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By 2026, the Indian rupee is expected to weaken nearly 4% against the US dollar, reaching around 94, according to Rohit Arora, Head of Asia FX & Rates Strategy at UBS. The delay in India-US trade agreements and changes in capital flows are cited as major reasons. In December, the rupee had already crossed 91 […]
Oxford University Press has apologized for incorrect information published in the book ‘Shivaji: Hindu King in Islamic India’ by James Laine. Released in 2003, the book hurt the sentiments of Shivaji Maharaj’s followers, including his 13th descendant Udayanraje Bhosale. The controversy earlier led to protests and attacks on a research institute in Pune.
The Bureau of Indian Standards plans new rules to protect buyers as silver prices rise sharply. Hallmarking, now optional, will soon become mandatory. Every silver item will get a unique ID. This will help customers verify purity easily and ensure a clear quality guarantee while buying silver jewelry, coins, and other products across markets nationwide.
The Andhra Pradesh government, with support from the central government, will provide financial help to pregnant women. Under the PM Matru Vandana Yojana, first-time mothers will get up to ₹5,000. If a second child is a girl, an extra ₹6,000 will be given. The money will be deposited in stages into bank accounts of beneficiaries.
Indian intelligence agencies warned of potential terror threats during Republic Day events nationwide across the country. Security forces are alert over new IEDs made using online chemicals and household items. These devices may evade metal detectors and sniffer dogs, while drone monitoring and Delhi security have been intensified.
A Visakhapatnam-bound bus caught fire near Gaman Bridge toll plaza in East Godavari today. All 10 passengers and crew evacuated safely before flames engulfed the vehicle due to the driver’s quick action. Police said a dynamo fault likely caused the fire. Traffic was managed, passengers given alternative transport, and a technical inspection conducted.
Sangam Kumar Sahoo is sworn in as Chief Justice of the Patna High Court today. The oath was administered by Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan at Lok Bhavan, attended by CM Nitish Kumar and other dignitaries. Appointed by the Centre on January 1, Sahoo, an advocate since 1989, practiced in Odisha and became an Orissa […]
Venezuela’s interim leader Delcy Rodriguez said no foreign power is governing her country, rejecting US claims even as Donald Trump announced Caracas will hand over millions of oil barrels to the United States. Rodriguez insisted Venezuela’s government remains in charge while weighing cooperation with Washington over oil access after Maduro’s capture.
The Bombay Natural History Society released 15 critically endangered Indian vultures in Maharashtra’s Melghat Tiger Reserve. Translocated from Pinjore and fitted with satellite tags, the birds were acclimatised in an aviary. BNHS addressed challenges like limited food and harmful drugs by establishing feeding stations and sourcing safe cattle carcasses.
The United States would lead a ceasefire monitoring and verification mechanism with European participation if a Russia-Ukraine peace deal is reached, a draft statement said. Washington would support a European-led force deployed after a truce, offering intelligence, logistics and backing if attacked, as allies meet in Paris to discuss guarantees for Ukraine.
US forces killed 55 Cuban and Venezuelan military personnel during a raid that captured Nicolas Maduro, officials in Caracas and Havana said. Venezuela confirmed 23 deaths, while Cuba reported 32. The operation included air strikes and a helicopter assault. Maduro and wife Cilia Flores were flown to New York and pleaded not guilty Monday charges.
President Donald Trump said on Truth Social that Venezuela’s “interim authorities” would sell 30-50 million barrels of high-quality oil to the US at market prices. He directed Energy Secretary Chris Wright to execute the plan immediately, using storage ships. Trump said proceeds would benefit both nations. The White House plans a meeting with executives Friday.
Hyderabad will face an 18-hour water supply disruption from 10 am January 8 to 4 am January 9 due to Phase 3 Singur pipeline repairs and 132 KV Kandi substation maintenance. Affected areas include Madhapur, Kondapur, KPHB, Hafizpet, Miyapur, BHEL, and Hyderabad Central University. Residents are advised to use water judiciously.
JNU announced strict action against students raising objectionable slogans against PM Modi and HM Amit Shah during a campus protest. An FIR is registered, and disciplinary proceedings started. Offenders may face suspension, expulsion, or permanent debarment. The university emphasized it will not allow campuses to become hubs of hate.
Britain has barred US-based Islamic preacher Dr Shadee Elmasry from entering the UK over alleged support for Hamas, reports said. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood revoked his travel clearance before scheduled talks. UK officials said foreign nationals spreading extremist views are not welcome. Elmasry denied wrongdoing and hopes the ban will be overturned.