1. BJP Expels Former Karnataka DY CM Eshwarappa for 6 Years

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has taken decisive action, expelling former Deputy Chief Minister KS Eshwarappa from its ranks for a period of six years. The reason behind this stern move was Eshwarappa’s decision to contest as an independent candidate from the Shivamogga Lok Sabha constituency. 

His challenge directly pits him against B Y Raghavendra, the son of former Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa and the current state BJP president. The party cited Eshwarappa’s violation of discipline and the subsequent embarrassment caused to the BJP as grounds for his expulsion.

2. Rahul Gandhi’s Amethi House Renovation Fuels Speculation

Massive cleaning and renovation work at Rahul Gandhi’s residence in Amethi has set tongues wagging. Amidst speculation that he might contest the Lok Sabha polls from this constituency, videos of the ongoing refurbishment have circulated on social media, igniting curiosity among UP Congress cadre. Although official candidates for the Amethi and Rae Bareli seats remain undisclosed, party workers remain optimistic that their leader will not disappoint. 

Rahul Gandhi, who lost the traditional party stronghold to BJP’s Smriti Irani in 2019, has yet to provide a definitive response regarding his potential candidature. His recent statement, “Such decisions are taken by the central election committee in our party, and I shall abide by it,” has been interpreted positively by the party cadre in Amethi. The cleaning crew, reportedly hired by the party, is diligently sprucing up the bungalow and tending to the garden area, further fueling anticipation.

3. Gadag Murders: Assassination Plot Backfires, Guests Slain

In a chilling twist, what was meant to be a targeted hit on parents and a stepbrother turned into a gruesome tragedy. Kartik Bakale, son of Gadag-Betgeri City Municipal Council vice-president Sunanda Bakale and Prakash Bakale, allegedly orchestrated a contract killing for Rs 65 lakh. However, the hired assailants mistakenly murdered three guests visiting the Bakale family. 

The victims included Parashuram Hadimani, his wife Laxmibai, and their daughter Akanksha. The motive behind this macabre plot was a property dispute, and the unexpected victims paid the ultimate price. Vinayak Bakale, the mastermind, now faces the consequences of his deadly decision.

4. Arvind Kejriwal Administered Insulin in Tihar Jail After Blood Sugar Levels Soar

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal received a “low dose” of insulin in Tihar jail after his blood sugar level spiked to 320. Despite repeated requests, Kejriwal had allegedly been denied insulin by prison authorities. This marks the first insulin dose administered to him since his arrest on March 21 by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the Delhi liquor policy case. 

Kejriwal, a Type-2 diabetic patient, expressed concern over his rising sugar levels, dismissing AIIMS doctors’ assurances about his health. A Delhi court has directed AIIMS to assess Kejriwal’s medical needs, particularly regarding insulin. Earlier, his party, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), accused Tihar Jail administration of a “conspiracy” to withhold insulin, while jail authorities maintained that he was not denied insulin during treatment.

5. Padma Awards Recognize Distinguished Achievers

Former Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu, posthumously honored social reformer Bindeshwar Pathak, and celebrated Bharatanatyam dancer Padma Subrahmanyam have been conferred with the prestigious Padma Vibhushan. Meanwhile, actor Mithun Chakraborty, renowned singer Usha Uthup, former Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik, and industrialist Sitaram Jindal have received the Padma Bhushan. 

The awards, announced annually on the eve of Republic Day, recognize exceptional and distinguished service in various fields. The ceremony witnessed heartwarming moments, including folk dancer Drona Bhuyan expressing gratitude through traditional gestures and tribal farmer Sarbeswar Basumatary humbly accepting his award.

6. Pawar Likens PM Modi to Putin, Expresses Concerns

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP-SP) leader Sharad Pawar has drawn a striking parallel between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Pawar asserts that Modi’s governance approach is steering India toward a form of dictatorship, diverging from the parliamentary democracy established by former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. Recent speeches by Modi have raised eyebrows, with Pawar suggesting that they have tarnished the dignity of his office.

7. Supreme Court: Denying Child Care Leave Violates Constitutional Duty

The Supreme Court has unequivocally affirmed that denying child care leave to mothers constitutes a violation of the constitutional duty to ensure equal participation of women in the workforce. The case in question involved an assistant professor at Government College, Nalagarh, Himachal Pradesh, who was denied leave to care for her child with a genetic condition. 

The court emphasized that child care leave is not a mere privilege but a constitutional entitlement, safeguarded by Article 15. It further urged the state to align its policies with the Right to Persons With Disabilities (RPWD) Act, particularly for mothers with children having special needs. A committee, comprising relevant authorities, has been directed to expedite policy decisions in this regard.

8. BJP Leader Annamalai Refutes Police Claims in Woman’s Death Case

Tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president K. Annamalai finds himself embroiled in controversy after the post-poll death of a woman in village Pakkirimaniyam, Cuddalore district. The Shrimushnam police filed a case against him, alleging that he posted misleading information on social media. 

According to local media reports, the 45-year-old woman was allegedly beaten to death by DMK goons for voting for the BJP. However, the Tamil Nadu police refuted this claim, asserting that the woman’s demise resulted from a family feud and personal enmity, not her political choice. In response, Annamalai shared a video testimony from the deceased woman’s husband, confirming that there was no previous enmity and that Gomathi was beaten to death because she voted for the BJP, not the DMK.

9. Government Employee Fatally Shot by Terrorists in Rajouri; Father Also a Victim

In a targeted attack, two Pakistani terrorists gunned down Mohammad Razak, a government employee, outside his home in Rajouri, Jammu and Kashmir. Tragically, Razak’s father had also fallen victim to terrorists in the same area over two decades ago. 

The assailants employed a US-made M4 rifle and a pistol during the attack. While Razak succumbed to his injuries, his brother, a territorial army soldier, narrowly escaped abduction. The incident highlights the ongoing security challenges in the region, which has witnessed previous terrorist attacks.

10. Director Joshiy’s House Burgled: Wife of Accused Panchayat President in Bihar

In a daring heist, the residence of veteran Malayalam movie director Joshiy fell prey to a burglar. The accused, identified as Mohammed Irfan (37), hails from Bihar and is the husband of the district panchayat president in Sitamarhi. 

The meticulously planned robbery netted the thief gold and diamond jewelry worth over Rs 1 crore. CCTV footage traced his escape route, leading to his swift apprehension in Udupi, Karnataka. Notably, Irfan has a criminal record spanning 19 cases across six states. The stolen valuables have been fully recovered, and the accused awaits legal proceedings.

11. Satellite Insights: Expanding Glacial Lakes in the Indian Himalayas

The Himalayan Mountains, often referred to as the Third Pole due to their extensive glaciers and snow cover, are highly sensitive to global climate changes. Research worldwide consistently shows unprecedented glacier retreat rates since the Industrial Revolution. This retreat leads to the formation of new lakes and enlargement of existing ones in the Himalayan region. 

These glacial lakes serve as freshwater sources but also pose risks like Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs). Satellite imagery spanning 1984 to 2023 reveals significant changes in glacial lakes. Of the 2,431 lakes identified, 676 have notably expanded since 1984, with 130 within India. These lakes play a crucial role in understanding climate change impacts and assessing GLOF risks.

12. Karnataka High Court Upholds Ban on Hookah Products

The Karnataka High Court has upheld the state government’s ban on hookahs, affirming its legality under Article 47 of the Constitution. The court ruled that hookah bars constitute an illegal “service” according to India’s anti-tobacco law. The ban covers the sale, consumption, storage, advertisement, and promotion of all types of hookah products within the state. 

The judgment emphasizes the duty to protect human life and health, intrinsically linked with the right to life with dignity under Article 21. The court also clarified that reasonable restrictions on citizens’ rights, including the prohibition of certain occupations, can be justified in the general interest of the public.

13. Favorable Changes: Indians Eligible for Multi-Entry Schengen Visa

The European Commission has introduced new rules, granting Indian travelers enhanced access to Schengen visas. Frequent Indian visitors to Europe can now apply for multiple entry Schengen visas with a validity of up to five years. This significant shift aims to facilitate people-to-people interactions between India and the European Union. 

Under the revised visa regime, Indian nationals residing in India can receive long-term, multi-entry Schengen visas valid for two years after using two previous visas lawfully within the past three years. Subsequently, eligible travelers may obtain a five-year visa, provided their passport has sufficient remaining validity. During the visa’s validity period, holders enjoy travel rights equivalent to visa-free nationals. These changes reflect strengthened relations under the EU-India common agenda on migration and mobility, emphasizing comprehensive cooperation in migration policy.

14. India Ranks Fourth in Global Military Spending

According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), India emerged as the fourth-largest military spender worldwide in 2023, allocating a substantial $83.6 billion for defense. This expenditure reflects a 4.2% increase compared to the previous year. The top three spenders ahead of India are the United States, China, and Russia. 

India’s strategic focus on enhancing its defense capabilities, especially along the China border post the Ladakh standoff, has driven modernization efforts across fighter jets, helicopters, warships, tanks, artillery, rockets, missiles, and unmanned systems. Notably, India also held the fourth position in military spending in 2022, with a budget of $81.4 billion.

15. Airtel Simplifies Global Roaming: 184 Countries, One Plan

Bharti Airtel has revamped its international roaming recharge plans, offering a comprehensive package starting at Rs. 133 per day. This upgraded plan covers an extensive 184 countries, catering to frequent travelers. The benefits include unlimited data, in-flight connectivity, and 24×7 contact center support. Users can conveniently opt for auto-renewal via the Airtel Thanks App. Notably, this single pack works seamlessly across all covered countries, eliminating the need for multiple subscriptions. Airtel’s move aligns with its commitment to provide cost-effective solutions, surpassing local SIM options in most nations.