BJP leader Mithun Chakraborty disputes Mamata Banerjee's claim regarding the Maha Kumbh's occurrence and attendee numbers, emphasizing the event's significance. Banerjee clarifies her comments, urging better planning and compensation for stampede victims to prevent further suffering.
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The road transport ministry has proposed to Finance ministry toll exemptions for National Highways with less than four lanes and annual passes costing approximately Rs 3,000 for unlimited car travel. These initiatives aim to ease the financial burden on commuters. Exemptions primarily target publicly funded roads where collection costs outweigh revenue, while annual passes seek to provide relief without significantly impacting revenue from commercial vehicles.
Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra face a complaint over alleged disrespectful remarks about President Droupadi Murmu. The BJP demands an apology, accusing them of insulting the President and marginalized communities. The case is set to be heard in a Bihar court on 10 February.
Three cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) have been detected in India, with two cases in Karnataka and one in Gujarat. Authorities in Delhi and at the national level are monitoring the situation closely and enhancing laboratory testing, with no significant surge noted so far.
Gold prices in Mumbai have reached a record high, surpassing Rs 91,000/10gm, driven by global uncertainties and tariff wars. Silver prices have also surged, crossing Rs 1 lakh/kg mark. A report by Goldman Sachs has further boosted gold's outlook with a new target price of $3,300 for 2025.
The Supreme Court of India has suggested that state governments allocate 25% of their budgets for health, education, hygiene, and infrastructure to help India become a developed nation. The court highlighted the consistent 'fund constraint' response from states and emphasized the need for intervention, despite acknowledging judicial limitations in financial policy matters.
Asteroid 2024 YR4, measuring 130 to 300 feet, is predicted to closely pass earth in 2032, with Mumbai and Kolkata among the potential impact zones. NASA has lowered the strike probability to 1.5%, while monitoring continues. The asteroid's trajectory also places parts of Maharashtra, Telangana, and other states at risk.
Rahul Gandhi emphasized the urgent need to modernize and secure Indian Railways, highlighting its role in production and the economy. He stressed local manufacturing and the hard work of engineers, while the Congress party criticized the Modi government for unresolved transportation issues.
A team of Army doctors from various military hospitals restored the eyesight of more than 250 veterans in a three-day operation in Dehradun, utilizing advanced equipment. The initiative, proposed by Lt Gen (retired) Gurmit Singh and instructed by Lt Gen Sadhana Saxena Nair, aimed to help veterans in remote Himalayan locations.
India ranked as the fifth most polluted country in the world in 2024, with Byrnihat, Meghalaya, recognized as the most polluted metropolitan area globally. Despite a 7% decline in PM2.5 levels, New Delhi remained the most polluted capital. Major pollution sources include industrial emissions, vehicular pollution, and crop residue burning.
An intruder targeted actor Saif Ali Khan's residence after a failed attempt at another flat in the same building. The suspect scaled walls, used ladders, and evaded CCTV cameras. He clashed with Khan's family and staff before fleeing. Police obtained his image from CCTV during the break-in attempt.