In anticipation of the upcoming Delhi assembly elections, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), led by former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, has announced a new welfare initiative aimed at providing free water and electricity to the city’s tenants. This announcement came as part of Kejriwal’s broader appeal to voters, where he pledged significant relief for renters, who form a substantial part of Delhi’s electorate.

During a press conference, Kejriwal highlighted the frequent requests from tenants for utilities subsidies, a benefit they have not yet enjoyed despite other AAP-backed welfare measures like free bus rides and healthcare services. “Tenants are a vital part of our community and should enjoy the same benefits as homeowners. We aim to rectify this imbalance by introducing a scheme that extends free water and electricity to all tenants if we are re-elected,” Kejriwal stated.

The focus on renters, particularly those from the financially disadvantaged Purvanchali community, underscores AAP’s commitment to inclusivity in its governance. Kejriwal added, “It is disheartening to see large families cramped in small apartments without basic utilities support, which adds to their financial strain.”

In addition to tenant subsidies, Kejriwal reiterated his government’s dedication to educational support, announcing potential free bus services for male students and fare concessions on the metro. These proposals build on existing initiatives like the Mahila Samman Yojana and Pujari Granthi Samman Yojana, which are aimed at supporting women and religious workers respectively.

The election, scheduled for February 5, with the results to be declared on February 8, is seen as a critical test for AAP’s governance model, which emphasizes social welfare schemes as a cornerstone of its policy framework.

In a sharp rebuke of Pakistan, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar described the country as a “cancer” that is now affecting its own society. His comments were made during the 19th Nani A Palkhivala Memorial Lecture in Mumbai, where he also outlined India’s diplomatic stance over the past decade.

“Pakistan stands as an exception in our neighborhood, primarily due to its support for cross-border terrorism, which is akin to a cancer affecting its own body politic,” Jaishankar stated. He emphasized the collective regional interest in seeing Pakistan move away from such policies.

In his lecture, Jaishankar expressed that despite India’s non-Western alignment, it maintains a strategy that is not anti-West, advocating for advancement in critical and emerging technologies. He also pointed out the challenges posed by the “weaponisation of financial institutions,” suggesting that India needs to bolster its internal growth and reduce external vulnerabilities.

The minister used the term ‘vishwabandhu’, meaning a friend to the world, to describe India’s role on the global stage, aiming to enhance relationships while safeguarding national interests.

Jaishankar’s remarks also covered the importance of middle powers in regional politics and how India has expanded its diplomatic reach through strategic partnerships, highlighting mutual respect, sensitivity, and interest as the pillars of India’s foreign policy.

“The past decade has demonstrated our ability to progress on multiple fronts, advancing diverse relationships without exclusivity and effectively bridging divides in polarized situations,” he concluded.

In a significant ruling, the Sealdah Additional District and Sessions Court has convicted Sanjay Roy, a 33-year-old civic police volunteer, for the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The verdict, which concluded with a 160-page judgment on Saturday, addresses the charges of rape, murder, and causing death under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

Judge Anirban Das delivered the judgment, highlighting critical issues in the conduct of police and hospital authorities during the investigation. “Certain activities of the HoD, MSVP, and Principal during the proceedings were confusing and warrant criticism,” he remarked in court.

The verdict has brought a moment of profound grief and relief to the victim’s family, as her father emotionally thanked the judge, affirming his faith in the judicial system.

Amidst tight security, Roy was brought to court where he reiterated his innocence, claiming to be framed, and mentioned an “IPS” who allegedly knew the real facts of the case. His sentencing is scheduled for Monday, where the court will also address his claims and determine appropriate punishment.

This case, initially handled by the Kolkata Police, was later transferred to the CBI due to concerns over evidence tampering, who ultimately supported the conviction based on Roy’s initial confession and further evidence.