A parliamentary panel has expressed concern over states' failure to hold panchayat elections every five years as required by the 73rd constitutional amendment. States including Assam, Manipur, and Karnataka have delayed elections, impacting central grants for village development. The panel has urged the ministry to address this issue at the highest level.
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Sadhguru urges Indians to experience the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj, highlighting its civilizational significance and celestial alignment with seven celestial objects. He emphasizes chanting 'Aum Namah Shivaya' for preparation. He also mentions the cleansing power of the event, advocating staying for forty-eight days to maximize its transformative effects.
Rahul Gandhi passed the opportunity to speak on the waqf bill in Lok Sabha to his deputy Gaurav Gogoi, who then led the opposition's charge. Gandhi instead chose to sit for other speeches, raising questions about whether he missed a chance to counter BJP's polarisation politics.
Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman responded to Jaya Bachchan’s criticism, clarifying that entertainment tax falls under state jurisdiction. She highlighted GST reductions on movie tickets and detailed government initiatives supporting the film industry, including hosting WAVES 2025 and establishing a National Centre for Excellence for Animation and Visual Effects.
The Supreme Court has asked the Tamil Nadu government and the governor to resolve the issue regarding the appointment of vice chancellors in universities by January 22. If unresolved, the court will intervene. The state's plea challenges the governor's actions on various legislative and administrative matters.
US director of national intelligence Tulsi Gabbard clarified that President Trump's 'America First' policy does not equate to 'America alone' at the Raisina Dialogue in Delhi. She expressed optimism about the continued strengthening of the India-US relationship under the leadership of PM Modi and President Trump.
Following the expulsion of six Muslim workers from the BJP's Amroha unit for alleged criminal involvement, including a 'love jihad' case, the Uttar Pradesh minority morcha will intensify background checks of its members. State minority morcha chief Basit Ali announced a comprehensive assessment of grassroots functionaries' credentials, with expulsion for those with criminal records.
Soma Das, a cancer survivor, remains distressed despite retaining her teaching job due to humanitarian grounds. She sympathizes with other teachers who lost their positions in the job scam, expressing that their fight was also hers. Das relies on her salary to fund her medical treatment.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath welcomed diplomats from 73 countries to Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, emphasizing its cultural significance and potential for spiritual tourism in Uttar Pradesh. The dignitaries experienced a guided tour, a special boat ride to the Sangam, and visits to various cultural landmarks, with many expressing appreciation for India's traditions and spiritual heritage.
In 2024, India has made significant strides in infrastructure development, inaugurated the Ram temple, advanced tribal welfare, reduced poverty, launched the Aditya L1 Mission, and expanded health coverage for seniors. The country has also strengthened its diplomacy, taken substantial steps in climate action, and approved numerous projects for farmers and infrastructure.
A Bengaluru court has granted conditional bail to Nikhita Singhania, her mother Nisha, and brother Anurag in connection with techie Subhash Atul's suicide. They faced charges of abetting his suicide, related to demands for money to settle a divorce and custody dispute. Atul's video and death note detailed the alleged harassment he faced.