In the RG Kar rape and murder case, the victims’ parents withdrew their plea before the Supreme Court seeking a fresh investigation on Wednesday. The court noted that Sanjoy Roy had already been convicted for the crime and questioned whether to proceed with the petition or await the Calcutta High Court’s decision.
Hundreds of millions across Asia celebrate the Lunar New Year, transitioning from the Year of the Dragon to the Year of the Snake. In China, festivities include public holidays, meals, and firecrackers. Taiwan sees temple visits for prayers and offerings, while cities are adorned with red decorations. The migration for family reunions sets a record.
DIG Mahakumbh, Vaibhav Krishna, on Wednesday ordered horse-mounted police to vacate devotees from Triveni Sangam ghat after the stampede. Amid massive crowds on Mauni Amavasya, bomb squads and sniffer dogs conducted security checks. Anticipating over 10 crore visitors, the DIG confirmed sanitization efforts and ongoing crowd control.
The 48th International Kolkata Book Fair 2025, inaugurated by CM Mamata Banerjee and German Ambassador Phillip Ackermann, features a record 1,057 stalls, with Germany as the theme country. Highlights include the Guild Lifetime Literary Award for Abul Bashar, iconic gates, international participation, and first-time mascots, Haso and Hasi.
Trump signed an executive order restricting gender transition procedures for minors, barring federal funding for treatments like puberty blockers, hormones, and surgeries. He aims to enforce laws limiting these procedures and proposed legislation allowing families to sue doctors. Twenty-four Republican-led states have already passed similar restrictions.
6 people died and over 50 were injured when a bamboo platform collapsed during the ‘Laddoo Mahotsav’ in Baghpat, UP. The Jain community event, marking Adinatha’s nirvana, attracted hundreds of devotees. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed grief and ordered relief efforts. The injured are being treated, with some in critical condition.
Credit card numbers in India have more than doubled to 10.80 crore by December 2024, compared to 5.53 crore in 2019, as per RBI. Debit card growth was slower, reaching 99.09 crore. Credit cards saw a 15% year-on-year growth, driven by public and private sector banks, while foreign banks declined. SFBs focus on financial inclusion.
Many celebrities are utilizing the mobile postal ballot services introduced by the Election Commission for the Delhi Assembly polls. Former Vice President Hamid Ansari used these services to cast his vote from his home in Delhi. The polling will take place on Feb 5, and the results will be announced on Feb 8.
The Maharashtra Health Department reported 101 Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) cases, with 62 in Pune rural. A seven-member central expert team has been deployed by the Union Health Ministry to assist in managing GBS cases. The team is working closely on the ground to monitor and address the situation effectively.
Arvind Kejriwal called the Delhi polls a national ideological battle, contrasting AAP’s welfare focus with BJP’s alleged favoritism toward industrialists. Criticizing BJP’s ₹10 lakh crore loan waivers, he warned of welfare schemes ending under BJP rule. Kejriwal defended AAP’s benefits, questioning BJP’s labeling of them as “freebies.” Delhi votes on Fe...
AAP alleged BJP workers accompanied poll officials during the ‘vote-from-home’ exercise. The Chief Electoral Officer clarified that candidates or their representatives can join these visits. The initiative, aimed at helping elderly and disabled voters, ensures transparency through videography, with strict guidelines for fair elections.
Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan said that 2.46 crore women received ₹21,000 crore under the Ladki Bahin scheme, promoting economic independence and health. Speaking at Mumbai’s Republic Day event, he highlighted Maharashtra’s top rank in attracting FDI and urged collective efforts to achieve a $1 trillion economy vision.
The Indian Army’s “The Daredevils” Motorcycle Rider Display Team, part of the Corps of Signals, showcased impressive stunts on Republic Day 2025. They performed thrilling formations like Bullet Wheelie, Ladder Salute, Three Peak Devil Formation, Shatrujeet, Mercury Peak, Lotus, and the iconic Human Pyramid during their opening salute.
President Droupadi Murmu unfurled the National Flag at Kartavya Path in Delhi during the 76th Republic Day celebrations. PM Modi and several Union Ministers participated in this event. The chief guest at the ceremony was Indonesia’s President. Meanwhile, this year’s theme, “Swarnim Bharat and Virasat Aur Vikas,” is being celebrated.
India will celebrate its 76th Republic Day with a grand parade showcasing its cultural diversity, unity, development, and military strength. President Murmu will lead the celebrations, with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto as the chief guest. The parade will feature performances, tableaux, and a helicopter flypast with petals.