NEWS AN LIVE

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar expresses regret over disruptions in the Rajya Sabha, terming them a disgrace to democracy. He criticizes the misuse of parliamentary tools and calls for national interest to be prioritized. Opposition parties accuse the government of enabling parliamentary adjournments.

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari review road projects to be completed by December 2024 for Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj. Key projects include highway widening, bypass constructions, and infrastructure enhancements. Emphasis is on timely, quality completion with safety measures and emergency response facilities.

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar expresses regret over disruptions in the Rajya Sabha, terming them a disgrace to democracy. He criticizes the misuse of parliamentary tools and calls for national interest to be prioritized. Opposition parties accuse the government of enabling parliamentary adjournments.

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari review road projects to be completed by December 2024 for Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj. Key projects include highway widening, bypass constructions, and infrastructure enhancements. Emphasis is on timely, quality completion with safety measures and emergency response facilities.

Two employees in Jammu and Kashmir were dismissed for alleged terrorist links. Pharmacist Abdul Rehman Naika and teacher Zahir Abbas were fired based on investigations linking them to Hizbul Mujahideen activities. Officials say these dismissals represent efforts to counter terrorism infiltrations. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha emphasized eradicating terrorism and called for public support.

Andaman and Nicobar Islands police found Myanmarese smugglers using Elon Musk's Starlink satellite internet for navigation while transporting 6,000 kg of methamphetamine. The Indian Coast Guard apprehended six smugglers and seized Myanmar currency, a portable Inmarsat mobile, multiple SIM cards, and a Starlink dish. Investigations are ongoing, including inquiries with SpaceX regarding the purchase details.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is investigating three violent incidents in Manipur. These include the abduction and murder of six women and children, an attack on security forces that resulted in 10 militants being killed, and the rape and murder of a woman.

Prime Minister Modi, at a global cooperative conference, proposed a global financial institution to support cooperatives worldwide. He launched the UN International Year of Cooperatives 2025, emphasizing cooperatives' role in social inclusion and economic empowerment, particularly for developing nations.

The Aam Aadmi Party celebrated victory in three out of four Punjab Assembly by-elections, marking their first-ever wins in those constituencies. AAP MP Raghav Chadha attributed the success to the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and the popularity of Arvind Kejriwal.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the News9 Global Summit, emphasizing the significance of the 25-year India-Germany strategic partnership. He highlighted Germany as a crucial partner and praised the growing economic ties, citing over 1800 German companies operating in India and USD 15 billion invested in recent years.

The Indian Army is accelerating its technological advancement by focusing on 16 technology clusters, including cyber, space, and AI, to enhance its capabilities for future warfare. The Army is collaborating with academic institutions and industries to develop and integrate these technologies. To support this transformation, the Army will induct domain specialists in fields like cyber and linguistics, starting in mid-2025.

India has rejected Canadian media reports linking Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the death of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Calling the allegations "ludicrous" and "smear campaigns," India asserted that such claims damage the already strained relations between the two nations. The denial follows a Canadian news report alleging Indian government involvement in Nijjar's death, citing anonymous sources.

Balasaheb Shinde, a 43-year-old independent candidate contesting from the Beed assembly seat in Maharashtra, tragically passed away during the ongoing state elections. Shinde collapsed at a polling booth and was later pronounced dead at a private medical facility in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. He was among 31 candidates vying for the Beed constituency seat.

India's Gsat-20 communication satellite, designed to boost broadband and in-flight connectivity, was launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon-9 rocket from Florida. The satellite, weighing 4,700kg and built for a 14-year mission, is expected to significantly enhance communication infrastructure across India. This launch marks the first time India has utilized a US rocket for its space program.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, emphasizing India's commitment to fighting hunger and poverty. He highlighted India's successful initiatives in poverty reduction, food security, and healthcare, and expressed support for Brazil's proposal to establish a Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty.

At COP29, India criticized developed nations for their reluctance to address climate finance and mitigation, emphasizing that progress on climate action in developing countries hinges on receiving financial and technological support. India accused wealthy nations of delaying action and burdening developing countries with unrealistic expectations.

The Election Commission directed the removal of a controversial video from BJP Jharkhand's social media platforms following complaints from the Congress and JMM, who alleged it spread misinformation and aimed to incite hatred. The EC issued a notice to BJP Jharkhand seeking an explanation for the alleged Model Code of Conduct violation.

Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai will convene a meeting to discuss the implementation of GRAP IV following the Commission for Air Quality Management's decision to activate Stage IV due to severe air pollution in Delhi-NCR. The stage IV restrictions include a ban on construction, limitations on truck entry, and potential school and office closures.

An electrical short circuit is suspected to have caused a fire at Jhansi Medical College's neonatal intensive care unit, resulting in the tragic deaths of 10 infants. Authorities have identified all but one of the 49 children present during the incident. The state government has initiated investigations and announced compensation for the victims' families.

The Tripura government is partnering with Tata Technologies to upgrade 19 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) in the state. The project, costing Rs 683.27 crores, will introduce 11 new trades and improve infrastructure. The initiative aims to enhance ITI graduate opportunities, including startup support and out-of-state placements.

The latest US visa bulletin brought mixed news for Indian nationals seeking employment-based green cards. While EB-1 remains unchanged, EB-2 and EB-3 categories saw slight advancements. However, significant backlogs persist, particularly for those from India. The bulletin also provides crucial information on family-sponsored green card categories and their respective priority dates.

The Indian government has notified the Supreme Court about the establishment of a new "Menstrual Hygiene Policy for School Going Girls." This policy, approved by the Union health ministry, aims to improve menstrual hygiene practices and provide access to sanitary products for female students in government schools across the country.

A sword believed to have belonged to Tipu Sultan, the Tiger of Mysore, fetched £317,900 at a Bonhams auction. The sword, with a provenance tracing back to the Battle of Seringapatam in 1799, was presented to Captain James Andrew Dick for his service in the battle and remained with his family until recently.

Two days after Donald Trump's presidential victory, the US conducted a nuclear weapons program flight test. The Los Alamos National Laboratory launched a payload to assess component and technology performance in missile-like conditions. This test aligns with the US's nuclear warhead upgrades and new designs, ensuring stockpile safety and reliability.

In Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir, a JCO was killed and three soldiers were injured during a gunfight with terrorists in Keshwan forest. The terrorists, suspected to be from the Jaish-e-Mohammed group, were also responsible for the recent abduction and killing of two village defence guards. Security forces have intensified operations to counter the surge in terrorist activities in the region.

Four men arrested by UP STF for aiding the escape of a murder suspect to Nepal were previously charged with molesting a 15-year-old girl in Bahraich. The men were accused of publicly molesting the girl during a Muharram procession. Three were arrested and later released on bail, while the fourth obtained a stay order on his arrest.

Rajasthan BJP chief Madan Rathore sparked controversy with sexist remarks, suggesting RLP MP Hanuman Beniwal would benefit if his wife, Kanika, lost the Khinvsar bypoll. Rathore implied her loss would allow her to focus on childcare, referencing Beniwal's social media posts expressing concerns about her potential return to her parents' home.

A terrorist was killed in an ongoing anti-terror operation in Rampora, Sopore, by security forces. This is the second encounter in the area in 24 hours and the fourth in North Kashmir in five days. The operation began based on intelligence inputs about the presence of two to three terrorists. While sources suggest the slain terrorist was Pakistani, official confirmation is awaited.

The Indian government is installing 100,000 locally made transponders on fishing boats to improve safety and security. These devices will help fishermen avoid crossing maritime borders, receive weather alerts, and locate potential fishing zones. The transponders will also aid in combating illegal fishing and tracking vessels engaged in suspicious activities.

Shiv Sena (UBT)on Friday, criticized the 'Mahayuti alliance', claiming that there is significant confusion within the alliance due to a lack of consensus among the Mahayuti parties.

A tragic accident in Jammu & Kashmir's Reasi district claimed the lives of four individuals, including a young girl. The driver of an SUV lost control, causing the vehicle to plummet into a gorge. Three occupants died at the scene, while another succumbed to injuries at the hospital. Two others are currently receiving medical treatment.

An Indian-American woman, Saba Haider, originally from Ghaziabad, has won a seat on the DuPage County Board in Illinois, US. Despite a grueling campaign that left her physically exhausted, Saba persevered, attributing her success to her supportive family and dedicated community engagement.