Arab representative: Trump’s envoy influenced Netanyahu more in a single discussion than Biden did throughout the year

 

Arab representative: Trump’s envoy influenced Netanyahu more in a single discussion than Biden did throughout the year 

A “charged” meeting in Jerusalem resulted in progress in negotiations, with Israel and Hamas agreeing in principle to a hostage arrangement two days later; both parties are now finalizing the details of execution. 

A “charged” discussion between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and incoming Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff resulted in significant progress in the hostage negotiations, with the top aide to President-elect Donald Trump managing to influence the premier during one encounter more than outgoing President Joe Biden achieved over an entire year, two Arab representatives revealed to The Times of Israel on Tuesday. 

Witkoff has been in Doha for the last week participating in the hostage negotiations, as negotiators work to reach an agreement before Trump is inaugurated on January 20. On Saturday, Witkoff traveled to Israel for a discussion with Netanyahu at the premier’s office in Jerusalem. 

During the conversation, Witkoff encouraged Netanyahu to embrace essential compromises needed for the deal, two officials disclosed to The Times of Israel on Monday under confidentiality. There was no response from either Witkoff or Netanyahu’s office regarding requests for comments. 

On Monday evening—two days after the meeting in Jerusalem—Israeli and Hamas negotiation teams informed mediators that they had agreed in principle to the hostage deal proposal, according to the two Arab representatives. Since then, both sides have been working to finalize the details concerning the implementation of the agreement. 

One significant issue that remains unresolved is the specific conditions of the IDF’s withdrawal from Gaza, with mediators still awaiting a map from Israel to clarify this, as stated by the Arab representatives. The two officials predicted that an announcement regarding a deal could be made on Wednesday or Thursday, likely in the form of a joint statement from the US, Qatar, and Egypt, who have been facilitating discussions between Israel and Hamas.

Advanced technology utilized in recent PLA drills includes exoskeletons, robotic dogs, and drone-laser systems

 

                                                             Robot dog, participates in a logistics support exercise in an undisclosed plateau region in January 2025

Advanced technology utilized in recent PLA drills includes exoskeletons, robotic dogs, and drone-laser systems. 

Recently, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) utilized various smart technologies such as exoskeletons, robotic dogs, and drones equipped with powerful lasers during their training exercises. 

During a logistics support training event conducted by a regiment from the PLA Xinjiang Military Command in an undisclosed elevated area, the regiment adopted a collaborative framework harmonizing manned and unmanned systems to improve support for combat units, as reported by the PLA Army on their official WeChat account on Monday. 

When encountering terrain challenges that blocked the convoy’s path, soldiers utilized all-terrain and unmanned vehicles to continue their mission. When informed that the roadways had been tampered with, the unit's personnel dismounted supplies from their vehicles and used aerial drones and exoskeletons to circumvent the affected areas and successfully reach their goal, the PLA Army reported. 

An image included with the announcement depicted a soldier accompanied by a robotic dog transporting two supply boxes. 

In another training exercise focused on explosive ordnance removal, conducted by a maritime defense engineering unit within the PLA Northern Theater Command at a firing range on an island in Bohai Bay, troops utilized a drone that was outfitted with a high-powered laser, as stated in a report from China Central Television (CCTV) on Monday. 

Initially, a drone was sent to locate explosives and note their positions, followed by the use of the laser for their disposal, according to the CCTV report. 

High-powered lasers offer a safer, more efficient method for destroying explosives, allowing for remote operations from several hundred meters away. The power output has increased threefold, and the time required for explosive disposal has decreased to one-fifth, as quoted from a unit member by CCTV. 

Chinese military analyst Song Zhongping highlighted that the PLA is integrating unmanned devices not only for combat scenarios but also for non-combat functions like logistics support and explosive disposal. He mentioned to the Global Times on Monday that previously, these support tasks posed significant challenges and necessitated human resources, but the introduction of intelligent technology has significantly improved their efficiency. 

The swift expansion of unmanned systems is noteworthy as they help lower the risk of casualties while boosting the effectiveness of other military capabilities, according to Song. 

The extensive use of intelligent unmanned devices indicates that China is attentively monitoring this progression, reflecting the ongoing modernization endeavors of the Chinese military, Song pointed out.

Centre's Important Approval Creates New Challenges for Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia

 

Centre's Important Approval Creates New Challenges for Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal is facing renewed difficulties before the upcoming Delhi election, as the Union Home Ministry has authorized the Enforcement Directorate to initiate legal action against the former Chief Minister in a money laundering investigation related to the now-repealed liquor policy. Sources indicate that the Home Ministry has also approved the agency's efforts to prosecute senior AAP member and ex-Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia.

This situation arises months after a Supreme Court verdict in November, which ruled that the Enforcement Directorate must obtain prior authorization, similar to the Central Bureau of Investigation, in order to prosecute public officials. The ED had claimed that Mr. Kejriwal was the principal figure behind the alleged misconduct surrounding the Delhi liquor policy, but the charge framing had been on hold in a Delhi court due to the lack of necessary clearance. The latest development has now eliminated that barrier.

Following the ruling from the highest court a few weeks later, Mr. Kejriwal appealed to the Delhi High Court, contesting the trial court's acknowledgment of the chargesheet against him. He argued that the Enforcement Directorate lacked the authority to prosecute him.

Mr. Kejriwal and Mr. Sisodia were detained in connection with money laundering allegations related to the Delhi liquor policy and are presently out on bail. Both politicians have vehemently denied the allegations leveled against them and accused the BJP of utilizing investigative agencies to intimidate political competitors.

Origin, Akharas, Naga Sadhus and rituals: All about Mahakumbh Mela

Origin, Akharas, Naga Sadhus and rituals: All about Mahakumbh Mela
Origin, Akharas, Naga Sadhus and rituals: All about Mahakumbh Mela
Origin, Akharas, Naga Sadhus and rituals: All about Mahakumbh Mela

 

Naga Sadhus, identified by their ash-covered body and dread locks, are an essential part of Mahakumbh Mela

Origin, Akharas, Naga Sadhus and rituals: All about Mahakumbh Mela

The Mahakumbh Mela is steeped in themes of the conflict between good and evil, redemption, and a grand story that underscores its importance. From the ancient tale of ‘Samudra Manthan’ to the establishment of ‘Akharas’ by a Hindu philosopher in the eighth century, let us delve into this significant event scheduled for 2025.

The Mahakumbh Mela of 2025 commenced in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, on January 13 and is set to finish on February 26. On the initial day of the Kumbh, known as ‘Amrit Snan,’ millions of pilgrims bathed in the Triveni Sangam, with attendance likely to grow as the festivities progress. The various forms of ‘Snan’ signify different bathing customs.

It’s important to note that Triveni Sangam is where the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers meet.

This year, the Mela covers an area of nearly 4,000 hectares alongside the riverbank, anticipating around 400 million attendees. The most significant dates for taking a sacred bath during Mahakumbh 2025 are January 14 (Makar Sankranti), January 29 (Mauni Amasvya), February 3 (Basant Panchami), and February 26 (Maha Shivratri, the final bathing day).

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January 14, 2025 at 04:13PM
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January 14, 2025 at 05:13PM
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January 14, 2025 at 06:13PM

Origin, Akharas, Naga Sadhus and rituals: All about Mahakumbh Mela

Origin, Akharas, Naga Sadhus and rituals: All about Mahakumbh Mela
Origin, Akharas, Naga Sadhus and rituals: All about Mahakumbh Mela

 

Naga Sadhus, identified by their ash-covered body and dread locks, are an essential part of Mahakumbh Mela

Origin, Akharas, Naga Sadhus and rituals: All about Mahakumbh Mela

The Mahakumbh Mela is steeped in themes of the conflict between good and evil, redemption, and a grand story that underscores its importance. From the ancient tale of ‘Samudra Manthan’ to the establishment of ‘Akharas’ by a Hindu philosopher in the eighth century, let us delve into this significant event scheduled for 2025.

The Mahakumbh Mela of 2025 commenced in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, on January 13 and is set to finish on February 26. On the initial day of the Kumbh, known as ‘Amrit Snan,’ millions of pilgrims bathed in the Triveni Sangam, with attendance likely to grow as the festivities progress. The various forms of ‘Snan’ signify different bathing customs.

It’s important to note that Triveni Sangam is where the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers meet.

This year, the Mela covers an area of nearly 4,000 hectares alongside the riverbank, anticipating around 400 million attendees. The most significant dates for taking a sacred bath during Mahakumbh 2025 are January 14 (Makar Sankranti), January 29 (Mauni Amasvya), February 3 (Basant Panchami), and February 26 (Maha Shivratri, the final bathing day).

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January 14, 2025 at 04:13PM
via Blogger https://ift.tt/qGcUXV3
January 14, 2025 at 05:13PM

Origin, Akharas, Naga Sadhus and rituals: All about Mahakumbh Mela

Origin, Akharas, Naga Sadhus and rituals: All about Mahakumbh Mela

 

Naga Sadhus, identified by their ash-covered body and dread locks, are an essential part of Mahakumbh Mela

Origin, Akharas, Naga Sadhus and rituals: All about Mahakumbh Mela

The Mahakumbh Mela is steeped in themes of the conflict between good and evil, redemption, and a grand story that underscores its importance. From the ancient tale of ‘Samudra Manthan’ to the establishment of ‘Akharas’ by a Hindu philosopher in the eighth century, let us delve into this significant event scheduled for 2025.

The Mahakumbh Mela of 2025 commenced in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, on January 13 and is set to finish on February 26. On the initial day of the Kumbh, known as ‘Amrit Snan,’ millions of pilgrims bathed in the Triveni Sangam, with attendance likely to grow as the festivities progress. The various forms of ‘Snan’ signify different bathing customs.

It’s important to note that Triveni Sangam is where the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers meet.

This year, the Mela covers an area of nearly 4,000 hectares alongside the riverbank, anticipating around 400 million attendees. The most significant dates for taking a sacred bath during Mahakumbh 2025 are January 14 (Makar Sankranti), January 29 (Mauni Amasvya), February 3 (Basant Panchami), and February 26 (Maha Shivratri, the final bathing day).

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January 14, 2025 at 04:13PM

Mark Zuckerberg reveals the anticipated end of mobile phones and introduces the alternative

 Mark Zuckerberg reveals the anticipated end of mobile phones and introduces the alternative 

Smart glasses are poised to potentially surpass smartphones, transforming our daily interactions with technology. Significant investments from firms such as Meta and Apple indicate a promising future for connectivity. What implications does this hold for you? 

Mark Zuckerberg, the prominent figure at Meta, is stirring the tech scene with a daring forecast: smartphones may soon become obsolete, making way for smart glasses. This notion is creating waves in the tech community as companies like Meta and Apple dedicate resources to developing these innovative gadgets. With smartphones being integral to our lives for almost three decades, transitioning to smart glasses could fundamentally alter how we access information and communicate. 

What’s the current situation with smartphones? 

For close to thirty years, mobile phones have been an essential part of our daily routines, evolving from simple communication devices to indispensable mini-computers. However, this phase may be coming to a close. Some experts believe that smartphones could soon be viewed merely as another accessory. As technology progresses and consumer preferences evolve, carrying a bulky device might start to feel outdated, particularly with sleeker and more convenient alternatives emerging. 

What’s capturing the imagination in tech? 

Many individuals in the technology sector are embracing the notion that smartphones are losing their prominence. Mark Zuckerberg envisions smart glasses as “the next significant platform following phones,” emphasizing their potential to provide a more organic and social computing experience. Consumers are seeking devices that integrate effortlessly into their routines without being ostentatious or cumbersome. Smart glasses could achieve this balance by offering hands-free capabilities.