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.
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Congress leader Pawan Khera has expressed concerns over Bihar CM Nitish Kumar's deteriorating health, alleging misuse of his signature by vested interests and a lack of governance. He also cited rising malnutrition rates and shortages in government hospitals as evidence of failed administration under the NDA.
Kerala government will officially declare the 35 missing persons from the Wayanad landslides as deceased to provide their families with financial assistance. The procedure includes filing a missing person report, an investigation, and a 30-day objection period before death certificates are issued.
The World Hindu Economic Forum (WHEF) will hold an economic conference on February 8 at the Maha Kumbh site in Prayagraj, near the Triveni Sangam. The event will focus on advancing Uttar Pradesh and Bharat towards becoming a developed nation by 2047. Key industry leaders will discuss economic strategies, while also highlighting the cultural and spiritual significance of the Maha Kumbh, with participants experiencing the Triveni Sangam Snan for renewal.
Tamil Nadu's chief minister M K Stalin defended the use of the Tamil letter 'roo' in the recent budget logo, emphasizing the importance of the state's language policy. He criticized Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman for not responding to financial aid requests but reacting to the inclusion of the Tamil letter.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar attended the 8th Indian Ocean Conference in Oman, emphasising India's commitment to regional cooperation and stability. He engaged with Oman's foreign minister to review bilateral relations and launched a logo marking 70 years of diplomatic ties. Jaishankar also met with other regional foreign ministers to discuss security, trade, and cooperation.
Union Minister Chirag Paswan has questioned Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind's decision to boycott his party's Iftaar gathering, urging them to reconsider their stance. He highlighted his father's efforts to support a Muslim candidate for Bihar’s chief ministership and criticised Nitish Kumar for rising crime and broken promises to protect minorities.
Union Minister Piyush Goyal highlighted the disparity between Indian and Chinese startups, emphasizing that while Indian startups focus on food delivery and fantasy sports apps, Chinese startups concentrate on advanced technologies like EVs, AI, and semiconductors. He called for more domestic investment and innovation in the Indian startup ecosystem.
Defence minister Rajnath Singh called on citizens to contribute to the welfare of soldiers and their families, emphasizing it as a national duty. Speaking at the AFFD CSR Conclave in New Delhi, he highlighted the bravery of India's armed forces and the government’s commitment to their well-being. He praised corporate contributions to the AFFD Fund and stressed the role of the private sector in achieving Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
The Supreme Court is set to hear petitions challenging the appointment process of the chief election commissioner and election commissioners on February 4. The case addresses concerns about the exclusion of the Chief Justice of India from the selection panel, which is seen as excessive executive interference.
Mangroves provide crucial benefits to the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, including storm protection, pollution absorption, and safeguarding fish breeding grounds. IIT Bombay researchers estimate these services to be worth at least Rs 1,700 crore annually for the region, highlighting the significant economic value of conserving mangroves.