The government plans to expand 25,000 km of two-lane highways to four lanes within the next two years, with an investment of Rs 10 lakh crore. Traffic threshold criteria for expansion have been revised for smoother traffic flow, and the detailed project reports for 3,500 km have been prepared.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized Congress for its consistent failure in the Delhi elections, highlighting their inability to secure even a single seat for six consecutive polls. Additionally, he accused Congress of aligning with 'urban naxals' and called out their political strategies such as embracing caste census issues.
IT and I&B minister Ashwini Vaishnaw rebutted Meta chief Mark Zuckerberg's claim that incumbents, including those in India, lost elections post-Covid. Vaishnaw highlighted Modi's third-term win in 2024 amid pandemic policies, criticizing the misinformation and emphasizing the significance of accurate information dissemination.
Police in Nagpur have arrested 105 individuals, including 10 minors, after violence erupted due to rumors about the burning of a sacred 'chadar'. Special teams have been formed to identify more suspects, and primary instigator Fahim Khan has been charged with sedition and other offenses.
Between 2018-19 and 2021-22, the number of buses operated by state road transport undertakings (SRTUs) declined from 1.52 lakh to 1.47 lakh, while revenue losses surged by 68 per cent to ₹30,192 crore. The main causes were reduced passenger revenue during Covid-19, high fuel prices, stagnant fares, and free rides for women in some states. Fleet utilization and productivity also dropped significantly. Efforts to introduce electric buses face infrastructure challenges but are progressing.
The Supreme Court urged high courts to avoid delaying liberty-related cases, expressing concern over a two-month delay in hearing a temporary bail plea on urgent medical grounds. The plea seeks temporary bail for a petitioner to attend to his daughter's surgery. The Supreme Court advised the high court to expedite this matter swiftly.
Four cases of avian influenza (H5N1) were detected in three pet cats and a live bird in Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh. This is the first time the strain infecting domestic cats in India, raising concerns about its adaptability and potential impact on humans. Researchers recommend increased monitoring of poultry, wild birds, and mammals to mitigate the threat.
Kolkata court judge emphasized reform over retribution in sentencing Sanjay Roy to life imprisonment for a rape-and-murder case. Experts and advocacy groups supported the ruling, arguing that capital punishment is not more effective than life imprisonment and should be reserved for 'rarest of rare' cases.
MMS, renowned for his integrity in Indian politics, remained honorable despite a coal scam accusation during his tenure as Prime Minister. Admirable for his simplicity, candor, and dedication, he kept his family away from public life. Known for valuing education, his legacy is profoundly respected, and his character is cherished.
Justice C T Ravikumar, hailing from a scheduled caste family in Kerala, pursued a successful career in law, culminating as a judge of the Supreme Court of India. His retirement on January 5 marked the end of an over four-decade-long judicial journey filled with dedication and respect for the legal profession.
Rahul Gandhi emphasized the urgent need to modernize and secure Indian Railways, highlighting its role in production and the economy. He stressed local manufacturing and the hard work of engineers, while the Congress party criticized the Modi government for unresolved transportation issues.