Month: January 2025

Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal on Thursday lashed out at Aam Aadmi Party national convenor Arvind Kejriwal for remaining ‘unbothered’ over the rising garbage problem in Delhi, and said the former Delhi Chief Minister is no longer an Aam Aadmi (common man), but a Khaas Aadmi (VIP person).

She protested outisde Kejriwal’s reisdence by dumping garbage there. She was also detained briefly.

Maliwal accused Kejriwal of remaining unbothered about the garbage problem in Delhi, saying that he is no longer an Aam Aadmi (common man), but a Khaas Aadmi (VIP person).

“Arvind Kejriwal has turned Delhi into a garbage dump. There is garbage everywhere. People are facing a lot of problems. The garbage is there in the sewage, road, and outside the houses of the people. However, Arvind Kejriwal doesn’t care because he is no more an Aam Aadmi, but a Khaas Aadmi,” Maliwal told ANI.

Highlighting the garbage problem in the streets of Delhi, the Rajya Sabha MP said that she went outside Kejriwal’s residence and dumped the garbage to make the former Delhi Chief Minister realise his accountability towards the people of Delhi.

“We went outside the residence of Arvind Kejriwal and dumped the garbage there to make him realise how the people of Delhi are feeling…so that his eyes get open and he works for the people,” Maliwal said, adding, “I work only for the benefit of the people of Delhi. I am not afraid of his goons or the police. An FIR is also being lodged against me, but I am not afraid of them.”

Earlier today, Maliwal visited New Delhi’s Vikaspuri area and spoke to locals about the hygiene conditions there ahead of the February 5 Assembly polls.She also spoke about the way it is hampering the people of Vikaspuri.

Maliwal asked residents to clean the area by themselves. Further taking a swipe at Arvind Kejriwal’s official residence, she said, “The Kejriwal government is not doing anything apart from living in his Sheesh Mahal.”

Earlier on Monday, the Rajya Sabha MP launched a scathing attack on the AAP-led ruling government in the national capital over the infrastructure and basic amenities in Delhi, saying that they don’t need to make Delhi like “Sudan”.

Sharpening her attack, Maliwal said that the national capital has never been in a worse condition, adding that roads are broken, sewers are overflowing, there are heaps of garbage everywhere, and people are getting contaminated water in their homes in Delhi.

Maliwal’s protest comes days ahead of assembly elections in Delhi, scheduled to be held on February 5. The results will be announced on February 8. A total of 699 candidates are competing for the 70 assembly seats in Delhi.

The Congress, which was in power for 15 consecutive years in Delhi, has suffered setbacks in the last two assembly elections and failed to win any seats. In contrast, AAP dominated the 2015 and 2020 assembly elections, winning 67 and 62 seats, respectively, out of a total of 70 seats, while BJP secured only three and eight seats in these elections. (ANI)

After the midair collision over the Potomac River in Washington, authorities said that they no longer expect to find any survivors, and efforts have shifted to a recovery mission, according to DC Fire and EMS Chief John Donnelly, according to a report by CNN.

Notably, a press briefing was held at Reagan National Airport, where Washington, DC, Mayor Muriel Bowser addressed the deadly collision involving an American Airlines passenger plane carrying 64 people and a US Army Black Hawk helicopter with three soldiers on board.

“We are now at a point where we’re switching from a rescue operation to a recovery operation. At this point, we don’t believe there are any survivors from this accident,” Donnelly said in a news conference on Thursday.

Donnelly confirmed that recovery teams had retrieved 28 bodies from the passenger jet and one from the military helicopter.

Donelly further said that officials are confident in recovering the bodies of those killed in the plane crash. He said that all 67 people are believed dead — 64 aboard the passenger jet and three on the US Army Black Hawk helicopter.

Meanwhile, Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy provided an update on the wreckage, explaining that the American Airlines jet, which crashed into the Potomac River following the collision, had broken into multiple pieces. He noted that the aircraft’s fuselage had been found overturned and split into three sections, submerged in waist-deep water, with recovery operations continuing.

“The fuselage of the American Airlines plane was inverted. It’s been located in three different sections. It’s in about waist-deep water, so that recovery is going to go on today,” Duffy said.

“As that recovery takes place of the fuselage of the aircraft, NTSB is going to start to analyse that aircraft, partner with the FAA with all the information we have to get the best results possible for the American people,” Duffy added.

During the press conference, the CEO of American Airlines seemed to place blame for the midair collision between the American Airlines passenger jet operated by PSA and a US Army Black Hawk on the helicopter, CNN reported.

“At this time, we don’t know why the military aircraft came into the path of the PSA aircraft,” American Airlines CEO Robert Isom.

A mid-air collision occurred between a American Airlines plane and a US Army Black Hawk helicopter near Reagan National Airport outside Washington, DC on Wednesday night. The collision resulted in both aircraft crashing into the Potomac River.

The aircraft involved in the collision included American Airlines Flight 5342, a regional jet with 60 passengers and four crew members on board. The flight had departed from Wichita, Kansas, and was approaching the airport when it collided with a Black Hawk helicopter on a training mission. The three soldiers aboard the helicopter were also confirmed dead. As of the latest reports, the wreckage from both the plane and the helicopter was found submerged in the icy waters of the Potomac River.

The collision occurred at a time when the airport was busy, with 858 flights scheduled to take off and land at Reagan National Airport on Wednesday, according to aviation analytics firm Cirium. In the wake of the incident, approximately 19 aircraft that were in the air at the time were diverted to nearby Dulles International Airport, about 20 miles away from Reagan National. The airport was closed, and all flights were grounded for the night, a decision expected to remain in effect until at least 11 am ET Thursday, airport officials had confirmed.

The crash sent shockwaves through the local community and beyond, with President Donald Trump offering condolences to the families of the victims, reported CNN.

“This is a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented,” Trump posted on Truth Social. (ANI)

It was a memorable day of action on day one of the final league stage round of the Ranji Trophy match, with Virat Kohli’s presence in this tournament after 13 years drawing a stream of his fans and cricket lovers to the Arun Jaitley Stadium here.

The ‘Kohli-mania’ saw people coming to the stadium from early morning with long lines seen of eager fans. Several other Indian international stars were also in action in the match between Delhi and Railways.

The Delhi stadium was buzzing and filled with excitement, a sight not common for domestic cricket matches, with fans awaiting action from their hero whose recent performances have been mostly disappointing. Some additional gates were opened to accommodate fans and additional security deployed. As per ESPNCricinfo, over 15,000 fans attended the match.

The Group D clash also saw a fan breaching security as he rushed onto the field to meet Virat Kohli. With Delhi’s opening bowlers, Navdeep Saini and Siddhant Sharma, having Railways in trouble at 21/3, the person managed to evade security and reach Kohli and touched his feet. Security personnel quickly intervened and escorted the intruder off the field. Kohli requested them to go easy on the fan and avoid any harsh treatment.

After Delhi won the toss and opted to bowl first, Railways were skittled out for 241, with Upendra Yadav (95 in 177 balls, with 10 fours and a six) and Karn Sharma (50 in 105 balls, with seven fours and a six) scoring fifties.

Sumit Mathur (3/20) and Navdeep Saini (3/62) were the pick of the bowlers for Delhi.

Coming to the Group C clash between Karnataka and Haryana at Bengaluru, the latter won the toss and opted to bowl. Karnataka ended the day at 267/5 in 89 overs. Skipper Mayank Agarawal (91 in 149 balls, with eight fours and three sixes) top-scored for the team, with KL Rahul scoring 26 in 37 balls, with four boundaries on his return, putting 54 runs for the second wicket with Mayank.

Devdutt Padikkal (43 in 93 balls, with four boundaries) and Smaran Ravichandran (35 in 48 balls, with four boundaries) put in 76 runs for the fourth wicket after the dismissals of Mayank and KL.

Krishnan Shrijith (18) and Yashovardhan Parantap (27) ended the day for Karnataka.

Anshul Kamboj (2/25) and Anuj Thakral (2/74) were top bowlers for Haryana.

The Group A clash between Mumbai and Meghalaya in Mumbai saw pace-bowling all-rounder Shardul Thakur notch a hat-trick and end with figures of 4/43 in 11 overs which helped his side bundle out Meghalaya for 86.

Mumbai ended their day at 213/2, with a lead of 127 runs. Indian middle-order veteran and skipper Ajinkya Rahane (83* in 152 balls, with nine fours and a six) and Siddhesh Lad (89* in 155 balls, with 11 fours and a six) ended the day on a high for Mumbai after they were reduced to 43/2.

Coming to the Saurashtra versus Assam clash in Group D at Rajkot, Saurashtra won the toss and elected to bat first. They piled on runs as wicketkeeper-batter Harvik Desai (130 in 181 balls, with 17 fours and a six), Chirag Jani (80 in 78 balls, with 14 fours) and Cheteshwar Pujara (95 in 162 balls, with nine fours) scored brilliant knocks.

Sheldon Jackson (48* in 86 balls, with five fours and a six) and Arpit Vasavada (8*) ended the day for Saurashtra. (ANI)

Hours after delaying the scheduled release of 110 Palestinian prisoners in protest of the chaotic scenes during the handover of hostages in Khan Younis, Israel confirmed receiving security assurance from the mediators of the ongoing ceasefire-hostage deal.

Israel, while delaying the release, had asserted that the prisoners won’t be freed until the “safe passage” of the hostages is “guaranteed in the next releases.”

“Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, together with Defense Minister Israel Katz, has ordered that the release of the terrorists slated to be released today be delayed until the safe exit of our hostages in the next phases is assured. Israel demands that the mediators see to this,” the Israel PM Office said in a statement.

Around an hour later, the Israel PM Office confirmed that the mediators have assured them of the safe exit for its hostages who are to be released in the subsequent phases.

“Pursuant to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s demand, the mediators have conveyed a commitment, according to which the safe exit of our hostages who are due to be released in the next phases has been assured,” the statement read.

“Israel insists that the lessons be learned and that strict care be taken in the next phases regarding the safe return of our hostages,” it added.

This comes after chaotic scenes were witnessed during hostage release. Arbel Yehoud was forced to walk from an Islamic Jihad vehicle to the Red Cross vehicle through a heaving mob of jeering onlookers, as reported by Times of Israel.

The vehicles struggled to inch its way through the large crowd of onlookers a,mid wailing sirens. Hundreds of heavily armed, masked gunmen also surround the vehicles, pushing away the onlookers.

Meanwhile, the Israel Defence Force (IDF) shared the details of five Thai and two Israeli prisoners who released as part of the ceasefire-hostage deal.

In a post on X, IDF noted, “Gad Moshe Mozes, Arbel Yehoud and the five Thai nationals–Thenna Pongsak, Sathian Suwannakhan, Sriaoun Watchara, Seathao Bannawat, and Rumnao Surasak–have taken off aboard IAF helicopters and are making their way to the hospitals. Gad and Arbel will be reunited with their families and receive medical treatment at the hospital. The five Thai nationals will receive medical treatment and will be accompanied by Thai government officials at the hospital.”

The IDF also shared visuals of the released people coming back to Israel on X.

On October 7, 2023, Hamas attacked southern Israel killing over 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting over 200 others. Over 46,000 Palestinians have been also killed in Gaza in Israel’s counter-offensive against Hamas.

Earlier, over 100 hostages were freed during the weeklong ceasefire in November 2023. (ANI)

The Gujarat Biodiversity Board has officially declared the ‘Inland Mangrove Guneri’ site in Guneri village, Lakhpat taluka, Kutch district, as Gujarat’s first-ever ‘Biodiversity Heritage Site’, according to the state government.

The announcement, made under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Forest and Environment Minister Mulubhai Bera, The goal is to preserve this unique mangrove ecosystem, which thrives in a rare non-tidal environment, enhancing the region’s ecological importance.

Kutch, known for its vibrant tourism and natural heritage, has achieved another milestone. Under the guidance of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and the dedicated efforts of Forest and Environment Minister Mulubhai Bera, along with Minister of State Mukesh Patel, the Gujarat Biodiversity Board has officially designated a 32.78-hectare area in Guneri village, Lakhpat taluka, as the state’s first ‘Biodiversity Heritage Site’, read a statement by the Gujarat government.

This recognition not only bolsters Kutch’s ecological identity but also contributes to biodiversity conservation.

In a significant step towards the conservation and promotion of biodiversity, the Gujarat Biodiversity Board, under the Forest and Environment Department, has designated the ‘Inland Mangrove Guneri’ site in, Lakhpat taluka of Kutch district, as Gujarat’s first ‘Biodiversity Heritage Site’, read the statement.

Mangroves are typically found along coastlines where tidal waters flow in and out every 24 hours, creating a constantly swampy, muddy environment. However, the mangroves at Guneri, located 45 km from the Arabian Sea and 4 km from Kori Creek, present a rare ecological phenomenon. Unlike conventional mangrove ecosystems, this site does not receive tidal water inflow and lacks muddy or swampy conditions.

Instead, the mangroves here flourish across a flat terrain spanning 32.78 hectares, resembling a dense forest–making it a unique and significant natural habitat.

The statement said, “It is crucial for people to understand the unique significance of mangroves, which spread like a forest across flat land. To ensure their conservation and enhancement, the Gujarat Government, acting on the recommendation of the Gujarat Biodiversity Board, has officially declared the “Inland Mangrove Guneri” site in Lakhpat taluka, Kutch district, as Gujarat’s first “Biodiversity Heritage Site” (BHS).

Through the Gujarat Biodiversity Board’s management plan, the site’s flora and fauna will be protected and nurtured.

The Gujarat government remains committed to preserving biodiversity while upholding the rights and special privileges of local communities.

As part of this initiative capacity-building training programs will be conducted for residents, forest department personnel, and indigenous forest communities to enhance their role in biodiversity conservation and promotion as stated in the official notification issued by the Forest and Environment Department. (ANI)

Fire broke out at 15 tents erected in an open area in Prayagraj on Thursday.

The incident happened in the Chatnag Ghat Police Station area in Prayagraj.

After receiving information, fire officials reached the spot and the fire was doused. No casualty has been reported in the incident, official said.

“We got information about a fire in 15 tents under the Chatnag Ghat Police Station area, today. Taking immediate action, the fire was brought under control and doused,” UP Fire Department official Pramod Sharma said.

The official further said that the tents which under fire were unauthorised.

“As per the SDM, it was an unauthorised tent which was erected here. The situation is under control. There was no casualty in the incident,” said Pramod Sharma.

Earlier, as well a fire had broken out in Maha Kumbh due to an explosion of three cooking gas cylinders. There had been no casualties in the mishap.

In a tragic incident on Wednesday, 30 people were killed and 60 others were injured in the pre-dawn stampede at the Maha Kumbh.

Uttar Pradesh government has announced financial assistance of Rs 25 lakh for the families of the deceased. UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has also ordered a judicial inquiry and said that a judicial committee will submit its report to the state government within a time limit.

Maha Kumbh, which started on January 13, will continue till February 26. The remaining significant ‘snan’ dates in Maha Kumbh are February 3 (Basant Panchami–Third Shahi Snan), February 12 (Maghi Purnima), and February 26 (Maha Shivaratri). (ANI)

Actor Jaideep Ahlawat expressed his views on the violent attack on Saif Ali Khan at his residence, and revealed that he did contact Saif and Kareena following the incident.

Notably, it’s been over two weeks since Bollywood star Saif Ali Khan was stabbed by an intruder at his Bandra residence during a burglary attempt, but the unfortunate incident continues to dominate the news cycle and public conversation.

Recently, in an interview with ANI, actor Jaideep Ahlawat, revealed that he didn’t had a direct conversation with Saif-Kareena, but he did messaged them following the incident.

“Direct baat nahi hui but maine message kia tha unko (I did not talk to them directly but I sent a text to them after learning about the incident),” Jaideep said.

He also urged media and paps to respect the family’s privacy and give them space to cope with the incident.

“Ajeeb lagta hai dekhkar (It feels weird)…I recently saw a video of a reporter chasing the actor’s car in an unsafe way to get the visuals…it’s so dangerous. Thoda bhaut sabko sochna chahiye,” he added.

Reportedly, Saif and Kareena have asked the paparazzi not to click photos of their children, Taimur Ali Khan and Jehangir (Jeh) Ali Khan. Videos and pictures from the apartment of Saif and Kareena’s residence also surfaced online, suggesting that the couple have added some extra fencing to their balcony, so no one can enter their house via the balcony.

Earlier this month, Saif was attacked by an intruder, later identified as Mohd Shariful Islam Shehzad, who entered his home with the intent to commit theft.

After a violent confrontation with the accused, Saifn sustained stab wounds to his thoracic spine and other body parts. He was rushed to Lilavati Hospital for immediate treatment following the attack.

Saif was discharged from Lilavati Hospital after surgery last week. Upon returning to his Bandra residence, he greeted the media and acknowledged their presence.

Hours after the incident, Saif’s wife and actor Kareena Kapoor Khan also issued a statement, emphasising the overwhelming nature of the constant media scrutiny.

“It has been an incredibly challenging day for our family, and we are still trying to process the events that have unfolded. As we navigate this difficult time, I respectfully and humbly request that the media and paparazzi refrain from the relentless speculation and coverage,” Kareena stated.

“While we appreciate the concern and support, the constant scrutiny and attention are not only overwhelming but also pose a significant risk to our safety. I kindly request that you respect our boundaries and give us the space we need to heal and cope as a family. I would like to thank you in advance for your understanding and cooperation during this sensitive time,” the statement read. (ANI)

Days ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal launched a scathing attack on the Congress on Thursday, accusing the party of “collaborating” with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to ensure AAP’s defeat in the polls.

“Congress is not contesting elections in Delhi to win, but they are collaborating with the BJP so that AAP loses,” Kejriwal said in a video address.

Referring to his recent meeting with Congress supporters, the former Delhi Chief Minister claimed that Congress lost the Haryana elections despite having a strong chance of winning, due to internal conflicts within the party. “A few days ago, some people came to meet me, who were supporters of Congress since inception. Even though they said they would vote for Congress, they were also disappointed. They told me that Congress leaders are involved in infighting. They lost the Haryana elections that were in their corner,” Kejriwal said.

Appealing to Congress supporters to vote for AAP, he argued that Congress leaders never speak against BJP leaders but constantly slam AAP, and added that if the BJP comes to power, they will discontinue the welfare schemes introduced by the AAP government in Delhi.

“They told me that Congress leaders don’t say a word against BJP leaders, but they are only busy criticising AAP. I told them that I had worked for them as well and not only for AAP. I told them I provided free electricity and made government schools better. I told them if they vote for Congress, the BJP will form the government (in Delhi). They will shut mohalla clinics, and free bus services for women. I appeal to every Congress supporter that if they vote for Congress, the BJP will benefit. If BJP comes to power, you will not get any facilities provided by our government,”

Kejriwal’s appeal comes amid the ongoing controversy over the Yamuna water issue. He criticized the Election Commission of India (ECI) after it rejected his explanation regarding his claim that the Yamuna was “poisoned”.

The AAP national convenor accused the Election Commission of playing politics by sending him a notice, alleging that Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar “wants a job post-retirement.”

Earlier, on Wednesday evening, Kejriwal responded to the ECI regarding his “poisoned water” remarks, in which he accused the BJP-led Haryana government of “poisoning” the Yamuna water flowing into Delhi. He stated that his comments were made in “furtherance of an imperative public duty.”

In his letter, Kejriwal stated that the concerns raised should not be interpreted as an offence, as it would set a dangerous precedent, undermining state accountability.

The Delhi polls are scheduled for February 5 and the results will be announced on February 8. A total of 699 candidates are competing for the 70 assembly seats in Delhi.

The Congress, which was in power for 15 consecutive years in Delhi, has suffered setbacks in the last two assembly elections and failed to win any seats. In contrast, AAP dominated the 2015 and 2020 assembly elections, winning 67 and 62 seats, respectively, out of a total of 70 seats, while BJP secured only three and eight seats in these elections. (ANI)

482 days since being held in captivity by Hamas after the horrific October 7 attack, Israeli hostage Agam Berger, 20, was freed in Gaza early Thursday (local time) as part of the latest prisoner exchange between Israel and Hamas.

Agam Berger reunited with her family at an IDF facility inside Israel after being freed from captivity, Times of Israel reported.

Two additional Israeli captives,–Arbel Yehoud, 29, and Gadi Moses, 80, the oldest known hostage still in captivity– along with five Thai nationals, are also set to be released later today.

Berger is being airlifted by an Israeli Air Force helicopter with her family to Rabin Medical Center in central Israel. She will meet the rest of her family members there and receive medical care, following an initial checkup at an army facility near the Gaza border,

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) shared a video on X on Agam release and wrote, “The moment Agam was reunited with the IDF after 482 days of being surrounded by terrorists.”

In another post, it wrote, “This is what home feels like.”

According to the latest update, seven hostages, including two Israelis and five foreign nationals, have been transferred to the Red Cross and are on their way to being transferred to the Israeli forces.

“According to information communicated by the Red Cross, seven hostages, including two Israelis and five foreign nationals, were transferred to them and are on their way toward IDF and ISA forces in Gaza,” the IDF stated in a post on X.

Another Israeli hostage, Arbel Yehoud was also handed over to the Red Cross amid chaotic scenes. She was forced to walk from an Islamic Jihad vehicle to the Red Cross vehicle through a heaving mob of jeering onlookers, as reported by Times of Israel.

The vehicle carrying Arbel Yehoud and Gadi Mozes struggled to inch its way through the large crowd of onlookers a,mid wailing sirens. Hundreds of heavily armed, masked gunmen also surround the vehicles, pushing away the onlookers. The handover is set to take place among the ruins of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar’s home, as reported by Arab media.

According to Channel 12 report, Israel has been informed that the five Thai workers will be freed alongside Israeli hostages Arbel Yehoud and Gadi Mozes.

As part of Thursday’s exchange, Israel is set to release 110 Palestinian detainees.

The next prisoner exchange, the fourth in this process, is scheduled for Saturday, when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that male hostages will be released.

Berger’s release leaves 88 hostages — both living and dead — still in Gaza, according to Israeli officials.

On October 7, 2023, Hamas attacked southern Israel killing over 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting over 200 others. Over 46,000 Palestinians have been also killed in Gaza in Israel’s counter-offensive against Hamas.

Earlier, over 100 hostages were freed during the weeklong ceasefire in November 2023. (ANI)

Five skiers died in two separate avalanches in the French Alps, local media reported on Wednesday.

In the Savoie region of the French Alps, four Norwegian skiers lost their lives in the Val-Cenis area, French newspaper Le Dauphine Libere and broadcaster TF1 reported, citing the local prefecture.

The group of seven skiers was on an off-piste tour when a massive avalanche struck, sweeping away four of them. Three bodies were recovered at the scene, while a woman, who had been airlifted to a hospital in Grenoble, was later pronounced dead.

Meanwhile, a Swiss skier died in a separate avalanche near Vallorcine, north of the Mont Blanc massif. She was reportedly travelling with her father and brother when the avalanche hit, the newspaper Le Figaro reported, citing the public prosecutor. The father of the 30-year-old was unharmed, her brother was taken to hospital for examination.

The prefecture of Haute-Savoie has issued a warning about the heightened risk of avalanches.

On Tuesday, a 55-year-old British skier was also caught in an avalanche in the Mont Blanc region and died. (ANI/WAM)