The Enforcement Directorate has issued fresh summons to former Bihar CM Lalu Prasad Yadav and current Deputy CM Tejashwi Yadav in connection to a money laundering probe for the alleged land-for-jobs scam. An alleged associate of the Yadavs was previously arrested in the case. The ED case was filed based on a complaint by the CBI.
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) announced the notification for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2025, with 979 positions available for candidates. Unlike previous years, the notification was released in January instead of February. Details and application process can be found on the official UPSC website. Comparatively, the number of vacancies this year has decreased from last year's 1,056 for CSE and 150 for the Indian Forest Service (IFoS).
In a recent case, the Kerala High Court clarified that blanket allegations of cruelty made by a married woman against her in-laws are not enough to trigger criminal charges under Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). However, the court also stated that these allegations cannot be automatically dismissed as a rule, and each case should be evaluated individually. This ruling by the High Court will have a significant impact on future cases involving allegations of domestic violence in India.
The Union Cabinet has approved an increase in the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of raw jute for the 2025-26 marketing season, providing a 66.8% return over the average cost of production. This move aims to benefit jute farmers and promote sustainable agricultural practices. In addition, the Cabinet also approved the continuation of the National Health Mission (NHM) for another five years.
As the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) initiative completes 10 years, PM Modi praises its success in empowering girls and achieving gender equality. The initiative, which aims to promote education and prevent gender-biased sex-selective elimination, has seen significant improvements in child sex ratios in previously low performing districts. PM Modi credits the efforts of various communities and organisations for this progress and urges continued commitment towards creating a society where girls can thrive without discrimination.
United States President Donald Trump stirs controversy once again as he announces a "full and unconditional" pardon for Ross Ulbricht, the founder of the infamous dark web marketplace, Silk Road. Trump credits the Libertarian Movement for his decision, praising them for their support during his presidency. He also takes a jab at his political opponents, accusing them of being involved in Ulbricht's conviction. This move raises questions about the president's motives and his stance on illegal activities in the digital world.
At the 'Gandhi Bharat' event, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge lauded Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, likening her to iconic freedom fighters such as Kittur Rani Chennamma and 'Jhansi Ki Rani' Lakshmi Bai. He also accused Union Home Minister Amit Shah of disrespecting the Indian Constitution and B R Ambedkar, to which Shah responded by denying the claims. Kharge used the event as an opportunity to criticize the BJP's manipulation of history and discriminatory actions towards marginalized communities.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to social media platform X to reflect on the transformative impact of the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) movement, which has completed a decade since its launch. Noting the initiative's achievements in promoting gender equality and providing education opportunities for girls, he credited its success to the dedication of communities and organizations nationwide. PM Modi also urged continued commitment to empowering India's daughters and highlighted the integration of BBBP with Mission Shakti, a comprehensive programme for women's safety and empowerment.
Donald Trump's second term as president began with a clear focus on his MAGA base. He declared a break with global multilateralism and pardoned nearly all of the rioters who stormed the Capitol to overturn the 2020 election. Immigration was the main theme of Trump's speeches and executive orders on Day 1, and his actions will especially impact children of temporary Indian workers in the US. Trump also promised a review of US trade policies and could impose a universal tariff on all imports.
After former President Trump revoked his Secret Service protection, former National Security Advisor John Bolton condemned the move as a sign of weakened charges against Trump. Despite past threats from Iran, Biden had granted Bolton a security detail in 2021, but Trump removed it after his inauguration. Bolton also reminded the public of the 2020 U.S. strike that killed Qassem Soleimani, which likely led to the Iranian threats against him.
President Donald Trump was officially inaugurated for a second term today and wasted no time in making his presence known. He quickly enacted a series of executive orders, including declaring a national emergency at the southern border and renaming the Gulf of Mexico to Gulf of America. In addition, he fired four senior government officials appointed by Joe Biden and threatened to impose tariffs on Mexico and Canada. The controversy surrounding his inauguration continues to escalate as video footage of tech billionaire Elon Musk's "Nazi" gesture at a Trump rally surfaces. Amidst all this activity, Trump's return to power marks a significant moment in American history, as he becomes only the second president to hold non-consecutive terms.