An explosion from a ruptured gas pipeline near Kuala Lumpur ignited numerous residences, affecting over 100 individuals during Eid. The fire, visible for hours, damaged 49 houses and hospitalized 63 people. Selangor's Chief Minister confirmed evacuations, with temporary housing in mosques. Emergency services isolated the pipeline and initiated investigations.
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Retail inflation has eased to a four-month low of 5.2% in December, largely due to softer food prices, especially vegetables. However, it remains above 5%, complicating conditions for the RBI to lower interest rates. Rural inflation, at 5.8%, outpaces the urban rate of 4.6%.
A 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar, causing extensive damage and panic in Thailand and China. The tremor, followed by a significant aftershock, destroyed buildings, collapsed a bridge, and damaged infrastructure. Rescue operations are underway as people fled to safety, and emergency teams assess the situation amid warnings of possible aftershocks and further collapses.
Bengaluru is witnessing a surge in incidents involving youths brandishing machetes and performing dangerous stunts, prompting concern from law enforcement and mental health experts. Recent arrests highlight a troubling trend of aggression and weapon possession among adolescents. Psychiatrists attribute this behavior to unresolved emotional issues and urge parents to be vigilant and seek professional help when needed.
A two-year-old boy fell into an underground drainage manhole in Surat, triggering an extensive search operation. Despite the efforts of locals and a team from Surat Fire and Emergency Services, which involved 50 personnel and 8 firefighters, the boy had not been found. The search continues in the drainage line.
Congress MP Manish Tewari criticized the budget as an annual accounting exercise and suggested submitting income and expenditure statements in Parliament. Manickam Tagore called for policy changes, pointing out that the wealthy are getting richer while the middle class is suffering. The Economic Survey projects India's economic growth between 6.3% and 6.8% for 2025-26.
BJP leader Anurag Thakur criticized Congress' electoral failures in Delhi, highlighting their zero-seat records under Rahul Gandhi. Thakur pointed to BJP's recent victory in Delhi Assembly elections, where Congress failed to win any seats for the third consecutive time. He also noted Congress leaders' absence from the ongoing Maha Kumbh festival.
Delhi Congress president Devendra Yadav, alongside Ajay Maken, launched a booklet criticizing the BJP and AAP governments for unmet promises over the past 11 years. Yadav contrasted this with the progress made during Sheila Dikshit's 15-year tenure, highlighting advancements in infrastructure, environmental protection, and social welfare initiatives for vulnerable communities.
President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing government lawyers to request bonds from plaintiffs suing his policies. This potentially imposes financial barriers for challengers, holding them liable for government costs if their case is lost. This response targets the numerous lawsuits against Trump's administrative changes, though judges are not obligated to grant these bond requests.
Boosting India's blue-water combat, the Navy will commission two indigenous warships and a submarine in the coming month, bolstering capabilities to counter China's influence. This includes the AI-enabled destroyer Surat, stealth frigate Nilgiri, and submarine Vagsheer, all equipped with advanced sensors and weaponry for enhanced operational readiness.
Communal clashes broke out in Mhow during celebrations after India's victory in the Championship Trophy, leading to arson and stone-pelting between two groups. Police intervened with lathicharge and teargas to control the situation. Several vehicles were set on fire, and heavy police deployment ensured the restoration of order.