The suspect responsible for the deadly vehicle attack in New Orleans that left 15 people dead has been identified as a 42-year-old US citizen from Texas named Shamsud-Din Jabbar. The FBI has found an Islamic State group flag in the vehicle and is investigating the attack as an act of terrorism. However, investigators believe the suspect may not have acted alone and are also looking into possible connections with the explosion of a Tesla Cybertruck outside the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas. Additionally, car-sharing app Turo, through which the trucks were rented, is cooperating with authorities in the investigation.
During a news conference in Mar-a-Lago, President-elect Donald Trump announced his plan to change the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America. Trump believes that the new name has a "beautiful ring" and is more appropriate, especially given the current state of relations between the US and Mexico. While this isn't the first time renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America has been proposed, Trump's announcement has caused controversy and garnered attention.
The nation bids farewell to former President Jimmy Carter as his funeral procession takes place from the U.S. Navy Memorial to the Capitol in Washington D.C. The event was attended by many political figures and members of the public, paying their respects to the late President. Despite the solemn atmosphere, the streets were lined with people celebrating Carter's life and legacy.
Union Minister of Education Dharmendra Pradhan has released the draft guidelines for the UGC (Minimum Qualifications for Appointment of Teachers and Academic Staff in Universities and Colleges and Measures for the Maintenance of Standards in Higher Education) Regulations, 2025. These new regulations aim to bring flexibility, inclusivity, and excellence in faculty recruitment and career progression in Indian higher education institutions. They also align with the goals of the New Education Policy-2020 (NEP-2020) and place emphasis on Indian languages and interdisciplinary backgrounds. Additionally, the guidelines include specialized recruitment pathways for fields such as Yoga, Music, Performing Arts, Visual Arts, Sculpture, and Drama to attract the best talent and preserve India's cultural heritage.
Hickman, a former Parkland High School student, is scheduled to appear in Forsyth Superior Court for slapping a teacher and making threats towards her. The incident was captured on a viral video which showed the teacher remaining calm as she was assaulted and verbally abused. Hickman's case was continued by Judge Aaron Berlin on Monday.
Self-styled godman Asaram, who was convicted in two separate rape cases, has been granted interim bail by the Supreme Court on medical grounds. However, the bail is only until March 31 and he will remain in jail as he has to obtain bail in another rape case. Asaram's request for bail was based on his deteriorating health condition, for which he had previously received treatment in Pune and AIIMS Jodhpur. The Supreme Court also ordered police officers to escort him to the hospital for treatment without imposing any restrictions on where he should go.
In response to concerns raised about discrepancies in voter turnout and vote counting, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar clarified the process of EVM commissioning and security measures. He assured the public that EVMs are tamper-proof and backed his statements with court judgments stating that hacking or altering results is impossible. Kumar also explained the mock poll process done in the presence of election agents to further ensure transparency.
The life and papacy of Pope Innocent XI, previously known as Benedetto Odescalchi, was marked by his deep devotion to piety and his relentless efforts to reduce expenses and fight against nepotism in the Curia. He gained admiration from the people of Ferrara as a "father of the poor", and as pope, he faced challenges from Louis XIV of France on the issue of "Gallican Liberties" and ambassadorial immunities. Despite a long period of ill health, Innocent XI left a lasting legacy of selflessness and service, leading to his eventual beatification in 1956.
The Election Commission has put an end to speculation about electronic voting machine (EVM) manipulation, stating that the machines are tamper-proof and have consistently upheld the principles of fair elections. Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar also addressed concerns about alleged discrepancies in voter lists, asserting that the preparation of electoral rolls is a transparent process involving political parties at every stage. These announcements were made as the dates for the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections were announced, with polling to take place on February 5 and counting on February 8.
The Delhi Police has vehemently opposed the bail plea of accused in the Delhi riots case, citing the stringent provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). ASG Chetan Sharma argued that the accused were part of a clinical, pathological and planned conspiracy by forces inimical to India, and referred to Supreme Court verdicts to support his argument. The accused, including Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, have been in prison for many years and have sought bail citing delay in trial. However, Sharma blamed them for the delay and argued that mere delay cannot be a ground for bail under UAPA.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has accused the BJP-led Centre of taking away the official residence of Delhi Chief Minister Atishi by cancelling the allotment. In response, Atishi has stated that she is willing to work for the people of Delhi from the streets if needed. With the upcoming Delhi assembly elections in 2025, the Election Commission of India has announced the poll schedule, with voting taking place on February 5 and results on February 8. Furthermore, the Delhi CM's refusal to accept alternative housing options provided by the Public Works Department has sparked controversy and led to the cancellation of the offer.