The Delhi high court will hear bail pleas on January 7 for student activists Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, and others accused in the UAPA case related to the February 2020 riots. The violence, during protests against the CAA and NRC, resulted in 53 deaths and over 700 injuries.
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Bombay High Court upheld a five-year imprisonment for a dismissed Lt Col under the Pocso Act for sexually assaulting an 11-year-old girl. The court dismissed his appeal, emphasizing the credibility of the girl's testimony. The Lt Col had asked the girl for a kiss, which the court deemed inappropriate and aggravated sexual assault.
Union home minister Amit Shah attributed BJP's victory in the Maharashtra assembly polls to ending the 'politics of betrayal' started by Sharad Pawar. He also criticized Uddhav Thackeray and claimed that Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena represents Balasaheb’s ideology, while Ajit Pawar’s faction is the real NCP.
External affairs minister S Jaishankar received historical artefacts and documents related to Mahatma Gandhi from South Africa's Phoenix Settlement Trust-Gandhi Development Trust. These items will be housed at the National Gandhi Museum in New Delhi, preserving Gandhi's legacy and his contributions to non-violent resistance against racial injustice.
During his visit to the US, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Elon Musk, who gifted him a heat shield tile from SpaceX's Starship flight test 5. Their discussions covered space, technology, and innovation, and Modi presented Musk's children with classic Indian books, enhancing the diplomatic meet.
Thirty-six devotees injured in a stampede at Swaroop Rani Nehru Hospital in Prayagraj are receiving optimal treatment. Mostly women aged 50 to 70, they are largely stable with several recovering from asphyxiation. The Uttar Pradesh government assures free treatment and safe journeys home, while ensuring food and care for their attendants.
India’s military modernization continues with a modest budget hike of 9.5%, bringing the overall defence budget to Rs 6.8 lakh crore. The capital outlay of Rs 1.8 lakh crore for modernization faces challenges due to major operational shortfalls and unspent funds. Significant investments are planned for indigenous and international defence procurement.
Union minister Ravneet Singh Bittu criticizes AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal for not fulfilling the promise of providing Rs 1,000 to every woman in Punjab and accuses him of making similar false promises in Delhi ahead of elections. Bittu cautions Delhi voters against trusting Kejriwal, citing his proven track record of deception.
Police in Uttar Pradesh's Pilibhit district have filed an FIR against Gursewak Singh, a Sikh man, for allegedly posting weapons photos and expressing support for Khalistan on social media. This follows the deaths of three Khalistan supporters in an encounter with police. Authorities are investigating and urge residents to report similar incidents.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has sought the President of India's approval to prosecute former Delhi minister Satyendar Jain under Section 218 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Suraksha Sanhita, 2023. This decision is based on evidence provided by the Enforcement Directorate, highlighting alleged financial irregularities linked to Jain.
The Congress criticized the BJP over the popcorn tax and highlighted concerning economic issues. Jairam Ramesh emphasized the need for government focus on comprehensive economic solutions, suggested income support for the poor and tax relief for the middle class in the upcoming budget, and advocated for increased government expenditure to stimulate economic growth.