A parliamentary panel has proposed introducing a minimum support price (MSP) for all organic crops to incentivize farmers to transition to organic farming. The panel suggests setting MSP for organic produce higher than conventional crops to offset lower yields and costs associated with the shift.
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India informed the UN Security Council about its engagement with the Taliban regime, emphasizing the special people-to-people ties. India discussed bilateral relations and further humanitarian assistance. India remains committed to regional stability, supporting Afghanistan through development projects and cooperation in health, food security, and other essential areas.
A mechanical engineer from Tamil Nadu was arrested in Delhi for allegedly duping a Japanese professor, after becoming involved with a Chinese cybercrime syndicate in Cambodia. Promised easy money, he had managed bank accounts used in the cyber operations before striking out on his own.
The Supreme Court has directed the government to draft a legal framework to protect domestic workers, citing their widespread exploitation and a lack of legal safeguards. The court criticised the absence of legislative action and ordered multiple ministries to form a committee of experts to draft recommendations within six months. The judgment came while quashing a criminal case against a former DRDO scientist.
Indian Forest Service officer Praveen Kaswan shared a video of a man provoking an elephant and narrowly escaping, warning against such behavior. Kaswan highlighted that harassment can cause stress and defensive actions in elephants. He urged people to avoid irritating wild animals for personal amusement.
The Supreme Court acquitted Chandrabhan Sudam Sanap in the 2014 Mumbai rape-murder case of an IT professional, overturning previous convictions and the death penalty. The court cited insufficient evidence, unreliable extra-judicial confession, and problematic witness identification as key reasons for the acquittal.
Former Jammu and Kashmir DGP SP Vaid claims that Pakistan's government and military have lost control over Balochistan, predicting a potential breakup of the country. The Baloch Liberation Army's recent hijacking of the Jaffar Express and hostage-taking of over 100 passengers highlights the region's escalating insurgency and instability.
V Narayanan is set to become the new chairman of ISRO on January 14, succeeding S Somanath. Narayanan will oversee several significant projects, including the Chandrayaan-4 lunar mission, Gaganyaan human spaceflight, and space station development. His background in cryogenics and leadership experience will aid in advancing ISRO's ambitious space programs.
The parliamentary panel on transport has urged for CAG audits of highway project consultants' work, especially under the Bharatmala Pariyojna, to enhance accountability. It highlighted irregularities in the project reports and contractors' poor performances. The panel recommended stricter financial screening of contractors due to issues of financial capacity leading to stalled infrastructure projects.
External affairs minister S Jaishankar met Congressman Michael Waltz during his US visit, discussing bilateral partnerships. Waltz is set to become National Security Advisor on January 20, under President-elect Donald Trump. Jaishankar also engaged with the Indian Embassy and Consuls General in Washington, DC.
A BJP functionary, Jitendra Mevafarosh, allegedly committed suicide in Datia, Madhya Pradesh, by shooting himself with his licensed weapon. Mevafarosh, who was the general secretary of BJP's district unit, took this extreme step after reportedly facing pressure over money transactions and being coerced into selling his house. Authorities are investigating the incident.