps for grassroots people.
Indian cricket stars returned to the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy season, with Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant, Shubman Gill and Ravindra Jadeja making headlines for contrasting reasons. Sharma and Pant struggled with low scores, while Jadeja excelled with a five-wicket haul. Meanwhile, Siddharth Desai set a record with nine wickets in an innings. Virat Kohli is expected to play in the round beginning January 30.
A 24-year-old lawyer from Gurgaon was arrested for firing shots at a wedding procession in Noida, leading to the death of a two-year-old boy. The police continue to search for a second suspect involved in the reckless gunfire. The arrested suspect admitted to being drunk during the incident and claims to have fired multiple rounds.
The upcoming Bollywood debut of Pakistani actor Fawad Khan in 'Abir Gulal' has sparked controversy, intensified by the recent Pahalgam attack. Amidst national grief and outrage, the I&B Ministry has reportedly withheld the film's release in India. Khan condemned the 'horrific' attack in Pahalgam, where 26 lives were lost.
In Parbhani district, Maharashtra, a man set his wife on fire following an argument about their third daughter's birth. The incident occurred on Thursday night in Gangakhed Naka. The accused, Kundlik Uttam Kale, was arrested after Maina, the victim, succumbed to severe burns on her way to the hospital. The police have charged Kale with murder.
A girls-only residential school in Koppal, North Karnataka, faces scrutiny after an inspection revealed unsafe and unhygienic toilet conditions, with missing doors. The head teacher, Kasturi Badiger, is facing suspension for misuse of government funds and not providing essential supplies to the students. The deputy director ordered her suspension for violating safety protocols and financial mismanagement.
Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah has demanded an immediate review of the recent fare hike for Bengaluru's Namma Metro, with fares more than doubling in some sections, causing public outcry. The fare increase has led to reduced metro ridership and many commuters seeking alternate transportation options due to affordability concerns.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's posters at a rally in Kathmandu supporting the former Nepal king sparked a stir, highlighting the historical ties between Gorakhsh Peeth and the Shah Dynasty. Yogi has previously advocated for Nepal's Hindu nation status. A follower, Pradeep Bikram Rana, fled to Gorakhpur, citing persecution in Kathmandu.
A Shivling was discovered in an abandoned temple in Aligarh's Muslim-majority Sarai Rahman area, prompting calls for restoration and investigation. Hindu groups claim the temple, believed to be decades old, was neglected after Hindu families left the area. Police are investigating the matter and ensuring peace, while activists demand accountability for the temple's condition.
External affairs minister S Jaishankar informed the Lok Sabha that India is closely monitoring minority attacks in Pakistan and Bangladesh. He highlighted recent incidents targeting Hindus, Sikhs, Ahmadis, and Christians. Jaishankar stressed India's inability to change Pakistan's mindset but affirmed proactive measures to address the issue. The Human Rights Focus Pakistan report noted a rise in minority attacks in 2025.