Telangana minister Uttam Kumar Reddy revealed that robotic technology is being utilized in the SLBC tunnel rescue to navigate the dangerous final stretch. The BJP criticised the state government's crisis management, demanding accountability and a judicial inquiry into the incident.
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Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal has released a middle-class centric manifesto for the Delhi polls, demanding the central government to ease income tax and GST rates, increase education and healthcare budgets, and provide free healthcare for senior citizens. Kejriwal criticizes the central government for neglecting the middle class and catering to industrialists.
A special CBI court recorded evidence in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots case against Congress leader Jagdish Tytler, involving the killing of three Sikhs near Gurudwara Pul Bangash. A senior scientific assistant testified about Tytler's voice sample, taken in April 2023, and an audio clip was played in court. Charges include incitement and murder. The case follows a supplementary charge sheet filed by the CBI in May 2023. Cross-examination is set for February 7.
India ranks 123rd out of 143 countries in readiness to handle an aging population, as per a survey. The study evaluated well-being, security, and other factors. India's performance was poor in many aspects like universal healthcare, life satisfaction, and technology readiness. Countries like Switzerland, Norway, and Denmark were found to be the best prepared.
Commuters have paid nearly 50% more in toll fees for the Gurgaon-Jaipur NH-48 stretch since April 2009 compared to the construction and maintenance costs. For the Delhi-Gurgaon expressway, the toll collected since January 2003 exceeds the incurred costs by around 9%. The excess toll revenue does not fully account for significant investments in land acquisition.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha highlighted the positive changes in Jammu & Kashmir, emphasizing good governance's role in fostering peace and development. He praised the successful assembly elections, announced future local body elections, and stressed unity against divisive forces. Sinha also acknowledged the Indian Army's dedication in ensuring the region's security and stability.
Another Ayyappa devotee, Manjunath Waghmore, died due to burns sustained in a cylinder blast in Hubballi, raising the death toll to six. The blast occurred on December 24, injuring nine devotees. Three others are still receiving treatment. They were planning to visit the Ayyappa temple in Kerala.
Air India Express launched its first Kolkata-Hindon-Goa flight from Hindon Airport, marking the start of major air services from this location. Union aviation minister K Rammohan Naidu hopes for future expansions, including international flights. The airline plans 40 weekly direct flights to key Indian cities, enhancing connectivity for residents of Ghaziabad and NCR.
Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev praised home minister Amit Shah for his efforts in integrating Jammu and Kashmir into India by nullifying Article 370 and controlling militancy. Shah's commitment to eliminating Left-wing extremism by 2026 and restoring peace in Kashmir was highlighted as significant achievements ensuring national security.
A 2.5-kilometre dredging project unified the Ganga's three streams for Maha Kumbh 2025, enhancing the event’s logistics and expanding the Mela area by 22 hectares. The intervention reclaimed land equivalent to 1,000 tennis courts, ensuring improved organization and accessibility for millions of devotees.
The Supreme Court has granted bail to British arms consultant and alleged middleman, Christian James Michel, in the AgustaWestland chopper scam. Despite CBI's opposition and continued investigation, the court questioned the necessity of his continued custody since he has already been in jail for over six years without the trial starting.