Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge criticized PM Modi's absence from the all-party meeting convened to address the Pahalgam terror attack fallout, which resulted in 26 fatalities. Kharge questioned Modi's priorities, contrasting his Bihar election speeches with his absence from a crucial meeting concerning national security. He emphasized the need for accountability regarding security lapses and pledged Congress's support for the government's decisions while urging national unity.
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Police in Dibrugarh foiled a terrorist attack planned by Ulfa-I on Oil India Limited installations during Republic Day celebrations by arresting three operatives and seizing explosives and weapons. Raids led to the arrests of Bitupan Gogoi, Bolin Gogoi, and Bharat Hazarika, as well as the recovery of a pistol, ammunition, an IED, phones, and cash.
The US bureau of industry and security removed three Indian entities from its Entity List while adding 11 Chinese entities due to national security concerns. The removal facilitates US-India energy cooperation, while the additions highlight consequences for aiding Chinese military development.
From April, automobile manufacturers must recycle at least 8% of steel from vehicles sold in 2005-06, increasing to 18% by 2035-36 per new EPR norms. Compliance includes obtaining EPR certificates from authorized scrapping facilities, promoting consumer awareness, and tracking activities on a centralized portal managed by CPCB.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with top Trump aides, including US National Security Advisor Michael Waltz and Elon Musk, to discuss strategic ties and trade issues before his meeting with President Trump. Modi aims to emphasize the broader US-India partnership, while Musk's potential business ventures in India were also deliberated.
The J&K and Ladakh High Court has ordered the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to collect only 20% of the toll on the Pathankot-Udhampur stretch due to ongoing construction activities. The court emphasized that toll should only be charged when highways are in good condition, and directed the removal of plazas established within 60 km of NH-44.
The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) has urged the central government to allow states more flexibility in forming Waqf boards, stressing the importance of inclusivity for Muslim women and youth. TDP's support is crucial for the ruling NDA coalition given the opposition from Muslim bodies to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024.
Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee announced the renaming of Kolkata's Star Theatre to Binodini Theatre to honor actress Binodini Dasi, who was marginalized due to her origins. The current Star Theatre, built in 1887, will reflect this change. This move addresses a historical injustice and celebrates Binodini's significant contributions to Bengali theatre.
India has successfully countered a cyber offensive launched by Pakistan-based hackers, identified as "IOK Hacker," targeting public-facing platforms. The group attempted to deface websites, disrupt services, and steal data, including attacks on Army Public School websites and the Army Welfare Housing Organisation. Indian cybersecurity defenses detected and thwarted these intrusions, tracing them back to Pakistan.
The centre informed the Supreme Court that trials in many 1984 anti-Sikh riots cases led to acquittals due to improper conduct, with appeals often dismissed for delays. A 2018 SIT, led by Justice S N Dhingra, reviewed 186 cases and recommended appeals in several. Eight appeals were dismissed by higher courts. The Supreme Court seeks a status report on the cases, including recent charges against Congress leader Jagdish Tytler for inciting violence. Hearing continues next Monday.