Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:22pm on 04 Feb 2024,Sunday India
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while inaugurating projects worth Rs 11,599 crore in Guwahati, declared the government's commitment to making household electricity bills zero. He announced a rooftop solar scheme to assist one crore families in installing solar panels. The projects include the Maa Kamakhya Divya Pariyojana, aimed at enhancing pilgrim amenities at the Kamakhya temple. Modi emphasized infrastructure development, pledging Rs 11 lakh crore expenditure. Highlighting the surge in pilgrimage post-Ayodhya Ram Temple opening, he noted over 24 lakh visitors within 12 days. The PM's roadshow drew enthusiastic crowds, chanting 'Modi, Modi,' showcasing public support.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:26pm on 04 Feb 2024,Sunday India
A mass wedding event in Uttar Pradesh's Ballia on January 25 turned out to be marred by fraud, as investigations revealed that over 200 couples had participated in fake marriage ceremonies. Under the state's Mass Marriage Scheme, 568 couples were believed to have been wedded, but it was later discovered that many were paid to act as brides and grooms to receive benefits from the scheme. Fifteen people, including Social Welfare department officers, have been arrested in connection with the scam. District Magistrate Ravindra Kumar confirmed that funds have not yet been distributed to the beneficiaries, emphasizing the need for action against the fraudsters.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:10pm on 04 Feb 2024,Sunday India
Uttarakhand's state cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, has approved the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) panel's draft report, marking a significant step towards implementing the UCC. The decision follows the submission of the report by the five-member UCC committee, led by retired Supreme Court judge Ranjana Desai. Scheduled for discussion in a special two-day assembly session starting Tuesday, the UCC bill is anticipated to pass smoothly with the ruling BJP's majority. Once approved by the assembly and the Governor, the UCC will become law, fulfilling a promise made in the BJP's manifesto for the 2022 state election.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 12:11pm on 04 Feb 2024,Sunday India
Adani Group, led by billionaire Gautam Adani, is constructing the world's largest single-location copper manufacturing plant in Mundra, Gujarat. The $1.2-billion facility, set to commence operations in March, aims to reduce India's reliance on copper imports, supporting the country's energy transition. Kutch Copper Ltd, an Adani Enterprises subsidiary, is spearheading the greenfield copper refinery project. The plant, slated to be one of India's most efficient copper smelters, plans to produce 500,000 tonnes of refined copper annually in Phase I, contributing to global copper supply. The complex aligns with Adani's focus on sustainable, 'green copper' production.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:41am on 04 Feb 2024,Sunday India
A female passenger aboard a Bagdogra-bound SpiceJet flight alleged inappropriate behavior by her co-passenger, prompting cabin crew intervention. The incident occurred on January 31 during the Kolkata-Bagdogra flight. Despite the prompt response from the airline staff, the accused denied any wrongdoing. The female passenger chose not to file a written complaint after the accused apologized in the presence of CISF personnel at Bagdogra airport. SpiceJet ensured the comfort and safety of the woman throughout the incident. The matter highlights the importance of prompt intervention and passenger safety measures onboard flights.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:41am on 04 Feb 2024,Sunday India
Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (UP ATS) apprehended a Pakistani Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) agent, Satyendra Siwal, stationed at the Indian Embassy in Moscow since 2021. Siwal, employed as Multi-Tasking Staff at the Ministry of External Affairs, confessed to espionage after initial denials. Allegations include luring Indian officials for sensitive information on the army and divulging embassy, defense, and external affairs data to ISI. The arrest follows a tip-off regarding espionage activities at the embassy. Siwal's apprehension underscores concerns over foreign infiltration and underscores the need for heightened security measures in diplomatic missions.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:06pm on 03 Feb 2024,Saturday India
Thousands in Leh and Kargil districts of Ladakh rallied in protest against Article 370 changes, demanding statehood. Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance called for the complete shutdown, seeking tribal status, inclusion in the Sixth Schedule, job reservation, and parliamentary seats. Despite freezing temperatures, demonstrators, including Magsaysay Award winner Sonam Wangchuk, voiced demands at the Polo Ground in Leh. Marches and speeches underscored calls for constitutional rights. Talks between the Union home ministry committee and protest leaders are set for February 19. Concerns persist since Ladakh's 2019 downgrade to a Union Territory.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:14pm on 03 Feb 2024,Saturday India
Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) completes re-carpeting and refurbishment of Runway 10/28, enabling CAT III technology for low-visibility landings. Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia announces the operationalization of CAT III, aiming to alleviate weather-related congestion issues. With four operational runways, Delhi Airport enhances capacity to handle up to 100 million passengers per annum (MPPA). Re-carpeting efforts, initiated in September 2023, focused on enhancing passenger experience and introducing additional taxiways. CAT III technology ensures precise instrument landing system capabilities, facilitating safe landings in adverse weather conditions. Delhi Airport joins other major Indian airports in adopting advanced CAT III technology for improved flight operations.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:39pm on 03 Feb 2024,Saturday India
Uddhav Sena MP Priyanka Chaturvedi expressed criticism towards national TV channels for prioritizing coverage of Poonam Pandey's fake death over the gang war in Maharashtra's Ulhasnagar. Chaturvedi highlighted the incident where BJP MLA Ganpat Gaikwad fired at Shinde Sena leader Mahesh Gaikwad inside a police station, captured on CCTV. Meanwhile, model-actor Poonam Pandey's fake death for cervical cancer awareness also drew attention. Chaturvedi condemned Pandey's PR stunt, emphasizing more appropriate methods for raising awareness. Former Maharashtra minister Aaditya Thackeray echoed concerns over lawlessness in Maharashtra, attributing it to governance issues under the current leadership.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:26pm on 03 Feb 2024,Saturday India
The Indian Sports Ministry has suspended the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) for failing to conduct elections within the mandated timeframe. PCI's decision to schedule elections for March 28, nearly two months after the previous committee's term ended, violated constitutional guidelines and the Sports Code. The Ministry deemed PCI's actions intentional and without valid reason, undermining democratic processes. To safeguard para-sportspersons' interests, the Sports Authority of India will collaborate with the International Paralympic Committee to form an Ad Hoc Committee. The move aims to ensure transparent and democratic governance in Indian para-sports.