A rapidly spreading wildfire in Barnegat Township, New Jersey, has forced mandatory evacuations as it consumes 1,200 acres. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service reports the fire is uncontained, threatening sixteen structures. The Garden State Parkway is closed near Exit 69, and firefighting crews are battling the blaze with aerial support. The cause is currently under investigation.
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Amidst the ongoing conflict, a Russian missile struck the warehouse of Indian pharmaceutical company Kusum in Ukraine, according to the Ukrainian embassy in India. The embassy criticized Russia's actions as a deliberate attack on Indian businesses, destroying medicines intended for children and the elderly, despite claiming a special friendship with India.
Fugitive Mehul Choksi, wanted in connection with the Rs 13,000 crore PNB bank loan fraud, has been arrested in Belgium following an extradition request from India. Indian authorities are actively pursuing his extradition, presenting arrest warrants to Belgian officials. Choksi's lawyer is contesting the extradition, citing concerns about human rights and prison conditions in India, claiming the case is politically motivated.
Gyanesh Kumar is set to become India's next Chief Election Commissioner, replacing Rajiv Kumar upon his retirement. Gyanesh Kumar, a retired IAS officer, has been recommended by the selection committee. His appointment process has sparked controversy with the Congress party urging the government to defer the selection until the Supreme Court hears a relevant petition.
Israeli PM Netanyahu's Cabinet delayed approving a Gaza ceasefire agreement until Hamas resolves a last-minute issue. The deal aims to end over 15 months of conflict, facilitate humanitarian aid, and release hostages and prisoners. Qatar confirmed the agreement set to begin Sunday, with 33 Israeli hostages freed. Key details and exact terms remain undisclosed.
Maharashtra politician Dhananjay Munde has resigned amid a political controversy involving his associate Walmik Karad in the murder of sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh. Munde's resignation comes as political tensions rise and demands for accountability within the state government intensify.
Zepto is accelerating its IPO plans, targeting to file draft papers by March or April, after securing domicile transfer approval from Singapore to India. A crucial NCLT hearing is scheduled for January 17, followed by a board meeting on January 19 to finalise IPO details.
Sunil Gavaskar criticized Pakistan's current cricket performance, saying even India's B team could defeat them. Pakistan's inability to develop strong players despite their PSL and domestic competitions was pointed out by Gavaskar, who attributed India's success to IPL's contribution to talent development.
Google is aggressively targeting the US federal government software market, traditionally dominated by Microsoft, by offering substantial discounts on its Google Workspace suite. This move aims to capitalize on the current administration's push for cost reduction, potentially saving the government up to $2 billion. The General Services Administration acknowledges the agreement as a step towards cost savings.
Twenty-seven kilograms of J Jayalalithaa's gold, valued at Rs 20-22 crore, that was seized in 2004, has been transferred back to Tamil Nadu under high-security following a court order. The convoy was heavily guarded, and Tamil Nadu's government plans to either deposit the gold with the RBI or auction it.
Delhi Police assured strict legal action against men who attacked AAP's campaign van and tore down posters. Arvind Kejriwal accused Union Home Minister Amit Shah of orchestrating the incident. AAP MLA Mohinder Goyal was assaulted during a rally and hospitalized. AAP MP Sanjay Singh blamed BJP for the violence, citing frustration over impending election loss.