A day after eight Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLAs resigned from the party, they joined Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). This comes just four days before the Delhi Assembly election.&nbsp;
All eight MLAs quit from the primary membership of AAP on Friday, citing reasons like alleged corruption and having lost faith in the party's national convenor, Arvind Kejriwal, and the party.
All eight legislators had been denied poll tickets by AAP this time.&nbsp;
Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/tax-simplification-is-complete-after-budget-2025-fm-nirmala-sitharaman-promises-income-tax-reforms-bill-next-week-8681348" rel="dofollow"> &lsquo;Tax simplification is complete&rsquo;: After Budget 2025, FM Sitharaman promises income tax reforms bill next week</a>
<h2>Who are the MLAs?</h2>
The eight MLAs are Vandana Gaur (Palam), Rohit Mehraulia (Trilokpuri), Girish Soni (Madipur), Madan Lal (Kasturba Nagar), Rajesh Rishi (Uttam Nagar), BS Joon (Bijwasan), Naresh Yadav (Mehrauli) and Pawan Sharma (Adarsh Nagar).
As soon as they resigned, they also said that they had sent their resignation letters to the Assembly Speaker.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-elections-2025-arvind-kejriwal-appeals-to-bjp-supporters-to-vote-for-aap-regardless-of-their-party-affiliation-8679837" rel="dofollow">Delhi Elections 2025: Arvind Kejriwal urges BJP supporters to vote for AAP even as 8 of his party MLAs resign</a>
The legislators joined the BJP in the presence of the party's national vice-president Baijayant Panda, and the Delhi unit chief, Virendraa Sachdeva.&nbsp;
Panda welcomed the new members, calling it a "historic day", saying that they had freed themselves from "AAPda" (disaster).&nbsp;
Panda added that after the February 5 elections, Delhi too would be rid of AAP.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lost-faith-in-him-7-mlas-quit-aap-just-five-days-before-delhi-elections-8678482" rel="dofollow">'Lost faith in Kejriwal': 7 MLAs quit AAP just five days before Delhi election</a>
Yesterday, Palam MLA Bhawna Gaur, in a letter to the AAP national convenor, Arvind Kejriwal, said that she was quitting because she lost faith in him and the party.&nbsp;
"I hereby resign from the primary membership of the Aam Aadmi Party as I have lost faith in you and the party. Please accept the same," Bhawna Gaur and Madan Lal wrote in two separate letters.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/aap-supremo-arvind-kejriwal-challenges-bjp-and-congress-leaders-to-drink-yamuna-water-8674533" rel="dofollow">AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal challenges BJP and Congress leaders to drink Yamuna water</a>
AAP is seeking a third consecutive five-year term in Delhi and faces a stiff challenge from the BJP this time. The Congress is the third major party in the contention.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

India news: All the eight MLAs quit from the primary membership of AAP on Friday, citing reasons like alleged corruption and having lost faith in Arvind Kejriwal.

A day after eight Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLAs resigned from the party, they joined Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). This comes just four days before the Delhi Assembly election. All eight MLAs quit from the primary membership of AAP on Friday, citing reasons like alleged corruption and having lost faith in the party's national convenor, Arvind Kejriwal, and the party. All eight legislators had been denied poll tickets by AAP this time. Also read: ‘Tax simplification is complete’: After Budget 2025, FM Sitharaman promises income tax reforms bill next week Who are the MLAs? The eight MLAs are Vandana Gaur (Palam), Rohit Mehraulia (Trilokpuri), Girish Soni (Madipur), Madan Lal (Kasturba Nagar), Rajesh Rishi (Uttam Nagar), BS Joon (Bijwasan), Naresh Yadav (Mehrauli) and Pawan Sharma (Adarsh Nagar). As soon as they resigned, they also said that they had sent their resignation letters to the Assembly Speaker. Also read: Delhi Elections 2025: Arvind Kejriwal urges BJP supporters to vote for AAP even as 8 of his party MLAs resign The legislators joined the BJP in the presence of the party's national vice-president Baijayant Panda, and the Delhi unit chief, Virendraa Sachdeva. Panda welcomed the new members, calling it a "historic day", saying that they had freed themselves from "AAPda" (disaster). Panda added that after the February 5 elections, Delhi too would be rid of AAP. Also read: 'Lost faith in Kejriwal': 7 MLAs quit AAP just five days before Delhi election Yesterday, Palam MLA Bhawna Gaur, in a letter to the AAP national convenor, Arvind Kejriwal, said that she was quitting because she lost faith in him and the party. "I hereby resign from the primary membership of the Aam Aadmi Party as I have lost faith in you and the party. Please accept the same," Bhawna Gaur and Madan Lal wrote in two separate letters. Also read: AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal challenges BJP and Congress leaders to drink Yamuna water AAP is seeking a third consecutive five-year term in Delhi and faces a stiff challenge from the BJP this time. The Congress is the third major party in the contention. (With inputs from agencies)

Eight MLAs who quit AAP join BJP four days ahead of Delhi Assembly election

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/india-budget-2025" rel="dofollow">Union Budget 2025 </a>on Saturday (Feb 1), and her speech lasted for 77 minutes, which is shorter than the previous year's speech, which was for 85 minutes.&nbsp;
Sitharaman presented her eighth consecutive budget, setting a record. Earlier, she presented an interim and six regular budgets.&nbsp;
Former Prime Minister Morarji Desai holds the record for presenting 10 budgets, though not in continuance.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/tax-simplification-is-complete-after-budget-2025-fm-nirmala-sitharaman-promises-income-tax-reforms-bill-next-week-8681348" rel="dofollow">&lsquo;Tax simplification is complete&rsquo;: After Budget 2025, FM Sitharaman promises income tax reforms bill next week</a>
Notably, the longest budget speech in history was made by Nirmala Sitharaman when she presented the Union Budget for 2020-2021. Her speech lasted for 2 hours 42 minutes (162 minutes).&nbsp;
<h2>Finance Minister Sitharaman's budget speech over the years:&nbsp;</h2>
<h3>2024</h3>
Sitharaman gave the speech for an hour and 25 minutes (85 minutes).&nbsp;
<h3>Interim Budget 2024</h3>
During the interim budget last year, Sitharaman presented her sixth consecutive budget with the shortest speech so far, which lasted for 56 minutes.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/union-budget-2025-whats-cheaper-and-whats-costlier-heres-a-detailed-list-8681544" rel="dofollow">Union Budget 2025: What's cheaper and what's costlier? Here's a detailed list</a>
<h3>2023&nbsp;</h3>
Finance Minister Sitharaman budget speech that year lasted for 87 minutes.&nbsp;
<h3>2022&nbsp;</h3>
In 2022, Nirmala aSitharaman's budget speech was 92 minutes long.&nbsp;
<h3>2021</h3>
In 2021, Sitharaman presented the first paperless budget, during which she gave a speech for 1 hour and 40 minutes. She took a digital tablet wrapped in a traditional "bahi-khata" style pouch.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/common-citizen-going-to-drive-mission-of-viksit-bharat-pm-modi-applauds-union-budget-2025-8680898" rel="dofollow">&lsquo;Force multiplier&rsquo; for India&rsquo;s growth: PM Modi applauds Union Budget 2025</a>
<h3>2020</h3>
The year when Sitharaman broke the record by speaking for two hours and 41 minutes, making it the longest speech in India's history.&nbsp;
During her speech, she paused in the middle of the speech and sat down because, reportedly, her blood pressure dropped.
<h3>2019</h3>
In 2019, Sitharaman presented her first budget and her speech was one of the longest ever, and lasted for 2 hours and 17 minutes. She occasionally shifted to Hindi, Tamil, Urdu and even Sanskrit.&nbsp;
At that time, she did not even pause for a water break and spoke continuously.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

Business & economy, India news: The longest budget speech in history was made by Sitharaman when she presented the budget for 2020-2021 as her speech lasted for 2 hours 42 minutes.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2025 on Saturday (Feb 1), and her speech lasted for 77 minutes, which is shorter than the previous year's speech, which was for 85 minutes. Sitharaman presented her eighth consecutive budget, setting a record. Earlier, she presented an interim and six regular budgets. Former Prime Minister Morarji Desai holds the record for presenting 10 budgets, though not in continuance. Also read: ‘Tax simplification is complete’: After Budget 2025, FM Sitharaman promises income tax reforms bill next week Notably, the longest budget speech in history was made by Nirmala Sitharaman when she presented the Union Budget for 2020-2021. Her speech lasted for 2 hours 42 minutes (162 minutes). Finance Minister Sitharaman's budget speech over the years: 2024 Sitharaman gave the speech for an hour and 25 minutes (85 minutes). Interim Budget 2024 During the interim budget last year, Sitharaman presented her sixth consecutive budget with the shortest speech so far, which lasted for 56 minutes. Also read: Union Budget 2025: What's cheaper and what's costlier? Here's a detailed list 2023 Finance Minister Sitharaman budget speech that year lasted for 87 minutes. 2022 In 2022, Nirmala aSitharaman's budget speech was 92 minutes long. 2021 In 2021, Sitharaman presented the first paperless budget, during which she gave a speech for 1 hour and 40 minutes. She took a digital tablet wrapped in a traditional "bahi-khata" style pouch. Also read: ‘Force multiplier’ for India’s growth: PM Modi applauds Union Budget 2025 2020 The year when Sitharaman broke the record by speaking for two hours and 41 minutes, making it the longest speech in India's history. During her speech, she paused in the middle of the speech and sat down because, reportedly, her blood pressure dropped. 2019 In 2019, Sitharaman presented her first budget and her speech was one of the longest ever, and lasted for 2 hours and 17 minutes. She occasionally shifted to Hindi, Tamil, Urdu and even Sanskrit. At that time, she did not even pause for a water break and spoke continuously. (With inputs from agencies)

How long was Nirmala Sitharaman's 2025 Union Budget speech? Here’s how it compares to her past records

The Palestinian militant group Hamas on Saturday (Feb 1) released three Israeli hostages in exchange for 183 Palestinian prisoners.&nbsp;
The three hostages were handed over to the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) troops, as part of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/gaza-ceasefire" rel="dofollow">Gaza ceasefire agreement</a>.&nbsp;
The military released a video showing the release of hostages Yarden Bibas and Ofer Calderon. Both the hostages were brought back to Israel after 484 days in Hamas captivity.&nbsp;
A third hostage, Keith Siegel, was also released.
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-releases-names-of-three-israeli-hostages-to-be-free-saturday-8677839" rel="dofollow">Hamas releases names of three Israeli hostages to be freed Saturday</a>
Siegel&rsquo;s family reacted with joy as they watched a video of him being released. "Here he is, here he is,&rdquo; cried his wife Aviva.
Siegel was taken captive with Aviva from Kibbutz Kfar Aza during the Hamas-led invasion on October 7, 2023.&nbsp;
Meanwhile, Calderon's family said they are &ldquo;overwhelmed with joy, relief and emotion&rdquo; after his release by Hamas. &ldquo;We have witnessed how, through extraordinary mental strength, he survived this hell. Ofer endured months in a nightmare, and we are proud of his ability to survive and hold onto the hope of embracing his children again.&rdquo;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-confirms-death-of-military-chief-mohammed-deif-accused-by-israel-of-masterminding-october-7-attack-8676534" rel="dofollow">Hamas confirms death of military chief Mohammed Deif, accused by Israel of masterminding October 7 attack</a>
<h2>Palestinian prisoners freed&nbsp;</h2>
Israel has released 183 Palestinian prisoners on Saturday (Feb 1) in exchange for three Israeli hostages released by Hamas.&nbsp;
The Israel Prison Service said that some of the prisoners were transferred from the Ofer prison to the West Bank, while the rest were sent from Ketziot prison to the Gaza Strip.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-ceasefire-hamas-releases-seven-more-hostages-including-two-israelis-five-thai-citizens-8675164" rel="dofollow">Gaza ceasefire: Hamas releases all eight hostages, including 3 Israelis, five Thai citizens</a>
The prisoners were seen reuniting with their families. They are now expected to undergo a medical check.&nbsp;
Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.
(More inputs from agencies)

World: The military released a video showing the release of hostages Yarden Bibas and Ofer Calderon. The hostages were brought back to Israel after 484 days in Hamas captivity. 

The Palestinian militant group Hamas on Saturday (Feb 1) released three Israeli hostages in exchange for 183 Palestinian prisoners. The three hostages were handed over to the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) troops, as part of the Gaza ceasefire agreement. The military released a video showing the release of hostages Yarden Bibas and Ofer Calderon. Both the hostages were brought back to Israel after 484 days in Hamas captivity. A third hostage, Keith Siegel, was also released. Also read: Hamas releases names of three Israeli hostages to be freed Saturday Siegel’s family reacted with joy as they watched a video of him being released. "Here he is, here he is,” cried his wife Aviva. Siegel was taken captive with Aviva from Kibbutz Kfar Aza during the Hamas-led invasion on October 7, 2023. Meanwhile, Calderon's family said they are “overwhelmed with joy, relief and emotion” after his release by Hamas. “We have witnessed how, through extraordinary mental strength, he survived this hell. Ofer endured months in a nightmare, and we are proud of his ability to survive and hold onto the hope of embracing his children again.” Also read: Hamas confirms death of military chief Mohammed Deif, accused by Israel of masterminding October 7 attack Palestinian prisoners freed Israel has released 183 Palestinian prisoners on Saturday (Feb 1) in exchange for three Israeli hostages released by Hamas. The Israel Prison Service said that some of the prisoners were transferred from the Ofer prison to the West Bank, while the rest were sent from Ketziot prison to the Gaza Strip. Also read: Gaza ceasefire: Hamas releases all eight hostages, including 3 Israelis, five Thai citizens The prisoners were seen reuniting with their families. They are now expected to undergo a medical check. Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos. (More inputs from agencies)

Gaza ceasefire: Hamas releases three Israeli hostages in exchange for 183 Palestinian prisoners

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget on Saturday (Feb 1) for the fiscal year 2025-2026. It was her eighth consecutive <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/india-budget-2025" rel="dofollow">Union Budget</a> presentation, a record.&nbsp;
This also takes her closer to the record made by former Prime Minister Morarji Desai, who presented 10 budgets across different terms.&nbsp;
As the budget was put on the table, it clarified what is cheaper now and what's expensive.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/tax-simplification-is-complete-after-budget-2025-fm-nirmala-sitharaman-promises-income-tax-reforms-bill-next-week-8681348" rel="dofollow">'Tax simplification is complete': After Budget 2025, FM Sitharaman promises income tax reforms bill next week</a>
<h2>Here's a look at what's cheaper and what's costlier:&nbsp;</h2>
<h3>List of things that got cheaper</h3>
1. Electronics Basic Customs Duty (BCD) on open cell for interactive flat panel display, touch glass sheet, and touch sensor for LED/LCD TVs reduced from 15 to five per cent.&nbsp;
2. Life-savings drugs&nbsp; A total of 36 drugs for cancer and rare diseases are exempted from BCD.&nbsp;
3. EV, phone batteries The list of exempted capital goods will include 35 new goods for electronic vehicle (EV) battery production and 28 new goods for mobile phone battery production.&nbsp;
4. Seafood In the new budget, customs duty on frozen fish paste is reduced from 30 to five per cent. Further, customs duty on fish hydrolysate for the manufacture of aquatic feed is reduced from 15 to five per cent.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/common-citizen-going-to-drive-mission-of-viksit-bharat-pm-modi-applauds-union-budget-2025-8680898" rel="dofollow">&lsquo;Force multiplier&rsquo; for India&rsquo;s growth: PM Modi applauds Union Budget 2025</a>
5. Cobalt powder Customs duty was reduced from five per cent to nil.&nbsp;
6. Wet Blue leather&nbsp; Customs duty on wet blue weather was reduced from 10 per cent to nil.&nbsp;
7. Synthetic flavouring essences Customs duty on mixtures of odoriferous substances used in the food or drink industries was reduced from 100 to 20 per cent.&nbsp;
8. Mobile equipment Customs duty on inputs/sub-parts of the camera module, connectors, manufacture of wired headset, microphone and receiver, USB cable, fingerprint reader/ sensor of cellular mobile phone reduced from 2.5 per cent to nil.&nbsp;
9. Motorcycle imports&nbsp; Customs duty on engine capacity not exceeding 1600 CC was reduced to 40 per cent, semi-knocked down reduced to 20 per cent, and completely knocked down reduced to 10 per cent. Moreover, engine capacity of 1600 CC and above was reduced to 30 per cent.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/union-budget-2025-fm-sitharaman-exempts-basic-custom-duty-on-lifesaving-drugs-and-medicines-8680995" rel="dofollow">Union Budget 2025: 36 life saving drugs, medicines fully exempted from custom duty</a>
10. Shipbuilding Exemption on customs duty for ships and their parts has now been extended for 10 more years.&nbsp;
11. Space satellite equipment Customs duty imposed on the building of launch vehicles and launching of satellites, ground installation for satellites, including its spares and consumables, reduced to nil.
12. Shuttle less looms Customs duty on rapier looms and air jet looms, which are to be used in the textile industry, reduced from 7.5 per cent to nil
13. Waste and scrap of lithium Customs duty reduced on ion battery, lead, zinc, antimony, beryllium, bismuth, cobalt, cadmium, molybdenum, rhenium, tantalum, tin, tungsten, zirconium, and copper scrap reduced to nil
<h3>List of things that got costlier&nbsp;</h3>
1. Interactive flat display In the new budget regime, the customs duty has been increased to 20 per cent from 10 per cent, as the finance minister said that it is aimed at rectifying the inverted duty structure.
2. Knitted fabrics The customs duty on knitted fabrics has been hiked from 10 to 20 per cent.&nbsp;
3. Social Welfare Surcharge The exemption has been removed on 82 tariff lines currently under cess.
(With inputs from agencies)

Business & economy, india news: As the Union Budget 2025 was presented by FM Nirmala Sitharaman, it clarified what is cheaper now and what's expensive. 

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget on Saturday (Feb 1) for the fiscal year 2025-2026. It was her eighth consecutive Union Budget presentation, a record. This also takes her closer to the record made by former Prime Minister Morarji Desai, who presented 10 budgets across different terms. As the budget was put on the table, it clarified what is cheaper now and what's expensive. Also read: 'Tax simplification is complete': After Budget 2025, FM Sitharaman promises income tax reforms bill next week Here's a look at what's cheaper and what's costlier: List of things that got cheaper 1. Electronics Basic Customs Duty (BCD) on open cell for interactive flat panel display, touch glass sheet, and touch sensor for LED/LCD TVs reduced from 15 to five per cent. 2. Life-savings drugs A total of 36 drugs for cancer and rare diseases are exempted from BCD. 3. EV, phone batteries The list of exempted capital goods will include 35 new goods for electronic vehicle (EV) battery production and 28 new goods for mobile phone battery production. 4. Seafood In the new budget, customs duty on frozen fish paste is reduced from 30 to five per cent. Further, customs duty on fish hydrolysate for the manufacture of aquatic feed is reduced from 15 to five per cent. Also read: ‘Force multiplier’ for India’s growth: PM Modi applauds Union Budget 2025 5. Cobalt powder Customs duty was reduced from five per cent to nil. 6. Wet Blue leather Customs duty on wet blue weather was reduced from 10 per cent to nil. 7. Synthetic flavouring essences Customs duty on mixtures of odoriferous substances used in the food or drink industries was reduced from 100 to 20 per cent. 8. Mobile equipment Customs duty on inputs/sub-parts of the camera module, connectors, manufacture of wired headset, microphone and receiver, USB cable, fingerprint reader/ sensor of cellular mobile phone reduced from 2.5 per cent to nil. 9. Motorcycle imports Customs duty on engine capacity not exceeding 1600 CC was reduced to 40 per cent, semi-knocked down reduced to 20 per cent, and completely knocked down reduced to 10 per cent. Moreover, engine capacity of 1600 CC and above was reduced to 30 per cent. Also read: Union Budget 2025: 36 life saving drugs, medicines fully exempted from custom duty 10. Shipbuilding Exemption on customs duty for ships and their parts has now been extended for 10 more years. 11. Space satellite equipment Customs duty imposed on the building of launch vehicles and launching of satellites, ground installation for satellites, including its spares and consumables, reduced to nil. 12. Shuttle less looms Customs duty on rapier looms and air jet looms, which are to be used in the textile industry, reduced from 7.5 per cent to nil 13. Waste and scrap of lithium Customs duty reduced on ion battery, lead, zinc, antimony, beryllium, bismuth, cobalt, cadmium, molybdenum, rhenium, tantalum, tin, tungsten, zirconium, and copper scrap reduced to nil List of things that got costlier 1. Interactive flat display In the new budget regime, the customs duty has been increased to 20 per cent from 10 per cent, as the finance minister said that it is aimed at rectifying the inverted duty structure. 2. Knitted fabrics The customs duty on knitted fabrics has been hiked from 10 to 20 per cent. 3. Social Welfare Surcharge The exemption has been removed on 82 tariff lines currently under cess. (With inputs from agencies)

Union Budget 2025: What's cheaper and what's costlier? Here's a detailed list

In a new set of action taken against Chinese AI company which is making headlines for days now, the US Department of Defense has blocked the access to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/deepseek-ai" rel="dofollow">DeepSeek</a>.
This comes after it was discovered that US Congress employees had connected their work computers to the Chinese servers while using the AI service.&nbsp;
In a notice obtained by Axios, the Chief Administrative Officer said that DeepSeek is currently under review and unauthorised for official House use.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-looking-for-ai-winners-tracking-deepseek-success-8670201" rel="dofollow">India looking for AI winners tracking Deepseek success</a>
It further highlighted the risks associated with the Chinese AI bot and cited examples where "threat actors are already exploiting" the chatbot to deliver malicious software and infect devices.
For this, the US Congress immediately implemented security measures to restrict DeepSeek's functionality on all House-issued devices.&nbsp;
The employees at US Congress are now restricted from installing the app on official phones, computers and tablets.&nbsp;
Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-deepseek-ai-us-national-security-fears-over-american-user-data-us-ban-tiktok-8669146" rel="dofollow"> China's DeepSeek AI sparks national security fears over American user data: Will US ban it?</a>
However, despite the warnings, several staffers reportedly used the service for at least two days.&nbsp;
The official reason used by the US Congress was "operation reasons", however, the move came after concerns were raised about the potential security risks of using the Chinese AI app.&nbsp;
According to a Bloomberg report, the personnel began downloading earlier versions of DeepSeek's code to their workstations in the autumn of 2024, without realising that it is connected to Chinese servers.&nbsp;
According to the privacy policy of DeepSeek, the user data is stored in China and governed by Chinese law, which has been raising issues within the US Congress.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/openai-claims-chinese-rival-deepseek-trained-ai-chatbot-using-chatgpt-microsoft-investigates-8668642" rel="dofollow">OpenAI claims Chinese rival DeepSeek trained AI chatbot using ChatGPT; Microsoft investigates</a>
<h2>Navy banned use of DeepSeek</h2>
The US Navy on Tuesday issued a ban on the usage of DeepSeek. They issued a warning email to "shipmates" saying DeepSeek&rsquo;s AI was not to be used &ldquo;in any capacity&rdquo; due to &ldquo;potential security and ethical concerns associated with the model&rsquo;s origin and usage.&rdquo;
A spokesperson for the US Navy confirmed the authenticity of the email and said it was in reference to the Department of the Navy&rsquo;s Chief Information Officer&rsquo;s generative AI policy.
(With inputs from agencies)
&nbsp;

World: This comes after it was discovered that US Department of Defence employees had connected their work computers to the Chinese servers while using the AI service. 

In a new set of action taken against Chinese AI company which is making headlines for days now, the US Department of Defense has blocked the access to DeepSeek. This comes after it was discovered that US Congress employees had connected their work computers to the Chinese servers while using the AI service. In a notice obtained by Axios, the Chief Administrative Officer said that DeepSeek is currently under review and unauthorised for official House use. Also read: India looking for AI winners tracking Deepseek success It further highlighted the risks associated with the Chinese AI bot and cited examples where "threat actors are already exploiting" the chatbot to deliver malicious software and infect devices. For this, the US Congress immediately implemented security measures to restrict DeepSeek's functionality on all House-issued devices. The employees at US Congress are now restricted from installing the app on official phones, computers and tablets. Also read: China's DeepSeek AI sparks national security fears over American user data: Will US ban it? However, despite the warnings, several staffers reportedly used the service for at least two days. The official reason used by the US Congress was "operation reasons", however, the move came after concerns were raised about the potential security risks of using the Chinese AI app. According to a Bloomberg report, the personnel began downloading earlier versions of DeepSeek's code to their workstations in the autumn of 2024, without realising that it is connected to Chinese servers. According to the privacy policy of DeepSeek, the user data is stored in China and governed by Chinese law, which has been raising issues within the US Congress. Also read: OpenAI claims Chinese rival DeepSeek trained AI chatbot using ChatGPT; Microsoft investigates Navy banned use of DeepSeek The US Navy on Tuesday issued a ban on the usage of DeepSeek. They issued a warning email to "shipmates" saying DeepSeek’s AI was not to be used “in any capacity” due to “potential security and ethical concerns associated with the model’s origin and usage.” A spokesperson for the US Navy confirmed the authenticity of the email and said it was in reference to the Department of the Navy’s Chief Information Officer’s generative AI policy. (With inputs from agencies)

US Congress bans employees from using DeepSeek over potential security risks

The Israeli spyware company Paragon targeted nearly 100 journalists and other members of civil society using Meta's WhatsApp on Friday (Jan 31), an Israeli maker of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/hacking" rel="dofollow">hacking </a>software told the Guardian.&nbsp;
The journalists and other members were being alerted for a possible breach of their devices.&nbsp;
WhatsApp told the Guardian, that they had "high confidence" that the users in question had been targeted and "possibly compromised".&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/can-cia-read-your-whatapp-messages-this-is-what-mark-zuckerberg-has-to-say-8612166" rel="dofollow">Can CIA read your WhatsApp messages? This is what Mark Zuckerberg has to say...&nbsp;</a>
However, the social media giant refused to reveal where these journalists and members of the civil society were based.&nbsp;
<h2>'Cease-and-desist'</h2>
An official said that WhatsApp had sent Paragon a cease-and-desist letter after the hacking.&nbsp;
WhatsApp further said that the alleged attacks were stopped in December and that it was not clear how long the targets may have been under threat.&nbsp;
&ldquo;WhatsApp has disrupted a spyware campaign by Paragon that targeted a number of users including journalists and members of civil society. We&rsquo;ve reached out directly to people who we believe were affected. This is the latest example of why spyware companies must be held accountable for their unlawful actions," a company spokesperson said.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-judge-proclaims-pegasus-maker-nso-group-accountable-in-whatsapp-hacking-case-785916" rel="dofollow">Pegasus maker NSO group accountable in 'Whatsapp hacking case', rules US judge</a>
"Will continue to protect people's ability to communicate privately," the statement read.
Notably, Paragon's US office is located in Chantilly, Virginia. The spyware company has faced recent scrutiny after American magazine WIRED reported in October that it had entered into a USD 2 million contract with the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement&rsquo;s homeland security investigations division.
Later, the division issued a stop-work order for the contract to verify whether it complied with a Biden administration executive order that restricted the spyware usage by the federal government.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-based-nso-admits-hacking-1400-whatsapp-users-with-pegasus-spyware-unsealed-court-docs-reveal-776497" rel="dofollow">Israel-based NSO admits hacking 1,400 WhatsApp users with Pegasus spyware, unsealed court docs reveal</a>
The spyware is also known as Graphite. Once a phone gets hacked by Graphite, the operator of the spyware can access the phone completely, including reading the messages that are sent via encrypted applications like WhatsApp and Signal.
The social media further said that it believed that the so-called vector was through a malicious PDF file that was sent to the individuals after adding them to a group chat.&nbsp;
It added that they can say with "confidence" that Paragon was linked to this targeting.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

World, science & technology: WhatsApp told the Guardian, that they had "high confidence" that the users in question had been targeted and "possibly compromised". 

The Israeli spyware company Paragon targeted nearly 100 journalists and other members of civil society using Meta's WhatsApp on Friday (Jan 31), an Israeli maker of hacking software told the Guardian. The journalists and other members were being alerted for a possible breach of their devices. WhatsApp told the Guardian, that they had "high confidence" that the users in question had been targeted and "possibly compromised". Also read: Can CIA read your WhatsApp messages? This is what Mark Zuckerberg has to say... However, the social media giant refused to reveal where these journalists and members of the civil society were based. 'Cease-and-desist' An official said that WhatsApp had sent Paragon a cease-and-desist letter after the hacking. WhatsApp further said that the alleged attacks were stopped in December and that it was not clear how long the targets may have been under threat. “WhatsApp has disrupted a spyware campaign by Paragon that targeted a number of users including journalists and members of civil society. We’ve reached out directly to people who we believe were affected. This is the latest example of why spyware companies must be held accountable for their unlawful actions," a company spokesperson said. Also read: Pegasus maker NSO group accountable in 'Whatsapp hacking case', rules US judge "Will continue to protect people's ability to communicate privately," the statement read. Notably, Paragon's US office is located in Chantilly, Virginia. The spyware company has faced recent scrutiny after American magazine WIRED reported in October that it had entered into a USD 2 million contract with the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s homeland security investigations division. Later, the division issued a stop-work order for the contract to verify whether it complied with a Biden administration executive order that restricted the spyware usage by the federal government. Also read: Israel-based NSO admits hacking 1,400 WhatsApp users with Pegasus spyware, unsealed court docs reveal The spyware is also known as Graphite. Once a phone gets hacked by Graphite, the operator of the spyware can access the phone completely, including reading the messages that are sent via encrypted applications like WhatsApp and Signal. The social media further said that it believed that the so-called vector was through a malicious PDF file that was sent to the individuals after adding them to a group chat. It added that they can say with "confidence" that Paragon was linked to this targeting. (With inputs from agencies)

WhatsApp says nearly 100 journalists and civil society members targeted by Israeli spyware company Paragon

US President Donald Trump on Friday (Jan 31) said that the military helicopter was flying too high at the time of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/washington-plane-crash" rel="dofollow">Washington DC plane crash</a>, that killed 67 people on board.&nbsp;
In a Truth Social post, Trump said that the helicopter was far above the 200-foot limit.
"The Blackhawk helicopter was flying too high, by a lot. It was far above the 200-foot limit. That&rsquo;s not really too complicated to understand, is it???," he said in the post.&nbsp;
<iframe width="600" height="" style="max-width: 100%; border: 0;" src="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/113923147334338299/embed" class="truthsocial-embed" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
<script src="https://truthsocial.com/embed.js" async="async"></script>

More than 40 bodies have been recovered from the Potomac River, a law enforcement official reportedly told the Associated Press.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/washington-dc-plane-crash-black-boxes-recovered-from-crashed-plane-in-washington-us-media-trump-confirms-no-survivors-8676429" rel="dofollow">'Black boxes' recovered from Washington DC plane crash that killed 67</a>
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said that the black boxes onboard the Black Hawk helicopter have not yet been recovered.&nbsp;
&ldquo;That might tell us exactly who was piloting that Black Hawk," he said, adding, &ldquo;if any confusion was there at the end.&rdquo;
&ldquo;Someone was at the wrong altitude&rdquo; Hegseth added. &ldquo;The investigation will help us understand that. Was the BlackHawk too high, was it on course? Right now we don&rsquo;t know.&rdquo;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/figure-skating-champions-daughter-of-indian-immigrants-know-who-are-the-victims-of-washington-dc-plane-crash-8678185" rel="dofollow">Figure skating champions, daughter of Indian immigrants: Know who are the victims of Washington DC plane crash</a>
Currently, the US Federal Aviation Administration is restricting helicopter flights near Reagan National Airport indefinitely, a FAA official reportedly told Reuters.
National Transportation Safety Board member Todd Inman said on Friday that they have hundreds of people in this investigation.&nbsp;
&ldquo;Today will be yet another day of the teams going out there&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;They&rsquo;re out in the field. They&rsquo;re collecting data. They&rsquo;ve started interviews.&rdquo;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/washington-dc-plane-crash-latest-news-american-airlines-jet-black-hawk-helicopter-critical-failures-deadliest-us-air-disaster-in-24-years-8678043" rel="dofollow">Washington DC plane crash: How 'critical failures,' last-minute errors resulted in deadliest US air disaster in 24 years</a>
Earlier, Trump suggested that efforts to increase diversity at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) could have been a cause in the crash.
Moreover, the NTSB on Thursday announced that the flight data and cockpit voice recorders have been recovered from the passenger jet. The recording devices commonly known as black boxes were recovered from the crashed plane operated by an American Airlines subsidiary.
(With inputs from agencies)

World: Pete Hegseth said that the black boxes onboard the Black Hawk helicopter have not yet been recovered, adding, 'itt might tell us who was piloting that Black Hawk'.  

US President Donald Trump on Friday (Jan 31) said that the military helicopter was flying too high at the time of the Washington DC plane crash, that killed 67 people on board. In a Truth Social post, Trump said that the helicopter was far above the 200-foot limit. "The Blackhawk helicopter was flying too high, by a lot. It was far above the 200-foot limit. That’s not really too complicated to understand, is it???," he said in the post. More than 40 bodies have been recovered from the Potomac River, a law enforcement official reportedly told the Associated Press. Also read: 'Black boxes' recovered from Washington DC plane crash that killed 67 US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said that the black boxes onboard the Black Hawk helicopter have not yet been recovered. “That might tell us exactly who was piloting that Black Hawk," he said, adding, “if any confusion was there at the end.” “Someone was at the wrong altitude” Hegseth added. “The investigation will help us understand that. Was the BlackHawk too high, was it on course? Right now we don’t know.” Also read: Figure skating champions, daughter of Indian immigrants: Know who are the victims of Washington DC plane crash Currently, the US Federal Aviation Administration is restricting helicopter flights near Reagan National Airport indefinitely, a FAA official reportedly told Reuters. National Transportation Safety Board member Todd Inman said on Friday that they have hundreds of people in this investigation. “Today will be yet another day of the teams going out there” he said. “They’re out in the field. They’re collecting data. They’ve started interviews.” Also read: Washington DC plane crash: How 'critical failures,' last-minute errors resulted in deadliest US air disaster in 24 years Earlier, Trump suggested that efforts to increase diversity at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) could have been a cause in the crash. Moreover, the NTSB on Thursday announced that the flight data and cockpit voice recorders have been recovered from the passenger jet. The recording devices commonly known as black boxes were recovered from the crashed plane operated by an American Airlines subsidiary. (With inputs from agencies)

'Not too complicated to understand', Trump says helicopter involved in Washington crash was flying 'too high'

Tesla CEO <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-has-meta-agreed-to-pay-25-mn-to-us-president-trump-8669842">Elon Musk</a> has been nominated for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for advocating free speech by European Parliament member Branko Grims.&nbsp;
Grims said that a petition for the Tesla and SpaceX CEO&rsquo;s nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize had been submitted to the Norwegian Nobel Committee for Musk's contribution to the human rights of freedom of speech and peace.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musk-turns-washingtons-doge-office-into-his-bedroom-8678366" rel="dofollow">Elon Musk turns Washington's DOGE office into his bedroom</a>
<h2>'I don't want any prize'</h2>
However, Musk turned down the offer, saying that he was not interested in receiving the Nobel Peace Prize.&nbsp;
&ldquo;I don&rsquo;t want any prizes," Musk responded.&nbsp;
The billionaire is known for his outspoken behaviour, and his views on censorship and on the controversial acquisition of X.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musk-sam-altman-donald-trump-stargate-project-8656146" rel="dofollow">Musk's decade-old rivalry with Sam Altman creates hitch between Tesla CEO and Trump</a>
How Musk acquired Twitter in 2022 and its rebranding of X, has been seen as a revolutionary move in restoring speech.&nbsp;
As Musk took control of the X, he reversed bans on prominent conservative voices, rolled back content moderation policies and placed a strong emphasis on upholding free expression.&nbsp;
On the contrary, he has also witnessed criticism with some people accusing X of fostering information and harassment.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musk-news-today-joins-germany-afd-rally-germans-to-move-beyond-past-guilt-amid-nazi-salute-controversy-8654678" rel="dofollow">'Make Germany great again': Elon Musk urges Germans to move beyond 'past guilt'</a>
<h2>Netizens react&nbsp;</h2>
Musk's nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize has raised criticism on social media.&nbsp;
Some of the people pointed out that being nominated for such an award, does not hold much weight, as anyone can propose a nominee, and it's a process filled with questionable choices each year.&nbsp;
Meanwhile, others said that platforms like Twitter, now X, still censor certain topics&mdash;citing the ongoing debates about terms like &ldquo;cisgender.&rdquo;
(With inputs from agencies)

World, Trending: Billionaire Elon Musk turned down the offer made by European Parliament member Branko Grims, saying that he was not interested in receiving the Nobel Peace Prize. 

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has been nominated for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for advocating free speech by European Parliament member Branko Grims. Grims said that a petition for the Tesla and SpaceX CEO’s nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize had been submitted to the Norwegian Nobel Committee for Musk's contribution to the human rights of freedom of speech and peace. Also read: Elon Musk turns Washington's DOGE office into his bedroom 'I don't want any prize' However, Musk turned down the offer, saying that he was not interested in receiving the Nobel Peace Prize. “I don’t want any prizes," Musk responded. The billionaire is known for his outspoken behaviour, and his views on censorship and on the controversial acquisition of X. Also read: Musk's decade-old rivalry with Sam Altman creates hitch between Tesla CEO and Trump How Musk acquired Twitter in 2022 and its rebranding of X, has been seen as a revolutionary move in restoring speech. As Musk took control of the X, he reversed bans on prominent conservative voices, rolled back content moderation policies and placed a strong emphasis on upholding free expression. On the contrary, he has also witnessed criticism with some people accusing X of fostering information and harassment. Also read: 'Make Germany great again': Elon Musk urges Germans to move beyond 'past guilt' Netizens react Musk's nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize has raised criticism on social media. Some of the people pointed out that being nominated for such an award, does not hold much weight, as anyone can propose a nominee, and it's a process filled with questionable choices each year. Meanwhile, others said that platforms like Twitter, now X, still censor certain topics—citing the ongoing debates about terms like “cisgender.” (With inputs from agencies)

Elon Musk nominated for Nobel Peace Prize for 'free speech advocacy', billionaire turns down offer

Less than five days before the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/delhi-election" rel="dofollow">Delhi Assembly elections</a>, five Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLAs resigned from the primary membership of the party on Friday (Jan 31).&nbsp;
The MLAs who resigned are Naresh Yadav (Mehrauli), Rohit Kumar (Trilokpuri), Rajesh Rishi (Janakpuri), Madan Lal (Kasturba Nagar), Pawan Sharma (Adarsh Nagar), and Bhawna Goud (Palam).&nbsp;
Bhupinder Singh Joon was the first AAP MLA to put in his papers.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/aap-supremo-arvind-kejriwal-challenges-bjp-and-congress-leaders-to-drink-yamuna-water-8674533" rel="dofollow">AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal challenges BJP and Congress leaders to drink Yamuna water</a>
Palam MLA Bhawna Gaur, in a letter to the AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal said that she was quitting because she lost faith in him and the party.&nbsp;
"I hereby resign from the primary membership of the Aam Aadmi Party as I have lost faith in you and the party. Please accept the same," Bhawna Gaur and Madan Lal wrote in two separate letters.
All these MLAs have not been given a party ticket to contest the 2025 Delhi Assembly polls.&nbsp;
Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-assembly-polls-modi-hits-out-at-kejriwal-over-poisoning-yamuna-remark-8668256" rel="dofollow"> Delhi assembly polls: PM Modi hits out at Kejriwal over his &lsquo;poisoning Yamuna&rsquo; remark</a>
Notably, Naresh Yadav was earlier the Mehrauli candidate but &nbsp;AAP in its fifth list of candidates for the Delhi election, announced Mahender Chaudhary as its Mehrauli candidate. Yadav&nbsp;was convicted by a Punjab court in a Quran desecration case in December and sentenced to two-year jail.&nbsp;
Yadav in his resignation letter said the AAP abandoned its founding principle of "honest politics."&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-swati-maliwal-detained-after-dumping-garbage-outside-aap-leader-arvind-kejriwals-house-in-protest-8674995" rel="dofollow">Watch: Swati Maliwal detained after dumping garbage outside Kejriwal's house in protest</a>
He further alleged that the party, instead of fulfilling its pledge to reduce corruption, had "become entangled in the swamp of corruption itself".&nbsp;
The Aam Aadmi Party is yet to issue an official statement regarding the resignations.
(With inputs from agencies)
&nbsp;

India news: Palam MLA Bhawna Gaur, in a letter to the AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal said that she was quitting because she lost faith in him and the party. 

Less than five days before the Delhi Assembly elections, five Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLAs resigned from the primary membership of the party on Friday (Jan 31). The MLAs who resigned are Naresh Yadav (Mehrauli), Rohit Kumar (Trilokpuri), Rajesh Rishi (Janakpuri), Madan Lal (Kasturba Nagar), Pawan Sharma (Adarsh Nagar), and Bhawna Goud (Palam). Bhupinder Singh Joon was the first AAP MLA to put in his papers. Also read: AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal challenges BJP and Congress leaders to drink Yamuna water Palam MLA Bhawna Gaur, in a letter to the AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal said that she was quitting because she lost faith in him and the party. "I hereby resign from the primary membership of the Aam Aadmi Party as I have lost faith in you and the party. Please accept the same," Bhawna Gaur and Madan Lal wrote in two separate letters. All these MLAs have not been given a party ticket to contest the 2025 Delhi Assembly polls. Also read: Delhi assembly polls: PM Modi hits out at Kejriwal over his ‘poisoning Yamuna’ remark Notably, Naresh Yadav was earlier the Mehrauli candidate but AAP in its fifth list of candidates for the Delhi election, announced Mahender Chaudhary as its Mehrauli candidate. Yadav was convicted by a Punjab court in a Quran desecration case in December and sentenced to two-year jail. Yadav in his resignation letter said the AAP abandoned its founding principle of "honest politics." Also read: Watch: Swati Maliwal detained after dumping garbage outside Kejriwal's house in protest He further alleged that the party, instead of fulfilling its pledge to reduce corruption, had "become entangled in the swamp of corruption itself". The Aam Aadmi Party is yet to issue an official statement regarding the resignations. (With inputs from agencies)

'Lost faith in Kejriwal': 7 MLAs quit AAP just five days before Delhi election

Billionaire Elon Musk has taken his dedication to work in US President Donald Trump's administration, to new heights, as he is reportedly living in the Department of Government Efficiency's (<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/doge" rel="dofollow">DOGE</a>) headquarters in Washington DC, according to the American magazine WIRED.&nbsp;
Tesla and X CEO Musk has been living at DOGE's offices in the &nbsp;Eisenhower Executive Office Building, just some steps away from the White House.&nbsp;
Musk also claimed that he was invited to spend the night in the White House's Lincoln Bedroom, however, he chose to stay in the DOGE headquarters.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-administration-pulls-plug-on-funding-of-condoms-in-gaza-elon-musk-reacts-8664246" rel="dofollow">Donald Trump administration pulls plug on 'funding condoms in Gaza', Elon Musk reacts</a>
Reportedly, he made this decision to avoid a more formal relationship with Trump's team, after Chief of Staff Susie Wiles denied him office space in the West Wing, Daily Mail reported.&nbsp;
The world's richest man has been constantly showing dedication and commitment toward newly-sworn in president Trump and his administration.&nbsp;
He is also known for his 'hardcore' work habits and for demanding the same work ethics from his employees.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musks-doge-sued-soon-after-trumps-inauguration-8639018" rel="dofollow">Elon Musk's DOGE sued soon after Trump's inauguration</a>
Musk's primary role with the DOGE is to reduce unnecessary government spending. 'DOGE is saving the Federal Government approx. $1 billion/day, mostly from stopping the hiring of people into unnecessary positions, deletion of DEI and stopping improper payments to foreign organizations, all consistent with the President&rsquo;s Executive Orders,' DOGE said in a statement. 'A good start, though this number needs to increase to &gt; $3 billion/day.'
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/doge-chief-musk-wants-to-delete-irs-and-people-agree-with-him-779792" rel="dofollow">DOGE chief Musk wants to 'delete' IRS, and people agree with him</a>
<h2>Musk slept at Tesla factory&nbsp;</h2>
During the early days of Tesla, Musk slept on the factory floor during busy days, saying that it allowed his employees to see their leader's dedication.&nbsp;
"This is important because if the team thinks their leader is off somewhere having a good time, drinking Mai Tais on a tropical island... they knew I was there, and that made a huge difference," he said.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)
&nbsp;

World, trending: Tesla and X CEO Musk has been living at DOGE's offices in the  Eisenhower Executive Office Building, just some steps away from the White House. 

Billionaire Elon Musk has taken his dedication to work in US President Donald Trump's administration, to new heights, as he is reportedly living in the Department of Government Efficiency's (DOGE) headquarters in Washington DC, according to the American magazine WIRED. Tesla and X CEO Musk has been living at DOGE's offices in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, just some steps away from the White House. Musk also claimed that he was invited to spend the night in the White House's Lincoln Bedroom, however, he chose to stay in the DOGE headquarters. Also read: Donald Trump administration pulls plug on 'funding condoms in Gaza', Elon Musk reacts Reportedly, he made this decision to avoid a more formal relationship with Trump's team, after Chief of Staff Susie Wiles denied him office space in the West Wing, Daily Mail reported. The world's richest man has been constantly showing dedication and commitment toward newly-sworn in president Trump and his administration. He is also known for his 'hardcore' work habits and for demanding the same work ethics from his employees. Also read: Elon Musk's DOGE sued soon after Trump's inauguration Musk's primary role with the DOGE is to reduce unnecessary government spending. 'DOGE is saving the Federal Government approx. $1 billion/day, mostly from stopping the hiring of people into unnecessary positions, deletion of DEI and stopping improper payments to foreign organizations, all consistent with the President’s Executive Orders,' DOGE said in a statement. 'A good start, though this number needs to increase to > $3 billion/day.' Also read: DOGE chief Musk wants to 'delete' IRS, and people agree with him Musk slept at Tesla factory During the early days of Tesla, Musk slept on the factory floor during busy days, saying that it allowed his employees to see their leader's dedication. "This is important because if the team thinks their leader is off somewhere having a good time, drinking Mai Tais on a tropical island... they knew I was there, and that made a huge difference," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Elon Musk turns Washington's DOGE office into his bedroom

The recovery operations are still ongoing in the deadly <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/washington-plane-crash" rel="dofollow">Washington DC plane crash</a>, that killed 67 people on board on Thursday (Jan 30) after an American Airlines plane collided with a military helicopter.&nbsp;
The victims included figure skaters, their families, a young pilot, a lawyer travelling home on her birthday, and a daughter of Indian immigrants.&nbsp;
Some of the bodies of the victims have been recovered, while, the recovery operation is still underway to find the other bodies from the river.&nbsp;
<h2>Here are some of the victims of the deadly mid-air collission</h2>
<h2>Passenger plane crew</h2>
<h3>Jonathan J Campos&nbsp;</h3>
The plane's captain Jonathan J Campos, 34, always dreamt of becoming a pilot since he was three, his aunt told The New York Times.&nbsp;
"I think he wanted to be free and be able to fly and soar like a bird," said Beverly Lane.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/washington-dc-plane-crash-latest-news-american-airlines-jet-black-hawk-helicopter-critical-failures-deadliest-us-air-disaster-in-24-years-8678043" rel="dofollow">Washington DC plane crash: How 'critical failures,' last-minute errors resulted in deadliest US air disaster in 24 years</a>
Campos was raised in Brooklyn, New York, and worked for PSA Airlines for eight years.&nbsp;
<h3>Sam Lilley&nbsp;</h3>
Sam Lilley, a 28-year-old man, was engaged to be married and "Was just at the prime of his life", his father said.&nbsp;
Sam's father, Tim Lilley told NewsNation that his son got his piloting license in only a few years because he "pursued it with a vigor".&nbsp;
Meanwhile, his sister Tiffany, called him "an amazing person". "He loved people. He loved adventure. He loved traveling," she told ABC News.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/washington-dc-plane-crash-black-boxes-recovered-from-crashed-plane-in-washington-us-media-trump-confirms-no-survivors-8676429" rel="dofollow">'Black boxes' recovered from Washington DC plane crash that killed 67</a>
"He was so young, and he was excited about life and his future, getting a dog, a house, and kids. And it's just, this is just tragic," Tiffany said.&nbsp;
<h3>Ian Epstein</h3>
Epstein, a Virginia resident, was a flight attendant known for his ability to make people smile and for being "full of life," his family said.&nbsp;
"He loved being a flight attendant because he truly enjoyed traveling and meeting new people. But his true love was his family," the statement read.
53-year-old Epstein was a father, stepfather, husband, and a brother, his family said, adding that he will be "truly missed."
<h3>Danasia Elder</h3>
Elder was working as a flight attendant. Her brother-in-law Brandon Payne paid tribute to her and called her "full of life".&nbsp;
"She was a great wife, a great parent, a great friend," Payne said. "She was very bright, very smart... This flight attendant thing was kind of like one of her dreams she wanted to do."
<h2>Crew members of the helicopter&nbsp;</h2>
<h3>Ryan O'Hara</h3>
29-year-old Ryan O'Hara was the crew chief of the Black Hawk helicopter that collided mid-air with the passenger plane, CBS News reported.&nbsp;
He has a wife and a one-year-old son, his local Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) program said in a social media post confirming his death.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-we-know-about-washington-dc-plane-crash-deadliest-us-airline-crash-in-nearly-24-years-8676133" rel="dofollow">What we know about Washington DC plane crash, deadliest US air tragedy in nearly 24 years</a>
O'Hara is "fondly remembered as a guy who would fix things around the ROTC gym as well as a vital member of the rifle team," the post said.
<h3>Andrew Eaves</h3>
Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves confirmed that Chief Warrant Officer 2 Andrew Eaves was killed in the collision.&nbsp;
Carrie Eaves, his wife, confirmed that he was one of the pilots of the Blackhawk helicopter.&nbsp;
<h2>Passengers</h2>
<h3>Asra Hussain Raza</h3>
Indiana woman Asra Hussain Raza moved to the Washington DC area after receiving a master's degree in hospital management.&nbsp;
Raza was a daughter of Indian immigrants and was returning from a work trip where she was helping to improve a hospital that really needed help, her husband Hamaad Raza said.&nbsp;
She graduated with honors in 2020 from Indiana University and married her college sweetheart in August 2023
<h3>Michael Stovall and Jesse Pitcher</h3>
Stovall, also known as Mikey, was travelling home from an annual hunting trip with friends. His mother said her son was "the happiest person" who saw the good in everybody.&nbsp;
"Mikey did not have one enemy. If you see pictures of him... he was the life of the party. He loved everybody."
Pitcher was travelling with Stovall. His father Jameson Pitcher said that his 30-year-old son was from Maryland and got married last year and recently started his own business.&nbsp;
<h3>Pergentino N. Malabed</h3>
Philippine police confirmed the death of one of its officers, Malabed. A body carrying Col Malabed's passport was recovered from the Potomac, a police spokesman said.
He had travelled to the US with two other officers to test personnel vests the Phillippine police planned to buy and was on his way to the Philippine embassy in Washington.
<h3>Sarah Lee Best and Elizabeth Keys</h3>
Two lawyers from DC were also onboard the flight. 33-year-old Sarah was kind and hard-working, her husband Daniel Solomon told the Washington Post.
Mrs Best and Mr Solomon had planned to travel to Hawaii, where she was born, for their 10th wedding anniversary in May.
Meanwhile, Elizabeth Keys died on her birthday. Her partner said, she "always, always managed to have fun... no matter what she was doing."
<h2>Ice skaters on board the plane&nbsp;</h2>
<h3>Spencer Lane and Christine Lane</h3>
Ice skater Spencer Lane died alongside his mother Christine Lane, 49 while returning from a skate camp in Wichita.&nbsp;
They were among at least 14 other athletes and coaches who died.&nbsp;
His father said that his son was "a force of nature" who showed "drive and tenacity" to the sport.&nbsp;
"He trained at the Skating Club of Boston five days a week and attended high school online and just committed himself to it," Douglas Lane said.
<h3>Jinna Han and Jin Han</h3>
Jinna Han, 13, was also with her mother Jin, as she travelled to the skate camp.&nbsp;
Doug Zeghibe of the Skating Club of Boston called Jin a "wonderful, pleasant, polite" person.
"Never a discouraging word," he said. "Always appreciative, always supportive of not just Jinna, her daughter, but every athlete. Just role model parents in your sport, and you don't always get that."
<h3>Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov</h3>
Shishkova and Naumov, ice skating coaches, based in Russia, were confirmed dead by the Kremlin on Thursday.&nbsp;
Renowned skating coach and friend Rafael Arutyunyan told CNN that he had made his athletes train in silence after the crash as a mark of a respect.
"I know all these coaches," he said. "All of our community was respectful to them and liked them, so I feel it's they'll stay with us forever."
<h3>Olivia Ter</h3>
Ter, 20, was from Maryland and was among the US figure skaters aboard the flight.&nbsp;
"Olivia not only excelled in figure skating programs but inspired others through her talent, determination and sportsmanship," Prince George's County Parks and Recreation said in a statement, CBS reported.&nbsp;
Bill Tyler, the director of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission said that the impact of Olivia's life will continue to resonate in our youth sports community, and she will be "sorely missed".
<h3>Cory Haynos, Roger Haynos and Stephanie Branton Haynos</h3>
Haynos was travelling home from the US Ice Skating Championships with his parents, Roger and Branton.&nbsp;
"Roger has always inspired me by his absolute love for his family and dedication to providing only the best for his wife and kids," Matthew Alan LaRavier, Roger's cousin, said in a social media post.&nbsp;
"Cory was an amazing skater with a very bright future," he said. "We all were expecting Cory to represent our country in the US Olympics in the future."
(With inputs from agencies)

World: The victims included figure skaters, their families, a young pilot, a lawyer travelling home on her birthday, and a daughter of Indian immigrants. 

The recovery operations are still ongoing in the deadly Washington DC plane crash, that killed 67 people on board on Thursday (Jan 30) after an American Airlines plane collided with a military helicopter. The victims included figure skaters, their families, a young pilot, a lawyer travelling home on her birthday, and a daughter of Indian immigrants. Some of the bodies of the victims have been recovered, while, the recovery operation is still underway to find the other bodies from the river. Here are some of the victims of the deadly mid-air collission Passenger plane crew Jonathan J Campos The plane's captain Jonathan J Campos, 34, always dreamt of becoming a pilot since he was three, his aunt told The New York Times. "I think he wanted to be free and be able to fly and soar like a bird," said Beverly Lane. Also read: Washington DC plane crash: How 'critical failures,' last-minute errors resulted in deadliest US air disaster in 24 years Campos was raised in Brooklyn, New York, and worked for PSA Airlines for eight years. Sam Lilley Sam Lilley, a 28-year-old man, was engaged to be married and "Was just at the prime of his life", his father said. Sam's father, Tim Lilley told NewsNation that his son got his piloting license in only a few years because he "pursued it with a vigor". Meanwhile, his sister Tiffany, called him "an amazing person". "He loved people. He loved adventure. He loved traveling," she told ABC News. Also read: 'Black boxes' recovered from Washington DC plane crash that killed 67 "He was so young, and he was excited about life and his future, getting a dog, a house, and kids. And it's just, this is just tragic," Tiffany said. Ian Epstein Epstein, a Virginia resident, was a flight attendant known for his ability to make people smile and for being "full of life," his family said. "He loved being a flight attendant because he truly enjoyed traveling and meeting new people. But his true love was his family," the statement read. 53-year-old Epstein was a father, stepfather, husband, and a brother, his family said, adding that he will be "truly missed." Danasia Elder Elder was working as a flight attendant. Her brother-in-law Brandon Payne paid tribute to her and called her "full of life". "She was a great wife, a great parent, a great friend," Payne said. "She was very bright, very smart... This flight attendant thing was kind of like one of her dreams she wanted to do." Crew members of the helicopter Ryan O'Hara 29-year-old Ryan O'Hara was the crew chief of the Black Hawk helicopter that collided mid-air with the passenger plane, CBS News reported. He has a wife and a one-year-old son, his local Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) program said in a social media post confirming his death. Also read: What we know about Washington DC plane crash, deadliest US air tragedy in nearly 24 years O'Hara is "fondly remembered as a guy who would fix things around the ROTC gym as well as a vital member of the rifle team," the post said. Andrew Eaves Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves confirmed that Chief Warrant Officer 2 Andrew Eaves was killed in the collision. Carrie Eaves, his wife, confirmed that he was one of the pilots of the Blackhawk helicopter. Passengers Asra Hussain Raza Indiana woman Asra Hussain Raza moved to the Washington DC area after receiving a master's degree in hospital management. Raza was a daughter of Indian immigrants and was returning from a work trip where she was helping to improve a hospital that really needed help, her husband Hamaad Raza said. She graduated with honors in 2020 from Indiana University and married her college sweetheart in August 2023 Michael Stovall and Jesse Pitcher Stovall, also known as Mikey, was travelling home from an annual hunting trip with friends. His mother said her son was "the happiest person" who saw the good in everybody. "Mikey did not have one enemy. If you see pictures of him... he was the life of the party. He loved everybody." Pitcher was travelling with Stovall. His father Jameson Pitcher said that his 30-year-old son was from Maryland and got married last year and recently started his own business. Pergentino N. Malabed Philippine police confirmed the death of one of its officers, Malabed. A body carrying Col Malabed's passport was recovered from the Potomac, a police spokesman said. He had travelled to the US with two other officers to test personnel vests the Phillippine police planned to buy and was on his way to the Philippine embassy in Washington. Sarah Lee Best and Elizabeth Keys Two lawyers from DC were also onboard the flight. 33-year-old Sarah was kind and hard-working, her husband Daniel Solomon told the Washington Post. Mrs Best and Mr Solomon had planned to travel to Hawaii, where she was born, for their 10th wedding anniversary in May. Meanwhile, Elizabeth Keys died on her birthday. Her partner said, she "always, always managed to have fun... no matter what she was doing." Ice skaters on board the plane Spencer Lane and Christine Lane Ice skater Spencer Lane died alongside his mother Christine Lane, 49 while returning from a skate camp in Wichita. They were among at least 14 other athletes and coaches who died. His father said that his son was "a force of nature" who showed "drive and tenacity" to the sport. "He trained at the Skating Club of Boston five days a week and attended high school online and just committed himself to it," Douglas Lane said. Jinna Han and Jin Han Jinna Han, 13, was also with her mother Jin, as she travelled to the skate camp. Doug Zeghibe of the Skating Club of Boston called Jin a "wonderful, pleasant, polite" person. "Never a discouraging word," he said. "Always appreciative, always supportive of not just Jinna, her daughter, but every athlete. Just role model parents in your sport, and you don't always get that." Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov Shishkova and Naumov, ice skating coaches, based in Russia, were confirmed dead by the Kremlin on Thursday. Renowned skating coach and friend Rafael Arutyunyan told CNN that he had made his athletes train in silence after the crash as a mark of a respect. "I know all these coaches," he said. "All of our community was respectful to them and liked them, so I feel it's they'll stay with us forever." Olivia Ter Ter, 20, was from Maryland and was among the US figure skaters aboard the flight. "Olivia not only excelled in figure skating programs but inspired others through her talent, determination and sportsmanship," Prince George's County Parks and Recreation said in a statement, CBS reported. Bill Tyler, the director of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission said that the impact of Olivia's life will continue to resonate in our youth sports community, and she will be "sorely missed". Cory Haynos, Roger Haynos and Stephanie Branton Haynos Haynos was travelling home from the US Ice Skating Championships with his parents, Roger and Branton. "Roger has always inspired me by his absolute love for his family and dedication to providing only the best for his wife and kids," Matthew Alan LaRavier, Roger's cousin, said in a social media post. "Cory was an amazing skater with a very bright future," he said. "We all were expecting Cory to represent our country in the US Olympics in the future." (With inputs from agencies)

Figure skating champions, daughter of Indian immigrants: Know who are the victims of Washington DC plane crash

The Budget Session of Parliament will kick off on Friday (Jan 31) as President Droupadi Murmu will address both Houses of Parliament. The Union Budget 2025 is expected to be presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1.&nbsp;
The first part of the Budget session of the Parliament will begin on January 31 and conclude on February 13, while the second part of the session is scheduled to commence on March 10 and conclude on April 4.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/union-budget-2025-prime-ministers-who-presented-union-budget-8675171" rel="dofollow">Union Budget 2025: Prime Ministers who presented Union Budget</a>
<h2>What is going to happen in Parliament tomorrow?</h2>
Half an hour after President Murmu's address, the Rajya Sabha will hold a separate sitting for the transaction of Government Business, according to a parliamentary bulletin issued on Tuesday.&nbsp;
Further, February 3-5 have been provisionally allotted for discussion on the vote of thanks for the President's address, to be moved by one member of parliament and seconded by another.&nbsp;
The Centre is all set to present the first full Budget of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's third consecutive term in office.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/list-of-finance-ministers-who-have-presented-the-union-budget-from-1947-to-2025-8675173" rel="dofollow">List of finance ministers who presented the Union Budget from 1947 to 2025</a>
Earlier today, an all-party meeting was convened by the Centre ahead of the Budget Session.&nbsp;
Congress leader Pramod Tiwari said the Opposition INDIA Bloc will raise &ldquo;all the issues together&rdquo; and listed "rising unemployment", the &ldquo;plight&rdquo; of farmers, and &ldquo;the politicisation of Kumbh&rdquo;, and the alleged preferential treatment for VIPs.
Moreover, the opposition is likely to unite on a few issues, such as the state of the economy and India's preparedness to deal with the likely impact of Trump's policies on immigration, visas, and tariffs.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/budget-2025-comparing-indias-tax-structure-to-other-asian-economies-8674012" rel="dofollow">Budget 2025: Comparing India's tax structure to other Asian economies</a>
<h2>What is the Union Budget 2025?</h2>
The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/union-budget-2025-date-time-when-and-where-to-watch-live-8668228">Union Budget </a>2025 is an annual financial statement that will provide a proposal of expenditures and revenues of the federal government for the next fiscal year, starting April 1, 2025, till March 31, 2026.&nbsp;
Since 2019, various government policies on fiscal, spending, income, and economy have been included in the budget paper, which is also called the bahi-khaata.
Notably, this will be Sitharaman's eighth consecutive budget presentation, and she will become the first Finance Minister to achieve this feat.&nbsp;
The budget presentation will be broadcast on the official TV channels of the government, Doordarshan and Sansad TV.
Moreover, the budget speech will also be streamed on the official YouTube channels of the government.
(With inputs from agencies)

Business & Economy, india News: The first part of the Budget session of the Parliament will begin on January 31 and conclude on February 13, while the second part of the session will commence on March 10.

The Budget Session of Parliament will kick off on Friday (Jan 31) as President Droupadi Murmu will address both Houses of Parliament. The Union Budget 2025 is expected to be presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1. The first part of the Budget session of the Parliament will begin on January 31 and conclude on February 13, while the second part of the session is scheduled to commence on March 10 and conclude on April 4. Also read: Union Budget 2025: Prime Ministers who presented Union Budget What is going to happen in Parliament tomorrow? Half an hour after President Murmu's address, the Rajya Sabha will hold a separate sitting for the transaction of Government Business, according to a parliamentary bulletin issued on Tuesday. Further, February 3-5 have been provisionally allotted for discussion on the vote of thanks for the President's address, to be moved by one member of parliament and seconded by another. The Centre is all set to present the first full Budget of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's third consecutive term in office. Also read: List of finance ministers who presented the Union Budget from 1947 to 2025 Earlier today, an all-party meeting was convened by the Centre ahead of the Budget Session. Congress leader Pramod Tiwari said the Opposition INDIA Bloc will raise “all the issues together” and listed "rising unemployment", the “plight” of farmers, and “the politicisation of Kumbh”, and the alleged preferential treatment for VIPs. Moreover, the opposition is likely to unite on a few issues, such as the state of the economy and India's preparedness to deal with the likely impact of Trump's policies on immigration, visas, and tariffs. Also read: Budget 2025: Comparing India's tax structure to other Asian economies What is the Union Budget 2025? The Union Budget 2025 is an annual financial statement that will provide a proposal of expenditures and revenues of the federal government for the next fiscal year, starting April 1, 2025, till March 31, 2026. Since 2019, various government policies on fiscal, spending, income, and economy have been included in the budget paper, which is also called the bahi-khaata. Notably, this will be Sitharaman's eighth consecutive budget presentation, and she will become the first Finance Minister to achieve this feat. The budget presentation will be broadcast on the official TV channels of the government, Doordarshan and Sansad TV. Moreover, the budget speech will also be streamed on the official YouTube channels of the government. (With inputs from agencies)

Budget Session begins tomorrow, President Murmu to address both Houses of Parliament

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