Latest news today (January 4): Presenting FE’s Breaking News today. We will keep you updated on all major news, views and much more throughout the day.
Varanasi court to rule on making ASI survey report on Gyanvapi mosque public tomorrow
A Varanasi court is likely to decide Friday on making the sealed ASI survey report on the Gyanvapi mosque complex public and providing copies of it to the Hindu and Muslim sides. The Archeological Survey of India (ASI) had on Wednesday urged the court not to make its report public for at least four more weeks, according to the lawyer for the Hindu side, Madan Mohan Yadav.
US weekly jobless claims fall more than expected
The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits fell more than expected last week, suggesting that labor market conditions remain fairly tight. Initial claims for state unemployment benefits dropped 18,000 to a seasonally adjusted 202,000 for the week ended Dec. 30. Economists polled by Reuters had forecast 216,000 claims for the latest week. Claims data tend to be volatile around this time of year because of the holidays. (REUTERS)
Tech issue hits services on Delhi Metro’s Yellow Line, train speeds restricted on affected stretch
Services on Delhi Metro
India level series with seven-wicket win in two-day finish
India beat South Africa by seven wickets to share the honours in the two-match series as the second Test ended inside five sessions on Thursday. Visiting India thus completed a remarkable comeback after losing the first Test in Centurion by an innings and 32 runs. Fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah finished with excellent figures of 6/61 as India bowled South Africa out for 176 to set themselves a target of 79, after Aiden Markram had struck a magnificent, counterattacking 106 off 103 balls before lunch. (PTI)
Sri Lanka to deploy naval vessel in Red Sea to fight Houthi attacks
President Ranil Wickremesinghe has announced that Sri Lanka will provide a Navy vessel to fight attacks by Houthi rebels on merchant ships in the Red Sea, joining countries like India in protecting the key waterway for global trade. The Iran-backed Houthi rebels have launched more than 20 attacks on merchant ships in recent weeks, claiming to take revenge against Israel for its military campaign against Palestinian terror group Hamas in Gaza. These attacks have sharply raised goods costs between Asia and Europe. (Reuters)
NATO to hold new Ukraine Council meeting on Jan 10
NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg will convene a meeting between NATO diplomats and officials from Ukraine on Jan 10, following a recent wave of heavy Russian air strikes on the country, the transatlantic defence alliance said on Thursday. The meeting, taking the format of the newly establish NATO-Ukraine Council, was being convened at Kyiv’s request following missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian civilians, cities and towns, a NATO spokesperson said. (Reuters)
Gujarat in talks with chipmakers in Japan, US, South Korea
Gujarat
Remarks against PM Modi: SC refuses to quash criminal proceedings against Cong leader Pawan Khera
The Supreme Court on Thursday dismissed a plea by Congress
Fire breaks out at teaching block of AIIMS Delhi, douse
A fire erupted in the teaching block of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) located in the national capital on Thursday morning, as per reports. Delhi Fire Services dispatched seven fire tenders to the location, successfully extinguishing the blaze. The fire extensively damaged furniture, a refrigerator, and office documents situated on the second floor of the Director’s building at AIIMS. Fortunately, there have been no reported casualties or injuries thus far. Additional information is anticipated.
Trains to Delhi running late due to fog conditions
According to media reports, 26 trains to Delhi from various parts of the country are running late due to fog conditions in the northern region and other various reasons.
Fire breaks out at chemical factory in Navi Mumbai
A massive fire broke out at a chemical factory in Maharashtra’s Navi Mumbai on Thursday, reports said. As soon as information was received, the fire tender reached the spot and efforts were underway to douse the fire. No casualties or injuries have been reported.
Security heightened outside CM Kejriwal’s residence
Security has been heightened outside the residence of Delhi CM & AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal
Schools in Prayagraj to remain closed till Jan 6 amid cold wave
Amid rains and cold wave conditions, the district administration in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj on Wednesday announced that the secondary schools of all the boards will remain closed till January 6.
ED arrests Mumbai builder in money laundering case
The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) on Wednesday arrested a Mumbai-based builder in an alleged money laundering case, officials said.
Japan quake death toll rises to 73, search for survivors enters fourth day
The death toll from a powerful earthquake
Earthquake of magnitude 4.3 hits Afghanistan
An earthquake of magnitude 4.3 on the Richter Scale jolted Afghanistan