Elgar Parishad-Maoist links case: Bombay High Court grants bail to Rona Wilson, Sudhir Dhawale
The Bombay High Court on Wednesday (January 8, 2025) granted bail to researcher Rona Wilson and activist Sudhir Dhawale, both arrested in 2018 in the Elgar Parishad-Maoist links case. A division bench of Justices A.S. Gadkari and Kamal Khata took note of their long incarceration, and the fact that the trial is not likely to be completed any time soon.
‘Sheesh Mahal’ row: AAP’s Saurabh Bharadwaj, Sanjay Singh stopped from entering Delhi CM bungalow
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders Sanjay Singh and Saurabh Bhardawaj on Wednesday (January 8, 2025) were stopped from entering the Delhi Chief Minister’s official residence, which they had invited the media to tour with them in a bid to counter the BJP’s “Sheesh Mahal” jibes. Police set up barricades and deployed personnel in front of the 6, Flagstaff Road, bungalow, preventing the AAP leaders from entering the premises.
Assam coal mine rescue: Indian Navy deployed with specialised equipment
The Indian Navy team is fully equipped and carrying specialised equipment such as deep diving gears and underwater Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) for search and rescue operations in Assam’s Umrangso. One dead body was recovered and eight miners continue to be trapped in the inundated coal mine at 3 Kilo, Umrangso, in Dima Hasao. The rescue team includes highly trained Clearance Divers, experts in deep-water recovery, and the underwater ROVs for the search and rescue.
Man arrested in Anna University sexual assault case not DMK member but party sympathiser, says T.N. CM Stalin
The Tamil Nadu police will have no mercy and spare no one, if more individuals are found to be involved in the sexual assault on a student in Anna University, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin said in the Assembly on Wednesday (January 8, 2025). He added that the man arrested in sexual assault case was “not a member of the DMK but a sympathiser of the party.” “Whoever it may be, the police will have no mercy on them and initiate strong action,” Mr. Stalin said in the House. The charge sheet in the case will be submitted to the court within 60 days and this will ensure that the accused gets the highest punishment, he said.
Sharad Pawar won’t join hands with Ajit to support the BJP: top NCP (SP) sources
“Sharad Pawar will not join hands with Ajit Pawar to support the BJP,” top NCP SP sources told The Hindu on Wednesday (January 8, 2025), amid speculations on whether the leader will extend support to the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). “Though Ajit Pawar tried to split our party, the NCP State president told seven of our eight Lok Sabha MPs recently that they should isolate the father-daughter duo and should join Ajit Pawar. But there is no question of any split in our party further. There is no question of the MPs joining Ajit Pawar,” a senior source privy to all the developments told The Hindu.
Five out of eight security personnel killed in Bijapur IED blast were former Naxalites
Of the eight security personnel who lost their lives in a Maoist blast in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur district on Monday (January 6, 2025), five had joined the police force after quitting Naxalism, a senior official said. Head Constable Budhram Korsa, constables Dumma Markam, Pandaru Ram, Baman Sodhi, all belonging to the District Reserve Guard (DRG), and constable Somdu Vetti of Bastar Fighters were earlier active as Naxalites and joined the police force after they surrendered, Inspector General of Police (Bastar range) Sundarraj P. told PTI.
On CEC/EC appointments’ law, the legal battle is between court’s opinion and legislative powers: SC
Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar’s retirement in February brought back into focus before the Supreme Court on Wednesday (January 8, 2025) the need to fast track a decision on the legality of a new law dealing with the appointment of Election Commissioners which gives the Central government a dominant role.
Sam Altman’s sister accuses him of financial, sexual abuse; “untrue”, says OpenAI CEO
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has denied allegations that he sexually abused his sister, calling all of her allegations of abuse against him and his family “untrue” while claiming that his sibling was experiencing mental health challenges. Altman posted a note on the social media platform X on January 8, explaining that he was responding to a lawsuit his sister had filed against him.
V. Narayanan, who is set to take over as ISRO Chairman, terms his new assignment ‘a great responsibility’
V. Narayanan, a noted rocket and spacecraft propulsion expert, is set to succeed S. Somanath as the next Chairman of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) at a time when India’s space sector is in reform-mode and the national space agency has major projects lined up including the Gaganyaan human spaceflight, the Chandrayaan-4 mission and the development of the country’s own space station.
U.S. Congressman challenges Biden administration’s decision to investigate Gautam Adani
Challenging the decision of the Biden administration to investigate the activities of billionaire Gautam Adani, an influential Republican lawmaker in the U.S. has said such selective actions risk damaging critical alliances with key partners. In a strongly worded letter to U.S. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland, Congressman Lance Gooden, a member of the House Judiciary Committee also asked, “What will the U.S. do if India refuses to comply with an extradition request.”
Israeli TV reporter who lost ability to speak clearly, seeks AI’s help to get back on air
When a renowned Israeli TV journalist lost his ability to speak clearly because of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), he thought his career might be over. But now, using artificial intelligence software that can recreate his widely recognised gravelly voice, Moshe Nussbaum — known to generations of viewers simply as “Nussi” — is making a comeback.
Unprecedented 6 women in AFI Athletes Commission; Neeraj among 3 male members
Long-jump great Anju Bobby George was on Wednesday (January 8, 2025) named Chairperson of the Athletics Federation of India's nine-strong athletes commission that features six women with javelin throw star Neeraj Chopra being its most prominent male member. The other women in the new panel are runner Jyotirmoyee Sikdar, discus thrower Krishna Poonia, hurdler M.D. Valsamma, steeplechaser Sudha Singh and runner Sunita Rani. George, a 2003 world championships bronze-winner, is also a Senior Vice-President in the AFI.
Jasprit Bumrah continues to remain No. 1 in ICC Test rankings
India's pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah continued to reign supreme at the top of the bowlers' chart with a career-best rating of 908 in the latest ICC Test Rankings, released on Wednesday (January 8, 2025). Bumrah, who made history ahead of the fifth and final Test against Australia by recording the highest-ever ICC Rankings rating for an Indian bowler at 907 points, improved that tally by one point after taking two wickets in the first innings at the SCG.
Published - January 08, 2025 06:33 pm IST
