Latest news today (January 18): Presenting FE’s Breaking News today. We will keep you updated on all major news, views and much more throughout the day.

Six school students die as boat overturns in Gujarat lake

A boat carrying children capsized in Vadodara’s Harni Motnath Lake. Rescue operations underway. (READ MORE)

Haldiram’s considers majority stake in Prataap- sources

Indian snacks maker Haldiram’s is in talks to acquire a majority stake in listed rival Prataap Snacks, which is valued at $350 million, to expand its presence in the potato chip market, two people with direct knowledge of the matter said. Prataap Snacks shares in Mumbai jumped about 13% to their highest levels since 2018 after the news, before paring some gains to close 9.7% higher. (Reuters)

Ban on non-essential construction, plying of BS-III petrol, BS-IV diesel cars lifted in Delhi

The Central government on Thursday lifted a ban on non-essential construction work and plying of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers in Delhi-NCR amid a progressive improvement in air quality in the region. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) noted a significant improvement with an AQI of 316 at 2 pm, well below the threshold for invoking Stage-III actions under the air pollution control plan called the Graded Response Action Plan. (PTI)

Israeli forces kill 60 Gaza fighters, military says in daily round-up

Israeli forces have killed around 60 Palestinian fighters in the Gaza Strip, the military said in a statement on Thursday summarising operations over the previous 24 hours. Around 40 of the fighters were killed in the area of southern Khan Younis and several others in the northern Gaza Strip, including at a compound used by the Palestinian faction Islamic Jihad, the statement said. (Reuters)

UN: Palestinians are dying in hospitals as estimated 60,000 wounded

In Gaza, Palestinians are losing their lives daily due to overwhelmed hospitals, unable to cope with an estimated 60,000 injured individuals and a constant influx of hundreds more from Israeli military actions. UN health emergency experts, who recently worked in Gaza, portray desperate doctors struggling in collapsing hospitals turned into makeshift refugee camps to save the lives of thousands.

”Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra” enters Assam from Nagaland

Rahul Gandhi, heading Congress’ ‘Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra,’ crossed into Assam from Nagaland’s Haluwating. Starting early from Tuli in Nagaland, he reached Assam at 9:45 am. Assam Congress leaders welcomed him at Haluwating, where the national flag was handed over, marking the beginning of an eight-day journey in the state, with the participation of numerous party workers.

Amid severe cold wave, trains and flights run late, some rescheduled

Several flight operations have been delayed at IGI airport due to fog conditions that have raised due to the coldwave. Several trains are also running late that were coming to Delhi from various parts of India. (READ MORE)

Anti-Terrorist Squad Commandoes deployed to boost security in Ayodhya

Anti-terrorist squad commandos from Uttar Pradesh have been deployed to enhance security at Lata Mangeshkar Chowk in Ayodhya ahead of the Ram Temple Pran Pratishtha event on January 22. Additionally, heightened security measures are in place in Mainpuri City for the Pran Pratishtha ceremony of Ram Lalla at the grand temple on January 22 and Republic Day on January 26.

Ram Lalla Idol Brought In Ayodhya Temple After Special Pooja

Last night, Lord Ram’s idol was transported to the Ayodhya Ram Temple using a crane, and a special pooja took place in the sanctum sanctorum before the idol was installed.

Drones banned for 4 days in Trichy ahead of PM Modi’s visit to Tamil Nadu

Trichy district administration has banned the flying of drones ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Trichy Srirangam Sri Ranganathasamy Temple on January 20th, an official statement issued on Wednesday said.

Meta’s Sheryl Sandberg to exit board after 12 years

Meta Platforms’ former chief operating officer Sheryl Sandberg plans to step down from her position on the company’s board of directors after her term ends in May, she said in a Facebook post on Wednesday. (REUTERS)