Sunita Williams' ancestral village in Gujarat is planning grand celebrations as she returns to Earth after nine months at the ISS. Villagers in Jhulasan have been praying for her safety and will offer special tributes at the local temple. Williams' achievements in space continue to inspire, enhancing the community's excitement for her return.
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External affairs minister S Jaishankar is carrying a personal letter from PM Modi for US President-elect Donald Trump. Jaishankar will attend Trump's inauguration as the 47th US President, marking Trump's return to power after a four-year gap. The swearing-in will include oaths administered by Supreme Court justices, followed by Trump's inaugural address.
A Chhota Rajan gang member, Vilas Balaram Pawar, who had been absconding for 16 years, was arrested in Mumbai. Pawar, involved in crimes like murder and attempt to murder, was apprehended in Chembur. He had been changing his locations to evade authorities since his release on bail in 2008.
Union minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh accused Muslim groups boycotting Bihar CM Nitish Kumar’s iftaar invitation of association with the RJD and Congress. This follows groups like Imarat Shariah rejecting Kumar's invite over his support for the Waqf Amendment Bill.
The BJP secured a sweeping victory in Delhi, winning 48 out of 70 assembly seats. Key factors included early campaigning, targeting the middle class, exposing alleged irregularities in AAP's welfare schemes, and a decline in Arvind Kejriwal’s brand image. Issues like poor infrastructure and pollution worked against AAP.
The interim govt is preparing to introduce a law via ordinance to expedite the recovery of billions allegedly siphoned off to foreign countries. Investigations are ongoing into 11 prominent individuals and companies, including former PM Hasina. Steps are being taken to collaborate with international law firms.
Jammu & Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah questions the relevance of the INDIA bloc, suggesting dissolution if it was only formed for Lok Sabha elections. He highlights a lack of clarity regarding leadership, future strategy, and the bloc’s existence while responding to Tejashwi Yadav’s comment about its limited scope and calls for a meeting to address these concerns.
Chhattisgarh's innovative rehabilitation center in Bastar is providing vocational training to surrendered Maoists, offering them a path to normalcy. Former rebels are learning construction skills, literacy, and computer basics, facilitated by the government's surrender policy. This initiative aims to integrate them back into society, fostering peace and development in the region.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Mauritian PM Navinchandra Ramgoolam inaugurated the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Public Service and Innovation in Mauritius, furthering India's role as a global development partner. Funded by a $4.7 million Indian grant, the institute aims to train Mauritian civil servants and enhance research and governance collaboration.
Tension rises in Biroli village, Jind, over attempts to redirect wastewater through the village center instead of an external pond. Villagers argue this change threatens health and animal safety, clashing with police over the issue. The sarpanch’s representative claims the actions follow norms, but villagers suspect political motives and administrative collusion.
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat clarified that 'lathi-training' given to its cadres is intended to instill bravery and steadfastness, not for fighting or public display. Speaking at an event in Indore, he emphasized that this training promotes a sense of resolve and patience, as well as fostering patriotism through traditional martial music and arts.