As part of a 42-day ceasefire agreement, Hamas released four Israeli female soldiers—Karina Ariev (20), Daniella Gilboa (20), Naama Levy (20), and Liri Albag (19)—on Saturday. The release was facilitated by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and broadcast live, marking the second exchange of hostages and prisoners under the ongoing cease-fire.These young women were abducted during Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel, which marked the beginning of the conflict. Each soldier’s story highlights the harrowing nature of their captivity: from Levy’s history of advocating for coexistence to Gilboa’s injury during her abduction, Albag’s emotional distress
On the eve of Republic Day, the Centre announced the recipients of the prestigious Padma Awards for 2025. Approved by the President of India, the list includes 139 distinguished individuals, comprising seven Padma Vibhushan, 19 Padma Bhushan, and 113 Padma Shri awards. The Padma Awards, among India’s highest civilian honors, recognize exceptional contributions across fields such as art, science, social work, public affairs, medicine, sports, literature, and education.This year’s list features 23 women awardees and ten individuals from the categories of foreigners, Non-Resident Indians (NRI), Persons of Indian Origin (PIO), and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI). Thirteen of the awards
Tamil Nadu has taken a significant step in making passport services more accessible to people in remote and underserved areas with the launch of its first mobile Passport Seva Van in Coimbatore. Inaugurated by K J Srinivasa, Joint Secretary and Chief Passport Officer from the Union Ministry of External Affairs, this state-of-the-art van is designed to simplify and streamline the passport application process for residents across six districts—Coimbatore, Tirupur, the Nilgiris, Erode, Namakkal, and Salem.Equipped with modern facilities such as fingerprint scanners, photo capturing devices, a UPS, a generator, and a wheelchair-accessible ramp, the van is set to bring crucial
Ravindra Jadeja showcased a stunning display of left-arm spin, leading Saurashtra to a 10-wicket win over Delhi in a Ranji Trophy Group D match at the Niranjan Shah Stadium on Friday. Jadeja’s incredible match figures of 12 wickets, including a second-innings haul of 7 for 38, ensured the game ended within two days. This dominant performance earned Saurashtra a bonus point, propelling them to third place in the group standings with 18 points, while Delhi slipped to fifth.The match turned decisively in Saurashtra’s favour when Delhi’s star batter, Rishabh Pant, was dismissed cheaply for the second time in the game.
The newly sworn-in Donald Trump administration has reportedly ordered a sweeping freeze on foreign aid, sparing only Israel and Egypt, according to an AFP report. The decision aligns with President Trump’s “America First” policy, which aims to limit overseas assistance and prioritize domestic interests.An internal memo from Secretary of State Marco Rubio revealed that no new funds would be obligated for new or extended awards unless reviewed and approved by the administration. This freeze impacts various forms of foreign aid, including military funding and development assistance, except for critical support to Israel and Egypt.The exemptions for Israel and Egypt reflect
Mamta Kulkarni, a renowned Bollywood actress of the 90s, has embarked on a spiritual journey by renouncing her worldly life. At the Maha Kumbh, the actress assumed the identity of ‘Mai Mamta Nand Giri’ and was consecrated as a Mahamandaleshwar in the Kinnar Akhara, marking a significant transformation in her life.Mamta took ‘sanyas’ (renunciation) after performing the sacred ritual of ‘Pind Daan’ to honour her ancestors on the banks of the Ganga. Following her initiation, she received blessings from Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Laxmi Narayan Tripathi and the president of the Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad, Mahant Ravindra Puri. Dressed as a ‘sadhvi,’
In a chilling crime that has left Hyderabad shaken, Gurumurthy, a retired Army jawan, confessed to killing his wife, P Venkata Madhavi, dismembering her body, and disposing of the remains across various locations, including Jillelaguda Lake. Madhavi, a 35-year-old resident of Meerpet, was reported missing on January 18 by her mother after a heated argument with her husband two days earlier. Initially, Gurumurthy joined her family in filing a missing person report but later admitted to the gruesome act during police interrogation.According to his confession, the crime occurred in a fit of rage after Madhavi expressed her desire to visit
A federal judge has temporarily blocked former President Donald Trump’s executive order seeking to redefine birthright citizenship, deeming it “blatantly unconstitutional.” U.S. District Judge John Coughenour, during the hearing, expressed disbelief at the order’s constitutionality, stating it “boggles the mind.” The restraining order, filed by Arizona, Illinois, Oregon, and Washington, is part of a broader legal challenge involving 22 states and immigrant rights groups.Trump’s executive order, slated to take effect on February 19, asserts that children born to non-citizens are not subject to U.S. jurisdiction and, therefore, are ineligible for citizenship unless one parent is a U.S. citizen. Critics argue
In a significant development in the Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah Masjid dispute, the Supreme Court on Wednesday extended its stay on the Allahabad High Court’s December 14, 2023, order permitting the inspection of the Shahi Idgah complex in Mathura by a court-appointed commissioner. The case revolves around a dispute between Hindu petitioners and the Shahi Idgah Mosque Committee regarding the alleged construction of the mosque on the Krishna Janmasthan, believed to be the birthplace of Lord Krishna.A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna and Justices Sanjay Kumar and K V Viswanathan heard appeals filed by the Mosque Committee
