Israel-Gaza War Live: Hamas agrees to Gaza ceasefire deal, says Israeli official

Union Minister Jitendra Singh tweets, " Important update for devotees travelling to Prayagraj by special train. After 24 January, the second and third Kumbh Special Train from Katra Vaishnodevi will leave on the 7th and 14th February respectively"

Delhi experienced its first intense fog spell of the season on Wednesday, with dense fog enveloping parts of the national capital for about three hours. The low visibility caused significant disruptions, affecting over 100 flights and 26 trains. The fog was particularly thick during the morning hours, with brief improvement before it returned in the evening, continuing to impact the city's operations.

The National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken suo motu cognizance of the tragic murder of a woman employed at a BPO in Pune, allegedly by her colleague over a financial dispute. NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar has formed a Fact-Finding Committee to investigate the incident and propose preventive measures. The committee arrived in Pune on January 14, 2025, to begin its investigation and gather key facts. The investigation will continue, with final findings and recommendations to be shared in due course.

At the 77th Army Day event in Pune, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized the crucial role of the Indian Army in building a "Viksit Bharat" (developed India) by 2047. He highlighted that India's approach of acting as a responder during times of distress in other countries reflects the Army’s mindset. Singh also underscored the importance of self-reliance in achieving strategic autonomy for India.

Education News Live: CBSE forms 10-member committee to develop parenting calendar for 2025-26 session

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant chaired a meeting of the Goa Waste Management Corporation (GWMC) at Mahalaxmi, Altinho, Panaji, with Revenue Minister Atanasio Monserrate and GWMC Board Members in attendance. The meeting focused on productive discussions and key decisions to enhance and strengthen waste management initiatives across the state

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has booked seven officials, including a former deputy secretary in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, in a corruption case. The investigation is ongoing, more details awaited

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested former Chhattisgarh Excise Minister and Congress MLA Kawasi Lakhma in connection with an alleged liquor scam worth approximately Rs 2,161 crore. Lakhma was brought out of a special court in Raipur following his arrest.

US consumer inflation increased for the third consecutive month in December, according to government data released on Wednesday. The consumer price index (CPI) rose to 2.9% year-over-year, up from 2.7% in November. This rise aligns with the median forecast of economists surveyed by Dow Jones Newswires and The Wall Street Journal, intensifying pressure on the Federal Reserve to reconsider rate cuts.

Walmik Karad, an accused in an extortion case, has been remanded to 7-day custody by a court in Beed district. The remand is for the investigation by the Maharashtra Police’s Special Investigation Team (SIT).

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk accused Russia of planning acts of "air terror" targeting airlines globally. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Tusk claimed that Russia was behind sabotage and diversion attempts on Polish soil and beyond. He confirmed the validity of these concerns but refrained from sharing further details, stressing that the plans were not limited to Poland but aimed at airlines worldwide.

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) Sub-Committee on GRAP has decided to invoke all actions under Stage-III (Severe Air Quality) and Stage-IV (Severe+ Air Quality) of the existing GRAP schedule in Delhi, with immediate effect. This action is in addition to the Stage-I and Stage-II measures already in place to address the deteriorating air quality in the city.

An Israeli official confirmed on Wednesday that Hamas has agreed to the ceasefire and hostage return proposal put forward by Qatari negotiators regarding the situation in Gaza.

Responding to a distress call from the UTL Administration in Lakshadweep regarding the missing boat Mohammad Kasim-II, which had 54 passengers and 3 crew members on board, the Indian Coast Guard launched a swift Search and Rescue (SAR) operation. The boat, en route from Kavaratti to Suhelipar Island, was located via the Coastal Surveillance System. At 1600 hours, the Indian Coast Guard ship successfully rescued all 54 passengers, including 9 men, 22 women, and 23 children, and safely returned them to Kavaratti.

Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Shirsat criticized Congress MP Rahul Gandhi’s recent statements, calling them immature and politically motivated. He further claimed that members of the INDIA alliance were distancing themselves from Gandhi, suggesting that his political influence was waning and his time in politics appeared to be coming to an end.

Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Shirsat shared insights from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with Mahayuti MLAs, highlighting Modi’s advice on effective public interaction after becoming an MLA. Modi emphasized the importance of being present on the ground while implementing development projects and schemes. He also stressed the need for MLAs to prioritize their health and family amidst their busy schedules.

The Returning Officer of the New Delhi Assembly Constituency has written to the SHO of Mandir Marg Police Station, requesting the registration of an FIR and an immediate investigation into a complaint against BJP candidate Parvesh Sahib Singh Verma. The complaint alleges that Verma was distributing shoes to voters at the Valmiki Temple, located near Mandir Marg Police Station, in an attempt to influence their votes.

Kathmandu District court orders release of former Deputy PM, Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane on bail. “The court has ordered him to release in bail of Nrs. 6 million,” a court official confirmed ANI.

BJP candidate from Bijwasan Assembly seat, Kailash Gahlot, files nomination

BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, speaking on the expired saline death case in Midnapore, criticized the state’s health department. As the Leader of Opposition in West Bengal, Adhikari, along with 15 BJP MLAs, expressed concern over the department's poor state. He called for the arrest of the Health Minister, Mamata Banerjee, and the Secretary, demanding accountability for the incident.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested former Chhattisgarh Excise Minister and current Congress MLA Kawasi Lakhma in connection with a liquor scam.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the ISKCON Temple in Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, and offered prayers at the site. He is scheduled to address the event shortly. The ceremony was attended by Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, and BJP MP Hema Malini, who shared the stage with the Prime Minister.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge condemned RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's statement that India's 'true independence' was achieved on the day of the Ram temple consecration. Speaking to party leaders after the inauguration of Congress' new headquarters in Delhi, Kharge warned that if Bhagwat continues making such remarks, it would become difficult for him to move freely in the country. Kharge criticized the RSS for disregarding the 1947 independence struggle, pointing out that those who did not participate in the fight for independence were now making such claims. He also mentioned Bhagwat's recent statement, which linked true independence to the inauguration of the Ram Temple and criticized Prime Minister Modi's view that independence began in 2014 when he assumed office.

During a press conference in Pune, Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi emphasized the crucial role of women in India's progress, particularly under the vision of "Viksit Bharat" and "Nari Shakti." He noted that women will play an essential role in the nation's development. On Army Day, an all-girl marching contingent from the NCC and an all-women Agniveer contingent from the Corps of Military Police participated in the parade. General Dwivedi also assured that India's northern borders remain secure, stressing the importance of maintaining vigilance to prevent incidents like those in Galwan.

Due to unfavorable weather conditions in Delhi, six flights were diverted to Jaipur between 08:00 and 10:30 hours.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has released a revised list of candidates for the upcoming elections. Sharad Chauhan will contest from the Narela constituency, while Surinder Setia has been fielded from Hari Nagar.

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday rejected a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking action against Chief Minister Atishi for allegedly allowing AAP leader Manish Sisodia to use her official residence. A bench led by Acting Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela stated that authorities are fully capable of taking action if any rules were violated. The court dismissed the petition, noting that no further orders were necessary.

Satyendar Jain, the AAP candidate for the Shakur Basti Assembly seat, submitted his nomination papers at the District Magistrate Office Complex on GT Karnal Road in Alipur.

BJP's Gaurav Bhatia slammed Rahul Gandhi on 'fighting the Indian state' remark in a press conference saying that it implies Gandhi is fighting against India. Bhatia said, Rahul Gandhi is Leader of Oppostion in India, and he is saying that he is fighting against the Indian state? I can very responsibly say that India deserves a more responsible and faithful Leader of Opposition, and truly, it’s our misfortune that we have a part-time, immature, and irresponsible Leader of Opposition.

On Rahul Gandhi's statement that he is "fighting the Indian state", Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri says, 'Tell him to go get his mental stability checked."

Slamming Rahul Gandhi for his remark that he "is fighting the Indian state", Union Minister and BJP National president JP Nadda took to X and said, "Hidden no more, Congress’ ugly truth now stands exposed by their own leader. I 'compliment Rahul Gandhi for saying clearly what the nation knows- that he is fighting the Indian state! It is not a secret that Mr Gandhi and his ecosystem have close links with Urban Naxals and the Deep State who want to defame, demean and discredit India. Congress has a history of encouraging all those forces who want a weak India..."

After filing his nomination from the New Delhi assembly seat, AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal said, "I have filed the nomination. I would like to tell the people of Delhi that please vote for work, on one side there is a party that works and on the other side, there is a party that abuses... So vote for work, education, health, electricity, water, roads, vote for these things. A lot of work has been done. There is still a lot of work left to be done, so I hope that people will vote for hard work. They (BJP) have neither a CM, nor vision, narrative..."

Supreme Court on Wednesday issued a notice to Centre and poll panel on a plea of AICC Secretary Jairam Ramesh challenging amendments made to the Conduct of Election Rules of 1961, which prevents public inspection of electronic documents, including CCTV footage, webcasting recordings and video footage of candidates.

Supreme Court has posted the matter for hearing in the week commencing March 17.

Supreme Court orders no coercive action against former Indian Administrative Service (IAS) trainee officer Puja Khedkar. The top court issued a notice to the Delhi government on the plea of Khedkar challenging the Delhi High Court order rejecting her anticipatory bail plea.

Supreme Court posted the matter for hearing on February 14 and ordered that till then no coercive action shall be taken against her.

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated three advanced naval combatants-INS Surat, INS Nilgiri, and INS Vaghsheer- to the nation at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai.
• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh was also present at the event.

BJP MLA candidate Ramesh Bidhuri filed nomination papers from the Kalkaji assembly constituency, in the presence of Union Minister and party leader Hardeep Singh Puri.

BJP candidate from the New Delhi Assembly seat, Parvesh Verma, filed nomination papers on Wednesday ahead of the February 5 Delhi Assembly elections.

Amid report of infighting among the INDIA alliance parties, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav said, "The INDIA alliance is intact. I remember when the INDIA alliance was formed, it was decided that wherever a regional party was strong, the alliance would extend support to them. AAP is strong in Delhi and Samajwadi Party has decided to give support to the AAP. The regional party fighting against the BJP should be supported by the leaders of the INDIA alliance. AAP and Congress are fighting against each other in Delhi. AAP is strong and we have decided to stand with them...The question is about Delhi and our goal is that the BJP gets defeated. Congress and AAP have the same goal too..."

In Mumbai, PM Narendra Modi said, "Today, India is recognised as a reliable and responsible partner globally, especially in the Global South. India works in the spirit of development, not expansionism. India has always supported an open, secure, inclusive and prosperous Indo-Pacific region..."

On the commissioning of three frontline naval combatants, PM Narendra Modi said, "...Today is a very big day for India's maritime heritage, the glorious history of the Navy and the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj had given new strength and a new vision to Indian Navy. Today, on his holy land, we are taking a very big step towards strengthening the Navy of the 21st century. This is the first time when a destroyer, a frigate and a submarine, all three are being commissioned together."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday dedicated three frontline naval combatants INS Surat, INS Nilgiri and INS Vaghsheer to the nation.

On the inauguration of 'Indira Bhawan', the new headquarters of the party, Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel said, "I congratulate all the leaders and members of the party. A new beginning will start from this new headquarters. It will strengthen the Congress party..."

On the commissioning of three frontline naval combatants INS Surat, INS Nilgiri and INS Vaghsheer, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said, "The historic commissioning of INS Surat, INS Nilgiri and INS Vaghsheer, is a testimony not just to the Indian Navy, but also to India's growing strength in the Indian Ocean Region. Although the Indian Ocean Region has always been important from a geo-strategic and economic point of view, but in today's rapidly changing environment, it has become even more important. Today we can say that the importance that the Atlantic Ocean used to have in the past has shifted to the Indian Ocean today..."

AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal, along with his wife Sunita, offered prayers at the Pracheen Hanuman Mandir in Connaught Place. He will file his nomination from the New Delhi Assembly Seat today ahead of the Delhi elections on February 5.

Ahead of the inauguration of the party's new headquarters in Delhi, Congress leader Sachin Pilot said, "It is a new beginning. We are very happy that we have a new headquarters. I hope this will bring better things for the party and the country."

After the Centre authorised the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to prosecute Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia in alleged liquor scam case, AAP national spokesperson Priyanka Kakkar said, "This will be the first such case in the history of the country where you jailed Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia. Both were granted bail from the trial court and even from the Supreme Court...After 2 years, you gave sanction to prosecute and this is when the elections are near. Their same old routine is to file false cases, defame the leaders of Aam Aadmi Party. But now the public has understood everything..."

The minimum temperature was recorded at 6 degrees Celsius at 0830 hours at IMD's Safdarjung observatory on Wednesday, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

Congress' new headquarters 'Indira Bhawan' to be inaugurated today. Posters referring to the new headquarters as 'Sardar Manmohan Singh Bhawan' have cropped up.

Union Home Ministry has authorised the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to prosecute former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) for his alleged involvement in money laundering related to the liquor scam case,  sources told ANI.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday morning left for Mumbai on a one-day visit. He is going to dedicate three frontline naval combatants - INS Surat, INS Nilgiri and INS Vaghsheer - to the nation and inaugurate an ISKCON project.

Indian Railways has reported that 26 trains scheduled to arrive in Delhi are running late due to heavy fog conditions affecting the national capital and parts of northern India.

The fog has led to reduced visibility, causing delays in train operations.

Impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol stated this morning that his decision to comply with questioning over his failed martial law attempt was motivated by a desire to avoid potential violence, despite contesting the legitimacy of the investigation.

"I decided to respond to the Corruption Investigation Office," Yoon said in a pre-recorded video message released after his arrest.

He stated that while he did not recognise the legality of the probe, his compliance was aimed at "preventing any unfortunate bloodshed."

Wildfire Warnings Intensify Across Southern California Amid Power Outages

Millions of residents in Southern California faced heightened wildfire warnings on Tuesday, as powerful Santa Ana winds swept across the parched terrain surrounding Los Angeles. Tens of thousands experienced power outages, while firefighters battled two massive blazes that have been raging for over a week.

Santa Ana winds, which began gusting over the mountains before dawn, are expected to persist, posing a severe threat by carrying embers capable of igniting fires miles away. Officials warned that the winds could further fuel the wildfires and spark new outbreaks.

“Life-threatening, destructive, and widespread winds are already here,” said Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley at a press conference.

Much of Southern California remains under elevated fire risk, with emergency crews on high alert across a vast 482-kilometre stretch from San Diego to areas far north of Los Angeles.

The most vulnerable regions include densely populated inland areas north of LA, such as Thousand Oaks, Northridge, and Simi Valley, collectively home to over 300,000 residents.

Authorities continue to urge caution, as at least 24 fatalities have been reported since the fires began.

Crews are working tirelessly to contain the flames while monitoring areas under the greatest threat from the relentless winds.

The sixth and final submarine of the P75 Scorpene Project, INS Vaghsheer highlights India's growing expertise in submarine construction.

Built in collaboration with France’s Naval Group, the submarine underscores India's technical prowess and self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

The Indian Navy's Warship Design Bureau designed the first ship of the P17A Stealth Frigate Project, INS Nilgiri.

It incorporates advanced features for enhanced stealth, survivability, and seakeeping and represents the next generation of indigenous frigates.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will dedicate three state-of-the-art naval combatants—INS Surat, INS Nilgiri, and INS Vaghsheer—to the nation during a commissioning ceremony at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai today. The move marks a significant step in India's journey towards becoming a global leader in defence manufacturing and maritime security.

About the Naval combatants - INS Surat

The fourth and final ship of the P15B Guided Missile Destroyer Project, INS Surat is one of the largest and most advanced destroyers in the world.

With 75 percent indigenous content, it features state-of-the-art weapon-sensor packages and advanced network-centric capabilities, officials said.