Author: Virgin News

A Kolkata sessions court is set to deliver the sentence today (January 20, 2025) for Sanjay Roy, a former civic police volunteer convicted of the rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital. The Additional District and Sessions Court, Sealdah, had declared Roy guilty on Saturday (January 18, 2025) under Sections 64, 66, and 103(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The verdict allows for a minimum sentence of life imprisonment and a maximum penalty of death. The victim’s parents alleged irregularities in the Central Bureau of Investigation’s (CBI) probe, claiming that others…

In a major development in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, a ceasefire agreement was enacted on Sunday, January 19, 2025, following a delay of nearly three hours. The truce, initially scheduled to begin at 6:30 a.m. GMT, was postponed to 9:15 a.m. GMT due to last-minute negotiations and conditions set forth by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This marked a cautious step toward ending a devastating 15-month conflict that has inflicted widespread destruction and loss of life in the Gaza Strip. The ceasefire agreement, brokered by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, represents a potential turning point in…

The Janata Dal (United) on Sunday, January 19, 2025, criticized Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his inconsistent stance on the caste census. The JD(U) alleged that Gandhi remained silent when Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar raised the matter in INDIA bloc meetings, despite his recent criticism of Bihar’s caste survey as a “fake exercise.” JD(U) working president and MP Sanjay Jha pointed out that Gandhi’s silence during the INDIA bloc discussions contrasted sharply with his current call for a nationwide caste census. “There cannot be a bigger hypocrisy than this,” said Jha, adding that he had personally witnessed Kumar advocating…

In a poignant moment following the conviction of Sanjay Roy for the rape and murder of a medic from R.G. Kar Medical College, his family has come forward with statements that reflect both anguish and a commitment to justice. Roy’s mother, Malati Roy, emphasized her acceptance of the court’s decision, stating that justice must prevail, even if it means her son faces the harshest punishment. “If the court decides to hang him to death, I have no objection. His crime has been proven in the eyes of the law. I will cry alone but accept it as destiny,” said the…

Bollywood star Saif Ali Khan is on the road to recovery following a shocking knife attack at his Bandra residence on January 16, 2025. Doctors at Lilavati Hospital, where the 54-year-old actor underwent emergency surgery, have reported significant improvement in his condition. Khan is walking, on a normal diet, and expected to be discharged within two to three days. “We are observing his progress, and he is doing excellently well according to our expectations. If his recovery continues smoothly, we will discharge him in two to three days,” said Dr. Nitin Dange, a neurosurgeon at Lilavati Hospital. Dr. Dange also…

India’s economy, characterized by its resilience and steady performance, continues to be a global standout. The First Advance Estimates (FAE) for 2024-25 indicate a real GDP growth rate of 6.4% and a nominal GDP growth of 9.7%. While these figures are marginally below the Reserve Bank of India’s revised projections, they reflect India’s robust economic framework and its ability to navigate global uncertainties effectively. Several intrinsic factors underpin India’s growth trajectory, differentiating it from other economies: While many countries grapple with structural constraints, India’s growth is driven by unique enablers: Economists C. Rangarajan and D.K. Srivastava highlighted that India’s 6.4%…

The Indian National Congress (INC) has taken a bold step to safeguard India’s secular fabric, filing an intervention in the Supreme Court to defend the Places of Worship Act, 1991. Through its general secretary, K.C. Venugopal, the party emphasized the Act’s pivotal role in upholding religious harmony and preserving the nation’s constitutional ethos. The INC contends that the legislation, which prohibits alterations to the character of religious places as they stood on August 15, 1947, was a cornerstone of its vision for secularism. Passed during the 10th Lok Sabha, the Act was a key part of the INC’s election manifesto…

In a monumental stride for India’s space program, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved a groundbreaking feat with the successful execution of the SpaDeX (Space Docking Experiment) mission. This remarkable accomplishment propels India into an exclusive group of nations—alongside the USA, Russia, and China—that have mastered spacecraft docking technology. The SpaDeX mission reached its pinnacle in the early hours of January 16, 2025, when two satellites, SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target), launched aboard PSLV C60 on December 30, 2024, seamlessly docked in orbit. This intricate procedure was conducted under the vigilant guidance of ISRO scientists at the Mission Operations…

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has expressed India’s support for the recently announced ceasefire and hostage-release agreement between Israel and Hamas. The MEA voiced hope that this development would facilitate sustained delivery of humanitarian aid to the residents of Gaza. “We welcome the announcement of the agreement for the release of hostages and a ceasefire in Gaza. We hope this will lead to a safe and sustained supply of humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza. We have consistently called for the release of all hostages, ceasefire, and a return to a path of dialogue and diplomacy,” the statement…

The indigenously-developed Nag Mk 2, a third-generation Anti-Tank Fire-and-Forget Guided Missile, has successfully completed its field evaluation trials at the Pokhran Field Range. The trials, conducted in the presence of senior Indian Army officers, showcased the missile’s precision by destroying all designated targets across maximum and minimum range parameters, thereby validating its operational effectiveness. Additionally, the Nag Missile Carrier version-2 was also successfully evaluated, marking a significant milestone in the readiness of the complete weapon system for induction into the Indian Army. Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh commended DRDO, the Indian Army, and industry partners for this groundbreaking achievement, emphasizing…