National News

The Supreme Court reprimanded the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for making submissions contrary to the law regarding bail for certain categories under the PMLA, like minors or sick persons. The court emphasized it will not tolerate such conduct and ordered the release of accused Shashi Balaha on bail.

Meta officials have issued an unconditional apology to the Indian government following remarks made by CEO Mark Zuckerberg about the 2024 general election. The apology emphasized India's importance to the company. Parliamentary committee head Nishikant Dubey accepted the apology, saying the committee would not pursue the matter further. Zuckerberg's comments suggested India's government lost the election due to its Covid-19 response.

The government has dedicated 1.5 acres at Rashtriya Smriti complex in New Delhi for a memorial for former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, adjacent to the site designated for former President Pranab Mukherjee's memorial. Singh's family has been requested to establish a trust to proceed with formalities, and they are yet to decide on the type of memorial.

A 2023-formed high-powered panel urges legal action against an individual, ostensibly Vikash Yadav, for his alleged role in the failed assassination plot of US-based Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. Despite Yadav's US conspiracy charges, the committee recommends systems improvements and coordination to address such security threats.

The Supreme Court issued notices to the Centre and Election Commission after Congress's Jairam Ramesh challenged an amendment curtailing public access to election records, including CCTV footage. Ramesh argues this restricts the public's right to information under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution and threatens election transparency. The court has scheduled a hearing for next March.

The three entities are Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Indira Gandhi Atomic Research Centre (IGCAR) and the Indian Rare Earths (IRE), according to the U.S. Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS)

The Supreme Court sought expert opinions from AIIMS Delhi on Jagjit Singh Dallewal's medical condition after 50 days of fasting. The Punjab Chief Secretary was directed to provide all medical reports. The court was surprised at claims of stable health parameters. The court plans a comprehensive order post-expert panel report and ongoing talks with protesting farmers, showing potential resolution.

SC asks Kerala not to circulate or publish data collected on population, assets, churches of the two denominations

The charm of the impending bypoll was lost on the day that the AIADMK announced its decision to boycott. It is surprising, given the AIADMK’s organisational strength in the western region, known as the Kongu belt.

India's long-term skilling mission is showing results, with the country ranked 27th in QS World Future Skills Index, and second in Future of Work. India excels in AI, digital, and green skills adoption, while recommendations include enhancing higher education, industry-academia collaboration, and focusing on emerging technologies for sustained growth.

Home Minister Amit Shah will inaugurate the expansion of the 'Fast Track Immigration-Trusted Traveller Program' to seven more airports on Thursday. Now, pre-verified flyers at Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Cochin, and Ahmedabad can use automated e-gates for faster biometric-based immigration, following its successful implementation at Indira Gandhi International Airport.

The Karnataka government has delayed discussing the caste census report, initially scheduled for cabinet review, amid concerns from Lingayat and Vokkaliga communities about the report's implications. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah dismissed speculation, stating the data is not public and opposition is based on assumptions.

US President Joe Biden declared the administration and the incoming Trump team unified in coordinating on a Gaza ceasefire deal. "In the past few days, we have been speaking as one team," Biden said as he outlined a three-phase plan starting with a six-week ceasefire, leading to the release of hostages and withdrawal of Israeli forces.

Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu proposes allowing only those with over two children to contest municipal and panchayat elections, aiming to tackle ageing population issues. He is also considering incentivizing larger families with more subsidized rice, reflecting similar policies from countries facing demographic challenges.

Kozhikode Corporation launches ‘Samanwaya’ scheme for differently abled and bed-ridden patients, providing essential services at their doorstep