Google celebrates India's 76th Republic Day with a special doodle featuring animals in traditional attire, symbolizing the nation's diversity. The event includes a grand military parade, showcasing India's cultural and military achievements, with special emphasis on an empowered and secure India.
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Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge emphasised the need for organizational empowerment and nurturing local leadership. He criticised PM Modi for not addressing Amit Shah's remarks on B R Ambedkar. Kharge also raised concerns about the impartiality of the Election Commission and the involvement of ideologically committed individuals to protect the Constitution. Kharge promised to fully implement the Udaipur Declaration.
Federal agencies addressed recent drone sighting concerns, clarifying most were legitimate or misidentified objects. Thousands of drones operate legally daily, and while some sightings near military bases are under investigation, no national security threat is currently evident. Authorities are using advanced technology to monitor the situation and assure public safety.
China's nationwide smartphone subsidy program may challenge Apple's market position while aiding domestic brands like Huawei, Xiaomi, and Oppo. The initiative aims to boost consumer spending amid economic challenges by expanding trade-in subsidies to cover smartphones. With Apple's shipments in decline, this could accelerate the shift towards domestic brands, influenced by local support and promotional campaigns.
PM Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen are set to discuss an India-EU Free Trade Agreement and formalize defence and security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. The visit aims to enhance collaboration in AI, green energy, space, and defence, with significant progress anticipated during the meetings.
In Lucknow, a woman named Nilofar, 24, led a gang to commit robberies in order to finance her relationship with her same-sex partner Arshi. Disguised as a rag-picker, she meticulously planned and executed these heists. Nilofar and two accomplices were arrested following a jewellery store robbery on December 31.
The government has transferred Justice Yashwant Varma from the Delhi High Court to Allahabad High Court amid allegations of cash recovery from his residence. The Supreme Court dismissed a PIL seeking an FIR against him, allowing an in-house inquiry to proceed. An inquiry panel's report is expected soon, while CJI Khanna ensures the investigation adheres to established procedures.
A 35-year-old man and a 24-year-old woman married at a mass wedding program in Amroha to claim government benefits worth Rs 51,000. The fraud was discovered due to a tip-off, resulting in a case being filed and the suspension of a gram panchayat secretary for negligence.
In a significant move to cut costs and boost efficiency, the Pentagon has terminated IT service contracts worth $5.1 billion with firms like Accenture and Deloitte. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that these contracts represent wasteful spending on services that can be handled internally.
Zahack Tanvir, an Indian activist from Hyderabad, imprisoned in Saudi Arabia following a complaint by Pakistan, has been released after a year. He thanked the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Ministry of External Affairs for their support. Tanvir was accused of exposing Pakistan's political system, resulting in his arrest in December 2023.
Apple CEO Tim Cook continues his tradition of celebrating cultural festivals by wishing everyone a happy Holi with a colorful photo taken on an iPhone, shared on X. The image by Kushagra Tiwari is part of Apple’s #ShotOniPhone campaign, promoting creative iPhone photography.