Delhi BJP leader Parvesh Verma has urged CM Atishi to open the 'Sheesh Mahal' for public viewing, highlighting its construction during the Covid lockdown as a misuse of tax funds. Verma suggests turning the residence into a tourist spot, allowing citizens to witness the lavish spending of their elected officials.
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Oman halted new import permits for Indian table eggs, impacting Namakkal's poultry industry. This follows Qatar's recent weight restrictions, stranding a large egg shipment. Exports to Oman, previously accounting for 50% of India's egg exports, have drastically declined since June, causing hardship for Indian exporters.
Budget 2025 expectations: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invoked Goddess Lakshmi for the poor and middle class during his address at the start of Parliament's Budget 2025 session. With Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman set to present the Union Budget 2025, there is high anticipation for potential income tax relief and other measures to boost consumption and economic activities.
Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai protested against the DMK government, accusing it of failing to protect Anna University students and leaking a victim's personal details. Criticizing the lack of CCTV surveillance and misuse of the Nirbhaya fund, Annamalai demanded action against the police involved and announced a 48-day fast to highlight women's safety issues.
As of January 1, 2025, women voters outnumber men in 13 states and one Union Territory, with new entries including Assam, Karnataka, and Nagaland. Nationwide, the total female electorate is still 2.33 crore fewer than males among 99-crore voters. Notable states with high third-gender electors include Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra.
US President Donald Trump remains noncommittal about a potential recession in 2025. Despite reassurances from Trump and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, economic indicators such as a negative GDP forecast and declining consumer confidence fuel concerns. Economists raise recession probabilities to 20%, amid market volatility and uncertainty over tariffs becoming permanent.
Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy will lead the newly established Department of Government Efficiency under President-elect Trump, aiming to cut federal spending and eliminate waste. Their effort is compared to Mao Zedong’s Cultural Revolution, emphasizing the need to avoid ideological purges, factionalism, and short-term chaos that led to long-term damage in China.
Prime Minister Modi invites everyone to experience the Rann Utsav in Gujarat's Kutch, showcasing its unique culture, arts, crafts, and historical sites like Dholavira. The festival, running until February 28, highlights the region's transformation from past disasters into a hub of tourism and cultural preservation, recognized by the UN.
China defended its increased defense spending, citing challenges in safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity. The funds will enhance new combat capabilities and strengthen reconnaissance, early warning, joint strikes, and logistics support. With a $249 billion budget for 2023, China aims to improve military training under combat conditions and deepen defense reforms.
Australian all-rounder Mitchell Marsh anticipates facing Jasprit Bumrah in the upcoming Brisbane Test. Marsh believes an aggressive approach is key against the world's best bowler. He also backed Steve Smith's return to form and emphasised Australia's focus on the present, aiming to build on their Adelaide victory and take a 2-1 series lead.
The 17th-century Mubarak Manzil, a significant Mughal heritage site, was largely demolished in Agra shortly after being listed for protection. Local residents allege collusion between a builder and officials in the demolition despite objections. Authorities have initiated a probe to investigate the matter.