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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.