Latest News: 1 Dead, 9 Missing as Boat Capsizes in Odisha
Catch all the latest news updates of the day here.
Catch all the latest news updates of the day here.
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UPSC Aspirants Stage Protest in Delhi, Demand Compensatory Attempts
UPSC aspirants late Tuesday night, staged a protest in Delhi’s Mukherjee Nagar demanding compensatory attempts in UPSC Civil Services Exam 2019, 2020, 2021 for those who suffered due to the Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) exam pattern.
(Source: ANI)
US Fires Tear Gas Across Mexico Border to Stop Migrants
US authorities fired tear gas into Mexico during the first hours of the new year to repel about 150 migrants who tried to breach the border fence in Tijuana.
US Customs and Border Protection said in a statement later Tuesday, 1 January, that the gas was used to target rock throwers apart from the migrants who were trying to cross.
(Source: PTI)
Fuel Prices Unchanged in 4 Cities, Petrol in Delhi at Rs 68.65
Fuel prices on Wednesday remained unchanged across four cities. Prices of petrol and diesel in Delhi stood at Rs 68.65 (per litre) and Rs 62.66 (per litre), respectively.
Prices of petrol and diesel in Mumbai stood at Rs 74.30 (per litre) and Rs 65.65 (per litre), respectively.
(Source: CNBC-TV18)
Pakistan Violates Ceasefire Along LoC in J&K's Poonch Sector
Pakistan violates ceasefire along the Line of Control in Poonch sector in Jammu & Kashmir on Wednesday. The Indian troops are retaliating the violation.
(Source: ANI)
Trump Suggests He’s Open to a Shutdown Deal With Democrats
Seeking an end to over 10-day partial government shutdown, US President Donald Trump has invited top Republican and Democratic leaders from Congress for a briefing on border security at the White House on Wednesday.
The partial government shutdown that started on 22 December has affected 8,00,000 federal employees, who have either been furloughed or are working without pay.
(Source: PTI)
15 Killed, 20 Missing in Indonesia Landslide
At least 15 persons were killed in the landslide which has hit Indonesia's Java province, authorities said.
According to a government official, around 20 persons are still missing in the Monday landslide which hit Sukabumi district, burying more than 30 houses, Xinhua news agency reported on Wednesday.
(Source: IANS)
Rupee Opens Lower at 69.52 Against the US Dollar
Rupee opens marginally lower on Wednesday, 2 January at 69.52 against the greenback. The Indian currency closed at 69.44 on Tuesday.
Indian Equities Plunge on Weak Asian Cues
Indian equity benchmarks opened lower after rallying on Tuesday. The S&P BSE Sensex Index fell 0.6 percent intraday to 36,035.78 and the NSE Nifty 50 Index fell 0.38 percent to trade near 10,850.
Local RJD Leader Shot Dead in Bihar's Nalanda
Agitated locals on Wednesday thrashed a 13-year-old son of the man accused of shooting a local RJD leader in Bihar’s Nalanda on Tuesday, 1 January. The boy succumbed to his injuries during treatment.
Local RJD leader was shot dead in Deepnagar police limits. Locals attacked and set fire to the house of the accused. Meanwhile,the police investigation is underway.
(Source: ANI)
Will Not Give up Use of Military Force Over Taiwan: China
China will not give up the use of military force as an option to ensure the reunification of Taiwan, President Xi Jinping said on Wednesday, while insisting the island would ultimately be reunified with the mainland.
Beijing reserves the option of taking all necessary measures against outside forces that interfere with peaceful reunification and Taiwan’s independence separatist activities, he said.
(Source: IANS)
Tamil Nadu Moves SC Against Reopening of Sterlite Plant
Tamil Nadu Government has moved the Supreme Court against the order of National Green Tribunal (NGT), which had allowed the re-opening of the Sterlite Copper Plant at Thoothukodi.
In December last year, the Principal Bench of the National Green Tribunal had allowed Vedanta’s appeal against the closure of the Sterlite plant in Thoothukodi.
(Source: Bar & Bench)
Ayodhya Firing: SC Dismisses Petition Against Mulayam Singh Yadav
Supreme Court dismisses a petition seeking registration of FIR against former UP Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav, for giving an order to open fire on Kar Sewaks in 1990, during the Ram Temple agitation.
(Source: ANI)
Several People Killed in a Train Accident in Denmark
Several people were reported dead due to a train accident in Denmark. The exact death toll has not been revealed, while the cause of the accident is yet to be ascertained.
(Source: AFP)
6 Killed in Danish Bridge Train Accident
Six people have been killed in a train accident on the Great Belt Bridge in Denmark, police said.
Danish media reported that a tarpaulin on a freight train hit a passenger train going in the opposite direction, prompting it to brake suddenly.
Emergency services are reportedly struggling to reach the train.
(Source: AP and BBC)
Sensex Recovers From Lows, Nifty Around 10,800
Benchmark indices recovered from the low point of the day, with Nifty trading around 10,800 level, while Sensex is down 350 points.
The Sensex is down 367.21 points at 35887.36, while Nifty is down 124.20 points at 10785.90.
US Marine Killed Inside Barracks in Washington: Police
Police in Washington, DC, say a US Marine has been shot and killed inside of the Marine Barracks in Washington.
(Source: AP)
Thane ZP Planning to Give Gift Hampers to Rural Midwives
Thane Zilla Parishad in Maharashtra is considering to give gift hampers to 'daais' or midwives to motivate them to refer home delivery cases to health centres and hospitals, a senior official said Wednesday.
Thane ZP Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Vivek Bhimanwar said complications often develop during childbirth cases at rural households, and that their number can be reduced by engaging effectively with midwives.
(Source: PTI)
Indian-American Takes Oath as Fort Bend County Judge in Texas
Indian-American K P George sworn in as the Fort Bend County Judge, becoming the first person from the community to hold the office of one of America's most diverse counties.
George, 53, a Democrat and Fort Bend Independent School District Board trustee, defeated Republican Judge Robert Hebert in November polls.
In the US, county judges' duties vary from state to state. Depending upon the size of the county, they perform a wide range of judicial and administrative duties.
(Source: PTI)
Man Gets One-Month Imprisonment for Stalking Minor Girl
A 25-year-old man was sentenced to one-month imprisonment by a court here for stalking a minor girl.
District Judge V Y Jadhav, in his order passed on Tuesday, also imposed a fine of Rs 20,000 on the accused, Shivkumar Mourya, after pronouncing him guilty under the Indian Penal Code's Section 354D (stalking) and relevant provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
(Source: PTI)
MP Govt Into Process of Honorarium Under Maintenance of Internal Security Act
Madhya Pradesh government to re-look at process under which an honorarium is given to people arrested under Maintenance of Internal Security Act during Emergency. The government notification states, "Amount spent is more than the allocated budget, from next month honorarium given must only be distributed after review."
(Source: ANI)
Muzaffarpur shelter home case: Manju Verma's Bail Plea Rejected
CJM court rejects bail plea of former Bihar Minister Manju Verma, one of the accused in the Muzaffarpur shelter home case.
(Source: ANI)
Kashmir Witnesses First Snowfall of '19, Kargil Coldest at -17° C
Kashmir received its first snowfall of the New Year on Wednesday, 3 January, breaking a month-long dry spell in the Valley, the meteorological department said.
The snowfall has brought major respite to the residents of Kashmir as the minimum temperature rose by several degrees, except in Gulmarg. Srinagar recorded a 0 degrees Celsius on Tuesday night -- an increase of over four degrees from minus 4.2 degrees Celsius on the previous night, the Met department said.
(Source: PTI)
White House Dismisses Democrat Plan to End Govt Shutdown
The White House Wednesday, 2 January, rejected a proposal put forward by the opposition Democratic party to end the protracted partial government shutdown, asserting that any plan without a provision for funding US President Donald Trump's long-promised border wall is a "non-starter".
The over 10-day long partial government shutdown starting on December 22 has affected 800,000 federal employees, who have either been furloughed or are working without pay.
(Source: PTI)
RJD Leader Shot Dead, Boy Killed in Revenge
A local Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader in Bihar was shot dead near his village by unidentified men, police said on Wednesday, 2 January.
The killing triggered a violent protest by his supporters who beat to death a minor boy related to one of the suspects.
Indal Paswan, a businessman-turned-politician, was shot dead near Maghda Sarai village in Nalanda district on Tuesday night when he was returning home after attended a function, police official Imran Perwez said.
(Source: IANS)
2019 Expected to Be Warmer: Officials
The year 2018 may have ended on a chilly note, but 2019 is expected to be warmer, senior officials said, citing El Nino and the overall trend of rise in temperatures.
According to the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), the chance of a full-fledged El Nino being established between December 2018-February 2019 is estimated to be about 75-80 per cent.
Ministry of Earth Sciences Secretary M Rajeevan said as the year commences, the chill that covered large parts of the country is likely to dissipate.
(Source: PTI)
Fire Breaks Out at Chemist Shop in Shimla, Medicines Worth Rs 3 Lakh Gutted
Medicines worth Rs 3 lakh were gutted after fire broke out at a chemist shop in the congested Ram Bazar area in Shimla, police said Wednesday.
The fire broke out around 10 pm Tuesday at the shop located on the ground floor of a four-storey building. The shop was closed and there was no causality, police said.
Seven fire engines were pressed to service from Mall road, Chhota Shimla and Tilak Nagar, which doused the flames.
(Source: PTI)
Siddaramaiah Dares BJP to Come Clean on Bid to Topple Cong-JDS Govt
Former Karnataka chief minister and Congress leader Siddaramaiah Wednesday challenged the BJP to come clean on its alleged attempts to bribe his party MLAs to destabilise the coalition government in the state.
The Congress leaders are locked in a war of attrition with the BJP ever since the ministry was recently expanded and reshuffled, amid reports that the saffron party was in touch with disgruntled MLAs who missed ministerial berths.
(Source: PTI)
Top Pentagon Spokeswoman Resigns Amid Internal Probe
The Pentagon's top spokeswoman, who was under investigation over misconduct allegations, has resigned.
Dana W. White announced her resignation on Twitter on Monday night, hours after outgoing Defence Secretary James Mattis sent his farewell message to department employees.
"I appreciate the opportunity afforded to me by this administration to serve alongside Secretary Mattis, our service members and all the civilians who support them. It has been my honour and privilege. Stay safe and God bless," White said on Twitter.
(Source: IANS)
Army's Rs 60,000-Cr FICV Project Stuck in Procedural Delays: Official Sources
A 10-year-old plan to acquire 2,600 future infantry combat vehicles for the Indian Army at a cost of around Rs 60,000 crore is staring at an uncertain future as it is stuck due "divergent views" among the stakeholders on its implementation, official sources said.
They said another ambitious programme to indigenously manufacture a fleet of modern battle tanks, christened as future ready combat vehicle, is also not moving forward due to procedural delays.
(Source: PTI)
CBI Books 5 Army Officers for Corruption
The CBI has booked five Army personnel, including a colonel, for allegedly receiving bribes worth Rs 18 lakh from a supplier of rations for troops posted in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, officials said Wednesday.
This is the second case in the recent past when the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered an FIR against army officers for corruption in supplies.
(Source: PTI)
Afghan Officials Say Italian Adviser Survives Rogue Attack
Afghan officials say an Italian military adviser escaped unhurt after a rogue border policeman opened fire on his armoured vehicle in western Afghanistan's Herat province, not far from the border with Iran.
Gelani Farhad, spokesman for the provincial governor, says the adviser was inside his armoured vehicle after finishing a meeting Wednesday with Afghan officials when the gunmen opened fire, wounding a female police officer before being shot dead by nearby police.
(Source: AP)
Man Detained Near Indo-Pak Border
The Border Security Force (BSF) has detained a middle-aged man in Rajasthan's Barmer district after he allegedly tried to cross the Indo-Pak border, an official said Wednesday.
The suspect, Billu, aged around 40 and hailing from Punjab, was detained by the BSF jawans at Munabao border outpost and handed over to Barmer police, said Gurupal Singh, deputy inspector general (DIG), Gujarat range.
(Source: PTI)
Most Oppn Parties Don't Trust Undemocratic TMC as Reliable Ally: BJP
BJP national secretary Rahul Sinha Wednesday mocked the Trinamool Congress (TMC) for "vying to play an important role" after next year's parliamentary polls, claiming that most opposition parties don't consider it as a reliable ally.
He said the TMC should stop dreaming that its supremo Mamata Banerjee will be the next prime minister.
Sinha said the difference between the BJP and the opposition parties is that while the saffron party, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is trying to strengthen and develop the nation, the opposition parties are fighting for power.
(Source: PTI)
Man Crushed to Death by Bus in Himachal
A motorcycle rider was crushed to death by a bus in Kangra district of the state on Wednesday, the police said.
After colliding with the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) bus, the man fell and came under its front tyre, dying instantly, they said.
(Source: PTI)
IndiGo Flight Makes Priority Landing in Ahmedabad
A city-bound IndiGo flight from New Delhi made a priority landing here Tuesday after smoke was detected mid-air in the cockpit and cabin of the A320 aircraft, a source said Wednesday.
The pilot issued a Pan-Pan call and sought a priority landing from the Ahmedabad ATC, the source said.
(Source: PTI)
Australia's Move to Strip Is Suspect of Citizenship in Doubt
Australia's decision to strip a suspected Islamic State fighter of citizenship was thrown into doubt Wednesday, after it emerged he was not a dual citizen as once believed.
Neil Prakash is accused of being a member of the jihadist group, and was named late last month as the 12th Australian dual-national to lose their passport over terrorism links.
(Source: AFP)
Congress' Deepak Saxena to Be Protem Speaker of MP Assembly
Senior Congress MLA Deepak Saxena Wednesday took oath as protem Speaker of the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly.
Governor Anandiben Patel administered the oath of office to Saxena at a function held in Raj Bhawan.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath and other ministers were present at the occasion.
(Source: PTI)
Sensex Settles 343 Points Lower over Growth Slowdown Concerns
The Indian equity market ended in the red on Wednesday in line with global indices on fears of a worldwide slowdown which was intensified after China reported a weak PMI manufacturing data.
Sector-wise, auto counters took a beating ending 2.80 per cent lower a day after companies reported disappointing sales data.
The S&P BSE Sensex settled 363.05 points or 1 per cent lower at 35,891.52 points after touching an intra-day high of 36,236.70 and a low of 35,734.01.
(Source: IANS)
Pak Army Violates Ceasefire in Poonch
Pakistan Army violates ceasefire along the Line of Control in Poonch district in Jammu and Kashmir. More details awaited.
(Source: ANI)
Delhi Police Arrest Nigerian National For Involvement in Cocaine Supply
DCP South Delhi said the police have arrested a Nigerian national Joseph Uzoma from Malviya Nagar. He was involved in supply of cocaine, 37.5 gram of fine cocaine has been recovered.
(Source: ANI)
Will Sing 'Vande Mataram' on First Day of MP Assembly: Chouhan
Former chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan Wednesday said he and all other BJP MLAs will sing "Vande Mataram" on the first day of the Madhya Pradesh Assembly session, if the Congress-led state government does not restore the practice of reciting it at the secretariat.
The song was not sung on Tuesday, the first working day of January, at the state secretariat following which the opposition BJP attacked Chief Minister Kamal Nath, seeking to know if it was done on his direction.
(Source: PTI)
Won't Allow Centre to Tag Its Name with Crop Insurance Just by Paying 20% of Cost: WB CM
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said on Wednesday that her government won't allow the BJP-led Centre to tag its name with crop insurance for farmers in the state, just by bearing only 20 per cent of the cost.
The state would henceforth pay the entire amount, she said addressing an administrative meeting here in West Bengal's Birbhum district.
Banerjee said as of now 49 per cent of farmers in West Bengal are covered under crop insurance and the rest will be brought under its purview soon.
(Source: PTI)
Oppn Slams up Govt's Cow Cess Plan, Says It Burdens People
The Opposition in Uttar Pradesh Wednesday slammed the state government's decision to levy a cess to fund temporary shelters for cattle, saying this would burden people.
The BJP government decided Tuesday to introduce an additional levy of 0.5 per cent as cow welfare cess on eight profit-making public sector infrastructure companies to fund the construction and maintenance of cow shelters.
(Source: PTI)
China Maintains Silence on USD 2 Billion Loan to Pakistan
China reportedly agreed to lend at least USD two billion to Pakistan to shore up its foreign exchange reserves, but Beijing on Wednesday declined to reveal any details.
"China and Pakistan are all weather strategic cooperative partners," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said at a media briefing here on Wednesday.
When asked about a report by the London-based the Financial Times that China has agreed to lend USD 2 billion to Pakistan, Lu spoke about Beijing's continued assistance to Islamabad but did not provide any details.
(Source: PTI)
China's Two-Child Policy Fails to Click, New-Borns Number Dips by 2 Million in 2018
China's two-child policy has failed to make any impact on the country's low birth rate as the number of new-borns dropped by two million last year and the decline is expected to continue, a media report said Wednesday.
China ended its decades-old one-child policy in 2016 and permitted couples to have two children as the population of elderly rose with declining numbers of young people.
China had more than 230.8 million people aged 60 or above at the end of 2016, 16.7 per cent of the country's total population, the Ministry of Civil Affairs had said in August 2017.
(Source: PTI)
Presence of ISIS in Kashmir Not That Big: J&K DGP
The presence of the ISIS in Kashmir is not "that big" but attempts are being made by anti-national elements to radicalise a section of the youth with the global terror group's ideology, DGP Dilbag Singh said Wednesday.
The DGP's remark came days after a group of youngsters, carrying ISIS flags, forcibly entered the historic Jamia Masjid here and created a ruckus. "A very serious attempt on part of anti-social and anti-national elements is on to radicalise a section of the youth to the extent possible.
(Source: PTI)
Cabinet Approves First-Ever 3 Way Merger in Indian Banking
Cabinet approves ‘The Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order (Amendment) Bill, 2018’ for revision in list of Scheduled Tribes of Arunachal Pradesh.
The Union Cabinet has approved the restructuring of existing National Health Agency as "National Health Authority" for better implementation of Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana.
Cabinet approves first-ever three way merger in Indian Banking with amalgamation of Vijaya Bank, Dena Bank and Bank of Baroda.
(Source: ANI)
DRI Seizes Nearly 17 Kg Elephant Tusk in West Bengal
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has seized nearly 17 kg elephant tusk near here, according to an official statement issued Wednesday.
The recovery was done from a Kolkata-bound vehicle at Ghoshpukur in the outskirts of Siliguri.
The tusks in four pieces were being secretly transported in the vehicle, which was loaded with a consignment of black tea, from Guwahati, it said.
(Source: PTI)
Cow Smugglers Are 'Terrorists': Rajasthan BJP Vice-President
The vice-president of the BJP's Rajasthan unit has said cow smugglers were like "terrorists" and asked the newly-elected Congress government to protest against cow smuggling and slaughter.
"I will call those people terrorists who indulge in cow smuggling and slaughter but do not desist from their actions. It's strange that none of the Congress leaders protest against the menace. Now, they are in power and they should work to stop such crimes," Gyan Dev Ahuja told reporters in Alwar on Tuesday.
(Source: PTI)
S Korean Forced Labourers Seek Japanese Asset Seizure
Lawyers for South Korean victims of Tokyo's wartime forced labour have sought the seizure of a Japanese steelmaker's assets, they said Wednesday.
The two neighbours are both democracies, market economies and US allies, but their relationship is heavily coloured by historical and territorial issues, largely stemming from Tokyo's brutal 1910-45 colonial rule over the Korean peninsula.
(Source: AFP)
Fatal Air Crashes and Deaths up in 2018: Watchdog
A total of 556 people died in 15 plane crashes in 2018, significantly more than the previous year, but long-term trends show safety improving, an aviation watchdog reported.
The year 2017 was the safest year in aviation history with only 44 people killed in 10 airliner accidents, said the Aviation Safety Network (ASN).
Last year was still the third-safest year in aviation history in terms of the number of fatal accidents and the ninth-safest in terms of lives lost.
(Source: AFP)
4 Killed in Pakistan Mine Explosion
At least four workers were killed and one was critically injured on Wednesday due to a gas explosion inside a coal mine in Pakistan's Balochistan province.
The blast took place in the morning due to accumulation of gas in the mine in Chamalang area, 200 km west of Quetta, police spokesperson Abdul Razzaq told Efe news.
(Source: IANS)
2 Iranians Among 29 Taliban Militants Killed in Afghanistan
Andhra picked up three points after its Ranji Trophy Elite Group 'B' match against Hyderabad here Wednesday ended in a draw.
Akshath Reddy (65, 98 balls) and Himalay Agarwal (60, 93 balls) batted solidly for Andhra to dash the home team's hopes of securing a victory.
Resuming at 33 for no loss, Hyderabad lost opener Tanmay Agarwal (18), castled by B Ayyappa.
(Source: IANS)
Moushumi Chatterjee Joins BJP
Veteran actor Moushumi Chatterjee joins BJP in presence of party National General Secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya.
(Source: ANI)
Govt Tables Bill to Allow Voluntary Use of Aadhaar for Sims, Bank Acounts
The government Wednesday introduced a bill in the Lok Sabha that will allow individuals to voluntary offer biometric ID Aadhaar as a means of identity verification for obtaining services like opening a bank account and getting a mobile phone connection.
The bill, which seeks to amend three separate laws governing Aadhaar, telecom sector, and banking regulation, also gives a minor an option to opt out of the 12-digit identity scheme on attaining the age of 18 years.
(Source: PTI)
SC to Hear Plea Thursday Seeking Urgent Steps to Rescue Trapped Miners in Meghalaya
The Supreme Court agreed to hear on Thursday a plea seeking urgent steps to rescue 15 miners who have been trapped inside an illegal coal mine in Meghalaya since December 13.
The matter was mentioned Wednesday for urgent listing before a bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice S K Kaul which agreed to hear the matter on Thursday.
The PIL filed by advocate Aditya N Prasad also sought a direction to the Centre and other authorities concerned to prepare a standard operating procedure (SOP) for rescue operations in "mines and other similar conditions".
(Source: PTI)
After Bankers, Guv Das to Meet NBFC, MSME Reps Next Week
Reserve Bank governor Shaktikanta Das Wednesday said he will be meeting the representatives of non-banking finance companies (NBFCs) and small businesses next week.
Das had already met the heads of state-run banks in two installments and private sector bankers last month.
The move comes a day after the central bank allowed recast of loans of up to Rs 25 crore for micro, small and medium businesses (MSMES). NBFCs were reportedly peeved at Das' predecessor Urjit Patel for not granting an audience to explain problems.
(Source: PTI)
India to Get Info on Account Holders in Swiss Banks from 2019: Govt
India will start receiving from Switzerland this year information relating to financial accounts held by Indians in Swiss banks, government said Wednesday.
Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh, replying to a question in the Lok Sabha, said such information may include details about persons allegedly involved in corruption.
Switzerland has been long perceived as one of the safest havens for illicit wealth allegedly stashed abroad by some Indians.
(Source: PTI)
US Scribe Working on Sterlite Issue Flies Back Home; To Be Blacklisted: Official
A US-based freelance journalist left the country Wednesday, a day after authorities here ordered his deportation for working on the Sterlite issue in violation of his tourist visa conditions, an official said.
Mark Scialla, who arrived here on December 27 last, boarded a flight to the US from Hyderabad Wednesday morning, Tuticorin district Superintendent of Police Murali Rambha, who issued the deporation order in his capacity as the district Foreigners Registration Officer, said.
(Source: PTI)
2013 Jhiram Ghati Naxal Attack: Chhattisgarh Govt Orders Sit Probe
Chhattisgarh government orders SIT probe in 2013 Jhiram ghati Naxal attack in which 29 people including Congress leaders had died.
(Source: ANI)
High-Level Committee to Implement Clause 6 of Assam Accord
The Union Cabinet approved the setting up of a High Level Committee for implementation of Clause 6 of the Assam Accord and measures envisaged in the Memorandum of Settlement, 2003 and other issues related to Bodo community.
Clause 6 of the Assam Accord envisaged that appropriate constitutional, legislative and administrative safeguards, should be provided to protect, preserve and promote the cultural, social, linguistic identity and heritage of the Assamese people.
“The Committee shall examine the effectiveness of actions since 1985 to implement Clause 6 of the Assam Accord. The Committee will hold discussions with all stakeholders and assess the required quantum of reservation of seats in the State Assembly and local bodies for Assamese people,” Home Minister Rajnath Singh tweeted.
The Committee will also assess the requirement of measures to be taken to protect Assamese and other indigenous languages of Assam, quantum of reservation in employment under the state govt and other measures to protect, preserve and promote the cultural identity of Assamese people.
(Source: Twitter/Rajnath Singh)
Cabinet Approves Measures to Fulfil Outstanding Issues of Bodo Community
The Cabinet approved a number of measures to fulfil the outstanding issues related to the Bodo community. The Bodo Accord was signed in 2003 which resulted in the establishment of a Bodoland Territorial Council under Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India.
The Cabinet today approved the establishment of a Bodo Musuem-cum language and cultural study center, modernization of existing All India Radio Station and Doordarshan Kendra at Kokrajhar and naming a Super-fast Train passing through BTAD as ARONAI Express.
(Source: Twitter/Rajnath Singh)
Madras High Court Lifts Ban on Online Sale of Medicines
The Madras High Court on Wednesday allowed online pharmacies to sell drugs and cosmetics, staying an earlier order.
A two-member bench of the court said the earlier direction to the Central government to notify the rules governing the online sale of drugs before January 31 continues.
The Tamil Nadu Chemists and Druggists Association had filed a case against the sale of drugs by online companies.
(Source: IANS)
Cabinet Nod to Amend Trade Unions Act
The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved amendment to the Trade Unions Act to make provisions on recognition of unions.
The government said the approval will facilitate recognition of trade unions at central and state levels, ensure true representation of workers in the tripartite bodies, check the arbitrary nomination of workers/ representatives by the government and reduce litigations and industrial unrest.
(Source: IANS)
India Plans to Launch 32 Space Missions in 2019
India is planning to launch 32 space missions in 2019, a top space official said in Bengaluru.
"The year 2019 promises to be challenging to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) community with 32 planned missions," its chairman K. Sivan said in a message to his employees on New Year on Tuesday.
The missions include the second lunar mission Chandrayaan-2 to land on the moon with lander and rover.
(Source: IANS)
Hackers Threaten to Reveal 'Secret' Data Linked to 9/11 Attacks
A hacker group has threatened to reveal "secret" data related to September 11 attacks in the US after claiming to have got access to a large cache of confidential files.
In its announcement published on Pastebin, the group known as The Dark Overlord pointed to several different insurers and legal firms, claiming specifically that it hacked Hiscox Syndicates Ltd, Lloyds of London, and Silverstein Properties, the Motherboard reported on Tuesday.
(Source: IANS)
SC Refuse to Entertain Plea Against Bifurcation of AP High Court
The Supreme Court on Wednesday refused to entertain a plea of Andhra Pradesh High Court Advocates Association (APHCAA) seeking to defer the bifurcation of High Court at Hyderabad.
There are no proper facilities at the make shift structure and the new building for the High Court at Amaravati in Andhra Pradesh is yet to be completed, APHCAA counsel told a bench of Justices A K Sikri and S Abdul Nazeer.
(Source: PTI)
Modi Justified His Failures in 'One-Sided' Interview: Mayawati
BSP president Mayawati Wednesday slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi for justifying the alleged failures of his government and party in a "one-sided" interview that "failed" to kindle new aspirations.
"Instead of adopting necessary sensitivity and honesty on raging issues concerning peoples welfare and national interest, Modi's interview was a one-sided clarification (on behalf) of his government and party which failed to kindle new aspirations," the BSP chief said in a press release issued here.
(Source: PTI)
Army Chief Reviews Security in Militancy-Infested South Kashmir
Army Chief General Bipin Rawat Wednesday visited the militancy-infested south Kashmir to review the security situation and counter-insurgency operations in the region, officials said.
"Continuing with his visit to the Valley, the Chief of Army Staff Gen Bipin Rawat reviewed the prevailing security situation and strategy for counter terrorist operations in the hinterland," an army official said.
(Source: PTI)
Police Team's Visit to Lalu's Ward Triggers Speculation of His Shifting to Another Floor in RIMS
A visit by police officials to the ward of the RIMS, where RJD president Lalu Prasad has been staying after being convicted in fodder scam cases, has triggered speculation in the media as to whether Prasad will be shifted to another floor of the hospital on security grounds.
The police team had paid a visit to the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief's ward in the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) on Monday.
(Source: PTI)
Railways to Begin Train 18 Services Ahead of Kumbh Mela Next Week
The Railways is likely to begin the commercial run of the much awaited Train 18 between Delhi and Varanasi next week, just ahead of the Kumbh Mela in Allahabad which begins on January 14, sources said Wednesday.
It is also likely to be one of the four special trains to ferry delegates of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas on January 24 from the Kumbh Mela in Allahabad to the national capital in time for the Republic Day event.
The train which will run at a speed of 130 kmph will reduce journey time between the two cities from the present 11 hours and 30 minutes to 8 hours, the Railways said.
(Source: PTI)
Former Indian Envoy to Japan Sujan R Chinoy Appointed DG of IDSA
Former Ambassador of India to Japan Sujan R Chinoy has been appointed director general of the Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses, according to a Personnel Ministry order issued on Wednesday.
Chinoy, a 1981-batch Indian Foreign Service (retired) officer, has been appointed to the post for a period of three years, it said.
IDSA is an autonomous body dedicated to objective research and policy relevant studies on all aspects of defence and security.
(Source: PTI)
SC Rejects Plea Seeking Lodging of Fir Against Mulayam Singh Yadav
The Supreme Court Wednesday dismissed a plea challenging the Allahabad High Court verdict rejecting a petition seeking direction to Uttar Pradesh Police to lodge an FIR against former Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav for his alleged order to open fire on 'kar sewaks' at Ayodhya in 1990.
A bench comprising Justices Ashok Bhushan and K M Joseph dismissed the plea on the ground of delay considering the fact that appeal has been filed against the May 3, 2016 order of the high court.
(Source: PTI)
Deve Gowda Hits Out at Modi Over Farm Loan Waiver Scheme
Former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda Wednesday hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for taking a jibe at the Karnataka government's farm loan waiver scheme and questioned him about demonetisation and the Ram temple issue.
"I have observed taunting statements of @narendramodion Karnataka's crop loan waiver scheme. Dear PM, more than 60,000 farmers have already received money directly into their bank accounts.
We are determined to keep our promise to the farmers and are acting on the same lines," Gowda said in a tweet.
(Source: PTI)
Man Found Hanging from Tree in Greater Noida
A 27-year-old man was found hanging from a tree near a crematorium in Greater Noida, the police said Wednesday.
The body of Sanju Jatav, a resident of Khairpur Gurhar village, was sent for post mortem examination, Circle Officer, Greater Noida 3rd, Piyush Kumar Singh said.
"The deceased had a dispute with his wife and they were separated," Singh said, adding that a probe was underway.
(Source: PTI)
Amit Shah to Address Tripura BJP Functionaries on 5 January
BJP national president Amit Shah is scheduled to visit Tripura on January 5 to address a conference of party functionaries here.
Addressing a press meet here, Pratima Bhowmik, the party's state general secretary, said on Wednesday that Shah will arrive at Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Airport in Agartala in the afternoon.
"During his visit here, he (Shah) will address a conference-cum-mass gathering of 42,000 'panna pramukh' and other functionaries at Swami Vivekanada Maidan," Bhowmik said.
(Source: PTI)
1 Dead, 5 Hurt After They Slip from Overspeeding Train in Jammu
A man died and five others were injured after they fell from an alleged overspeeding train near Jammu Railway Station here, officials said Wednesday.
"On Tuesday, some passengers slipped from the special Delhi-bound train from Udhampur after the negligent driver started moving the train fast near Jammu Railway Station," Railway Police officials said.
(Source: PTI)
Death Toll in Russian Apartment Collapse Rises to 21
Search crews have pulled more bodies from a huge pile of rubble at a collapsed Russian apartment building, bringing the known death toll to 21.
The bodies found on Wednesday in the city of Magnitogorsk included a 3-year-old girl, Russian news agencies cited the emergencies ministry as saying.
An 11-month-old boy who was pulled alive from the wreckage on Tuesday, nearly 36 hours after the building collapsed, was in serious but stable condition in a children's hospital in Moscow. He was flown about 1,400 kilometers (870 miles) to the capital in a plane dispatched by the Health Ministry.
(Source: AP)
Delhi Assembly's Extended Winter Session to Be a Stormy One
The Delhi Assembly's session starting Thursday is expected to be a stormy one, with BJP and AAP legislators planning to attack each other on a wide range of issues, including controversial demand to strip Rajiv Gandhi of Bharat Ratna.
The one-day session is the second part of the ongoing Winter Session that had begun on December 20.
A government official said Urban Development Minister Satyendar Jain is likely to table the report of the fifth finance commission in the House on Wednesday.
(Source: PTI)
UK Policy of Charging Forced Marriage Victims Faces Criticism
The British government came under fire on Wednesday after it emerged that the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) is charging victims of forced marriages to return home to the UK after their rescue overseas.
According to the latest statistics from the UK's Forced Marriage Unit (FMU), India ranks fourth among countries where victims are taken to be forced into marriage after Pakistan, Bangladesh and Somalia. In 2017, 82 male and female victims of forced marriage supported by the FMU were from India.
(Source: PTI)
26 Hindi Chairs Established in Foreign Countries to Promote It: MEA
A total number of 26 Hindi chairs have been established in various countries and fellowships for research in the language are offered to foreign nationals of all the countries, the Lok Sabha was told Wednesday.
Noting that the promotion of Hindi in foreign countries was a high-priority area for the External Affairs Ministry, Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh said 27 teachers were sent to Indian missions, posts and cultural centres in 2018-19, of which 21 were supported by the MEA's Hindi Division and six by the Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR).
(Source: PTI)
Haryana Approves 11 Projects for Sarasvati River Revival
To revive the ancient Sarasvati river in the state and ensure regular flow of fresh water into it, the Haryana Saraswati Heritage Development Board (HSHDB) on Wednesday approved 11 major projects, including restoration of various heritage sites along the course of the mythical river.
Presiding over the 4th meeting of governing body of the Haryana Saraswati Heritage Development Board, Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, who is the chairman of the Board, said it is the priority of the Haryana government to ensure that fresh water flow in the Sarasvati, which is mentioned in Hindu mythology.
(Source: PTI)
India Gave USD 72.1 Million to Palestine as Project Assistance: MEA
India has given USD 72.1 million to Palestine in a bid to aid developing projects through capacity building and budgetary support, the Lok Sabha was told Wednesday.
Minister of State in the External Affairs Ministry V K Singh told the Lower House that the major projects being undertaken at present in Palestine include setting up of the Institute of Diplomacy, India-Palestine technology park, hospital, women empowerment center, printing press and schools.
(Source: PTI)
3 Key Accused in Gujarat Constable Exam Paper Leak Case Held
Three key accused in the Gujarat constable examination paper leak case of last month have been arrested, the state's top police officer said Wednesday, taking the number of those behind bars in the matter to 15.
Investigations have revealed the accused were part of a gang which had stolen an exam paper meant for recruitment of police constables in Gujarat from a printing press at Manipal town in Karnataka in November, said Director General of Police Shivanand Jha.
(Source: PTI)
Defence Industries Received Rs 1.21 Cr FDI During 2014-18: Commerce Min
India's defence sector received Rs 1.21 crore foreign direct investment during 2014-18, Parliament was informed Wednesday.
"FDI equity inflow of Rs 12,146,180 has been reported in the sector namely 'Defence Industries' during the period 2014-2018," Minister of State for Commerce and Industry C R Chaudhary said in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha.
(Source: PTI)
65 State-Run & Aided School to Start English as the Medium of Teaching: Kolkata Minister
West Bengal Education minister Partha Chatterjee Wednesday said the government has given consent to 65 state-run and aided schools to start English as the medium of teaching from this month.
Chatterjee told reporters here that "while Bengali studies will continue in the said 65 schools, we will also introduce English as medium of teaching in these schools side by side, from class one, in this month itself." He said the government wanted to retain Bengali as mother tongue in those institutions but was also in favour of realising the dreams of lower middle class parents - who had lesser economic power - to impart English teaching to their children to fare well in their future career.
(Source: PTI)
Five-Day Manali Carnival Begins in Himachal's Kullu
The five-day Manali Winter Carnival in Himachal Pradesh's Kullu district began Wednesday, an official spokesperson said.
The popular carnival, one of India's oldest, got underway as chief minister Jai Ram Thakur flagged off the carnival parade from circuit house in Manali after offering prayers at the famous Hidimba Mata temple, the official said.
(Source: PTI)
US Wants Access to American Held in Moscow on Spying Charges
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Wednesday that the US hopes to gain access soon to a former Marine who was arrested in Russia on espionage charges and that "if the detention is not appropriate we will demand his immediate return."
Paul Whelan, who is head of global security for a Michigan-based auto parts supplier, was arrested on Friday. In announcing the arrest three days later, the Russian Federal Security Service said he was caught "during an espionage operation," but it gave no details.
(Source: AP)
Guwahati Airport Gets Two New Aerobridges
Two new aerobridges have been added to the terminal of Lokopriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati to ease operations.
The new airbridges will reduce congestion, facilitating trouble-free arrival and departure, a release issued by Airports Authority of India (AAI) on Wednesday.
(Source: PTI)
Radia Tapes: Scribe, Media House Settle Defamation Case
A veteran journalist and a media house have settled a defamation case related to the publishing of the controversial tapped conversations of former lobbyist Niira Radia with politicians, corporates and scribes in connection with 2G spectrum case.
The settlement was arrived at during mediation after a trial court suggested to both the parties to resolve the dispute and the media outlet has published an apology, the journalist's advocate Nitya Ramakrishnan said.
(Source: PTI)
90% Possibility of PM Fighting Polls from Puri: Odisha BJP Lawmaker Amid Speculation
Senior BJP leader and MLA Pradip Purohit Wednesday claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to contest the upcoming general elections from the Puri constituency in Odisha.
Purohit's claim comes notwithstanding the Prime Minister on Tuesday saying that the issue was media creation.
"One cannot rule out the prime minister contesting from Puri. There is 90 per cent possibility of the PM contesting from Puri seat," Purohit told reporters.
(Source: PTI)
Militant Arrested with Arms in Manipur
One active cadre of the proscribed militant outfit United National Liberation Front (UNLF) was arrested by police in Manipur's Thoubal district.
The militant was arrested on Monday from Athokpam Bazar in Thoubal district. The police seized a 9 mm automatic pistol from his possession, a release issued by the PRO of Manipur Police said on Wednesday.
A case has been registered at Thoubal police station for further investigation, the release added.
(Source: PTI)
Consensual Physical Relationship Between Live-In Partners Not Rape, Says SC
Consensual physical relationship between live-in partners does not amount to rape in case the man fails to marry the woman due to circumstances beyond his control, the Supreme Court has held.
The top court said this while quashing an FIR lodged by a Maharashtra-based nurse against a doctor, who were in a live-in relationship "for quite some time".
(Source: PTI)
Communal Clashes: 1,605 Killed in over 10,000 Incidents from 2004-17, Says RTI Reply
India witnessed 10,399 incidents of communal violence from 2004 to 2017 wherein 1,605 people were killed and 30,723 were injured, said the Ministry of Home Affairs in reply to an RTI query.
The maximum number of incidents took place in 2008 when 943 cases were reported. The year witnessed most lives--167--lost to violence and 2,354 people were injured, said the year-wise data.
(Source: PTI)
Class 11 Girl Injured After Falling from School Building Roof
A class 11 student was seriously injured after falling from the roof of a three-storey school building in the northern part of the city on Wednesday, police said.
The 17-year-old girl suffered serious injuries on her spinal chord, ribs and other parts of her body after falling from the roof of Arya Kanya Mahavidyalaya, a higher secondary girls' school.
She was hospitalised in a serious condition, the police said.
It was being investigated about how the girl reached the roof from her class room and whether she accidentally fell from the roof on the adjacent street.
(Source: PTI)
Ahead of Polls, Maha CM to Hold Public Dialogue Twice a Month
Ahead of Lok Sabha elections, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis held the first of a series of interactions with beneficiaries of the Central as well as state government's schemes.
He will be holding such dialogues -- termed `Loksamvad' -- through video conference twice every month, an official said.
(Source: PTI)
3 of a Family Killed in Truck-2 Wheeler Collision
Three members of a family were killed early on Wednesday as their two-wheeler collided with a truck on NH-41 in East Midnapore district, police said.
The accident took place in Bhabanipur police station area here when the three were returning home to Tamluk from a function at this port town.
The victims are identified as Sk Samsur Zaman (42), Sk Noor Mohammad (27) and Sk Saidur Rahaman (22), all residents of Ranichak village under Tamluk police station in the same district, the police said.
(Source: PTI)
One Dead As Boat Carrying Picnickers Capsizes
One killed, seven missing as boat carrying picnickers capsizes in Mahanadi river in Odisha, said officials.
(Source: PTI)
14-Year-Old Boy Arrested on Murder Charge After Fatal Crash
A 14-year-old boy who authorities say was driving an SUV that caused a fatal car accident has been arrested on a murder charge.
The Harris County Sheriff's Office says the SUV was filled with teens who were throwing eggs at other cars Tuesday afternoon when another driver began chasing them.
The department says the 14-year-old driver then ran a red light and crashed into a pickup truck, killing 45-year-old Silvia Zavala.
(Source: AP)
Three Child Labourers Rescued from Factory in Delhi: DCW
Three child labourers aged 10 and 13 years, who were made to work 12 hours a day at a factory in the national capital and paid Rs 2,000 per month, have been rescued, the Delhi Commission for Women said on Wednesday.
A complaint that children were employed in a factory in Omkar Nagar and being forced to consume alcohol was received on Tuesday, the panel said in a statement.
(Source: PTI)
9-Year-Old Girl Raped & Murdered in Jharkhand
A nine-year-old girl was allegedly raped and murdered by unidentified persons in Jharkhand's East Singhbhum district, police said on Wednesday.
The girl went out in search of her lost cattle on Tuesday evening but did not return home. The body of the girl was found in a field some distance away from her home Wednesday morning, the police said.
(Source: PTI)
One Dead, 10 Missing After Cargo Ship Sinks off China
At least one person died and 10 others were missing after a freighter sank off China's eastern coast on Wednesday, the official Xinhua news agency reported.
The cargo ship had 15 people on board when it sank at around 4:30 am (2030 GMT Tuesday), 90 nautical miles (167 kilometres) east of Taizhou City in Zhejiang province, Xinhua said, citing local maritime authorities.
(Source: AFP)
Latur: Police Deny Permission for Chandrashekhar Azad's Rally
The police in Latur in central Maharashtra denied permission for a rally of Bhim Army chief Chandrashekhar Azad Wednesday.
The rally, organised by the Yuva Bhim Sena, was to take place at the Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Park in the city on Wednesday evening.
Following the denial of permission, Azad arrived at the spot, paid homage to the statue of Dr Ambedkar and left without making any speech.
(Source: PTI)
'China, China, China': New Pentagon Chief Sets Priority
Patrick Shanahan, the acting US defense secretary, started his first full day at the Pentagon's helm Wednesday by telling colleagues he sees China as a key priority.
Shanahan, who took the top spot January 1 after Jim Mattis resigned amid disagreements with President Donald Trump, told key Defense Department staff to focus on the National Defense Strategy, a broad review that highlights a new era of "Great Power competition" with Russia and China.
(Source: AFP)
HC Impleads I-T Dept to Find out Assets of Jayalalithaa
The Madras High Court Wednesday on its own impleaded the Income Tax department to find out the assets and liabilities of former Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa in an appeal filed by two persons in the case related to the administration of the late leader's properties.
Since, the value of the properties left behind by the deceased runs to hundred crores of rupees, a proper administration was required by the order of this court, the petitioners--K Pugazhenthi and P Janakiraman--both claiming to be members of the AIADMK party, said.
(Source: PTI)
Minor Girl Rescued from J&K Kathua
A minor girl, who was kidnapped from Jammu, was recovered within 24 hours from Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district under Operation Muskan, police said Wednesday.
The father of the girl reported at the Gandhi Nagar police station here that his daughter went to school and did not return on Tuesday.
(Source: PTI)
Rajasthan Govt Increases Monthly Old-Age Pension
Rajasthan Govt issues notification for an increase in the monthly amount of old age pension from 500 to 750. Those getting 750 to now get Rs 1,000.
(Source: ANI)
Kurdish Fighters Withdraw from Strategic City of Manbij
Bashar al-Assad-led Syrian regime says Kurdish fighters withdraw from strategic city of Manbij.
(Source: AFP)
Norwegian PM to Visit India, Address Raisina Dialogue
Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg will come on a three-day state visit to Indian from 7 January during the course of which she will deliver the inaugural address at the annual Raisina Dialogue, a multilateral conference on international issues, it was announced on Wednesday.
During the course of her visit, Solberg will hold a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi besides calling on President Ram Nath Kovind, the External Affairs Ministry said in a statement.
"Prime Minister Solberg will deliver the inaugural address at the Raisina Dialogue," the statement said.
(Source: IANS)
Plea in HC Against Holding Thiruvarur Bypoll
A plea has been filed in the Madras High Court to forbear the Election Commission from conducting the bypoll to Thiruvarur constituency as it said the election would affect relief work undertaken in the region following Cyclone 'Gaja'.
The cyclone lashed the southern state in November last.
The EC had recently announced that the by-election would be held on 28 January.
(Source: PTI)
1 Dead, 9 Missing as Boat Capsizes in Odisha
One dead and nine people are missing after a boat capsized in a river in Kendrapara district of Odisha, reported ANI.
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 4 lakh each for kin of deceased and free treatment for the injured.