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11:30 PM

Maldives' pro-India oppn MDP secures landslide victory in Male Mayoral poll

In a setback to Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, the pro-India opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) secured a significant victory in the mayoral election in the capital, Male. The MDP candidate, Adam Azim, secured a landslide victory and has been elected as the new mayor of Male. The post was previously held by Muizzu, who resigned from the position to participate in the presidential elections last year.

11:14 PM

IAF indigenised more than 60,000 components in 2-3 years: Air Chief Marshal

Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari announced on Saturday that the Indian Air Force (IAF) has successfully indigenized over 60,000 components in the last two to three years. He emphasized that the Air Force cannot depend solely on foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) for repair and overhaul maintenance activities; instead, these activities need to be carried out in-house. The statement was made by the IAF Chief during interactions with reporters on the sidelines of a program held at the Bhonsala Military School in Nagpur.

10:52 PM

Telangana CM meets Piyush Goyal, seeks nod for new industrial corridor

Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy met with Union Industries and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal in the national capital. During the meeting, Reddy sought approval for the establishment of a new industrial corridor connecting Hyderabad and Vijayawada via Miryalaguda. The Chief Minister was in Delhi to participate in the Congress' meeting on Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra. He discussed various proposals for industrial development in Telangana with the Union minister during the interaction.

10:46 PM

Parliament security breach: Court sends accused to judicial custody

A Delhi court, on Saturday, ordered the six individuals arrested in connection with the Parliament security breach case to judicial custody until January 27. The accused, namely Manoranjan D, Sagar Sharma, Lalit Jha, Amol Shinde, Mahesh Kumawat, and Neelam Azad, were presented before Additional Sessions Judge Hardeep Kaur as their police remand had expired. They have now been placed in judicial custody as the legal proceedings continue.

9:53 PM

Rabi, fruit farmers in Himachal stare at losses amid prolonged dry spell

The extended dry period in Himachal Pradesh, combined with an unusually warm winter, is causing concerns for Rabi farmers who are now facing potential losses due to adverse effects on crop growth. The harsh weather conditions are particularly worrisome for wheat cultivation. Additionally, apple orchards are experiencing a lack of necessary moisture and chilling hours, further complicating the agricultural scenario. On Saturday, minimum temperatures in the state rose significantly, staying 3-10 degrees Celsius above normal, exacerbating the impact of the ongoing dry spell and raising apprehensions among Rabi crop farmers.

9:24 PM

2023 officially warmest year on record by huge margin, confirms WMO

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) officially confirmed that it was the hottest year on record in 2023, surpassing global temperature records by a substantial margin. The yearly average global temperature was approximately 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, a noteworthy fact considering the Paris Agreement's goal to restrict the long-term temperature increase to no more than 1.5 degrees Celsius.

9:12 PM

Delhi traders see surge in demand for posters bearing images of Lord Ram

In anticipation of the consecration ceremony of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, traders in the national capital are tirelessly working to fulfill the increasing demand for saffron flags and posters featuring images of the deity and the temple.

 

As Ayodhya prepares for the grand celebrations on January 22, around 40,000 workers and printing presses are working overtime to meet the requests of devotees, according to Rakesh Kumar Yadav, president of the Federation of Sadar Bazar Traders Association, as reported by PTI on Saturday.

9:02 PM

Assam establishes Boundary Committee to address Mizoram-Assam inter-state border concerns

"A Boundary Committee to consider various issues relating to the Mizoram-Assam inter-state boundary has been constituted," said Government of Assam.

8:44 PM

BJP's ST wing will hold mega tribal rally in Ranchi on February 11

BJP's Scheduled Tribe Morcha has declared plans to organize a massive tribal rally in New Delhi on February 11, coinciding with the birth anniversary of tribal freedom fighter Tilka Manjhi. Raddha Mohan Das Agarwal, the party's national general secretary, announced that lakhs of tribals from various states, including Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Nagaland, Manipur, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, and Meghalaya, will participate in the rally.

8:27 PM

'Lohri' celebrated with traditional fervour in Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh

The festival of 'Lohri' was celebrated in Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh with traditional fervor on Saturday. Families participated in the festivities by lighting bonfires, an essential aspect of the celebration, while dancing to the tunes of popular festival songs like 'sundar mundriye ho'. The sky was adorned with colorful kites of various sizes and shapes as children and youths engaged in kite-flying competitions at multiple locations. Additionally, jaggery, peanuts, and popcorn—three edibles associated with Lohri—were distributed among the people.

8:19 PM

India seeks local firms' participation in US govt procurement: Official

India wants the US to allow its domestic companies to participate in the American government procurement as it would help in boosting exports, a senior official said on Saturday. To participate, India has asked the US to designate it as a TAA (Trade Agreement Act) compliant country.

7:40 PM

Over 15 firecracker stalls, dozen vehicles gutted in fire in Jharkhand

A fire broke out in Jharkhand's East Singhbhum district on Saturday, resulting in the destruction of over 15 firecracker stalls, a dozen motorcycles, and a pickup van, according to the police. The incident occurred near a busy 'haat' (weekly market) set up in Kerukocha village in Chakulia block for the upcoming Tusu festival scheduled to begin on Monday.

7:16 PM

Delhi L-G Saxena attended DDA's 'Kite Utsav' program at Baansera

Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena attended DDA's "Kite Utsav" program at Baansera, Sarai Kale Khan, earlier today. Union Minister Meenakshi Lekhi and BJP MP Gautam Gambhir were also present at the spot.

6:40 PM

Uttarakhand govt increases DA of employees by 4% to 46% per month

The Uttarakhand government has increased the Dearness Allowance of its employees under the seventh pay commission from 42 per cent per month to 46 per cent, according to an order issued here. The revised DA will be applicable with effect from July 1, 2023, and arrears will be paid to beneficiaries in cash, it said.

6:29 PM

Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra is going to start tomorrow in Imphal: Congress

Jairam Ramesh, General Secretary (Communications), Congress says, "Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra is going to start tomorrow i.e. January 14, from Thoubal, Manipur. Tomorrow Rahul Gandhi will come to Imphal at 11 am and will first go to Khongjom War Memorial. The importance of this war memorial is not only for Manipur but for the entire country..."

6:28 PM

EAM Jaishankar to visit Iran on January 14-15

6:24 PM

Central probe against Kerala CM's daughter's IT firm brings worries to CPI(M) ahead of LS polls

A Central probe has been initiated against an IT company owned by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's daughter, T Veena. This development has created a dilemma for the ruling CPI(M) in the state as the party prepares for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. The Ministry of Corporate Affairs ordered an investigation following complaints about financial transactions between Veena's IT firm and a private minerals company. The issue had sparked a significant political controversy in the southern state recently.

6:17 PM

Centre lodges strong protest with Britain over visit of envoy to PoK

India has registered a strong protest with the UK over the visit to Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) by its High Commissioner to Islamabad along with another British official. The ministry of external affairs said such "infringement" of India's sovereignty and territorial integrity is "unacceptable". "India has taken a serious note of the highly objectionable visit of the British High Commissioner in Islamabad, along with a UK Foreign Office official, to Pakistan occupied Kashmir on January 10," it said.

5:44 PM

Pran Pratishtha prep: Ram Temple trust holds meeting with govt officials

A meeting took place on Saturday between officials of Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra, the trust responsible for the construction and management of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, and government officials in the temple town. The meeting was held in preparation for the highly anticipated 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony of Lord Ram Lalla. Champat Rai, the General Secretary of Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra, was also in attendance during the meeting.

5:37 PM

Cinema daily shows up to 623 in 2022, theatre attendance drops: Delhi govt

the average number of cinema shows per day increased from 450 in 2010 to 623 in 2022. However, during the same 13-year period, the average number of cinema-goers per day witnessed a decline. The data also indicates that the number of theatres in Delhi increased from 129 in 2008 to 137 in 2022. The peak point was recorded in 2017 when the number reached 142, As per the Delhi Statistical Handbook-2023.

5:29 PM

ED arrests 5 people in money laundering case linked to Rajasthan paper leak

The Enforcement Directorate announced on Saturday that it has arrested five individuals as part of its money laundering investigation into an alleged teacher recruitment exam paper leak case in Rajasthan. The arrests of Suresh Kumar alias Suresh Sau, Vijay Damore, Peeraram, Pukhraj, and Arun Sharma were made under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) on January 11, according to the agency.

5:19 PM

Goa govt introduces regenerative tourism to focus on 11 spiritual sites

The Goa government has introduced the concept of regenerative tourism, focusing on 11 places of worship in the coastal state. State Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte shared on Saturday that the concept of regenerative tourism aims to redefine the approach towards travel and tourism. This initiative suggests a more sustainable and positive impact on the environment and local communities.

5:03 PM

Commercial operationalisation of Navi Mumbai airport by March 2025: Scindia

Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia announced on Saturday that the commercial operation of the Navi Mumbai International Airport is scheduled to begin by March 31, 2025. He mentioned that approximately 55-60% of the work on the project, which involves an investment of Rs 18,000 crore, has already been completed. The minister conducted a review meeting of the ongoing project.

4:45 PM

Goa murder: Was not allowed to meet son for five weeks, husband tells cops

Venkat Raman, the estranged husband of Suchana Seth, the AI startup CEO accused of killing her four-year-old child, informed Goa police that she had denied him access to their child for the previous five Sundays. Raman arrived at Calangute police station in the afternoon from Bengaluru to provide his statement as part of the investigation.

4:34 PM

No dispute in INDIA over convenor, no need to project any face: Sharad Pawar

NCP president Sharad Pawar emphasized on Saturday that there is no disagreement among the INDIA bloc members regarding the appointment of its convenor. However, he mentioned that there is no necessity to project any specific leader for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, as the leader can be decided once the election results are declared. Pawar mentioned that during a virtual meeting of INDIA bloc leaders, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's name was suggested for the convenor post. Still, Kumar expressed the opinion that a team of party chiefs should be formed, and there is no need to appoint a specific convenor. The virtual meeting covered discussions on various aspects of the alliance and preparations for the Lok Sabha elections scheduled for April-May.

4:12 PM

Massive fire breaks out in a Mumbai building

4:11 PM

441 fresh Covid cases, active tally down to 3,238: Health ministry data

India has reported 441 new COVID-19 infections. The number of active cases has decreased to 3,238. Importantly, no new deaths were reported in the last 24 hours, according to the ministry's data updated at 8 am.

4:09 PM

IMD to use AI to better forecasts, admits predicting weather challenging

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) is set to commence its 150th-anniversary celebrations on Monday. The launch will include the introduction of 'Panchayat Mausam Seva,' an initiative aiming to provide weather forecasts to every farmer in every village. Additionally, the National Framework for Climate Services will be unveiled, intending to integrate climate information into various sectors and activities. Mohapatra, Chief, IMD highlighted the significant progress, from issuing cyclone warnings in the late 19th century to current nowcasts delivered directly to mobile phones. Looking ahead, the IMD plans to leverage the latest advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to enhance its forecasting capabilities.

3:53 PM

Search operation underway after terrorist attack in J&K

Following an attack on a convoy of security forces on Friday night, suspected to be carried out by terrorists, a search operation is currently underway in Poonch. Army sources reported that a dog squad is assisting in the operation, and security has been heightened in the area. Vehicles are being thoroughly checked as part of the efforts. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in the attack on the security forces' convoy.

3:34 PM

MEA issues statement on British High Commissioner visit to PoK

India has taken a serious note of the highly objectionable visit of the British High Commissioner in Islamabad, along with a UK Foreign Office official, to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on 10 January 2024. Such infringement of India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity is unacceptable. Foreign Secretary has lodged a strong protest with the British High Commissioner in India on this infringement: Ministry of External Affairs