The Gujarat High Court has dismissed a petition challenging the redevelopment of Mahatma Gandhi's Sabarmati Ashram, ruling that the allegations of misused government funds and irregularities lack substance. The court also rejected the petitioner's claim that the Manav Sadhna Trust was operating illegally on the Ashram premises. The court's decision upholds a 2022 judgment that approved the expansion of the Ashram to a 55-acre heritage campus while assuring that the original 5-acre area where Gandhiji lived will be respected and the ideals of Gandhi will be reflected and amplified.
Pakistan's social media campaign has proposed that former US President Donald Trump be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his alleged role in solving the India-Pakistan crisis in 2019. Trump has responded, expressing his belief that he deserves the prize for not just his involvement in South Asian relations, but also for facilitating peace talks between Congo and Rwanda. Indian officials have rejected the suggestion, causing renewed debate around Trump's diplomatic legacy.
The Ministry of Defence has launched a comprehensive review of the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020, which governs all big-ticket defence procurements. The move comes at a time when the government is prioritising indigenous military purchases and aims to align the DAP with existing central government policies. A committee has been formed to conduct consultations with stakeholders and gather suggestions on various aspects of the DAP, such as streamlining acquisition processes and adopting new technologies. The review is expected to streamline capital procurement rules in a time-bound manner to meet the operational needs of the Armed Forces.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath made strides towards improving road connectivity in the state by inaugurating the 91.35 km Gorakhpur Link Expressway, which connects Gorakhpur and Azamgarh. The four-lane highway, built at a cost of Rs 7,283.28 crore, is designed for future expansion and will reduce travel time to various areas in the state. With access to Purvanchal Expressway, this route will also enable faster and safer travel to major cities like Delhi and Agra. Be the first to get breaking news and updates from India and around the world by following News24 on Facebook and Twitter.
On his visit to Siwan district in Bihar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a total of 28 development projects worth over Rs 5,900 crore. These projects include the new Vaishali-Deoria railway line and Vande Bharat Express train service, as well as six sewage treatment plants worth over Rs 1800 crore. In line with his commitment to the conservation of the river Ganga, PM Modi also inaugurated STPs and laid the foundation stone for water supply and sanitation projects in various towns across Bihar.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated the 91.35 km long Gorakhpur Link Expressway, linking Gorakhpur to multiple districts including Azamgarh. He praised the state government's efforts in transforming UP's image from an "ailing" state to one known for its extensive network of expressways. Adityanath also criticized the previous government and highlighted the completion of six expressway projects during his tenure. He emphasized the historical significance of the new expressway and its potential impact on the region's economic growth.
In a historic moment for India, Droupadi Murmu has been sworn in as the country's first tribal woman president. The 64-year-old leader from Odisha has a long and impressive political career, having served as the Governor of Jharkhand before taking over as the President of India. Born into a Santhali tribal family, President Murmu's journey to the highest office in the country is an inspiration to many.
Sikkim's Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang met with President Droupadi Murmu in New Delhi and presented her with a souvenir, commemorative coin, and postage stamp to mark the Golden Jubilee celebrations of Sikkim's integration as a state of the Indian Union. The Chief Minister expressed that this gesture symbolizes the unity and aspirations of the people of Sikkim, as they celebrate 50 years of development and harmony within the Indian federation. This meeting highlights the strong relationship between the state of Sikkim and the highest office of the nation.
Congress party marks a significant day by extending birthday greetings to President Droupadi Murmu, India's first tribal president who turned 67 on Friday. In a congratulatory message, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge conveyed, "On behalf of the Indian National Congress, we extend our warm birthday wishes to the Hon'ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu ji." Along with hopes for her continued dedication to guiding the nation, Congress also highlighted her achievement as the first tribal president.
The state cabinet, led by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, has approved a new promotion policy after nine years, resulting in over two lakh new posts and ensuring reservation for marginalized communities. The cabinet also announced timely recruitment, infrastructure development, and upcoming events like an MSME summit and Bhopal Metro inauguration, highlighting the government's efforts towards progress and welfare.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter to extend his birthday wishes to Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi, one of India's foremost political figures. In a tweet, PM Modi prayed for Gandhi's good health and long life on his special day. Despite being from opposing parties, their exchange of greetings on Twitter has sparked a positive response amongst citizens.