In a heated Lok Sabha session, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan accused the Tamil Nadu government of being dishonest and playing politics with the future of students by backing out of signing an MoU for implementing the new National Education Policy (NEP). This sparked a sharp retort from DMK and other opposition parties, leading to protests and brief adjournment of the House. The BJP also accused the DMK of opposing the NEP out of fear of losing next year's assembly elections.
The Bombay High Court has granted pension benefits to former Additional Judge, Pushpa Ganediwala, who resigned before completing her tenure. This comes after the court observed that resignation is one of the modes of retirement and does not disqualify one from receiving pension. The decision was made after the petitioner approached the court when her claim for pension was denied by the High Court Registry. The court also noted that the Supreme Court has previously ruled that the right to pension is an essential part of the right to life.
Amidst the Centre's steps to check allegedly abusive content on Grok AI, the social media platform X has filed a plea against the government, claiming that they are misusing provisions under the IT Act to censor online content. X argues that the government's move contradicts the Supreme Court's 2015 order and is creating a parallel content-blocking mechanism devoid of due process. The platform has also challenged Centre's Sahyog portal, stating that it acts as a censorship tool.
The Supreme Court has passed an interim order restraining the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) from conducting an investigation into the allegations against former AIADMK Minister K.T. Rajenthra Bhalaji in a cash-for-job scam case. This order comes after the Madras High Court directed CBI's probe in January, following the State government's failure to comply with the Court's earlier order. Today, a bench of Justices Pankaj Mithal and S.V.N Bhatti heard two special leave petitions challenging the High Court's order, with arguments from counsels representing the State, Rajenthra Bhalaji, and the complainant. Justice Mithal questioned the complainant's locus standi, while directing their intervention application to be put on record.
Gurmeet Ram Rahim, who is serving a 20-year sentence for rape, has been granted a 30-day parole by the Haryana government. This controversial decision comes ahead of the Delhi assembly elections on February 5. Ram Rahim, who has a mass following in Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana, was convicted in 2017 for raping two women. IBNS, a non-partisan news outlet, aims to provide objective and well-sourced news without any biases or prejudices.
Amidst the escalating tensions between Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee and the Bharatiya Janata Party, Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan has lauded the Yogi government for its management of Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj. Kalyan's remarks come after Banerjee's controversial 'Mrityu Kumbh' remark, where she referred to the gathering of people at the Kumbh Mela as a "death pilgrimage". Kalyan, on the other hand, praised the Yogi government's efforts in ensuring the safety and smooth functioning of the event.
Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft and founder of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, met with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu to discuss the state's long-term development plan 'Swarna Andhra Pradesh 2047'. They also explored using AI and predictive analytics to improve healthcare, education, agriculture, and employment generation in the state. Gates also met with Union Health Minister JP Nadda to discuss their collaborative efforts in the healthcare sector and visited the Indian Parliament during his visit to India.
A small dispute over a hand pump in Uttar Pradesh's Kaushambi district turned deadly after two groups engaged in a violent clash resulting in the death of a 35-year-old man. The incident has sparked outrage and raised concerns about the deteriorating law and order situation in the state. Police are currently investigating the incident and attempting to identify and arrest the perpetrators involved in the senseless violence.
In a grand display of patriotism and praise, President Trump was honored with a massive drone show in Florida upon his return to the White House for his second term. The display featured images of Trump himself and promoted themes of unity and hope, while praising him as a historic president and a champion of freedom. This celebration was one of the many events that have marked Trump's highly-anticipated return to the presidency, where he has already signed a record number of executive orders aimed at shaping the country's future.
After Congress leader Shashi Tharoor admitted to the success of India's foreign policy approach with both Russia and Ukraine, BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla expressed hope that Tharoor would not face consequences for his candid remarks. Tharoor had previously stated that India is now in a unique position to maintain friendly ties with both countries and be welcomed by both leaders, despite his earlier call for the condemnation of Russia's war with Ukraine during the 2015 Raisina Dialogue.
After spending 328 days in space, Sunita Williams and the #Crew9 astronauts have landed safely back on Earth. In a heartwarming gesture, PM Modi took to social media to congratulate the astronauts and express his pride and admiration for their accomplishments. He also wrote a personal letter to Sunita Williams, commending her fortitude and perseverance in the face of the unknown. This serves as a reminder of the power of technology and human passion to achieve incredible feats, making us all proud to be Indians.