"Delhi Continues to Suffer from 'Very Poor' Air Quality, Airport Issues Advisory" - The air quality in Delhi has been in the 'very poor' category for four consecutive days, impacting visibility and causing delays and cancellations at the city's airport. With thick smog and dense fog engulfing the capital, the Delhi airport has issued an advisory for passengers to contact their airlines for any potential disruptions in their travel plans. "Bickering Between AAP and BJP Over Delhi's Electoral Roll" - Ahead of the assembly elections in Delhi, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) of tampering with voter registration details, while AAP has dismissed the allegations as an attempt to delete names of voters from certain communities. The two parties continue to trade barbs over the issue, with the BJP demanding action from the Election Commission of India (ECI).
In a shocking display of protest, BJP leader K Annamalai lashes himself six times and vows not to wear footwear until DMK is removed from power in Tamil Nadu. He also plans to visit all the six abodes of Lord Muruga to complain about the situation in the state. Despite the AIADMK being the main opposition, Annamalai's dramatic move has helped the BJP seize the initiative on the sexual assault case at Anna University in Chennai. He has also called out the party's shortcomings and questioned the whereabouts of the Nirbhaya Fund.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has scheduled a meeting with Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge to deliberate on the selection of the next Chairperson for the National Human Rights Commission. This controversial and critical appointment is being overseen by a committee led by the Prime Minister, with Mr. Gandhi and Mr. Kharge being members as Leaders of the Opposition in Parliament. The meeting comes at a tumultuous time during the final days of the Parliament's winter session, which has been disrupted by contentious bills and debates. The meeting also follows a heated confrontation between the opposition parties and the government over comments made by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, with Prime Minister Modi responding that the accusations against his government are "gravely mistaken".
In a major blow to the liberal government of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, his Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland has resigned following disagreements over economic policies and handling of trade relations with the US. This resignation comes at a crucial time as Trudeau's government is already facing internal divisions and a growing rift with the opposition party. With upcoming elections, this resignation adds to the mounting challenges for Trudeau and raises concerns about his leadership abilities.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah's fiery address at the Rajya Sabha revealed the Congress party's hypocritical stance towards the Constitution of India, as he slammed the party for their past actions of appeasement politics and manipulation of the Constitution for their own gain. He also highlighted the ruling government's efforts towards fulfilling their poll promises through landmark bills such as ONOP, which aims to synchronise the tenures of the Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections. Opposition leaders, however, have voiced their disapproval, labelling the move as an attack on the democratic process.
Bihar receives a major boost for its economy as it attracts a record-breaking 3,800+ industry proposals worth over Rs 36,000 crore from both domestic and international investors. The state's Chief Secretary, in a press conference, highlighted the investment opportunities in the leather industry and the newly opened inland container depot. Additionally, the state is actively seeking investment in the maize sector to capitalize on the increasing demand for ethanol. AVPL International and Sugs Lloyd are among the companies that have already announced projects in Bihar, with the former planning to build a drone manufacturing facility. Despite its successes, Bihar faced opposition in the form of India's rejection of a China-led investment proposal at the WTO.
During a Constitution debate in the Lok Sabha, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju criticized the Opposition for claiming that India does not protect minority rights. He emphasized that not only does India provide legal protection to minorities, but it also implements affirmative action for their welfare. Rijiju went on to quote BR Ambedkar, alleging that former Prime Minister Nehru prioritized Muslim rights over those of Scheduled Castes.
Protesting farmers marching towards Delhi from the Shambhu protest site in Haryana's Karnal were met with tear gas and clashes with security forces. The 'Dilli Chalo' march was called off as a result of the violence, with at least seven farmers sustaining injuries. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi condemned the use of force and urged the government to listen to the farmers' demands including legal guarantee of MSP and loan waivers.
Opposition MPs, led by Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, protested against the Adani issue at the Parliament premises in New Delhi. The MPs wore jackets emblazoned with the words "Modi Adani Ek Hai, Adani safe hai" in a symbolic protest. Congress leaders Gaurav Gogoi and Jairam Ramesh were also seen wearing the jackets as they demanded a discussion on the Adani matter in Parliament, leading to the stalling of proceedings.
The leader of the opposition, Rahul Gandhi, led a Congress delegation to Sambhal, where recent violence has claimed four lives. However, Gandhi was stopped at the district borders by police and administration officials citing prohibitory orders. Despite attempts to negotiate, Gandhi was not allowed to enter the district and returned back to Delhi. His sister and fellow Congress MP, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, expressed disappointment at the denial of Gandhi's constitutional right to visit the site of the violence. This incident raises questions about the state of civil liberties and freedom of movement in the country.