91% rain deficit in NW India in January, 2nd highest since 1901

Northwest India recorded just 3.1 mm of rainfall (91% less than normal) in January, the second lowest since 1901, whereas the country as a whole recorded 58% less than normal rainfall in the month, India Meteorological Department said on Wednesday. However, it predicted the monthly rainfall over the country as a whole during Feb is most likely to be "above normal", extremely crucial for Rabi, and could bring relief to farmers.

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NTPC to acquire Rs 5,000 crore KSK Mahanadi power project

NTPC is set to acquire the KSK Mahanadi power station in Chattisgarh, a large greenfield project with a proposed capacity of 3,600 MW, marking the state-run utility's second acquisition of a stressed asset. The project came under corporate insolvency resolution process in April 2022 after defaulting on loans. NTPC's investment in the project is valued at Rs 5,000 crore.

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'Ashamed, sorry' for judges' row, says Calcutta HC chief justice

Chief Justice T S Sivagnanam of Calcutta high court said on Tuesday that he was "ashamed and sorry" for "an untoward situation" last week involving two benches and Bengal's advocate general. He promised to "try my level best" to resolve the row, terming it "undesirable in a temple of law" and likely to have "a long-term effect on the public at large".

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PM Modi likely to visit Nagpur for BJP SC Morcha convention

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to visit Nagpur next month to attend the All-India Convention of BJP’s Scheduled Caste Morcha. Top sources told TOI, the PM will lead a road show in the city after addressing the event. He is also likely to visit Yavatmal to inaugurate a slew of projects in the morning and then touchdown in the city by noon.

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Panel to give UCC draft on Feb 2, implementation soon: U'khand CM

Providing a clear indication that Uttarakhand government will proceed with implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the state next month, chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Monday said that the five-member panel constituted under retired SC judge Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai will hand over its report to the government on Feb 2.

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Manisha Rani shoots for episode day after she gets discharged

Manisha Rani, a wildcard contestant on Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 11, appeared on the show wearing an unusual cassette costume. She recently got hospitalized but is determined to give her best until the finale. The physically demanding show has been challenging for her due to the need for long rehearsals. Take a look:

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BB 17: Udaariyaan fame Abhishek Kumar becomes first runner-up

Abhishek Kumar loses to Munawar Faruqui in Bigg Boss 17. Abhishek's journey includes his past relationship with Isha Malviya and a heated altercation with her current boyfriend, Samarth Jurel. Salman Khan supports Abhishek's return after he was evicted for slapping Samarth. Abhishek makes a re-entry in the show. Take a look at the finale moment.

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BB 17 Grand Finale: Mannara Chopra evicted as the second runner-up

The highly debated reality show, Bigg Boss 17, is about to reveal the winner in a couple of minutes. Mannara Chopra, a well-liked contestant, has secured the position of second runner-up in the reality show. After many days of entertainment, drama, and emotional moments, Mannara Chopra has made it to the top finalist list successfully.

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BB17 Finale: Ankita gets eliminated at the fourth spot from the show

Bigg Boss 17's grand finale shocks as Ankita Lokhande gets evicted in fourth place. Unique elimination setup brings in family members, including Ankita's mother. Ankita's journey was a roller-coaster ride, known for conflicts with husband Vicky Jain. She provided emotional support to contestants. Celebrities Ajay Devgn, R Madhavan, Madhuri Dixit, and Suniel Shetty make appearances.

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Video of Rahat Fateh Ali Khan beating his house help goes viral

The internet is in a state of shock on seeing Rahat Fateh Ali Khan beating his servant. His clarification further has left people fuming!

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Terror module involved in smuggling busted, 5 arrested in Kupwara

A cross-border terror module involved in smuggling of arms and ammunition has been busted, and five terror associates arrested in Karnah in Kupwara district, J&K Police said Saturday.In a statement, police said it had received “credible information” about arms smuggling from its own sources, which was “corroborated by other sister agencies and counterparts”.

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White House 'deeply troubled' over first-ever nitrogen gas execution in US

The inaugural execution utilizing nitrogen gas in the United States has drawn widespread global attention and has sparked serious concerns and vehement condemnations. The White House expressed its latest reaction on Friday, stating it was "deeply troubled" by the execution. "The use of nitrogen gas -- it is troubling to us," White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters. "We are deeply troubled by it."

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UK Attorney General to review sentence in teen's murder case

United Kingdom's attorney general will review a hospital order sentence handed out to the killer of Indian-Irish origin teenager Grace O’Malley-Kumar and two others in a triple murder in Nottingham last year after receiving a complaint that the sentence is too lenient.

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Heavy vehicle mows down 5 to death in Patna

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Airbus nears helicopter-assembly deal during Macron’s India visit

Airbus is set to sign an accord to establish an assembly line in India for the production of H125 civil helicopters. The line will be overseen by Tata Advanced Systems Limited. This agreement is expected to be announced during French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to India.

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Singer Bhavatharini, Ilaiyaraaja's daughter, dies of stomach cancer

National award-winning singer Bhavatharini, daughter of Ilaiyaraaja, has succumbed to stomach cancer. She was undergoing Ayurvedic treatment in Sri Lanka. Her story highlights the importance of awareness and vigilance in detecting and preventing stomach cancer. Born on July 23, 1976, Bhavatharinimade her debut as a singer for Raasaiya. She received the National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer in 2000 for a song composed by her father.

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Gadkari condemns cutting road safety features for cost reduction

Union road transport minister Nitin Gadkari criticizes officials for cutting safety features in road projects to reduce costs. Urges them to consider road user behavior in project preparation and incorporate suitable designs. Engineers should ensure that people cannot engage in risky behavior like crossing roads instead of using foot over bridges.

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More trouble for Muizzu govt in Maldives, oppn slams 'anti-India' pivot

Two major opposition parties, the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and The Democrats, criticize President Mohammad Muizzu's 'anti-India' pivot, calling it 'extremely detrimental' to long-term development. The parties argue that alienating India, the country's long-standing ally, will jeopardize stability and progress. Muizzu came to power in November based on his 'India Out' campaign.

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US prof's tip for perfect tea 'stirs' US-UK ties

An American scientist has sparked a trans-Atlantic tempest in a teapot by offering Britain advice on its favourite hot beverage. Bryn Mawr College chemistry professor Michelle Francl says one of the keys to a perfect cup of tea is a pinch of salt. The tip is included in Francl's book "Steeped: The Chemistry of Tea," published on Wednesday by the Royal Society of Chemistry.

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Crude now below $80/barrel, govt may offer pre-poll relief

Consumers can expect a reduction in fuel prices as oil prices have dropped, giving the government room to bring down the cost of living. The decline in oil prices has increased marketing margins for state-run fuel retailers, allowing them to turn a profit. This is the best time for the government to cut fuel prices economically and politically.

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At 7.8crore, I-T return filers more than double in 9 years

The tax department has seen a significant increase in the number of taxpayers, thanks to rising compliance and the use of technology. The total number of taxpayers who have filed tax returns has more than doubled in the past 9 years. This increase has led to a rise in direct tax receipts, with net direct tax receipts rising by 160.

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Rahul's damage control amid Adhir vs Mamata over seat-sharing

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Devotees throng UK temples to celebrate Lord Ram

Thousands of devotees gathered at Slough Hindu Mandir to celebrate the consecration ceremony of Ramlalla in Ayodhya. Similar celebrations took place in hundreds of temples across the UK. The event marked the homecoming of Bhagawan Shri Ram to Ayodhya, bringing immense joy to the devotees.

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Telangana HC quashes censor nod for biopic on Jagan Mohan Reddy

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India tracking Chinese 'research' vessel headed for the Maldives

India closely tracks Chinese research vessel Xiang Yang Hong 03 heading to Malé via Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka denied permission for docking, and the Indian Navy is monitoring its movements. Previously, Chinese vessels Shi Yan-6 and Hai Yang 24 Hao had visited Colombo despite Indian objections.

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Earthquake tremors felt in Delhi-NCR

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Long wait ends, Ayodhya in euphoria on eve of new dawn

On the eve of Ram Lalla's consecration, Ayodhya prepares for the grand ceremony. PM Narendra Modi will perform the consecration of Ram Lalla in the presence of 121 Vedic priests. The ceremony will include the removal of the idol's blindfold, application of kajal, and a maha arti with 108 diyas.

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Bilkis Bano Case: 11 convicts surrender at Godhra sub jail

Eleven convicts in the Bilkis Bano case surrendered late Sunday night at Godhra sub jail in Gujarat's Panchmahal district, complying with the Supreme Court's January 21 deadline. "All 11 convicts have surrendered before jail authorities late Sunday night. They reached jail before midnight of January 21, which was the deadline set for them to surrender," said local Crime Branch inspector NL Desai, reported PTI.

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These tips will help you find cheaper flight tickets on Google

This article discusses flight booking tips, including strategic planning, early booking, flexibility with travel dates, and using Google Flights' features like price graph, price tracking, and filters to secure the best flight deals for your travel plans. For those with flexible travel dates, the Price graph feature enables an exploration of fare trends by month or week, with the option to activate flight and price tracking.

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AAP gears up for Lok Sabha polls in Punjab

AAP leaders Arvind Kejriwal and Bhagwant Mann met to discuss selection of candidates for Punjab in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. The meeting raised the question of whether AAP should contest all 13 seats in the state. A follow-up meeting will finalize the strategy soon, considering the party's strengths and areas that need focus.

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Government will scrap pact on free movement with Myanmar: Shah

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Delhi HC: Payment for domain fee registration is not Royalty

The Delhi high court ruled that fees received by a US domain name registrar for providing registration services are not taxable as royalty. The court considered the accreditation agreement between the registrar and ICANN, stating that the registrar does not have proprietorship rights in the domain name and therefore cannot transfer the right to use it.

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IIL rolls out India’s 1st indigenous Hepatitis-A vax Havisure

Indian Immunologicals Ltd rolls out Havisure, India's first indigenous Hepatitis-A vaccine. The two-dose inactivated virus vaccine, developed over eight years, is priced at Rs 2,150 per dose. Extensive clinical trials have shown that Havisure is safe and efficacious for pediatric, adolescent, and adult use.

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Notice issued to Amazon for selling sweets advertised as Ram Mandir prasad

The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has issued a notice to Amazon for selling sweets under the name 'Shri Ram Mandir Ayodhya Prasad' and concealing manufacturers' details. The CCPA has also found various other products claiming to be 'Shri Ram Mandir Ayodhya Prasad'. Amazon has been given seven days to respond.

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Water from Saryu, soil from Ram temple used to print India Post stamp

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Only 16+ kids to be admitted in coaching centres

The Centre has issued guidelines mandating coaching centres to enrol students who have completed 16 years or passed Class XII exams. They are barred from making misleading promises. Prior registration is mandatory for coaching centres, and each branch is treated as a separate entity. The guidelines also require coaching centres to have qualified tutors, fair fees, and a counselling system.

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Tragic fire in multi-storey building claims six lives

A fire broke out in a multi-storey building in Pitampura, Delhi, resulting in the death of six people and injuring one. The cause of the fire is still unknown. Eight fire tenders were deployed to control the blaze, and seven people were rescued. Unfortunately, six of them, including four women, were pronounced dead. The fire was extinguished within an hour, but the smoke trapped the victims on the upper floors. Further investigations are underway by the police.

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These states have declared a holiday on Jan 22, check full list

Preparations are in full swing for the Ayodhya Ram Mandir Pran Patishtha ceremony on January 22, 2024. The Prime Minister will inaugurate the Ram temple and be the chief guest. More than 7,000 people, including politicians, film personalities, and industrialists, will attend. Schools and central government offices in various states will have a holiday.

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Four killed as fresh violence erupts in Manipur

The hill districts of Manipur are predominantly inhabited by tribal communities, including Nagas and Kukis, who account for 40% of the population. The conflict with the Meitei community erupted after a 'Tribal Solidarity March' protested the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.

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British Sikh survey reveals only 21% feel very proud of Rishi Sunak

An annual survey of British Sikhs reveals that only 21% are "very proud" to have Rishi Sunak as PM, despite his Punjabi heritage. The survey also highlights concerns about the Hindu community benefiting more from Sunak's premiership than Sikhs. The 10th British Sikh Report provides statistical information about the needs of British Sikhs, including their voting intentions and financial struggles.

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When Super Over ended in a rare tie in history of cricket

The third T20I clash between India and Afghanistan in Bengaluru made cricket history by necessitating two Super Overs to establish the winner of the match.

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Tale of two 'Ayodhyas': How Bihar’s village is attracting attention

A village in Bihar is making news for its name and preparations. Its name is "Srirampur Ayodhya" by coincidence, but it isn't the only similarity. A variety of events have been planned to commemorate that significant occasion in this village as well, according to inhabitants. The village is currently preparing for the January 22 occasion, when they plan to celebrate both "Diwali" and "Dawat" (a feast). Samatipur previously grabbed headlines Lalu Prasad, then Bihar's CM, detained BJP leader Advani for organizing Rath Yatra to support construction of temple in Ayodhya.

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PM Modi cites Shabari, makes prepoll outreach to tribals

PM Narendra Modi on Monday highlighted the role of tribal woman Shabari in the story of Ram, ahead of the consecration of the Ram temple in Ayodhya on January 22. He also emphasized the importance of the welfare of the poor, deprived, and tribals, and mentioned the construction of 4 crore permanent houses for the poor in the last 10 years. “The story of Shri Ram is not possible without Mata Shabari,” the PM said.

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Search on for terrorists who fired on Poonch army convoy

Security forces in the Krishna Ghati sector of J&K's Poonch are conducting searches to find terrorists who fired on an army convoy. No casualties were reported. Concurrently, another operation is underway in Sawjian, Mandi, based on reports of suspicious activities in the forested area. This follows a recent ambush in Dera Ki Gali, Poonch, where four soldiers lost their lives. “The search is underway in Dharti, Dhara, Magnad and Jhallas areas of Poonch,” an official source said.

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With Deora exit, exodus of Gandhi's band of dynasty nearly complete

The departure of Milind Deora from Congress marks a significant chapter in Rahul Gandhi's political journey, as it nearly completes the exodus of the original band of young "dynasts" who came to be identified with the Gandhi scion during his initial days. After Jitin Prasada and Jyotiraditya Scindia, Deora is the third of the second-generation Congress leaders who hogged the headlines as Team Rahul during the UPA decade. Another of the coterie member R P N Singh has also joined BJP, like Prasada and Scindia, though he is still awaiting his legislative rehabilitation.

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In tribal outreach, govt approves projects worth Rs 4,700cr in 2 mths

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will on Monday release the first instalment of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana - Gramin scheme under the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN) for one lakh beneficiaries. The PM will also interact with the beneficiaries of PM-JANMAN from particulatly vulnerable tribal groups (PVTGs) via video conferencing. The event will be held in more than 100 districts. A statement from the PMO highlighted that PM-JANMAN was launched "in line with the PM's efforts towards the vision of Antyodaya to empower the last person at the last mile."

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Players walking the talk, India ticking all boxes: Rohit

With the series against Afghanistan in bag, India skipper Rohit Sharma on Sunday said he is happy that the players are actually walking the talk as the team ticks all the boxes ahead of the T20 World Cup. India beat Afghanistan by six wickets in the second T20I to in Indore take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-game series, which is the last before the T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies.

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US takes measures to make H-1B visa application easier, faster

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has recently announced significant improvements in the customer experience for H-1B visa applicants, placing a strong emphasis on digital processes. Key among these improvements is the rollout of 'organizational accounts' and the facilitation of online submissions for both visa applications and requests for premium processing. Slated for implementation in the fiscal year 2025 H-1B cap season, these organizational accounts are designed for non-cap filings. They will allow various members within an organization, encompassing businesses and their legal representatives, to work together in preparing H-1B visa applications.

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Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra to start from Manipur on Sunday

Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, led by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, is set to start tomorrow from Manipur's Thoubal district

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Mamata to skip INDIA bloc’s crucial virtual meeting today

Leaders of INDIA bloc parties will hold a virtual meeting on Saturday morning where strengthening the anti-BJP platform and seat-sharing are expected to be the main subjects of discussion. The grouping is also likely to deliberate on the appointment of a convener. TMC chief Mamata Banerjee will not attend the meeting "as she has other engagements", party leaders said. Banerjee had earlier sought Kharge's appointment as the head of the bloc, a demand that was rejected instantly by the Congress chief.

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India likely to emerge as world’s largest producer of lentils in 2023-24

India is expected to become the world's largest producer of lentils in the 2023-24 crop year, with an estimated surge in production of around 16 lakh tonne. This increase is due to higher acreage. The lentil production in Canada and Australia is estimated to be around 14 lakh tonne and 15 lakh tonne respectively.

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7 years on, IAF's crashed Antonov-32 found off Chennai coast

The wreckage of an Antonov-32 transport aircraft of the IAF, which went missing with 29 personnel while flying over the Bay of Bengal on way to Port Blair from Chennai in July 2016, has finally been found by an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) of the National Institute of Ocean Technology.Images of the aircraft debris lying on the sea bed, at a depth of 3,400 meters around 140 nautical miles (310 Km) from the Chennai coast, were taken by the unmanned AUV, which is geared for deep sea exploration of polymetallic nodules, a few days ago.

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DRDO successfully tests advanced Akash-NG missile

The new generation Akash surface-to-air missile system is ready for user trials. The missile system has the capability to intercept hostile aircraft, helicopters, and drones at a range of 30-km. The Akash-NG weapon system will be a force multiplier for the air defense capability of the IAF and Army.

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'Article 30 on minority institutes not intended to ghettoise communities'

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'More forces deployed in Rajouri-Poonch after spike in terror attacks'

The Army deploys additional troops and strengthens intelligence network to counter the spike in terror attacks in Rajouri-Poonch. They study terrorists' tactics and draw tactical lessons to improve counter-infiltration and counter-terrorism operations. The focus is on respecting human rights and zero tolerance for violations. The Army works with other agencies to establish a robust intelligence gathering and sharing mechanism.

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'Mahi bhai told me to react according to the ball': Rinku

Left-handed batter Rinku Singh, who scored a 9-ball 16, stayed till the last, giving Shivam Dube, who played an unbeaten innings of 60 runs off 40 balls, good company to finish off the chase. The duo put on a fine unbeaten 42-run stand for the fifth wicket, denying any chance whatsoever to Afghanistan. Rinku, who is an attacking batsman himself, kept his cool and gave credit to former Indian skipper MS Dhoni's advice for his calm and composed approach towards the game.

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Justify 'minority' status if council is non-Muslim in nature: SC to AMU

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'CEO ordered cough syrup, may have planned kid's murder'

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ED summons Farooq Abdullah in money laundering case

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Reduced enquiries, plummeting prices for vacation in Maldives

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Fuel leak forces US company to abandon moon landing attempt

The first US lunar lander in more than 50 years rocketed to space gave up its hopes on Moon landing after the lander faced a "critical" fuel leak on Tuesday. Informing that there was "no chance of a soft landing on the Moon", the company said, "given the propellant fuel leak, there is, unfortunately, no chance of a soft landing on the Moon". The robotic lander, Peregrine, built by a private company Astrobotic had been facing several technical problems since its launch Monday.

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'26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed serving 78-yr jail sentence in Pak'

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More trouble in MVA, Raut stakes claim to 23 LS seats

Seat-sharing for Lok Sabha polls between Maha Vikas Aghadi constituents seems to be headed for trouble. After Congress invited applications from aspirants in all 48 seats last week, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut staked claim to 23 seats which it had fought in alliance with BJP in 2019. Raut's claim is supported by his party district chief in Nagpur, Prakash Jadhav, who stated that Shiv Sena won the highest number of seats after BJP in the previous elections.

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Rajasthan minister loses poll in jolt to new BJP govt

Junior minister Surender Pal Singh TT, who had been assigned five portfolios in the new Rajasthan BJP government, lost the assembly election from Karanpur Monday, a result the party called “unexpected”. TT quit the ministry. Polling had been suspended in the seat during the Nov 25 state elections following the death of Congress sitting MLA Gurmeet Singh Kooner on Nov 15. His son, RS Kooner, beat TT by 11,283 votes.

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US lunar lander suffers 'critical loss' of fuel

The first US lunar lander in more than 50 years rocketed to space Monday, suffered 'critical loss' of fuel. In its latest update, Astrobotic posted on X, " Unfortunately, it appears the faliure within the propulsion system is causing a critical loss of propellant. The team is working to try and stabilize the loss, but given the situation, we have prioritized maximising the science and data we can capture. We are currently assessing what alternative mission profiles may be feasible at this time."

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JD(U) objects to Congress leader's remarks against Mamata govt

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BB17: K- Pop sensation Aoora gets eliminated from the show

K-Pop sensation Aoora gets evicted from Bigg Boss 17, leaving Salman Khan, contestants shocked. Aoora bonds with Arun Mashetty, Chintu, Ankita Lokhande. Known for changing hair colours, Aoora gets emotional when he can't understand Anurag Dobhal's joke. Aoora's unique rendition of Bappi Lahiri's Jimmy Jimmy from Disco Dancer impresses in India. Aoora was a member of Double-A and debuted in 2009. Tabu appears as a special guest in the episode with tasks. BB17's Aishwarya Sharma talks about Munawar, Ankita-Vicky slap incident, and ex-boyfriend's claims.

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Banks quietly raise interest rates on car, personal loans

Interest rates on retail loans, including home loans, have started increasing as banks revise their marginal cost of lending rate (MCLR). While home loans are linked to the repo rate, other loans are not. SBI has raised its auto loan rates from 8.65% to 8.85% for clients with high credit scores. Bank of Baroda has increased auto loan rates to 8.8% and reintroduced processing fees. Union Bank of India and IDFC First Bank have also hiked rates on auto and personal loans. Bank of Maharashtra reduced its home loan interest rates to 8.35%.

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From 25,000 in '13, creches for poor kids down to just 3.9k

The number of creches under the National Creche Scheme dramatically decreased due to a combination of factors, including financial irregularities and changes in funding patterns. The scheme's fund utilisation worsened over time, leading to a slash in allocation from the centre. Several states, including Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, no longer have any creches. The scheme was renamed Palna Scheme under Mission Shakti, but it has struggled to get off the ground. The new scheme aims for 17,000 anganwadi cum creches by 2025-26, but there are concerns about meeting the demand and maintaining funding allocation.

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Mob attacks ED officials raiding TMC neta house

Three ED officials were injured on Friday morning when a mob of around 200 villagers from Sandeshkhali in Bengal's North 24 Parganas district attacked and chased out a team of the central agency as it was breaking the lock to enter and search a local Trinamool leader's house as part of its probe in the alleged ration scam. According to an FIR at Sandeshkhali police station, media vehicles were targeted. Two television crew members, too, were injured, police said.

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Pak Senate passes resolution to delay Feb 8 general elections

Pakistan's Senate passed a resolution on Friday seeking a delay in the upcoming polls scheduled for February 8 due to security concerns, harsh weather, and threats to the lives of prominent politicians. The resolution emphasized the need to address legitimate concerns, facilitate election campaigns, and guarantee the safety of politicians and citizens. It called for the effective participation of people from all areas of Pakistan and belonging to all political shades. The resolution was moved by Independent senator Dilawar Khan, with support from intelligence agencies warning of terrorist attacks on election rallies.

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'Madness': Musk slams Biden govt over H-1B visa cap

Elon Musk criticized the US government for limiting visas in the H-1B category and suggested that the country should stop illegal immigration and allow more legal immigrants to come in. He called the current system "madness" and proposed halting illegal immigration while substantially increasing legal immigration. Musk made these comments while discussing a chart showing pending applications from highly skilled individuals for visas in the H1-B category. He also addressed another chart comparing illegal immigrations under different US presidents and stated that the current administration is actively facilitating illegal immigration.

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Hospitals can't charge for blood, says DCGI

DCGI has also asked the drug controller cum licensing authorities to direct all blood centres to adhere to the revised guidelines for recovery of processing charges. When a person donates blood, it is not transfused into a patient directly. The donated blood, referred to as whole blood, is processed in centrifuges to separate it into transfusable components. This includes red cells, platelets and plasma. The exercise is referred to as blood processing and a cost is incurred on this.

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HC advice to girls to check sexual urges wrong: SC

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No Supreme Court relief for Pawan Khera over Modi remark

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India to launch Europe’s Proba-3 set to create artificial eclipse

The European Space Agency's Proba-3 mission is set to launch on India's PSLV in September. The innovative mission involves two small satellites, a Coronagraph and an Occulter, flying in tight formation about 150 meters apart. The Occulter will cast its shadow onto the Coronagraph, creating an artificial eclipse, allowing the observation of the Sun's faint corona in visible, ultraviolet, and polarized light for extended periods. The mission aims to provide new insights into coronal mass ejections and measure solar irradiance, potentially influencing our understanding of Earth's climate.

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Probe reveals 3rd 'donkey flight' from Dubai

Investigations by CID (crime and Railways) into illegal emigrations to the US using chartered flights have revealed that another plane had taken off for Nicaragua from Dubai on December 6 as well, taking the number of such known trips so far to three. On December 21, French officials did not allow a plane with 303 passengers - 96 of them from Gujarat - to take off from Vatry airport following a tip-off on suspected human smuggling. The plane had halted at the airport in France for refuelling. Two days before this incident, a charter had halted in Germany.

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India saw 129 cybercrimes per lakh population in 2023

Cybercrime rate in India (reported cybercrime complaints in NCRP per lakh population) in 2023 was 129, though statewise data shows Delhi leading with a rate of 755, followed by Haryana (381), and Telangana (261). Customer care, refund-based and KYC expiry frauds constituted 35% of the local-origin frauds, sextortion (mostly originating in Mewat region) 24%, online booking frauds 22%, AePS frauds and biometric cloning 11%, and Android malware 8%, Indian Cyber Coordination Centre (I4C) CEO Rajesh Kumar said.

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Google's former highest-paid exec is now billionaire Silicon Valley CEO

Nikesh Arora, the highest-paid executive at Google, became a billionaire after joining Palo Alto Networks. His net worth is now $1.5 billion. As the CEO of Palo Alto Networks, a cybersecurity software company, Arora received $125 million in stocks. The company's share price surged, making Arora's stake worth $830 million. He sold $300 million worth of shares in 2023. Arora's 2023 compensation includes up to 750,000 stocks, worth over $220 million. The company justified the award based on his strong performance and vested ownership.

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Notice to police over bail plea in Parliament breach case

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Top Hamas leader killed in Israel strike on Beirut

Israel's war against Palestinian militants reached into the Lebanese capital Beirut on Tuesday, where an Israeli strike killed Hamas's deputy leader, the group and security officials in Lebanon said.A high-level security official told AFP that Saleh al-Aruri was killed along with his bodyguards in the strike by Israel, which vowed to destroy Hamas after the movement's unprecedented attacks on Israel on October 7.A second security official confirmed the information, adding two floors of the targeted building and one car were damaged.

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'A miracle': How flyers escaped Japanese plane fireball

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Wrong to say collegium lacks transparency: CJI DY Chandrachud

Days after his retired colleague Justice SK Kaul said one has to accept that there is a problem with the collegium method of appointment of judges, Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud defended the system and said steps have been taken to ensure greater transparency. “To say that the collegium system is lacking in transparency would not be correct. We have taken steps to ensure that greater transparency is maintained. A sense of objectivity in the decision-making process is maintained,” the CJI said in an interview Monday.

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Sky beckons: DGCA issues maximum pilot licences in 2023

India issued the highest ever number of commercial pilot licences (CPL) — 1,622 — last year, almost 40% more than 1,165 in 2022. Last year, 292 women got CPLs (18% of total issued) — 22% more than 2022, said an official of Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). While the number of CPLs issued by DGCA in the last decade has almost doubled — from 783 in 2013-14 to 1,622 last year, share of those going to women has nearly tripled — from 116 to 293 — in the same period.

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After US, India 2nd country to send dedicated sat to study black holes

Isro ushered in the New Year with the successful launch of XPoSat (X-ray Polarimeter Satellite), India's first satellite to conduct research on black holes and other celestial objects. Workhorse PSLV placed the satellite on its 60th flight in a 650km orbit. The final stage of PSLV-C58 then turned into an orbital experimental module (POEM) to test the 10 payloads over the next month. Around 22 minutes after the lift-off from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, the rocket injected XPoSat.

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Israeli SC overturns Netanyahu's controversial law

Israel's Supreme Court on Monday struck down a key component of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's judicial overhaul. The court's 8-7 majority decision overturned a law enacted in July, a crucial element of Netanyahu's proposed justice system overhaul. The now-invalidated law aimed to prevent judges from overturning government decisions they deemed "unreasonable." Critics argued that this move by Netanyahu raised concerns about potential corruption and the improper appointment of unqualified individuals to key positions. Prime Minister Netanyahu has so far not commented on the Supreme Court’s ruling.

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Entire country is excited over Ram mandir: PM Modi

PM Modi, in the 108th edition of his 'Mann Ki Baat' on Sunday, said there was excitement and enthusiasm in the entire country in connection with the Ram mandir as he called it a "historic moment" and urged people to share artistic creations by using a common hashtag. The PM emphasised the special edition as '108', an auspicious number as per Hindu belief, as he mentioned the excitement surrounding the temple and said, "People are expressing their feelings in a multitude of ways."

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Denmark's Queen Margrethe II to abdicate on Jan 14

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BB17: Rinku gets eliminated; Munawar and Neil cry inconsolably

Dharmendra, Mika Singh, Arbaaz Khan, and Sohail Khan grace the stage on the latest episode of Bigg Boss 17. Krushna Abhishek entertains with a Jackie Shroff skit. Salman Khan announces a double elimination. The contestants perform a dance tribute to Dharmendra. Rinku Dhawan gets eliminated and advises Munawar to get his things together. Ayesha Khan suffers a panic attack and is taken to the hospital. Take a look at what happened inside the house for new year's celebration:

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Govt issues 'draft' for ease of rail travel for divyangs

The Centre has issued a draft rule to ensure accessibility for people with disabilities at railway stations and trains. The proposed rules aim to create a user-friendly environment and seek feedback from stakeholders and the public. The guidelines emphasize dedicated website features, a mobile app, and a one-click template for people with disabilities. Credible announcements & accessible entry and exit points are also proposed. The guidelines aim to enhance overall accessibility and provide a more inclusive experience.

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Local terror recruitment down 80% in 2023: JK DGP

Jammu and Kashmir witnessed an 80% decline in local terror recruitment in 2023, with foreigners taking the lead, according to DGP RR Swain. Only 22 recruitments occurred in 2023, and the J&K Police aims to curtail recruitment and violence. The collaborative efforts of the police and other security forces resulted in the neutralization of 113 terrorists, leaving 31 local operatives active. Additionally, two separatist organisations, the DFP and the Muslim League were banned under UAPA.

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Earthquake shakes part of Indonesia's Papua region

A powerful earthquake shook Papua, Indonesia's easternmost region, causing no serious damage. The magnitude 6.5 quake occurred in Abepura, a subdistrict in Jayapura, the capital of Papua province. It was a shallow earthquake with a depth of 10 kilometers. The region is prone to earthquakes due to its location on the "Ring of Fire". In February, another earthquake in the province resulted in the collapse of a floating restaurant, causing four deaths. Indonesia has a history of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, with past disasters claiming many lives.

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Navy unveils new design for Admirals’ epaulettes

Indian Navy unveils new design of Admirals' Epaulettes, inspired by Rajmudra of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj & Naval Ensign. Design includes golden navy button, octagon representing eight cardinal directions, sword emphasizing Navy's Raison d'etre, & telescope symbolizing long-term vision. Navy's commitment to do away with colonial mindset reaffirmed by golden navy button. PM Modi connects Naval flag with heritage of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, praising the nation's progress & independence. Under Shivaji, Maratha navy became powerful.

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Centre rejects Bengal’s R-Day tableau for 3rd time

The Centre has rejected Bengal's proposed R-Day tableau highlighting Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's pet project, Kanyashree, for the third time in 8 years. This rejection has caused the Trinamool Cong govt to cry foul. The defence ministry usually screens proposals for R-Day tableaux, & Bengal's proposal was allegedly rejected before state officials could make a presentation. This is the fifth time the state's proposals for Republic Day tableaux have been denied, indicating the Centre's partisanship.

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'Nation of investors can't depend on stocks alone'

Uday Kotak outlines recommendations for India's economic transformation, emphasizing the shift from savers to investors. He suggests that banks should become distributors of corporate debt and expand their reach to mid-sized corporates, MSMEs, and consumers. Kotak highlights the growing interest of Indian savers in investing, facilitated by various platforms such as mutual funds, equities, and insurance funds. He also warns of the need to protect new investors from market bubbles and advocates for tax reforms.

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Nuclear sector set to power Indian space missions: Isro chief

India's nuclear sector will power future Indian space missions through nuclear propulsion. Isro chairman S Somanath revealed plans for collaboration with the department of atomic energy. Radioisotope heating units in Chandrayaan-3's propulsion module worked flawlessly, generating enthusiasm. The Bharatiya Antariksh Station, an international platform for collaborative research, will be ready by 2028. Isro is also developing a moonbase habitat at a lower cost. Other upcoming missions include Xposat for studying Black Holes and neutron stars, Aditya-L1's mission to the Sun, a satellite for G20 countries, and plans for reusable rockets and space tourism.

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DIAL blames 50 of 58 diversions in four days on airlines

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Finance ministry issues notice to 9 offshore crypto platforms

The FIU under the Finance Ministry has issued show cause notices to nine offshore cryptocurrency platforms for non-compliance with anti-money laundering law. The FIU has also written to the Meity to block the URLs of these entities operating illegally. In March, the government brought virtual digital assets service providers into the ambit of the Anti Money Laundering/Counter Financing of Terrorism framework. The nine entities issued notices are Binance, Kucoin, Huobi, Kraken, Gate.io, Bittrex, Bitstamp, MEXC Global, and Bitfenex.

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Ayurveda degrees: Next big thing for foreigners

Ethel Nyoni from Zambia is studying Ayurveda at Jaipur’s National Institute of Ayurveda to become the first registered practitioner from her country. Many foreigners, including Dr. Avvinish Narine from Trinidad and Tobago and Dr. Fatemeh Moazzami Peiro from Iran, are pursuing Ayurveda degrees at the Jaipur Institute to become Ayurveda ambassadors in their native countries. The vice-chancellor of the institute aims to establish Ayurveda as a branch of medicine abroad. Komivi ADJA from Togo, a mathematics student, also received an AYUSH scholarship to study Ayurveda.

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Pak ex-foreign minister Qureshi re-arrested after SC bail

Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's (PTI) Shah Mahmood Qureshi was re-arrested by police upon release from prison in Rawalpindi. Qureshi, former foreign minister, was granted bail in the cipher case by the Supreme Court. The Rawalpindi deputy commissioner issued a detention order under the public safety law. He was taken back into custody on suspicion of involvement in an attack on the army's general headquarters during protests against Imran's arrest in an alleged graft case. Qureshi accused the government of politically victimizing him and called it a mockery of the Supreme Court's order.

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