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.
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.
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.
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.
Rahul Gandhi did not attend the scheduled court appearance related to his statement on economic reservation in Bareilly. The court has now rescheduled the hearing to January 17 and transferred the case to the MP-MLA court. The petitioner, Pankaj Pathak, alleges Gandhi's statement was offensive and aimed at community appeasement, seeking appropriate judicial action.
The Supreme Court has declined Minister Irfan Ansari's appeal to dismiss charges for disclosing the identity of a minor rape survivor. The Court criticized the minister's actions as purely for publicity, allowing him to withdraw the petition. Ansari faced charges under IPC and POCSO Act provisions.
The Yemeni embassy clarified that President Rashad al-Alimi has not ratified the death sentence of Indian nurse Nimisha Priya, contradicting earlier reports. Priya, convicted of killing a Yemeni national Talal Abdo Mahdi, her business partner, in 2017, remains imprisoned. The Indian government had earlier announced that it is closely monitoring the case.
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.
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.
Bank of Baroda reported a robust 11.7% year-on-year rise in global business, reaching Rs. 25.6 lakh crore by the end of December 2024, driven by a significant increase in retail lending. Domestic deposits and advances experienced substantial growth, with retail advances surging by 19.5%.
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.
Isro is preparing to launch Mission ShakthiSAT in Sept 2026, featuring 12,000 talented girls from 108 countries. The mission aims to encourage young female participation in space exploration. Selected participants will gather in Chennai to build payloads for scientific experiments. This initiative highlights the potential of untapped talent among young girls worldwide.
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.
Three men from Jammu were found dead in a guesthouse in Bhaderwah town of Doda district due to suspected asphyxiation caused by a charcoal heater. Police and forensic experts are investigating the incident, with initial reports ruling out any foul play. A special investigation team and a medical board have been constituted for further inquiry.
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.