The central panel in Delhi-NCR revoked Stage-III air quality restrictions amid improved pollution levels and favorable weather conditions. Institutions are urged to adhere to Stage-I and II protocols to prevent deterioration of air quality. Citizens are advised to follow guidelines, with further potential weather disruptions expected around mid-January 2025.
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The resumption of the Census 2021 exercise, suspended due to the Covid-19 pandemic, appears unlikely in the coming year, with a reduced budget allocation of Rs 574 crore. Discussions on including a caste census and the need for accurate methodology are also contributing to the delay.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will co-chair the AI summit in France with President Emmanuel Macron during his visit from February 10-12. He will also address the India-France CEOs forum in Marseille. Foreign secretary Vikram Misri highlighted India's focus on safe and responsible AI development. PM Modi will honor Indian soldiers of World War I and visit the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor site.
The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) initially announced a hike in the honorarium for special police officers (SPOs) via social media, but later clarified it hadn't happened and dismissed the responsible adviser. This reversal drew criticism and raised questions about government pressure.
Chhattisgarh chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai informed home minister Amit Shah that the fight against Maoists in Bastar is in its final stages, with recent surrenders under a new policy. Discussions focused on boosting development and tourism in the region to achieve lasting peace and economic growth.
Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi states that the situation on the northern borders is stable but sensitive. The Indian Army is prepared and focuses on modern equipment development. Efforts continue to reduce violence in Jammu and Kashmir. Women's empowerment and self-reliance in defense production are emphasized.
Costa Rica has agreed to accept migrants who were deported from the United States, becoming the third country in Central America to do so. This move follows similar actions by Panama and Guatemala. The deportees, mostly from Central Asia and India, will be repatriated under an arrangement funded by the US government and managed by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).
Congress expressed satisfaction over Arvind Kejriwal's defeat in Delhi, attributing AAP's ouster to its misrule and scams. Congress spokesman Jairam Ramesh stated that the election result was a referendum on Kejriwal and highlighted Congress's role in exposing AAP's corruption, with hopes of winning Delhi in the future.
India celebrated its 76th Republic Day with a grand parade featuring 16 tableaux from states and Union Territories, 15 from central ministries, and organizations. Highlights included Captain Dimple Singh Bhati's salute to President Murmu, Pralay missile's debut, a tri-services tableau, an Indonesian contingent's first participation, and vibrant cultural performances showcasing India's folk and tribal traditions.
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.
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.