Today’s Top 10 News: From Jaishankar’s assertion on India’s firm stance toward China to Shakira’s record-breaking song ‘Out of Your League,’ here are the top picks for you
Today’s Top 10 News: DNP News brings to you top 10 breaking stories of the day to keep you abreast of all the latest developments from India and around the world.
1. S. Jaishankar asserts that India has replied to China resolutely
S. Jaishankar, the minister of external affairs, stated on Saturday that despite the pandemic, India’s counter-response to China’s attempt to alter the status quo along the border in May 2020 was firm and forceful. Mr. Jaishankar claimed that China was attempting to alter the status quo by sending in sizable forces in breach of agreements while speaking at the 53rd annual conference of Thuglak magazine here. He claimed that even in the worst and nastiest weather, the Indian military stationed along the border kept the frontiers secure.
2. Joshimath: ISRO removes report, government orders top experts to avoid speaking to the media
Due to their “interpretation of the situation,” which is “creating confusion not only among affected residents but also among citizens of the country,” the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has ordered a dozen government institutions and scientific organisations to refrain from speaking with the media or posting information on social media about ground subsidence at Joshimath in Uttarakhand.
3. Goyal pledges to take tough measures against dishonest FCI officials
Union Food Minister Piyush Goyal stated on Saturday that harsh punishment will be taken against anybody found to be involved in corruption, despite the CBI recently conducting raids on multiple Food Corporation of India (FCI) offices and filing complaints against senior executives. Speaking to employees on the FCI’s 59th Foundation Day, Mr. Goyal pledged that the organisation would have a zero-tolerance stance for corruption and would institutionalise a system to reward informants. According to the Minister, FCI should undergo its transition quickly so that it can continue to assist the nation’s citizens, the impoverished, and farmers. He requested that the Department of Food and Public Distribution’s Secretary keep him apprised of the progress of the reform of FCI and Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC) every two weeks. According to him, police who refuse to assist or hold up the transition process must face strict punishment.
Braving the cold and incessant rains, hundreds of villagers assembled at a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) camp in Jammu’s Sunderbani, close to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), to learn how to fire a weapon in self-defence.
5. President Wickremesinghe: Japan debt restructuring negotiations with Sri Lanka are over
President Ranil Wickremesinghe stated on January 14 that Sri Lanka has finished debt restructuring talks with Japan and will continue to do so with India this month as the cash-strapped nation attempts to find a way out of its worst financial crisis. In order for Colombo to receive the bailout package, which is a requirement for the crisis-hit island nation to obtain a $2.9 billion bridge loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Colombo has been attempting to obtain financial assurances from its principal creditors, China, Japan, and India.
6. Russian forces launch an attack on Kharkiv, Lviv, and Kyiv in Ukraine
On Saturday, Ukraine experienced a number of military assaults by Russia in various locations, including Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Lviv. Local authorities said that vital infrastructure sites were hit by Russian missiles in the eastern and western Ukrainian districts of Kharkiv and Lviv, respectively. The mayor of Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, reported that explosions could be heard throughout the city and that air defences were interacting with targets.
7. Rates might remain high for a while if the war in Ukraine goes on: Shaktikanta Das
Shaktikanta Das, governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), said that if the Ukraine conflict stays in place without any new flashpoints, interest rates could remain high for a long time. However, he did not completely rule out a quicker adjustment to supply chain problems that could reduce inflation and, consequently, the cost of funds. If the geopolitical crisis continues the way it is, it could be a situation of “high for long,” not just for the US but for the entire world, Das said Saturday at a Business Today event. “I would like to qualify that this is not an indication of what the monetary policy committee will do (at its rate-review meet) in February,” Das said.
8. Cement demand is strong and prices are stable in the country
Cement appears to be in high demand across the nation, and prices are predicted to hold steady. While Centrum Broking’s cement channel suggests that a price increase may be on the horizon. In the northern region, there are evidence that the cement industry is recovering. The volumes of Ultra Tech and Shree Simmons are higher in the market, according to dealers in the northern region. The dealers claim that after acquiring Ambuja and ACC, the Adani group’s operations have not changed significantly. The fact that Ambuja hasn’t allowed fresh sales into that trade has led to a decline in their revenue. Demand has been strong in the eastern region over the past few months and is anticipated to continue until the summer season.
9. 3rd ODI between India and Sri Lanka: Indian cricketers vying for spots in starting XI
The Indian squad has begun its journey to the ODI World Cup, which will be held at home later this year, in impressive fashion. Due to the Men in Blue’s victories in the first two games of the three-match ODI series versus Sri Lanka, Sunday’s third game at Greenfield Stadium will be a meaningless contest. The insignificant game, however, is really important to the vast majority of participants. As the Indian players compete for a spot in that World Cup squad, the rivalry is fierce, but it comes more from within than from their competitors.
10. Breaking YouTube records, Shakira’s song “Out of Your League,” which makes fun of her ex-boyfriend Gerard Pique, is the most popular Latin music in the platform’s history
The most viewed new Latin song in YouTube history, singer Shakira’s new song appears to make fun of her ex-boyfriend Gerard Pique and has amassed over 63 million views. Pique, a former football player for Barcelona, Manchester United, and the Spanish national team, and Shakira split up last year after dating for 12 years. Together, they are parents to two kids. Pique and Clara Chia are now dating.
