Pakistan skips Shanghai Cooperation Organisation chief justice meet hosted by India

Pakistan on Thursday announced it's decision to skip the meeting of Chief Justices of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation scheduled in New Delhi from March 10-12, reported The Express Tribune. "As one of the active members of the SCO, Pakistan regularly participates in all SCO activities and constructively contributes to their outcomes," Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said in a statement. All other members, including new member, Iran will be attending the meeting in person.

Centre to hold meeting with protesting farmers on Feb 14; Dallewal urged to take medical aid

The Centre will meet with Punjab's protesting farmers on February 14 to address their demands, following discussions with farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who is on a 54-day hunger strike. Officials urged him to seek medical help to attend the meeting. Farmers have been protesting since February 13 last year, demanding legal guarantees for crop prices.

Farmer dies by suicide in Telangana; BRS alleges loan burden

A middle-aged farmer in Telangana died by suicide, allegedly due to harassment over loan repayment. He consumed pesticide at a bank after reportedly facing pressure for a Rs 3.4 lakh mortgage loan, although preliminary investigations found no evidence of harassment. BRS leader K T Rama Rao blamed the Congress government for the incident, citing unmet loan waiver promises. Investigations are ongoing.

Thakur reviews implementation of central schemes in Arunachal

Union MoS for Women and Child Development Savitri Thakur held a meeting in Itanagar to review central schemes for women's and children's welfare, including Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0. She addressed infrastructural issues and met with state officials, including the Governor and Chief Minister, to enhance collaboration. Thakur also visited an anganwadi centre and planned to review projects in Daporijo.

Farmers clash on India-Bangladesh border; situation under control: BSF

Tensions flared at the India-Bangladesh border near the Sukdevpur outpost after a clash between farmers over crop theft allegations. The BSF and BGB swiftly intervened to restore order, dispersing the crowds. No injuries were reported, and both forces emphasized the need for better communication to prevent future disputes, following recent tensions over border fencing.

Eye on polls: Cong leader Sandeep Dikshit slams AAP for air, water pollution in Delhi

Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit criticized the Aam Aadmi Party for worsening air and water pollution in Delhi, citing a decline in public transportation and insufficient action over the past decade. He argued that the rise in vehicle numbers and lack of green cover are primary pollution sources, and he called for more gas-based power plants and proper sewage treatment to address these issues.

AAP MLA Naresh Balyan seeks bail in MCOCA case

Aam Aadmi Party MLA Naresh Balyan has sought bail from the Delhi High Court after a trial court rejected his application under the Maharashtra Control of Organized Crime Act (MCOCA). Arrested on December 4, Balyan is accused of links to an organized crime syndicate. The prosecution argues he poses a risk of influencing witnesses and obstructing the investigation.

7th Delhi assembly met for 74 days over five years, says report

The 7th Delhi Assembly met for only 74 days over five years, the lowest in history, according to PRS Legislative Research. Sessions were frequently adjourned and divided, resulting in minimal legislative activity, with just 14 bills passed. The assembly's performance contrasts sharply with Lok Sabha, where MPs asked significantly more questions. Delhi's elections are set for February 5, 2024.

Serial killer Chanderkant Jha apprehended by Delhi Police after months-long manhunt

Delhi Police have arrested Chanderkant Jha, a serial killer who terrorized the capital between 2006 and 2007. Jha, who evaded capture for over a year after jumping parole, was apprehended at Old Delhi Railway Station. He is known for gruesome murders and dismemberment of victims, leaving taunting notes for police. Jha's case gained media attention and inspired a documentary.

Woman cop challenges in SC Patna HC order quashing FIR against IPS officer accused of raping her

A woman deputy superintendent of Bihar Police has appealed to the Supreme Court after the Patna High Court dismissed her FIR against an IPS officer, Pushkar Anand, whom she accused of rape. She claims he falsely promised to marry her and later denied it. The Supreme Court is set to hear her case on Monday.

Cong criticises brewery permission given to a company embroiled in Delhi liquor policy scam

V D Satheesan, the Leader of the Opposition in Kerala, criticized the state government for allowing a company linked to the Delhi liquor policy scam to establish a brewery in Palakkad. He alleged the project violates the new liquor policy and threatens local water resources. The Excise Minister dismissed the accusations as politically motivated, while Congress plans strong protests against the decision.

Bengaluru techie suicide: SC to hear plea of deceased's mother seeking grandson's custody on Jan 20

The Supreme Court will hear a plea from Anju Devi, seeking custody of her four-year-old grandson after her son, a Bengaluru engineer, committed suicide in 2024, allegedly due to harassment by his wife. The court previously denied her custody, citing her status as a "stranger" to the child. The case raises concerns about the child's boarding school placement.

Allahabad HC judge withdraws from Ram Temple seminar at Kumbh Mela after ‘hate speech’ row

Justice Shekhar Yadav of the Allahabad High Court has withdrawn from delivering the keynote address at a seminar on the Ram temple movement, citing a scheduling conflict with his judicial duties. His previous controversial remarks at a VHP event led to widespread backlash and scrutiny from the Supreme Court, prompting him to clarify his statements.

Haryana Weather and AQI Today: Check weather forecast for January 18, 2025

On January 18, 2025, Haryana's temperature is 16.24 °C with a forecasted range of 10.73 °C to 20.38 °C. Relative humidity is at 36%, and wind speed is 36 km/h. The AQI is 157, indicating moderate air quality. Tomorrow's temperatures are expected to be between 11.42 °C and 23.12 °C. Caution is advised for sensitive individuals.

Punjab Weather and AQI Today: Check weather forecast for January 18, 2025

On January 18, 2025, Punjab's temperature is 21.31 °C, with a forecast range of 9.53 °C to 22.8 °C and 20% humidity. The AQI is 247, indicating poor air quality, advising vulnerable groups to stay indoors. Tomorrow's temperatures are expected to be slightly higher. Residents should plan outdoor activities accordingly and consider health precautions.

Jammu and Kashmir Weather and AQI Today: Cool start at -18.99 °C, check weather forecast for January 18, 2025

On January 18, 2025, Jammu and Kashmir recorded a temperature of -16.28 °C, with a forecast range of -18.99 °C to -14.24 °C. Humidity is at 94% and wind speeds reach 94 km/h. Tomorrow, temperatures are expected to drop further, ranging from -19.7 °C to -12.04 °C. Residents should dress warmly due to the extreme cold.