The national capital's air quality was recorded in the "severe" category with an AQI index of 433 on Friday morning, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
An AQI between zero and 50 is considered 'good', 51 and 100 'satisfactory', 101 and 200 'moderate', 201 and 300 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', and 401 and 500 'severe'.
The city recorded a minimum temperature of 7.5 degrees Celsius, 2.5 notches above the season's average, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.
Beatroot News: Text-only
City
Delhi air quality in 'severe' zone
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Delhi government imposes 'perpetual ban' on firecrackers in city
The Delhi government has imposed a "perpetual ban" on the manufacture, use and sale of firecrackers, including through online platforms, in the national capital, according to an official order.
Principal Secretary (environment) of the Delhi government A K Singh invoked the "perpetual ban" on firecrackers under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. The ban covers the manufacturing, storage, and selling, including delivery through online marketing platforms, of all kinds of firecrackers and their bursting in Delhi, said the order.
The move comes amid Delhi facing hazardous air pollution levels leading to a range of restrictions including a ban on construction activities and entry of trucks in the city.
Principal Secretary (environment) of the Delhi government A K Singh invoked the "perpetual ban" on firecrackers under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. The ban covers the manufacturing, storage, and selling, including delivery through online marketing platforms, of all kinds of firecrackers and their bursting in Delhi, said the order.
The move comes amid Delhi facing hazardous air pollution levels leading to a range of restrictions including a ban on construction activities and entry of trucks in the city.
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Economy
Rupee recovers from all-time low, gains six paise
The rupee saw some recovery from its all-time low level and appreciated six paise to 85.07 against the US dollar in early trade on Friday.
Forex traders said the rupee is likely to remain in a weakening mode due to significant dollar demand.
The Dollar Index (DXY) is expected to remain elevated, with resistance near the 110 level in the near-term amid a reduced likelihood of significant Fed rate cuts in 2025. The Federal Reserve cut rates by 25 basis points on Wednesday, but its forward guidance for 2025 has softened, with expectations reduced from four rate cuts to just two.
At the interbank foreign exchange, the rupee opened at 85.07, registering a gain of six paise from its previous close. It was later trading at 85.10 against the greenback, a tad above the all-time low level.
Forex traders said the rupee is likely to remain in a weakening mode due to significant dollar demand.
The Dollar Index (DXY) is expected to remain elevated, with resistance near the 110 level in the near-term amid a reduced likelihood of significant Fed rate cuts in 2025. The Federal Reserve cut rates by 25 basis points on Wednesday, but its forward guidance for 2025 has softened, with expectations reduced from four rate cuts to just two.
At the interbank foreign exchange, the rupee opened at 85.07, registering a gain of six paise from its previous close. It was later trading at 85.10 against the greenback, a tad above the all-time low level.
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Markets
Bears tighten grip on markets, Sensex tanks 1,176 points
Equity benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty plunged about 1.5% on Friday, taking their downtrend to the fifth straight session, due to risk aversion in the global markets after the hawkish stance of the US Federal Reserve.
The 30-share BSE benchmark tumbled 1,176.46 points or 1.49% to settle at 78,041.59.
During the day, it slumped 1,343.46 points or 1.69% to 77,874.59. The NSE Nifty tanked 364.20 points or 1.52% to 23,587.50. From the 30 blue-chip Sensex pack, Tech Mahindra, IndusInd Bank, Axis Bank, Mahindra & Mahindra, Tata Motors, Larsen & Toubro, State Bank of India, Tata Consultancy Services, UltraTech Cement and Reliance Industries were the biggest laggards.
In contrast, JSW Steel, Nestle and Titan were the gainers. In Asian markets, Seoul, Tokyo, Shanghai and Hong Kong settled lower. Equity markets in Europe were trading in the negative territory. Wall Street ended on a mixed note on Thursday.
Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) offloaded equities worth Rs 4,224.92 crore on Thursday, according to exchange data. Falling for the fourth day running, the 30-share BSE benchmark tanked 964.15 points or 1.20% to settle at 79,218.05 on Thursday. The Nifty tumbled 247.15 points or 1.02% to sink below the 24,000 mark at 23,951.70.
The 30-share BSE benchmark tumbled 1,176.46 points or 1.49% to settle at 78,041.59.
During the day, it slumped 1,343.46 points or 1.69% to 77,874.59. The NSE Nifty tanked 364.20 points or 1.52% to 23,587.50. From the 30 blue-chip Sensex pack, Tech Mahindra, IndusInd Bank, Axis Bank, Mahindra & Mahindra, Tata Motors, Larsen & Toubro, State Bank of India, Tata Consultancy Services, UltraTech Cement and Reliance Industries were the biggest laggards.
In contrast, JSW Steel, Nestle and Titan were the gainers. In Asian markets, Seoul, Tokyo, Shanghai and Hong Kong settled lower. Equity markets in Europe were trading in the negative territory. Wall Street ended on a mixed note on Thursday.
Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) offloaded equities worth Rs 4,224.92 crore on Thursday, according to exchange data. Falling for the fourth day running, the 30-share BSE benchmark tanked 964.15 points or 1.20% to settle at 79,218.05 on Thursday. The Nifty tumbled 247.15 points or 1.02% to sink below the 24,000 mark at 23,951.70.
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Markets decline in early trade amid unabated foreign fund outflows
Equity benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty declined in early trade on Friday amid unabated foreign fund outflows and concerns over the US Federal Reserve signalling fewer rate cuts next year.
The 30-share BSE benchmark Sensex declined 214.08 points to 79,003.97 in early trade.
The NSE Nifty also dipped 63.8 points to 23,887.90. From the 30 blue-chip stocks, Axis Bank, Tech Mahindra, IndusInd Bank, JSW Steel, ITC, Larsen & Toubro, UltraTech Cement and HDFC Bank were the biggest laggards. Titan, NTPC, Bajaj Finance, Bharti Airtel, Tata Consultancy Services and Maruti were among the gainers. Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) offloaded equities worth Rs 4,224.92 crore on Thursday, according to exchange data.
Falling for the fourth day running, the 30-share BSE benchmark tanked 964.15 points or 1.20% to settle at 79,218.05 on Thursday. The Nifty tumbled 247.15 points or 1.02% to sink below the 24,000 mark at 23,951.70.
The 30-share BSE benchmark Sensex declined 214.08 points to 79,003.97 in early trade.
The NSE Nifty also dipped 63.8 points to 23,887.90. From the 30 blue-chip stocks, Axis Bank, Tech Mahindra, IndusInd Bank, JSW Steel, ITC, Larsen & Toubro, UltraTech Cement and HDFC Bank were the biggest laggards. Titan, NTPC, Bajaj Finance, Bharti Airtel, Tata Consultancy Services and Maruti were among the gainers. Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) offloaded equities worth Rs 4,224.92 crore on Thursday, according to exchange data.
Falling for the fourth day running, the 30-share BSE benchmark tanked 964.15 points or 1.20% to settle at 79,218.05 on Thursday. The Nifty tumbled 247.15 points or 1.02% to sink below the 24,000 mark at 23,951.70.
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Indian markets join global selloff as US Fed indicates fewer rate cuts ahead
Equity benchmark Sensex on Thursday plunged about 965 points to crash below the 80,000 level due to heavy selling in global equities after the US Federal Reserve signalled fewer rate cuts next year.
Besides, deep losses in consumer durables, banking and IT stocks amid foreign fund outflows added to the gloom, analysts said.
Falling for the fourth day running, the 30-share BSE benchmark Sensex tanked 964.15 points or 1.20% to settle at 79,218.05. During the day, the blue-chip index cracked 1,162.12 points or 1.44 per cent to 79,020.08. The NSE Nifty tumbled 247.15 points or 1.02% to sink below the 24,000 mark at 23,951.70.
"The Indian market saw a widespread decline following a global sell-off driven by the US Fed’s hawkish stance on interest rates. Sectors sensitive to interest rates, such as banking and real estate, significantly bore the brunt," Vinod Nair, Head of Research, Geojit Financial Services, said. "However, the BoJ's decision to keep its interest rate steady, which surprised economists, aided in reducing the selling pressure. Despite this, investor caution persisted amid ongoing FII selling, with a strategic shift towards defensive sectors like pharma as evidenced by their outperformance," he added.
From the 30 blue-chip pack, Infosys, Bajaj Finserv, JSW Steel, Bajaj Finance, Asian Paints, ICICI Bank, Reliance Industries, Tata Consultancy Services, Infosys, Tata Motors and Mahindra & Mahindra were the biggest laggards.
On the other hand, Sun Pharma, Power Grid and Hindustan Unilever were the gainers. In Asian markets, Seoul, Tokyo, Shanghai and Hong Kong settled lower. European markets were trading in the negative territory.
Wall Street ended sharply lower on Wednesday. Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) offloaded equities worth Rs 1,316.81 crore on Wednesday, according to exchange data.
Besides, deep losses in consumer durables, banking and IT stocks amid foreign fund outflows added to the gloom, analysts said.
Falling for the fourth day running, the 30-share BSE benchmark Sensex tanked 964.15 points or 1.20% to settle at 79,218.05. During the day, the blue-chip index cracked 1,162.12 points or 1.44 per cent to 79,020.08. The NSE Nifty tumbled 247.15 points or 1.02% to sink below the 24,000 mark at 23,951.70.
"The Indian market saw a widespread decline following a global sell-off driven by the US Fed’s hawkish stance on interest rates. Sectors sensitive to interest rates, such as banking and real estate, significantly bore the brunt," Vinod Nair, Head of Research, Geojit Financial Services, said. "However, the BoJ's decision to keep its interest rate steady, which surprised economists, aided in reducing the selling pressure. Despite this, investor caution persisted amid ongoing FII selling, with a strategic shift towards defensive sectors like pharma as evidenced by their outperformance," he added.
From the 30 blue-chip pack, Infosys, Bajaj Finserv, JSW Steel, Bajaj Finance, Asian Paints, ICICI Bank, Reliance Industries, Tata Consultancy Services, Infosys, Tata Motors and Mahindra & Mahindra were the biggest laggards.
On the other hand, Sun Pharma, Power Grid and Hindustan Unilever were the gainers. In Asian markets, Seoul, Tokyo, Shanghai and Hong Kong settled lower. European markets were trading in the negative territory.
Wall Street ended sharply lower on Wednesday. Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) offloaded equities worth Rs 1,316.81 crore on Wednesday, according to exchange data.
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National
GST council defers decisions on insurance premiums, food delivery rates
The GST Council, in its 55th meeting, deferred the decision to reduce GST rates on health and life insurance premiums, Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary said on Saturday.
Chaudhary, who chairs the Group of Ministers (GoM) on rate rationalisation, stated that further discussions are needed, with another GoM meeting scheduled for January before presenting the proposal again. Chaudhary also noted that the GoM’s report suggesting GST rate changes for 148 items was not tabled during the ongoing meeting in Jaisalmer.
Additionally, sources revealed that the decision to lower GST rates for food delivery platforms like Swiggy and Zomato has also been postponed. The GST Council meeting is still in progress.
Chaudhary, who chairs the Group of Ministers (GoM) on rate rationalisation, stated that further discussions are needed, with another GoM meeting scheduled for January before presenting the proposal again. Chaudhary also noted that the GoM’s report suggesting GST rate changes for 148 items was not tabled during the ongoing meeting in Jaisalmer.
Additionally, sources revealed that the decision to lower GST rates for food delivery platforms like Swiggy and Zomato has also been postponed. The GST Council meeting is still in progress.
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Jaipur highway blast toll rises to 14
The death toll from the explosion following a collision between a truck and an LPG tanker on the Jaipur highway rose to 14 on Saturday after two injured victims succumbed overnight.
Officials reported 30 people were injured in the incident, including 20 passengers from a sleeper bus caught in the blast.
The fire, which took over seven hours to extinguish, caused extensive damage to multiple vehicles.
Officials reported 30 people were injured in the incident, including 20 passengers from a sleeper bus caught in the blast.
The fire, which took over seven hours to extinguish, caused extensive damage to multiple vehicles.
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Gen Rawat death: Parliamentary panel report says 'human error' caused December 8 chopper crash
Country's first Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat died in a Mi-17 V5 helicopter crash on December 8, 2021, and a parliamentary panel report has said the reason behind the accident which occurred that day was "human error".
Gen Rawat, his wife Madhulika Rawat, and many other armed forces personnel had died after the military helicopter they were travelling in crashed near Coonoor in Tamil Nadu.
In the report tabled in Parliament, the Standing Committee on Defence shared the data on the number of Indian Air Force aircraft crashes that took place during the 13th Defence Plan period. The total number of crashes stood at 34, including nine IAF aircraft accidents that took place in 2021-22 and 11 in 2018-19.
The tabulated data in the report also contained a column titled "reason" that specified the cause of the accidents in this period, against the aircraft type and date and accident.
The data for the 33rd accident listed in the report mentioned the aircraft as "Mi-17", date "08.12.2021" and the reason cited was "HE(A)" or "human error (aircrew)". The defence ministry informed the Committee that 34 inquiries have been conducted into these accidents during the period.
Gen Rawat, his wife Madhulika Rawat, and many other armed forces personnel had died after the military helicopter they were travelling in crashed near Coonoor in Tamil Nadu.
In the report tabled in Parliament, the Standing Committee on Defence shared the data on the number of Indian Air Force aircraft crashes that took place during the 13th Defence Plan period. The total number of crashes stood at 34, including nine IAF aircraft accidents that took place in 2021-22 and 11 in 2018-19.
The tabulated data in the report also contained a column titled "reason" that specified the cause of the accidents in this period, against the aircraft type and date and accident.
The data for the 33rd accident listed in the report mentioned the aircraft as "Mi-17", date "08.12.2021" and the reason cited was "HE(A)" or "human error (aircrew)". The defence ministry informed the Committee that 34 inquiries have been conducted into these accidents during the period.
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Five dead in fire after LPG tanker collides with other vehicles on Jaipur highway
A deadly collision involving an LPG tanker and multiple vehicles turned a stretch of the Jaipur-Ajmer highway into an inferno on Friday morning, killing five people, injuring 37 and engulfing over 30 vehicles in flames as thick black smoke filled the sky.
Eyewitnesses reported spotting the flames from over a kilometre away and ambulances and fire brigade teams rushed towards the crash zone as panic and chaos set in. A school van driver on his way to pick up students recounted with horror the sight of a man engulfed in flames. Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma rushed to the SMS Hospital, where the injured were admitted, spoke to administration officials and doctors and issued directions to ensure proper treatment was facilitated.
He also visited the accident site and spoke to police officials. The station house officer of Bhankrota Manish Gupta said it was difficult to bring the fire under control initially.
"Fire brigade teams initially were unable to reach the vehicles that were burning. There are three petrol pumps in the area but fortunately, they are safe," he added. More than 25 ambulances shifted the victims to the hospital. A nearly 300-metre busy stretch of the highway was affected by the accident, leading to a long queue of vehicles.
Police officials said the fire engulfed some establishments along the highway as well and details of the actual losses were not yet clear.
The school van driver told PTI that the flames were visible from a kilometre away and there was panic and chaos on the highway.
"As I got closer to the spot, I saw people running in haste and shouting for help. I saw a man engulfed in flames. It was a frightening scene. Fire brigades and ambulances were there but it was difficult for them to reach the spot initially," he said.
Eyewitnesses reported spotting the flames from over a kilometre away and ambulances and fire brigade teams rushed towards the crash zone as panic and chaos set in. A school van driver on his way to pick up students recounted with horror the sight of a man engulfed in flames. Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma rushed to the SMS Hospital, where the injured were admitted, spoke to administration officials and doctors and issued directions to ensure proper treatment was facilitated.
He also visited the accident site and spoke to police officials. The station house officer of Bhankrota Manish Gupta said it was difficult to bring the fire under control initially.
"Fire brigade teams initially were unable to reach the vehicles that were burning. There are three petrol pumps in the area but fortunately, they are safe," he added. More than 25 ambulances shifted the victims to the hospital. A nearly 300-metre busy stretch of the highway was affected by the accident, leading to a long queue of vehicles.
Police officials said the fire engulfed some establishments along the highway as well and details of the actual losses were not yet clear.
The school van driver told PTI that the flames were visible from a kilometre away and there was panic and chaos on the highway.
"As I got closer to the spot, I saw people running in haste and shouting for help. I saw a man engulfed in flames. It was a frightening scene. Fire brigades and ambulances were there but it was difficult for them to reach the spot initially," he said.
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Parliament
Winter Session of Lok Sabha recorded 57.87% productivity
The Lok Sabha's Winter Session, hamstrung by disruptions over issues ranging from Adani to billionaire George Soros' "links" with the Congress leadership and Amit Shah's Ambedkar remarks, had a productivity of 57.87%, official sources said on Friday.
The Lower House met on November 25 and was adjourned sine die (indefinitely) on Friday amid protests by the opposition and the treasury benches over the alleged insult to B R Ambedkar and directions by Speaker Om Birla to members against holding demonstrations at any gate of Parliament. Among the key bills introduced during the session were two that lay down the mechanism to hold simultaneous elections.
The Lower House last week saw a debate on 75 years of the Constitution's adoption, during which the treasury and the opposition benches launched a series of attacks at each other.
The Lok Sabha sat an extra day last week to discuss the workings of the Constitution. The Constitution was discussed for 16 hours in the Lok Sabha and 17 hours in the Rajya Sabha. However, no half-hour or short duration discussions were held. These discussions require ministers to respond to issues raised by members.
According to legislative think tank PRS India, Question Hour did not function for more than 10 minutes on 12 out of 20 days in the Lok Sabha. While several notices for adjournment motions were received in the Lok Sabha, none were accepted.
The Lower House met on November 25 and was adjourned sine die (indefinitely) on Friday amid protests by the opposition and the treasury benches over the alleged insult to B R Ambedkar and directions by Speaker Om Birla to members against holding demonstrations at any gate of Parliament. Among the key bills introduced during the session were two that lay down the mechanism to hold simultaneous elections.
The Lower House last week saw a debate on 75 years of the Constitution's adoption, during which the treasury and the opposition benches launched a series of attacks at each other.
The Lok Sabha sat an extra day last week to discuss the workings of the Constitution. The Constitution was discussed for 16 hours in the Lok Sabha and 17 hours in the Rajya Sabha. However, no half-hour or short duration discussions were held. These discussions require ministers to respond to issues raised by members.
According to legislative think tank PRS India, Question Hour did not function for more than 10 minutes on 12 out of 20 days in the Lok Sabha. While several notices for adjournment motions were received in the Lok Sabha, none were accepted.
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Parliament scuffle: Police may call Rahul Gandhi for questioning
A day after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was booked in connection with a scuffle on the Parliament premises, sources said police are likely to record the statements of the two injured MPs on Friday .
They said that the Delhi Police was also likely to write to the Parliament secretariat, seeking access to CCTV footage of the area where the alleged incident occurred.
An official said senior police officers may also consider transferring the case to the crime branch from the local police. Gandhi was booked hours after the BJP filed a complaint, accusing him of physical "assault and incitement" during the scuffle in which its two MPs Pratap Chandra Sarangi and Mukesh Rajput were injured.
According to a police source, officials may call Rahul Gandhi for questioning and also record the statements of other MPs who witnessed the incident. The source said a team of police officials may also meet the Sarangi and Rajput at the hospital and record their statements for further investigations. The reports of their medical certificates will be collected, he said.
They said that the Delhi Police was also likely to write to the Parliament secretariat, seeking access to CCTV footage of the area where the alleged incident occurred.
An official said senior police officers may also consider transferring the case to the crime branch from the local police. Gandhi was booked hours after the BJP filed a complaint, accusing him of physical "assault and incitement" during the scuffle in which its two MPs Pratap Chandra Sarangi and Mukesh Rajput were injured.
According to a police source, officials may call Rahul Gandhi for questioning and also record the statements of other MPs who witnessed the incident. The source said a team of police officials may also meet the Sarangi and Rajput at the hospital and record their statements for further investigations. The reports of their medical certificates will be collected, he said.
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Politics
Decks cleared for mega parliamentary panel to examine ONOE bills
Decks were cleared for setting up a mega 39-member parliamentary panel to examine the two bills proposing simultaneous elections with the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha adopting resolutions in this regard.
The government decided to increase the Committee's strength from 31 to 39 as more political parties expressed the desire to be part of the exercise to examine the two draft legislations that seek to fulfill the BJP’s long-cherished promise of holding simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. Among the 39 members of the Committee, 16 are from the BJP, five from the Congress, two each from SP, TMC and DMK, and one each from the Shiv Sena, TDP, JD(U), RLD, LJSP(RV), JSP, Shiv Sena-UBT, NCP-SP, CPI(M), AAP, BJD and YSRCP.
BJP leader and Lok Sabha member Bhratruhari Mahtab is tipped to be the chairman of the Joint Committee on the 'One Nation One Election' (ONOE) bills with former union ministers Anurag Thakur, Parshottam Rupala, P P Chaudhary, Manish Tewari and several first term lawmakers, including Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Bansuri Swaraj and Sambit Patra, as members.
The Joint Committee to examine the Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill will have 37 members from the Lok Sabha and 12 members from the Rajya Sabha.
The NDA has 22 members and 10 are from the opposition I.N.D.I.A bloc. The BJD and the YSRCP are not members of the ruling or the opposition coalition. The BJD is yet to spell out its stand on simultaneous polls, while the YSRCP has backed the move. The Committee has been asked to submit its report to the Lok Sabha by the first day of the last week of the next session.
However, considering the importance of the measure, the Committee could get an extension in tenure as required.
The government decided to increase the Committee's strength from 31 to 39 as more political parties expressed the desire to be part of the exercise to examine the two draft legislations that seek to fulfill the BJP’s long-cherished promise of holding simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. Among the 39 members of the Committee, 16 are from the BJP, five from the Congress, two each from SP, TMC and DMK, and one each from the Shiv Sena, TDP, JD(U), RLD, LJSP(RV), JSP, Shiv Sena-UBT, NCP-SP, CPI(M), AAP, BJD and YSRCP.
BJP leader and Lok Sabha member Bhratruhari Mahtab is tipped to be the chairman of the Joint Committee on the 'One Nation One Election' (ONOE) bills with former union ministers Anurag Thakur, Parshottam Rupala, P P Chaudhary, Manish Tewari and several first term lawmakers, including Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Bansuri Swaraj and Sambit Patra, as members.
The Joint Committee to examine the Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill will have 37 members from the Lok Sabha and 12 members from the Rajya Sabha.
The NDA has 22 members and 10 are from the opposition I.N.D.I.A bloc. The BJD and the YSRCP are not members of the ruling or the opposition coalition. The BJD is yet to spell out its stand on simultaneous polls, while the YSRCP has backed the move. The Committee has been asked to submit its report to the Lok Sabha by the first day of the last week of the next session.
However, considering the importance of the measure, the Committee could get an extension in tenure as required.
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BJP MP gifts '1984' bag to Priyanka Gandhi
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Aparajita Sarangi on Friday gifted a bag with "1984" written on it in red to Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.
This comes days after the Congress MP carried bags with messages on Palestine and Bangladesh written on it to Parliament.
Sarangi, the BJP MP from Bhubaneswar, gave the bag to Vadra in the corridor of Parliament. She handed the bag to the Congress while she was walking in Parliament corridor.
Vadra took the bag from Sarangi and walked on. The bag had "1984 riots" written on it, said the BJP leader, adding this is also an issue that the Congress leader should raise as she makes statements with her tote bags.
This comes days after the Congress MP carried bags with messages on Palestine and Bangladesh written on it to Parliament.
Sarangi, the BJP MP from Bhubaneswar, gave the bag to Vadra in the corridor of Parliament. She handed the bag to the Congress while she was walking in Parliament corridor.
Vadra took the bag from Sarangi and walked on. The bag had "1984 riots" written on it, said the BJP leader, adding this is also an issue that the Congress leader should raise as she makes statements with her tote bags.
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Sports
Richa Ghosh, Smriti Mandhana fifties power India to 2-1 T20I series win against West Indies
Smriti Mandhana and Richa Ghosh struck quickfire fifties as India outplayed West Indies by 60 runs to clinch the three-match women's T20I series 2-1 in Navi Mumbai on Thursday.
Stand-in skipper Mandhana continued her red-hot form with a making 77 off 47 balls, before Richa Ghosh's 18-ball fifty powered India to a record 217/4, India's highest in the format.
Mandhana, leading in the absence of Harmanpreet Kaur, struck 13 fours and a six. Following her dismissal, Richa (54, 21b; 3x4, 5x6) took charge to equal Sophie Devine and Phoebe Litchfield's record for the fastest half-century in Women's T20Is.
West Indies never posed a threat to the big chase to be restricted to 157/9. Chinelle Henry waged a lone battle for the visitors with a quick 16-ball 43 but there was no support for her at the other end.
Left-arm spinner Radha Yadav led India's bowling show, returning with 4/29. The two teams will now engage in a three-match ODI series in Vadodara from Sunday.
Stand-in skipper Mandhana continued her red-hot form with a making 77 off 47 balls, before Richa Ghosh's 18-ball fifty powered India to a record 217/4, India's highest in the format.
Mandhana, leading in the absence of Harmanpreet Kaur, struck 13 fours and a six. Following her dismissal, Richa (54, 21b; 3x4, 5x6) took charge to equal Sophie Devine and Phoebe Litchfield's record for the fastest half-century in Women's T20Is.
West Indies never posed a threat to the big chase to be restricted to 157/9. Chinelle Henry waged a lone battle for the visitors with a quick 16-ball 43 but there was no support for her at the other end.
Left-arm spinner Radha Yadav led India's bowling show, returning with 4/29. The two teams will now engage in a three-match ODI series in Vadodara from Sunday.
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State
11 dead in fire after LPG tanker crashes on Jaipur-Ajmer highway
An LPG tanker collided with a truck on Friday, sparking a massive fireball that turned a stretch of the Jaipur-Ajmer highway into an inferno in which 11 people were killed and 37 vehicles engulfed in flames.
The state health minister Gajendra Singh Khimsar said that nearly half of the injured were "very critical."
Jaipur Police Commissioner Biju George Joseph, who was at the crash site, said an outlet nozzle of the LPG tanker was damaged in the collision, leading to a gas leak that caused the blaze. The crash occurred around 5.30 am, when it was still dark, in front of a school, according to authorities.
The gas leak spread the fire in a flash, leaving no scope for those in nearby vehicles to come out. People were seen rushing and taking off clothes engulfed in flames.
The injured were rushed to the SMS hospital in Jaipur in more than 25 ambulances.
The state health minister Gajendra Singh Khimsar said that nearly half of the injured were "very critical."
Jaipur Police Commissioner Biju George Joseph, who was at the crash site, said an outlet nozzle of the LPG tanker was damaged in the collision, leading to a gas leak that caused the blaze. The crash occurred around 5.30 am, when it was still dark, in front of a school, according to authorities.
The gas leak spread the fire in a flash, leaving no scope for those in nearby vehicles to come out. People were seen rushing and taking off clothes engulfed in flames.
The injured were rushed to the SMS hospital in Jaipur in more than 25 ambulances.
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Devendra Fadnavis announces judicial probes into Parbhani violence, Beed sarpanch murder
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday announced judicial probes into the Parbhani violence and the murder of village head Santosh Deshmukh in Beed district.
He also assured the House that those responsible for “unleashing” anarchy in Beed district would be punished irrespective of their political links. Fadnavis said the murder of Deshmukh, sarpanch of Massajog village, is already being probed by a special investigation team (SIT) under an IG-rank officer.
In addition to that, a judicial probe will be done within a time frame of three to six months, he said.
Announcing the transfer of Beed Superintendent of Police, the CM said the police were found to be lax.
The Chief Minister said another judicial probe has been ordered into the death of Somnath Suryawanshi who died after his arrest in connection with the violence in Parbhani over the desecration of a replica of the Constitution. Largescale protests had degenerated into violence after a glass-enclosed replica of the Constitution near Babasaheb Ambedkar’s statue outside Parbhani railway station was vandalised on the evening of December 10.
“The judicial inquiry into the Parbhani violence will be done to clear all doubts. Ambedkar is not limited to any caste. He belongs to all,” said Fadnavis.
The Chief Minister also announced financial aid of Rs 10 each to the kin of Deshmukh and Suryawanshi.
He also assured the House that those responsible for “unleashing” anarchy in Beed district would be punished irrespective of their political links. Fadnavis said the murder of Deshmukh, sarpanch of Massajog village, is already being probed by a special investigation team (SIT) under an IG-rank officer.
In addition to that, a judicial probe will be done within a time frame of three to six months, he said.
Announcing the transfer of Beed Superintendent of Police, the CM said the police were found to be lax.
The Chief Minister said another judicial probe has been ordered into the death of Somnath Suryawanshi who died after his arrest in connection with the violence in Parbhani over the desecration of a replica of the Constitution. Largescale protests had degenerated into violence after a glass-enclosed replica of the Constitution near Babasaheb Ambedkar’s statue outside Parbhani railway station was vandalised on the evening of December 10.
“The judicial inquiry into the Parbhani violence will be done to clear all doubts. Ambedkar is not limited to any caste. He belongs to all,” said Fadnavis.
The Chief Minister also announced financial aid of Rs 10 each to the kin of Deshmukh and Suryawanshi.
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SP's Sambhal MP fined Rs 1.91 crore, electricity cut-off at residence for power theft
Electricity Department has imposed a fine on Lok Sabha MP from Sambhal Zia Ur Rehman and also disconnected the electricity supply to his residence for alleged power theft at his residence, an official said on Friday.
The development follows a police case registered on Thursday against the Samajwadi Party MP for theft of electricity. His father Mamlukur Rehman Barq was also booked for allegedly threatening officials during the inspection at their residence in Deepa Sarai area, they said. "An electricity inspection drive underway in Sambhal even today. A fine of Rs 1.91 crore has been imposed on the MP by the Electricity department and the power supply to his residence has been disconnected," Sambhal Superintending Engineer Vinod Kumar told PTI.
Zia Ur Rehman is among those booked in connection with the November 24 violence in which four locals died in a clash with security personnel during a court-ordered survey of the Mughal-era Shahi Jama Masjid in the city's Kot Garvi area.
The development follows a police case registered on Thursday against the Samajwadi Party MP for theft of electricity. His father Mamlukur Rehman Barq was also booked for allegedly threatening officials during the inspection at their residence in Deepa Sarai area, they said. "An electricity inspection drive underway in Sambhal even today. A fine of Rs 1.91 crore has been imposed on the MP by the Electricity department and the power supply to his residence has been disconnected," Sambhal Superintending Engineer Vinod Kumar told PTI.
Zia Ur Rehman is among those booked in connection with the November 24 violence in which four locals died in a clash with security personnel during a court-ordered survey of the Mughal-era Shahi Jama Masjid in the city's Kot Garvi area.
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Former Haryana CM Om Prakash Chautala dies
Indian National Lok Dal president and five-time Haryana chief minister Om Prakash Chautala died in Gurugram on Friday at the age of 89.
Chautala, who was former deputy prime minister Devi Lal's son, suffered a cardiac arrest at his house and was immediately rushed to a hospital but could not be saved, a party spokesperson told PTI. He breathed his last at around 12 noon in Medanta hospital, a senior police officer said.
Chautala, who came from a prominent political family in Haryana and was the face of a prominent regional outfit, had been facing age-related health issues in the recent past.
He is survived by two sons and three daughters. His wife Sneh Lata had passed away over five years ago. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini were among a host of leaders who condoled the demise of Chautala. Who was Om Prakash Chautala?
Born on January 1, 1935, Om Prakash Chautala was the eldest of the five children of former deputy prime minister Chaudhary Devi Lal.
Chautala left studies after primary education. In 2013, when Chautala was lodged in Tihar Jail in connection with the teacher recruitment scam, he passed the class 10 and then class 12 examination at the age of 82. Om Prakash Chautala was jailed in 2013
He was jailed in 2013 in connection with the teacher recruitment scam case and released in 2021. Chautala, his son Ajay Chautala, and 53 others, including IAS officer Sanjiv Kumar, were convicted and sentenced in the case of illegal recruitment of 3,206 junior basic teachers in 2000.
The former Haryana chief minister's younger son Abhay Singh Chautala is a senior leader of the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) while elder one Ajay Singh Chautala, a former MP, heads the Jannayak Janta Party, which was born after a vertical split in the party in December 2018 after a family feud. Abhay's son Arjun is a Haryana MLA while Ajay Chautala's sons Dushyant and Digvijay are JJP leaders. Dushyant Chautala also served as Haryana's Deputy Chief Minister.
Chautala's party INLD had also remained an ally of BJP in the past. The INDL has been out of power since 2005 in Haryana.
Chautala, who was former deputy prime minister Devi Lal's son, suffered a cardiac arrest at his house and was immediately rushed to a hospital but could not be saved, a party spokesperson told PTI. He breathed his last at around 12 noon in Medanta hospital, a senior police officer said.
Chautala, who came from a prominent political family in Haryana and was the face of a prominent regional outfit, had been facing age-related health issues in the recent past.
He is survived by two sons and three daughters. His wife Sneh Lata had passed away over five years ago. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini were among a host of leaders who condoled the demise of Chautala. Who was Om Prakash Chautala?
Born on January 1, 1935, Om Prakash Chautala was the eldest of the five children of former deputy prime minister Chaudhary Devi Lal.
Chautala left studies after primary education. In 2013, when Chautala was lodged in Tihar Jail in connection with the teacher recruitment scam, he passed the class 10 and then class 12 examination at the age of 82. Om Prakash Chautala was jailed in 2013
He was jailed in 2013 in connection with the teacher recruitment scam case and released in 2021. Chautala, his son Ajay Chautala, and 53 others, including IAS officer Sanjiv Kumar, were convicted and sentenced in the case of illegal recruitment of 3,206 junior basic teachers in 2000.
The former Haryana chief minister's younger son Abhay Singh Chautala is a senior leader of the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) while elder one Ajay Singh Chautala, a former MP, heads the Jannayak Janta Party, which was born after a vertical split in the party in December 2018 after a family feud. Abhay's son Arjun is a Haryana MLA while Ajay Chautala's sons Dushyant and Digvijay are JJP leaders. Dushyant Chautala also served as Haryana's Deputy Chief Minister.
Chautala's party INLD had also remained an ally of BJP in the past. The INDL has been out of power since 2005 in Haryana.
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Karnataka Deputy CM rules out any interference in police action against BJP leader Ravi
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Friday ruled out any interference in the police action and arrest of BJP MLC C T Ravi, for allegedly using a derogatory word against Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar.
Calling Ravi a "filthy mouth", he accused the former BJP national general secretary of using derogatory words against several people in the past. "Will they go and do a BJP meeting at Khanapur police station? (referring to BJP leaders meeting Ravi at station) ... police have shown too much courtesy towards him. Police conduct is also not correct. How did the police allow it (meeting)? We are not interfering in anything," Shivakumar said.
Speaking to reporters, he said, "Family members or one or two people can go and meet, but they were having a meeting inside (the police station)...then what is this allegation of attempting to kill him (Ravi)?"
Ravi has accused the police of "violating" human rights, as he alleged that they took him on rounds the entire night to various places in the district, following his arrest. He has even claimed that police were behaving on the directions of someone from the "top", and hit out at the state government and the administration, calling it "dictatorial".
Terming Hebbalkar's supporters' anger against Ravi as "natural", the Deputy CM said, "their leader, their daughter was insulted. Why are they - BJP protesting now? They are doing it because their leader is affected."
He said, "This is not new for him (Ravi). He had used words against several people in the past...he had even called CM Siddaramaiah as Siddaramulla Khan....this is his culture." Based on the complaint lodged by Minister Hebbalkar, a case was registered against the BJP leader under sections 75 (sexual harassment) and 79 (word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, on Thursday.
Ravi allegedly used a derogatory word against Hebbalkar in the Legislative Council on Thursday, when the House was adjourned for a while.
Responding to a question, Shivakumar said he would release the audio/video of the incident inside the Council if the media don't have them.
Calling Ravi a "filthy mouth", he accused the former BJP national general secretary of using derogatory words against several people in the past. "Will they go and do a BJP meeting at Khanapur police station? (referring to BJP leaders meeting Ravi at station) ... police have shown too much courtesy towards him. Police conduct is also not correct. How did the police allow it (meeting)? We are not interfering in anything," Shivakumar said.
Speaking to reporters, he said, "Family members or one or two people can go and meet, but they were having a meeting inside (the police station)...then what is this allegation of attempting to kill him (Ravi)?"
Ravi has accused the police of "violating" human rights, as he alleged that they took him on rounds the entire night to various places in the district, following his arrest. He has even claimed that police were behaving on the directions of someone from the "top", and hit out at the state government and the administration, calling it "dictatorial".
Terming Hebbalkar's supporters' anger against Ravi as "natural", the Deputy CM said, "their leader, their daughter was insulted. Why are they - BJP protesting now? They are doing it because their leader is affected."
He said, "This is not new for him (Ravi). He had used words against several people in the past...he had even called CM Siddaramaiah as Siddaramulla Khan....this is his culture." Based on the complaint lodged by Minister Hebbalkar, a case was registered against the BJP leader under sections 75 (sexual harassment) and 79 (word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, on Thursday.
Ravi allegedly used a derogatory word against Hebbalkar in the Legislative Council on Thursday, when the House was adjourned for a while.
Responding to a question, Shivakumar said he would release the audio/video of the incident inside the Council if the media don't have them.
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Weather
Srinagar records low of minus 8.5 degrees Celsius
Chillai Kalan, the 40-day period of harshest winter, commenced in Kashmir on Saturday with Srinagar experiencing its coldest December night in five decades at minus 8.5 degrees Celsius, according to the meteorological department.
Minimum temperatures dropped several notches below the freezing point in other parts of the valley as well. In Srinagar, the temperature came down to minus 8.5 degrees Celsius on Friday night from minus 6.2 degrees Celsius the previous night, the meteorological department said.
It was Srinagar's coldest December night since 1974, when the city recorded a low of minus 10.3 degrees Celsius, and the third coldest since 1891.
Srinagar's lowest-ever minimum temperature in this month was minus 12.8 degrees Celsius on December 13, 1934. The intense cold led to the freezing of several water bodies, including parts of the famous Dal Lake, and water supply lines in many areas of the city and elsewhere in the valley.
South Kashmir's tourist resort Pahalgam, which also serves as one of the base camps for the Amarnath Yatra, recorded a low of minus 8.6 degrees Celsius while the famous ski resort of Gulmarg recorded a low of minus 6.2 degrees Celsius.
Minimum temperatures dropped several notches below the freezing point in other parts of the valley as well. In Srinagar, the temperature came down to minus 8.5 degrees Celsius on Friday night from minus 6.2 degrees Celsius the previous night, the meteorological department said.
It was Srinagar's coldest December night since 1974, when the city recorded a low of minus 10.3 degrees Celsius, and the third coldest since 1891.
Srinagar's lowest-ever minimum temperature in this month was minus 12.8 degrees Celsius on December 13, 1934. The intense cold led to the freezing of several water bodies, including parts of the famous Dal Lake, and water supply lines in many areas of the city and elsewhere in the valley.
South Kashmir's tourist resort Pahalgam, which also serves as one of the base camps for the Amarnath Yatra, recorded a low of minus 8.6 degrees Celsius while the famous ski resort of Gulmarg recorded a low of minus 6.2 degrees Celsius.
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❖ - Syndicated news, primarily from PTI
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