LIVE: BJP meeting underway in Bihar as political uncertainty continues

From a renewed commitment towards India-France partnership to court's decision on Donald Trump having to pay a hefty penalty, catch all the latest updates from around the world here

9:03 PM

Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) to 50% by 2030: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said, "... We aim to take the Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) to 50% by 2030, the indicators in this direction are very positive after the implementation of the new education policy...Looking at all this, we can say that in the coming days, our education system is moving towards what Prime Minister Modi has talked about, women's leadership development."

9:02 PM

TN CM Stalin to embark on an 8-day visit to Spain

Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin says, "I am going for an 8-day visit to Spain. Large numbers of MoUs have been signed already at the Global Investor Conference which was held recently in Chennai. I am going to participate in the investor's conference in Spain. I will have direct meetings with the major companies in Spain to invest in Tamil Nadu."

7:49 PM

Crew extinguish fire on tanker hit by Houthi missile off Yemen after US targets rebels in airstrike

The crew aboard a Marshall Islands-flagged tanker hit by a missile launched by Yemen's Houthi rebels extinguished an hourslong fire onboard the stricken vessel Saturday sparked by the strike, authorities said.

 

The attack on the Marlin Luanda further complicated the Red Sea crisis caused by the Iranian-backed rebels' attacks over Israel's war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The tanker carried Russian-produced naphtha, a flammable oil, drawing Moscow further into a conflict that so far it had blamed on the US.

 

Early Saturday, US forces conducted a strike against a Houthi anti-ship missile that was aimed at the Red Sea and prepared to launch, the US military's Central Command said. That attack came after the USS Carney, an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, had to shoot down a Houthi missile targeting it.

7:48 PM

TMC very much part of opposition bloc INDIA at national level: TMC leader

The Trinamool Congress on Saturday asserted that its leader, Mamata Banerjee, has never indicated a departure from the opposition bloc INDIA at the national level, despite recent announcements of the party's decision to contest the Lok Sabha polls in West Bengal alone.

 

On the ongoing speculation surrounding TMC's stance within the opposition front, spokesperson Kunal Ghosh emphasised that Banerjee only advocated the party's solo participation in the Lok Sabha polls in West Bengal owing to "unreasonable demands" from the Congress.

 

"Mamata Banerjee has never said that we are not part of the opposition bloc in India. The name 'INDIA' for the opposition front was coined by our party supremo herself. We have only stated our intention to contest alone in Bengal due to unjustified demands from the Congress and utterances of its state president Adhir Chowdhury," Ghosh stated.

7:48 PM

Padma awardees are 'jewels in rags': Dhankhar

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Saturday described the Padma awardees as "jewels in rags" whose talent has been recognised by the government.

 

He also said that meritocracy has replaced autocracy and nepotism in the country, adding the youngsters today have more opportunities to achieve their goals.

 

Interacting with distinguished artists who participated in the Republic Day here, he referred to the recently-announced Padma awards.Jagdeep Dhankhar

 

Dhankhar said the people, who have been selected for these awards had never expected to receive it.

 

"But they were discovered, their talent was recognised and everyone appreciated it," he said while referring to them as "Gudri ke Lal" (jewels in rags).

6:38 PM

You are architect of developed India: PM Modi to youth

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday highlighted a host of measures taken by his government to assert that it has empowered the youth and women and that a developed India will fulfil their dreams.

 

"You are the architect of a developed India," he told youngsters at the annual NCC-PM rally here.

 

Women were earlier confined to cultural programmes but his government has opened up various sectors, including all the three services, to them and they are making a mark everywhere, he said, noting that the Republic Day parade this year was dedicated to them.

 

The number of women in central security forces has doubled in the last 10 years, Prime Minister Modi said and added that states are also being encouraged to follow a similar path.

 

A digital revolution has been taking place and it benefits the creativity of the youth the most, he said.

6:16 PM

25th Bharat Rang Mahotsav to begin from Feb 1 with over 150 plays

The 25th edition of the Bharat Rang Mahotsav (BRM) will witness over 150 performances, along with workshops, discussions and master classes across 15 Indian cities, starting from February 1, the National School of Drama announced here on Saturday.

 

Touted to be the "world's largest theatre festival", 'Bharangam' will offer theatre-goers and cultural enthusiasts a rich tapestry of Indian and global theatre traditions.

 

This year's theatre festival will commence from Mumbai's National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) with the opening play "Humare Ram", featuring actor and NSD alumnus Ashutosh Rana.

 

"Over the past quarter-century, this festival has served as a guiding light, illuminating the rich tapestry of global theatre traditions. The upcoming edition promises to be a grand celebration, showcasing not only the extraordinary creativity within the theatrical realm but also emphasising the beauty of collaboration," NSD director Chittaranjan Tripathy said.

6:14 PM

Maratha quota: OBCs need not fear, says Fadnavis; corrects Bhujbal over Kunbi certificates

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday said OBCs need not have any apprehension about the state government's notification in connection with activist Manoj Jarange's Maratha quota stir and also schooled his cabinet colleague Chhagan Bhujbal on issuance of Kunbi certificates.

 

Jarange called of his fast earlier in the day after the state government said it had accepted all his demands, with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announcing that till Marathas get reservation, the community will be given benefits enjoyed by Other Backward Classes.

 

The Shinde government also issued a notification to recognise as Kunbis all blood relatives of the Maratha community whose Kunbi caste records have been found.

 

Kunbis, an agrarian community, are part of the OBC segment in the state.

6:13 PM

Airstrike kills 3 Palestinians in southern Gaza as Israel presses on with its war against Hamas

Two women and a man were killed early on Saturday in what witnesses said was an Israeli airstrike on a home in the southernmost part of Gaza, as Israel pursued its military offensive against the Palestinian enclave.

 

The strike came less than a day after the International Court of Justice ordered Israel to do all it can to prevent death, destruction and any acts of genocide in Gaza. As part of its binding ruling, the top United Nations court asked Israel for a compliance report in a month, meaning the military's conduct will be under increasing scrutiny.

6:01 PM

Election Commission collaborates with Rajkumar Hirani for short film on voter awareness

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has collaborated with filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani for a short film to spread awareness about voting.

 

Titled "My Vote My Duty", the short is compiled from video messages by cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar as well as actors Rajkummar Rao, Amitabh Bachchan, R Madhavan, Raveena Tandon, Vicky Kaushal, Boman Irani, Arshad Warsi, Bhumi Pednekar and Mona Singh.

 

Hirani, who most recently directed Shah Rukh Khan-starrer "Dunki", has produced the short film, which was shared by the ECI on its official handle on microblogging site X on National Voters' Day on Thursday. It is directed by Sanjiv Kishinchandani.

5:44 PM

Nitish to resign by Sunday morning: Source

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who heads the Mahagathbandhan' government, is likely to tender his resignation by Sunday morning, a source close to the CM said on Saturday.

 

Talking to PTI, the source, who requested anonymity, said though the possibility of resignation by late Saturday evening could not be ruled out, "it would definitely take place by Sunday morning".

 

He also said prior to putting in his papers, Kumar, the JD(U) president, will hold a customary meeting of the legislature party.

 

The source said government offices like the secretariat have been asked to remain open on Sunday "in view of hectic activity expected during the day", which may see a new government with the BJP's support.

 

Meanwhile, at a party meeting, state BJP leaders stopped short of making a formal announcement of support to the JD(U) chief in the event of his pulling out of the Mahagathbandhan'.

 

Requesting anonymity, BJP sources said instructions have been received from the top leadership to put on hold "any formal announcement" till Kumar, who had dumped the NDA less than three years ago, resigns.

4:56 PM

BJP meeting underway in Bihar as political uncertainty continues

Leaders of the BJP in Bihar gathered here on Saturday to discuss the political situation in the state, amid indications that former ally, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, was planning yet another volte face.

 

We have come here to deliberate on the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. The current situation in Bihar will also be taken up for discussion, state BJP president Samrat Choudhary told reporters ahead of the party meeting at its Veerchand Patel Marg office.

 

The meeting is also being attended by the party's MPs. The BJP has the largest number of 17 MPs in Bihar, where the total number of Lok Sabha members is 40. The JD(U), headed by Kumar, has 16 while another NDA ally LJP, now split up between the uncle-nephew duo of Pashupati Kumar Paras and Chirag Paswan, has six.

 

Earlier, the party's state in-charge Vinod Tawde had slammed the Congress for driving Kumar, the JD(U) president, towards a break up with the INDIA coalition of which he was widely regarded as the architect.

 

Party leaders have so far refrained from making categorical statements about extending support to Kumar, who is expected to resign as the chief minister before returning to the NDA.

4:55 PM

Film industry often held responsible for 'changing morals' of country: Amitabh Bachchan

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan on Saturday said that the film industry is often held responsible for change in nation's morality, arguing instead that society has always served as an inspiration for cinema.

 

During his address to the students at the Symbiosis Film Festival here, the 81-year-old screen icon spoke about the criticism the film industry receives as well as the advantages and disadvantages of technological advancement in cinema.

 

He attended the inauguration ceremony of the festival, organised by Symbiosis International, along with wife Jaya Bachchan.

 

"Many times the film industry comes under a lot of criticism and all kinds of accusations that you are responsible for changing the morals of the country and changing the attitude of the people.

 

"I'm sure that you know Jaya, who has studied formally at the Institute (FTII), would endorse the fact that stories and films are made from experiences that we noticed in nature, in the world, in everyday life, and that is what becomes our inspiration, the actor said.

4:52 PM

Indian Diaspora celebrates 75th Republic Day in Texas with pride

Showcasing cultural diversity and pride, dressed in their best vibrant ethnic outfits, Indian Americans on Friday celebrated India's achievements and aspirations at the 75th Republic Day here at various events.

 

Despite heavy rains, they flaunted their heritage and commitment to building a stronger and more prosperous India with their enthusiasm and patriotic fervour.

 

Consul General of India, D C Manjunath, at a Facebook live event Friday morning, unfurled the national flag and addressed the community to convey the speech of Indian President Droupadi Murmu.

 

In another well-attended event at the India House early noon, he unfurled the Indian flag amongst a huge gathering of Indian Americans and interacted with them.

4:52 PM

Fire in wagon factory stockyard

A fire broke out in a wagon plant stockyard in the North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal on Saturday afternoon, fire brigade officials said.

 

There is no reports of any casualty.

 

The blaze broke out in an open space where a pile of items such as wheels were kept inside the factory premises at Titagarh.

 

Three fire tenders have reached the spot.

 

Titagarh police have also arrived at the spot.

4:46 PM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his virtual address to the All India Presiding Officers’ Conference

In his virtual address to the All India Presiding Officers’ Conference, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "There was a time, whenever any member in the House violates the decorum and if action was taken against him as per the rules, then the other senior members of the House used to explain to that member so that in future they do not make such mistakes that affect the atmosphere of the House and its decorum. But in today's time, we have seen that some political parties stand in support of such members and start defending their mistakes. This situation, be it in Parliament or Assembly, is good for anyone. How to maintain the decorum of the House? This discussion is very important in this form..."

4:45 PM

Work underway on one nation, one legislative platform: PM Modi

Work underway on `one nation, one legislative platform' concept through E-Vidhan and Digital Sansad: PM Modi

4:22 PM

RJD chalks out an action plan if Nitish Kumar breaks mahagathbandhan

Nitish Kumar Live News, Bihar Politics Updates: RJD held an emergency meeting in the backdrop of rumours suggesting that Nitish Kumar will switch alliance and join BJP-led NDA. The meeting, held at 10, Circular Road, involved depositing mobile phones outside the gates. Discussions centered on the strategy to be adopted if Kumar ends the alliance. While some RJD leaders favor staking a claim to form a new government, others, including Tejashwi Yadav, are cautious as the JD(U) and BJP together hold more than 122 members in the 243-strong assembly. (Sources to PTI)

4:21 PM

Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren receives fresh summons from ED in money-laundering case

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has issued fresh summons to Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren for questioning in a money-laundering case linked to an alleged land scam on Saturday.As per sources, the ED has asked Soren to be available for questioning on January 29 or 31, or else the agency itself will go to him for questioning.Earlier on January 25, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren responded to the summon issued to him by the Directorate of Enforcement, reported PTI, citing sources said on Thursday.

4:20 PM

India records 159 new Covid-19 infections, active case tally 1,623

India has registered a single-day rise of 159 new Covid-19 infections and the count of active cases of the disease stands at 1,623 in the country, the Union health ministry said on Saturday.One fatality due to the infection was reported in Kerala in a span of 24 hours, according to the data updated by the ministry at 8 am.The number of daily cases of Covid-19 in the country had dropped to double-digits by December 5, but it began to climb after the emergence of a new variant and the cold weather conditions.

 

2:53 PM

Chirag Paswan meets Amit Shah; BJP, RJD, JDU hold separate meetings

As the political situation unfolds in Bihar, Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah at the latter's residence in the national capital on Saturday. Paswan said that the "situation is very positive regarding the alliance."

 

2:21 PM

With LS polls in sight, Amit Shah to hold key meetings in T'gana on Jan 28

The BJP will begin its preparations for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Telangana with Union Homer Minister Amit Shah holding meetings with key leaders in the state in Hyderabad, Karimnagar, and Mahbubnagar on Sunday.

2:14 PM

Clash over statue in MP: 19 held so far, situation peaceful, say police

Madhya Pradesh Police has made 19 arrests so far in connection with a clash over a statue in Ujjain district. The police has deployed heavy forces, an official told PTI. The clash erupted about a statue of former Deputy Prime Minister of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel by unidentified persons. The police says the situation is under control and peaceful.

2:08 PM

YES Bank's Q3 net rises to Rs 231 cr helped by drop in loan-loss provisions

The Mumbai-based private lender's standalone net profit rose to Rs 231 crore ($27.8 million) in the three months ended Dec 31, it said on Saturday. That was up from Rs 51.52 crore in the same period a year earlier.

 

1:59 PM

Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan confronts protesting SFI activists

1:50 PM

BJP will form government in Bihar in 2025: Union Minister Giriraj Singh

Amid the political turmoil in Bihar suggesting CM Nitish Kumar comeback to the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), Union Minsiter Giriraj Singh has affirmed that BJP is set to win Bihar and will form its government in the state in 2024 state assembly elections.

1:46 PM

100 new biogas plants will soon be set up in Uttar Pradesh: Hardeep Puri

Speaking to the members of the press in Lucknow before inaugurating the Compressed Bio Gas Plant in Budaun, Puri said that in the last seven years, under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the state has shed the label 'BIMARU' (sick) state and has done excellent work in every sector. The Union Minister also said that the government plans to establish 100 new biogas plants in the state.

1:06 PM

Bihar turmoil: BJP central leadership monitoring current political situation, says Giriraj Singh

As the specualtions of Nitish Kumar considering to join the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) again, Union Minister Giriraj Singh on Saturday said the BJP central leadership is "monitoring the political situation in Bihar". Talking to PTI on Saturday, Singh said "Our Central leaders will take decision accordingly".

 

12:26 PM

No relief in cold wave conditions in North India, temperature below normal

There was no let-up in the cold wave condition in Punjab and Haryana on Saturday with minimum temperatures staying below normal at several places. Haryana's Hisar district was the coldest place as it shivered at 3.1 degrees Celsius, four degrees below normal.

 

12:14 PM

Congress' Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury faces backlash for calling Derek O'Brien 'foreigner'

As West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee announced that Trinamool Congress (TMC) will contest the Lok Sabha independently in the state, Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhary referred to TMC leader Derek O'Brien as a "foreigner". Chowdhary is now facing a backlash for his remarks.