🦠 Ebola outbreak hits two new zones in Congo

The fastest-growing Ebola outbreak in history has expanded to two new health zones in eastern Congo. This spread occurred in North Kivu province, impacting Biena and Manguredjipa areas. Current figures show 60 people affected, with 5,794 confirmed cases and 2,786 deaths recorded. The situation is worsened by insecurity, displacement, and a health workers’ strike. Congo started vaccinating front-line workers with the Ervebo vaccine on Thursday.

🚕 Bengaluru transport unions demand changes from app aggregators

The Federation of Private Transport Organisations is planning a protest in Bengaluru against taxi aggregators and various operational issues. They submitted a complaint to the Transport Commissioner on Friday detailing their concerns with city transport. The demands include restricting taxi apps on Play Store and implementing a "One City, One Fare" system. Federation president Nataraj Sharma has given the government a 15-day deadline to address these grievances. Otherwise, the federation will initiate a Bengaluru bandh, starting with black flags on vehicles. 🚕

📱 Samsung Gears Up for Galaxy A56 One UI 9 Beta

Samsung is actively preparing the beta program for its new One UI 9 update. This software update is targeted specifically for the Galaxy A56 smartphone model. The rollout is expected to start sometime in the near future, pending final testing phases. This update brings new features and performance enhancements to the mid-range device. Users will be able to join the beta program once official announcements are made by the company.

⚖️ When parties know the truth, judge is on trial

The Supreme Court stated that when litigants know the truth, the judge effectively ends up on trial. Justice Vikram Nath penned the 15-page judgment regarding a dispute between a woman and her former lawyer in Maharashtra. The case involves allegations of misconduct, dating back over a decade to an accusation against a senior police officer. The woman sought ₹2 crore compensation, but the court ultimately ordered both parties to pay ₹5 lakh each in costs. Justice Nath emphasized that the court is not an auditorium for manufactured drama. ⚖️

🔥 AIMIM sacks Mirza Rahmath Baig over video leak

The AIMIM has immediately expelled Mirza Rahmath Baig from the party due to an alleged video leak controversy. This action occurred in Hyderabad, where the party's Joint Secretary S.A. Hussain Anwar confirmed the expulsion. Baig was also asked to resign from the Legislative Council, effective immediately. The party statement did not reveal any further specific details regarding the leak incident. These events surface during ongoing internal discussions within the AIMIM party circles.

⚖️ 8 sentenced to life for 2017 murder in Bengaluru

Eight individuals have been sentenced to rigorous life imprisonment in a 2017 murder case. The conviction happened in the 58th Additional City Civil and Sessions Court in Bengaluru. The incident occurred on October 1, 2017, near Ashok Nagar Police Station limits. Harish was killed after an argument over smoking during Vijayadashami celebrations. The court also ordered a fine of ₹3.9 lakh to go to Harish’s family. ⚖️

🌍 Russia's threats vs. avoiding NATO war

Western officials suggest Vladimir Putin wants to avoid a direct military clash with NATO despite harsh rhetoric against allies. This sentiment comes amidst reports of increased pressure on Putin from domestic issues and slow progress in Ukraine. Recent threats, including targeting UK forces, are seen by officials as consistent with Russia's military doctrine. The Kremlin is expected to continue 'hybrid activity' like cyber-attacks to undermine Western resolve. Nevertheless, allies are advised to remain calm while maintaining support for Ukraine. 😥

🚨 Good touch lesson uncovers sister rape in Surat

A 'Good Touch, Bad Touch' awareness session exposed the alleged rape of two minor sisters. The incident took place in Surat, involving the 11-year-old and 14-year-old girls. The assault occurred in May while they visited their mother, who worked at a construction site in Udhna. Udhna police subsequently arrested a 56-year-old labour contractor, Piriya Valvi, on relevant charges. Medical examinations are currently underway for both victims.

🗿 Kashmir's ancient Buddhist site sees second dig phase

Excavations for the second phase of the 2,000-year-old Buddhist site at Zehanpora in Baramulla start this Saturday. J&K chief secretary Atal Dullo will inaugurate this significant archaeological project. The initial discovery was made last year by Mohamad Ajmal Shah, spurred by PM Modi's mention on Dec 28. The site initially yielded an apsidal stupa and various artifacts, suggesting a link to the Fourth Buddhist Council. Researchers believe many more structures remain beneath the ground awaiting discovery. 🗿

🚀 CM Shivakumar targets five new cities for industry growth

Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar instructed officials to pinpoint five cities outside Bengaluru for industrial growth. These instructions were given during a Commerce and Industries Department review meeting in Bengaluru on Friday. The goal is to create job opportunities by offering special incentives to investors across the state. He also directed departments to speed up the single-window approval system for setting up industries. Karnataka currently ranks ninth in the NITI Aayog’s Investor-Friendly Index. 📈

🏛️ Minister Nagendra resigns, challenges BJP in people's court

Minister B. Nagendra resigned from his post as Planning and Statistics Minister on Friday. He stepped down from the D.K. Shivakumar-led Congress government in Bengaluru. Nagendra stated he had no role in the alleged scam and decided to resign as a Legislative Assembly member. He challenged the Opposition BJP to face him in a Janata Nyayalaya in the Ballari Rural constituency. He plans to tour 15 ST-reserved constituencies to work for ST candidates in upcoming elections.