follow us:
Andhra Pradesh celebrated Bhogi with devotion and traditional fervour, lighting bonfires across temples, villages, and towns to mark Sankranti’s start. Tirumala saw special rituals, while families discarded old items symbolising renewal. Leaders, including Governor Nazeer, CM Naidu, and YS Jagan, extended greetings, wishing health, joy, and prosperity.
At least 22 people were killed and over 30 injured after a construction crane collapsed onto a train travelling from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani, derailing it in Nakhon Ratchasima’s Sikhio district. The crane, part of a high-speed rail project, triggered a brief fire. Rescue teams cut through wreckage as emergency operations continued, police said.
PM Narendra Modi sent letters to citizens wishing them a happy Makar Sankranti, Magh Bihu, and Pongal. He highlighted that the festival “marks a period of hope and positivity.” Mr. Modi emphasized that the sun’s movement during Sankranti symbolizes new beginnings, inspiring optimism and renewal in everyone’s life and communities.
The Election Commission announced that counting for 227 BMC wards will begin on January 16 and will proceed in phases. At each of the 23 centers, only two wards will be counted at a time, allowing for a simultaneous count of 46 wards. This approach aims to focus resources efficiently. Full trends for all seats […]
Donald Trump has urged Iranians to keep protesting, saying, “Help is on its way,” amid a bloody crackdown that activists say has killed at least 2,000 people. He also warned Tehran of “very strong action” if authorities execute protesters. 26-year-old Erfan Soltani, arrested during protests in Karaj, is reportedly set to be hanged without a […]
Grammy-nominated musician and producer John Forte, famed for his work with the Fugees on “The Score,” has died at 50. Found at his Massachusetts home with no foul play, Forte was a key member of Refugee Camp All Stars, released solo albums, faced legal troubles including prison, and received clemency in 2008. He is survived […]
Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence reported 20 PLA aircraft sorties and 9 PLAN vessels operating near its territory, with 17 sorties crossing the median line into northern, southwestern, and eastern Air Defense Identification Zones. The MND stated it monitored and responded to the situation, highlighting continued Chinese military activity around Taiwan’s airspace.
Israel announced it will sever ties with multiple UN agencies, citing bias and hostility after the US withdrawal from several international bodies. Affected organizations include UN Women, UNCTAD, ESCWA, UN Alliance of Civilizations, UN Energy, and the Global Forum on Migration and Development. Further cooperation with other bodies will be reviewed later.
Trump defended his tariff policy, calling it key to the “strongest and fastest economic turnaround” in US history. He said tariffs, especially on foreign automobiles, boosted investment, wages, and Treasury revenue while curbing inflation and reducing the budget deficit. Trump claimed critics were wrong, insisting American consumers did not bear the tariff costs.
Scott Adams, creator of the Dilbert comic strip, died at 68 after battling prostate cancer. He rose to fame in the 1990s for satirizing office life, with Dilbert syndicated worldwide. His career later suffered after racist remarks in 2023 led major newspapers to drop the strip. Ex-wife Shelly Miles announced his death, and Donald Trump […]
India is expected to remain among the world’s fastest-growing major economies, with the World Bank projecting 7.2% growth in FY2025-26, driven by resilient domestic demand. Growth may ease to 6.5% in FY2026-27 amid trade tensions before rising to 6.6%. India continues to anchor South Asia’s growth, offsetting global uncertainties, the report said.
West Bengal’s SIR exercise appears off-track despite officials claiming it is on schedule. Over 33 lakh notices remain undelivered and more than 74 lakh hearings are pending, with only 40% of delivered cases heard. District-wise gaps persist, raising doubts over publishing the final electoral roll by February 14, ahead of assembly elections in coming months.
The US Supreme Court signaled it may uphold state bans on transgender athletes in girls’ and women’s sports after hearing challenges to Idaho and West Virginia laws. Conservatives cited biological advantages and fairness, while challengers said participation is rare and treatments reduce advantages. Twenty-seven states have enacted similar bans nationwide.
Flight operations at Delhi’s IGI Airport will halt daily for 2.5 hours from Jan 21 to 26 due to Republic Day celebrations. Passengers should contact airlines immediately for schedule changes or cancellations. Delhi Police have also launched a citywide awareness campaign, engaging communities to enhance security ahead of the national event.
EAM S. Jaishankar emphasized a “humanity-first” and “people-centric” approach during the New Delhi ceremony. India assumes the BRICS 2026 presidency, unveiling its official website, theme, and logo.The chairship aims to unite member countries’ potential to advance global welfare and foster inclusive development worldwide.