Top news of the day: Three warships commissioned into Indian Navy; Meta India apologises for Zuckerberg’s remark on India elections, and more

The major news headlines of the day and more

First tri-commissioning of three frontline platforms, PM Modi hails ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ move

In a first, three frontline platforms — INS Niligiri, INS Vaghsheer and INS Surat — were commissioned on the same day in the Indian Navy on Wednesday (January 15, 2025). Hailing the first tri-commissioning as a significant leap towards towards ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’, Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated the three vessels to the nation.

Meta India apologises for Zuckerberg’s remark on India elections; Nishikant Dubey says issue now ‘closed’

Meta India on Wednesday (January 15, 2025) apologised for CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s remarks during a podcast that the incumbent government in India lost power in the 2024 elections, and termed it an “inadvertent error”. Following the apology, BJP leader Nishikant Dubey said the matter was “closed”. 

God will save me: Kejriwal on intelligence reports indicating ‘security threat’ to him

Amid intelligence reports that a pro-Khalistan group is plotting an attack against AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal, the former Delhi Chief Minister said on Wednesday (January 15, 2025) that “God will save him” and he is destined to live as long as his “lifeline” allows.

Deadlock continues as 111 farmers sit on fast-unto-death in solidarity with Dallewal

Slamming the Centre for adopting an “indifferent” attitude towards their demands, a group of 111 farmers began a fast fast-unto-death on Wednesday (January 15, 2025) in solidarity with their leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal whose indefinite strike entered day 51. The protesting farmers have expressed concern over Mr. Dallewal’s “deteriorating” health, saying the 70-year-old risks “multiple organ failure” because of the prolonged fasting.

Netflix welcomes Oscar-shortlisted short film, ‘Anuja’

The acclaimed short film Anuja is set to debut on Netflix, offering global audiences a heartwarming and powerful story of resilience. Directed by Adam J. Graves, the film follows nine-year-old Anuja, played by Sajda Pathan, who works in a garment factory in Delhi alongside her sister Palak, portrayed by Ananya Shanbhag.

Indian-origin nurse battles ‘life-changing injuries’ after U.K. hospital stabbing

An Indian-origin nurse is battling “life-changing injuries” after she was stabbed with a pair of scissors while on a night shift at the Royal Oldham Hospital’s Acute Medical Unit in Greater Manchester, north-west England. The nurse, named at Manchester Magistrates’ Court as Achamma Cherian, was attacked on Saturday (January 11, 2024) night following which 37-year-old Rumon Haque was arrested.

High-powered Enquiry Committee submits report on activities of organised terror groups which undermined security interests of India, U.S.

A high-powered enquiry committee has submitted its report on activities of some organised criminal groups and terrorist organisations, which undermined the security interests of both India and the U.S. The probe was ordered after the U.S. alleged that there was an attempt to kill Khalistani separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun by Indian agents.

Riyadh court postpones final verdict on Abdul Rahim’s discharge petition for the sixth time

A final verdict on the discharge petition filed by Kozhikode native Abdul Rahim, who was earlier sentenced to death after he had been charged with murder under Saudi law and later granted pardon on blood money of ₹34 crore given to the victim’s family, has been postponed for the sixth time by a Riyadh criminal court.

Six locals held for inciting sectarian unrest in Srinagar: J&K Police

The J&K Police on Tuesday (January 14, 2024) said six locals had been arrested in Srinagar for inciting sectarian unrest with “derogatory remarks”. The move came in the wake of growing sectarian tensions in the Kashmir Valley over a video “containing derogatory remarks” against Islamic caliphs.

CLAT-UG row: May transfer Consortium of NLUs plea to one high court, says SC

The Supreme Court on Wednesday (January 15, 2025) said it may transfer all petitions challenging the 2025 Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) results to one high court, preferably the Punjab and Haryana HC. The CLAT 2025, conducted on December 1, 2024, determines admissions to undergraduate law courses in National Law Universities in the country and pleas were filed in different high courts alleging several questions in the exam were wrong.

Tripura Assembly passes bill seeking 100 pc hike in salary of CM, minister, MLAs

The Tripura Assembly on Wednesday (January 15, 2025) unanimously passed a bill seeking an almost 100% hike in the salary, pension and other benefits of chief Minister, Ministers, Speaker, and MLAs. The bill proposes that the chief minister will now receive a monthly salary of ₹97,000 with ₹13,000 as a sumptuary allowance while ministers and the Leader of the Opposition will get ₹95,000 with an allowance of ₹12,000 per month.

Supreme Court seeks Dallewal’s blood results as Punjab says his health is ‘stable’

The Supreme Court on Wednesday (January 15, 2025) directed the Punjab government to place on record a comparative chart of the blood tests of farmers’ leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who is on the 50th day of his fast-unto-death at the Khanauri border of Punjab and Haryana, even as the State submitted his health parameters were “stable”.

Faster immigration clearance programme in 7 more airports from January 16

A fast-track immigration process for pre-verified Indian nationals and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders will be rolled out at Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata and four other major airports from Thursday (January 14, 2025). Union Home Minister Amit Shah will inaugurate the ‘Fast Track Immigration’ Trusted Traveller Program’ (FTI- TTP) at Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Cochin and Ahmedabad airports, the Union Home Ministry announced on Wednesday (January 15, 2025).

Published - January 15, 2025 06:45 pm IST