Kerala's government is considering significant changes to land laws, potentially affecting the Kerala Land Reforms Act and the Kerala Conservation of Paddy Land and Wetland Act. These changes aim to facilitate industrial land acquisition and reduce local bodies' control, raising concerns about increased corporate land ownership and paddy land conversion.
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Telangana CM Revanth Reddy praised the distribution of fine rice as a historic welfare scheme, stating it would feel like a daily festival for the poor. However, Union Minister Bandi Sanjay argued that PM Narendra Modi's photo should be displayed at ration shops, highlighting the Centre's significant contribution to the initiative.
At a post-Budget seminar on MSMEs, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also announced a new committee to review regulations in the non-financial sector.
PM Modi mentioned that a false narrative was created to tarnish his image post-2002 Gujarat riots, citing prior terrorist attacks and tensions. He emphasized the judiciary had cleared him. Modi praised RSS for instilling patriotism and public service and also highlighted efforts to improve government efficiency since 2014.
Rahul Gandhi accused the BJP of attacking India's core values, claiming the party favors businesspeople close to PM Modi while the country's wealth concentrates in their hands. He highlighted rising unemployment and inflation as key issues. Meanwhile, BJP criticized Gandhi for prioritizing foreign visits over his constituency responsibilities.
Madhya Pradesh chief minister Mohan Yadav announced the closure of liquor shops in 17 holy towns to curb alcohol consumption in religious areas. The decision from the cabinet meeting in Khargone includes shutting down vends in Ujjain and other municipalities, urban councils, and village panchayats, with a continued ban around Narmada river.
Delhi High Court criticized the AAP government for not promptly forwarding key CAG reports to the assembly for discussion on the scrapped liquor policy, raising doubts about their motives. The court noted that calling an assembly session is the Speaker's prerogative and scheduled the next hearing for January 16.
Invest UP CEO Abhishek Prakash has been suspended amid allegations of irregularities in a solar project evaluation. The action follows the arrest of a middleman soliciting a bribe for project approval, with the charges verified by a government inquiry. The incident raises concerns about investor confidence in the state.
Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera also challenged the raids, stating the BJP was attempting to deflect attention from concerns including reciprocal tariffs, economic decline, and alleged voter list irregularities.
WMO secretary-general Celeste Saulo emphasized the grave danger of the global average temperature rising 1.55 degree Celsius above pre-industrial levels in 2024, urging decisive climate action in 2025. Attendees including Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed India's meteorological contributions. Pakistan representatives did not attend despite prior confirmation.
Indian American Congressman Suhash Subramanyam, first from the East Coast, took his oath of office on the Bhagavad Gita, becoming the only lawmaker from the community to do so this year. His mother witnessed this historic moment, which signifies the expanding representation of Hindu faith in the US Congress.