The Indian government anticipates a slowdown in highway construction over the next two years due to fewer new project awards in 2023-24. Despite this, the road transport ministry aims to exceed its target of constructing 10,400 km of national highways this fiscal year, hoping to reach 11,000 km, though maintaining this momentum will be challenging.
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The VHP has urged all parties to support the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, highlighting its claim over the Gyanvapi mosque and Mathura's Shahi Idgah sites. During the Maha Kumbh meeting, the VHP also called for ending government control over Hindu temples and expressed concerns about the declining Hindu birth rate.
At the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, young sanyasis are registering to become Naga sadhus across several akharas. After thorough screening, selected candidates undergo rituals such as tonsuring and pind daan, symbolizing detachment from the material world. The final initiation, involving naked participation in Amrit Snan, will complete their transformation into Naga sadhus.
Prashant Kishor has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the Bihar government to resolve the demands of protesting students who were allegedly beaten during a demonstration over exam irregularities. He condemned the police action and warned of legal consequences if the students were harmed further. He stressed the importance of accountability and urged leaders to stand with the students.
China has assured India and Bangladesh that its proposed dam on the Brahmaputra River will have no negative impacts on downstream countries. India has already expressed concerns and sought transparency over the project. The dam, located in Tibet, aims to aid in disaster prevention and climate change response, but India remains vigilant over potential impacts.
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar has urged all eligible citizens of India to register as electors and participate in the electoral process. He emphasised that voting is the first step towards national service.
S Prabakaran has been re-elected as vice-chairman of the Bar Council of India for a five-year term. This marks his third consecutive term in the role. With 35 years of bar experience, Prabakaran aims to further the initiatives and policies for bettering the legal profession and education in India.
Arvind Kejriwal of the Aam Aadmi Party has lost his New Delhi assembly seat to BJP's Parvesh Verma by over 4000 votes, marking a significant setback for AAP. Despite Kejriwal's accusations of BJP attempting to poach his party candidates, the BJP has now regained power in Delhi after 27 years.
A 55-year-old woman stole a designer bag from a Pune airport store and was intercepted at Delhi airport after CISF personnel coordinated efforts. She admitted to shoplifting and paid for the bag, avoiding a police complaint. This swift action saved the store representative's job and highlighted the consequences of shoplifting at airports.
Facing its first major setback, the Aam Aadmi Party in Delhi under Arvind Kejriwal lost to BJP, securing only 23 out of 70 seats. Major former allies such as Swati Maliwal, Kailash Gehlot, Kapil Mishra, and Alka Lamba, whose departures highlighted internal conflicts, are pivotal in Kejriwal’s reflections.
The Union Cabinet is set to approve two ropeway projects connecting the pilgrim centres of Kedarnath and Hemkund Sahib. These projects aim to enhance connectivity and boost tourism in hilly areas. The Kedarnath ropeway will significantly reduce travel time from Sonprayag to 60 minutes, while the Hemkund Sahib ropeway will cut travel time to 45 minutes.