Highlights: Prez confers 'bal puraskars', urges kids to play sports

From flight delays at IGI airport Delhi to the preparations for Ram temple consecration ceremony in Ayodhya, catch all the latest updates from around the world here

11:50 PM

Ram temple dazzles Ayodhya night sky, people flock to temples to light diyas

The evening sky in Ayodhya was illuminated by the lights of the Ram Temple, along with several other temples in the city, as a multitude of visitors gathered for the eagerly anticipated consecration on Monday. The temple town's night sky sparkled with the flashes of firecrackers, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of Diwali.

11:33 PM

Youth Congress burns Assam CM Sarma's effigy in Arunachal Pradesh

Members of the Arunachal Pradesh Youth Congress (APYC) accused Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma of inciting BJP and RSS workers to attack the convoy of Congress MP Rahul Gandhi during his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra in Assam. In protest, they burned the effigy of the BJP leader. APYC president Tarh Johny denounced the incident as a "barbaric act" and condemned the actions of BJP and RSS workers.

11:22 PM

Places linked with Lord Ram to be developed as tourist spots: MP CM Yadav

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav declared on Monday night that the consecration of the Ram Lalla idol at the newly constructed temple in Ayodhya was a historic occasion. He announced plans to develop places associated with the Hindu deity in the state as popular tourist destinations. Speaking to reporters, Yadav emphasized that the mega idol consecration ceremony in Uttar Pradesh symbolizes the advent of 'Ram Rajya,' an ancient concept representing a harmonious society without discrimination. He described the Ram temple idol consecration ceremony as a historic event.

11:01 PM

Money laundering case: ED summons CM Soren

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren summoned by Enforcement Directorate for round 2 of questioning in money laundering case

10:42 PM

Security patrol intensified in J&K ahead of R-Day: ADGP

In anticipation of the Republic Day function, security forces in Jammu and Kashmir have intensified patrolling, and plans are underway to establish several new camps, according to a senior police officer. The Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) for Law and Order, Vijay Kumar, mentioned that steps have been taken, and meetings have been conducted to enhance security measures. Additionally, the relocation of some camps and the establishment of new ones are in progress, as stated by Kumar during a press briefing on Monday.

9:53 PM

US targets Iraqi airline, its CEO, Hamas cryptocurrency financiers for sanctions

The US imposed sanctions on Iraqi airline Fly Baghdad and its CEO, alleging assistance to Iran's military wing. Additionally, the US imposed a fifth round of sanctions on the militant group Hamas for the abuse of cryptocurrency since the October 7 terrorist attack on Israel. The sanctions coincide with ongoing Israeli bombing in the Gaza Strip and regular strikes by Iranian-backed militias in Iraq against bases housing US forces in Iraq and Syria.

9:38 PM

Delhi PWD directs transferred officials to immediately join CPWD without waiting for substitutes

Officials who have been transferred from Delhi's Public Works Department (PWD) to the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) have been instructed to join their new posts without waiting for their substitutes, as per an official memorandum. The assistant administrative officer at the Public Works Department issued a directive on January 19, instructing 17 officials to promptly join their new postings in the CPWD.

9:27 PM

Haryana Dy CM Dushyant Chautala blessed with baby girl

Haryana Deputy Chief Minister Dushyant Chautala welcomed a baby girl on Monday. The Jannayak Janta Party leader shared this joyous news on X.

9:07 PM

Prez confers 'bal puraskars', urges kids to play sports for wellbeing

President Droupadi Murmu cautioned young individuals about the potential health issues arising from excessive use of electronic devices. She urged them to engage in at least one sport to maintain a healthy lifestyle. President Murmu made these remarks while addressing a gathering at the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar function, where 19 children, nine boys and ten girls from 18 states and Union Territories, were honored for their exceptional bravery, artistic talents, innovative thinking, and selfless service.

8:56 PM

India, EFTA bloc trade deal talks at an advanced stage: Official

India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) bloc, consisting of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland, are in advanced stages of negotiations for a free trade agreement. Both parties have reached a shared understanding on key issues, according to a senior official.

8:49 PM

Elon Musk visits Auschwitz after uproar over antisemitic messages on X

Elon Musk visited the Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp on Monday. This visit occurred amidst accusations that Musk allowed antisemitic messages on his social media platform, X. Musk's visit to the Holocaust site preceded his scheduled appearance at a conference on antisemitism organized by the European Jewish Association in Krakow, Poland, later on Monday.

8:39 PM

Two criminals die in shootout with Police in Delhi

Two criminals died in a shootout with the Crime Branch team. The Delhi Police Crime Branch reported the recovery of two sophisticated automatic pistols and six live cartridges at the scene.

 

 

 

 

 

 

8:34 PM

Indian Coast Guard Ship C-450 rescues two sea turtles

Indian Coast Guard Ship C-450, during its patrol off Minicoy Island in Lakshadweep, successfully rescued two sea turtles that were entangled in a fishing net.

 

8:32 PM

Parallel electronic product testing regime faster, cuts time for market launch to half: ICEA

The implementation of an efficient parallel testing process for electronics products has significantly reduced the time required for testing and registering such items, according to the industry body ICEA. The testing and registration duration has been cut by almost half, from up to 20 weeks to a range of 8-12 weeks. This streamlined process is anticipated to expedite the market launch of electronic items.

 

 

 

 

 

 

8:20 PM

ZEEL spent Rs 366 cr on compliances for merger with Sony

Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEEL) incurred expenditures amounting to Rs 366.59 crore on compliances related to its unsuccessful merger with Sony until September 2023. The deal, which was eventually called off on Monday, led to these expenses. In the financial year ending in March 2023, the company spent Rs 176.20 crore, and an additional Rs 190.39 crore was incurred in the first six months of the current fiscal year. This information was disclosed in a regulatory filing by the media entity, which is promoted by the Subhash Chandra family.

7:49 PM

IHCL hospitality group to build hotel spread over 1.3 acre in Ayodhya

The Indian Hotels Company Ltd (IHCL) has announced the signing of its third hotel in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, coinciding with the inauguration of the Ram temple. The brownfield project, covering 1.3 acres, will consist of 150 keys and will be branded as an IHCL SeleQtions hotel, as stated by the hospitality group. IHCL's Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Puneet Chhatwal, noted that Ayodhya's notable transformation into a world-class pilgrimage destination, coupled with the inauguration of the Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir, is expected to attract tourists from around the world.

7:29 PM

Excise case: Delhi court extends interim bail of Sameer Mahendru till Feb 9

A city court extended the interim bail for liquor businessman Sameer Mahendru, who is arrested in connection with a money laundering case linked to the alleged Delhi excise policy scam. The extension is until February 9. Special Judge M K Nagpal, who initially granted interim bail to Mahendru due to his wife's surgery, further extended the relief. The judge noted that Mahendru's wife is still hospitalized for post-operative care. The court directed Mahendru to surrender before the relevant jail superintendent by 5 pm on February 9, 2024.

7:15 PM

Ram temple inauguration indicative of growing majoritarianism in India: Pak

Pakistan's Foreign Office expressed its view that the inauguration of the Ram temple in Ayodhya is reflective of increasing majoritarianism in India. These remarks from Pakistan followed the consecration of the new Ram Lalla idol at the Ayodhya temple, an event led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

6:57 PM

Sena Vs Sena: SC seeks response of Maha CM Shinde on Thackeray group's plea

The Supreme Court took action on a plea filed by the Uddhav Thackeray faction challenging the order of Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar. The order had declared Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena bloc as the "real political party" following a split in June 2022. The bench, comprising Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, acknowledged the arguments presented by senior advocates Kapil Sibal and Abhishek Singhvi, representing the Thackeray faction. The court has requested responses from Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and other lawmakers within a two-week period.

6:17 PM

BJP attacking central ideas of India, says Rahul at Nyay Yatra

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra' is scheduled to enter Bihar on January 29 and cover four districts in three days. During this time, top leaders from the INDIA bloc may join him for public meetings, as announced by the party. Rahul Gandhi is expected to reach Kishanganj district from Siliguri in West Bengal, engage with the public, and later proceed to Purnea after a night halt, according to senior leader and MLC Prem Chandra Mishra.

6:05 PM

Saif Ali Khan admitted to hospital in Mumbai

Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan has been hospitalized at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai, as per ANI report. The reports indicate that Saif has sustained a fracture. However, an official update on Saif's health is still pending.

6:02 PM

MoS MEA V Muraleedharan delivers India statement at the 3rd South Summit in Kampala, Uganda

In his address, Minister of State for External Affairs (MoS MEA) V Muraleedharan emphasized the importance of the Global South as a future growth engine for the world. He highlighted the need for South-South Cooperation to find innovative solutions for achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and addressing future challenges.

5:49 PM

EU pushes for Palestinian statehood

European Union foreign ministers stated on Monday that the establishment of a Palestinian state is the only credible path to achieve peace in the Middle East. They expressed concern over Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's explicit rejection of the idea. French Foreign Affairs Minister Stephane Sejourne remarked, "The declarations of Benjamin Netanyahu are worrying. There will be a need for a Palestinian state with security guarantees for all." The EU ministers discussed the war in Gaza during their meeting in Brussels.

5:36 PM

Domestic coal-based power generation rises 7% in Apr-Dec

Domestic coal-based power generation in India increased by 7.14% to 872 billion units (BU) during the April-December period of the current fiscal year. The rise in electricity generation from domestic coal sources is attributed to the abundant supply of coal, enabling the country to meet the growing energy demand, according to a statement from the coal ministry.

5:13 PM

Dozens buried, 8 killed in China landslide

A landslide occurred in a remote and mountainous area of southwestern China on Monday, resulting in dozens of people being buried and eight confirmed killed. The landslide struck in Zhenxiong County, Yunnan province, burying 18 homes and prompting the evacuation of over 200 people. As of the latest report, eight people have been confirmed dead, and rescuers have extracted four individuals. The conditions of the rescued individuals were not immediately clear. Two hundred rescue workers, along with dozens of fire engines and other equipment, have been dispatched to the site for rescue efforts.

5:12 PM

Delhi HC refuses to interfere with Lokpal proceedings against Shibu Soren

The Delhi High Court has declined to intervene in the proceedings initiated against Shibu Soren by Lokpal based on a complaint filed by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey.

5:03 PM

SC issues notice on Uddhav Thackeray faction's plea against Speaker's order on ‘real’ Shiv Sena

The Supreme Court has issued a notice in response to a plea filed by the Uddhav Thackeray faction challenging the Speaker's order that declared Chief Minister Eknath Shinde-led bloc as the 'real' Shiv Sena. This notice is a crucial step in addressing the political turmoil within the Shiv Sena party. The dispute emerged when the Speaker made a decisive declaration in favor of Eknath Shinde's faction, prompting Uddhav Thackeray's supporters to contest the decision through legal channels.

4:53 PM

Govt may increase agri-credit target to Rs 22-25 trn in interim Budget for FY25

In the upcoming interim Budget, the government is expected to announce a significant increase in the agricultural credit target to Rs 22-25 trillion for the next fiscal year. The aim is to ensure that every eligible farmer has access to institutional credit. The current agri-credit target set by the government for the ongoing fiscal year is Rs 20 trillion.

4:47 PM

Court extends remand of Senthil Balaji, minister files bail plea in HC

A city court in Tamil Nadu extended the judicial remand of Tamil Nadu Minister V Senthil Balaji, who was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a money laundering case, until January 29. The DMK leader was produced before the Principal Sessions Judge S Alli via video-conferencing from the Central Prison in the city.

4:38 PM

PM Modi to meet artists, NCC cadets who will participate in R-Day parade

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to meet tableau artists and NCC cadets at his official residence, 7 Lok Kalyan Marg, in New Delhi on January 24, as announced by Defence PRO Manoj Roorkiwal during a press conference. The interaction aims to involve both tableau artists, who work behind the scenes, and NCC cadets participating in the Republic Day Parade.