Sambhal DSP Anuj Chaudhary and other police officials celebrated Holi on Sunday in Uttar Pradesh, following recent communal tensions. Chaudhary had faced criticism for comments about the timing of Holi and Ramadan.
Related news
Prince Yakub Habeebuddin Tucy, claiming Mughal descent, has appealed to the UN for the protection of Aurangzeb's tomb following unrest in Maharashtra. Citing the risk from misrepresentations and hate campaigns, he urged the UN to direct Indian authorities to secure the site under the Ancient Monuments Act.
The Embassy of India in Bangkok has issued an emergency helpline for Indian nationals in Thailand following a powerful earthquake in Myanmar that impacted the region. The embassy is coordinating with Thai authorities and no incidents involving Indian citizens have been reported yet. Prime Minister Modi expressed readiness to assist affected nations.
In 2024, the Border Security Force (BSF) seized 294 drones in Punjab, as stated by junior home minister Nityanand Rai. In efforts to curb narco-smuggling via drones along the Indo-Pakistan border, anti-drone systems have been deployed. Information sharing and close coordination with various security agencies have been reinforced to track and intercept these devices.
Jammu and Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah stated the implementation of three new criminal laws has been largely successful, with minor issues to be addressed. The laws replace the colonial-era IPC, CrPC, and Indian Evidence Act. Abdullah emphasized public awareness of these laws in colleges and forums, and clarified no security discussions occurred during the review meeting.
Opposition MPs in the Rajya Sabha critiqued the Union Budget, highlighting reduced allocations for minority welfare schemes and overlooking farmers, SC, and ST needs. They accused the government of neglecting the 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas' promise. MPs called for addressing inflation, unemployment, and the budget's insufficient support for marginalized communities and farmers.
The State Water and Sanitation Mission (SWSM) in Lucknow is stepping up efforts to ensure consistent water supply in rural areas during summer. Additional Chief Secretary Anurag Srivastava warned that any interruptions would result in disciplinary actions. Engineers and agencies must proactively plan to avoid water shortages and closely monitor supply operations.
The home ministry did not share information on fatalities and injuries from the Maha Kumbh mela stampede in Prayagraj. They stated that it is a state subject. Management of such events is the responsibility of state governments. A January 29 stampede left 30 dead and 60 injured. Guidelines for crowd management exist.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 13 km stretch of the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Namo Bharat Corridor. The initiative, costing Rs 4,600 crores, is set to enhance connectivity in Delhi and the NCR. Delhi BJP president Sachdeva and Delhi CM Atishi highlighted other key transport projects aiding the city’s infrastructure development.
The Rajya Sabha continued the debate past midnight on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill with partisan alignment similar to Lok Sabha. BJD softened its stance, allowing its members to vote based on their conscience, potentially aiding the NDA in enacting the new law regulating Islamic endowments.
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor evaded questions on his comments appreciating PM Narendra Modi's role in fostering peace between Russia and Ukraine. Tharoor admitted his initial criticism of India's neutral stance was misplaced, acknowledging India's balanced approach has allowed significant diplomatic engagements with both nations' leaders.