On Saturday, the US Supreme Court approved the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, who was convicted for his role in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, to India, as reported by PTI. This decision marks an important victory for India, which has been seeking Rana’s extradition for years to ensure he faces justice. Rana, a Canadian citizen of Pakistani descent, is accused of playing a significant part in the devastating attacks in Mumbai that left 166 people dead, including six Americans, during a brutal 60-hour siege. The attacks were carried out by the terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), targeting key locations across the city. Rana had challenged his extradition in court, but after losing multiple appeals in lower and federal courts, he turned to the US Court of Appeals and then the Supreme Court in a final attempt to avoid being sent to India. On December 16, US Solicitor General Elizabeth B Prelogar recommended the rejection of Rana’s petition. His lawyer, Joshua L Dratel, argued against this on December 23, but the Supreme Court’s decision now paves the way for his extradition. Rana’s ties to the attacks are linked to his association with David Coleman Headley, a Pakistani-American LeT operative and one of the key planners of the attack. Headley provided crucial intelligence and conducted reconnaissance for the attackers. The 26/11 terror attacks remain a tragic and unforgettable chapter in India’s history. Ten Pakistani terrorists carried out coordinated attacks at iconic locations like the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, and Nariman House, causing widespread destruction and loss. Once his extradition is completed, Rana will stand trial in India for his involvement in the deadly plot. Disclaimer: This image is taken from Business Standard

Alka Lamba, the Congress candidate from the Kalkaji assembly constituency, criticized both the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), accusing them of focusing solely on gaining power rather than addressing key issues affecting Delhi. She blamed their rivalry for the city's stagnation, asserting that their political battles have hindered progress. Speaking to ANI on Friday, Lamba accused AAP’s Atishi Marlena of misusing government resources during her campaign, citing an FIR registered after AAP materials were found in Public Works Department vehicles. She also commented on Marlena’s FIR against BJP's Ramesh Bidhuri, stating that residents of Kalkaji are tired of such political theatrics. “These parties are only interested in fighting for power and diverting people from real issues. Their rivalry has slowed Delhi’s progress,” Lamba said. She expressed confidence in Congress’s chances of reclaiming relevance in the Delhi elections, despite its setbacks in the last two assembly polls. Lamba, who is running against BJP’s Ramesh Bidhuri and AAP’s Atishi Marlena, predicted significant defeats for AAP’s key leaders, including Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Marlena, and Manish Sisodia. “AAP’s three wickets are going to fall,” she said, adding that Sandeep Dikshit would defeat Kejriwal in New Delhi, while she and others would ensure the fall of Marlena and Sisodia. The Delhi Assembly elections are scheduled for February 5, with vote counting set for February 8. A total of 699 candidates are vying for 70 assembly seats. Congress, which ruled Delhi for 15 years, has struggled in the last two elections, failing to win a single seat. Meanwhile, AAP dominated the 2015 and 2020 polls, securing 67 and 62 seats, respectively, leaving BJP with just three and eight seats in those elections. Disclaimer: This image is taken from PTI

As the Chinese New Year approaches, many people are busy preparing for the festivities—cleaning their homes, shopping for new clothes, and planning menus for their family feasts. However, not everyone will celebrate in the usual way. For 54-year-old Sharon Yap, this Lunar New Year will be far from traditional. Instead of enjoying the lively atmosphere of a family gathering, complete with the scent of bak kwa or the warmth of a hot pot meal, she’ll spend the holiday in a hospital room. Sharon has been admitted to Yishun Community Hospital for the past three months, and her recovery progress suggests she won’t be discharged in time to celebrate as she has in previous years. A Health Crisis Unfolds: What began as a simple fever one night last year quickly spiraled into a major health ordeal for Sharon. Initially dismissing it as nothing serious, she visited a polyclinic the next morning, where a doctor urged her to seek immediate hospital care. Expecting a short stay for what she thought was a mild fever, Sharon was stunned to learn she had gallbladder disease and required surgery. "Why did this happen to me? My life used to be so full of joy and excitement," she reflected. A Different Kind of New Year: Before her illness, Sharon’s Lunar New Year celebrations were filled with family traditions. As a divorcee living apart from her children, she would often join her older brother’s family for the festivities. From indulging in festive treats to late-night card games, it was a routine she enjoyed every year. However, Sharon admits to feeling a sense of detachment from familial bonds, which stemmed from her parents' health struggles during her childhood. "I never really had a strong connection with them," she shared. What Sharon misses most this year isn’t the celebrations—it’s her beloved dog, Baobei. The nine-year-old dog, who has been her constant companion in her two-room flat, was like family to her. "I don’t really miss the New Year activities. I just miss my dog. My dog is enough," she said, her voice filled with longing. Since her hospitalization, Baobei has been cared for by a friend, and the separation has been particularly difficult for Sharon. The hospital staff had planned a visit to reunite her with Baobei, but her worsening health has postponed those plans for now. Support and Care: Sharon’s care team at Yishun Community Hospital has taken a holistic approach to her recovery. Staff members like assistant nurse clinician Penny Chen, senior physiotherapist Halim Zul Fahmi, and medical social worker Kathryn Tan have built close relationships with her. They believe that small, meaningful gestures—like a visit from Baobei—can motivate patients to adhere to their treatment plans and recover faster. During festive periods like Chinese New Year, the hospital sees an increase in family visits. Patients who are well enough may be allowed home leave to spend time with loved ones or meet them in designated areas on the hospital premises. The wards at the hospital have also been decorated for the occasion, with lanterns, plum blossoms, and signs of good fortune adorning the spaces. On New Year’s Eve, patients will be served a festive meal featuring healthier versions of traditional dishes like Prosperity Braised Cabbage and Orange Mousse. Looking Ahead: Despite her circumstances, Sharon is hopeful for the future. Her children have promised to take her traveling once she recovers. "I’m looking forward to traveling overseas. I’ll go wherever they take me," she said with a smile. For now, she’s focusing on getting better, supported by the care of hospital staff and the hope of reuniting with her furry best friend, Baobei. Disclaimer: This image is taken from AsiaOne/Amierul Rashid

TORONTO — For the second consecutive year, Canada will limit the number of international students allowed into the country in an effort to alleviate pressures on housing, healthcare, and other essential services. In 2025, the government plans to issue 437,000 study permits—a 10% reduction from 2024—according to a statement released by the immigration ministry on Friday (Jan 24). The cap on study permits was first introduced in 2024 as the government faced criticism over rapid population growth exacerbating a housing shortage. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who has announced his resignation effective March, had promised to lower immigration levels in recent months amid declining public support for newcomers. In 2023, Canada issued over 650,000 study permits, bringing the total number of international students to a record-high of over one million—nearly three times the number recorded a decade ago. While immigration-driven population growth has strained services like healthcare and education and driven up housing costs, international students remain a vital source of revenue due to their significantly higher tuition fees compared to domestic students. Following last year's introduction of the student cap, most applicants are now required to provide a Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter as part of their application. Starting this year, master's and post-doctoral students will also need to submit these letters, which confirm their inclusion under the federal student cap. Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters file

A Taylor Swift-themed dance class at a community center in the quiet seaside town of Southport seemed like the last place for a tragedy to occur. But the unimaginable happened when a 17-year-old boy brutally attacked, leaving three young girls dead, eight other children, and two adults severely injured. The shock of the incident was quickly compounded by the spread of misinformation and false claims about the attacker, fueling days of racist riots and violent unrest. Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.

The freezing weather moved the speeches indoors, but it didn’t deter Donald Trump from issuing a flurry of executive orders aimed at undoing much of his predecessor’s legacy. Jonathan Freedland discusses with US commentator Molly Jong-Fast how a near-declaration of war on an American ally, a pledge to "expand America’s territory," and a few emergency declarations set the tone for what the next four years might hold. Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.

Multivitamins are often touted as a path to optimal health, but do they live up to the hype? Are all vitamins the same, and is there solid evidence supporting their health benefits? Reged Ahmad sits down with science writer Donna Lu to discuss the various claims surrounding multivitamins and their true impact on wellness. Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.

California is grappling with devastating wildfires, forcing residents to evacuate as their homes are reduced to ashes. As climate impacts grow more severe, questions arise about the scale of natural disasters in 2025, both in the U.S. and globally. Jack Board and Liling Tan discuss the issue with Ira Spitzer, reporting from Los Angeles, to shed light on the worsening crisis. Disclaimer: This Image is taken from Wired