Former railway minister Lalu Prasad Yadav has appealed to the Rouse Avenue Court to drop charges against him in the IRCTC corruption case, citing a lack of evidence. The CBI alleges that Yadav received prime land in exchange for awarding maintenance contracts to Sujata Hotels. The court will continue hearing arguments on April 21.
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The Supreme Court has declined to consider Mahua Moitra's plea to disclose details of alternate investment funds and foreign portfolio investors in India's stock market, directing her to first approach Sebi. The Court allowed Moitra to present her concerns to Sebi and seek legal remedies if her representation is not addressed within a reasonable timeframe.
Kapil Sibal credited the Congress-led UPA government for the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, a 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks accused, highlighting the establishment of the NIA during their tenure. The NIA, formed shortly after the attacks, played a crucial role in registering the case and expressing displeasure to the US regarding Rana's initial release.
After BJP candidate Parvesh Verma is leading in the New Delhi assembly constituency after 12 out of 13 rounds of counting, surpassing AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal, Verma's family expressed their joy, with his wife, Swati Singh Verma, saying that the victory shows the trust people of Delhi have put in BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha shared a video criticizing Arvind Kejriwal's unfulfilled promise to make Delhi as clean as Paris. The Congress leader compared the current situation of Delhi with piles of garbage to Kejriwal's 2019 promise. Rahul Gandhi also accused both Kejriwal and PM Modi of making false promises. Delhi assembly elections are scheduled for February 5.
Union home minister Amit Shah revealed that 7% of India's population is involved in illegal drug use. He highlighted the government's efforts to eliminate this menace, reporting record drug seizures and the destruction of narcotics to demonstrate their commitment to eradicating drug abuse.
Earlier in the day, Indian Railways gave an ex-gratia of rupees 10 lakh to the kin of all the 18 deceased. An amount of rupees 2.5 lakh to grievously injured passengers and a compensation of rupees 1 lakh for passengers with minor injury were distributed to the 15 injured during the day.
The Supreme Court collegium held its first-ever offsite meeting in Visakhapatnam with HC judge candidates from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, assessing their personality and suitability directly. This move marks a shift from solely relying on biodata and intelligence reports, enhancing the judge selection process and potentially setting a new precedent.
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat called the consecration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya Bharat’s true independence. The grand ceremony was led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in January 2024. Bhagwat highlighted the significance of the event as a symbol of national pride and cultural resurgence. Champat Rai received the National Devi Ahilya Award for his role in the temple's construction.
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra criticised the Modi government's handling of public issues and lack of debate in Parliament. Meanwhile, PM Modi highlighted the absence of foreign interference before the Budget session. Sonia Gandhi expressed concern about President Murmu's fatigue during her address, emphasizing the government's focus on youth education and employment.
Five CISF personnel, including an inspector and constables, have been arrested by Bidhannagar Police for posing as income tax officers and conducting a heist in Bengal. They, along with three accomplices, are currently in custody and will undergo a Test Identification parade.