Politics

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her dissatisfaction with the Sealdah court's decision to sentence Sanjay Roy to life imprisonment for the rape and murder of a doctor at RG Kar Medical College. Banerjee claimed the investigation was "forcibly" taken away from Kolkata Police, and had they led it, a death sentence would have been ensured. She also questioned the CBI’s handling of the case, emphasizing that similar cases investigated by the state police had resulted in death penalties.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi visited the ongoing BPSC protest site in Patna on Saturday, offering his full support to students protesting against alleged irregularities in the December 2024 exam. During his visit, Gandhi listened to the grievances of the protesters, who are demanding the cancellation of the exam and a re-examination. He promised to raise the issue in Parliament and urged Bihar's Chief Minister to address the students' concerns. Gandhi’s visit comes amid rising tensions over the alleged paper leak and subsequent protests, with political figures like Prashant Kishor also backing the students' demand for a fair exam process.

BJP leader Parvesh Verma has refuted AAP's claims that Arvind Kejriwal's car was attacked during campaigning, instead accusing Kejriwal of ordering his driver to run over three youths who were protesting against him. Verma alleged that the youths were beaten by Punjab Police and later struck by Kejriwal’s car, which the AAP leader allegedly instructed to hit them. In response, AAP accused BJP goons of attacking Kejriwal with bricks and stones to disrupt his campaign. The Election Commission has been urged to take action over the incident, which took place ahead of the February 5 Delhi Assembly elections.

Union Minister JP Nadda unveiled the BJP's manifesto for the Delhi elections, focusing on women's welfare and public schemes. The party promised Rs 21,000 financial assistance and nutritional kits for pregnant women, along with a monthly Rs 2,500 under the Mahila Smriddhi Yojana. Nadda also announced subsidies for LPG cylinders, the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat health scheme, and an increase in health coverage for senior citizens. The manifesto also includes a pension scheme for the elderly and provisions for Atal Canteens offering meals at Rs 5. Nadda criticized the AAP's Mohalla Clinics and vowed to probe corruption allegations if BJP is elected.

On January 20, 2025, Donald Trump will be sworn in as the 47th President of the United States at the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C. at 12:00 noon. The inauguration coincides with Martin Luther King Jr. Day, marking the first time a U.S. president will take the oath on this federal holiday. The event will include a presidential swearing-in, inaugural speeches, a parade along Pennsylvania Avenue, and multiple inaugural balls. Key pre-inauguration events on January 18-19 include a reception, rallies, and ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery. The inaugural celebrations conclude with a National Prayer Service on January 21. The event will be broadcast live on major news channels and streaming platforms.