The Supreme Court has expressed concern over continued vacancies in state and central information commissions, emphasizing that the Right to Information Act should not be rendered ineffective. Advocate Prashant Bhushan highlighted that despite the SC's 2019 judgment detailing timelines for appointments, the situation has worsened. States and the Centre were instructed to expedite the selection process and file compliance reports.
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The BJP regained power in Delhi after 27 years by defeating Arvind Kejriwal's AAP. While the AAP remained strong in Muslim-majority constituencies like Seelampur and Matia Mahal, a divided vote between AAP, Congress, and AIMIM impacted results in seats such as Mustafabad and Badli. A pre-poll alliance might have altered outcomes.
Dr. Bhaskar Das, a revered media leader known for his strategic vision and mentorship, has passed away. His significant contributions to The Times of India and later Zee Media Corporation Ltd, along with his enthusiastic leadership, continue to inspire the media industry. His legacy will endure through the professionals he guided.
BJP MLAs troop out over dail-wagers’ job demands
In Kolkata, a 17-year-old girl was allegedly drugged and gang-raped by two men in Beniapukur, Park Circus, just days before Valentine's Day. The perpetrators recorded the assault on their phones and attempted to blackmail her. The minor knew one of the accused, who lured her under false pretenses. Both men were arrested shortly after the complaint was filed.
Rajasthan education minister Madan Dilawar highlighted 'love affairs' as a cause of student suicides in Kota, urging parents to avoid pressuring their children. Dilawar noted that friends' remarks on student ranks play a crucial role and emphasized the need for parents to monitor their children's movements and routines more attentively.
A 23-year-old truck driver, Vikas Bansode, was allegedly beaten to death in Beed, Maharashtra, by ten people, including truck owner Bhausaheb Kshirsagar, over a love affair. Lured under the pretext of Holi celebrations, Bansode and his friend were held captive and assaulted. He was later abandoned at a hospital, where he was declared dead. Police have arrested six suspects and are searching for the remaining accused.
Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai criticizes CM MK Stalin's government, accusing it of protecting criminals and suppressing justice for a sexual assault case at Anna University. BJP women’s wing protested but were detained by police. Annamalai alleges harassment of BJP leaders and demands justice for the victim while condemning the DMK's autocratic behavior.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticizes the AAP-led Delhi government for failing to provide basic needs like clean water, emphasizing the availability of alcohol instead. Modi urges BJP workers to document infrastructure issues and campaigns for the BJP's victory in the upcoming Delhi polls, while AAP's manifesto targets middle-class issues and demands increased education funding.
Sanjay Roy, a civic volunteer, was convicted by a Kolkata court for the rape and murder of an on-duty doctor at RG Kar Medical College, stirring strong political reactions across West Bengal. While BJP called for further investigation into conspiracy allegations, the ruling TMC demanded the death penalty for Roy to serve as a deterrent.
Kiren Rijiju highlighted the support of Christian bodies for the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in the Rajya Sabha, citing the case of 600 Christian families from Munambam, Kerala, contesting the Waqf board's claim over their ancestral land. He emphasized the misuse of Waqf Act provisions, affecting ordinary people.