Breaking News: PM Modi to co-chair AI Summit in France at the invitation of Emmanuel Macron, MEA says

An official said that the Odisha government on January 24 approved investment proposals worth Rs 32,736 crore in eight transformative industrial projects which will generate employment for over 18,688 people.

The proposals were approved at the High-Level Clearance Authority (HLCA) meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.

These projects span across sectors such as chemicals, green energy equipment, shipbuilding and repair and steel. These investments are set to generate employment for over 18,688 individuals, reinforcing Odisha's industrial and economic foundation, the official told PTI.

Palestinian militant group Hamas announced on Friday the names of four Israeli women soldiers to be released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners in the second swap under the ceasefire deal in Gaza.

Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy and Liri Albag would be released on Saturday, the group said.

The exchange, expected to begin on Saturday afternoon, follows the release on the ceasefire's first day last Sunday of three Israeli women and 90 Palestinian prisoners, the first such exchange for more than a year.

(With Reuters inputs)

YSRCP MP Vijaysai Reddy on Friday announced his resignation from politics, calling his decision entirely personal.

"I am retiring from politics. I will resign from Rajya Sabha membership tomorrow, 25 January, 2025. I am not joining any political party. My resignation is not to attain any post/position, benefit, or monetary gain. This decision is entirely personal. There is no pressure, or coercion or undue influence on me...," he wrote on X.

The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, will address the nation tomorrow (January 25, 2025) on the eve of Republic Day.

The address will be broadcast from 1900 hrs. on the entire national network of Akashvani and telecast over all channels of Doordarshan in Hindi followed by the English version, according to an official statement. Broadcast of the address in Hindi and English on Doordarshan will be followed by broadcast in regional languages by regional channels of Doordarshan.

Akashvani will broadcast regional language versions from 2130 hrs. onwards on its respective regional networks.

A medical analysis laboratory, estimated at an outlay of Rs 29.67 crore, will be set up in Coimbatore, an official from the Drugs Control and Controlling Authority said here on Friday.

The laboratory, which will be established with contributions from both the Centre and state governments, aims to ensure the safety and efficiency of medical devices and products, and will generate jobs for analysts, said M N Sridhar, Director of the Drugs Control and Controlling Authority.

In a fresh trouble for jailed journalist Mahesh Langa, the Gujarat police have registered a case against him for allegedly extorting Rs 40 lakh from a real estate agent by threatening to malign his image and implicate him in a false case, officials said.

Langa is currently in jail in four previous cases registered by Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar and Rajkot police.

"Now, an FIR under section 308 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) that deals with extortion, was registered on January 23 by the Satellite police station in Ahmedabad city on a complaint by Janak Thakor, a real estate agent and a social worker," police inspector H C Zala said, adding that further action will be taken after investigation.

The MMRTA has approved a hike of Rs 3 in the basic fare of autorickshaws and black-and-yellow taxis from February 1 in Mumbai and its surrounding metropolitan region, an official said on Friday.

A Mumbai Metropolitan Region Transport Authority release said the new basic fare for autorickshaws will be Rs 26 instead of Rs 23, while it will rise to Rs 31 from the current Rs 28 for black-and-yellow taxis.

The CBI has filed a chargesheet against NGO Environics Trust for alleged violations of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) in several bank transfers carried out in 2018, officials said on Friday.

In its chargesheet filed before a special court here, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) named Environics Trust (ET), Vanitha Sreedhar, Nishant Kumar Alag and Prasanta Kumar Paikray as accused under Indian Penal Code sections 120-B, 417, 468 and 471, and provisions of the FCRA.

In a partial relief for consumers, Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), which markets dairy products under the Amul brand, has announced a reduction in milk prices by Rs 1 per litre across the country.

However, the reduction in prices is only for one-litre packs.

"We have reduced the prices of one-litre packs by Rs 1 per litre across India," GCMMF managing director Jayen Mehta told PTI.

Police in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district arrested 14 Naxalites on Friday, eight of whom had cash rewards totaling Rs 36 lakh announced for their capture.

The cadres, including five women, were apprehended from forests of Tekmetla, Nadpalli and Mallempenta villages under the Usoor police station area of the district, the site of a major encounter on January 16, a police official told PTI.

AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal on Friday appealed to Delhi voters to resist alleged efforts by the BJP to sway their votes using bribes. He claimed that the party was distributing items like gold chains, sarees, shoes, and cash in the run-up to the February 5 Assembly elections.

“It’s your money; take the money. But do not sell your vote for Rs 1,100 or for a saree. Your vote is invaluable,” Kejriwal said, urging citizens in a video message to prioritise democracy over material offerings.

“If our votes can be purchased, then our democracy will end. There will only be the rule of the wealthy. Vote for anyone but not for those distributing money,” he said.

India voiced its concern on Friday regarding pro-Khalistani elements interfering with the screening of the movie Emergency in the United Kingdom.

"We consistently raise concerns with the UK Government regarding incidents of violent protest and intimidation by anti-India elements. Freedom of speech and expression cannot be applied selectively and those obstructing it must be held accountable,” said Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.

He added, “We hope that the UK side will take appropriate action against those responsible. Our High Commission in London remains in touch, in regular communication with our community members for the safety and benefits.”

Former Mokama MLA Anant Singh, wanted in connection with a recent exchange of fire on Patna's outskirts, surrendered in a Barh court on Friday and was remanded to Beur jail. Patna SSP Awkash Kumar informed PTI that Singh’s surrender followed the registration of three FIRs linked to the firing incident.

The firing took place on Wednesday evening when Anant Singh’s convoy was attacked in Mokama. The Sonu-Monu gang allegedly carried out the assault, firing indiscriminately. Singh’s supporters retaliated, leading to an exchange of gunfire. Eyewitnesses claimed that 60 to 70 rounds were fired, though police claimed 16-17 rounds. Singh had escaped unhurt in the incident.

The Uttar Pradesh government announced on Friday that it expects around 10 crore devotees to participate in the Mauni Amavasya 'Amrit Snan' on January 29 at the Maha Kumbh. Comprehensive plans are being implemented to ensure smooth management of traffic and crowds during the event.

Bathing rituals, particularly the 'Amrit Snan,' hold immense significance at the Kumbh. While bathing in the sacred waters starting from Makar Sankranti is considered auspicious, specific dates like Mauni Amavasya are deemed especially sacred.

Delhi High Court declined to direct the calling of a special session of the Delhi Legislative Assembly to discuss the reports from the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) in the lead-up to the upcoming Assembly elections.

However, a bench of Justice Sachin Datta noted the inordinate delay on the part of the Delhi government in tabling the reports.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut on Friday criticised Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, claiming internal discord within the latter's party. Raut suggested that Maharashtra could witness the appointment of a third deputy chief minister due to ongoing behind-the-scenes activities.

"No one should take Eknath Shinde seriously. He is a deputy chief minister. He was the chief minister yesterday. He will not be there tomorrow because Maharashtra is getting a third deputy chief minister from the same party. He (Shinde) should think about this," he said.

He further alleged that Shinde was serving the "enemies" of Maharashtra, referring to the party's ally BJP.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said, "A big blast has occurred in the Ordnance Factory in Bhandara. In the incident, 8 people have died and 7 people are injured, as per preliminary information." Union Minister Nitin Gadkari paid respects to those who lost their lives in the blast in Ordnance Factory in Bhandara by observing a one-minute silence.

"There are two players behind this conspiracy - one is workers of BJP who attack Arvind Kejriwal and pelt stones on him in different parts of Delhi, the second player is Delhi Police that comes under BJP & Amit Shah. With the collusion of BJP and Delhi Police, conspiracy is being hatched to kill Arvind Kejriwal," said Delhi CM Atishi.

Mumbai police says they need the accused in custody for further probe. The accused was produced in Bandra Magistrate court.

Following a ruckus in the meeting, all 10 Opposition MPs suspended for the day from the meeting of the Joint Parliamentary Committee on Waqf Amendment Bill 2024. The suspended Opposition MPs include Kalyan Banerjee, Md. Jawaid, A Raja, Asaduddin Owaisi, Nasir Hussain, Mohibullah, M. Abdullah, Arvind Sawant, Nadimul Haq, Imran Masood

A major explosion has been reported at an ordinance factory in Bhandara district of Maharashtra. At least five employees have died in this accident, accoriding to reports. After the accident blast in Ordnance Factory Jawahar Nagar Bhandara, firefighters and ambulances have been dispatched to the spot, rescue operation is currently underway. "A roof has collapsed which is being removed with the help of JCB. A total of 12 people are reported to be there, out of which 2 people have been rescued," Collector Bhandara Sanjay Kolte told ANI.

"Congratulations Micheal Martin on assuming the office of Prime Minister of Ireland. Committed to work together to further strengthen our bilateral partnership that is based on strong foundation of shared values and deep people to people connect," Modi wrote on X.

Enforcement Directorate is conducting searches at nine locations covering Jaipur, Dausa and Revari at various premises including that of former MLA Baljeet Singh, in a case related to the alleged embezzlement of MLA funds in the guise of supply of sports equipment to schools.

Mukesh Ambani-owned Reliance Industries is planning to build the world’s largest data center in India, Bloomberg News reported. The project will be located in Jamnagar in Gujarat as Reliance continues its push into the artificial intelligence (AI) sector in India, reported News18. Mukesh Ambani is said to be purchasing AI semiconductors from Nvidia, one of the leading global companies in AI technology, as the two companies announced a joint attempt in building AI infrastructure in India in October last year during a chat session at the Nvidia AI Summit 2024.

During the patrolling of Delhi Police, two boys were spotted on a motorbike, they were coming from the wrong side and making loud noise with the Bullet's modifier silencer. The bike was being ridden in a zigzag manner. Police caught the boys and one of the boys told them that he was the son of AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan. He misbehaved with Police accusing them that they were doing it because he is AAP MLA's son. When the Police asked for the driving licence and ID, they said they didn't need it. One of the boys called up Amanatullah Khan and made him speak to SHO. Later, the boys left without disclosing their names and addresses. ASI brought their bullet to the Police Station. A case was registered and Challan has been issued. His bike has been impounded under the law: Delhi Police

More than 25 people injured after a goods vehicle carrying MGNREGA workers heading for work, overturned. The accident occurred on the outskirts of Hosur village in Hukkeri Taluk, on the state highway. The goods vehicle lost control while trying to avoid a Bullet bike. The injured have been admitted to BIMS Hospital for treatment: Belagavi SP Dr Bheema Shankar Guled.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut says, "Maharashtra will get a third deputy CM soon. It will be someone from among them (Shiv Sena- Shinde). Power comes and goes, but we are strongly standing on our feet here."

Five people arrested with drugs worth crores of rupees, in a raid conducted by ATS at a drugs manufacturing factory in Khambhat, Anand district, said DIG ATS Sunil Joshi.

Mumbai Police recorded the statement of actor Saif Ali Khan last evening. Earlier, Kareena Kapoor's statement was recorded by Bandra Police, said Satyanarayan Choudhary, Joint CP of Law and Order, Mumbai Police.

President Donald Trump signed an executive order Thursday to release files related to the assassinations of John F. Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr. “That’s a big one. Lot of people are waiting for this a long, for years, for decades,” Trump said signing the executive order in the Oval Office. “Give that to RFK Jr.,” he said, indicating that the pen he used to sign the order should be given to his pick to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, who is the son of the former attorney general and nephew of the late president, reported CNN. “All will be revealed,” Trump added.

A federal judge in Seattle has temporarily blocked Donald Trump's attempt to end birthright citizenship in the US. US District Court Judge John Coughenour called Trump's executive order "blatantly unconstitutional" and issued a restraining order blocking it from going into force after a 25-minute hearing on Thursday. Under a long-standing interpretation of the 14th Amendment to the Constitution, nearly anyone born inside the US is automatically given citizenship. Trump said that he will appeal Coughenour's ruling.