Morning Digest: Article 370 caused spread of terrorism in Kashmir, says Amit Shah; Rohit Sharma opts to ‘rest’ for Sydney Test, and more

Fri Jan 03 01:01:24 UTC 2025: ## India News Roundup: Shah on Article 370, School Electrification, and More

**New Delhi, January 3, 2025** – Union Home Minister Amit Shah attributed the rise of separatism in Kashmir to Article 370, claiming it fostered the notion of a temporary Indian connection. He contrasted this with other Muslim-majority regions lacking similar terrorist activity. Meanwhile, cricketer Rohit Sharma’s absence from the fifth Test against Australia was confirmed.

The Ministry of Education’s UDISE+ data revealed a significant lack of electricity in Indian schools: 1.52 lakh out of over 14.71 lakh schools lack functional power, impacting mostly government-run institutions.

Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge criticized Prime Minister Modi’s New Year resolutions as empty rhetoric, further accusing the government of causing widespread financial hardship, citing rising gold loan defaults. The EPFO is set to launch its updated software, EPFO 3.0, by June, promising a more user-friendly experience.

Controversy surrounds the disposal of toxic waste from the Bhopal gas tragedy site. While the Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister claims no environmental impact from incineration in Pithampur, residents and activists remain concerned.

The Indian Army seeks 23mm ammunition and air burst rounds to counter drone threats, reflecting growing concerns over drone warfare. Proactive measures by the CISF have reduced its suicide rate by 40%, exceeding national averages. Political tensions continue in Bihar, with cryptic responses exchanged between Chief Ministers Nitish Kumar and Lalu Prasad regarding potential alliances.

The Supreme Court intervened in a Delhi government dispute, ensuring funding for the ‘Farishtey Dilli Ke’ scheme. A BJP leader called for a ban, not regulation, of real-money online gaming platforms, citing widespread financial ruin.

Internationally, the FBI declared the New Year’s attack in the U.S. a lone-wolf act of terrorism, while the Palestinian Authority suspended Al Jazeera broadcasts, alleging incitement.