National News

Pollution in sea and fishing nets are the main reasons for rise in Olive Ridley deaths, says Additional PCCF (WL) Shanti Priya Pandey

SMA is classified as a rare disease and there are approximately 8,000-25,000 children born annually with it

The Supreme Court has expressed concern over continued vacancies in state and central information commissions, emphasizing that the Right to Information Act should not be rendered ineffective. Advocate Prashant Bhushan highlighted that despite the SC's 2019 judgment detailing timelines for appointments, the situation has worsened. States and the Centre were instructed to expedite the selection process and file compliance reports.

The upcoming Delhi assembly elections scheduled for February 5 are set to be a high-stakes contest among AAP, BJP, and Congress. As AAP seeks a third consecutive term, its popularity faces challenges due to incumbency and corruption allegations while BJP and Congress aim to reclaim influence in the capital.

Congress aims to revive its weakened national presence through the Delhi elections despite poor past performances. After consecutive assembly defeats, the party hopes an AAP decline could enable a coalition government and improve its standing nationwide, especially post-2024 national elections.

Some in the northeastern State believe the poison transmitted from a person with bad intent or an evil eye causes the dreaded disease, a study has revealed

A tragic incident in Bijapur, Chhattisgarh, claimed the life of 25-year-old Tuleshwar Rana, who was driving an SUV for police personnel when a Maoist IED blast occurred. Tuleshwar's parents were unaware he was transporting policemen and were devastated by the news. His SUV took the full impact of the blast, making it difficult to retrieve his body.

The Supreme Court expressed concerns over a 2020 closure report by Rajasthan police in a 2017 case involving alleged rape and brutality. The shift in investigation coincided with a change in government in 2018. The complainant accused political influence, seeking CBI intervention. The court demanded all investigation records for consideration of a CBI probe, stressing potential political connections.

Dhananjay Deshmukh, the brother of murdered Beed sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh, met Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis to discuss the withdrawal of a writ petition filed in his name. The petition sought a probe into the murder and the removal of minister Dhananjay Munde. Dhananjay expressed confidence in the ongoing police investigation.

In India, 7 cases of the Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) have been reported. This virus mainly affects young children, the elderly, and those with weak immune systems. In the meantime, following simple preventive measures and staying informed can significantly reduce your risk of infection. Remember, practicing good hygiene and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are your best defenses against not just hMPV, but many other respiratory illnesses.

PWD must ensure widening of Kaniampuzha Road in a time-bound manner, especially since commuters arrive in hundreds of buses daily at Vyttila Mobility Hub through the road, says TRURA

The Centre has instructed states and UTs to monitor respiratory illnesses amid reports of a surge in Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases, though no significant threat has been identified. Protection measures such as hand washing and avoiding close contact with symptomatic individuals have been recommended.

Goa police filed an FIR against Konkani writer Datta Damodar Naik for allegedly hurting religious sentiments by referring to temple priests as 'looters'. Complaints were made by residents and religious organizations. Naik stood by his comments but acknowledged his word choice could have been better.

A brave farmer in Tumakuru district, Karnataka, stopped a leopard by grabbing its tail during a rescue operation. As the leopard approached women and children, the farmer lunged at it, allowing the forest officers to capture the animal. The leopard is now at a rescue centre in Mysuru.

After 45 years at 24, Akbar Road, Congress will inaugurate its new headquarters, 'Indira Gandhi Bhawan,' at Kotla Marg on Jan 15. The event will feature key leaders like Sonia Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, and Rahul Gandhi. The new facility aims to meet the party's modern needs.

The Joint Parliamentary Committee, led by BJP's P P Chaudhary, will convene on Wednesday to discuss the 'one nation, one election' bills introduced in Lok Sabha on December 17. With 39 members, the focus will be on understanding the legal, constitutional, and logistical aspects of this proposal, aimed at reducing election frequency and costs.

India and the Maldives will explore ways to boost defence cooperation as defence ministers Rajnath Singh and Mohammed Ghassan Maumoon meet in New Delhi. The discussions will cover training, exercises, defence projects, and equipment supply. This comes amid improving bilateral relations and recent diplomatic engagements between the two nations.

Tamil Nadu CM M K Stalin criticized the Centre for the draft UGC Regulations 2025, deeming it an attack on federalism. He opposed the expanded role of governors in appointing vice-chancellors and the inclusion of non-academicians in these positions, asserting that Tamil Nadu would resist both legally and politically.