Sunday, January 25

Author: TheStateLine

EAM Jaishankar, Spanish counterpart discuss bilateral cooperation and global affairs

EAM Jaishankar, Spanish counterpart discuss bilateral cooperation and global affairs

INDIA, TOP STORIES
New Delhi, Jan 21 (IANS) External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar held a meeting with Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation Jose Manuel Albares on Wednesday, discussing bilateral cooperation, including in trade, investments, defence, technology, education sectors besides people-to-people ties.EAM Jaishankar expressed gratitude to Spain for its support for deepening ties between India and European Union in various sectors."Held wide-ranging discussions this morning with FM Jose Manuel Albares of Spain on our bilateral cooperation and world affairs. Spoke about trade, investments, defence, technology, education and people to people ties. Reaffirmed our strong political dialogue," EAM Jaishankar posted on X."Thank Spain for it’s support for deeper India - ...
Assam govt announces Rs 25,000 financial assistance for research scholars

Assam govt announces Rs 25,000 financial assistance for research scholars

INDIA, TOP STORIES
Guwahati, Jan 21 (IANS) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday announced a major initiative to support research scholars in the state, describing it as a significant step towards strengthening Assam's academic and innovation ecosystem.Taking to the social media platform 'X', CM Sarma said that under the 'Atal Vichal Agragami Assam scheme', the state government will provide monthly financial assistance of Rs 25,000 to research scholars, while Divyang research scholars will receive enhanced support of Rs 40,000 per month.The scheme is scheduled to be formally launched on February 11, 2026. "It's a good time to be a research scholar in Assam," CM Sarma wrote, adding that the initiative aims to empower talent, encourage high-quality research and promote innovation across disci...
<div>Raveena Tandon’s 2016 flashback hides a glimpse of little Rasha Thadani</div>

Raveena Tandon’s 2016 flashback hides a glimpse of little Rasha Thadani

ENTERTAINMENT
Mumbai, Jan 21 (IANS) Actress Raveena Tandon is the latest Bollywood celeb to join the ongoing "2026 is the new 2016" trend.Turning back the clock, the 'KGF: Chapter 2' actress took to her Instagram and dropped some throwback photos and videos from 10 years ago.Along with some stunning glimpses of Raveerna from 2016, the post also provided the netizens with a glimpse of little Rasha Thadani, who recently stepped into Bollywood with "Azaad".In one of the stills, Raveena and Rasha are facing the camera together with a smile.We could also see little Rasha posing with her mother, Raveena, and brother Ranbir Thadani.The post further included Raveena's precious moments with some of her other family members, including her parents and husband Anil Thadani.Her 2016 diaries also had Raveena getting ...
Major milestone for CBI Academy, secures highest accreditation grading of ‘Sarvotkrisht’  

Major milestone for CBI Academy, secures highest accreditation grading of ‘Sarvotkrisht’  

INDIA, TOP STORIES
New Delhi, Jan 21 (IANS) In a remarkable achievement, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Academy, Ghaziabad has secured the highest accreditation grading of 'Sarvotkrisht (5-Star)', under National Standards for Civil Services Training Institutions (NSCSTI) Framework 2.0.The CBI Academy, Ghaziabad, was earlier accredited and certified as 'Ati-Uttam (2-Star)' in 2023. The institute's mission is to train the sleuths to become industrious and upright professionals and, also carry forward its vision of steadfastly maintaining excellence in fields of crime investigation, prosecution and vigilance.Notably, the Central Services Training Institutes (CSTIs) are accredited and certified by the Capacity Building Commission (CBC) in collaboration with the National Accreditation Board for Educati...
Not getting free clothing as Pongal gift leaves several ration card holders disappointed

Not getting free clothing as Pongal gift leaves several ration card holders disappointed

INDIA, TOP STORIES
Chennai, Jan 21 (IANS) Several ration card holders across Tamil Nadu were left disappointed this Pongal after failing to receive the free dhotis and sarees traditionally distributed by the State government along with the festive Pongal gift hamper.While beneficiaries received the cash assistance and essential commodities, the shortage of clothing items triggered confusion and resentment at ration shops in multiple districts.Supervisors at fair price shops said that most outlets received less than 60 per cent of the required dhoti and saree stock compared to the total number of eligible cardholders.Due to the short supply, some beneficiaries were given either a dhoti or a saree, while others received neither, the officials said.Suresh Kumar, a ration card holder from Ramanathapuram, said he...
AMMK joins NDA: EPS welcomes TTV Dhinakaran as alliance steps up fight against DMK

AMMK joins NDA: EPS welcomes TTV Dhinakaran as alliance steps up fight against DMK

INDIA, TOP STORIES
Chennai, Jan 21 (IANS) The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Tamil Nadu received a significant boost on Wednesday with the formal entry of the Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) into the alliance, led by its General Secretary TTV Dhinakaran.The development was marked by a high-profile meeting and joint press interaction in the presence of Union Minister Piyush Goyal, who is also incharge of the BJP’s election coordination in the State.Soon after the announcement, AIADMK General Secretary and former Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami extended a warm and public welcome to Dhinakaran, posting a message of goodwill on his official X handle.The gesture was seen as a clear signal of unity within the expanded NDA camp as preparations intensify for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly electio...
Manipur: Seven militants arrested, inter-state vehicle theft racket busted

Manipur: Seven militants arrested, inter-state vehicle theft racket busted

INDIA, TOP STORIES
Imphal, Jan 21 (IANS) Security forces in Manipur have arrested seven hardcore militants belonging to different outfits, including a cadre of the NSCN (IM), and busted an inter-state vehicle theft racket during the past 24 hours, officials said on Wednesday.A senior police official said that seven of the arrested militants belonged to the Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP), the People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK), and the Isak-Muivah faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN-IM).The extremists were arrested from Imphal East and Imphal West districts, and several mobile phones and other incriminating materials were recovered from their possession.The Manipur Police also arrested an active cadre of the NSCN(IM), identified as Lanhungba Khumba (29), from the Mant...
Kohli slips to No. 2 as Mitchell takes top spot in ODI rankings

Kohli slips to No. 2 as Mitchell takes top spot in ODI rankings

SPORTS
Dubai, Jan 21 (IANS) Daryl Mitchell has dethroned India stalwart Virat Kohli at the top of the men’s ODI batters’ rankings after his consecutive centuries that helped New Zealand clinch a 2-1 series win against India.With 845 ranking points, he replaces Kohli (795 points), who dropped to No. 2 on the list. The pair sit well clear of a chasing pack that includes Ibrahim Zadran, Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill and Babar Azam.Mitchell has now held the No.1 ODI cricket ranking for the second time, but his previous stint at the top lasted only three days last November before Rohit overtook him.Mitchell now has four ODI centuries, just one less than AB de Villiers' five, in the list of South African players with the most ODI centuries against India. His two back-to-back scores of over 130 not only eq...
Meth tablets valued at Rs 39 crore seized in Assam; three arrested

Meth tablets valued at Rs 39 crore seized in Assam; three arrested

INDIA, TOP STORIES
Cachar, Jan 21 (IANS) Highly addictive methamphetamine tablets valued at over Rs 39 crore were seized, and three drug peddlers were arrested by law enforcement agencies in Assam's Cachar district, officials said on Wednesday.A defence spokesperson said that the Assam Rifles, in a joint operation with the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), launched the operation based on specific inputs regarding drug trafficking in Cachar district in southern Assam.During the operation, the team apprehended three individuals, all residents of Tripura, who were transporting 1.30 lakh methamphetamine tablets worth Rs 39 crore along National Highway-306 late on Tuesday night.Two Tata trucks and two mobile phones in the possession of the accused were also seized, and further investigation is underway...
Leopard mauls 30-year-old pilgrim to death on Karnataka hill shrine

Leopard mauls 30-year-old pilgrim to death on Karnataka hill shrine

INDIA, TOP STORIES
Chamarajanagara (Karnataka), Jan 21 (IANS) A pilgrimage to Male Mahadeshwara Hill ended in tragedy after a leopard attacked and killed a youth in the Talubetta forest area of Karnataka. The incident came to light on Wednesday and has raised concern, as lakhs of devotees use the same route for the annual padyatra.The victim has been identified as 30-year-old Praveen, who was travelling with four friends. The group began their journey on foot from Cheeranahalli village in Mandya district. The attack occurred late at night while they were walking along the roadside near Male Mahadeshwara Hill.Preliminary reports indicate the group spotted the leopard perched on a roadside retaining wall, triggering a panic. While the pilgrims escaped in different directions, Praveen went missing. His companio...