Month: January 2025

Ahead of the implementation of the ceasefire deal with Hamas, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that Israel cannot proceed with the agreed framework until Hamas provides the list of hostages to be released.

He further emphasised that any violations of the agreement will not be tolerated.

Quoting Netanyahu, the Office of the Prime Minister of Israel on X wrote, “We will be unable to move forward with the framework until we receive the list of the hostages who will be released, as was agreed. Israel will not tolerate violations of the agreement. Hamas is solely responsible.”

On Saturday, the Israeli government approved the ceasefire and hostage release deal with Hamas by a vote of 24-8, according to a report by Times of Israel.

Earlier on Friday, the Israeli security cabinet had approved the hostage release-ceasefire deal with Hamas and recommended the government to adopt it.

The Israel government’s hostages and missing persons coordination unit on Friday notified the families of the 33 Israeli hostages expected to be set free in the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire deal.

Israel has not been told how many of the 33 are alive, though it expects the majority are. Israel will receive a full status report on all those on the list seven days into the ceasefire. The order of release is not yet known. The identities of those set to return are expected to be provided 24 hours before each release, as reported by the Times of Israel.

Beyond the 33 hostages set for release in phase one, Israel says 65 more hostages are currently held in Gaza, including the bodies of at least 36 confirmed dead. As the first phase progresses, talks will focus on the release of remaining hostages, ending the war, and Gaza’s future reconstruction.

Netanyahu’s far-right coalition allies have pressured him not to agree to end the fighting, with families of the remaining 65 hostages fearing the second phase may never happen, and their loved ones could remain in terrorists’ hands.

Israeli and Hamas negotiating teams signed the deal in Doha early Friday after clearing the final hurdles. Both the US and Qatar, who mediated the negotiations, announced on Wednesday that an agreement had been reached to end the 15-month war in Gaza triggered by Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack. (ANI)

China-based mobile application, TikTok’s fate in the US hangs in the balance after the Supreme Court upheld a law that could lead to a ban on the platform as soon as Sunday, CBS News reported.

The law passed with bipartisan support in April, cites national security concerns due to TikTok’s data collection practices and ties to the Chinese government

However, TikTok’s fate after Sunday’s deadline arrives is still foggy. Following the ruling, the White House said the Biden administration would not enforce the ban on Sunday, and would leave it to the Trump administration.

President-elect Donald Trump wrote in a social media post that he would make his “decision on TikTok” in “the not too distant future,” but that he “must have time to review the situation,” as per CBS News.

“We conclude that the challenged provisions do not violate the petitioners’ First Amendment rights,” the court said in a unanimous unsigned opinion.

In a statement on Friday evening, TikTok said that “the statements issued today by both the Biden White House and the Department of Justice have failed to provide the necessary clarity and assurance to the service providers that are integral to maintaining TikTok’s availability to over 170 million Americans. Unless the Biden Administration immediately provides a definitive statement to satisfy the most critical service providers assuring non-enforcement, unfortunately TikTok will be forced to go dark on January 19.”

The court’s ruling came days before the law, which was passed with bipartisan majorities of Congress last April, is set to take effect. TikTok and a group of content creators who use the app argued the law infringes on their free speech rights, and the Supreme Court heard arguments in their bid to block it one week ago.

“There is no doubt that, for more than 170 million Americans, TikTok offers a distinctive and expansive outlet for expression, means of engagement, and source of community. But Congress has determined that divestiture is necessary to address its well-supported national security concerns regarding TikTok’s data collection practices and relationship with a foreign adversary,” CBS reported, quoting the court’s opinion.

The US administration’s concerns centre on TikTok’s extensive data collection practices and its connections to the Chinese government. (ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday highlighted different aspects of the Maha Kumbh 2025 and said that this mega event is an “extraordinary” confluence of equality and harmony packed with “unforgettable crowd” and “unimaginable scenes.”

As the Maha Kumbh 2025 goes global, the Prime Minister said that the festival of Kumbh celebrates “unity in diversity” as there is no discrimination or casteism anywhere in this tradition and people from all over India and the world gather together at Sangam.

Addressing the 118th episode of Mann Ki Baat and the first of this year, PM Modi said, “The Maha Kumbh has begun in Prayagraj. Unforgettable crowd, unimaginable scene and extraordinary confluence of equality and harmony… This time many divine yogas are also being formed in Kumbh. This festival of Kumbh celebrates unity in diversity. People from all over India and the world gather on the sands of Sangam. There is no discrimination or casteism anywhere in this tradition that has been going on for thousands of years. Everyone takes a dip in the Sangam, has a community feast together and takes Prasad together. That is why Kumbh is the Maha Kumbh of unity.”

The Prime Minister said that similar to Maha Kumbh, ‘Pushkaram’ is organised in the southern parts of India on the banks of Narmada, Godavari, Krishna and Kaveri rivers.

“The organisation of Kumbh also tells us that our tradition binds the whole of India together. The ways to follow beliefs are similar in the northern and southern parts of India. Kumbh is organised in Prayagraj, Ujjain, Nashik and Haridwar, similarly, Pushkaram is organised in south India in rivers of Narmada, Godavari, Krishna and Kaveri. Both festivals are connected to our beliefs and traditions of our holy rivers. Similarly, from Kumbhkonam to Thirukadaiyur, from Kudavasal to Tirucherai, several temples are associated with the Kumbh,” he said.

Expressing pride, PM Modi said that the Maha Kumbh has gained global recognition and popularity.

Emphasising that a large number of youths participated in the ongoing Kumbh, PM Modi said that when youth is associated with its traditions, its bright future is ensured.

Speaking about the Gangasagar Mela, he said that lakhs of devotees took a dip in the Gangasagar on the occasion of Makar Sankranti.

PM Modi said, “This time, youth is participating in huge numbers in Kumbh and when youth is associated with its traditions, its bright future is ensured. This time we are also witnessing digital footprints on a large scale in Kumbh. This global popularity of Kumbh is a proud moment for all Indians. A few days ago, Gangasagar was organised in West Bengal. On the occasion of Sankranti, a huge number of devotees took a dip in the Gangasagar.”

The Prime Minister said that festivals such as Kumbh, Pushkaram and Gangasagar Mela encourage social interactions, harmony and unity and connect the people of India with its traditions.

“Our festivals Kumbh, Pushkaram and Gangasagar Mela encourage our social interactions, harmony and unity. It connects the people of India with its traditions. The way our scriptures have emphasised religion, wealth, desire and salvation, similarly our festivals strengthens spiritual, social, cultural and economic aspects,” he said.

Speaking on the celebrations of the first anniversary of Ram Lala consecration in Ayodhya, PM Modi said that we have to save our heritage while being on the path of development.

“This year we also celebrated the first anniversary of Ram Lala consecration on the Paush Shukla Dwadashi on January 11. That day lakhs of devotees took blessings of Lord Ram. This day of Puash Shukla Dwadashi has become a day of Prathistha Dwadashi Day. We have to save our heritage while being on the path of development and move forward while taking inspiration from it,” he added.

Mann Ki Baat is Prime Minister Modi’s monthly radio programme, where he discusses important national issues with the citizens of India. The programme is broadcast on the last Sunday of every month. However, this year it is being broadcast on the third Sunday due to celebrations of Republic Day on the last Sunday of the month.

Launched on October 3, 2014, Mann Ki Baat aims to connect with various segments of Indian society, encompassing women, the elderly, and the youth.

Apart from 22 Indian languages and 29 dialects, ‘Mann Ki Baat’ is broadcast in 11 foreign languages, including French, Chinese, Indonesian, Tibetan, Burmese, Baluchi, Arabic, Pashtu, Persian, Dari, and Swahili. Mann Ki Baat is broadcast by more than 500 centres of All India Radio. (ANI)

After two missed identification the main accused in the attack on Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan, a man suspected to be a Bangladeshi national has been arrested, Mumbai Police said on Sunday morning. The accused has been identified as Mohd Shariful Islam Shehzad (31).

According to the Mumbai police, the accused worked as a waiter at a restaurant, and a briefing regarding the case will take place later at the DCP zone IX office at 9 am today.

Mumbai police also said that the accused was using multiple names including Vijay Das, Bijoy Das and Mohammed Iliyas and is currently lodged at Khar Police station.

Earlier, a person was detained in Mumbai and questioned. However, police clarified that he has no involvement with the case.

Yesterday, Mumbai police had detained another suspect in Chattisgarh.

The suspect was nabbed by the Raipur Railway Protection Force (RPF) in Durg, Chhattisgarh, while he was travelling by the Jnaneswari Express train and was handed over to the Mumbai Police.

The suspect was identified as Aakash Kanojia, aged 32-33 years. The RPF also shared the picture of the suspect.

Saif Ali Khan was stabbed multiple times in his Bandra apartment in the early hours of Thursday.

The actor was immediately taken to Mumbai’s Lilavati Hospital for treatment after sustaining major injuries, including stab wounds to his thoracic spine.

According to the hospital administration, Saif Ali Khan was doing well and has been moved from the ICU to a normal room. The surgery, which involved removing a 2.5-inch-long blade, was successful, and while Saif is currently “out of danger,” medical staff continue to monitor his condition closely. (ANI)

A thick blanket of fog enveloped Delhi on Sunday morning, causing chaos in the city’s rail network.

As many as 41 trains originating from various stations in the national capital are running behind schedule due to the foggy conditions, according to the Indian Railways.

Some of the trains affected include Kir-Asr Express (15707), Lichchvi Express (14005), Gorkhdham Express (12555), Purushottam Express (12801) and Mahabodhi Express (12397).

The Railways has advised passengers to check the latest train schedules before embarking on their journey.

India Meteorological Department has predicted the lowest temperature in the national capital for today at 10 degrees Celsius.

Meanwhile, air quality in the national capital was recorded as ‘very poor’. According to the Central Pollution Control Board, Delhi’s Air Quality Index was logged at 340 at 8 am this morning.

An AQI between zero and 50 is considered ‘good’, 51 and 100 ‘satisfactory,’ 101 and 200 ‘moderate,’ 201 and 300 ‘poor,’ 301 and 400 ‘very poor,’ and 401 and 500 ‘severe.’

Homeless people continued to take to night shelters to escape the increasing cold in Delhi.

The Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) set up 235 pagoda tents to provide shelter to homeless people. Night shelters have been set up in several areas.

Other North Indian regions were also impacted by fog this morning. Fog conditions prevailed over Punjab, Haryana, UP, and North Rajasthan.

In UP’s Prayagraj, devotees were seen gathering in the Maha Kumbh mela amid the layer of dense fog engulfed the area. According to the IMD, fog conditions are expected to remain in Prayagraj till 20 January.

“In Prayagraj, we are expecting fog conditions till 20 January. Subsequently, temperatures are likely to rise slightly in Prayagraj,” Dr Soma Sen Roy, IMD scientist, told ANI on Saturday.

Visibility was impacted in Haryana’s Karnal as a dense fog engulfed the city. As per the IMD, the lowest temperature in Karnal for today is forecasted at 8°C.

Cold waves continued in Jammu and Kashmir’s summer capital, Srinagar, as winter’s chill intensified.

According to the IMD, distribution as well as intensity of fog is likely to decrease in the North Indian region after 20 January.

Roy said that over the Western Himalayan region, rainfall is likely to increase from January 21.

“Over the Western Himalayan region, rainfall is likely to continue for the next 5 days. It will increase from 21 January and peak around 22-23 January. Over the plains, rainfall is likely to start on 22 January and continue into 23 January. Along with this, temperatures will rise, we may also get some thunderstorm activity, and fog conditions will significantly reduce,” she said. (ANI)

A suspect in connection with the stabbing attack on Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan has been detained in Durg, Chhattisgarh, the police said on Saturday.

The suspect has been identified as Aakash Kanojia and was travelling from the Jnaneswari Express train when he was nabbed.

The actor was stabbed multiple times at his Mumbai residence in the early hours of Thursday, which left him with severe injuries.

According to the IG of RPF SECR Zone Bilaspur, Munawar Khursheed, information about the suspect, was received from the Assistant Police Inspector at Juhu Police Station, Mumbai Police. It was said that the suspect was travelling aboard the Jnaneswari Express train.

A photo of the suspect was shared, after which the individual was brought to the Durg RPF post, and Mumbai Police officials were contacted through a video call.

A team from Mumbai Police is expected to arrive in Raipur today to take custody of the suspect, the police said.

The incident, which left the actor with stab wounds to his thoracic spine, occurred when an intruder allegedly confronted the actor’s maid in the early hours of Thursday.

Saif, attempting to intervene, was attacked, leading to a violent confrontation. The actor was immediately taken to Mumbai’s Lilavati Hospital for treatment after sustaining major injuries.

According to the hospital administration, Saif Ali Khan is doing well and has been moved from the ICU to a normal room. The surgery, which involved removing a 2.5-inch-long blade, was successful, and while Saif is currently “out of danger,” medical staff continue to monitor his condition closely.

In a related development, Mumbai Police have formed 20 teams as part of an extensive investigation to locate the assailant. Additionally, police are examining CCTV footage and questioning over 30 individuals, including the actor’s staff and people seen in the vicinity of his residence that night.

Saif Ali Khan’s wife and actress Kareena Kapoor also recorded her statement in the case with Bandra Police on Friday. (ANI)

Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi lashed out at Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, calling the state’s caste census a “fake” one.

Speaking at the ‘Samvidhan Suraksha Sammelan’ in Patna, the Congress MP said, “Caste census should be conducted to understand the true situation of the nation. It will not be like the fake caste census that has been conducted in Bihar…A policy should be made based on the caste census…Congress will pass the caste census in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. We will demolish the barrier of 50 per cent reservations…”

Targeting the BJP, he said, “When they came to know that the people from the backward community, Dalits are taking the representation, they gave you the representation but took away the power. The power has been given to Ambani, Adani and RSS. They put their people in every organisation…”, he alleged.

Earlier, the Caste Census was conducted in Bihar under the JDU-RJD-Congress alliance headed by CM Nitish Kumar.

Rahul Gandhi also continued his attack on the RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s reported remarks about not considering August 15, 1947, as the day of independence.

The Congress MP accused the RSS chief of downplaying the ideology of BR Ambedkar and Mahatma Gandhi from every institution in India. He also advocated for the ideology of the Constitution.

He said,”…We wanted that just like the water of Ganga flows everywhere, the ideology of the Constitution should also reach every person, every institution of the nation.”

“Some days ago, RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat said that India did not get independence on 15th Aug 1947. If RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat is saying that India did not get independence on 15th August 1947, then he is rejecting the Constitution of India…He (RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat) is erasing the ideology of Dr BR Ambedkar, Lord Buddha, Mahatma Gandhi from every institution in India…,” the Rae Bareli MP said.

He also said that the Constitution does not allow the concentration of wealth in the hands of a minority of people.

“Where is it written in this book (Constitution of India) that all of the wealth of India should only go into the hands of two to three people…,” he said.

Targeting the BJP, Rahul Gandhi said, “In today’s India, the MLAs and MPs have no power. When I meet the BJP MPs who belong to the backward community, Dalits, and tribals, they say that we have been put in a cage.”

Rahul Gandhi’s visit to the state comes at a time when the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) aspirants’ protests are in full swing.

On Monday, Mohan Bhagwat said that India witnessed true independence on the day of Ram Temple’s ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony.

The remarks sparked a swift response from the opposition leaders. (ANI)

The electoral battle between the AAP and the BJP in the capital has taken another twist with both parties launching attacks on each other.

AAP national spokesperson Priyanka Kakkar on Saturday alleged that “BJP’s goons” attacked Former Delhi Chief Minister’s car with stones.

In a press conference, Kakkar said, “Today again BJP goons attacked Arvind Kejriwal, who was campaigning in New Delhi Vidhan Sabha, with stones. When Parvesh Verma was campaigning on the ground there, he was stunned to see that even after distributing so much money, doing all the black deeds, the public is with Arvind Kejriwal. Because of this, BJP, Parvesh Verma used their goons to attack Arvind Kejriwal,” Kakkar said.

Kakkar condemned the ‘attack’ and further targeted Election Commission of India saying it “does not want a peaceful election to to take place in the New Delhi Assembly.”

“Its eyes are shut. Immediate action should be taken on this. I hope the eyes of the Election Commission will open. I hope the eyes of the Delhi Police will open,” Kakkar said.

AAP has shared a video on their official X handle which purportedly shows a stone being thrown at the Arvind Kejriwal’s car.

AAP accused the Bharatiya Janata Party behind the attack and claimed that Kejriwal was attacked by the “people” of BJP candidate Parvesh Verma who was also campaigning at that time.

Countering the AAP’s claims, BJP candidate from New Delhi seat-Parvesh Verma alleged that the former Chief Minister’s vehicle “ran over” one of their party workers.

Verma said that one of the legs of the BJP worker was broken, and he is admitted at the Lady Hardinge Medical College

“The car of Arvind Kejriwal has gone ahead by crushing the worker of the BJP. The leg of the worker (BJP) has broken and I am going to the Lady Hardinge Medical College to inquire about his health…This is very shameful,” the BJP leader told ANI.

Parvesh Verma also posted a video on the social media platform X, and accused Kejriwal of hitting people with car, who were asking questions from him.

“When the people were asking questions, Arvind Kejriwal hit two youngsters with his car,” Verma stated on X.

The Delhi Assembly elections are going to be held in a single phase on February 5, with counting to be done on February 8.

The New Delhi Assembly seat will see a triangular contest between Kejriwal, BJP’s Parvesh Verma and Congress’ Sandeep Dikshit. (ANI)

On Friday, Paralympic gold medalist Murlikant Petkar was honoured with the prestigious Arjuna Award at a special ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, Delhi.

The event marked a significant moment in the career of the para-swimmer, who made history in 1972 as India’s first Paralympic gold medalist.

Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, took to social media to extend his congratulations to Petkar, while actor Kartik Aaryan and filmmaker Kabir Khan also expressed their joy.

In a post shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, Rijiju praised Petkar for his remarkable achievements.

He wrote, “Congratulated @TheAaryanKartik and @teamkabirkhan for making the fantastic film ‘Chandu Champion’ based on the life of India’s first Paralympics gold medalist, Murlikant Petkar, who is now conferred the Arjuna Award (Lifetime), 2024, in recognition of his outstanding achievements in Para-Swimming.”

Rijiju listed Petkar’s impressive sporting career, including his gold medals in the 1972 Paralympic Games, the 1970 Commonwealth Paraplegic Games, and the 1982 International FESPIC Games.

Meanwhile, Kartik Aaryan, who portrayed Petkar in the film Chandu Champion, also took to Instagram to celebrate the athlete’s recognition.

Sharing a video from the film alongside real footage of Petkar receiving the award, Aaryan wrote, “From living your incredible life on the big screen to witnessing you receive the Arjuna Lifetime Achievement Award at Rashtrapati Bhawan today, it felt surreal.”

The actor, who worked closely with Petkar during the film’s production, expressed how deeply personal the moment was, writing, “Now our film #ChanduChampion seems to have found its perfect ending… Keep inspiring Sir.”

Aaryan further shared his pride at being part of this historic moment, stating, “Feeling so proud to be present in this moment framed in history with you and the honourable president of India… Salute to you and congratulations to all the Arjuna awardees.”

Murlikant Petkar’s recognition comes after years of tireless efforts to raise awareness about athletes with disabilities.

Speaking to ANI, Petkar credited producer Sajid Nadiadwala for helping bring his story to the forefront.

“These awards are declared due to Sajid Nadiadwala because no one gives such a big honour to handicaps. I am getting recognized in the world because of him,” he shared.

Reflecting on his remarkable journey as a para-athlete and military veteran, Petkar added, “This award is a testament to the support I received from the Government of India, Maharashtra State, Rotary Clubs, and many others who believed in me and helped me elevate the recognition of athletes with disabilities.”

Filmmaker Kabir Khan, who directed Chandu Champion, also expressed his happiness over the honour. Khan acknowledged Petkar’s long journey toward recognition, stating, “I am so glad that after over 50 years, he’s getting the recognition which he deserved.”

Murlikant Petkar’s life story is nothing short of inspiring. A proud member of the Indian Army, he sustained nine bullet wounds during the 1965 war with Pakistan but chose not to give up.

Instead, he turned to sports and eventually made history in 1972 when he became India’s first Paralympic gold medalist.

Kartik Aaryan, reflecting on his experience working with Petkar for the film, expressed his admiration, and said, “Murlikant sir’s sportsmanship and headstrong attitude are unmatched… Hearing about this honour is the best way to start the year.” (ANI)