Indian cricket stars returned to the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy season, with Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant, Shubman Gill and Ravindra Jadeja making headlines for contrasting reasons. Sharma and Pant struggled with low scores, while Jadeja excelled with a five-wicket haul. Meanwhile, Siddharth Desai set a record with nine wickets in an innings. Virat Kohli is expected to play in the round beginning January 30.
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India has welcomed the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, hoping it will facilitate humanitarian aid to Gaza. Brokered by Qatar, Egypt, and the US, the deal includes hostage exchanges, Israeli military withdrawal, and aid resumption following weeks of conflict that caused significant casualties and displacement.
Kerala government has reduced minority scholarships by 50% due to financial constraints. This cut affects various vital scholarships, including the Prof Joseph Mundassery and APJ Abdul Kalam scholarships. The decision will severely impact educational opportunities for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, particularly those from below-poverty-line families.
In Hathras, five individuals initially charged with the murder of an 11-year-old student Kritarth Kushwaha have been absolved, with the blame now resting on a 13-year-old student who confessed to the crime. The accused are still facing charges related to evidence tampering. Kritarth's family remains unconvinced of the new findings and seeks further legal action.
A Bengal govt-funded university professor, Payal Banerjee, is under investigation after a video of her staging a mock wedding with a first-year student in a classroom went viral. She claims it was part of a cultural event and is considering legal action against a colleague she accuses of defaming her. An inquiry panel has been established.
The Phillies and Nationals are set to clash on March 30, 2025, at Nationals Park in Washington D.C. Experts predict a 9-5 win for the Phillies. Key players include Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper for the Phillies, while the Nationals will showcase CJ Abrams and Josh Bell.
Shariq Satha, a gangster with alleged links to Dawood Ibrahim and Pakistan's ISI, is suspected to have orchestrated the recent violence in Sambhal from Dubai. Investigators found foreign-made cartridges and unusual money transfers indicating his involvement. Previously, bullets from Pakistan and the US were discovered, suggesting a foreign connection.
The Delhi election results saw BJP reclaim power after 27 years, highlighting voter dissatisfaction with AAP's leadership, particularly Arvind Kejriwal. Kejriwal's downfall was attributed to perceived corruption and unfulfilled promises, while BJP successfully appealed to the middle-class electorate. The defeat serves as a lesson in humility and focus for Kejriwal.
India and France have signed agreements to enhance cooperation in AI, civil nuclear energy, and regional development. Modi and Macron reaffirmed their strategic partnership, emphasizing the joint development of small modular reactors for sustainable energy. They also focused on the Indo-Pacific region, connectivity via the IMEEC corridor, skill development, and anti-terrorism measures.
Karnataka's Chief Minister Siddaramaiah faced strong criticism from BJP for his 16th budget, focused on Muslim community welfare. The budget included increased honorariums for Imams, significant funding for Waqf properties, and minority-focused education initiatives. BJP labeled it a 'modern Muslim League budget,' comparing it to governance in Pakistan and accusing it of undermining constitutional values.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju visited Ajmer Sharif Dargah to present a chadar on behalf of Prime Minister Modi, emphasizing the message of peace and unity. The gesture marked the 11th time PM Modi participated in the Urs celebration, focusing on fostering a harmonious and inclusive society.