Wait time visitor visa appointment for the United States down by 75%. The wait time reduced from 1000 days to 250 days. US visa records increase staffing, innovations and efficiency. The student visas recorded for the highest for 3rd time in a row. Watch to know more!

US issues record 1.4 million visas to Indians in 2023; wait time reduced from 1000 days to 250 days

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The Maldives Opposition looks all set to impeach President Mohamed Muizzu just months after he came to power. The newly elected president has invited the ire of Maldives' political leaders over his anti-India moves recently. As Muizzu continues to cosy up to China, will it cost him the job?

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Indian external affairs minister talks about India's ties with neighbouring countries. Meanwhile, Madlivian opposition party leader asks Muizzu to apologise to Indian Prime Minister.

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A nearly two-month-long dry period came to an end on Sunday when the upper portions of India's Kashmir valley finally saw some light snowfall. The snowfall came much to the delight of both locals and visitors. According to the most recent reports, there was light to moderate snowfall in places like Gul-marg and Sonamarg. Watch to know more!

India: Snowfall blankets J&K, Gulmarg becomes a magnet for tourists

This is the second suicide reported in Kota in January. The victim expressed her inability to cope with the exam pressure. 22 students committed suicide in Kota in 2023. The victim was preparing for joint entrance examination. Watch to know more!

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An Indian representative attended a meeting convened by the Taliban government in Kabul even though New Delhi does not officially recognise the administration.

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Indian Navy has rescued an Iranian vessel from Somalian pirates in the high seas. Over the weekend, Indian Navy helped a British tanker that caught fire after being attacked by the Houthis. The Indian Navy rescued a hijacked Iranian fishing vessel, Iman, in the Arabian Sea. The vessel was allegedly hijacked by Somalian pirates

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As Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav was questioned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for around nine hours in connection with the land-for-job&nbsp;scam case on Monday (Jan 29), his daughter Misa Bharti, hit out at the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Centre, saying that the actions by the probe agency against his father reflects that the central government is 'afraid' of him.

A large number of RJD workers were present after the RJD supremo came out of the probe agency's office in Patna.

"He (Lalu) cannot eat himself, someone will have to feed him. We do not know whether he has eaten or not. No ED official is ready to speak. Since elections are near, the PM is scared and will do such things only. This government can (arrest) my father also, but what will they get by arresting a sick man," Misa said.

Earlier on Monday, Lalu Yadav arrived at the ED office for questioning in connection with the alleged land-for-job&nbsp;scam scam.

A large number of RJD workers were present outside the office to protest the questioning of their party's national president.

An RJD worker said that the Central government is harassing their leader in a bid to prevent them from making strategies for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

"These people do not have any other weapon. The government is harassing these people for the upcoming elections of 2024 so that they are not able to make strategies," she said."The more Lalu Yadav is being harassed, the stronger the workers are becoming. None of us is afraid," the RJD supporter added.

Manoj Kumar Jha, RJD Rajya Sabha MP, has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of politically targeting its rivals using government agencies.

"This is not an ED summon, but a BJP summon. This will go on till 2024; until then, please do not call it ED summons. Why should we be scared?" Jha said.

The BJP, which on Sunday became part of the state government after Nitish Kumar switched sides, claimed that corruption was deep in the RJD.

"People of the country know that these (Lalu Yadav) are corrupt people. Corruption is a jewel for them. I want to urge Tejashwi Yadav to tell the youth of Bihar the system of how to become millionaires within one and a half years," Bihar BJP unit chief and now state Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chowdhary said.

Former Bihar Chief Minister and Rashtriya Janata Dal supremo Lalu Yadav's daughter Misa Bharti on Monday alleged that she was prevented from entering the office of the Enforcement Directorate along with her ailing father, who had undergone a kidney transplant surgery and can't stand or sit on his own.

Misa Bharti accompanied her father when he appeared before the federal agency here in connection with the alleged land-for-job&nbsp;scam.

"I was not allowed to enter with my father", Misa, surrounded by scores of RJD supporters, told reporters outside ED's office.

"People across the country know that Lalu ji is not well, he has undergone a kidney transplant, he is suffering from many diseases, and the biggest one is the age factor," Misa said after offering prayers at Shakti Dham Temple.

However, later, she said that she was allowed to give medicines to her father, Lalu.

Apart from Misa, Lalu's other daughter, Rohini Acharya, too, alleged that her sister was not allowed to enter the ED's office to accompany her father.

"Inhuman behaviour by Ed officers shame on you and your master. Everyone knows father's condition, he can't walk without support, yet they pushed him inside the gate without his help even after requesting it, he did not let him go, either Misa Di or one of his assistants..pls help me," Rohini said in her social media post on X.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indias-law-enforcement-agency-grills-lalu-prasad-yadav-questioned-for-nearly-10-hours-684996">Watch |&nbsp;India's Law Enforcement Agency grills Lalu Prasad Yadav for hours&nbsp;</a>

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Lalu is being quizzed for his alleged involvement in the land-for-job&nbsp;scam. The alleged scam occurred when Lalu Yadav was Railway Minister between 2004 and 2009. Apart from the RJD national president, the chargesheet also includes the name of the then Railway General Manager.

In lieu of getting them appointed in the Railways, Lalu Prasad Yadav allegedly got lands transferred owned by candidates and their family members in the names of his wife Rabri Devi and daughter Misa Bharti for sale consideration, which was much less than the prevailing circle rates as well as the prevailing market rates.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-cbi-gets-nod-to-prosecute-rjd-chief-lalu-yadav-in-land-for-job-scam-552482">Also read |&nbsp;India: CBI gets nod to prosecute RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav in land-for-job scam</a>

The CBI filed the chargesheet in October last year against former Bihar chief ministers Lalu Prasad, Rabri Devi, their daughter Misa Bharti, and 13 others in the land-for-jobs scam.

According to the CBI, the people were first recruited as substitutes in Group D posts in the Railways and were regularised when their families made a land deal. The CBI is probing the allegations of taking land for a bribe in lieu of a job in the Railways.

At the same time, ED is investigating the case of money laundering. The CBI also filed a chargesheet in this case.&nbsp;

As Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav was questioned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for around nine hours in connection with the land-for-job scam case on Monday (Jan 29), his daughter Misa Bharti, hit out at the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Centre, saying that the actions by the probe agency against his father reflects that the central government is 'afraid' of him.

As Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav was questioned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for around nine hours in connection with the land-for-job scam case on Monday (Jan 29), his daughter Misa Bharti, hit out at the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Centre, saying that the actions by the probe agency against his father reflects that the central government is 'afraid' of him. A large number of RJD workers were present after the RJD supremo came out of the probe agency's office in Patna. "He (Lalu) cannot eat himself, someone will have to feed him. We do not know whether he has eaten or not. No ED official is ready to speak. Since elections are near, the PM is scared and will do such things only. This government can (arrest) my father also, but what will they get by arresting a sick man," Misa said. Earlier on Monday, Lalu Yadav arrived at the ED office for questioning in connection with the alleged land-for-job scam scam. A large number of RJD workers were present outside the office to protest the questioning of their party's national president. An RJD worker said that the Central government is harassing their leader in a bid to prevent them from making strategies for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. "These people do not have any other weapon. The government is harassing these people for the upcoming elections of 2024 so that they are not able to make strategies," she said."The more Lalu Yadav is being harassed, the stronger the workers are becoming. None of us is afraid," the RJD supporter added. Manoj Kumar Jha, RJD Rajya Sabha MP, has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of politically targeting its rivals using government agencies. "This is not an ED summon, but a BJP summon. This will go on till 2024; until then, please do not call it ED summons. Why should we be scared?" Jha said. The BJP, which on Sunday became part of the state government after Nitish Kumar switched sides, claimed that corruption was deep in the RJD. "People of the country know that these (Lalu Yadav) are corrupt people. Corruption is a jewel for them. I want to urge Tejashwi Yadav to tell the youth of Bihar the system of how to become millionaires within one and a half years," Bihar BJP unit chief and now state Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chowdhary said. Former Bihar Chief Minister and Rashtriya Janata Dal supremo Lalu Yadav's daughter Misa Bharti on Monday alleged that she was prevented from entering the office of the Enforcement Directorate along with her ailing father, who had undergone a kidney transplant surgery and can't stand or sit on his own. Misa Bharti accompanied her father when he appeared before the federal agency here in connection with the alleged land-for-job scam. "I was not allowed to enter with my father", Misa, surrounded by scores of RJD supporters, told reporters outside ED's office. "People across the country know that Lalu ji is not well, he has undergone a kidney transplant, he is suffering from many diseases, and the biggest one is the age factor," Misa said after offering prayers at Shakti Dham Temple. However, later, she said that she was allowed to give medicines to her father, Lalu. Apart from Misa, Lalu's other daughter, Rohini Acharya, too, alleged that her sister was not allowed to enter the ED's office to accompany her father. "Inhuman behaviour by Ed officers shame on you and your master. Everyone knows father's condition, he can't walk without support, yet they pushed him inside the gate without his help even after requesting it, he did not let him go, either Misa Di or one of his assistants..pls help me," Rohini said in her social media post on X. Watch | India's Law Enforcement Agency grills Lalu Prasad Yadav for hours × Lalu is being quizzed for his alleged involvement in the land-for-job scam. The alleged scam occurred when Lalu Yadav was Railway Minister between 2004 and 2009. Apart from the RJD national president, the chargesheet also includes the name of the then Railway General Manager. In lieu of getting them appointed in the Railways, Lalu Prasad Yadav allegedly got lands transferred owned by candidates and their family members in the names of his wife Rabri Devi and daughter Misa Bharti for sale consideration, which was much less than the prevailing circle rates as well as the prevailing market rates. Also read | India: CBI gets nod to prosecute RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav in land-for-job scam The CBI filed the chargesheet in October last year against former Bihar chief ministers Lalu Prasad, Rabri Devi, their daughter Misa Bharti, and 13 others in the land-for-jobs scam. According to the CBI, the people were first recruited as substitutes in Group D posts in the Railways and were regularised when their families made a land deal. The CBI is probing the allegations of taking land for a bribe in lieu of a job in the Railways. At the same time, ED is investigating the case of money laundering. The CBI also filed a chargesheet in this case.

Land-for-job scam: ED questions RJD supremo Lalu Yadav for over 9 hours

In the backdrop of the huge setback for the I.N.D.I.A. Alliance with Nitish Kumar jumping ship, India's opposition and Indian National Congress leader Rahul Gandhi resumed his Unity and Justice march after a two-day break and there are visible signals that it is fraught with troubles. Watch to know more!

India: Opposition leaders resumes Unity & Justice March with West Bengal

India has emerged as a formidable force in the global tourism arena, clinching the title of the fifth-largest contributor to the United States' tourism influx and showcasing a projected 30% surge in 2024. India's rising economic influence is propelled by an expanding middle class and a surge of enthusiastic young travelers.

Indians now the fifth-largest contributor to US tourism

With the Indian government focusing on big-ticket infrastructure projects, India's upcoming budget is likely to maintain the focus on capital expenditure. In the current fiscal year, the government intends to spend about $120 billion.

India Budget 2024: Capital expenditure to get a boost in interim budget?

Janata Dal (United) President Nitish Kumar quit the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) in Bihar on Sunday (Jan 28) and submitted his resignation as chief minister to Governor Rajendra Arlekar at the Raj Bhavan. Watch to know more!

JDU Chief Nitish Kumar returns to NDA fold, Opposition I.N.D.I.A alliance in tatters

In the backdrop of the huge setback for the I.N.D.I.A. Alliance with Nitish Kumar jumping ship, India's opposition and Indian national congress leader Rahul Gandhi resumed his unity and justice march after a two-day break and there are visible signals that it is fraught with troubles. Watch to know more!

India: Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi Unity and Justice march to enter Bihar on January 29

The Beating Retreat ceremony is a significant event that marks the culmination of the Republic Day celebrations in India. It takes place on the evening of January 29, three days after Republic Day. The ceremony held at Kartavya Path in New Delhi and featured spectacular display of military precision, musical prowess, and cultural diversity. Watch to know more!

India: 'Beating the Retreat' ceremony marks end of Republic Day celebrations

Fresh snowfall in the higher reaches of India’s Kashmir Valley has broken one of the longest dry spells of around two months this season. Tourists revel in snowfall, capture memorable moments. Hope for a revival of winter tourism in Gulmarg. Most of the higher reaches, including tourist spots like Gulmarg, Sonmarg and DoodhPathri received fresh snowfall. Watch to know more!

India: Amid snowfall J&K's Gulmarg becomes a magnet for tourists

After the first Test between India and England, in Hyderabad, which saw Ben Stokes & Co. stun India by 28 runs, here is a list comprising teams with most Test wins on Indian soil .

Teams with most Test wins in India

India and France's defence ties are soaring. The two countries are inking new defence pacts. The move comes amid Macron's latest visit to India. What is the new Defence Space Agreement between India & France?

Will India & France launch military satellites with offensive & defensive capabilities?

Why Nitish Kumar's exit is a big blow for I.N.D.I.A. bloc & a huge gain for the BJP government. Janata Dal (United) President Nitish Kumar quit the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) in Bihar on Sunday (Jan 28) and submitted his resignation as chief minister to Governor Rajendra Arlekar at the Raj Bhavan.

India: JDU chief Nitish Kumar teams up with BJP | Opposition denies move could hurt I.N.D.I.A Bloc

India's Meteorological department forecasts very dense fog. Heavy rainfall or snowfall predicted in Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh. North India battles extreme winter conditions. Watch to know more!

India's Met department forecasts very dense fog, orange alert in UP,  Bihar

Fog spreads across 2,500 km area from Lahore to Dhaka. Northern India facing severe cold days. Extensive fog affect transport facilities in Northern India. Low visibility due to the dense fog was reported from several areas. Watch to know more!

North India battles extreme weather conditions; Orange alert issued in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar

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