National News

Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman plans to introduce a bill for a new direct tax law during the budget session. The focus is on simplifying provisions and making the language more accessible for the common man. The new law will replace the 63-year-old Income Tax Act. The bill will be introduced and potentially tweaked based on feedback from taxpayers and experts.

The Minister emphasised the priority of establishing science centres in every district across Karnataka

The 2025 Bharat Mobility Global Expo highlights a significant shift towards electric vehicles (EVs), with major launches from Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, Tata Motors, Mahindra & Mahindra, and luxury brands like BMW and Mercedes-Benz emphasizing sustainability and green mobility. This aligns with the Indian government's push for EV adoption and infrastructural support.

The Supreme Court stated that an accused can be considered for bail in money laundering cases if they have spent over a year in jail without charges being framed, following its decision in the Senthil Balaji case. This aims to bring consistency to bail plea rulings.

PM Modi urged the auto industry to focus on eco-friendly mobility through EVs, hydrogen fuel cells, and biofuels while highlighting the role of the middle class and youth in driving car sales. At the Bharat Mobility Global Expo, he emphasized manufacturing in India for both domestic use and export, with the aim to reduce fossil fuel imports and promote sustainability.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will distribute over 65 lakh property cards to rural land owners, with a cumulative property value of Rs 135 lakh crore. These cards from the SVAMITVA Scheme will aid in obtaining bank loans and ease property-related disputes. Beneficiaries span across 50,000 villages in 10 states and two Union Territories. The success of the scheme is set to be showcased internationally.

Amit Shah met with Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav to discuss implementing the new criminal laws in the state, emphasizing proper use of terrorism-related sections and 'trial in absentia' for national security cases. Shah pushed for transparency and efficient legal aid, along with advancements in forensic capability and electronic evidence management.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) attached 142 properties worth Rs 300 crore in a money laundering case involving Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah. The properties are registered in the names of real estate agents. Siddaramaiah allegedly used political influence to secure compensation in the form of valuable sites for his wife.

BJP accused Congress of waging an 'open war against Hindus' by moving the Supreme Court in support of the Places of Worship Act, 1991. The Act freezes the character of all places of worship as they existed on August 15, 1947. BJP's opposition centers on claims of historical injustices and the denial of legal remedies for Hindus, while Congress argues the law safeguards communal harmony and secularism.

On January 6, 205, a rat-hole mine in Assam’s Dima Hasao district was flooded, trapping nine men. More than 10 days after the incident, only four bodies have been retrieved. Though banned, rat-hole mining, which is dangerous but lucrative, continues unabated in Assam and Meghalaya. Rahul Karmakar reports on the incident and the prevalent practice that provides livelihoods while claiming lives

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has attached a Rs 486 crore property on Amrita Shergill Marg, Delhi, linked to Aarti Singhal, in a money laundering case. This follows a financial scandal involving former Bhushan Steel promoter Sanjay Singhal, who was arrested for a Rs 47,000 crore bank fraud. The ED is pursuing recovery of dissipated assets and plans to restitute them to banks.

The Central Bureau of Investigation, confident in its case, is expecting a conviction for Sanjay Roy in the RG Kar hospital rape and murder. They presented extensive evidence, including DNA matches, physical injuries, and crucial forensic findings, during the in-camera trial. Roy maintains his innocence as the judgment is awaited.

Maradu municipality could not complete eviction of encroachers following protests by CPI(M) councillors; eviction process was initiated after the 78-hour deadline issued to encroachers by the civic body

The proposed bus terminal to be built by the Kerala State Construction Corporation will be on the lines of Vyttila Mobility Hub, where private buses share space with KSRTC buses

The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation has prohibited the import of second-hand or refurbished medical devices due to a lack of regulatory provisions, posing risks to patient safety. This move is intended to protect the domestic industry from low-quality equipment and ensure appropriate medical care while med-tech companies support local manufacturing.

An intruder who attacked Saif Ali Khan in his flat at night remains untraced as police are uncertain of his escape route. He is suspected to have used the fire escape stairwell, with his image partially captured on CCTV. The police are investigating how he managed to enter the flat.

A 30-year-old woman named Geeta Sharma, working as a property dealer, was found injured and unconscious in Lucknow. She was later declared dead. Her brother accused her live-in partner, Girija Shankar, of murder, citing a Rs 1 crore insurance policy with Girija as the nominee. Police are investigating whether her death was accidental or a brutal murder.