India’s military modernization continues with a modest budget hike of 9.5%, bringing the overall defence budget to Rs 6.8 lakh crore. The capital outlay of Rs 1.8 lakh crore for modernization faces challenges due to major operational shortfalls and unspent funds. Significant investments are planned for indigenous and international defence procurement.
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This meeting is being held to ensure better coordination among the alliance partners.
The Aam Aadmi Party suffered a significant defeat in the Delhi Assembly elections, with the Bharatiya Janata Party leading by a decisive margin. The BJP has won 15 seats and is leading in 32 others, securing a near two-thirds majority, while AAP secured only 23 seats in total.
A Delhi court deferred its verdict in a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case against former Congress MP Sajjan Kumar to January 31, allowing the prosecution more time for arguments. Kumar, accused of leading a mob that killed two Sikhs and destroyed property in Saraswati Vihar, faces charges based on a 2021 court order citing "prima facie" evidence.
India's DGCA plans to rank flying training organisations (FTOs) based on factors like CPL completion time to promote transparency and competition. High costs, delays, and quality issues have led many students to seek training abroad. This initiative aims to help prospective students make informed choices.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the importance of the youth in transforming India into a developed nation, highlighting Swami Vivekananda's faith in the younger generation. Speaking on National Youth Day, Modi underscored ambitious goals, including achieving 20% ethanol blending by 2030 and hosting the Olympics. He called for active citizen involvement in realizing the vision of 'Viksit Bharat.'
Sikh clergy in Punjab assert that the SAD leadership has not fully met their directives. Akal Takht jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh urges SAD members to complete their penance as instructed and implement the high priests' decisions promptly. This follows the party's non-acceptance of Sukhbir Singh Badal's resignation.
India's extensive naval exercise, Tropex, concluded after three months of rigorous drills involving 65-70 warships, 10 submarines, and over 80 aircraft. The exercise tested operational readiness and reinforced maritime defense amidst growing Chinese and Pakistani naval collaboration. Significant participation from the Army, IAF, and Coast Guard enhanced joint operational capabilities.
During his visit to the US, PM Modi and President Trump affirmed their strong personal bond and discussed key issues including trade, energy, and extradition. Both leaders emphasised the future collaboration and the importance of national interest, with commitments to enhance ties and combat human trafficking together.
The Travancore Devaswom Board has temporarily suspended issuing special passes for devotees arriving via the forest route to Sabarimala. This measure aims to reduce wait times for darshan among those using the virtual queue system. The suspension follows a significant increase in the number of devotees taking the forest path. No special passes will be issued until further notice.
President Trump commented on a purported $21 million USAID allocation to boost voter turnout in India, suggesting potential interference. He previously implied this was a kickback during the Biden administration. Trump's claims are often marked by exaggerations and misleading information, including about India's trade surplus.