Delhi Records Warmest January Since 2019, Air Quality Sees Improvement

The national capital wrapped up a rather warm January with Friday's maximum temperature reaching 27 degrees Celsius, making it the city's warmest day in the month since 2019.

The month's average maximum temperature was 21.1 degrees Celsius, a notch above the long-period average of 20.1 degrees Celsius, marking it as Delhi's warmest January since 2019.

According to India Meteorological Department (IMD) data, nighttime temperatures were also higher than usual.

The average minimum temperature for the month settled at 8.5 degrees Celsius, a notch above the LPA of 7.5 degrees Celsius, and the highest since 2017 when it was 8.7 degrees Celsius.

Meteorologists attributed the warmer-than-usual January to the absence of strong western disturbances, which typically bring rain, lowering the temperature.

"This month, while western disturbances did pass through north India, most of them were feeble and did not result in substantial snowfall or rainfall," said Mahesh Palawat, a weather expert. "If we had one or two strong systems, we would have seen colder conditions due to icy winds and cloudiness. Instead, temperatures rose quickly." Palawat added that rainfall in northwest India was 81 per cent below normal, impacting winter chill and also reducing fog formation. "January usually sees dense fog, but this time, particularly in the latter half of the month, fog has been nearly absent," he said.

On Friday, Delhi's minimum temperature stood at 9.5 degrees Celsius, a degree above normal, while the lowest temperature recorded this month was 5.6 degrees Celsius on January 28. The coldest day of the month was January 1, when the maximum temperature was 15 degrees Celsius.

Higher temperatures this month contributed to a slight improvement in air quality, as warmer conditions help disperse pollutants. Delhi's average Air Quality Index (AQI) for January stood at 305, the cleanest January since 2022, when the average was 279.

In comparison, January's AQI was 355 last year and 311 in 2023. However, pollution levels remained high, with Friday's AQI recorded at 351 (very poor).

Forecasts suggest Delhi's air will continue to hover in the 'very poor' category until February 3, with slight improvements expected thereafter.

"From February 1 to 3, Delhi's air quality is likely to remain 'very poor.' It may be 'poor' in the subsequent days," stated the Centre's Early Warning System for Delhi.

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Britain's Ex PM Rishi Sunak Arrives In Jaipur, To Attend Literature Festival

Former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak arrived in Jaipur on Friday to attend the city's annual literary event, the Jaipur Literature Festival, which began on Thursday.

During the five-day event, which will end on February 3, Mr Sunak's wife Akshata Murty, and her mother, Sudha Murty, who is a renowned author and Rajya Sabha MP, are scheduled to hold a session titled "My Mother, Myself". The session will be held from 10 am to 10:50 am on Saturday, as per the programme schedule.

Sudha Murty is the wife of Infosys co-founder N R Narayana Murthy.

Mr Sunak, who stepped down as Conservative Party leader in the wake of a bruising electoral defeat in July last year, is a member of Parliament for Richmond and Northallerton in Yorkshire.

The 18th edition of the renowned literature festival is being held at Hotel Clarks Amer in the Pink City. The event brings together leading voices from literature, politics, science and the arts, and serves as a forum for diverse perspectives and meaningful exchange.

This year's event features a lineup of over 300 luminaries such as Nobel laureates, Booker Prize-winners, journalists, policymakers, and acclaimed writers.

The participants include Abhijit Banerjee, Esther Dufflo, Amol Palekar, Amitabh Kant, Eric Garcetti, Kailash Satyarthi, Javed Akhtar, Rahul Bose, Yuvan Aves, Shahu Patole and Kallol Bhattacharjee.

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Mob Tries To Stop CRPF, Cops From Destroying Illegal Poppy Fields In Manipur's Kangpokpi, 4 Vehicles Damaged

A mob of around 80 people on Friday confronted a security team that went to destroy illegal opium poppy cultivation in Manipur's Kangpokpi district and damaged four vehicles, police said.

The incident happened in the Lhungjang hill range where personnel of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the police had gone.

"Four light vehicles were broken, mostly the front windshield. The mob was later controlled by using minimum force. Later, reinforcements came... and poppy destruction at Lhungjang hill range resumed," the police said.

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"Why Was My Photo Made Viral?": Man Detained, Released In Saif Attack Case

The 31-year-old man who was detained in Chhattisgarh as a suspect in the Saif Ali Khan case earlier this month said the police action has cost him his job and a marriage proposal, brought immense disrepute to his family, and left him with an "unbearable dangerous feeling". 

In an exclusive interview to NDTV, Akash Kanojia, who was briefly detained and interrogated, said his photograph was widely circulated despite having no involvement in the crime. "Why was my photo made viral? I want justice," he said, threatening to move court if his photograph was not brought down by all those who shared it across various online platforms.

He also sought to know if police would have acted in a similar way had a VIP or a millionaire's son been a suspect in the case.

On January 18, Mr Kanojia was detained from Mumbai Lokmanya Tilak Terminus-Kolkata Shalimar Jnaneswari Express at Chhattisgarh's Durg station by the Railway Protection Force (RPF) after a tip off from Mumbai police, two days after Mr Khan was stabbed by an intruder at his residence in Bandra.

He was released a day later, with Mumbai Police officials saying he was just a suspect. Days later and after over 70 hours of an intense manhunt, a 30-year-old man, who was later identified as a Bangladeshi national, was arrested in connection with the attack.

Mr Kanojia, however, said the police action had severe repercussions and left him and his family traumatised.

He said he lost his job as a driver. He said his marriage was fixed but the prospective bride's family called it off after he was detained in the case. He added that his relatives and friends are hesitant to meet or maintain ties with him and his family.

"Whatever happened to me should not happen to anyone else. I am a poor man, and that's why I had to see such days. What if there was a VIP or a millionaire's son in my place, what would they (police) have done? Such things happened to me today but they should not happen to anyone tomorrow. After such treatment, that dangerous feeling you get is unbearable," he said. 

"I was defamed so much. It is a question of someone's life. I was not wrong. I had not committed any crime. Then why was my photo made viral? I am not capable of committing such crimes," he added. 

He requested all those who circulated his photograph across platforms to delete it. "Otherwise there is only one last stop - court. I'll have to knock on the court's door," he said. 

Mr Kanojia recalled the events that led to his detention. He said he was travelling on the Mumbai Lokmanya Tilak Terminus-Kolkata Shalimar Jnaneshwari Express when he was cornered by the RPF men. "They showed me my photograph. I told him I am Akash Kanojia. They asked me to get off the train. When I asked them why, they said the Mumbai Police have asked them to locate me. Since I knew that the RPF was doing its duty, I agreed to go with them," he said. 

"After this, the RPF took me with them. They told me that they would not ask me anything or initiate any action against me. They asked if I was just running away? I asked them why would I run? I told them that if they think I have done something wrong, then they should call the Mumbai cops. As the cops came, I was interrogated. I told them I did not commit the crime," he said. 

Mr Kanojia said he asked the cops to take him to the actor to verify if he had carried out the attack. "I said that if he (Mr Khan) says that it was me who attacked him, then the police can blame me for all the crimes that took place in Mumbai that day. Why should I accept something that I have not done. After this, I was allowed to go home," he said. 

Mr Kanojia's father, Kailash, earlier criticised the cops for "ruining my son's life". 

"The police detained my son without verifying his identity. This mistake has ruined his life. Now, due to the mental trauma, Akash is unable to focus on work or communicate with his family. He has become withdrawn, doesn't talk properly, and has lost all motivation," he told PTI. 

"People are saying there is no resemblance between my son and the actual accused. He lost his job and his marriage was called off. Who is responsible? The behaviour of the police has destroyed Akash's future," he added. 

Speaking to reporters earlier, Mumbai police sub inspector Pradeep Fude said: "We can detain anyone for inquiry. We had been insisting he was just a suspect. There has been no mistake on our part. We had told the media that we would share authentic details but some went ahead and declared him an accused." 

On January 16, Mr Khan suffered grievous injuries, after he was stabbed six times reportedly by Islam, during a failed burglary attempt at the actor's 12th floor residence in "Satguru Sharan" building in upscale Bandra. 

Multiple teams of the police and the crime branch worked on several inputs and analysed footage from several CCTV cameras to track down the actor's attacker. 

Days later on January 19, Sariful Islam, a Bangladeshi national, was arrested from near Hiranandani Estate in Kasarvadavali in Thane, about 35 kilometres from Mr Khan's house in Bandra. He was subsequently remanded in police custody. 

Islam's father, however, said his son is being framed for reasons unknown to him.

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IGNOU PG Diploma In Geoinformatics: Registration Begins, Check Details

Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has invited applications for its Postgraduate Diploma in Geoinformatics (PGDGI) program, designed to provide learners with theoretical knowledge and practical skills in geoinformatics. Interested candidates can apply through the official website, ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in. 

The program fee is Rs 15,700 for the full course, with a minimum duration of 12 months and a maximum of 36 months. Graduates in any discipline from a recognised university are eligible to apply, and the medium of instruction is English.  

The program targets a diverse group, including defense and law enforcement personnel, teachers at schools and universities interested in geoinformation science, working professionals with limited or no exposure to geoinformatics who wish to develop skills in this field, and graduates from various academic backgrounds keen to acquire theoretical understanding and practical skills in data handling and processing for application in their areas of interest.  

The official website states: "IGNOU will make every effort to conduct Laboratory Courses of the program at the Learner Support Centre chosen by applicants. However, in case of any issue, the University may allot a study centre to the enrolled learners at its discretion, and the learners may be advised to attend the Laboratory Courses at a Learner Support Centre different from the one chosen by them. Learners should be prepared for such a situation."  

Geoinformatics is an emerging field with increasing demand for professionals due to its wide range of applications, including rural and urban planning, environmental monitoring, natural resource management, and disaster management. This program offers excellent future prospects for those looking to build a career in this growing field.  

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50-Year-Old Doctor Found Dead At Noida Home, Tenants Missing: Police

A 50-year-old doctor was found murdered in a house he had rented out in Greater Noida, while the two tenants living there are on the run, police said on Tuesday.

Dr Dinesh Gaur's body was found soaked in blood in a room of his house in Sanjay Vihar Colony, Kulesara village, on January 26, police said.

Police suspect that a man and a woman who were living on rent in the house murdered the doctor.

The accused woman and man had rented the doctor's house just three days ago and have been on the run since the incident, they added.

"Gaur used to live with his family in Pocket-D, Kundli, Delhi. He also had a house in Sanjay Vihar Colony, Kulesara village, Greater Noida, where he had built a room to rent out. He had made this room his temporary rest area," said Lakshmi Singh, Media In-charge of Noida Police Commissioner.

"On the evening of January 25, Gaur came from Delhi to his house in Kulesara. His son called him on January 26 but did not get any response. When he reached the house late at night, the door of the room was found locked from outside," Lakshmi Singh further said.

Lakshmi Singh added that when the doctor's son opened the door, he found his father lying in a pool of blood following which he informed the police.

While Gaur's body has been sent for post-mortem, police said that the accused are being tracked using CCTV footage and a search team.

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21-Year-Old Nursing Student Found Hanging Inside Rented Room In UP: Cops

A 21-year-old nursing student was found hanging in a house in Uttar Pradesh's Moradabad district on Monday, police said.

Officials said that no suicide note was found from the spot.

Police received information in the morning about the body of Jyoti Singh (21), a BSc Nursing student, found hanging in a rented room in Kesari Kunj Colony, Superintendent of Police (City) Kumar Ranvijay Singh said.

A police team, accompanied by forensic experts, rushed to the spot and inspected the scene, he said She was a resident of Babni village of Deoria and her family was informed about the incident, the officer said.

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CBSE Warns Of Two-Year Exam Ban For Violating Rules. Know What's At Risk

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued an important notification regarding the examination policy for Class 10 and 12 students. The Class 10 and 12 board exams for 2025 are scheduled to begin on February 15. This notification is specifically directed at school principals and heads, emphasising strict adherence to exam guidelines.

Focus On Fair Conduct of Exams

CBSE has warned students and schools about serious consequences for violating the rules.

"You would agree that conduct of fair examination is a must in the academic interest of the students. Accordingly, a detailed "Unfair Means Rules" have been framed by the CBSE. It is desirable that before the start of the examinations, all the students who would appear in Board examinations be informed about ethics of the examinations, their rules and the instructions issued by the CBSE. Though instructions are given on the Admit Card of the student, however, this communication is to reiterate the same with a request to all Principals of CBSE Affiliated Schools to sensitise their students and create general awareness towards prohibition of use of unfair practices in the Examination Hall/Centre," the official notice states.

Key Guidelines For Schools And Students

• Schools must educate students about the examination policy and associated penalties.
• Officials assigned for exam duties should be briefed about their responsibilities.
• Students are advised not to believe in or spread rumors that could disrupt the smooth conduct of exams.
• Parents should also be informed about the exam policy and the penalties for non-compliance.
• On exam day, students must be reminded not to carry any prohibited items to the examination center.

Addition To 'Unfair Means Act' (UFM Rules)

The notice highlights a new provision under the Unfair Means Act, stating that students involved in spreading rumors that disrupt the smooth conduct of exams will face severe consequences. Their current and subsequent year's exams across all subjects will be canceled, and they will only be eligible to appear for all subjects thereafter.

Additionally, a new penalty under Category-3 of the UFM rules has been introduced:

• Possession or use of any electronic device that can function as a communication tool after entering the examination center.
• Violations must be supported by reports from invigilators or inspection staff.
• CBSE has urged all stakeholders to adhere strictly to these guidelines to ensure the integrity of the board exams.

Check official notice here

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Congress Hits Back After Himanta Sarma Claim On Ambedkar, Jawaharlal Nehru

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, in his Republic Day address at Dibrugarh today, once again raised the issue of BR Ambedkar, claiming India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, kept him out of the Constituent Assembly that drafted the Constitution. Mr Sarma claimed this while emphasizing on the challenges Dr Ambedkar faced while drafting the Constitution.

"Babasaheb Ambedkar is the founder of our Constitution. His inclusion in the constituency assembly had many challenges. His name was not there in the first list of members of Constituent assembly who were to draft the constitution," the Chief Minister said. 

A Dalit leader from East Bengal, Jogendranath Mondal, proposed Dr Ambedkar's name in his place and only after that he had the opportunity to be part of the historic work, he said. 

"Today I remember a statement of Pandit Nehru about the inclusion of Ambedkar. Nehru had claimed that Ambedkar was a trouble-maker and wanted to keep him outside the constituent assembly," he said.

The Chief Minister further claimed that Ambedkar was included because Mahatma Gandhi recognised the merit in him and trusted his ability and took a stand against the position Nehru had taken.
 
"This decision of Gandhi was proved to be fruitful by the constituent assembly led by Ambedkar who gave us a constitution based on equality and brotherhood," he added. 

The Chief Minister's statement has drawn sharp reactions from the Congress.

Leader of Opposition in Assam assembly Debabrata Saikia condemned the remarks and alleged it was an attempt to defame Babasaheb Ambedkar and Jawaharlal Nehru by distorting the truth.

"Initially Ambedkar was elected to constituency assembly from Bengal. But after partition his constituency went to Pakistan and he has to vacate his seat. It was Pandit Nehru and Sardar Patel who went to Gandhi-ji to discuss this. After this Ambedkar was offered a seat in the constituent assembly by vacating a seat from Pune," Mr Saikia told reporters.

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Padma Vibhushan Osamu Suzuki: The Man Who Gave India Maruti 800 Car

Osamu Suzuki, Suzuki Motor Corp's patriarch and long-time chairman who has been conferred Padma Vibhushan posthumously, headed the company for more than 40 years and revolutionised India's car market with the introduction of the popular Maruti 800 car.

Osamu Suzuki is among seven personalities who were conferred Padma Vibhushans, one of the highest civilian honours in the country, on Saturday.

Osamu Suzuki, who died in late December last year at the age of 94, shared a good rapport with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

According to PM Modi, Osamu Suzuki was a legendary figure in the global automotive industry.

“His visionary work reshaped global perceptions of mobility. Under his leadership, Suzuki Motor Corporation became a global powerhouse, successfully navigating challenges, driving innovation and expansion. He had a profound affection for India and his collaboration with Maruti revolutionised the Indian automobile market,” the Prime Minister had posted on X social media platform.

A former bank employee, Osamu Suzuki got his break in the automotive business after his marriage to Shoko Suzuki, granddaughter of Michio Suzuki, who founded Suzuki Motor's predecessor company in 1909. Osamu Suzuki took his wife's surname, in accordance with the Japanese custom when there are no male heirs.

His entry into India turned out to be a game-changer as the subcontinent-sized market, saddled with the mid-60s technology Ambassador and Fiat cars, drove up demand for the Maruti 800 small car. The waiting lists of customers stretched for as long as up to three years with the car selling at a premium in the second-hand market.

Suzuki Motor agreed to set up a venture with the Indian government outside New Delhi and acquired a 26 per cent stake in the state-owned carmaker Maruti Udyog in 1982. In December 1983, the venture rolled out the Maruti 800 small car which was an instant hit.

Maruti, now a unit of Suzuki Motor, quickly became the biggest car manufacturer in India and still commands more than 40 per cent share of the market.

Osamu Suzuki's more than 28 years as president made him the longest-serving head of a global automaker. After stepping down as president in 2000, he became Suzuki Motor's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. He came back as president at the age of 78 in December 2008, when Suzuki Motor was expecting its first profit decline in eight years amid the global recession to lead from the front.

Suzuki then passed on the presidency to his son in June 2015 and took over as Chairman and CEO, but then resigned as CEO over an embarrassing fuel-economy misstatement.

Suzuki was a man of spartan habits and was known to fly economy class even during his old age as part of his frugal lifestyle.

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Devendra Fadnavis Grants Rs 5 Lakh Relief To Ordnance Factory Blast Victims' Families

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday announced financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh each for the families of those killed in the blast at the ordnance factory in Bhandara district.

The explosion, which took place around 10.40 in the morning, claimed the lives of eight workers and left five others injured, officials said.

The announcement of compensation was made by the Chief Ministers' Office in the evening.

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Will Sign Order "Maybe Getting Rid Of" US Disaster Agency: Trump

US President Donald Trump said as he visited hurricane-hit North Carolina Friday that he would sign an executive order to overhaul or possibly scrap the federal agency that helps states cope with disasters.

"I'll also be signing an executive order to begin the process of fundamentally reforming and overhauling FEMA, or maybe getting rid of FEMA," Trump told reporters, referring to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

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'Man On CCTV Doesn't Look Like My Son': Father Of Saif Ali Khan's Attacker

Md Ruhul Amin Fakir, father of Mohammed Shariful Islam, the man accused in the recent attack on Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan, spoke exclusively with IANS on Thursday. He defended his son and called into question the allegations. Mr Fakir insisted his son had been wrongfully implicated in the incident.

According to Mr Fakir, the images from CCTV footage showing a suspect with long hair do not match his son's usual appearance. "From what is shown in the CCTV... my son never keeps his hair long. I believe my son is being framed," Mr Fakir asserted, denying any connection between his son's typical appearance and the person seen in the footage.

Shariful, who is from Bangladesh, had moved to India due to the political unrest in his home country.

To a question from IANS, Mr Fakir explained: "He left Bangladesh and came to India for one reason — the political unrest in Bangladesh... He was working where he received a salary, and his employer even rewarded him..."

Mr Fakir went on to describe his son's life in India, painting a picture of a man simply trying to make a living in a foreign country.

"The salary in Mumbai's hotels is higher than in West Bengal. The hotels there are quite large, and the salary is also higher," Mr Fakir noted, suggesting that Shariful moved to Mumbai for better job prospects in the hospitality industry.

Despite the gravity of the accusations against his son, Fakir insists that he hasn't received any communication from the police.

Asked if the local police had contacted him, he said: "No, nothing like that has happened. No one has come from anywhere. We don't know anyone in India. We have no support in India."

Mr Fakir reflected on his last conversation with Shariful, recalling their regular exchanges.

"My last conversation with my son was on a Friday evening," he said. "He (Shariful) used to get his salary after the 10th of every month... After that, he would talk to me."

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Will Summon Social Media Users Who Try To Create Tension: Manipur Chief Minister

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Thursday warned social media page handlers who upload posts that violate law and personal space of others. Mr Singh also said a large number of new organisations have come up since the ethnic crisis began in May 2023 and several of them indulged in anti-social activities - extorting, detaining and assaulting people.

"We are seeing signs of calmness (in the state now) and I seek the support of the media for restoring normalcy," the Chief Minister told reporters.

Some posts have recently been uploaded on social media, which were communally charged and interfered with the personal lives of others, Mr Singh said.

"Interrogation of certain women (by unauthorised people) on personal matters was uploaded on social media. These incidents are extremely awkward, disturbing and uncivilised," he said.

Mr Singh said he has informed the police and intelligence agencies on this and soon formal notices will be sent to summon all social media page holders and admins of groups who engage in such practices.

"Who has authorised these groups to interfere in the private lives of individuals?" Mr Singh said, adding the government does not want to destroy the career of young people.

"Those involved in looting residences of elected representatives or torching them have been arrested. Some of them are now in prison while some of them may be charged under NSA (National Security Act). Their lives will be difficult, as their records will be with the police and those with FIRs won't be able to enter government services," he said.

Mr Singh said the state government has maintained restraint as people have suffered due to the violence, but now the situation has reached an intolerable level.

"So many organisations have emerged. Setting up organisations is alright as democracy allows that. But who has authorised these groups to apprehend and assault people?" he said, adding anything that can affect the society should be immediately stopped.

Mr Singh said special police teams will be set up.

"Office employees have been summoned (by them) for extortion. Who has authorised them? They are threatening officials with kidnapping if their demands are not met. This should be stopped," the Chief Minister said.

Mr Singh appealed to the people not to support those who have taken laws into their own hands.

Manipur has been in the grip of violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities since May 2023, leaving over 250 people dead and thousands homeless.

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Trump Tells Putin To Make Ukraine Deal "Now" Or Face Tariffs, Sanctions

US President Donald Trump told his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Wednesday to make a deal to end the grinding Ukraine war "now" or face tariff hikes and more sanctions.

"If we don't make a 'deal,' and soon, I have no other choice but to put high levels of Taxes, Tariffs, and Sanctions on anything being sold by Russia to the United States, and various other participating countries," Trump said on his Truth Social network.

Trump said he was "not looking to hurt Russia" and had "always had a very good relationship with President Putin," a leader for whom he has expressed admiration in the past.

"All of that being said, I'm going to do Russia, whose Economy is failing, and President Putin, a very big FAVOR. Settle now, and STOP this ridiculous War! IT'S ONLY GOING TO GET WORSE."

Trump was taking a harder line than he had during a White House press conference on Tuesday, when he said it "sounds likely" that he would apply additional sanctions if Putin did not come to the table.

The US president also declined to say whether he would continue his predecessor Joe Biden's policy of sending weapons to Ukraine to fight off Russia's invasion, launched in February 2022.

"We're looking at that," he said at the press conference. "We're talking to (Ukrainian President Volodymyr) Zelensky, we're going to be talking to President Putin very soon."

Prior to his inauguration on Monday, Trump had vowed to end the Ukraine war before even taking office, raising expectations he would leverage aid to force Kyiv to make concessions to Moscow.

In unusually critical remarks of Putin on Monday, Trump said the Russian president was "destroying Russia by not making a deal."

Trump added that Zelensky had told him he wanted a peace agreement to end the war.

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Liquor Shops To Remain Shut In Delhi On These Dates Due To Assembly polls

The Delhi government has ordered the closure of liquor shops and other establishments serving alcohol in the city from February 3 to 5, the voting day, and on February 8 when the results would be declared.

A gazette notification issued recently by the Delhi excise commissioner declared "dry days" under Excise Rules-2010 for various excise licenses on the day of voting to the 70-member Delhi Assembly and the counting day.

"It is ordered that dry days shall be observed (during 48 hours ending with the hour fixed for conclusion of the poll) from 6 pm of February 3 to 6 pm of February 5, and again on February 8 being the counting day on account of Assembly polls.

"During the dry days, no liquor shops, hotels, restaurants, clubs and establishments selling or serving liquor, will be permitted to sell or serve liquor to anyone whosoever," said the notification.

It added that non-proprietary clubs, star hotels, restaurants among others, and hotels run by anyone, even if they are issued different categories of licenses for possession and supply of liquor, should also not be permitted to serve liquor.

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"Look Forward To Working Together": PM Modi Congratulates "Dear Friend" Trump

Donald Trump took oath as the 47th US president for a historic second term on Monday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated his "dear friend" Trump on his inauguration and wished him a "successful term ahead".

"I look forward to working closely together once again, to benefit both our countries and to shape a better future for the world," PM Modi posted on X.

Congratulations my dear friend President @realDonaldTrump on your historic inauguration as the 47th President of the United States! I look forward to working closely together once again, to benefit both our countries, and to shape a better future for the world. Best wishes for a…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 20, 2025

PM Modi didn't attend the inauguration ceremony - attended by several world leaders - but he sent External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to attend the event as his special envoy. "Privileged to represent India as External Affairs Minister and Special Envoy of PM at the Swearing-In Ceremony of the 47th President of the United States of America today in Washington DC," he said earlier on X.

Trump, with one hand raised in the air and the other on a Bible given to him by his mother, solemnly took the oath of office beneath the huge Rotunda of the US Capitol.

In his first speech after taking oath as the US president, Trump listed a number of executive orders he will be signing soon, including a national emergency at the Mexico border. The orders are mainly aimed at fulfilling his poll promises.

Tech giants like Elon Musk, Meta chief Mark Zuckerberg, Amazon boss Jeff Bezos and Google CEO Sundar Pichai all had prime seats in the Capitol alongside Trump's family and cabinet members.

While Trump refused to attend Biden's 2021 inauguration after falsely accusing him of electoral fraud, the former president restored tradition. Earlier, he, along with his spouse Jill Biden, met Trump and Melania for a traditional tea at the White House. Republican Trump and Democratic Biden then travelled by motorcade together to the Capitol where the inauguration ceremony was being held indoors against the initially planned outdoor venue for the first time in decades due to the bitter cold.

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"After So Much Pain...": Joe Biden Praises Israel-Hamas Truce In Gaza

President Joe Biden on Sunday welcomed the ceasefire taking hold between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, saying the "region has been fundamentally transformed."

"After so much pain, death and loss of life, today the guns in Gaza have gone silent," the outgoing president said, just hours after the ceasefire took effect.

Biden was speaking during a visit to South Carolina on the last full day of his presidency, with Donald Trump set to succeed him -- and to inherit the complex task of helping shepherd the initial ceasefire to a more lasting peace.

Defending his determined support for Israel against criticism that it could have drawn the US into a wider war, Biden said he had considered that possibility.

"But I concluded abandoning the course I was on would not have led us to the ceasefire we're seeing today. But instead, it would have risked the wider war in the region that so many feared.

"Now the region has been fundamentally transformed."

Expounding on that, Biden said Hamas's top leaders had been killed and its "sponsors in the Middle East have been badly weakened by Israel, backed by the United States.

"Hezbollah, one of Hamas's biggest backers, was significantly weakened on the battlefield, and its leadership was destroyed."

He said Israel's military campaign was "extremely successful," leading Hamas's Hezbollah allies in Lebanon to abandon it, making way for Lebanon to install a new president and prime minister, "both of whom support a sovereign Lebanon."

In addition, Biden said, "The Assad regime next door in Syria is gone, removing Iran's ready access to Lebanon. Iran is in the weakest position in decades."

The fighting in Gaza has preoccupied Biden's administration since Hamas launched a surprise and bloody intrusion into Israel in October 2023.

In his comments he did not refer to the other main criticism of his administration's support for Israel as many Americans, aghast at the soaring death count in the war, called during last year's presidential election for him to rein the US ally in.

Biden's aides have said the final terms of the ceasefire largely follow the outlines of the truce he proposed in May.

But President-elect Trump and his advisors say that only his tough talk and the involvement of his own aides alongside the Biden team helped finally quiet the guns in Gaza.

Biden on Sunday acknowledged the importance of the role played by Trump and his aides.

"Now it falls on the next administration to help them implement this deal," he said.

"I was pleased to have our team speak as one voice in the final days. It was both necessary and effective and unprecedented."

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On Camera, 1 Injured In Tel Aviv Stabbing Attack Ahead Of Gaza Ceasefire Deal

Israeli police said that an assailant stabbed and seriously wounded a person in the centre of commercial hub Tel Aviv on Saturday, before being shot and "neutralised" by a civilian.

The attack came hours before a ceasefire is set to take effect in the Gaza Strip, where Israel has been fighting Palestinian militant group Hamas for more than 15 months.

The police had initially spoken of a shooting with several wounded but clarified in a later statement that the "terrorist" was armed only with a knife. 

Israeli police use the term "terrorist" to refer to Palestinians who carry out attacks for political motives.

"Initial investigations reveal that a terrorist armed with a knife arrived at the restaurant area on Levontin Street and stabbed a civilian," the later statement said.

"An armed civilian nearby shot and neutralised" the attacker.

Police said the stabbing victim was taken to hospital with serious wounds.

Emergency service provider Magen David Adom said its staff were providing medical treatment to a 30-year-old male "injured from stabbing" in the 4:30 pm (1430 GMT) attack.

It said he was taken to hospital in a conscious state.

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Joe Biden Grants Clemency To 2,500 Convicts, Highest In US History

President Joe Biden on Friday commuted the sentences of nearly 2,500 people convicted of non-violent drug offenses in what the White House called the largest single-day act of clemency in US history.

Those whose sentences were commuted were serving "disproportionately long sentences" compared to what they would receive today, Biden said in a statement.

He called the move "an important step toward righting historic wrongs, correcting sentencing disparities, and providing deserving individuals the opportunity to return to their families."

"With this action, I have now issued more individual pardons and commutations than any president in US history," Biden said, adding that he may issue further commutations or pardons before he hands over power to President-elect Donald Trump on Monday.

The outgoing president said those receiving clemency had received lengthy sentences based on now-discredited distinctions between crack and powder cocaine, which have disproportionately impacted the Black community.

Historically, there have been considerably more crack cocaine convictions involving Black offenders than whites and the disparate sentencing policy has been condemned as racist.

Kara Gotsch, executive director of The Sentencing Project, which campaigns for prison reform, welcomed the White House clemency action, saying it would provide "relief for countless families who have endured punishments for loved ones that far exceed their utility."

"Cruel and excessive prison sentences that have overwhelmingly harmed Black communities have been the cornerstone of federal drug policy for generations," Gotsch said in a statement. "American communities, disproportionately Black and Brown, have long borne the scars of the Drug War."

Biden commuted the sentences of nearly 1,500 people and pardoned 39 others last month.

Among those pardoned in December was Biden's son Hunter, who was facing a possible prison sentence after being convicted of gun and tax crimes.

Biden has meanwhile reportedly been debating whether to issue blanket pre-emptive pardons for some allies and former officials amid fears they could be targeted for what Trump has previously called "retribution."

In December, Biden also commuted the death sentences of 37 of the 40 inmates on federal death row.

Three men were excluded from the move: one of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombers, a gunman who murdered 11 Jewish worshippers in 2018 and a white supremacist who killed nine Black churchgoers in 2015.

Trump has indicated that he will resume federal executions, which were paused while Biden was in office.

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Airfares Sky High, Railways To Run Two Special Trains For Coldplay Concert

Two special trains being run between Mumbai and Ahmedabad on January 25 and 26 by Western Railway are set to provide relief for those wanting to attend concerts of renowned rock band Coldplay amid skyrocketing airfares between the two cities.

An official on Thursday said though the two trains are "winter specials" as per the directive of the Railway Board, these are being operated to clear the extra rush of passengers in view of the Coldplay concerts on January 25 and 26 at Narendra Modi stadium in Gujarat.

"Both the trains will depart from Bandra Terminus at 6:15am and reach Ahmedabad at 2pm on January 25 and 26. On the return leg, the trains will leave from Ahmedabad the next day at 1:40am and arrive at Bandra Terminus at 8:40am. These trains will halt at Borivali, Vapi, Udhna, Surat, Bharuch, Vadodara and Gertapur in both directions," the official said.

Other officials said airfares have soared between the metropolis and Gujarat's largest city due to the concerts, while trains on the route are also full.

Even these two 'winter specials' might not be sufficient if the popularity of Coldplay and the past experience of the railways with the cricket world cup were anything to go by, these officials pointed out.

For the Coldplay concerts to be held at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on January 18, 19 and 21, the organisers have booked Full Tariff Rate (FTR) suburban locals for the attendees.

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UP Man Poses As Lawrence Bishnoi To Extort Money From Bihar Minister, Arrested

A person from Uttar Pradesh's Azamgarh district was arrested on Wednesday for allegedly threatening Bihar Labour Resources Minister Santosh Kumar Singh in the name of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and demanded Rs 30 lakh from him, police said.

The police also seized a mobile phone which was used for calling the Bihar minister.

According to a statement issued by the Patna police, "A team was constituted immediately after a complaint was received from the minister on Tuesday. The team arrested the caller from Azamgarh district in UP and recovered the mobile phone from which the call was made. The accused is being brought to Patna".

The police, however, did not reveal the name of the arrested person.

Mr Singh on Tuesday alleged that he received death threats from a man who identified himself as gangster Lawrence Bishnoi.

The minister lodged a complaint with the police and informed the DGP about the threat call.

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257 Grams Of Gold Concealed Inside Screwdriver Seized At Delhi Airport

Customs officials have seized 257 grams of gold, concealed inside a screwdriver carried in the luggage of a woman passenger at the international airport here, according to an official statement issued on Wednesday.

Based on profiling, a 20-year-old male passenger from Uttar Pradesh, travelling from Jeddah, was identified for surveillance, the statement said.

"He was observed escorting a female passenger in a wheelchair, who was travelling on the same flight from Riyadh to Delhi. Both passengers were intercepted at the exit of the Green Channel. During X-ray screening of the female passenger's baggage, suspicious images were observed," the customs department said in a post on X.

A detailed physical examination of the baggage revealed a "cylindrical-shaped yellow metal piece (gold) concealed inside a screwdriver, weighing approximately 257 grams," it added, noting that the seized gold has been taken into custody.

The value of the seized gold is around Rs 18.62 lakh, officials said.

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"We Have A Deal": Trump On Israel-Hamas Ceasefire, Hostage Agreement

US President-elect Donald Trump hailed a hostage release and ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas on Wednesday, agreed just five days before he returns to power.

"We have a deal for the hostages in the Middle East. They will be released shortly. Thank you!" Trump said on his Truth Social network, before there was any official announcement from outgoing President Joe Biden's White House.

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Customs Department Imposes Fine On IndiGo, Airline To Take Legal Measures

Leading airline IndiGo on Wednesday said the customs department has imposed a fine of little over Rs 25 lakh on the company in relation to duty on jet fuel.

The fine has been imposed by the Joint Commissioner (Customs), Office of the Commissioner of Customs, Ludhiana.

In a regulatory filing, InterGlobe Aviation, the parent of IndiGo, said there was "demand for additional duty of customs on remnant Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF)".

The company will take appropriate legal measures against it, the filing said and added that there is no material impact on financials, operations or other activities.

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BJP Points Finger At AAP Over Delhi School Bomb Threats

The BJP on Tuesday asked AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal to clarify if his party has any connection with those allegedly involved in sending bomb threats to more than 400 schools in Delhi recently.

This came after Delhi Police claimed that a Class-12 student had sent hoax bomb threats to more than 400 city schools and that his parents are linked to an NGO that supports a political party. The police, however, did not reveal the name of the political party.

A police officer also said that during the investigation, it was found that the NGO had voiced support for Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru.

Hitting back, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) accused the BJP of "concocting stories" ahead of Assembly polls and asserted that "no evidence has so far come from the police".

Terming the police findings as "very sensitive and serious", BJP national spokesperson and Rajya Sabha MP Sudhanshu Trivedi claimed it has also been found during the probe that the student's parents were associated with some NGOs that were involved in the past in such activities considered inimical to national security.

"This news raises strong suspicion because we all know that AAP has deep links to such unwanted NGOs and others involved in anti-national activities," he told a press conference at the BJP headquarters here.

Stressing that it was not something pulled out of thin air, Mr Trivedi said, "Chief Minister Atishi Marlena's parents had supported Afzal Guru's clemency petition. AAP (government) kept the file of the case on the raising of 'tukde-tukde' slogan (in JNU campus) pending (for sanction of prosecution of the accused) for months," he alleged.

The BJP leader claimed that there appeared to be a "direct link" between the NGOs and the AAP leadership in the case related to bomb threats sent to schools in Delhi.

"Kejriwal talks all nonsense and makes false statements. I want to ask clearly if AAP will clarify what its links are to the horrifying and dangerous facts coming out because a direct ideological similarity with you is visible with the mechanism coming to light in the case," he said.

The BJP's Delhi unit chief Virendra Sachdeva also targeted AAP on the issue and claimed that given the direction of the investigation in the case, the "links between the said NGO, AAP and its leaders will become visible somewhere or the other".

"It's not a coincidence...Those emails were sent to 400 schools under a well-thought-out conspiracy so that an atmosphere of fear is created in Delhi because they had to win the elections," he charged.

"Arvind Kejriwal is not just an enemy of Delhi but of the country as well... May Delhi be free from this 'aapda' (disaster) because they (AAP) have destroyed Delhi," he added.

AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh mocked Trivedi over his allegations, calling him the "newly appointed Delhi Police Commissioner".

"He knows things that even the police is unaware of," the AAP leader said at a press conference.

Mr Singh also asked why the BJP is raising the issue eight months after the first bomb threat was received by a school in the city in May last year.

"No evidence has so far come from the police, while the BJP for political gain has now raised the issue and Trivedi is concocting baseless stories when the Delhi Assembly elections are hardly 15 days away," the AAP leader said.

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India Gained "True Independence" On Ram Temple Consecration Day: RSS Chief

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Monday said the date of consecration of Ram Temple in Ayodhya should be celebrated as "Pratishtha Dwadashi" as the "true independence" of Bharat, which faced "parachakra" (enemy attack) for several centuries, was established on this day.

An idol of Ram Lalla was consecrated at the grand Ayodhya temple on January 22, 2024, in a landmark event led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. However, as per the Hindu lunar calendar, the consecration ceremony completed one year on January 11, 2025.

Bhagwat asserted that the Ram temple movement was not started to oppose anyone.

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief insisted this movement was started to awaken the "self" (swa) of Bharat so that the country could stand on its own feet and show the path to the world.

He was speaking after presenting the "National Devi Ahilya Award" to Champat Rai, general secretary of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, in Indore.

Bhagwat pointed out there was no discord in the country during the consecration of Ram temple in Ayodhya last year.

After receiving the award, Rai declared he is dedicating this honour to all known and unknown people of the Ram Mandir movement who helped in building the grand Ram temple in the Uttar Pradesh town.

Referring to different phases of struggles faced by the movement, Rai said the temple was a symbol of "Hindustan ki Moonchh (moustache)" (the national pride) and he was just a medium for its construction.

The prestigious award is given every year by the Indore-based social organization, "Shri Ahilyotsav Samiti", to prominent persons in recognition of their contribution in different social spheres.

Former Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan is the president of this organization.

Addressing the gathering, Mahajan said a grand memorial dedicated to Devi Ahilyabai, the iconic ruler of the former Holkar dynasty of Indore, will be built in the city so that people become familiar with her life character.

Over the years, the National Devi Ahilya Award has been given to well-known personalities like Nanaji Deshmukh, Vijaya Raje Scindia, Raghunath Anant Mashelkar and Sudha Murty. 

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Violent Attack On Cows In Bengaluru Sparks Outrage, Chief Minister Orders Probe

Tension gripped Chamarajapet area in the city after unidentified people attacked three cows, severing their udders.

According to police sources, the incident occurred at Vinayakanagar in Chamarajpet. The cows belong to a local named Karna.

Residents woke up to the distressing sounds of the cattle and found the injured animals lying in a pool of blood, sparking outrage in the locality.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said he has directed Bengaluru Police Commissioner B Dayananda to investigate the case and take action.

Reacting to the incident, the BJP announced plans to observe 'Black Sankranti' if the government failed to take action.

"This heinous act reflects a Jihadi mindset. We will observe 'Black Sankranti' if the government fails to take action against the accused persons," Leader of Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly R Ashoka told reporters.

He further stressed the cultural and religious significance of cows and bulls, which are decorated and worshipped during Sankranti festival.

"After this incident, how could we celebrate Sankranti?" Ashoka asked.

The BJP leader along with the party workers visited the spot and consoled the owner of the cows.

Several BJP leaders, including the Leader of Opposition in the state Legislative Council Chalavadi Narayanaswamy and former Deputy Chief Minister C N Ashwath Narayan condemned the incident.

CM Siddaramaiah said he has instructed the police to take action against the culprits.

“I have spoken to the Police Commissioner. I have told him to take immediate action against the culprits. I have told him to find out those who did it,” the CM told reporters in Ballari.

He said he would ensure that whoever did it will be brought to book.

To a query on Hindu outfits staging protests, Siddaramaiah said they were trying to "politicise" the issue.

A case has been registered in connection with the incident, police said.

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Omar Abdullah Shares Pictures Of New Z-Morh Tunnel In J&K, PM Modi Reacts

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday that he is eagerly looking forward to his visit to the Sonamarg area of Jammu and Kashmir where he is scheduled to inaugurate the Z-Morh tunnel on Monday. The Prime Minister reacted to Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah's comments and videos he posted on X, after visiting the Gagangir area on Saturday.

"I am eagerly awaiting my visit to Sonmarg, Jammu and Kashmir for the tunnel inauguration. You rightly point out the benefits for tourism and the local economy. Also, loved the aerial pictures and videos!" PM Modi wrote on X.

I am eagerly awaiting my visit to Sonmarg, Jammu and Kashmir for the tunnel inauguration. You rightly point out the benefits for tourism and the local economy.

Also, loved the aerial pictures and videos! https://t.co/JCBT8Ei175

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 11, 2025

Omar Abdullah visited the Gagangir area of Ganderbal district on Saturday to oversee the arrangements being made for PM Modi's arrival on Monday.

"Visited Sonmarg today to review preparations for PM @narendramodi ji's visit on Monday. The inauguration of the Z-morh tunnel will open Sonmarg to tourism all-year-round, Sonmarg will now be developed as a great ski resort. The local population will not have to leave in winter & the travel time to Kargil/Leh from Srinagar will also reduce," he wrote on X.

The Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister also posted some pictures of the area he visited on Saturday.

Views of the tunnel entrance & Sonmarg from the air. pic.twitter.com/yLOvW87JCW

— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) January 11, 2025

The Z-Morh tunnel will bypass the troublesome stretch of the highway from Gagangir to Sonamarg that remains closed during the winter months by avalanches and heavy snowfall.

The Prime Minister will also address a public gathering at Sonamarg on Monday.

Arrangements of security have been made at the venues of functions being attended by the Prime Minister. An impregnable security blanket consisting of the SPG, security forces, J&K police and the army has been thrown on the entire area in the 20-km radius of the Prime Minister's engagement sites.

The Z-Morh tunnel is a 6.5 km long 2-lane road tunnel between Gagangir and Sonamarg in Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir in India. It is named after the Z-shaped stretch of road that the tunnel has replaced (Z-Morh translates to "Z-turn" in English).

The road used before was avalanche-prone and used to get blocked for several months, but the Z-Morh tunnel provides all-weather connectivity to the Sonamarg tourist town.

It takes only 15 minutes to travel the 6.5 km-long tunnel compared to hours over the zig-zag road up and down the hills. The tunnel, once operational, will help employment for local youth, travel to Ladakh region and Amarnath Yatra in addition to giving a big boost to tourism in the area.

Ahead of the formal inauguration of the Sonamarg Tunnel by PM Modi, the Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister conducted an extensive review of arrangements at the project site.

Accompanied by his Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani and MLA Kangan Mian Mehar Ali, the CM was briefed by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo and Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir Vijay Kumar Bidhuri on the comprehensive preparations for the inauguration of the strategic over 6 km-long tunnel on the Srinagar-Leh Highway.

"The Chief Minister inspected the tunnel tubes and interacted with the engineers and workers involved in the construction of the project, expressing his appreciation for their efforts in completing this vital infrastructure," an official statement read.

"He also visited the venue where Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to address a public gathering and formally dedicate the project to the nation. Reflecting on the region's tourism potential, CM Abdullah reiterated his vision of positioning Ganderbal as a premier winter sports destination.

"He emphasised that the Sonamarg Tunnel would not only ensure all-weather connectivity to Sonamarg but also supplement Gulmarg as another skiing and winter sports destination, unlocking new avenues for tourism and economic growth," it added.

The Sonamarg Tunnel is a significant milestone in improving connectivity between Srinagar and Leh, ensuring all-weather access to Sonamarg and enhancing the region's economic and tourism prospects.

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ISRO Set To Script History As 2 Indian Satellites Close In For "Handshake"

The two Indian satellites set to dock together in space are now just 15 metres away and are closing in for an "exciting handshake", the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has said as it waits to script history with its Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) mission.

"SpaDeX satellites holding position at 15m, capturing stunning photos and videos of each other," ISRO said in its latest update around 6:20 am.

The two satellites, SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target), are part of SpaDeX mission that was launched on December 30. A PSLV C60 rocket had lifted off with the two satellites from Sriharikota and placed into a 475-kilometre circular orbit.

ISRO had postponed twice the historic docking of the two satellites.

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Video: Moment When Under-Construction Building Collapsed In UP's Kannauj

A man narrowly escaped potentially serious injury when an under-construction building at Uttar Pradesh's Kannauj Railway station collapsed on Saturday afternoon. Moments before the accident, which trapped around two dozen workers under the rubble, the man was seen walking with a wooden pole around a scaffolding frame, CCTV footage showed.

He entered the frame and looked up when suddenly the under-construction shuttering of the roof came crashing down. He ran out of the frame in the nick of time as the structure fell apart.

Roof shuttering is a temporary structure that supports concrete while it sets.

At the time of the accident, 35 workers were working at the construction site for the new terminal of the Kannauj Railway Station under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT).

Twenty-three of them have been rescued so far. "While 20 of them suffered minor injuries, three of them sustained grievous injuries. The rescue operation is underway and will take a few more hours," Minister of State (Independent Charge), Social Welfare, Asim Arun said.

"Once the rescue operation is completed, a thorough probe will be launched into the incident," he said.

Worker Mahesh Kumar, who escaped the accident, told news agency PTI, "As soon as the concrete was poured over the shuttering, it suddenly collapsed. Everyone on it fell. I was standing at the edge and managed to escape," he said.

Along with local authorities, teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have also been deployed at the site for rescue operations.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed officials to ensure the safe recovery of those trapped inside.

Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw has said that an inquiry committee has been set up to probe the collapse. "A very tragic incident has occurred, and immediate action has been taken. An inquiry committee has also been set up there," Mr Vaishnaw said.

- With inputs from Israil Khan.

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Police Charges KT Rama Rao For Allegedly Causing Road Obstruction, Public Nuisance

The Banjara Hills police here on Friday registered a case against BRS working president K T Rama Rao for allegedly causing road obstruction and public nuisance at the ACB office here after his questioning on January 9 in the Formula-E race case.

The case was booked following a complaint by the traffic police.

KT Rama Rao, who appeared before the ACB officials on January 9, left for the BRS office, situated near the ACB headquarters, accompanied by party leaders and others.

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Haryana Board 10th, 12th Exam 2025 Datesheet Released, Check Complete Schedule

Haryana Board Exams 2025: The Haryana Board of Secondary Education (HBSE) has released the datesheet for the 2025 Class 10 and Class 12 board exams. Students preparing for the upcoming exams can now access the full schedule on the official HBSE website, bseh.org.in. According to the schedule, the Class 12 (Senior Secondary) exams will begin on February 27 and conclude on April 2. These exams will be conducted in a single shift, starting at 12.30pm, with exam durations varying from 3pm to 3.30pm, depending on the subject. The Class 10 (Secondary) exams will start on February 28, 2025, and end on March 19, 2025. Similar to the Class 12 exams, these will be held in a single shift, beginning at 12.30pm.

Class 12 Exam Schedule:

• February 27: English Core, English Elective
• March 1: Hindi Core, Hindi Elective, English Special for Foreign Students
• March 4: Physics, Economics
• March 6: Fine Arts
• March 10: History, Biology
• March 12: Chemistry, Accountancy, Public Administration
• March 15: Political Science
• March 18: Mathematics
• March 20: Sociology, Entrepreneurship
• March 21: Home Science
• March 22: Military Science, Dance, Psychology, Sanskrit Vyakran Part-1
• March 24: Geography
• March 25: Music Hindustani Vocal, Business Studies
• March 26: Sanskrit, Urdu, Bio-Technology
• March 27: Computer Science, IT&ITES
• March 28: Agriculture, Philosophy
• March 29: Punjabi, Sanskrit Sahitya
• April 1: Physical Education
• April 2: Retail, Automotive, IT-ITES (NSQF), Healthcare (NSQF), among others.

Class 10 Exam Schedule:

• February 28: Hindi
• March 3: English
• March 5: Social Science
• March 7: Mathematics (Standard), Mathematics (Basic)
• March 11: Science
• March 13: Punjabi, IT&ITES, Sanskrit Vyakran (Aarsh Padhdti Gurukul)
• March 17: Sanskrit, Urdu, Drawing, Agriculture, Music Hindustani, Animal Husbandry, Dance, and others
• March 19: Retail (NSQF), Automotive (NSQF), IT-ITES (NSQF), Beauty & Wellness (NSQF), and more.

HBSE 10th, 12th Datesheet 2025: How To Check

• Visit the official HBSE website: bseh.org.in.
• Navigate to the "Latest Announcements" section on the homepage.
• Click on the link to access the HBSE 10th and 12th Date Sheet 2025.
• The complete schedule will appear on the screen.
• Download the document and save it for future reference.
• Take a printout of the date sheet for easy access until results are announced.

Students are advised to keep checking the official website for any updates or changes.

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Urgent Upskilling Needed To Cater 78 Million New Jobs: World Economic Forum

The World Economic Forum (WEF) says that job disruption will equate to 22 per cent of the jobs by 2030.

In a report released on Tuesday titled 'Future of Jobs Report 2025' WEF says 170 million new jobs will be created and 92 million jobs will be displaced resulting in a net increase of 78 million jobs by 2030.

Based on data from over 1000 companies, the report finds that skill gap is the most significant hurdle for business transformation in these companies. Nearly 40 per cent of skills required for the jobs need to change and 63 per cent of the employers says they are facing proper skillset as the key barrier.

The report said out of every 100 workers from the global workforce, 59 are projected to require reskilling or upskilling by 2030, but out of this 11 are unlikely to receive it which suggests that over 120 million workers are at medium-term risk of redundancy.

The report analysed that technology skills in Artificial intelligence (AI), big data and cybersecurity are expected to see rapid growth in demand, but human skills, such as creative thinking, resilience, flexibility and agility, will remain critical. Persons having a combination of both skill types will be increasingly crucial in a fast-shifting job market.

While advances in AI and renewable energy are reshaping and driving the market, Frontline roles and essential in sectors like care and education will see the highest job growth by 2030.

Till Leopold, Head of Work, Wages and Job Creation at the World Economic Forum says "Trends such as generative AI and rapid technological shifts are upending industries and labour markets, creating both unprecedented opportunities and profound risks,"

Leopold added "The time is now for businesses and governments to work together, invest in skills and build an equitable and resilient global workforce."

The report said frontline roles, including farmworkers, delivery drivers and construction workers, will be more in demand and poised to see the largest job growth in absolute terms by 2030. Significant increases are also projected for care jobs, like nursing professionals, and education specialists, such as secondary school teachers, with demographic trends driving growth in demand across essential sectors.

Meanwhile, advances in AI, robotics and energy systems, notably in renewable energy and environmental engineering, are expected to increase demand for specialist roles in these fields.

However, roles like cashiers and administrative assistants will come under the fastest declining sector but are now joined by roles including graphic designers as generative AI rapidly reshapes the labour market.

With half of the employers globally are planning to reorient their businesses to target new opportunities, AI is reshaping their business models. While 77 per cent employers are planning to upskill their workers, 41 per cent are planning to reduce their workforce as AI automates certain tasks

The WEF report said urgent and collective action are required across government, businesses and education to bridge skills gaps, invest in reskilling and upskilling initiatives and create accessible pathways into fast-growing jobs and skills that are seeing fast growth in demand

The World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2025, taking place in Davos-Klosters from 20 to 24 January, convenes global leaders under the theme, Collaboration for the Intelligent Age.

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"Your Posts Could Get Someone Killed": TED Chief Chris Anderson To Elon Musk

Chris Anderson, the head of TED, wrote an open letter to billionaire Elon Musk on Tuesday over the tech mogul's recent posts on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). According to Anderson, the owner of X is forgetting the "core tenets of journalism".

"...Without them, I think your efforts to make X the respected home of citizen journalism will fail. When you tell hundreds of millions of people that someone should be hanged or jailed for outrageous crimes against humanity, just possibly you should first sound out what those who know those people really well would say about them. Some of your recent posts could literally get someone killed. Do you really want to risk that?" Anderson questioned, referring to Musk's recent posts.

Musk has been frequently bashing international governments whose politics he dislikes and praising far-right figures. He has been using X to post several criticisms and accusations aimed at political figures - especially in UK, Germany, and Canada.

"You say you want to maximize un-regretted user seconds on X.  By far the simplest way you could do this, Elon, is simply to thoughtfully edit what you yourself post," Anderson said.

According to Anderson, the owner of X is failing to follow the "fairness doctrine" - which says that before publishing critical claims about an individual, or an institution, one must reach out to them for their side of the story. While the TED chief believes that Musk is eyeing issues that are important and worthy of efforts, he said that the way it is being presented is "playground bullying". 

"It's crass and it's cruel, and it's therefore not nearly as effective as it could be. You're hearing the cheers of your most loyal followers, but missing the fact you're making yourself a laughing stock among many who you really want on your side. Long-term that's going to damage X, your other businesses, and indeed your long-term dreams for humanity.  No one wants to follow a playground bully to Mars," Anderson said.

With a certain amount of trepidation, I'm posting this open letter to @elonmusk, someone I have admired, but who, right now, is causing me concern. I know I'm not alone in thinking these thoughts. Please like or repost if you're willing... And Elon, if you're listening, please… pic.twitter.com/WGU9okIXJ3

— Chris Anderson (@TEDchris) January 7, 2025

Anderson mentioned that while Musk is someone he admires, at present, he is causing concern.

"I miss the old Elon. You can be funny, interesting, insightful and inspiring. You've fought incredibly hard for what you've built. And you may feel you're entitled to do whatever the hell you want with it. But I also know that you understand the danger of holding too tightly to the ring of power, how it can distort someone's judgement and turn them ugly," he wrote.

"I'm hoping you can loosen that ring just a little. For the love of humanity that you profess, I really urge you to embrace the fairness doctrine and showcase a better face of X," Anderson added.

Musk has not yet responded to the letter.

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Bengaluru Techie, Wife Kill Their Children, Then Die By Suicide

A family of four, including a software consultant, his wife, and their two children, were found dead in their rented home in Bengaluru. According to the police, the case is being investigated as a suspected murder-suicide. 

They have been identified as Anup Kumar (38), his wife Rakhi (35), their 5-year-old daughter Anupriya, and their 2-year-old son Priyansh. Originally from Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh.

Anup Kumar was working as a software consultant in a private firm. However, he quit the job a month ago.

Monday morning the family's house help arrived for work. Receiving no response despite repeated attempts to contact the family, the house help alerted neighbours, who then informed the police. Upon entering the premises, police discovered the bodies of the couple and their children.

Anup and Rakhi either poisoned or smothered their children before killing themselves by hanging. The cause of the children's death will be clear in the autopsy report, said a senior police officer.

The couple was apparently in depression as Kumar didn't have a job and was also cheated by a relative whose project he had invested in. They were also struggling emotionally due to their elder child's health condition. Anupriya was a child with special needs, and the parents were reportedly under stress, according to the officer.

 The family employed three individuals, including two cooks and one caregiver for their children, each earning Rs 15,000 per month. 

No suicide note has been discovered at the scene so far. The police have registered a case and are conducting an investigation.

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Global Power City Index: Dubai Ranks First In Middle East, Eighth Globally

Dubai has been ranked eighth worldwide and first in the Middle East in the Global Power City Index 2024 (GPCI) for the second year in a row.

In an annual study released by Japan's Mori Memorial Foundation, the index highlights Dubai's role as a leader in innovation, economic dynamism, and global connectivity.

This achievement makes Dubai the only city in the Middle East to feature in the top 10, reaffirming its position as a major global hub for business, talent, and investment.

“Dubai continues to redefine what is possible, combining innovation, sustainability, and a focus on nurturing talent,” said Sheikh Hamdan, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai.

The Crown Prince highlighted the key drivers behind Dubai's success, including its world-class infrastructure, which continues to attract global investment and top talent.

He highlighted the city's flexible and progressive legislative framework, designed to foster innovation and adapt to evolving global trends.

He also underscored the importance of Dubai's strong public-private sector partnerships, which have created a dynamic ecosystem for collaboration and growth.

“Dubai's high ranking on global indices shows that we are not just keeping pace with the world, we are setting new benchmarks for excellence,” he added.

The Global Power City Index (GPCI) evaluates and ranks major cities according to their “magnetism”, or their comprehensive power to attract people, capital, and enterprises from across he world.

It does so by measuring six functions — Economy, Research and Development, Cultural Interaction, Livability, Environment, and Accessibility — providing a multidimensional ranking.

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Kerala MLA PV Anvar Arrested In Forest Office Attack Case

Nilambur legislator PV Anvar was arrested on Sunday for allegedly vandalising the District Forest Office (DFO) following a protest over the death of a tribal man in an elephant attack in this north Kerala district, police said.

Earlier in the day, PV Anvar, an independent MLA, criticised the state government and the forest department over the death of the tribal man Mani, who was trampled by a wild elephant on Saturday evening.

The workers of the Democratic Movement of Kerala (DMK), a social collective led by the MLA, staged a protest in front of the forest office alleging negligence by wildlife personnel in addressing man-animal conflicts in the area. Nearly 10 of them trespassed into the North DFO office and vandalised the office room.

Nilambur police booked PV Anvar and 10 others over the incident under various sections of the BNS and the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act.

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Royal Nanny's Stepson Among Those Killed In New Orleans Attack

King Charles III was on Saturday said to be "deeply saddened" after police said a British relative of his sons' former nanny was among the victims of the deadly truck-ramming attack in New Orleans.

Edward Pettifer, 31, who died in the atrocity, was the stepson of Prince William and Prince Harry's former nanny Tiggy Pettifer.

It was "understood the King was... deeply saddened, and had been in touch with the family to share personal condolences", the UK's Press Association news agency said in a report.

Heir to the throne Prince William said he and his wife Catherine had also been "shocked and saddened by the tragic death of Ed Pettifer".

"Our thoughts and prayers remain with the Pettifer family and all those innocent people who have been tragically impacted by this horrific attack," he wrote on the couple's Kensington Palace social media account.

Pettifer's half-brother Tom is one of William's godsons and was a page boy at his wedding to Catherine, the Princess of Wales, in 2011.

In 1993, Charles employed Tiggy Legge-Bourke, now Pettifer, whose family had longstanding links to the royals, as a nanny for William and his younger brother Harry after his separation from their mother, Princess Diana.

"The entire family are devastated at the tragic news of Ed's death in New Orleans. He was a wonderful son, brother, grandson, nephew, and a friend to so many. We will all miss him terribly," the Pettifer family said in a statement.

On New Year's Day a US army veteran, who the FBI says pledged loyalty to the Islamic State jihadist group, used a pickup truck to kill and wound revellers in New Orleans's crowded French Quarter, before being killed by police.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said he was "extremely saddened" to learn a British man had been among those killed in the attack.

"We are supporting his family and stand united with the US against terror threats," he wrote on X.

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India Sends 1st Batch Of Humanitarian Aid To Bolivia To Combat Forest Fires

India on Friday dispatched the first batch of humanitarian assistance to Bolivia to support the country's efforts in tackling devastating forest fires.

In a post X, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal shared the details of the consignment which includes firefighting gear, first-aid kits, medicines, and other essential utilities.

"India sends the first tranche of humanitarian assistance to Bolivia to support tackling of forest fires. The consignment consisting of fire fighting gears, first-aid kit, medicines and other utilities has departed for Bolivia," Jaiswal said on X.

?? sends the first tranche of humanitarian assistance to Bolivia to support tackling of forest fires.

The consignment consisting of fire fighting gears, first-aid kit, medicines & other utilities has departed for Bolivia. Overall, 16 tons of fire-fighting equipment and related… pic.twitter.com/trHtXt5A7r

— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) January 3, 2025

"Overall, 16 tons of fire-fighting equipment and related relief material will be sent. The assistance would also help in tackling environmental crisis and health issues caused by forest fires," he added.

Last year, Bolivia's Defence Ministry declared a state of national emergency on September 7, 2024, in response to the widespread and intense forest fires sweeping the country.

Earlier, India has sent humanitarian assistance consignment to Lesotho compromising of 1000 metric tonnes of rice to help in addressing the food security and nutritional requirements of people in Lesotho.

In a post on X, the spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal wrote, "India sends humanitarian assistance to Lesotho. A consignment of 1000 MT rice, today departed from Nhava Sheva Port for Lesotho. The consignment will help in addressing food security and nutritional requirements of the friendly people of Lesotho."

Last year in November, India had sent 15 tons of humanitarian aid to Nigeria as the country reels under devastating floods.

The details of the humanitarian assistance were shared by the Ministry of External Affairs in a post on the social media platform, X.

"In keeping with our commitment to humanitarian assistance for the people of Nigeria, India sent 15 tons of the total 75 tons of aid to Nigeria in the wake of the devastating floods in the country.

The post also noted, "The aid comprises of food items, sleeping mats, blankets, water purification supplies etc. and will support the rehabilitation efforts in the region".

India and Nigeria enjoy warm, friendly, and deep-rooted bilateral relations.

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US Appeals Court Blocks Biden Administration's Net Neutrality Rules

A US appeals court on Tuesday ruled the Federal Communications Commission did not have the legal authority to reinstate landmark net neutrality rules.

A three-judge panel of the Cincinnati-based 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said the FCC lacked authority to reinstate the rules initially implemented in 2015 by the agency under Democratic former President Barack Obama but then repealed by the commission in 2017 under Republican former President Donald Trump.

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Donald Trump Said Goodbye To His Legal Cases But Issues Have Not Left The Horizon

What could have proven luckier for Donald Trump than getting elected as the president of the United States? Because of his election win, federal prosecutions against him have already been dismissed, his criminal cases are at risk of facing the same fate and his state cases have been stalled.

This time last year, he was reeling under the pressure of trials that could put him behind bars for years, moreover even have him shell out millions of dollars.

However, sitting presidents cannot be prosecuted.

Steven Cheung, Trump's spokesperson said that since the election was a "mandate" from the people, they "demanded an immediate end to the political weaponization of our justice system and a swift dismissal of all the Witch Hunts against him. We look forward to uniting our country as President Trump Makes America Great Again."

As per NBC, here are a few court cases looking Donald Trump in the eye:

Hush money case

Trump was convicted in a New York state court in May on 34 counts of falsifying business records. These records were related to a hush money payment made to porn star Stormy Daniels by Trump's then-lawyer Michael Cohen during the 2016 presidential election. Daniels alleged she had a sexual encounter with Trump in 2006, which Trump denies.

Trump pleaded not guilty to the charges and was initially set to be sentenced in July. However, the sentencing was delayed due to a U.S. Supreme Court decision that established a new standard for presidential immunity. Trump's attorneys argued that this ruling meant the indictment and conviction should be dismissed, as they partly relied on evidence from Trump's time in office. Judge Juan Merchan rejected this argument in a December 16 ruling.

The judge also indicated that sentencing Trump after he takes office might not be possible. This decision was based on a Justice Department memo and the Supreme Court ruling, which emphasise the need for a sitting President to carry out their duties without interference from criminal proceedings. The Manhattan district attorney's office argues that Trump could be sentenced after his term in office ends. However, Trump's attorneys oppose this, stating that having a pending sentencing would unfairly impact Trump's presidency.

Georgia election interference case

Donald Trump and 18 co-defendants were indicted in August 2023 by the Fulton County, Georgia, District Attorney's office. The charges allege conspiracy to illegally overturn Trump's 2020 election loss to Joe Biden in the state. Trump pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The case stalled due to allegations of conflict of interest involving District Attorney Fani Willis. Trump and some co-defendants argued Willis should be disqualified due to her romantic relationship with the special prosecutor overseeing the case. A Georgia appeals court ruled in Trump's favour on December 19, disqualifying Willis and her office from the case.

Willis' office is appealing the ruling, which may take several months. Even if successful, the trial would need to wait until Trump is out of office, as it's expected to take months. Alternatively, the case could be referred to the Prosecuting Attorneys' Council of Georgia to find a new prosecutor.

The council's executive director, Pete Skandalakis, stated that a new prosecutor could utilise existing investigative work, conduct additional investigations, and choose to use or discard parts of Willis' indictment.

Civil fraud verdict

A major financial threat is looming over President-elect Trump, stemming from a $350 million judgment made by a New York judge in February last year. The judge found Trump and his company guilty of years of fraudulent conduct, which Trump has denied and appealed. The judgment has now ballooned to over $500 million with interest, with Trump personally liable for nearly $489 million.

During a September hearing, three out of five judges on the state Appellate Division panel expressed concerns that the financial penalty might be excessive, but a ruling has yet to be made. Following the November election, Trump's attorney, John Sauer, requested that the case be voluntarily dismissed to promote "unity" and avoid interfering with Trump's presidential duties. However, the office of Attorney General Letitia James declined the request.

E. Jean Carroll verdicts

Writer E. Jean Carroll has got two significant civil verdicts against Trump in a New York federal court over the past two years. In 2023, Trump was ordered to pay $5 million after being found liable for sexually abusing and defaming Carroll. Additionally, a separate verdict awarded Carroll $83 million in damages for defamation by Trump while he was president.

Trump has denied all allegations and appealed both verdicts to the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Recently, the appeals court rejected Trump's appeal of the $5 million verdict, with his spokesperson stating that the decision will be further appealed.

The appeal for the $83 million verdict is still pending, with Carroll's attorneys preparing to counter Trump's claim that the Supreme Court's July immunity ruling exempts him from liability for comments made while in office.

Jan. 6 lawsuits

Donald Trump is no longer facing a criminal federal election interference case related to the January 6, 2021, US Capitol riot, but he still has to contend with eight civil suits. These suits were filed by law enforcement personnel who were injured during the attack, as well as some Democratic members of Congress.

Trump's defence is that his actions are protected by presidential immunity. Both sides will be submitting filings on this issue in the coming months. U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta, who is presiding over the case, plans to rule on the presidential immunity issue by summer, according to a court filing.

Central Park Five

Donald Trump is facing a defamation lawsuit from the "Exonerated Five" - Antron McCray, Kevin Richardson, Yusef Salaam, Raymond Santana, and Korey Wise. The five men are suing Trump over remarks he made during a presidential debate with Kamala Harris, where he falsely claimed they pleaded guilty to the assault and rape of a woman in Central Park in 1989. Trump also incorrectly stated that the victim had died.

The Exonerated Five, who were aged 14-16 at the time of the attack, were coerced into making false confessions and later exonerated in 2002 after DNA evidence linked another man to the crime. Trump has moved to dismiss the suit, arguing that his remarks were "substantially true" and protected as political speech. However, the five men claim they suffered severe emotional distress and reputational harm due to Trump's statements and are asking the judge to deny his motion to dismiss.
 

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Iran Summons Saudi Envoy Over Execution Of Citizens: Foreign Ministry

Iran summoned the Saudi ambassador on Wednesday to protest Riyadh's execution of six of its citizens for drug trafficking, the foreign ministry said.

"Saudi Arabia's ambassador to Tehran was summoned," the ministry said in a statement, adding that Tehran conveyed its "strong protest" against Riyadh's action, which it described as "unacceptable" and a violation of "the rules and norms of international law". 

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