NEWS AN LIVE

The US State Department issued a travel advisory warning against travel to areas near the India-Pakistan border, the Line of Control, and the provinces of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa due to terrorism and potential for armed conflict. Americans are specifically advised to avoid these regions because of frequent terrorist attacks.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized previous governments for neglecting the poor and using the 'Garibi Hatao' slogan as a mere electoral gimmick. He highlighted the BJP-led NDA government's efforts in lifting 25 crore people out of poverty through various welfare schemes and reforms, including cleaning up the bogus ration card system.

CM Omar Abdullah presented a Rs 1.12-lakh crore budget for J&K, marking the first in seven years by an elected government. The budget emphasized economic growth, highlighted infrastructure improvements, and introduced benefits for disadvantaged groups, such as free bus rides for women and increased pensions for seniors.

Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri criticizes Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin for urging couples to have more children, disputing the claim that states with higher birth rates will benefit in the delimitation exercise. Amid concern over fair representation, Stalin warns that Tamil Nadu's political influence could diminish.

J&K CM Omar Abdullah questions the Centre's focus on reclaiming PoK while ignoring Chinese-controlled areas, urging action on both fronts. He also calls for the return of statehood, contending that it is vital for realizing J&K's interests and criticizes BJP's stance.

Road transport minister Nitin Gadkari criticized engineers, consultants, and contractors for neglecting road safety, citing faulty planning and poor signage as primary causes of accidents. He urged collaboration between the industry and government to improve infrastructure, enforcement, and education. Experts highlighted the aim of achieving zero fatalities through improved road design and management.

The cabinet has approved two ropeway projects in Uttarakhand, reducing travel time significantly. These projects, Sonprayag to Kedarnath and Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib, will be implemented on a public-private partnership basis, costing around Rs 6,811 crore. The ropeways will provide fast, eco-friendly connectivity and are expected to boost pilgrimage and tourism.

The Centre launches a capacity building programme to curb the 'Sarpanch Pati' phenomenon, focusing on leadership and decision-making skills of women in Panchayati Raj Institutions. The initiative includes a primer on laws against gender-based violence to empower women leaders and enhance their legal knowledge.

Jordanian border guards fatally shot Thomas Gabriel Pereira from Kerala while he attempted to cross into Israel illegally. Pereira, misled by an agency promising Israeli work visas, travelled with three others on tourist visas. His death was discovered by his family after a relative, Edison, was deported by Jordan. Kerala authorities are assisting the family in repatriating his body.

AC Patel from Gujarat was caught with a Pakistani passport at Delhi airport after being deported from the US. He had used fraudulent documents provided by human traffickers in Dubai. Patel now faces serious charges, including impersonation and misuse of a passport.

TMC leader Derek O'Brien highlighted the role of Christian-run educational institutions in India's development and urged them to reconnect with alumni to promote their contributions positively. He criticized government policies affecting the Christian community and called for uniting against the Waqf (Amendment) Bill and uniform civil code.

The Enforcement Directorate has issued a FEMA violation notice to One97 Communications, owner of Paytm, for alleged irregularities related to its acquisition of Little Internet Private Limited and Nearbuy India Private Limited. The notice addresses potential contraventions between 2015 and 2019 involving investment transactions and includes certain current and past directors and officers.