The defence ministry has signed a Rs 2,960 crore contract with Bharat Dynamics Ltd for over 70 additional MR-SAMs. These missiles are for the Navy's warships. MR-SAMs are developed with Israel and are used by the Navy, IAF, and Army. The system protects against various aerial threats up to 70 km.
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Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar defended the amendment to election rules restricting public inspection of CCTV footage at polling booths, emphasizing the need to protect voter privacy and prevent misuse of footage through fake narratives. The new rule limits access to CCTV footage, ensuring voter identities are safeguarded.
Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq claims he has been under house arrest, preventing him from offering prayers at Srinagar's Jamia Masjid for the fourth consecutive week. He states that authorities blocked his access and informed him verbally, while he condemns this act of authoritarianism and remains patient in his faith.
The parliamentary panel on railways recommends reviewing AC fares and implementing dynamic pricing for AC classes and premium trains while keeping rail travel affordable for low-income passengers. They also suggest enhancing non-fare revenue through e-auctions and advertisements and maintaining targeted subsidies for suburban and non-AC travel.
Two labourers died and six were grievously injured when an iron-casting structure collapsed at a Raipur construction site. The accident came two days after a silo collapse in Mungeli district. Rescue operations were launched, and the injured labourers were rushed to the hospital. Authorities were at the scene to assist.
Railway Protection Force in Chhattisgarh detained Akash Kanojia, suspected assailant of Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan, at Durg railway station. Police identified him from inputs and photographs provided by Mumbai Police. Saif Ali Khan sustained six stab wounds during an assault at his Mumbai residence, but his condition is stable.
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar expressed hope that the entire country would soon adopt the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), following Uttarakhand's implementation of it. He criticized those opposing the UCC as ignorant, emphasizing that it is a constitutional mandate aimed at promoting gender equality.
Congress leader SS Randhawa accused AAP of being the BJP's "B-team" and criticized Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal for not aiding Punjab's farmers. Delhi CM Atishi countered by accusing the BJP of neglecting farmers, highlighting dire conditions during their rule. Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan had earlier criticized Delhi's government for not implementing farmer-friendly schemes.
Associates of jailed Punjab MP and Sikh preacher Amritpal Singh plan to announce a new political party at Maghi Mela on January 14, offering an alternative to Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD). The party will establish its constitution, advisory committee, and district-wise committees. The rally will include support from notable figures like MP Sarabjit Singh Khalsa and activist Paramjit Kaur Khalra.
India's first non-Isro biological space experiment, conducted by Amity University Mumbai, successfully demonstrates spinach tissue growth in zero gravity. The experiment, part of the PSLV-C60 mission, shows promising initial results, with implications for future space missions like the Bharatiya Antariksh Station.
The Cabinet has approved a 2% increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) for central government employees and Dearness Relief (DR) for pensioners, effective January 1, 2025. This move will benefit over 1.1 crore individuals, with the additional financial impact on the exchequer estimated at Rs 6,614 crore annually, as per the recommendations of the 7th Pay Commission.