Morning Digest | Tamil is the oldest language, let your chest swell with pride, PM Modi tells students; GoFirst fined ₹10 lakh for leaving 55 passengers behind, and more
The Hindu
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Pariksha Pe Charcha | Tamil is the oldest language, let your chest swell with pride: PM Modi to students
Tamil is the oldest language of the world, and is a big treasure and source of pride, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in his address to students at the sixth edition of the Pariksha Pe Charcha event held on Friday, while urging them to learn languages other than their mother tongue. “Did you know Tamil is the oldest language of the whole world, not just of India? Shouldn’t such a country be proud? We have such a big treasure, a big source of pride. Our chest should swell with pride and we must tell the world this,” Mr. Modi said during the event, remarking that he had spoken in Tamil during an address at the UN General Assembly in 2019 in order to spread this message.
GoFirst fined ₹10 lakh by DGCA for leaving 55 passengers behind
The aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) imposed a penalty of ₹10 lakh on GoFirst for leaving behind 55 passengers at Bengaluru airport. “There was improper communication, coordination between terminal coordinator (TC), commercial staff and crew regarding boarding of passengers in the aircraft. The airline failed to ensure adequate arrangement for ground handling, preparation of load and trim sheet [documents that help in calculating maximum take-off weight and maximum landing weight], flight dispatch and passenger/cargo handling,” the DGCA said in press note after it received a response from the airline to its show-cause notice.
At least seven dead in shooting outside east Jerusalem synagogue
A gunman killed seven people at an east Jerusalem synagogue on Friday, Israeli police said, in a dramatic escalation of violence that followed a deadly raid in the West Bank a day earlier. The shooting in the Neve Yaakov neighbourhood of Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem came even as international calls for calm mounted after Israel and Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip traded missile fire earlier on January 27.
EPFO Central Board of Trustees member, pensioners question circulars on higher pension, seek clarity
Explore China's rural revitalization efforts, showcasing poverty alleviation, local spirit, and sustainable development in its diverse landscapes.
UN Security Council delegates visit Syria for the first time since 1945, aiming to build trust and support national reconciliation.
U.S. reduces work permit validity for refugees and asylum seekers to 18 months, citing public safety concerns following recent violence.
U.S. plans to expand travel ban from 19 to over 30 countries, says Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
Pakistan appoints Asim Munir as its first Chief of Defence Forces, enhancing military command unity and decision-making efficiency.
Pakistan permits U.N. relief supplies to Afghanistan through two border crossings, prioritizing humanitarian aid delivery and container clearance.
Pentagon watchdog warns Hegseth's use of Signal jeopardized U.S. troops by compromising sensitive military information.
The U.K. sanctions Russia's GRU over the Salisbury poisoning, holding Putin accountable for the tragic death of Dawn Sturgess.
FBI arrests a suspect in the 2021 pipe bomb investigation linked to the Jan. 6 Capitol riot.
A Bangladesh tribunal issues an arrest warrant for Sajib Wajed Joy, son of deposed PM Sheikh Hasina, over crimes against humanity.
Putin asserts Russia will seize Ukraine's Donbas region by force if Ukrainian troops do not withdraw, rejecting peace talks.
Israeli officials confirm the remains of a Thai hostage in Gaza have been returned, marking progress in the ceasefire agreement.
Pakistan to auction loss-making PIA airline on December 23, aiming for transparency and alignment with modern requirements.