Karnataka's Kannada & Culture Minister Shivaraj Tangadagi announced that the state government will require multinational companies to prominently display the number of Kannadigas they employ in order to promote and protect the Kannada language. He also mentioned efforts to strengthen Kannada in judiciary and the development of an app for citizens to report violations against the language. Suggestions made by lawmakers are also being considered, including adding members from Kannada organizations to the committee enforcing the new law.
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.
Hickman, a former Parkland High School student, is scheduled to appear in Forsyth Superior Court for slapping a teacher and making threats towards her. The incident was captured on a viral video which showed the teacher remaining calm as she was assaulted and verbally abused. Hickman's case was continued by Judge Aaron Berlin on Monday.
Self-styled godman Asaram, who was convicted in two separate rape cases, has been granted interim bail by the Supreme Court on medical grounds. However, the bail is only until March 31 and he will remain in jail as he has to obtain bail in another rape case. Asaram's request for bail was based on his deteriorating health condition, for which he had previously received treatment in Pune and AIIMS Jodhpur. The Supreme Court also ordered police officers to escort him to the hospital for treatment without imposing any restrictions on where he should go.
In response to concerns raised about discrepancies in voter turnout and vote counting, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar clarified the process of EVM commissioning and security measures. He assured the public that EVMs are tamper-proof and backed his statements with court judgments stating that hacking or altering results is impossible. Kumar also explained the mock poll process done in the presence of election agents to further ensure transparency.
The life and papacy of Pope Innocent XI, previously known as Benedetto Odescalchi, was marked by his deep devotion to piety and his relentless efforts to reduce expenses and fight against nepotism in the Curia. He gained admiration from the people of Ferrara as a "father of the poor", and as pope, he faced challenges from Louis XIV of France on the issue of "Gallican Liberties" and ambassadorial immunities. Despite a long period of ill health, Innocent XI left a lasting legacy of selflessness and service, leading to his eventual beatification in 1956.
The Election Commission has put an end to speculation about electronic voting machine (EVM) manipulation, stating that the machines are tamper-proof and have consistently upheld the principles of fair elections. Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar also addressed concerns about alleged discrepancies in voter lists, asserting that the preparation of electoral rolls is a transparent process involving political parties at every stage. These announcements were made as the dates for the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections were announced, with polling to take place on February 5 and counting on February 8.
The Delhi Police has vehemently opposed the bail plea of accused in the Delhi riots case, citing the stringent provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). ASG Chetan Sharma argued that the accused were part of a clinical, pathological and planned conspiracy by forces inimical to India, and referred to Supreme Court verdicts to support his argument. The accused, including Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, have been in prison for many years and have sought bail citing delay in trial. However, Sharma blamed them for the delay and argued that mere delay cannot be a ground for bail under UAPA.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has accused the BJP-led Centre of taking away the official residence of Delhi Chief Minister Atishi by cancelling the allotment. In response, Atishi has stated that she is willing to work for the people of Delhi from the streets if needed. With the upcoming Delhi assembly elections in 2025, the Election Commission of India has announced the poll schedule, with voting taking place on February 5 and results on February 8. Furthermore, the Delhi CM's refusal to accept alternative housing options provided by the Public Works Department has sparked controversy and led to the cancellation of the offer.
After nine years in office, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his resignation as leader of the ruling Liberal Party. He cited the need for a "real choice" in the upcoming election and acknowledged the decline in his popularity due to issues such as inflation and housing crisis. A Liberal Party MP further explained that Canadian's fatigue with Trudeau played a role in his decision to step down.
Patna District Magistrate, Dr. Chandrashekhar Singh, has defended the detention of 43 individuals, including political strategist Prashant Kishor, during protests over BPSC exams. Singh stated that the protest at Gandhi Maidan was illegal and despite warnings, protesters refused to vacate. An FIR was filed and 15 vehicles were seized. Verification has shown that 30 out of the 43 detained individuals were not students, and Dr. Singh has warned of strict action against any future illegal protests.