Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasised India's advocacy for peace and democracy during the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention, stressing the nation's heritage and cultural ethos. He called on the Indian diaspora to contribute towards India's development, celebrated their role globally, and lauded improvements in consular services.
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The Sealdah sessions court has criticized the Kolkata police, particularly officers from Tala police station, for inefficiencies and mishandling in the investigation of a resident doctor's rape and murder case at RG Kar Medical College in August last year. Judge Anirban Das pointed out several lapses and urged the police commissioner to address the officers' negligent behavior.
A violent altercation occurred at the Indo-Bangladesh border in Tripura, leading to three BSF jawans and a Bangladeshi intruder being injured. The clash involved 20-25 intruders suspected of smuggling. The incident took place during a BSF patrol, with non-lethal rounds fired to manage the situation. Meanwhile, Mumbai Police detained 16 illegal Bangladeshi nationals in separate raids.
Kerala Police arrested businessman Boby Chemmanur after a Malayalam actor accused him of making sexually explicit remarks at events. Chemmanur, who is the director of Chemmanur International Jewellers, will be presented before a magistrate. The arrest follows the actor's confidential statement and an investigation into a related cyberattack case involving sexist comments against her.
Congress will inaugurate its new headquarters, Indira Gandhi Bhawan, on Jan 15 in Delhi. Sonia Gandhi will officiate the ceremony, accompanied by party leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi. The new office, featuring modern facilities, will address the party's evolving needs while retaining its historic Akbar Road base for some cells.
ISRO has made significant progress in developing a semi-cryogenic engine, successfully conducting a hot test of the Engine Power Head Test Article. This engine, set to power the LVM-3 launch vehicle, uses non-toxic propellants and is expected to boost payload capacity. The breakthrough follows the establishment of a dedicated testing facility, with further tests planned to optimize performance.
Temple-mosque disputes have escalated in Uttar Pradesh since the consecration of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, culminating in violence in Sambhal. Major disputes exist in Varanasi, Mathura, Lucknow, Budaun, Baghpat, and Jaunpur, each involving historical claims about the original sites of existing mosques.
India extended duty-free import of yellow peas until the end of May to ensure affordable pulse availability and support farmers. Meanwhile, a 10% duty is imposed on lentil imports. The moves seek to balance domestic production and imports, addressing price concerns and supply gaps in the market.
The Karnataka cabinet approved amendments to strengthen penalties against cooperative societies and pawnbrokers charging excessive interest rates, following concerns by the state governor. The changes, related to a recent microfinance regulatory ordinance, increase imprisonment terms and fines. The cabinet also discussed the transfer of development rights dispute involving the Mysuru royal family, after a Supreme Court ruling.
Political experts believe the rising temple-mosque disputes in Uttar Pradesh are shaping the narrative for the 2027 Assembly polls, leading to potential polarization. Recent claims of Hindu sites at mosque locations and comments from political figures highlight the growing communal tensions and their electoral implications.
Dilip Ghosh, a senior West Bengal BJP leader, has ignited controversy by urging Hindus to keep weapons at home, citing the Murshidabad violence. This statement, made at a North 24 Parganas rally, has been criticized by the TMC, with MLA Humanyun Kabir accusing Ghosh of inciting communal discord and disrupting West Bengal's harmony.