In an emotional post on Twitter, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences on the death of Sushil Kumar Modi, a longtime colleague and close friend. Sushil Modi was a key figure in the rise and success of the BJP in Bihar, and he had a notable tenure as an administrator and a lawmaker. He was also known for his opposition to the Emergency and his contributions to the rollout of GST. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar also expressed his grief, calling it a big loss for the state of Bihar.
Sushil Kumar Modi, BJP Stalwart and Bihar Icon, Passes Away
Background
Sushil Kumar Modi, a prominent figure in Indian politics, passed away on December 3, 2023, at the age of 63. He was a key architect of the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) success in Bihar, serving as the Deputy Chief Minister from 2005 to 2013.
Political Career
Modi began his political journey as a member of the Janata Dal in the 1980s. He joined the BJP in 1995 and quickly rose through the ranks. In 2005, he was appointed as Deputy Chief Minister under Nitish Kumar's leadership.
During his tenure, Modi played a pivotal role in implementing various development initiatives and reforms in Bihar. He was instrumental in the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and the improvement of infrastructure in the state.
Legacy
Modi was known for his sharp intellect, political acumen, and dedication to public service. He was a strong advocate for the rights of the underprivileged and fought against corruption and malpractices.
His passing has been met with widespread grief and tributes from politicians across the spectrum. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, terming Modi as a "timeless leader" and a "valued colleague."
Top 5 FAQs
Q1: What was Sushil Kumar Modi's political affiliation? A1: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
Q2: What position did he hold in Bihar's government? A2: Deputy Chief Minister
Q3: What was his contribution to Bihar's development? A3: Implementing GST, improving infrastructure, and initiating development projects
Q4: When did he join the BJP? A4: 1995
Q5: What was Modi's role in the implementation of GST? A5: He played a key role in the rollout and implementation of GST in Bihar
President Droupadi Murmu expressed her distress and offered heartfelt condolences to the families of devotees who lost their lives in a stampede at Tirupati on Thursday. She also prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured and urged for better crowd management at religious places. The stampede occurred on Wednesday night as devotees were jostling for tickets at the Lord Venkateswara Swamy temple on Tirumala Hills for the Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam.
Greenland, the world's largest island, has been in the news for its melting glaciers and concerns about climate change. However, its strategic importance has also caught the attention of leaders like President Trump who recently expressed interest in purchasing the island. This is not a new idea, as previous presidents have also considered acquiring Greenland due to its location, potential energy resources, and role in the Arctic region. This article explores the history of this proposition and the current geopolitical considerations surrounding Greenland.
The Supreme Court has agreed to examine the Central Bureau of Investigation's appeal against the acquittal of Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh and four others in the murder case of former sect manager Ranjit Singh. The case, which has seen multiple twists and turns, has been referred to Justice Bela M. Trivedi's bench, which is already hearing a related petition filed by the victim's father. The CBI has argued that Ram Rahim orchestrated the murder after suspecting Singh of leaking an anonymous letter accusing him of sexual misconduct. The case has attracted widespread public attention due to Ram Rahim's involvement and frequent paroles from prison.
As Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Supriya Sule voices the public demand for Minister Dhananjay Munde's resignation, a petition filed in the Bombay High Court by Dhananjay Deshmukh, brother of the murdered sarpanch, is withdrawn. The petition had alleged that Munde was linked to a criminal syndicate involved in the murder of his sibling in 2024. Sule cites a precedent in which a former Maharashtra CM resigned over a scam, calling for similar sensitivity towards this case.
The Election Commission of India has announced the schedule for the Delhi Assembly Elections 2025, with voting to take place on February 5 and counting of votes on February 8. The recent release of the final electoral roll shows a 1.09 per cent increase in the number of voters since the last draft. CEC Rajiv Kumar addressed concerns over EVMs and the election procedure, asserting the transparency and credibility of the Indian election process. The AAP, BJP and Congress are gearing up for a three-way battle, with the AAP currently in the lead after sweeping 2020 Delhi elections.
With the Delhi Assembly elections just around the corner, AICC Delhi in-charge Qazi Nizamuddin believes that the Congress party will successfully appeal to voters by focusing on key issues affecting citizens. He emphasized that the party only makes promises that have been fulfilled in Congress-ruled states and will prioritize cleaning the Yamuna, improving women's safety, reducing corruption, and addressing unemployment, all of which have been neglected by the current AAP government.
The BJP has refuted Delhi CM Atishi's accusation that her official residence was taken away by the Centre, stating that the allotment was withdrawn for her failure to take possession and ongoing CBI/ED investigation. The AAP leader, however, remains undeterred and vows to work for the people of Delhi even if it means operating from the streets. Delhi's 2025 election poll schedule has also been announced, with voting to take place on February 5 and results on February 8.
During a news conference in Mar-a-Lago, President-elect Donald Trump announced his plan to change the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America. Trump believes that the new name has a "beautiful ring" and is more appropriate, especially given the current state of relations between the US and Mexico. While this isn't the first time renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America has been proposed, Trump's announcement has caused controversy and garnered attention.
The nation bids farewell to former President Jimmy Carter as his funeral procession takes place from the U.S. Navy Memorial to the Capitol in Washington D.C. The event was attended by many political figures and members of the public, paying their respects to the late President. Despite the solemn atmosphere, the streets were lined with people celebrating Carter's life and legacy.
Union Minister of Education Dharmendra Pradhan has released the draft guidelines for the UGC (Minimum Qualifications for Appointment of Teachers and Academic Staff in Universities and Colleges and Measures for the Maintenance of Standards in Higher Education) Regulations, 2025. These new regulations aim to bring flexibility, inclusivity, and excellence in faculty recruitment and career progression in Indian higher education institutions. They also align with the goals of the New Education Policy-2020 (NEP-2020) and place emphasis on Indian languages and interdisciplinary backgrounds. Additionally, the guidelines include specialized recruitment pathways for fields such as Yoga, Music, Performing Arts, Visual Arts, Sculpture, and Drama to attract the best talent and preserve India's cultural heritage.