Top India And India-related International News Unfolding Today
1. Chandigarh Mayoral Election: The Supreme Court expressed strong disapproval of irregularities in the Chandigarh mayoral election, where the BJP unexpectedly won 16-12 after invalidating eight votes of the AAP-Congress coalition. The returning officer (RO) was criticized for defacing ballot papers, leading the court to declare it a “mockery of democracy.” The court postponed the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation’s first sitting and ordered the preservation of all records, including videography, for further investigation.
2. Kerala CM’s Daughter and SFIO Inquiry: The Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) has initiated an inquiry into a controversial financial transaction involving Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s daughter, Veena Vijayan. The investigation centers around a ₹1.72 crore deal between Veena Vijayan’s Bengaluru-based firm, Exalogic Solutions, and Cochin Minerals and Rutiles Limited (CMRL). The SFIO team recently inspected CMRL’s office, aiming to unravel the intricacies of this payment controversy.
3. Gyanvapi Mosque Cellars Survey: A recent plea has been filed, urging the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to survey all sealed basements within the Gyanvapi mosque in Varanasi. Filed by Rakhi Singh, a founding member of the Vishwa Vedic Sanatan Sangh, the petition claims the existence of secret cellars inside the complex. These unexplored basements hold crucial information about the mosque’s history and religious significance. The Varanasi district court will consider the plea.
4. PM Modi’s Remarks on Nehru: In Lok Sabha, PM Narendra Modi sharply criticized the Congress leadership, particularly targeting Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister. PM Modi alleged that Nehru believed Indians to be lazy and lacking intelligence. He quoted from Nehru’s 1959 Independence Day speech, where Nehru emphasized self-reliance and the need for communities to progress on their own feet. The PM also highlighted similar sentiments expressed by Indira Gandhi.
5. ED Raids and Arvind Kejriwal: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has conducted searches at approximately 10 locations in the national capital, including the residence of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s personal secretary, Bibhav Kumar, and individuals associated with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). These raids are part of an ongoing investigation into alleged financial irregularities and money laundering. The ED seeks compliance from Kejriwal, who has skipped multiple summonses related to the Delhi liquor scam. The court will hear the matter on February 7.
6. Atishi’s Allegations on ED Raids: Atishi, a senior leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), alleges that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids to silence the party. She claims that the ED deleted audio recordings of witness statements. The investigation revolves around a ₹1.72 crore deal between her party member’s firm and Cochin Minerals and Rutiles Limited (CMRL). Atishi also revealed that witnesses were threatened to give false statements. The AAP has filed a petition for access to all audio recordings.
7. Uttarakhand Assembly and Uniform Civil Code: The Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly is set to introduce the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), a comprehensive set of laws aimed at replacing diverse customary practices across various faiths and tribes. The UCC covers critical matters like marriage, divorce, inheritance, and maintenance. If passed, Uttarakhand will become the first state post-independence to adopt the UCC, following Goa’s lead. The bill’s approval by the state cabinet marks a historic decision, emphasizing uniformity in civil laws for all communities.
8. Muslim Cleric’s Opposition to UCC: Muslim cleric Sajid Rashidi expressed strong opposition to the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), which the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly is considering. He believes that the UCC will impact not only Muslims but also followers of all religions in India. Rashidi emphasizes that each religion’s unique practices and beliefs make unity impossible. He calls for Muslim unity and protest, akin to the farmers’ protests. The court will hear the matter on February 7.
9. Indian Embassy Staffer Arrested for Spying: Satendra Siwal, an Indian embassy staffer, has been arrested for allegedly spying for Pakistan’s intelligence agency ISI. The Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) apprehended Siwal in Lucknow after questioning. Siwal, a resident of Uttar Pradesh, worked as a security assistant at the Indian Embassy in Moscow since 2021. He provided confidential information about the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of External Affairs, and Indian military establishments to the ISI in exchange for money. The court has remanded him to judicial custody until February 7.
10. Jammu and Kashmir Budget: India has announced an interim budget of $14 billion for Jammu and Kashmir. This substantial allocation is 4.5 times more than what Pakistan sought from the IMF. The budget aims to boost growth and reduce the fiscal deficit in the Union Territory.
11. Kerala Budget Highlights: Kerala Finance Minister KN Balagopal has unveiled the 2024-25 budget in the state Assembly. The key areas of the budget include a hike in alcohol prices with a Rs 10 per liter increase in excise duty, Rs 5,000 crore allocation to boost the tourism sector, Special development zones in Vizhinjam inspired by China, K-Rail project and Light Metro projects in Kozhikode and Thiruvananthapuram.
12. Mumbai Coastal Road Extension: The Mumbai Coastal Road Project (North), linking Versova in the western suburbs to Dahisar, has received a letter of award from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). This 22.93 km six-lane project, also known as the Versova-Dahisar Link Road (VDLR), includes a 4.46 km connector to the Goregaon-Mulund Link Road (GMLR). The budget for this $17 billion project aims to reduce travel time by 70%, easing congestion on existing routes between north and south Mumbai. The first phase, connecting Marine Drive to the Bandra-Worli Sea Link, is nearing completion.
13. Anti-Cheating Bill: The Indian government has introduced a landmark anti-cheating bill to tackle exam paper leaks. Under the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill, those who leak exam papers or tamper with answer sheets by colluding with officials could face up to 10 years in jail and a fine of ₹1 crore. The bill is non-compoundable, meaning no compromises can be made. It also covers government employees and third-party agencies involved in leaking question papers. A high-level technical committee will enhance exam security, focusing on digital platforms.
14. Indian Navy Rescues FV Omari: The Indian Navy thwarted a piracy attempt on an Iranian-flagged fishing vessel, the FV Omari, along the East coast of Somalia. Seven pirates had boarded the vessel, taking the crew hostage. The INS Sharda intervened, using helicopters and boats to coerce the pirates into releasing the 11 Iranian and eight Pakistani crew members. The ship also conducted a confirmatory boarding to ensure the crew’s well-being. This operation exemplifies the Navy’s commitment to maritime safety and saving lives at sea.
15. India Won’t Join Nijjar Probe Till Canada Shares Evidence: India’s High Commissioner to Canada, Sanjay Kumar Verma, has asserted that India will not cooperate with the Canadian investigation into the murder of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar until Canada provides relevant and specific evidence. This stance comes after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged a “potential” involvement of Indian agents in Nijjar’s killing. India has designated Nijjar as a terrorist, and the strained ties between the two nations hinge on evidence sharing.
16. Indian Musicians Shine at Grammy Awards: Indian jazz band Shakti made waves at the 2024 Grammy Awards in Los Angeles. Their album “This Moment” clinched the Best Global Music Album award, marking their first studio release in 46 years. Shakti, founded in 1973, includes renowned artists like Shankar Mahadevan, Zakir Hussain, and V. Selvaganesh. The band’s fusion of jazz and Indian music resonated globally, earning them this prestigious recognition. Kudos to their exceptional talent!
17. Nikhil Gupta Extradition Stayed: The Czech Republic has halted the extradition proceedings for Nikhil Gupta, an Indian national indicted by the US in connection with the thwarted attempt to assassinate Khalistan separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. This decision was made after Gupta appealed to the Constitutional Court to block his extradition to the US.