Two women Naxalites killed, CoBRA commando injured in Chhattisgarh encounter

A US military assessment team is in Cyprus this week to upgrade defence capabilities, with a focus on infrastructure projects for interoperability. The evaluation team, based in Germany, will provide expertise and recommendations at a military base in Paphos. Cyprus, strategically located on the edge of the Middle East, has played a key role in evacuating civilians during regional tensions. Full Article

The World Health Organization (WHO) expressed regret over President Trump's decision to withdraw the US from the global health body, citing concerns over funding and international health efforts. WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized the importance of the US partnership in addressing global health emergencies and urged a reconsideration of the decision. China pledged continued support for WHO, while the US move to halt funding and explore alternative partnerships raises concerns about global health security...

In an encounter with security forces in Chhattisgarh's Gariaband district, at least 12 Naxalites were killed, following the deaths of two women Naxalites and an injured CoBRA jawan in a previous operation. A fresh exchange of fire resulted in the additional deaths of 12 Naxalites in a forest along the Chhattisgarh-Odisha border. The joint operation involved security personnel from DRG, CRPF, CoBRA, and SOG, leading to the neutralization of two women Naxalites and the recovery...

US President Donald Trump expressed doubt about the ceasefire in Gaza, despite his efforts to secure it before his inauguration. He stated he was not confident in the truce holding, emphasizing that it was not the US's war. Trump acknowledged Hamas's weakened state and highlighted the potential for Gaza's reconstruction under the ceasefire agreement. Full Article

Delhi is preparing for the upcoming Assembly Elections on February 5, where voters can cast their votes in a single phase with the counting set for February 8. First-time voters can register online, locate their polling station, and follow the voting process which includes checking ID, recording their vote on an EVM, and verifying the VVPAT slip for accuracy before depositing it in the sealed box. Full Article

The government aims to broaden the scope of the Republic Day parade by incorporating more cultural and societal elements alongside the traditional military aspect, as stated by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. This year's parade will feature over 5000 cultural performers to ensure a more diverse and engaging experience for all spectators. However, due to a recent crash, the indigenous Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) fleet has been grounded, resulting in their absence from the flypast...