Elon Musk appeared at CPAC advocating for budget cuts and government efficiency, wielding a chainsaw symbolically. Argentinian President Javier Milei joined him, sharing a similar agenda. Meanwhile, Kash Patel, a Trump ally, was confirmed as FBI director by the Senate with a tight 51-49 vote, promising transparency and accountability within the agency.
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The DRI has arrested Ballari-based jeweller Sahil Sakariya Jain for his involvement in an extensive gold smuggling racket with Sandalwood actor Ranya Rao. Sahil aided Ranya in smuggling 14.5 kg of gold, resulting in a significant financial loss to the exchequer. Investigations revealed frequent communications and assistance in disposing of the smuggled gold.
The Siddhivinayak temple trust in Mumbai has advised devotees to avoid wearing inappropriate clothing such as torn jeans, skirts, and revealing outfits during their visit. The trust emphasizes respecting the temple's sanctity by dressing appropriately, drawing parallels to how people dress for community gatherings and festivals.
The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy for Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility for the Pahalgam attack that killed 26 tourists. This banned group recruits youth online for terrorist activities and is supported by Pakistani intelligence. Following the deadly attack, Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrived in Srinagar to assess the security situation and will chair a high-level meeting with security officials.
Israel's Cabinet has approved a ceasefire for Gaza, leading to the release of hostages and a pause in the 15-month conflict with Hamas. The agreement, effective Sunday, involves the release of Palestinian prisoners and increased humanitarian aid to Gaza. Although forces will withdraw, warnings against threats remain. The conflict has resulted in significant casualties on both sides since it began in October 2023.
Japan Airlines experienced a cyberattack causing disruptions to both internal and external systems, impacting domestic and international flights. Travelers were advised to stay updated and allocate extra time at airports. This incident follows a similar cyberattack earlier this year at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, highlighting the increasing vulnerability of critical infrastructure.
The J&K and Ladakh high court has ruled that NHAI or its concessionaire cannot collect toll tax from commuters if a highway is in bad shape due to construction activities. The court ordered NHAI to collect only 20% toll at Lakhanpur and Bann toll plazas and directed the removal of any toll plazas within 60 km of NH-44 within two months.
Elon Musk has demanded federal employees justify their weekly work, warning that failure to respond will be seen as resignation. The directive, linked to Trump’s call for accountability, has drawn criticism from public officials and advocacy groups for its aggressive approach.
A 2023-formed high-powered panel urges legal action against an individual, ostensibly Vikash Yadav, for his alleged role in the failed assassination plot of US-based Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. Despite Yadav's US conspiracy charges, the committee recommends systems improvements and coordination to address such security threats.
Over the past two years, the CIA developed an AI chatbot to help analysts create detailed profiles of foreign leaders, enhancing the agency's tech capabilities. Under Director William Burns, technology-focused initiatives were prioritized, with Chief Technology Officer Nand Mulchandani spearheading efforts to modernize the workspace and foster collaborations with private tech firms.
The Jharkhand High Court has scrapped the 50% reservation for para teachers in the appointment of government school assistant teachers, deeming it unfair. The decision impacts 26,000 candidates and nullifies grace marks for para teachers, affecting the ongoing recruitment process.