UP CM Yogi Adityanath defended the Rs 4,000 crore expenditure on the Maha Kumbh, highlighting its economic benefits. He clarified that only Rs 1,500 crore was spent on the event, with the rest on Prayagraj's infrastructure. At a Lucknow event, he emphasized ongoing projects that bolster UP's development and thanked ministers for their support in achieving world-class infrastructure.
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India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar will attend Donald Trump's inauguration as the 47th US President on January 20, joining a group of mostly right-wing foreign leaders. Trump's unconventional inauguration breaks tradition by inviting foreign dignitaries, aligning with his ideological allies. The ceremony occurs amid flags at half-mast in honor of President Jimmy Carter's passing, with Trump expressing discontent.
Colin Carroll, a senior Pentagon official, has been placed on administrative leave amidst an investigation into information leaks within the Department of Defense. He is the third Pentagon official to be put on leave, joining Dan Caldwell and Darin Selnick.
A Bhopal court has reopened the investigation into the 1997 death of Mahila Congress activist Sarla Mishra, who died from severe burns. The court questioned the validity of her dying declaration, citing the extent of her injuries.
The Congress criticized the timing of Manipur CM N Biren Singh’s resignation, arguing it should have happened earlier to prevent the state's crisis. Singh resigned after meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, expressing gratitude for central government support while Congress leaders blame him for deepening community divides.
India’s forest and tree cover has increased by 1,445 sq km since 2021, according to the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023. Forest cover alone rose by 156 sq km, reaching 21.76% of the country’s total geographical area. Tree cover also expanded by 1,289 sq km. The overall green cover now stands at 25.17% of India’s land.
A cobbler in Chitradurga was murdered on February 9 based on an astrologer's advice for human sacrifice to unearth treasure. Anand Reddy, suffering financial issues, stabbed Prabhakar on astrologer Ramakrishna's suggestion, promising riches through the sacrifice. Both suspects were arrested promptly, with Ramakrishna charged for abetment. The crime unfolded at Parashuramapur police station limits.
Bangladesh's 15-member squad for the ICC Men's Champions Trophy is missing veteran Shakib Al Hasan, who is banned from bowling under ECB jurisdiction. Shanto will captain the team, with Mushfiqur and Mahmudullah leading. Newcomers include Parvez Hossain Emon and rising pacer Nahid Rana. Despite setbacks, the team aims for the title.
Shiv Sena workers defaced comedian Kunal Kamra's photo outside an Indore public toilet after he criticized Maharashtra deputy CM Eknath Shinde. They vandalized the Habitat Comedy Club where Kamra performed. Kamra's satirical comments on Maharashtra's political turmoil sparked strong reactions. Police have launched an investigation, while political leaders like Sanjay Raut and Priyanka Chaturvedi showed support for Kamra.
Former cricketers in Pakistan voiced disappointment following their team's early exit from the ICC Champions Trophy. Key figures like Wasim Akram and Rashid Latif criticised the lack of improvement and called for changes in domestic cricket and administration. The exit came amid Pakistan's first major tournament hosting in 29 years, highlighting ongoing issues within the sport.
A right-wing group in Uttar Pradesh has announced a Rs 21 lakh reward for demolishing Mughal emperor Aurangzeb's grave in Maharashtra. This follows statements by Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis supporting the tomb's removal, though emphasizing legal procedures are necessary. The group's leader, Dinesh Falhari, criticizes Aurangzeb for historical atrocities.