The Congress party announced significant changes to its leadership, with Bhupesh Baghel assigned to Punjab and Syed Naseer Hussain to Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. Other key appointments include BK Hariprasad for Haryana and Ajay Kumar Lallu for Odisha. The reshuffle aims to improve the party's performance following recent electoral setbacks in Haryana, Maharashtra, and Delhi.
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Former Bihar Chief Minister Lalu Prasad, 76, was admitted to AIIMS, Delhi, for treatment of back and arm sores. He experienced a drop in blood pressure, necessitating hospitalization in Patna before traveling. Prasad, who suffers from diabetes and other health issues, is under the care of Dr. Rakesh Yadav at the Cardio-Neuro Centre.
Home Minister Amit Shah reviews ongoing projects of the Bureau of Police Research and Development, focusing on new criminal laws, grassroots policing challenges, and police modernisation. He emphasizes research, multi-stakeholder contributions, and 'make in India' initiatives to improve Indian police forces and criminal justice system.
Delhi Airport is trialing airside baggage transfers between T3 and T1 to ease connections, especially with increased traffic from Air India and IndiGo's expansions. International arriving passengers can soon drop baggage at T3 for transfer to T1 flights. The airport aims for 120-minute T1 to T3 transfers. Runway upgrades will enhance landing capabilities in dense fog.
The Maharashtra Cabinet has approved several significant initiatives, including the formation of the Sixth State Finance Commission and the creation of 346 new positions in the Anti-Narcotics Task Force. Additionally, key infrastructure projects like a solar energy initiative and irrigation schemes have been sanctioned to improve energy efficiency and land irrigation.
A class 12 student in Delhi has admitted to sending the last 23 bomb threat emails to various schools. Previous threats were also traced to students aiming to postpone exams. The incidents have caused frequent disruptions in schools, with threats targeting various institutions, including hospitals and airports, since December last year.
External affairs minister S Jaishankar is carrying a personal letter from PM Modi for US President-elect Donald Trump. Jaishankar will attend Trump's inauguration as the 47th US President, marking Trump's return to power after a four-year gap. The swearing-in will include oaths administered by Supreme Court justices, followed by Trump's inaugural address.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking at the Jahan-e-Khusrau event in New Delhi, emphasized the deep connection between a nation's culture and its music. He highlighted the unique identity of the Sufi tradition in India and praised the event's 25-year legacy. Modi also acknowledged India's shared heritage through performances like Nazr-e-Krishna and extended greetings for the upcoming month of Ramzan.
President Droupadi Murmu addressed Parliament and highlighted the third term of the current administration. She mentioned that the government is working faster and has taken significant decisions. The government is focusing on health insurance for senior citizens, youth education, and creating new jobs. The Union Budget will be presented on February 1.
Arvind Kejriwal blames BJP for the indefinite fast by farmers in Punjab, accusing the Centre of not fulfilling previous promises and reintroducing the controversial 2020 farm laws discreetly. Farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal's health, on a fast since November 26 demanding legal MSP guarantee, is deteriorating. The Supreme Court reprimanded the Punjab government for not hospitalizing him.
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav announced support for Aam Aadmi Party over Congress in upcoming Delhi elections, emphasizing that regional parties strong against BJP should be backed. The decision follows the INDIA bloc's principle to support dominant regional parties where they are strong.