The campaign for the Delhi Assembly elections on February 5 is in full swing. Political parties are holding large rallies, and AIMIM President Asaduddin Owaisi has also joined the race. While campaigning for Shafa-ur-Rahman, AIMIM’s candidate from Okhla, Owaisi criticised Arvind Kejriwal and the BJP.
Owaisi said there isn’t much difference between Arvind Kejriwal and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “They are two sides of the same coin, both influenced by RSS ideologies—one from its shakhas and the other through its institutions,” he remarked.
Speaking at a rally in Shaheen Bagh, Owaisi questioned Kejriwal’s candidacy, saying, “If Kejriwal can spend six months in jail and still contest elections, then we will ensure Shafa wins even from inside prison.”
Owaisi further defended his party’s decision to field candidates with allegations against them, saying, “According to Indian law, our candidates, including Shafa-ur-Rahman, have every right to contest. Parliament has 250 members with serious allegations, including murder and assault. If they can run and win, why can’t we?”
In his fiery speech, Owaisi slammed critics, calling them shameless, and defended his party’s stance. AIMIM has fielded candidates in two constituencies—Okhla and Mustafabad.
Earlier, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi also compared Kejriwal to PM Modi, accusing him of propaganda and making false promises.
The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill of 2024 is set to hold its sittings in Delhi today, a notice issued by Lok Sabha secretariat read.
According to the notice signed by Director Sanjay Sethi, the sittings of the JPC on Waqf will commence from 11:00 AM and will go on till 3:30 PM today, with an hour of lunch break.
In the main committee room of the Parliament House Annexe, the JPC members will hear the views or suggestions of cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq of Muttahida Majlis-e-Ulema, Jammu and Kashmir.
From 2:00 in the afternoon, the JPC members will hear suggestions of ‘Lawyers for Justice’ on the Waqf (Amendment Bill) of 2024.
Moreover, another sitting of the JPC has been scheduled for January 27, starting from 11:00 in the morning, where the committee members will meet and discuss the clauses one by one.
After holding a meeting on Tuesday in Uttar Pradesh’s Lucknow, Jagdambika Pal, Chairman of the JPC said that it will be the last meeting of the JPC and after this, they will present its report in the Parliament during the budget session, scheduled for January 31.
“The JPC is a committee with members from different parties. All discussions have taken place in a good environment. I am hopeful that we will provide a report that will benefit the people in the coming days.
In the last six months, we have held 34 meetings in Delhi alone. I thank all the MPs who attended all these meetings. I believe it will be a very good report, and based on it, a good law will be made to ensure that Waqf properties are used for their intended purposes,” Pal said.
Meanwhile, DMK Chief Whip in the Lok Sabha, A Raja, on behalf of the Opposition, has requested the Chairman of the JPC on the Waqf Amendment Bill to postpone the proposed meetings scheduled for January 24 and 25.
In his letter to Jagdamika Pal, Raja said, “It is needless to say that the tour programmes of the JPC to meet the stakeholders at Patna, Kolkata and Lucknow were completed only on January 21 and the members were dispersed from the tour programme to their constituency to continue their scheduled programmes earlier.”
“Strangely, the next dates for the sitting of JPC were hurriedly announced without any formal discussion when the JPC was already on tour,” he mentioned.
The Joint Parliamentary Committee on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill is to submit its report during the budget session. The term of the committee was extended during the winter session of Parliament.
The Waqf Act of 1995, enacted to regulate Waqf properties, has long been criticised for issues such as mismanagement, corruption, and encroachments.
Notably, the budget session of Parliament will commence on January 31 and continue till April 4, with the union budget to be presented on February 1.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, aims to address these challenges by introducing reforms such as digitisation, enhanced audits, improved transparency, and legal mechanisms to reclaim illegally occupied properties. (ANI)
Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman told President Donald Trump that the kingdom wants to put $600 billion into expanded investment and trade with the United States over the next four years, the Saudi State news agency said early on Thursday.
In a phone call between the two leaders, the crown prince said the Trump administration’s expected reforms could create “unprecedented economic prosperity”, the state news agency reported.
The report said Saudi Arabia wants its investments to capitalise on these conditions. It did not detail the source of the $600 billion, whether it would be public or private spending nor how the money would be deployed.
The investment “could increase further if additional opportunities arise”, the agency quoted Bin Salman as telling Trump.
Trump fostered close ties with Gulf states including Saudi Arabia during his first term. The country invested $2 billion in a firm formed by Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law and former aide, after Trump left office.
Trump said following his inauguration on Monday that he would consider making Saudi Arabia his first destination for a foreign visit if Riyadh agreed to buy $500 billion worth of American products, similar to what he did in his first term.
“I did it with Saudi Arabia last time because they agreed to buy $450 billion worth of our product. I said I’ll do it but you have to buy American product, and they agreed to do that,” Trump said, referring to his 2017 visit to the Gulf kingdom.
During his first administration, Trump actively courted Saudi Arabia, long an important energy and security partner for Washington.
His first overseas visit in 2017 was to the Saudi capital Riyadh, where he basked in an elaborate welcome involving a sword dance and a fly-past of air force jets.
Riyadh and Trump’s team nevertheless sought to boost ties after his departure from the White House, in particular via investments and construction deals for his privately owned conglomerate the Trump Organisation.
Three officers on Thursday suffered heart attacks in the Kishtwar area, following which they were airlifted to government medical college Jammu.
An official told that assistant director fisheries, chief medical officer and naib tehsildar suffered heart attack during Republic day celebration preps.
He said that the officers were airlifted to GMC Jammu for treatment and their condition is said to be stable—(KNO)
In a move to provide round-the-clock access to essential medicines, a 24×7 central drug counter has been started at District Hospital Bandipora.
This initiative, fulfilling a long-standing demand of the local population, aims to ease the financial burden on patients and ensure uninterrupted healthcare services during emergencies.
Medical Superintendent of District Hospital Bandipora, Dr. Masarat Iqbal Wani, hailed the new facility as a major milestone for healthcare in the district. “The central drug counter will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, ensuring that no patient has to face challenges in accessing medicines, especially during the night,” Dr. Wani said. “I extend my heartfelt appreciation to the hospital staff and the local community for their cooperation and support in making this a reality. If anyone has concerns or grievances about hospital services, they can reach out to me directly without hesitation.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelWe are here to serve the public with the utmost dedication.”
The locals have welcomed the development with open arms, calling it a much-needed step to improve healthcare in the region. “We have waited a long time for this. It will save lives during emergencies and reduce the inconvenience of traveling far for medicines at night,” said a resident of Bandipora.
This new facility is expected to streamline the availability of life-saving drugs, particularly during critical hours, bringing a sigh of relief to patients and their families. The hospital administration’s proactive approach has been widely appreciated, marking a new chapter in healthcare services for Bandipora.
The 24×7 drug counter reflects the hospital’s commitment to ensuring timely medical support and addressing the needs of the community.(KNS)
Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari has appealed to Aima Masajid and Muslims across Jammu and Kashmir to pray specially for the residents of Rajouri’s Budhal village, where people are grappling with an unknown disease that has caused at least 17 deaths, mostly of children, over the past several weeks.
In his statement, Syed Mohamamd Altaf Bukhari said, “The people of Budhal in Rajouri are facing a dire situation, as the outbreak of an unknown disease has created havoc in the village.So far, 17 people, including 13 children between the ages of 3 and 15, have died due to this mysterious disease. Several others are currently hospitalised. This is truly shocking and deeply painful.”
He further said, “I request Aima Masajid and Muslims across Jammu and Kashmir to pray for the safety and well-being of Budhal’s residents during Friday prayers. They need our support and prayers during these difficult times.” (KNS)
In recent weeks, social media has been abuzz with rumors regarding the wedding of Jeet Adani, the youngest son of Indian business magnate Gautam Adani. Speculations surrounding the event have ranged from the wedding date to celebrity performances, with pop icon Taylor Swift being mentioned as a possible performer at the high-profile celebration. However, on January 19, 2025, Gautam Adani, the chairman of the Adani Group, put an end to these speculations by publicly confirming the wedding date and offering more details about the ceremony.
Wedding Date Confirmed: February 7, 2025
During a media interaction at the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, where the Adani family attended the ongoing Mahakumbh Mela, Gautam Adani addressed the rumors head-on. The billionaire confirmed that his son, Jeet Adani, will marry Diva Jaimin Shah on February 7, 2025, in a traditional ceremony. The wedding will take place in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, the city where the Adani family is based.
Gautam Adani clarified that the wedding will not be the extravagant, star-studded affair many had imagined. Instead, he described it as a simple and traditional family event, stating, “We are like common people. Jeet had also come here to take Maa Ganga’s blessings today. Our activities are like common people. His marriage will happen in a very simple and traditional way.” He further denied any possibility of a high-profile celebration and rejected the notion that the wedding would be a “Mahakumbh of celebrities.”
This revelation from Gautam Adani put to rest many of the wild rumors circulating on social media and clarified the family’s stance on keeping the event modest and private.
Jeet Adani: The Young Heir to the Adani Legacy
Jeet Adani, born in 1997, is the youngest son of Gautam and Priti Adani. Despite being born into one of India’s wealthiest families, Jeet has made a name for himself in the business world through his significant roles in the Adani Group.
He joined the Adani Group in 2019 after completing his education at the University of Pennsylvania – School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. Initially working in the Group CFO’s office, Jeet was involved with strategic finance, capital markets, and risk and governance policy. His responsibilities also spanned across various listed verticals of the Adani Group.
One of Jeet’s most prominent roles is serving as the Director at Adani Airports, where he is spearheading the company’s expansion in the aviation sector. Additionally, Jeet is involved in Adani Digital Labs, which is working on developing a super app to cater to all the consumers of Adani Group businesses.
Outside of his professional life, Jeet is known for his personal interests. He is an aspiring pilot, a luxury sports car enthusiast, and enjoys playing the guitar in his spare time. These hobbies reflect the young heir’s diverse interests beyond the corporate world.
Jeet Adani’s Engagement to Diva Jaimin Shah
Jeet Adani’s fiancé, Diva Jaimin Shah, was introduced to the public in March 2023 when the couple got engaged in a private ceremony in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Diva is the daughter of Jaimin Shah, a prominent diamond trader associated with C. Dinesh & Co. Pvt. Ltd. While Diva and her family prefer to keep a low profile, it is known that her family is highly regarded in the business community.
The engagement ceremony, held in Ahmedabad, was a private affair, as per reports. Since then, Jeet and Diva have maintained a relatively low-key public presence, focusing on their respective careers and personal lives. With the wedding now confirmed for February 7, 2025, it marks the beginning of a new chapter in the lives of both families.
End of Rumors and Speculations
While rumors about the wedding had circulated for months, Gautam Adani’s confirmation of the date and details has put an end to the speculations. The mention of pop star Taylor Swift performing at the wedding was one of the more outlandish rumors, likely fueled by the high-profile nature of the Adani family. By emphasizing that the wedding will be simple and traditional, Gautam Adani reaffirmed the family’s desire for privacy during this significant personal event.
This transparency from the Adani family about the wedding date and the nature of the celebration will likely quell any further wild rumors, allowing the family to celebrate this special occasion with dignity and respect for their traditions.
The Adani Family: A Legacy of Business Success
The Adani family, led by Gautam Adani, has a longstanding legacy in the business world. Over the years, the family has built the Adani Group into one of India’s largest conglomerates, with interests spanning across sectors such as energy, infrastructure, logistics, ports, and airports.
Gautam Adani, the patriarch of the family, has transformed the group into a global powerhouse, with major projects in India and abroad. Under his leadership, the Adani Group has also expanded into renewable energy, and is now one of the largest players in the solar energy sector.
The family’s influence extends beyond business. As one of the richest families in India, the Adanis are known for their philanthropic work, particularly in the fields of education, healthcare, and rural development. Their commitment to these causes has garnered respect and admiration from various quarters.
Jeet Adani’s upcoming wedding marks an important milestone in the Adani family’s personal and professional journey. With a focus on tradition and simplicity, the family’s approach to this celebration reflects their values of humility and family unity, despite their immense wealth and business success.
As the Adani family continues to play a prominent role in India’s corporate landscape, Jeet Adani’s wedding will be another chapter in the legacy of one of the country’s most influential families. The Adani Group’s expansion and its contributions to India’s economy and infrastructure will continue to shape the nation’s future for generations to come.
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader and former minister Naeem Akhtar on Thursday expressed grave concern over the worsening plight of Vocational Trainers (VTs) in Jammu and Kashmir. Akhtar said the challenges faced by these trainers, who have served under the National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF) for the past decade are immense. He urged the government to formulate a comprehensive policy for their regularization and equitable treatment.
Akhtar in a statement issued here said that despite repeated assurances from the government—both pre- and post-election—no concrete measures have been implemented to address the legitimate grievances of the VTs. He noted that the prolonged neglect has left the trainers with no choice but to take their demands to the streets.
“Vocational Trainers play an instrumental role in equipping the youth with skill-based education aimed at combating unemployment in the region,” Akhtar said.He added that their relentless efforts have yielded remarkable outcomes, with students consistently achieving a 95% success rate in board examinations for classes 9 through 12. He pointed out that this success has come despite challenging conditions, including a teacher-student ratio exceeding 1:100.
However, Akhtar who has served as the former education minister lamented that despite their significant contributions to the education sector, VTs remain undervalued and unrecognized. “Many trainers earn meager salaries that barely cover basic necessities, leaving their families in financial distress,” he said. Adding to their woes, he highlighted the lack of job security and the fact that, in cases where a trainer has passed away, their families have reportedly received no compensation. “This stark neglect has left the trainers in dire straits,’” Akhtar said.(KNS)
The Jammu and Kashmir government, along with the central government, is making all possible efforts to identify the cause behind the recent deaths in Budhal village of Rajouri district.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary stated that the government is utilizing all available resources and is hopeful of finding the cause soon.
Addressing the media, Choudhary expressed deep concern over the worsening situation in Rajouri, terming it as a “misfortune.” He assured that the administration is working tirelessly to assist affected families and support officers involved in the investigation.
“The situation in Rajouri is very bad. We are doing our best to help the officers, the government, and the people suffering from the same issues. If anyone has any questions, they are welcome to visit my office,” Choudhary said.
LHe further informed that the Union Home Minister has formed a special team from Delhi to investigate the matter in coordination with the local administration.“We are working together with the Delhi government to understand why people are dying. No one wants such incidents to happen—neither the public nor the government. I visited a hospital where a girl had passed away recently, and her father pleaded with me to save her life, but unfortunately, we couldn’t,” he added.
Choudhary said the entire administration, including the Chief Minister and central authorities, are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives. He emphasized the need to identify the root cause swiftly and assured that prayers are being made for a resolution.
Scientific teams and medical experts have been deployed to study possible causes, including environmental factors and herbal remedies. The Deputy Commissioner of Rajouri has been stationed in the affected area, overseeing relief efforts and setting up emergency camps.”The government is very serious about this issue, and we hope to achieve results soon,” Choudhary affirmed. (KNS)
