Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has suspended the flying of Dhruv advanced light helicopters until the root cause of the recent crash in Gujarat is determined. An investigation revealed control loss for seconds before the crash, with repeated safety issues prompting calls for a comprehensive review.
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The Election Commission has issued a notice to Arvind Kejriwal seeking evidence for his claims that Haryana poisoned Yamuna waters. The poll panel reminded him of legal provisions against statements that incite group enmity, which could lead to a criminal case if unsubstantiated. Kejriwal must respond by Wednesday, while separate complaints about water contamination are being addressed.
Calls for posthumously awarding Bharat Ratna to late former PM Manmohan Singh rose during his final journey. Punjab Congress' Partap Singh Bajwa emphasized Singh’s vital role in India’s economic reforms, the Indo-US nuclear deal, and significant social programs, urging recognition of Singh's contributions with the nation's highest civilian honour.
Rahul Gandhi did not attend the scheduled court appearance related to his statement on economic reservation in Bareilly. The court has now rescheduled the hearing to January 17 and transferred the case to the MP-MLA court. The petitioner, Pankaj Pathak, alleges Gandhi's statement was offensive and aimed at community appeasement, seeking appropriate judicial action.
The Indian government criticized the Washington Post, accusing it of fostering relentless hostility towards India after reports surfaced about India's alleged covert operations in the Maldives and Pakistan. New Delhi dismissed these claims as baseless and emphasized Pakistan's role in sponsoring terrorism instead.
The VHP has urged all parties to support the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, highlighting its claim over the Gyanvapi mosque and Mathura's Shahi Idgah sites. During the Maha Kumbh meeting, the VHP also called for ending government control over Hindu temples and expressed concerns about the declining Hindu birth rate.
The Supreme Court is considering a plea from a non-believer Muslim seeking equitable property division under the Indian Succession Act. If accepted, this could lead to uniform succession laws for all faiths. The petitioner argues that Sharia law discriminates against women, impacting her inheritance rights. The Union government has been asked to file a detailed affidavit.
The Election Commission refutes the government's justification for simultaneous polls citing the Model Code of Conduct, emphasizing its role in ensuring fairness. The government argues for unified elections due to financial and operational burdens. The EC maintains the MCC is crucial for equitable elections and brief application correlates with electoral cycles, minimizing disruption.
Manmohan Singh's state funeral was conducted with full military honors, attended by politicians, dignitaries, and family members. Despite tensions between Congress and BJP over memorial sites, the event remained dignified. The ceremony included military bands, ceremonial marching, and Sikh priests reciting verses, with Singh's daughter lighting the pyre.
AAP staged a unique wedding procession without a groom, targeting BJP's delay in announcing its chief ministerial candidate for the upcoming elections. AAP leaders participated, with Sanjay Singh and Arvind Kejriwal highlighting the lack of leadership within BJP. This event followed Kejriwal's earlier claim that Ramesh Bidhuri was BJP's top contender, which Bidhuri denied.
On the 99th birth anniversary of Shiv Sena founder, the Shiv Sena (UBT) demands the Bharat Ratna for Bal Thackeray, citing his contributions to Hindutva. Senior leader Sanjay Raut criticized the BJP-led government for neglecting Thackeray while honoring undeserving individuals and accused Prime Minister Modi and Amit Shah of hypocrisy regarding Thackeray's legacy.