Nation – Page 57 – SD NEWS agency

21Jan

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Nation

Weather Update 21 January: Thunderstorms and Heavy Rain Forecast in 10 States; Winds Up to 60 km/h – IMD Advisory

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings of heavy rain and strong winds in 10 states over the next 24 hours, raising concerns of an intensifying cold wave across northern India. Dense fog is expected to disrupt travel in 26 districts, while hilly regions will witness heavy snowfall. State-wise Weather Alerts Northern India: From 22–24 January, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, western Rajasthan, and western Uttar Pradesh are likely to experience thunderstorms with winds reaching 30–50 km/h. Eastern Uttar Pradesh will see similar conditions on 24 January. Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh: Light to moderate rain is expected on 21 January, with heavy rain and snowfall forecast in the western Himalayas from 22–26 January. Cit...

BJP Holds Nearly ₹10,000 Crore in Funds, Audit Report Submitted to Election Commission Reveals

21Jan

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Nation, Politics

BJP Holds Nearly ₹10,000 Crore in Funds, Audit Report Submitted to Election Commission Reveals

New Delhi: The annual audit report of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), recently submitted to the Election Commission, reveals that the party holds nearly ₹10,000 crore in cash and bank deposits. In the financial year 2024-25, following the party’s election victories in Delhi (over AAP) and Odisha (over BJD), BJP’s election expenditure almost doubled, rising from ₹1,754.06 crore the previous year to ₹3,335.36 crore. Net Fund Growth of ₹2,882.32 CroreThe report states that BJP’s accounts saw a net increase of ₹2,882.32 crore during 2024-25. By 31 March 2025, the party’s general fund stood at ₹12,164 crore, up from ₹9,169 crore the previous year. Nitin Nabin, newly elected BJP president, now has the authority to utilise these funds. Election Expenses Dominate SpendingDuring 2024-25,...

No Fitness Certificate or Vehicle Sale if Toll Dues Unpaid: New Rules Announced

21Jan

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Nation

No Fitness Certificate or Vehicle Sale if Toll Dues Unpaid: New Rules Announced

The government has introduced stricter rules to curb toll evasion under the push for a barrier-free toll system on national highways. According to the revised Central Motor Vehicle Rules, vehicles whose owners fail to pay tolls on NHAI roads will not be issued a No Objection Certificate (NOC). Without an NOC, the vehicle will not receive a fitness renewal certificate, nor will the owner be able to sell it. The NOC can only be issued after the pending toll dues are cleared. Amendments to Motor Vehicle RulesThe Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has notified the amendments to the Central Motor Vehicle Rules, which are now in effect. Officials said these measures are necessary as India moves towards implementing a barrier-free toll system, where toll plazas will no longer exist on hig...

Tensions Rise in Bangladesh; India Recalls Families of Mission Staff

21Jan

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Nation

Tensions Rise in Bangladesh; India Recalls Families of Mission Staff

India and Bangladesh are currently experiencing a period of diplomatic tension. In light of the prevailing security situation, the Indian government has asked the families of its mission officials in Bangladesh to return to India. However, Indian missions in the country continue to function normally. Mission Families RecalledThe Indian government has instructed family members of officials posted at the High Commission and other diplomatic missions in Bangladesh to return to India. According to sources, the decision was taken after assessing the current security environment. Indian diplomatic missions and other posts, however, will continue their regular operations and remain fully functional. Bangladesh is set to hold general elections and a referendum on 12 February 2026. Security R...

BJP’s “Magic Wand”: How Regional Parties Are Losing Ground Across India

20Jan

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Nation, Politics

BJP’s “Magic Wand”: How Regional Parties Are Losing Ground Across India

New Delhi: The recent municipal election results in Maharashtra have once again highlighted the changing dynamics of Indian politics, underscoring the growing dominance of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). On January 16, the BJP secured 1,425 of the total 2,869 seats across 29 municipal corporations in the state—a near 50% strike rate. The most significant development came from Mumbai, where the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), a stronghold of Shiv Sena for 25 years, slipped out of regional control. Since 2014, the BJP has not entirely eliminated regional parties, but its sustained strategy has steadily curtailed their influence. By limiting regional parties’ ability to convert votes into seats and reducing their capacity to leverage state governments in national politics, the ...

Weather Forecast for 21 January 2026: Relief Soon for Delhi-NCR, Snow Returns to Himachal and Jammu-Kashmir

20Jan

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Nation

Weather Forecast for 21 January 2026: Relief Soon for Delhi-NCR, Snow Returns to Himachal and Jammu-Kashmir

New Delhi: Residents of Delhi-NCR facing severe cold can expect some relief soon, while Rajasthan will feel the impact of an approaching Western Disturbance. Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh are set to witness another spell of snowfall, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Delhi-NCR Weather OutlookNorthern India continues to experience bitter cold, although daytime sunshine has led to a slight rise in maximum temperatures. States including Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh are still under the influence of cold waves. However, regions in Kashmir, Rajasthan, and a few other areas have seen minor temperature increases. Punjab and Haryana are experiencing severe cold, with Amritsar recording a minimum temperature of 2.8°C. Chandigarh re...

CJI Suryakant Reveals Where True Justice Lies

20Jan

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Nation

CJI Suryakant Reveals Where True Justice Lies

New Delhi: Chief Justice of India (CJI) D.Y. Suryakant delivered a powerful message to young advocates during an honors ceremony organized by the Delhi Bar Council at the Delhi High Court premises. Emphasizing the importance of district courts, he urged budding lawyers to begin their practice at the grassroots level before aspiring to appear in High Courts or the Supreme Court. CJI Suryakant Highlights a Common MisconceptionJustice Suryakant noted a prevalent misconception among young lawyers—that after graduating from premier law universities such as the National Law Universities (NLUs), they should directly practice in High Courts or the Supreme Court. He stressed that district courts are the foundation for building professional skills and a robust legal career. “We must encourage you...

‘Have You Even Heard Her Podcast?’: Supreme Court Raps Maneka Gandhi Over Stray Dog Remarks

20Jan

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Nation

‘Have You Even Heard Her Podcast?’: Supreme Court Raps Maneka Gandhi Over Stray Dog Remarks

The Supreme Court on Tuesday strongly criticised animal rights activist and former Union Minister Maneka Gandhi for her public comments opposing the apex court’s orders in a case related to stray dogs. The court said her remarks fell within the scope of “contempt”, but added that it would not pursue contempt proceedings “out of its magnanimity”. A bench comprising Justice Vikram Nath, Justice Sandeep Mehta and Justice N.V. Anjaria observed that it was the court’s “greatness” that it had chosen not to initiate contempt action against Gandhi. The judges also questioned what concrete steps she had taken to secure “budgetary allocation” to address the stray dog menace. ‘This Is Not a Joke’ The bench noted that when it had earlier said that people feeding stray dogs could be held respo...

Congress Mocks BJP Over President’s Appointment: “Announcement Came First, Election Never Happened”

20Jan

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Nation

Congress Mocks BJP Over President’s Appointment: “Announcement Came First, Election Never Happened”

The Congress on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after Nitin Nabin was formally declared the new national president of the ruling party. Taking a swipe at the process, the opposition party said the BJP announced the president first, then spoke of holding an election—but the election itself never took place. Reacting to Nabin’s elevation, Congress media department chairman Pawan Khera questioned the very idea of calling it an “election.” “Where did the election happen? Why should it even be called an election? First, you declared the president, then you announced that an election would be held, but the election never happened,” Khera told reporters. Dig at Chief Election Commissioner Khera went a step further, dragging the Chief Election Commis...

Ajit Doval Turns 81: India’s ‘James Bond’ and National Security Stalwart

20Jan

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Nation

Ajit Doval Turns 81: India’s ‘James Bond’ and National Security Stalwart

New Delhi: India’s National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval turned 81 today. Widely regarded as India’s “James Bond,” Doval has played a pivotal role in the country’s security operations, both at home and abroad, including intelligence missions in Pakistan. He has led several critical operations and is a recipient of the Kirti Chakra, India’s second-highest peacetime gallantry award. Early Life and CareerHailing from Uttarakhand, Doval was born into a military family. His father served in the armed forces, while his mother was the cousin of former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna. After completing his education at Agra University, Doval cleared the UPSC exam and joined the Indian Police Service (IPS) in 1968, Kerala cadre. As ASP in Thalassery, he came into the lim...