Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded Indian-American astronaut Sunita Williams, returning to Earth after a nine-month mission on the ISS initially planned for just eight days. He expressed India's pride in her achievements and conveyed his best wishes for her health and success.
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The Court of the Chief Commissioner of Persons with Disabilities has fined nearly 155 establishments, including multiple central ministries and private firms, Rs 10,000 each for not meeting digital accessibility standards. Future non-compliance after February 28 may result in higher penalties, with the fined amounts directed to the National Fund for Persons with Disabilities.
Comedian Kunal Kamra has accused mainstream media of being a miscommunication tool for the ruling party, calling them vultures. Kamra's recent video targeting Maharashtra deputy CM Eknath Shinde has sparked controversy. Despite backlash and threats, Kamra remains unapologetic, while his video is blocked due to copyright claims.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar inaugurated smart classes in Lachhras village, Gujarat, emphasizing their role in engaging students in the mobile age. He also inaugurated a gymnastics hall at Rajpipla's sports center, upgraded through MPLADS, highlighting the potential for nurturing sports talent. Jaishankar noted the positive impact of the passport seva kendra in Narmada, improving public services.
A teenage girl in Kerala's Pathanamthitta district has claimed that she was sexually abused by around 64 people over four years. Police have arrested five suspects and a sixth is in prison. The girl, who recently turned 18, revealed the abuse during a school counselling session.
Enforcement Directorate has summoned former Chhattisgarh Congress minister Kawasi Lakhma on January 3 over his alleged involvement in a liquor scam. Searches conducted in Raipur, Dhamtari, and Sukma revealed evidence of his receipt of commissions from illegal liquor sales. Lakhma has promised to provide all required documents and comply with the law.
Nidhi Tewari, a 2014-batch IFS officer, has been appointed as the private secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. She is currently serving as deputy secretary in the PMO. Tewari hails from Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, and joined the Prime Minister's Office as Under Secretary in 2022. Her appointment has been approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet.
Pratt & Whitney has appointed Ashish Saraf as its new VP & country head for India, succeeding his role at Thales. Saraf's appointment comes at a crucial time as PW faces ongoing engine issues with Airbus A320 aircraft, impacting airlines like IndiGo. He will spearhead strategic growth, engineering, supply chain, and digital transformation efforts in India.
Personnel from the Police Marine Force (PMF) successfully rescued 10 fishermen stranded near Long Island in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands due to engine failure in their dinghy. The PMF Rangat team towed the distressed vessel to safety, ensuring the fishermen could continue their journey.
The Ayush drug licensing authority in Kerala warned Pankajakasthuri Herbals India Pvt Ltd for publishing a misleading ad without approval, violating Rule 170. Rule 170 requires state licensing authority clearance for ayurvedic drug ads, despite its contested history and temporary removals from legal enforcement.
The Parliamentary Committee in India plans to summon Meta representatives after CEO Mark Zuckerberg incorrectly stated that most incumbent governments, including India's BJP-led NDA, lost elections post-Covid. BJP MP Nishikant Dubey and Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw criticized Zuckerberg's inaccurate remarks, highlighting NDA's 2024 election victory and India's accomplishments during the pandemic.