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Bureaucrat and Family Found Dead in Kerala, Suspected Suicide

In a tragic incident in Kerala, an additional commissioner of central excise and GST, Manish Vijay, along with his mother Shakunthala and sister Shalini, was found dead at their residence, with police suspecting a case of death by suicide. Concerned colleagues discovered the bodies after Manish failed to return from a four-day leave. Manish and Shalini were found hanging in separate rooms, while their mother was discovered on the bed, draped in a white cloth with flowers placed beside her. The police believe Shakunthala may have died first. A diary containing a note instructing that their sister, who lives abroad, should be informed of their deaths was also found. The family, originally from Jharkhand, had recently moved in together. Shalini was involved in a legal dispute regarding her earlier dismissal from a deputy collector position, with ongoing trial proceedings. An unnatural death case has been registered, and post-mortem examinations will commence upon the arrival of their sister. sources

Published:
Feb 22 2025, 9 am

Jaishankar: USAID Invited Here in Good Faith

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has expressed concerns regarding allegations from the US that $21 million was sent to India to influence elections, a claim initially raised by former President Donald Trump. Speaking at the Delhi University Literature Festival, Jaishankar highlighted the potential risks posed by external influences on public perceptions and narratives, asserting that the Indian government is investigating the matter. He emphasized that organizations like USAID have historically operated in India with good intentions, but recent suggestions imply malicious activities warranting scrutiny. The BJP has called for an investigation into the alleged US funding, suggesting it was used to support "deep state assets" within India. In response, Indian authorities, including the Enforcement Directorate, have begun preliminary investigations into local entities linked to the funding, focusing on potential violations of anti-money laundering laws in what has been described as a transnational conspiracy. sources

Published:
Feb 22 2025, 9 pm

Shivraj Chouhan: Positive Talks with Protesting Farmers

Farmers and the Union government, led by Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, engaged in talks on Saturday in Chandigarh to resolve a year-long deadlock over various demands, notably a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Prices (MSPs). The meeting, which lasted over two hours, included a 28-member farmers' delegation, Union ministers Piyush Goyal and Pralhad Joshi, and Punjab Cabinet ministers. While the specifics of the discussions remain undisclosed, another meeting is scheduled for March 19. Chouhan emphasized the government's commitment to farmers' welfare, indicating a positive dialogue. The farmers, camped at the Punjab-Haryana border since February 2022, are advocating for demands such as debt waivers, pensions, and justice for victims of past protests. Jagjit Singh Dallewal, a key figure in the protests, has been on a hunger strike since November to press for these issues, which also include the reinstatement of the Land Acquisition Act and compensation for deceased farmers' families. sources

Published:
Feb 22 2025, 9 pm

MK Stalin Rejects Education Policy Despite ₹10,000 Crore Offer

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has reaffirmed his opposition to the National Education Policy (NEP), rejecting the possibility of its implementation even if the Centre offers ₹10,000 crore in funding. Speaking at a Parent-Teachers Association event in Cuddalore, Stalin emphasized that the opposition to the NEP extends beyond the perceived imposition of Hindi, citing concerns over its regressive nature and potential negative impacts on students and social justice. He criticized the NEP for proposing public exams for lower grades and a common entrance test for college admissions, which he believes could deter students from attending school. The conflict escalated following allegations that the Centre threatened to withhold ₹2,000 crore for the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan unless the NEP was adopted. In response, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan accused Stalin of creating a false narrative around Hindi imposition and emphasized the NEP's goal of promoting Indian languages. sources

Published:
Feb 22 2025, 7 pm

Trump Doubts India Voter Turnout Fund; BJP Demands Probe

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has called for an investigation into alleged US funding of $21 million aimed at increasing voter turnout in India, labeling it a "kickback scheme." This follows remarks by former President Donald Trump, who raised concerns about the allocation during a Republican Governors Association meeting, questioning why the US would fund voter turnout in India when domestic issues persist. Trump suggested this funding is linked to sustaining "deep state assets" in India, a claim echoed by BJP leaders Amit Malviya and Pradeep Bhandari, who implicated Congress MP Rahul Gandhi as a potential beneficiary. The US Department of Government Efficiency recently announced the cancellation of this funding, further fueling the controversy. Trump has previously compared this situation to foreign interference in US elections, emphasizing the need to prioritize domestic voter engagement over international initiatives. sources

Published:
Feb 22 2025, 5 pm

Ex-RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das Becomes PM's Principal Secretary

Former Reserve Bank of India Governor Shaktikanta Das has been appointed as Principal Secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, according to a government notification. His appointment will last until the Prime Minister's term ends or until further orders. Additionally, the tenure of NITI Aayog's CEO BVR Subrahmanyam has been extended by one year, starting February 24, 2025; he was initially appointed for a two-year term in February 2023. Das, who served as RBI chief for six years from December 2018, brings four decades of governance experience across various sectors, including finance and infrastructure. Notably, during the COVID-19 pandemic, he led the RBI's response with a range of policy measures aimed at bolstering financial stability and supporting economic growth, implementing both conventional and innovative strategies to mitigate the pandemic's impact. sources

Published:
Feb 22 2025, 5 pm

Viral Patchwork Video on Mumbai Coastal Road Noted by PM Office

The Mumbai Coastal Road Project, a ₹14,000 crore initiative, is under scrutiny following a viral video revealing poor patchwork on a crucial stretch. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is contemplating an additional exit at Nepean Sea Road amid ongoing concerns regarding the road's quality. Shiv Sena (UBT) has criticized the previous Eknath Shinde-led government for allegedly favoring specific contractors, while the Prime Minister's Office has taken note of the situation, prompting concerns to be raised with Maharashtra's chief secretary. Aaditya Thackeray of Shiv Sena (UBT) condemned the project's execution, claiming that under his party's governance, the road would have been completed to a higher standard. Opened in phases since March 12, 2024, the 10.58 km road has seen over 5 million vehicles, featuring embankment roads, bridges, and twin underground tunnels designed to ease traffic between South and North Mumbai. sources

Published:
Feb 22 2025, 5 pm

Rajasthan MLAs' Assembly Buffet: Bajra Roti and Garlic Chutney

NEW DELHI: Tensions flared in the Rajasthan Assembly as Congress leaders staged a protest following remarks made by state minister Avinash Gehlot, who referred to former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi as "aapki dadi" (your grandmother). In response, Congress MLA Anil Sharma organized a home-cooked meal for the protesting MLAs, continuing a family tradition of providing food during political standoffs. The protest escalated overnight, with Congress leaders, including Leader of Opposition Tikaram Jully, demanding the expunging of Gehlot's comments, which they viewed as disrespectful. Deputy Chief Minister Premchand Bairwa defended the minister, claiming his words were misinterpreted. As tensions rose, Speaker Vasudev Devnani suspended six Congress MLAs for the remainder of the budget session, a move that Congress leaders criticized as an attempt to provoke the opposition and divert attention from the ruling party's issues. sources

Published:
Feb 22 2025, 3 pm

Workers Trapped in Tunnel Collapse in Telangana

At least six workers are feared trapped following a tunnel collapse in Telangana on Saturday, as part of the under-construction Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) project. The incident occurred behind the Srisailam dam while workers were repairing a leak; three workers managed to escape, but a rescue mission is underway for the others. The collapse, which affected a three-meter section of the left-side tunnel at the 14th km point, happened just four days after the tunnel had reopened. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy expressed shock and ordered immediate relief measures, dispatching officials from various departments to the site. Irrigation Minister N Uttam Kumar is also en route by helicopter. Union Coal Minister G Kishan Reddy has sought clarification on the cause of the accident and emphasized the importance of providing medical treatment to injured workers. sources

Published:
Feb 22 2025, 2 pm

Sarpanch's Husband Killed by Bullet in Celebratory Firing

In a tragic incident in Goraya, Punjab, Paramjit Singh, the husband of a village sarpanch, was killed by a bullet during celebratory firing at a wedding. The 45-year-old collapsed after being struck while guests were dancing and throwing money. A video that has since gone viral captures the moment when a man, appearing to fire his pistol in excitement, shot three times, hitting Singh once. Despite India's strict gun laws prohibiting firearms at such events, and a specific ban on celebratory gunfire in Punjab, the police have not yet acted against the shooter. Initially, authorities, including Singh's wife, suggested he died of a heart attack, but the emergence of the video has prompted a renewed investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death. The incident raises serious concerns over the enforcement of gun regulations in the region. sources

Published:
Feb 22 2025, 1 pm

Atishi Accuses Rekha Gupta of "Failed Poll Promises" Post-Oath

Former Delhi Chief Minister Atishi has written to newly sworn-in Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, expressing concern over the BJP government's failure to implement a promised financial assistance scheme for women during its first cabinet meeting. In her letter, Atishi congratulated Gupta and highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's January 31, 2025, commitment to provide Rs 2,500 per month to women in Delhi, which was expected to be approved in the first cabinet session. Atishi criticized the BJP for not delivering on this electoral promise, stating that many women feel deceived. She requested a meeting with Gupta and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Legislature Party to discuss the scheme's implementation, reiterating that AAP would hold the BJP accountable for its commitments, including maintaining free electricity and other welfare programs. The BJP recently won the Delhi elections, securing 48 out of 70 assembly seats, while AAP obtained 22. sources

Published:
Feb 22 2025, 12 pm

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