Bangladesh's foreign ministry summoned Indian high commissioner Pranay Verma to address concerns over BSF's unauthorized construction of barbed wire fencing along the border, causing tensions. Bangladesh also raised issues of border killings and urged India to stop such incidents and ensure enquiries and actions against those responsible.
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Arvind Kejriwal urged the Centre to address the HMPV virus outbreak after the health ministry confirmed two cases in Karnataka. The ministry is monitoring the situation and has not detected an unusual surge in respiratory illnesses. Delhi's health department has issued advisories for hospitals to prepare for potential cases.
IMA president Dr Dilip Bhanushali criticized the integration of alternative medicine systems with modern medicine, calling it a 'menace' during a ceremony in Dehradun. He warned it can lead to harmful treatments by inadequately trained practitioners, promoting quackery. Bhanushali emphasized that rigorous training of modern surgeons cannot be equaled by short-term training for alternative medicine practitioners.
The Siddheshwar Mahadev Temple, closed for decades in Varanasi's Muslim-dominated Madanpura, was reopened with the help of the district administration and police. Keys were handed over to the Vishwa Hindu Parishad. Local Muslim residents and various Hindu organizations collaborated peacefully in cleaning and securing the temple, planning its revival post-Makar Sankranti.
Enforcement Directorate has summoned former Chhattisgarh Congress minister Kawasi Lakhma on January 3 over his alleged involvement in a liquor scam. Searches conducted in Raipur, Dhamtari, and Sukma revealed evidence of his receipt of commissions from illegal liquor sales. Lakhma has promised to provide all required documents and comply with the law.
West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee has rejected the Waqf Amendment Bill passed by the Lok Sabha, expressing determination to nullify it once the BJP is ousted. During a presser, she accused the BJP of attempting to divide the country with the bill, which passed with 288 votes in favor and 232 against.
Opposition parties criticized the Union Budget as a disappointment, especially for states not ruled by the NDA. Congress accused the government of lacking new ideas, while leaders from TMC, DMK, and RJD expressed concerns over the Budget's focus on Bihar and neglect of states like West Bengal and Jharkhand. The middle class also felt let down.
Asaduddin Owaisi criticized Arvind Kejriwal and Narendra Modi, claiming they share the same ideology. He urged voters to support AIMIM candidates in the upcoming Delhi polls. He questioned the judicial process and accused Kejriwal of neglecting the Okhla constituency. Owaisi asserted that BJP would not win in Okhla.
Three private firms in South India have been shortlisted to develop 31 satellites for India's space-based surveillance programme. This is a significant step as private industry partners will produce satellites for strategic needs, enhancing India's space surveillance capabilities alongside 21 satellites developed by Isro.
The Congress accuses the Modi government of implementing policies that have discouraged private investment, citing tax complexities, persistent Chinese imports, and stagnant wages. As a solution, they urge the upcoming budget to address 'tax terrorism,' protect manufacturing jobs, and boost wages and purchasing power to restore investor confidence.
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) in Haryana will suspend Ayushman Bharat scheme services from February 3 due to Rs 400 crore in pending reimbursements. Around 1,300 hospitals are affected. Key demands include immediate payment of dues, no deductions after approval, and rectification of the TMS 2 portal. Discussions with the state government have not resolved the issue.