Category: NATIONAL

Kolkata, January 9:
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is set to lead a protest march in Kolkata against the Enforcement Directorate (ED) following recent raids carried out by the central agency. The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has alleged that the action is politically motivated and aimed at targeting opposition leaders.

According to party sources, the protest is intended to highlight what the TMC describes as the “misuse of central agencies” by the BJP-led Centre. Mamata Banerjee is expected to address party workers and supporters during the demonstration, accusing the Union government of intimidation tactics. The development is likely to intensify the ongoing political confrontation between the Centre and the West Bengal government.

New Delhi, January 9:
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday opposed a plea filed by alleged middleman Christian Michel challenging the legality of his extradition from the United Arab Emirates to India. The agencies submitted before the court that Michel’s extradition was carried out in accordance with due process and in line with the extradition treaty between India and the UAE, rejecting claims of any procedural irregularities.

Michel, an accused in the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper case, has argued that his extradition was unlawful and violated his rights. Countering this, the CBI and ED maintained that all legal safeguards were followed and asserted that the challenge was an attempt to delay the trial proceedings. The court has taken note of the submissions and is expected to hear further arguments before passing orders on the matter.

New Delhi, January 9:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to interact with emerging young leaders during the upcoming Vivekananda Youth Leadership Dialogue (VBYLD) 2026, scheduled around January 12, which coincides with National Youth Day commemorating the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda. According to organisers, the event will bring together a dynamic cohort of youth leaders, innovators, and social entrepreneurs from across India to discuss leadership challenges, innovation, and solutions for societal transformation. Modi’s participation is expected to focus on inspiring young Indians to take on leadership roles in nation-building and outline opportunities for youth involvement in public service.

The dialogue will highlight key themes such as ethical leadership, digital innovation, sustainable development, and youth engagement in governance. Organisers said that the session aims to motivate participants to translate their ideas into actionable projects that address grassroots challenges, align with national priorities, and contribute to inclusive development. Modi’s engagement at VBYLD 2026 reinforces the government’s emphasis on empowering youth and fostering a culture of leadership, creativity and public spirit among India’s younger generations.

New Delhi / Somnath, January 9:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extended his greetings to the nation on the commencement of the Somnath Swabhiman Parv, marking a significant moment to celebrate the millennia-old cultural resilience of the Somnath Temple. In a social media message, Modi highlighted the civilisational resolve that ensured the temple was repeatedly rebuilt despite repeated attacks over centuries, describing the anniversary as a reflection of India’s enduring faith and cultural unity. The Prime Minister also shared memories from his previous visits to the temple and invited citizens to commemorate the occasion by sharing their own experiences.

Modi is scheduled to visit the Somnath Temple on January 11 to participate in the Swabhiman Parv celebrations, which will feature a host of spiritual and cultural programmes. He said the event honours countless Indians who upheld principles and values regardless of adversity and emphasised that Somnath’s legacy stands as a symbol of the civilisational spirit that has sustained India over centuries. The celebrations are expected to include cultural events, community programmes, and nationwide engagement activities aimed at fostering a sense of pride and continuity in India’s shared heritage.

New Delhi, January 9:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday welcomed the latest forward-looking economic data showing India’s real GDP is projected to grow at 7.4 per cent in the financial year 2025–26, reinforcing the government’s optimism about the country’s growth trajectory. Modi said that India’s “Reform Express” continues to gain momentum, driven by comprehensive investment initiatives, demand-led policies, and structural reforms in sectors such as infrastructure, manufacturing and digital public goods. He credited the sustained economic push under the NDA government for reinforcing India’s position as one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies. Modi’s comments highlighted the importance of reform continuity, ease of doing business improvements, and policy measures that support job creation and industrial expansion as key drivers of the projected growth.

The Prime Minister also noted that the services sector, particularly financial and professional services, has recorded robust expansion, while manufacturing and agriculture showed consistent performance, contributing to broad-based growth. Modi’s remarks come at a time when global economic uncertainties persist, making India’s resilient growth outlook a positive signal for investors and policymakers. He underlined that continued reform efforts, including investment facilitation and public-private partnership initiatives, will be critical to sustaining momentum in the medium and long term.

Chennai, January 9:
The Madras High Court is scheduled to hear a contempt petition today in connection with the alleged non-compliance of its earlier orders related to the Deepam scheme. The case pertains to accusations that authorities failed to implement directions issued by the court concerning the welfare scheme.

According to court sources, the petitioners have contended that despite clear instructions, the mandated steps were not carried out within the stipulated timeframe. The High Court is expected to examine the submissions and seek explanations from the concerned officials during the hearing.

Chennai, January 9:
The Madras High Court is scheduled to hear a contempt petition today in connection with the alleged non-compliance of its earlier orders related to the Deepam scheme. The case pertains to accusations that authorities failed to implement directions issued by the court concerning the welfare scheme.

According to court sources, the petitioners have contended that despite clear instructions, the mandated steps were not carried out within the stipulated timeframe. The High Court is expected to examine the submissions and seek explanations from the concerned officials during the hearing.

Guntur, January 9:
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday inaugurated the national-level SARAS Mela 2026 in Guntur, a 13-day exhibition that highlights rural and women-led enterprises across India. The event brings together self-help groups (SHGs), artisans and producers to showcase handicrafts, food products and entrepreneurial innovations, fostering economic empowerment through market access and sales opportunities. The mela was described as a “Mini India,” reflecting its broad participation and diverse offerings.

At the launch, Naidu emphasised the economic impact of SHGs, which have collectively built significant savings and demonstrated financial resilience. He announced distribution of substantial loans and financial support through state schemes such as Sthree Nidhi and SERP, and spotlighted welfare programmes like Talli Ki Vandanam and Deepam 2.0, aimed at extending social benefits. The event also highlighted tech-enabled service delivery mechanisms and health coverage initiatives, reinforcing the government’s commitment to inclusive growth and women’s entrepreneurship.

Vijayawada, January 9:
The third edition of the Avakai-Amaravati festival was inaugurated today at Punnami Ghat in Vijayawada by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, attracting local participants as well as international dignitaries including the EU Ambassador to India. The event celebrates Telugu culture, cuisine, cinema and heritage, reflecting the state’s efforts to promote cultural vibrancy alongside tourism growth. Naidu highlighted Andhra cuisine’s global appeal and emphasised the importance of preserving cultural traditions as essential to the identity of the Telugu people.

The festival also served as a platform to announce upcoming tourism events such as the Flamingo, Araku, and Gandikota festivals, aimed at boosting regional tourism and cultural engagement. Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh and MP Kesineni Sivanath joined the celebrations, underscoring government support for cultural industries and heritage promotion. Observers believe the festival enhances community pride and offers economic opportunities for local artisans, performers and food entrepreneurs.

Vijayawada / New Delhi, January 9:
In a major legal development, the Supreme Court of India on Thursday revived 13 FIRs filed by the Andhra Pradesh Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) against former state officials, setting aside an earlier Andhra Pradesh High Court order that had quashed them. The apex court described the High Court’s ruling as a “travesty” and emphasised the need for accountability, directing investigators to file final reports in the cases within six months as part of ongoing probes into alleged corruption and irregularities.

While reviving the FIRs, the Supreme Court also issued protective directions stating that the state government should not arrest the accused or take coercive action for the time being, allowing due legal processes to unfold. The bench barred the High Court from entertaining further challenges on the same grounds, reinforcing the legal robustness of anti-corruption investigations going forward. State authorities were instructed to cooperate with investigative agencies as required, signalling the judiciary’s intent to ensure that accountability mechanisms proceed without undue delays.