India has seen a significant decline in high malaria-burden states/UTs, dropping from 10 in 2015 to only two in 2023 according to the health ministry data. Mizoram and Tripura remain in the high-burden category, while others like Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand have shifted to lower burden categories.
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Delhi vehicle owners, take note! The Transport Department warns that lacking a fuel-based colour-coded sticker could result in a fine. This initiative, mandated by the Supreme Court and part of pollution control efforts, requires all vehicles in Delhi to display these chromium-based hologram stickers. These stickers help authorities quickly identify fuel types.
Suchir Balaji, a former OpenAI employee who criticized ChatGPT's development, died by suicide at 26. He left OpenAI over ethical concerns and was a key witness in a copyright lawsuit against the company, claiming ChatGPT harmed businesses and the internet ecosystem.
Israel's Foreign Ministry slammed Pope Francis's Christmas address, where he labeled Israeli airstrikes in Gaza as "cruelty." The ministry defended Israel's actions, highlighting Hamas's use of children as human shields and their hostage situation.
Australia's Alex Carey dispelled rumors of conflict between Sam Konstas and Virat Kohli after their brief clash during the Boxing Day Test. Carey praised Konstas' impressive debut performance, noting his aggressive start and confident 60-run innings. While acknowledging the refreshing energy Konstas brought, Carey suggested it might not always be his playing style.
A 21-year-old college student in Hyderabad tragically died by self-immolation after incurring substantial debts from online betting apps. Sai Kiran, who lived with his mother, reportedly lost around ₹4 lakh and resorted to borrowing and selling his scooter to recoup his losses. His addiction remained hidden from his mother, a daily wage laborer, until his desperate measures came to light.
German diplomat Thomas Fielder was found dead in his Islamabad diplomatic enclave apartment after being missing for two days. Preliminary investigations suggest a previous minor cardiac episode may be relevant. The exact cause of death will be confirmed via a post-mortem examination as investigations continue.
Eight members of the Banik family in South 24 Parganas died following a blast at their illegal fireworks factory. Two surviving family members, who ran the business, face serious charges. Investigations are ongoing to determine the cause and legality of the operations. Police plan stricter regulations for firework factories to prevent such tragedies in the future.
The Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj features ascetics with extraordinary vows and appearances, including Gangapuri Maharaj who hasn't bathed for over 32 years, Radhepuri Maharaj who has kept his right arm raised for 14 years, and Mahant Geetanand Giri who wears a 45kg Rudraksha headgear to protect humanity. They undertake these extreme practices for spiritual and religious commitments.
Tom Brady, nearing the end of his first year in a $375 million, 10-year contract with Fox Sports, might step away from his broadcasting role due to his numerous business ventures. Experts predict he could focus on NFL ownership and his production company, rather than completing his contract with Fox.
An Iranian woman at Tehran's Mehrabad Airport confronted a cleric over not wearing a hijab, removing his turban and placing it on her head in defiance. Captured on video, this act highlights the struggle against Iran's strict dress code laws and gender apartheid. The video, shared widely, has sparked significant debate and praise for her bold protest.