Back-door routes for low-grade int'l students to UK degrees: Report

UK’s department of education has opened an investigation after a newspaper investigation found that international students are gaining back-door routes to undergraduate degrees at top British universities with far lower grades than their domestic counterparts require as universities are cash-strapped and need the extra fees they pay. Of the Indian students who come to UK, around 30% enrol in undergraduate programmes.

source https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/uk/international-students-with-low-grades-can-get-onto-uk-undergraduate-degrees-via-back-door-routes-report/articleshow/107302847.cms

NTPC to acquire Rs 5,000 crore KSK Mahanadi power project

NTPC is set to acquire the KSK Mahanadi power station in Chattisgarh, a large greenfield project with a proposed capacity of 3,600 MW, marking the state-run utility's second acquisition of a stressed asset. The project came under corporate insolvency resolution process in April 2022 after defaulting on loans. NTPC's investment in the project is valued at Rs 5,000 crore.

source https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/ntpc-to-acquire-rs-5000-crore-ksk-mahanadi-power-project/articleshow/107302341.cms

Why an 'invitation to tea' is cause for fear in China

Chinese netizens have creatively used the euphemism 'invitation to tea' to refer to someone being summoned or investigated by law enforcement departments for suspected illegal activities. China's ministry of state security released a list of '10 Cups of Tea', which includes offences like endangering national security and illegally acquiring state secrets, to warn against potential probes.

source https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/china/the-meaning-of-invitation-to-tea-and-its-implications-in-china/articleshow/107291449.cms

PM Modi likely to visit Nagpur for BJP SC Morcha convention

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to visit Nagpur next month to attend the All-India Convention of BJP’s Scheduled Caste Morcha. Top sources told TOI, the PM will lead a road show in the city after addressing the event. He is also likely to visit Yavatmal to inaugurate a slew of projects in the morning and then touchdown in the city by noon.

source https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/pm-modi-likely-to-visit-nagpur-in-feb-for-bjp-sc-morcha-convention-lead-roadshow/articleshow/107270812.cms

Ashok Saraf to be honoured with Maharashtra Bhushan Award 2023

Ashok Saraf, who is well known for his stellar performances in Marathi and Hindi films, has been selected for Maharashtra Bhushan Award 2023.

source https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/marathi/movies/news/veteran-star-ashok-saraf-to-be-honoured-with-maharashtra-bhushan-award-2023/articleshow/107269620.cms

Panel to give UCC draft on Feb 2, implementation soon: U'khand CM

Providing a clear indication that Uttarakhand government will proceed with implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the state next month, chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Monday said that the five-member panel constituted under retired SC judge Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai will hand over its report to the government on Feb 2.

source https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/panel-to-give-ucc-draft-on-february-2-implementation-soon-uttarakhand-cm-dhami/articleshow/107240650.cms

Indian-origin couple convicted of smuggling cocaine to Australia

An Indian-origin couple, Arti Dhir and Kavaljitsinh Raijada, accused of a double murder in Gujarat, were refused extradition by UK courts. However, they have now been convicted in the UK for smuggling £57 million worth of cocaine from London to Sydney and money laundering. The couple set up a front company for drug smuggling, using their knowledge of airport freight procedures.

source https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/uk/pio-couple-who-london-refused-to-extradite-to-india-to-face-double-murder-charges-are-convicted-of-smuggling-cocaine-to-australia/articleshow/107240413.cms

Manisha Rani shoots for episode day after she gets discharged

Manisha Rani, a wildcard contestant on Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 11, appeared on the show wearing an unusual cassette costume. She recently got hospitalized but is determined to give her best until the finale. The physically demanding show has been challenging for her due to the need for long rehearsals. Take a look:

source https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/hindi/jhalak-dikhhla-jaa-11-manisha-rani-shoots-for-the-episode-day-after-she-gets-discharged-shares-the-theme-aaj-humara-theme-hai-drama-costume-hum-cassette-bane-hai/articleshow/107239716.cms

BB17: Arun breaks down talking about wife's miscarriage

Arun Mashetty, a Bigg Boss 17 contestant, opened up about his emotional journey after the show and his bond with Tehelka. He expressed gratitude to the supportive audience and discussed the difficulties he faced, including his wife's miscarriage news. Despite the challenges, Arun remained strong and focused on his game.

source https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/hindi/exclusive-bigg-boss-17-finalist-arun-mashetty-breaks-down-talking-about-wifes-miscarriage-says-i-was-devastated-when-i-learnt-about-the-news-in-the-house-it-broke-me/articleshow/107231013.cms