India's central bank - the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) - on Wednesday (Jan 31) ordered Paytm Payments Bank (the banking arm of Paytm) to stop accepting fresh deposits in its accounts or popular wallets from March.

India's central bank - the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) - on Wednesday (Jan 31) ordered Paytm Payments Bank (the banking arm of Paytm) to stop accepting fresh deposits in its accounts or popular wallets from March. In a statement, the RBI said that Paytm Payments Bank will not be allowed to take further deposits in any customer accounts after Feb 29, and no credit transactions will be allowed either, including via wallets. Paytm Payments Bank is an associate of One 97 Communications. On Thursday, Paytm said in a statement that it will take steps immediately to comply with the central bank's directions. One 97 will cease working with Paytm Payments Bank and start working only with other banks, it said. The RBI's decision is a major blow to Paytm - which is one of India's largest payment firms. What is Paytm Payments Bank? Founded in 2017, Paytm Payments Bank is 49 per cent owned by Paytm and 51 per cent owned by Paytm's Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and founder Vijay Shekhar Sharma. The payments bank acts as a key banking partner for Paytm. For example, funds deposited in Paytm's popular digital wallets are held with Paytm Payments Bank. The payments bank may accept small deposits of up to $2,400 (around Rs 2,00,000) but is not allowed to lend. Deposits must be parked in government securities or deposits at other banks. Also read | Paytm lays off more than 1,000 employees across various departments: Report Citing Macquarie Capital, the news agency Reuters reported that the bank houses all of the parent's 330 million wallet accounts, meaning money held in them is deposited with the payments bank. The actions taken by the RBI are under a provision of banking regulations that allow the regulator to give directions to a bank in the interest of depositors. What led to the RBI's action? In its statement, the RBI said on Wednesday, "The Comprehensive System Audit report and subsequent compliance validation report of the external auditors revealed persistent non-compliances and continued material supervisory concerns in the bank, warranting further supervisory action." Issuing directions to the bank, the RBI said, "No further deposits or credit transactions or top-ups shall be allowed in any customer accounts, prepaid instruments, wallets, FASTags, NCMC cards, etc. after Feb 29, 2024, other than any interest, cashback, or refunds which may be credited anytime." "Withdrawal or utilisation of balances by its customers from their accounts including savings bank accounts, current accounts, prepaid instruments, FASTags, National Common Mobility Cards, etc. are to be permitted without any restrictions, up to their available balance," it added. In March last year too, Paytm Payments Bank was restricted from adding customers but continued doing business with existing customers. However, it has now been told to wind down most of its businesses this month. Paytm shares plunge post RBI's action Agreeing to comply with the RBI's directions, Paytm said on Thursday it expected a worse-case impact of Rs 3 billion to Rs 5 billion to its annual earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA). Following the central bank's move, Paytm shares plunged the daily limit of 20 per cent on Thursday which could be a precursor to its license being cancelled, a source told Reuters. The source said that RBI's action (against Paytm) followed years of non-compliance with central bank rules, including on customer due diligence, use of funds, and technology infrastructure. Also watch | Paytm Payments Bank in limbo: India's RBI hits Paytm Payments Bank × Paytm's stock is trading at less than one-third of its listing price of Rs 1,950, despite having climbed 20 per cent last year. With Thursday's plunge, the shares are down more than 4 per cent this year, Reuters reported. Shekhar Sharma lost about $233 million on Thursday as the shares cratered. Paytm was founded by Sharma in 2010 and rose to fame after Uber made it a quick payment option in India. Paytm saw an unprecedented demand in 2016 after the Modi government introduced demonetisation, which led to a major shift from cash to digital payments. The impact So what would be the impact of RBI's decision? According to Jefferies, Paytm's business impact will largely come from reputation concerns arising from governance or compliance, and the path to resolution will be from better compliance with regulations. Jefferies further downgraded Paytm's stock to "underperform" from "buy", slashing its target price to Rs 500 from Rs 1,050 and saying regulatory and reputational issues could affect profitability. Meanwhile, JPMorgan cut Paytm's rating to "underweight" from "neutral", lowering its target price by one-third to Rs 600. "While we don't believe that the order is an end of the road for Paytm, it materially impacts near-term growth, profitability forces another pivot and necessitates it to restore the credibility of the durability of the business," JPMorgan analysts said. (With inputs from agencies)

Explained | RBI orders Paytm’s banking arm to stop fresh business. What happens next?

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (Feb 1) reacted to the interim Budget 2024-2025 presented by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. "This interim Budget is inclusive and innovative.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (Feb 1) reacted to the interim Budget 2024-2025 presented by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. "This interim Budget is inclusive and innovative. It has confidence in continuity. It will empower all 4 pillars of Viksit Bharat- Yuva, Garib, Mahila and Kisan. This budget gives the guarantee of making India a developed nation by 2047," Prime Minister Modi said. "This budget has a reflection of the young aspirations of a young India. Two important decisions were made within the Budget. For research and innovation, a fund of Rs 1 Lakh Crore has been announced...," he added. PM Modi says, " This Budget stresses on empowerment of the poor and the middle class and creating of new employment opportunities for them. It has been announced to construct 2 crore more houses for the poor. We aim to have 3 crore 'Lakhpati Didis' now. ASHA and Aganwadi workers… pic.twitter.com/3FEw5iFB8G — ANI (@ANI) February 1, 2024 × Modi further said that the income tax remission scheme announced in the budget will provide relief to 10 million (1 crore people) from the middle class. "In this budget, important decisions have been taken for the farmers," he added. FM Sitharaman presents interim Budget 2024-25 Earlier on Thursday, Finance Minister Sitharaman presented the interim Budget for the financial year 2024-2025. Known for giving long and detailed budget speeches, Sitharaman's speech for this budget was the shortest, lasting a total of 57 minutes. Also read | 250 million people came out of poverty in the last 10 years: FM Sitharaman "The Indian economy has witnessed a profound positive transformation in the last ten years. The people of India are looking ahead to the future with hope and optimism," Sitharaman said and emphasised the continuity of the Modi government's commitment to the welfare of citizens. She acknowledged the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic but noted that India successfully overcame them, continuing its stride towards building a self-reliant (Atmanirbhar) country. Key takeaways Some of the key takeaways from Sitharaman's budget speech include no change in the taxation scheme, both in direct and indirect brackets; revised estimate for fiscal deficit being 5.8 per cent of GDP; various schemes under maternal and child health care to be brought under one comprehensive programme and a scheme to help deserving sections of the middle class to buy or build their own houses. "The exemplary track record of governance, development and performance, effective delivery, and ‘Jan Kalyan’ has given the Government trust, confidence and blessings of the people to realize, whatever it takes, the goal of ‘Viksit Bharat’ with good intentions, true dedication and hard work in the coming years and decades," Sitharaman said towards the end of her speech.

India Budget 2024: Budget is 'inclusive and innovative,' says PM Modi

The US&nbsp;National Security Agency buys Americans' internet browsing information from commercial brokers without a&nbsp;warrant, the agency's director told Democratic Senator Ron Wyden in a letter made public on Thursday.

Wyden, who released the Dec. 11 letter, called upon US&nbsp;intelligence officials to stop using Americans' personal data without their express knowledge and consent, saying it was unlawful.

"Such records can identify Americans who are seeking help from a suicide hotline or a hotline for survivors of sexual assault or domestic abuse," Wyden said in a statement.

The NSA responded that the information has significant value for national security and cybersecurity missions and is used sparingly.

"At all stages, NSA takes steps to minimize the collection of US&nbsp;person information, to include application of technical filters," a spokesperson for the agency said in an email.

Wyden, a privacy and internet freedom advocate, had blocked the appointment of incoming NSA Director Timothy Haugh until the agency responded to his questions about collecting Americans' internet and location data.

NSA Director Paul Nakasone confirmed such purchases in his letter to Wyden, saying the data collected "may include information associated with electronic devices being used outside - and, in certain cases, inside - the United States."

Such records, Wyden said, can reveal which websites Americans' visit and what apps they use, and are in violation of US&nbsp;Federal Trade Commission standards. An FTC order earlier this month barred Virginia-based data broker Outlogic, formerly called X-Mode Social, from selling sensitive location data that helps track people's whereabouts.

Wyden said he had written to the Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines asking that the US&nbsp;intelligence community build an inventory of all the personal data of Americans that the NSA has so far, and purge any of it that does not comply with the FTC's standards.&nbsp;

The US National Security Agency buys Americans' internet browsing information from commercial brokers without a warrant, the agency's director told Democratic Senator Ron Wyden in a letter made public on Thursday.

The US National Security Agency buys Americans' internet browsing information from commercial brokers without a warrant, the agency's director told Democratic Senator Ron Wyden in a letter made public on Thursday. Wyden, who released the Dec. 11 letter, called upon US intelligence officials to stop using Americans' personal data without their express knowledge and consent, saying it was unlawful. "Such records can identify Americans who are seeking help from a suicide hotline or a hotline for survivors of sexual assault or domestic abuse," Wyden said in a statement. The NSA responded that the information has significant value for national security and cybersecurity missions and is used sparingly. "At all stages, NSA takes steps to minimize the collection of US person information, to include application of technical filters," a spokesperson for the agency said in an email. Wyden, a privacy and internet freedom advocate, had blocked the appointment of incoming NSA Director Timothy Haugh until the agency responded to his questions about collecting Americans' internet and location data. NSA Director Paul Nakasone confirmed such purchases in his letter to Wyden, saying the data collected "may include information associated with electronic devices being used outside - and, in certain cases, inside - the United States." Such records, Wyden said, can reveal which websites Americans' visit and what apps they use, and are in violation of US Federal Trade Commission standards. An FTC order earlier this month barred Virginia-based data broker Outlogic, formerly called X-Mode Social, from selling sensitive location data that helps track people's whereabouts. Wyden said he had written to the Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines asking that the US intelligence community build an inventory of all the personal data of Americans that the NSA has so far, and purge any of it that does not comply with the FTC's standards.

US National Security Agency buys web browsing data without warrant, letter shows

An Indian-origin man in Singapore was jailed for molesting a domestic helper in a lift of a housing block and punching a man. According to a report by the news agency PTI on Saturday (Jan 27), 61-year-old Singaram Palianeapan followed the domestic help (a woman) into a lift where he molested her, keeping her trapped for nearly 90 seconds.

An Indian-origin man in Singapore was jailed for molesting a domestic helper in a lift of a housing block and punching a man. According to a report by the news agency PTI on Saturday (Jan 27), 61-year-old Singaram Palianeapan followed the domestic help (a woman) into a lift where he molested her, keeping her trapped for nearly 90 seconds. This incident occurred in Sept 2022. A month later, while he was out on bail, Singaram punched a man at a bicycle shop three times with a metal chain wrapped around his fist. He was sentenced to a total of 10 months in jail after pleading guilty to both crimes, PTI reported. The first crime Citing court documents, PTI reported that on Sept 28, 2022, the domestic help was buying food when Singaram offered her money to buy herself a drink. The woman initially refused the offer but later accepted the money when he insisted. The documents said that after getting food, the woman proceeded to head back to her employer's residence as Singaram followed her. The two reached the lift of the housing block and Singaram pressed the button for level 17 but when the woman tried to press the button for level five, he stopped her. According to Deputy Public Prosecutor Jordy Kay, once the lift started to move, the 61-year-old molested the helper. The lift arrived at level 17 upon which the man stood by the lift doors asking the victim to follow him. When the woman refused, Singaram went back into the lift and selected level 7, and as the lift moved, he continued to molest her. Singaram was in the lift with the victim for about a minute and 28 seconds, and all of his actions were captured on the lift's CCTV camera, Kay added. Singaram was arrested on Sept 28 and released on bail the next day. The second crime A month later, Singaram was at a bicycle shop where he confronted the shop owner about the problems he was facing with the personal mobility device that he bought. A dispute broke out between the two men and Singaram took out a metal chain from his personal mobility device, wrapped it around his right fist and punched the shop owner thrice, PTI reported. Kay sought a jail term of between nine and 11 months for the 61-year-old. (With inputs from agencies)

Singapore: Indian-origin man jailed for molesting domestic help, punching a man

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar stepped down from the top post and broke ties with the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) in the state on Sunday (Jan 28). He has now rejoined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar stepped down from the top post and broke ties with the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) in the state on Sunday (Jan 28). He has now rejoined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Kumar was made the acting CM of the state by Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar until a new state government was formed. According to sources, chief minister Kumar and two deputy chief ministers from the BJP are likely to take oath later on Sunday. "Today, I have resigned as the Chief Minister and I have also told the Governor to dissolve the government in the state. This situation came because not everything was alright...I was getting views from everyone. I listened to all of them. Today, the Government has been dissolved..," Kumar, the president of the Janata Dal (United), also called JD(U), told the news agency ANI. Click here to follow all updates on the political crisis in Bihar Earlier on Sunday, Kumar held a meeting of JD(U) leaders at his official residence in Patna. During the meeting, JD(U) leaders authorised Kumar to take any decision. After the meeting was over, Kumar arrived at the Raj Bhavan to meet Governor Arlekar and submitted his resignation. Here's a look at all the top updates: > "...I will attend the oath ceremony today as an NDA ally. It is a matter of joy that NDA is coming to power in Bihar...We too have a vision of 'Bihar First, Bihari First'. I have said earlier too that I have had policy-based differences with Bihar CM Nitish Kumar and I still have those differences," Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) president Chirag Paswan told reporters. > According to sources, CM Kumar and two deputy CMs from the BJP are likely to take oath later on Sunday. Earlier in the day, Bihar BJP Spokesperson Sumit Shashank said that Samrat Chaudhary and Vijay Sinha will be the state's new deputy CMs. > The BJP will form the new government in Bihar in alliance with the JD(U). BJP's Samrat Chaudhary has been elected as the leader of the legislative party while Vijay Sinha has been elected as the deputy leader. #WATCH | Patna | Bihar MLAs unanimously passed the proposal to form the NDA government in the state with BJP, JD(U) and other allies. Samrat Chaudhary has been elected as the Leader of the legislative party, Vijay Sinha elected as the Deputy Leader. pic.twitter.com/N9kFWHkYYz — ANI (@ANI) January 28, 2024 × > Political leaders have reacted to Nitish Kumar's decision to exit the Grand Alliance in Bihar. According to ANI, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said that he knew something like this would happen. "Earlier, he and us were fighting together. When I talked to Lalu Prasad Yadav and Tejashwi Yadav, they also said that Nitish is going. If he (Nitish) wanted to stay, he would have stayed but he wants to go. That's why we already knew this, but to keep the INDIA bloc intact, if we say something wrong, the wrong message will be sent," Kharge said. > RJD leader Mrityunjay Tiwari said "What was left with him? The public is the master. It watches everything and it will demand an account for everything." > "I thank Nitish Kumar that he has resigned. Whatever be his compulsion, Bihar was perplexed if there was a Jungle Raj 2-like situation in 1.5 years," Union Minister Giriraj Singh said. > Nitish Kumar tendered his resignation to Governor Arlekar at the Raj Bhavan. The governor accepted the resignation and deputed Kumar as the acting chief minister of the state. > Speaking to reporters, Kumar said that everything was not alright in the state and hence the political crisis erupted. > Kumar added that now the JD(U) will form a new alliance that will rule Bihar. (With inputs from agencies)

JD (U)'s Nitish Kumar quits Grand Alliance in Bihar: Top points

Smaller, Cooler and Mysterious: What are Mini-Neptunes?

Four Warm Exoplanets Orbiting 4 Stars in Milky Way


In June 2023, the European Space Agency's (ESA) mission Cheops confirmed the existence of four warm exoplanets orbiting four stars in the Milky Way galaxy. These so-called mini-Neptunes were unlike any planet in the solar system and provided a "missing link" between Earth-like and Neptune-like planets that is not yet understood.

The ESA said that mini-Neptunes are among the most common types of exoplanets known, and astronomers are starting to find more orbiting bright stars.

More Difficult to Find than Hot Jupiter Exoplanets


Mini-Neptunes are smaller, cooler and mysterious objects. They are more difficult to find than the hot Jupiter exoplanets. Hot Jupiters have surface temperatures of over 1000 degrees Celsius while mini-Neptunes have cooler surface temperatures of 300 degrees Celsius, the ESA said.

Astronomers have predicted that mini-Neptunes have an iron-rocky core with thick outer layers of lighter material.

We are tracking all live updates on the Middle East crisis. At the time of writing the morning brief, the latest update is that United States President Joe Biden on Sunday (Jan 28) vowed a response after a drone strike by Iran-backed militant groups targeted a base in Jordan and killed three American troops. The US forces were stationed in northeastern Jordan near the Syrian border when the attack took place.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has offered to "break new ground" to give a fillip to China-France ties. This comes after his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron was the chief guest at India's 75 Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi on Jan 26. “As today's world is once again at a critical crossroads, China and France should jointly open up a path of peace, security, prosperity and progress for human development,” Xi said in a statement.

In other news from around the world, Japan's Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM) resumed its operations in a triumphant turnaround. "Communication with SLIM was successfully established last night, and operations resumed!" the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) said in a post on X.

Click on the headlines to read more:

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/middle-east-crisis-live-updates-biden-vows-to-respond-after-drone-attack-kills-3-us-troops-japan-suspends-aid-to-unrwa-684658">Middle East crisis LIVE updates: Biden vows to respond after drone attack kills 3 US troops</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/01/29/408606-yearender-2023-25.png?imwidth=500" />

United States President Joe Biden has vowed to respond after a drone strike by Iran-backed militant groups targeted a base in Jordan on Sunday (Jan 28) killing three American troops.&nbsp;"We had a tough day last night in the Middle East. We lost three brave souls in an attack on one of our bases," President Biden said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/days-after-macrons-india-visit-chinas-xi-jinping-attempts-to-woo-back-france-684645">Days after Macron's India visit, China's Xi Jinping attempts to woo back France</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/01/12/405362-succession-2024-01-12t180516158.jpg?imwidth=500" />

Perhaps insecure due to the growing bonhomie between India and France after President Emmanuel Macron visited New Delhi as the guest of honour at the Republic Day parade, Chinese President Xi Jinping has offered to "break new ground" to give a fillip to China-France ties.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/lunar-resilience-japans-slim-bounces-back-captures-images-of-toy-poodle-rock-on-the-moons-surface-684647">Lunar resilience: Japan's SLIM bounces back, captures images of 'toy poodle' rock on the Moon's surface</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/01/29/408600-new-wion-2024-01-29t082806680.jpg?imwidth=500" />

Japan's Moon lander, the Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM), has resumed its operations in a triumphant turnaround. This comes after the lander faced initial challenges with its solar batteries.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/finland-elections-stubb-and-haavisto-continue-to-second-round-of-presidential-race-684644">Finland elections: Stubb and Haavisto continue to second round of presidential race</a>

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Finland’s former prime minister and conservative candidate Alexander Stubb narrowly won the first round of the Nordic nation’s presidential election on Sunday (Jan 28), and will face ex-foreign minister and liberal candidate Pekka Haavisto in a run-off next month.&nbsp;

Watch | Ads, push notifications in iPhone are used by third parties to spy on users: Reports

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We are tracking all live updates on the Middle East crisis. At the time of writing the morning brief, the latest update is that United States President Joe Biden on Sunday (Jan 28) vowed a response after a drone strike by Iran-backed militant groups targeted a base in Jordan and killed three American troops.

We are tracking all live updates on the Middle East crisis. At the time of writing the morning brief, the latest update is that United States President Joe Biden on Sunday (Jan 28) vowed a response after a drone strike by Iran-backed militant groups targeted a base in Jordan and killed three American troops. The US forces were stationed in northeastern Jordan near the Syrian border when the attack took place. Chinese President Xi Jinping has offered to "break new ground" to give a fillip to China-France ties. This comes after his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron was the chief guest at India's 75 Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi on Jan 26. “As today's world is once again at a critical crossroads, China and France should jointly open up a path of peace, security, prosperity and progress for human development,” Xi said in a statement. In other news from around the world, Japan's Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM) resumed its operations in a triumphant turnaround. "Communication with SLIM was successfully established last night, and operations resumed!" the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) said in a post on X. Click on the headlines to read more: Middle East crisis LIVE updates: Biden vows to respond after drone attack kills 3 US troops United States President Joe Biden has vowed to respond after a drone strike by Iran-backed militant groups targeted a base in Jordan on Sunday (Jan 28) killing three American troops. "We had a tough day last night in the Middle East. We lost three brave souls in an attack on one of our bases," President Biden said. Days after Macron's India visit, China's Xi Jinping attempts to woo back France Perhaps insecure due to the growing bonhomie between India and France after President Emmanuel Macron visited New Delhi as the guest of honour at the Republic Day parade, Chinese President Xi Jinping has offered to "break new ground" to give a fillip to China-France ties. Lunar resilience: Japan's SLIM bounces back, captures images of 'toy poodle' rock on the Moon's surface Japan's Moon lander, the Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM), has resumed its operations in a triumphant turnaround. This comes after the lander faced initial challenges with its solar batteries. Finland elections: Stubb and Haavisto continue to second round of presidential race Finland’s former prime minister and conservative candidate Alexander Stubb narrowly won the first round of the Nordic nation’s presidential election on Sunday (Jan 28), and will face ex-foreign minister and liberal candidate Pekka Haavisto in a run-off next month. Watch | Ads, push notifications in iPhone are used by third parties to spy on users: Reports ×

Morning brief: Biden vows response after drone attack in Jordan kills 3 US troops, and more

More than two months after Yemen's Houthi rebels captured the Galaxy Leader cargo ship and detained its crew, the Iran-backed rebels have turned the vessel into a domestic "tourist attraction".&nbsp;&nbsp;

For about a dollar per trip, male-only groups of visitors can board wooden boats five times a week to the hijacked car carrier, which the&nbsp;Houthis&nbsp;hail as a trophy in their fight in solidarity with the Palestinians.

Since shortly after the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza broke out on October 7, the&nbsp;Houthis&nbsp;have launched a spate of missile and drone attacks on passing commercial ships which they say are linked to Israel.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/middle-east-crisis-live-updates-biden-vows-to-respond-after-drone-attack-kills-3-us-troops-japan-suspends-aid-to-unrwa-684658">Click here to follow all updates on the Middle East crisis</a>

A US-led naval coalition has responded by patrolling the Red Sea, and US and British forces have struck military sites of the&nbsp;Houthis, now designated a "global terrorist" group by Washington, to keep open the vital shipping lane.

This has done little to dampen the mood on the sightseeing trips to the seized vessel, which is now decorated with Yemeni and Palestinian flags and banners displaying anti-American and anti-Israel slogans.

On a recent visit, Zubair al-Haidari, from the Houthi-controlled capital Sanaa, said he had travelled for five hours to see the "Israeli ship" anchored off Hodeida on the Red Sea coast.

It is our "pride and honour... that our armed forces have accomplished this wonderful work in supporting our oppressed brothers in Palestine and in Gaza," he told AFP.

He was among some 10 visitors taking pictures with their mobile phones as they chewed 'khat', a plant that generates a mild high and is widely consumed in the Arabian peninsula's poorest country.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-presses-iran-to-rein-in-houthi-attacks-in-red-sea-sources-say-683793">China presses Iran to rein in Houthi attacks in Red Sea, sources say</a>

On board the ship, some visitors performed a traditional dance featuring the daggers that many Yemenis carry tucked into their belts, accompanied by chants glorifying the&nbsp;Houthis.

On the deck of the Galaxy Leader, none of the visitors interviewed by AFP said they had seen the 25 crew members who are Bulgarian, Filipino, Ukrainian and Mexican and whose fate remains unknown.&nbsp;

<h2>'Source of pride'</h2>

The Galaxy Leader is owned by a British company, which is in turn owned by an Israeli businessman.

It had been chartered by a Japanese company when it was captured on November 19 by the&nbsp;Houthis, who said they were acting in "solidarity" with people in the besieged Gaza Strip.

Israel's military campaign was sparked by Hamas'&nbsp;October 7 attack, which resulted in about 1,140 deaths in Israel, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of official Israeli figures. Militants also seized around 250 hostages.

Israel has vowed to destroy Hamas and Gaza's health ministry claims the military offensive has killed at least 26,257 people, about 70 per cent of them women and children.

Amid the Gaza war, the&nbsp;Houthis&nbsp;have launched numerous attacks against shipping in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, threatening an essential global trade route.&nbsp;

Hizam al-Assad, of the Houthi political bureau, referred to the Galaxy Leader as a "tourist attraction" and said the visitors were "proof that the Yemeni people... are impatient to meet the enemy and confront him".

Another visitor, Hamada al-Baydani, said he had travelled 400 kilometres (250 miles) from Al-Bayda, to see the seized ship, which he labelled "a source of pride for Yemenis". &nbsp;

Several days after detaining the vessel, the&nbsp;Houthis&nbsp;published a video showing a military general welcoming a group they said was the crew, but the militants have not provided any information on their fate since.

After an hour on board under the scorching sun, the visitors made their way back home, chanting "God is the greatest, death to America, death to Israel".

More than two months after Yemen's Houthi rebels captured the Galaxy Leader cargo ship and detained its crew, the Iran-backed rebels have turned the vessel into a domestic "tourist attraction".

More than two months after Yemen's Houthi rebels captured the Galaxy Leader cargo ship and detained its crew, the Iran-backed rebels have turned the vessel into a domestic "tourist attraction". For about a dollar per trip, male-only groups of visitors can board wooden boats five times a week to the hijacked car carrier, which the Houthis hail as a trophy in their fight in solidarity with the Palestinians. Since shortly after the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza broke out on October 7, the Houthis have launched a spate of missile and drone attacks on passing commercial ships which they say are linked to Israel. Click here to follow all updates on the Middle East crisis A US-led naval coalition has responded by patrolling the Red Sea, and US and British forces have struck military sites of the Houthis, now designated a "global terrorist" group by Washington, to keep open the vital shipping lane. This has done little to dampen the mood on the sightseeing trips to the seized vessel, which is now decorated with Yemeni and Palestinian flags and banners displaying anti-American and anti-Israel slogans. On a recent visit, Zubair al-Haidari, from the Houthi-controlled capital Sanaa, said he had travelled for five hours to see the "Israeli ship" anchored off Hodeida on the Red Sea coast. It is our "pride and honour... that our armed forces have accomplished this wonderful work in supporting our oppressed brothers in Palestine and in Gaza," he told AFP. He was among some 10 visitors taking pictures with their mobile phones as they chewed 'khat', a plant that generates a mild high and is widely consumed in the Arabian peninsula's poorest country. Also read | China presses Iran to rein in Houthi attacks in Red Sea, sources say On board the ship, some visitors performed a traditional dance featuring the daggers that many Yemenis carry tucked into their belts, accompanied by chants glorifying the Houthis. On the deck of the Galaxy Leader, none of the visitors interviewed by AFP said they had seen the 25 crew members who are Bulgarian, Filipino, Ukrainian and Mexican and whose fate remains unknown. 'Source of pride' The Galaxy Leader is owned by a British company, which is in turn owned by an Israeli businessman. It had been chartered by a Japanese company when it was captured on November 19 by the Houthis, who said they were acting in "solidarity" with people in the besieged Gaza Strip. Israel's military campaign was sparked by Hamas' October 7 attack, which resulted in about 1,140 deaths in Israel, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of official Israeli figures. Militants also seized around 250 hostages. Israel has vowed to destroy Hamas and Gaza's health ministry claims the military offensive has killed at least 26,257 people, about 70 per cent of them women and children. Amid the Gaza war, the Houthis have launched numerous attacks against shipping in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, threatening an essential global trade route. Hizam al-Assad, of the Houthi political bureau, referred to the Galaxy Leader as a "tourist attraction" and said the visitors were "proof that the Yemeni people... are impatient to meet the enemy and confront him". Another visitor, Hamada al-Baydani, said he had travelled 400 kilometres (250 miles) from Al-Bayda, to see the seized ship, which he labelled "a source of pride for Yemenis". Several days after detaining the vessel, the Houthis published a video showing a military general welcoming a group they said was the crew, but the militants have not provided any information on their fate since. After an hour on board under the scorching sun, the visitors made their way back home, chanting "God is the greatest, death to America, death to Israel".

Yemen’s Houthi rebels open seized cargo ship to sightseers

A Russian warship conducted an anti-submarine exercise in the South China Sea, the news agency Reuters reported on Monday (Jan 29) citing Russian media. After detecting a mock enemy submarine and confirming its coordinates, the Pacific Fleet frigate Marshal Shaposhnikov fired torpedoes and depth charges - anti-submarine warfare weapons.

Reuters reported that a detachment of Russian Pacific Fleet warships, including the Varyag cruiser, and the Marshal Shaposhnikov frigate were on a long-distance voyage which included the Asia-Pacific region.

The ships had left the port of Vladivostok last week.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippines-to-develop-islands-in-disputed-south-china-sea-that-it-considers-part-of-territory-680243">Philippines to develop islands in disputed South China Sea that it considers part of territory</a>

In Oct last year, Russian Navy warships engaged in air defence exercises and practised locating simulated enemy submarines in the South China Sea. '

According to a report by the news agency TASS, the drills included critical maritime operations, including honing ship-based air defence techniques, executing simulated searches for adversary submarines, and fostering seamless cooperation with the proficient teams operating Ka-27 helicopters within the Pacific Fleet’s naval aviation division.&nbsp;

Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: A full-blown war in South China Sea in 2024?

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The report said that the Russian Navy had been executing essential missions within the Asia-Pacific region as an integral component of the fleet’s rigorous combat training programme.

Over the past several months, the Russian Navy has bolstered its presence in the Pacific region, often in collaboration with China.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A Russian warship conducted an anti-submarine exercise in the South China Sea, the news agency Reuters reported on Monday (Jan 29) citing Russian media. After detecting a mock enemy submarine and confirming its coordinates, the Pacific Fleet frigate Marshal Shaposhnikov fired torpedoes and depth charges - anti-submarine warfare weapons.

A Russian warship conducted an anti-submarine exercise in the South China Sea, the news agency Reuters reported on Monday (Jan 29) citing Russian media. After detecting a mock enemy submarine and confirming its coordinates, the Pacific Fleet frigate Marshal Shaposhnikov fired torpedoes and depth charges - anti-submarine warfare weapons. Reuters reported that a detachment of Russian Pacific Fleet warships, including the Varyag cruiser, and the Marshal Shaposhnikov frigate were on a long-distance voyage which included the Asia-Pacific region. The ships had left the port of Vladivostok last week. Also read | Philippines to develop islands in disputed South China Sea that it considers part of territory In Oct last year, Russian Navy warships engaged in air defence exercises and practised locating simulated enemy submarines in the South China Sea. ' According to a report by the news agency TASS, the drills included critical maritime operations, including honing ship-based air defence techniques, executing simulated searches for adversary submarines, and fostering seamless cooperation with the proficient teams operating Ka-27 helicopters within the Pacific Fleet’s naval aviation division. Also watch | Gravitas: A full-blown war in South China Sea in 2024? × The report said that the Russian Navy had been executing essential missions within the Asia-Pacific region as an integral component of the fleet’s rigorous combat training programme. Over the past several months, the Russian Navy has bolstered its presence in the Pacific region, often in collaboration with China. (With inputs from agencies)

Russian warship conducts anti-submarine exercise in South China Sea

A woman software engineer in India's Pune was shot dead inside a hotel room in the Hinjewadi area on Saturday (Jan 27). According to a report by the news agency ANI early Monday, police said the victim was identified as 26-year-old Vandana Dwivedi.

A woman software engineer in India's Pune was shot dead inside a hotel room in the Hinjewadi area on Saturday (Jan 27). According to a report by the news agency ANI early Monday, police said the victim was identified as 26-year-old Vandana Dwivedi. Police said that Dwivedi hailed from Uttar Pradesh's Lucknow and worked in an IT firm in Pune. She was called to the hotel room by her boyfriend Rishabh Nigam. Speaking to ANI, a police official said that the woman's body was found on Sunday morning with a gunshot wound to her head. Nigam, the prime suspect in the crime, was initially on the run but was apprehended in Mumbai. Also read | Footage shows Indian gangster Sharad Mohol's shocking murder in Pune The official said that Dwivedi and Nigam were employed in the same IT firm, and preliminary information suggested that they were in a relationship. The motive behind the killing is unclear and further investigation is underway. According to media reports, CCTV footage showed Nigam leaving the hotel room on Saturday night after committing the crime. He then fled to Mumbai where he was apprehended. A report by India Today said that Dwivedi and Nigam had known each other for the last 10 years, and the man came to Pune with a plan to kill the 26-year-old as he had suspicions about her character. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Woman techie in Pune shot dead inside hotel room, boyfriend held

Iranian Foreign Minister Amir-Abdollahian said on Monday (Jan 29) that Tehran treated Pakistan's security as its own, and both the countries respected each other's territorial integrity and sovereignty. Foreign Minister Amir-Abdollahian arrived in Islamabad on Sunday for talks, as both countries have been trying to ease tensions after deadly cross-border airstrikes and killings in border areas threatened diplomatic relations.

"Today we are in Islamabad, we are here, so in a loud voice we will tell to all terrorists that Iran and Pakistan will not provide them with any opportunity to endanger our common security," Amir-Abdollahian said in a joint press conference with his Pakistani counterpart Jalil Abbas Jilani.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gunmen-kill-9-foreigners-in-iran-near-pakistan-iran-border-report-684312">Pakistan reacts strongly after gunmen kill 9 Pakistanis in Iran near border, tensions spike again</a>

"There is no doubt that the terrorists located in the common border regions and areas of Iran and Pakistan are led and supported by third countries and they never favour any good action in line with the benefits of the Iranian and Pakistani governments and nations,” he added. The Iranian foreign minister also highlighted that both countries never had territorial differences.

<h2>Iran FM to meet Pakistan caretaker PM</h2>

Amir-Abdollahian held talks with Jilani and will later call on Pakistani caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar.

His visit to Pakistan comes days after Islamabad on Jan 18 launched air strikes on what it called "militant targets" in Iran, two days after similar Iranian strikes on its territory.&nbsp; The tit-for-tat raids in the border region of Baluchistan- which is split between Iran and Pakistan- stoked regional tensions which are already inflamed by the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.

Also watch |&nbsp;Iranian Navy plans to establish base at South Pole

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Amir-Abdollahian's visit also comes a day after gunmen in southeastern Iran's Sistan-Baluchistan province killed nine people, with Islamabad's ambassador identifying them as Pakistanis, a report by the news agency AFP said.

<h2>Iran's Raisi invited to Pakistan</h2>

During their meeting, the foreign ministers agreed to “establish a high-level constructive mechanism at the level of foreign ministers of the two countries.” Pakistan Foreign Minister Jilani said the mechanism would “meet alternatively in both Iran and Pakistan on a regular basis to oversee the progress that is being made in various areas of cooperation.”

Jilani added that Islamabad and Tehran agreed to “cooperate to fight terrorism in our respective areas.” He further said that Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has been invited to Pakistan once the Feb election (in Pak) gets over.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Iranian Foreign Minister Amir-Abdollahian said on Monday (Jan 29) that Tehran treated Pakistan's security as its own, and both the countries respected each other's territorial integrity and sovereignty.

Iranian Foreign Minister Amir-Abdollahian said on Monday (Jan 29) that Tehran treated Pakistan's security as its own, and both the countries respected each other's territorial integrity and sovereignty. Foreign Minister Amir-Abdollahian arrived in Islamabad on Sunday for talks, as both countries have been trying to ease tensions after deadly cross-border airstrikes and killings in border areas threatened diplomatic relations. "Today we are in Islamabad, we are here, so in a loud voice we will tell to all terrorists that Iran and Pakistan will not provide them with any opportunity to endanger our common security," Amir-Abdollahian said in a joint press conference with his Pakistani counterpart Jalil Abbas Jilani. Also read | Pakistan reacts strongly after gunmen kill 9 Pakistanis in Iran near border, tensions spike again "There is no doubt that the terrorists located in the common border regions and areas of Iran and Pakistan are led and supported by third countries and they never favour any good action in line with the benefits of the Iranian and Pakistani governments and nations,” he added. The Iranian foreign minister also highlighted that both countries never had territorial differences. Iran FM to meet Pakistan caretaker PM Amir-Abdollahian held talks with Jilani and will later call on Pakistani caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar. His visit to Pakistan comes days after Islamabad on Jan 18 launched air strikes on what it called "militant targets" in Iran, two days after similar Iranian strikes on its territory. The tit-for-tat raids in the border region of Baluchistan- which is split between Iran and Pakistan- stoked regional tensions which are already inflamed by the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. Also watch | Iranian Navy plans to establish base at South Pole × Amir-Abdollahian's visit also comes a day after gunmen in southeastern Iran's Sistan-Baluchistan province killed nine people, with Islamabad's ambassador identifying them as Pakistanis, a report by the news agency AFP said. Iran's Raisi invited to Pakistan During their meeting, the foreign ministers agreed to “establish a high-level constructive mechanism at the level of foreign ministers of the two countries.” Pakistan Foreign Minister Jilani said the mechanism would “meet alternatively in both Iran and Pakistan on a regular basis to oversee the progress that is being made in various areas of cooperation.” Jilani added that Islamabad and Tehran agreed to “cooperate to fight terrorism in our respective areas.” He further said that Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has been invited to Pakistan once the Feb election (in Pak) gets over. (With inputs from agencies)

We treat Pakistan’s security as our own: Iranian Foreign Minister Amir-Abdollahian

The contentious Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) will be implemented across India within a week, said an Indian minister.

According to a report by the news agency PTI, Union Minister Shantanu Thakur said on Monday (Jan 29) that that swift implementation of the legislation would be made within seven days.&nbsp;

"The CAA will be implemented very soon. It will be implemented within seven days. This is my guarantee," he said.

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VIDEO | "Ram Mandir has been inaugurated (in Ayodhya), and within the next seven days, the CAA - Citizenship (Amendment) Act - will be implemented across the country. This is my guarantee. Not just in West Bengal, the CAA would be implemented in every state of India within a… <a href="https://t.co/f5Ergu5TG3">pic.twitter.com/f5Ergu5TG3</a>
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTI_News/status/1751824400330936583?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 29, 2024</a></blockquote>
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On Sunday, addressing a rally in West Bengal's&nbsp;South 24 Parganas, Thakur said, "Ram Mandir has been inaugurated (in Ayodhya), and within the next seven days, the CAA - Citizenship (Amendment) Act - will be implemented across the country. This is my guarantee. Not just in West Bengal, the CAA would be implemented in every state of India within a week."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-home-minister-amit-shah-reiterates-no-one-can-stop-implementation-of-caa-674070">Home Minister Amit Shah reiterates ‘no one can stop’ implementation of CAA</a>

The CAA was enacted by the Modi government in 2019. It aims at granting Indian citizenship to persecuted non-Muslim migrants, including Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis and Christians, from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan who entered India before Dec&nbsp;31, 2014.

<h2>CAA rules to be notified before dates poll are announced?</h2>

However, the legislation triggered nationwide protests which led to bouts of violence.

Critics of the CAA have said that it is discriminatory against Muslims and in&nbsp;violation of the spirit of India's secular constitution.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/caa-rules-may-be-notified-much-before-lok-sabha-elections-report-676226">CAA rules can be notified ‘much before’ Lok Sabha election, says report</a>

Shantanu's remarks come weeks after PTI reported that rules of the CAA could be notified much before the dates of the Lok Sabha election were announced.&nbsp;

"We are going to issue the rules for the CAA soon. Once the rules are issued, the law can be implemented and those eligible can be granted Indian citizenship," a government functionary told the news agency.

<h2>'Attempting political gimmickry':&nbsp;TMC slams minister's remarks</h2>

The ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) in eastern state of West Bengal slammed&nbsp;Shantanu Thakur's remarks.&nbsp;

"Our party supremo and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had clearly said that CAA won't be implemented in West Bengal. The BJP leaders are attempting political gimmickry by making such false promises before the Lok Sabha elections," TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh said on Monday, PTI reported.

Also watch |&nbsp;CAA rules will be framed by March 2024 confirms, Union minister

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In December last year, Union Home Minister Amit Shah&nbsp;reiterated that the implementation of CAA is inevitable as it is the law of the land. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

The contentious Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) will be implemented across India within a week, said an Indian minister. According to a report by the news agency PTI, Union Minister Shantanu Thakur said on Monday (Jan 29) that that swift implementation of the legislation would be made within seven days.

The contentious Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) will be implemented across India within a week, said an Indian minister. According to a report by the news agency PTI, Union Minister Shantanu Thakur said on Monday (Jan 29) that that swift implementation of the legislation would be made within seven days. "The CAA will be implemented very soon. It will be implemented within seven days. This is my guarantee," he said. VIDEO | "Ram Mandir has been inaugurated (in Ayodhya), and within the next seven days, the CAA - Citizenship (Amendment) Act - will be implemented across the country. This is my guarantee. Not just in West Bengal, the CAA would be implemented in every state of India within a… pic.twitter.com/f5Ergu5TG3 — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 29, 2024 × On Sunday, addressing a rally in West Bengal's South 24 Parganas, Thakur said, "Ram Mandir has been inaugurated (in Ayodhya), and within the next seven days, the CAA - Citizenship (Amendment) Act - will be implemented across the country. This is my guarantee. Not just in West Bengal, the CAA would be implemented in every state of India within a week." Also read | Home Minister Amit Shah reiterates ‘no one can stop’ implementation of CAA The CAA was enacted by the Modi government in 2019. It aims at granting Indian citizenship to persecuted non-Muslim migrants, including Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis and Christians, from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan who entered India before Dec 31, 2014. CAA rules to be notified before dates poll are announced? However, the legislation triggered nationwide protests which led to bouts of violence. Critics of the CAA have said that it is discriminatory against Muslims and in violation of the spirit of India's secular constitution. Also read | CAA rules can be notified ‘much before’ Lok Sabha election, says report Shantanu's remarks come weeks after PTI reported that rules of the CAA could be notified much before the dates of the Lok Sabha election were announced. "We are going to issue the rules for the CAA soon. Once the rules are issued, the law can be implemented and those eligible can be granted Indian citizenship," a government functionary told the news agency. 'Attempting political gimmickry': TMC slams minister's remarks The ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) in eastern state of West Bengal slammed Shantanu Thakur's remarks. "Our party supremo and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had clearly said that CAA won't be implemented in West Bengal. The BJP leaders are attempting political gimmickry by making such false promises before the Lok Sabha elections," TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh said on Monday, PTI reported. Also watch | CAA rules will be framed by March 2024 confirms, Union minister × In December last year, Union Home Minister Amit Shah reiterated that the implementation of CAA is inevitable as it is the law of the land. (With inputs from agencies)

CAA: India citizenship law will be implemented within a week, says minister Shantanu Thakur

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