News Highlights: Govt proposes more incentives for scrapping vehicles with BS-II

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10:27 PM

National flag unfurled for first time in 35 years at Tral in J-K

For the first time in 35 years, the national tricolour was unfurled at Tral in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday as patriotic songs marked the celebration of 76th Republic Day. Once a bastion of terrorists and separatists, Tral town reverberated with patriotic songs and chants of 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' as PDP MLA Rafiq Naik joined nearly 1,000 participants in the Republic Day function.

9:03 PM

Govt proposes more incentives for scrapping vehicles with BS-II

With an aim to get rid of high-polluting vehicles, the transport ministry has proposed to double the rebate up to 50 per cent in one-time tax on purchase of new vehicles after scrapping those with BS-II and earlier emission standards.

At present, a discount of 25 per cent in Motor Vehicle tax is provided on purchase of a new vehicle after scrapping old personal vehicles, while the rebate is capped at 15 per cent in case of commercial vehicles.

8:42 PM

Ashwini Vaishnaw interacts with special invitees of 'Mann Ki Baat' for 76th Republic Day Parade

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Sunday interacted with special invitees of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Mann Ki Baat' program who have been selected as distinguished guests for the 76th Republic Day Parade.

They were invited by Akashvani to its New Delhi office at Akashvani Bhawan, according to Ministry of Information & Broadcasting.

8:07 PM

Remo D'Souza takes a holy dip at Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj

Choreographer Remo D'Souza visited the Maha Kumbh Mela and took a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj, marking a significant moment during his spiritual journey.

Taking to his Instagram handle, he shared a video from his spiritual visit. He also posted a series of pictures in which he along with his wife Lizelle can be seen taking blessings from Swami Kailashanand Giri Maharaj.

7:34 PM

6 VDGs, 3 JKAS officers among over 50 awarded on R-Day in J-K

Jammu and Kashmir government has conferred awards to over 50 people, including a group of six Village Defence Guards (VDGs) and three J-K Administrative Service (JKAS) officers, for their outstanding contribution in different fields on Sunday, an official order said.

Principal Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar Iffat Hassan Shah was among the prominent persons awarded on the Republic Day. The award carries a cash prize of Rs 51,000 and a citation.

6:59 PM

NCLAT set aside penalty on lenders for delay in Mudra Denim insolvency process

The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) has set aside the penalty imposed against lenders of debt-ridden Mudra Denim, saying there was no laxity on their part for delay in insolvency process.

The Mumbai bench of the National Company Law Tribunal had, on November 11 last year, while deciding creditors' plea seeking extension of deadline to complete the insolvency process, imposed a cost of Rs 55,000 on the Committee of Creditors (COC).

6:44 PM

Kejriwal insulted Puravanchalis, called them fake voters: Shah

Kejriwal insulted Puravanchalis, called them fake voters, said Amit Shah. ''Kejriwal only told lies to get votes, AAP means 'Awaidh Aamdaniwali Party''', Shah added at Narela rally.

 

 

6:40 PM

Governance of Delhi under Arvind Kejriwal's AAP worsened in past 10 years: Shah

AAP's misgovernance in Delhi will end on February 8, BJP will come to power: Amit Shah at public meeting in Narela. BJP-ruled states progressed due to party's double-engine government, Shah added.

5:15 PM

JK Cement to acquire majority 60% stake in Saifco Cements, to enter J&K

JK Cement, one of the leading cement producers, has said it will acquire a 60 per cent stake of Saifco Cements in a deal through which it will enter into the Jammu & Kashmir market.

The JK Group firm will acquire a 60 per cent stake in Saifco Cements, which has an integrated manufacturing unit at Khunmoh in Srinagar, at a valuation of Rs 174 crore, according to a joint statement.

4:53 PM

Himachal farmer selected for Padma Shri revolutionised apple cultivation

A progressive Himachali farmer, Hariman Sharma revolutionised apple cultivation by developing a variety that can be cultivated under warmer conditions in the lower hills. It was earlier believed that apples could only be grown in the mid and the higher hills under cold conditions. Sharma's innovation, however, busted that myth.

 

3:58 PM

Budget 2025: Tech industry bats for deeptech fund, tweaks in safe harbour rules' threshold

India's apex IT industry body Nasscom has batted for tweaks in safe harbour rules and widening the scope for utilisation of SEZ reinvestment reserves in its Budget wishlist, while advocating for creation of a central deeptech fund to bolster startup ecosystem in India.

Creation of a grant framework for the deeptech ecosystem, and making the deferment of the time of payment of tax on Employee Stock Option Plan available to employees of all DPIIT-recognized startups also tops the Budget expectations of the industry.

3:40 PM

Student killed, 20 others injured in Odisha as pick-up van on way to Republic Day function overturns

A class 10 student died and 20 others were injured as a pick-up van that was taking them to a Republic Day function overturned in Odisha's Cuttack district on Sunday, police said. The incident happened near Anshupa Lake when students of Malaviharapur High School were on the way to the Saranda Parade Ground after attending the flag hoisting programme in their own school, they said.

3:14 PM

Good governance cornerstone for prosperous J&K: LG

Highlighting the transformation in Jammu and Kashmir over the past several years, Lt Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday said good governance is pivotal to fostering peace, development and inclusivity in the region. He said it is the collective responsibility of all to maintain peace and harmony, ensuring that the dreams of the local youth are not hindered by divisive forces.

2:56 PM

2 empty coaches derail near Padmapukuar railway station in WB's Howrah, no report of any injury

Two empty coaches of a train derailed after it was hit by a parcel van near Padmapukuar railway station of West Bengal's Howrah district on Sunday, an official said. There was no report of any injury in the freak incident, not far from Howrah station, the official of the South Eastern Railway said. Empty coaches of a train were being taken to Shalimar yard from Padmapukur when the parcel van hit the coaches which caused the derailment, he said.

2:51 PM

Kejriwal lashes out at the BJP for labelling welfare measures as "freebies

Arvind Kejriwal lashed out at the BJP for labelling welfare measures as "freebies", alleging that the saffron party was trying to create guilt among the middle class while itself offering massive concessions to big businesses. "When the BJP waives loans worth thousands of crores for its friends, is that not a freebie?" he asked.

2:44 PM

Kejriwal accuses BJP of planning to end all welfare schemes initiated by AAP if it gains power in Delhi

The BJP has already clarified it will stop free electricity, free bus rides (for women), and other benefits provided by the Delhi government. I ask the people, will they be able to bear this cost if the BJP is elected, he said.

2:20 PM

If BJP is voted to power, all facilities being provided in Delhi will be stopped: Kejriwal

The Bharatiya Janata Party has made it clear in different ways, through the words of different leaders, that if their government is formed, if you press the lotus button, all these facilities being provided in Delhi will be stopped because this is against their model, says Arvind Kejriwal. 

2:09 PM

Delhi people have choice between two models: Kejriwal model or BJP model

Arvind Kejriwal said residents of Delhi have two options to choose from one is Kejriwal model in which money is spent for the benefit of common man. On the other hand there is BJP model, in which money is spent on its rich friends. 

1:39 PM

Fire breaks out in a paper warehouse in Tiruvottiyur, Chennai

Fire breaks out in a paper warehouse in Tiruvottiyur, Chennai. Fire engines are present at the spot. Firefighting operation is underway. 

 

1:19 PM

Liquor ban in MP needs joint efforts of govt and society, says CM Yadav

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Sunday said that awareness is being created about liquor prohibition, and the campaign can be successful only with joint efforts from the government and society. Yadav addressed a Republic Day function at Nehru Stadium in Indore and inspected the ceremonial parade. Governor Mangubhai Patel unfurled the national flag at the Lal Parade Ground in Bhopal. The state cabinet on January 24 decided to ban the sale of liquor in 17 religious cities and towns of Madhya Pradesh.

12:53 PM

Security forces have broken backbone of Maoists in Chhattisgarh, says Guv Ramen Deka

Chhattisgarh Governor Ramen Deka on Sunday said violent ideologies are the biggest threat to democracy and security forces have "broken the backbone" of Maoists by eliminating them in their safest hideouts of the state in the last one year. In his Republic Day address at the Police Parade ground here, Deka also said his government's focus is on rapid economic growth of Chhattisgarh. There is a possibility of an investment of Rs 2.5 trillion in the state in the next five years, which will open employment opportunities for five lakh persons, he said.

11:35 AM

Commuters hit hard on R-Day as block burst in Mumbai disrupts Central Railway train services

Train services on some Central Railway routes were disrupted on Sunday morning due to an extended mega block for a bridge girder launch here, causing inconvenience to people heading for Republic Day events and long distance travellers. Commuters had to walk along the tracks on some of the affected routes and the disruption also led to huge crowds at various stations on the Central Railway suburban network, as per eyewitnesses.

11:09 AM

US Senate Majority Leader John Thune hails Hegseth, Noem's confirmations for security, immigration reform

US Senate Majority Leader John Thune highlighted the critical importance of confirming Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defence and Kristi Noem as Secretary of Homeland Security, citing their vital roles in national and border security, particularly in addressing immigration concerns.

11:04 AM

Some 70 people killed in attack on hospital in Sudan's Darfur region, says WHO chief

Some 70 people have been killed in an attack on the only functional hospital in the besieged city of El Fasher in Sudan, the chief of the World Health Organisation said Sunday. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus offered the figure in a post on the social platform X.

10:14 AM

Will hold press conference on 'very important issue' today at 1 PM, says Kejriwal

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor and former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal said that he will be holding a press conference on an issue he called ‘very very very’ important at 1 pm today.

9:58 AM

Delhi's air quality sees slight improvement, remains in 'moderate' category

Delhi's air quality on Sunday was recorded at 174, reflecting a marginal improvement from Saturday's air quality index (AQI) of 191. The air quality in the national capital remained in the 'moderate' category, providing some relief to residents. According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), neighbouring areas of Delhi also reported cleaner air. While Ghaziabad and Noida recorded 'satisfactory' AQI levels, Gurugram's AQI continued to hover in the 'moderate' category.

 

9:53 AM

Former UP Assembly speaker Hriday Narayan Dixit thanks PM Modi for Padma Shri Honour

Former Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly speaker Hriday Narayan Dixit, who has been conferred with the Padma Shri award in the field of literature and education, expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, describing himself as a "humble social political worker." Dixit said he is "mulling to write a book on Kumbh Mela" and plans to dedicate more efforts toward culture and nationalism.

9:43 AM

Honest efforts never go unnoticed, eventually rewarded: Padma awardee J Y Gamlin

Social worker Jumde Yomgam Gamlin from Arunachal Pradesh, who has been awarded Padma Shri this year, said honest efforts never go unnoticed and would eventually be rewarded. Expressing her gratitude, Gamlin said, "I feel elated to receive the Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award. I thank the state government and the Centre for recognising my work."

9:30 AM

Bomb threat at Jammu's Republic Day venue proves to be a hoax

A bomb threat prompted a thorough search at the main Republic Day venue here in Jammu and Kashmir, hours before the start of the function, officials said on Sunday. However, the threat received through e-mail late Saturday, proved to be a hoax, the officials said.

9:16 AM

Foggy weather delays flights and trains in the national capital; cold wave persists

Delhi woke up to a light layer of fog today, with a slight rise in temperature expected, offering some relief from the chill. Weather conditions in the national capital are forecasted to remain unchanged over the next two to three days, with persistent foggy conditions. Delays in train and air services due to the fog continue to pose significant challenges for travellers.The minimum temperature is expected to drop to 7 degrees Celsius. In comparison, the maximum temperature is anticipated to remain at 23 degrees Celsius, with "moderate" to "light fog" conditions, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).