NEWS AN LIVE

Home Minister Amit Shah emphasized police approval from senior officers before applying terrorism or organized crime charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita in Madhya Pradesh. He stressed on transparency and strict monitoring for proper implementation of new criminal laws. Shah also called for enhancing forensic capabilities and ensuring legal aid to underprivileged undertrials.

The Commissioner for Railway Safety has approved the Katra-Reasi section of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail project, paving the way for regular train services between Jammu and Srinagar. The maximum speed will be 85 kmph on regular lines and 15 kmph on loop lines, with operations limited to daytime for security reasons. Compliance with certain conditions is required before starting train operations.

Punjab and Haryana High Court has quashed an FIR against a proclaimed offender under the Negotiable Instruments Act after both parties reached a compromise. Justice Sumeet Goel emphasized that pursuing such cases, when settled, burdens courts unnecessarily and goes against the legislative intent of Sec 138 of the Act. The compromise was deemed a significant factor in deciding to quash the FIR.

The executive council of the Prime Ministers Museum and Library has been reconstituted, with Nripendra Mishra continuing as chairperson. New members include former minister Smriti Irani, ex-Army General Syed Ata Hasnain, and filmmaker Shekhar Kapur. The council expanded to 34 members, including multiple Union ministers and other prominent figures.

Tension escalated at INS Kadamba Naval Base after a clash between naval personnel and residents, sparked by a minor accident involving a local fisherman and a navy employee. The incident led to a brawl and subsequent protests, resulting in the police involvement and the arrest of four naval personnel.

In J&K’s Rajouri district, three siblings from Badhaal village succumbed within 24 hours to a mystery illness after consuming sweet rice at a family event. This adds to a total of 12 deaths in the village since December. Samples are being analyzed to determine the cause, while local authorities are providing medical assistance and urging the public to stay calm.

India will not reduce troops along the LAC with China, citing a persisting standoff and the need to rebuild trust for de-escalation. Army chief Gen Dwivedi also criticized Pakistan for cross-border terrorism in J&K. The situation along the LAC is stable but sensitive, with strategic patience required to resolve the conflict.

The Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, from January 13 to February 26, is set to be the world's largest gathering, with cultural and tourism ministries collaborating to enhance visitor experience. With expected attendance of 40 crore, preparations include enhanced connectivity, cultural showcases, and multilingual toll-free assistance for tourists.

Jagjit Singh Dallewal, a Punjab farmer leader, has written to religious leaders requesting their intervention to urge the Central government to address farmers' demands, including a legal guarantee for minimum support price. Dallewal, who has been fasting for 48 days, remains in declining health.

A bus accident in Uttarakhand's Pauri Garhwal District resulted in six deaths and 16 injuries. The vehicle fell into a 100-metre-deep ditch. Rescue operations are ongoing, and injured passengers are being treated at nearby hospitals. Uttarakhand CM expressed condolences and wished for the speedy recovery of the injured.

Kerala Police have arrested 15 individuals, including a minor, in connection with the alleged rape of a Dalit teenager. The victim, now 18, disclosed being repeatedly assaulted since age 13. Over 60 individuals are implicated, and further arrests are expected. Authorities are investigating and providing the victim with psychological support. Activists and political figures demand strict action.

Two major political parties, BJP and Congress, continue to occupy government bungalows in Lutyens’ Delhi for their offices, despite having built their own headquarters. Notices were issued by the housing ministry, but vacating has not occurred. This situation involves around six bungalows currently occupied by political parties.

The Bombay high court granted bail to sculptor Jaydeep Apte, creator of the collapsed 28-feet statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Malvan, on a Rs 25,000 bond. Apte claimed the statue fell due to gusty winds, and advocate Ganesh Sovani argued no one was injured and further custody was unwarranted.

The government has invited officials from countries that were part of undivided India, such as Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Sri Lanka, to celebrate 150 years of the India Meteorological Department. Events include marathons and exhibitions, with Pakistan confirming participation and special commemorative coins issued.

Home Minister Amit Shah reviews ongoing projects of the Bureau of Police Research and Development, focusing on new criminal laws, grassroots policing challenges, and police modernisation. He emphasizes research, multi-stakeholder contributions, and 'make in India' initiatives to improve Indian police forces and criminal justice system.

PM Modi is set to open the 6.5-km Z-Morh tunnel on January 13, enhancing all-weather connectivity to Sonmarg in Kashmir. The railways successfully tested a train on the Katra-Banihal section, linking Katra and Srinagar. A specially designed Vande Bharat train will soon operate with anti-freezing features, further boosting transport infrastructure in the region.

The home ministry has instructed all states and Union territories to continuously release eligible prisoners under Section 479(3) of the BNSS, 2023, focusing on those who have completed half of their maximum jail term, except for certain exceptions, to reduce long detentions and overcrowding in prisons.

Home minister Amit Shah will launch the Bharatpol portal to streamline international assistance in criminal matters. Developed by CBI, Bharatpol will facilitate real-time information sharing, speeding up responses for Red and color-coded notices against fugitives. This initiative aims to enhance efficiency in combating transnational crimes and aid law enforcement agencies across India.

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh announced that 26 Myanmarese nationals, who had entered India through the state's border, were deported to Myanmar. He emphasized the state's commitment to humanitarian aid for war refugees while maintaining a strict stance against illegal immigration. The deportation was executed by state police and central forces in the Moreh border town.

The Common Central Secretariat's new buildings in Delhi will have canteens with two sections: an economical section with affordable meals, and a premium section with prices comparable to local restaurants. The CPWD has invited bids for these canteens, with 15,000 employees set to use these facilities. Finance and home ministries will be among the first to shift to these buildings.

Delhi health officials released guidelines for tackling Human MetaPneumoVirus (HMPV) and other respiratory ailments, highlighting the necessity of isolating suspected cases, reporting through the IHIP Portal, and ensuring availability of essential medications. These measures come in response to heightened respiratory concerns in China.

The BJP staged a protest in Kalaburagi demanding Minister Priyank Kharge's resignation over a contractor's alleged suicide. BJP leaders urge a CBI inquiry, while Kharge denies involvement and calls for an investigation. Citing cases against BJP figures, the Minister and government stand firm against opposition pressure.

During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 2023 state visit to the White House, New Delhi gifted US First Lady Jill Biden a $20,000 lab diamond, the most expensive present. Modi also gave President Biden a carved sandalwood box, statue, oil lamp, and a book. Gifts totaling around $35,000 were presented to various US officials.

India has become the second highest target for cyber attacks globally in 2024, with 95 entities affected by data theft, following the United States. Key sectors impacted include finance, banking, and government. Major breaches involved millions of records and ransomware incidents were significant.

Congress accused AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal of hypocrisy for notifying the contentious farm laws while publicly supporting farmers' protests. Kejriwal's double standards and political gimmicks come under scrutiny as he accuses the BJP of planning to reintroduce the laws. He claims the BJP's arrogance has prevented dialogue with protesting farmers, risking their safety.