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Showing posts from February 3, 2019

Two arrested for murder of TMC MLA Satyajit Biswas in West Bengal's Nadia; police file FIR amid political blame game

Satyajit Biswas, a Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA from Krishnaganj in West Bengal's Nadia district, was shot dead by unidentified assailants on Saturday night. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2SIGwDq FP Staff

Mumbai's iconic 'blue' Knesset Eliyahoo Synagogue open to public, after year-long restoration

An example of neo-Classical architecture, the Knesset Eliyahoo Synagogue is home to beautiful stained glass panels and cast-brass lighting. Non-Jews will now be allowed to not just witness prayers here but also participate in them from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2MWnunK Neerja Deodhar

Madhya Pradesh Congress MLA demands transfer of Khandwa collector who invoked NSA for cow slaughter, calls move 'unjustified'

A Madhya Pradesh Congress MLA has demanded an SIT and the transfer of the Khandwa district collector for invoking the NSA on three accused of cow slaughter. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2SF0kYd Press Trust of India

Daily Bulletin: Toll in Uttarakhand, UP hooch tragedy rises; Gujjar protests continue in Rajasthan; Modi in Andhra; day's top stories

Daily bulletin: The CBI to continue interrogation of Rajeev Kumar in Shillong today, Narendra Modi to visit Andhra Pradesh; the toll in the illegal liquor tragedy in Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh rises to 70; day's top stories from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2MWnqEw FP Staff

NGMA Mumbai in censorship row over curtailing Amol Palekar's speech at exhibition opening

Amol Palekar had been invited to speak at the opening of a retrospective of the artist Prabhakar Barwe's works at the NGMA Mumbai. During his speech, Palekar referred to recent developments at the NGMA that he found troubling. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2SDWKh1 FP Staff

CBI to question Kolkata police commissioner Rajeev Kumar over Saradha chit fund scam for the second day on Sunday

The CBI will continue the questioning of Kolkata police commissioner Rajeev Kumar for the second day on Sunday. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2MWtY5Z Press Trust of India

UP-Uttarakhand hooch tragedy: As toll rises to 92, govt must fix broken system to regulate alcohol consumption

The current rising toll from such illicit hooch consumption in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarkhand is a cruel travesty of the effort to ban alcohol. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2SF0krb Bikram Vohra

TMC MLA Satyajit Biswas shot dead by unidentified assailants in West Bengal's Nadia; police launch probe

Satyajit Biswas - Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA from Krishnaganj in West Bengal's Nadia district - was shot dead by unidentified assailants. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2MZKv9g FP Staff

China 'firmly opposes' Narendra Modi's visit to Arunachal Pradesh, says India shouldn't 'complicate boundary question'

China on Saturday "firmly opposed" Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Arunachal Pradesh. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2SGqJFb Press Trust of India

Assam govt closes inquiry against two senior IPS officers allegedly involved in Saradha chit fund scam

A lesser known episode involving India Police Service (IPS) officers in the infamous Saradha scam comes from Assam. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2MWSUdO Rajeev Bhattacharyya

'Miss my children': Kanaka Durga, woman who entered Sabarimala, says she is not afraid of fighting for just cause

Kanaka Durga, who faced severe backlash from the society and her own family after becoming one of the first women to enter Sabarimala, shares her travails with Firstpost in this exclusive interview. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2SCgRMS TK Devasia

Delhi swine flu outbreak: Doctors allege no preventive vaccination drive was carried out by Centre or state in 2018

As Delhi suffers in the grip of a massive outbreak of swine flu, the medical director of one of the biggest government hospitals in the national capital has told Firstpost that no preventive vaccination drive was undertaken in the city by the Central government in 2018. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2MXQ8VD Kangkan Acharyya

Firstpost Editor's Picks: Kanaka Durga's life post entering Sabarimala, gender bias, unemployment in Uttarakhand; today's must-read stories

Ostracised by her relatives and neighbours after she entered Sabarimala, Kanaka Durga has been living like a prisoner in her house, surrounded by a posse of police personnel deputed by the state government for her security. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2SDTsud FP Staff

Narendra Modi asks people to post photos of #MagnificentNortheast on social media, netizens deliver

Early on Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's official Twitter account asked users to post photographs from their visits to the North East using the hashtag #MagnificentNortheast, resulting in a series of photographs streaming in on social media. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2MZLXbH FP Staff

Kerala rape case: 'No move' to transfer nuns as long as they are needed for legal proceedings, says Jalandhar diocese

Bishop Agnelo, Apostolic administrator in charge of the congregation, wrote a letter to five nuns to inform them that there will be "no move" on the Jalandhar diocese's part to transfer the nuns. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2MWLTto FP Staff

Congress won't 'interfere' in Madhya Pradesh govt's functioning over NSA issue, says Randeep Surjewala

The Congress said on Saturday that it will not "unwarrantedly interfere" in the functioning of the Madhya Pradesh government on the issue of imposition of the stringent NSA against five people on charges of cow slaughter and illegal transportation of cattle. The party said law and order is the domain of the chief minister and police. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2Bt9ZaR Press Trust of India

'Delighted to be back home': Arun Jaitley returns to India after undergoing medical treatment in New York

Although Arun Jaitley was away from India in the past few weeks, he has remained active on Twitter and was regular with his blog posts on Facebook. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2TEge2l Asian News International

On personal choices and Khatija's Hijab: What empowers women is the freedom to choose, and it should be theirs alone

Our choices are cherished because they are ours. Social endorsement for personal choices is not the basis for recognizing them. The Constitution of India guards personal liberty from censure. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2Bt9SMt Sanobar Fatma

Where RSS Men Love Their Pork

The RSS and its Hindutva affiliates are making deep inroads into the many tribes and ethnic communities that make up the Northeast by trying to hoist, at least, 109 existing indigenous faiths in a strategic bid to counter evangelical Christianity. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2MUcBmz Sanjib Kr Baruah

Jammu and Kashmir: Toll in Kulgam avalanche rises to eight after rescue teams recover one more policeman's body

The body was extricated by a search and rescue team in Kulgam on Saturday morning, a Jammu and Kashmir police official said. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2Bt9PjL Press Trust of India

Kumbh mela: Two crore devotees likely to take holy dip on festival's third 'shahi snaan' on Sunday; three-tier security in place

The Sangam city is all set to host the third 'shaahi snaan' of the ongoing Kumbh on Basant Panchami, falling on Sunday, during which more than two crore devotees are expected to take a holy dip. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2TEg5fj Press Trust of India

Don't need certificate from Nirmala Sitharaman, says The Hindu group editor N Ram; alleges big 'cover up' in Rafale deal

Chairman of The Hindu Group N Ram, who wrote about the then Defence Secretary Mohan Kumar's dissent note on Rafale fighter jet deal negotiation issue, said on Friday that the government was trying to "cover up" on the matter and asserted that he does not require any certificate from Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman about his ethics of journalism. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2Bt9MEB Asian News International

Jammu and Kashmir parties welcome separate division status for Ladakh; BJP's intentions questioned

However, timing of the decision has lead to fears that the BJP was trying to erode the electoral foothold of Kashmir Valley, of which Ladakh was a part till now from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2TEfYjT Sameer Yasir

Hooch tragedy: Toll rises to 70; 24 died in Uttarakhand's Haridwar district, 46 others in UP's Saharanpur and Meerut

The viscera of some more people reported killed in the hooch tragedy since Friday is still being examined to determine if those deaths are also alcohol-related. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2BslCyC Press Trust of India

Mayawati responds to criticism over SC's statement on using public funds to build statues; asks BJP, media not to 'distort' facts

A day after the Supreme Court said BSP chief Mayawati may have to reimburse the public money spent on erecting her statues, she asked BJP leaders and the media not to "distort" the observation of the court. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2TLEKPr Press Trust of India

From 4-BHK mansion in hills of Uttarakhand to a 1-RK flat in Dehradun: State's unemployed youth forced to move to plains

With no jobs available, Uttarakhand's hills have been witness to its sons and daughters leaving home in search of work in the towns, most of which are located in the plains. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2SmA5GH Varsha Singh

In Assam, Narendra Modi seeks to differentiate persecuted religious minorities from illegal immigrants; renews pitch for Citizenship Bill

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday assured the people of Assam and the North East that the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill will in no way cause harm to their interest. He was addressing a public rally in Changsari in the Assembly constituency of Assam health minister and BJP-led NEDA convener Himata Biswa Sarma. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2DlOCZ4 Press Trust of India

Two Jammu and Kashmir policemen rescued from avalanche site in Kulgam; seven still feared trapped

The avalanche had hit the north portal of Jawahar Tunnel on the Qazigund side in Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam district on Thursday evening. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2SjqiRU FP Staff

Narendra Modi lays foundation of projects worth Rs 4,000 crore in Arunachal Pradesh, vows to improve connectivity in state

Addressing a function at IG Park in Arunachal Pradesh's Itanagar, Modi said his government was giving importance to improve the highway, railway, airway and power situation in Arunachal Pradesh, which was neglected by the previous governments. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2DqHk6c Press Trust of India

Rafale row: Shiv Sena questions Narendra Modi, says PM should answer if deal was meant to strengthen IAF or 'industrialist'

The Shiv Sena on Saturday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi should answer whether the Rafale deal was meant to strengthen the Air Force or a "financially-troubled industrialist". from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2Sl0Awd Press Trust of India

Robert Vadra appears before ED for third day of interrogation in connection with money laundering allegations

Officials said the investigating officer of the case required Robert Vadra to answer more questions in connection with the case and hence was asked to depose on Saturday, after his two sessions of questioning on 6 and 7 February. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2Dl8dIW Press Trust of India

CBI begins interrogating Kolkata Police chief Rajeev Kumar in Shillong; commissioner accompanied by 2 IPS officers

Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar, his counsel Biswajit Deb and senior IPS officers Javed Shamim and Murlidhar Sharma arrived at the CBI office in Shillong at 11 am. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2SnguGA Press Trust of India

Guru Mantra: This isn't the time for coalition government

"Right now the coalition that we are seeing is just about winning the election," says Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev on Opposition's attempt to form a grand alliance against Modi government in the upcoming Lok Sabha Election from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2Dl8com Ajay Singh

At least 14 trains cancelled in Rajasthan's Kota as Gujjar community stages dharna on rail tracks demanding quota in govt jobs, education

Gujjar leader Kirori Singh Bainsla and his supporters on Friday began a sit-in on the rail tracks in Rajasthan's Sawai Madhopur district, forcing authorities to divert trains. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2WRqeri FP Staff

Two Chhattisgarh IPS officers booked for tampering of evidence, illegal phone tapping in multi-crore civil supply scam

An FIR has been lodged against two IPS officers including a special Director General of Police (DGP) in Chhattisgarh for alleged criminal conspiracy and illegal phone tapping. The FIR was lodged by the state Economic Offences Wing (EOW) based on findings during investigation into a civil supply corporation scam unearthed in 2015. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2RNIxKc Press Trust of India

'Miss my children, family,' Kanaka Durga, woman who entered Sabarimala, finally returns to an empty home after court order

Kanaka Durga, who faced severe backlash from the society and her own family after becoming one of the first women to enter Sabarimala, shares her travails with Firstpost in this exclusive interview. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2WSsyOt TK Devasia

West Bengal lady constable recruitment exam 2018 results declared, candidates can check on wbprb.applythrunet.co.in

The West Bengal Police Recruitment Board (WBPRB) has declared the final results for the 2018 woman constable recruitment examination on its official website wbprb.applythrunet.co.in. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2RMWLe9 FP Staff

Delhi's air quality upgrades to 'moderate' from 'very poor'; foggy conditions and low visibility delay at least 20 trains

The air quality in Delhi, which had improved slightly due to rain and hail storms over the past two days, is expected to deteriorate during the next few days, SAFAR said. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2MVCoL0 Asian News International

Shashi Tharoor alleges Arnab Goswami 'stole' confidential documents in Sunanda Pushkar case; Delhi court orders FIR

A Delhi court has ordered registration of an FIR against news channel Republic TV and its editor Arnab Goswami on a complaint of Congress leader Shashi Tharoor alleging theft of confidential documents from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2RQirG8 Press Trust of India

Delhi's air quality enters 'moderate' category; foggy conditions and low visibility delay at least 20 trains

The air quality in Delhi, which had improved slightly due to rain and hail storms over the past two days, is expected to deteriorate during the next few days, SAFAR said. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2SCwCDd Asian News International

Jayalalithaa death probe: Apollo hospital moves Madras HC questioning inquiry panel's understanding of medical terms

Jayalalithaa death probe: As the latest move in the 'cat and mouse game' between Chennai's Apollo hospital and the A Arumugasamy Commission, the former moved the Madras High Court on Saturday seeking an order to restrain the panel probing former Tamil Nadu chief minister's death from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2MWxRbh FP Staff

Narendra Modi faces protests over Citizenship Bill during North East visit; welcomed with black flags, slogans in Assam

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will on Saturday make a whirlwind tour of the northeastern states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Tripura during which he will lay the foundation stone of the new Greenfield airport and Sela tunnel, launch the DD Arun Prabha channel and will unveil various other development projects. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2SF6XKj FP Staff

Collegium has to go, and it is just a matter of time before it does

The question whether the Supreme Court collegium should be dropped as a mechanism for appointing higher court judges has become redundant. Every day that passes points to this opaque process being completely incongruous with the democratic ideals of transparency and accountability that India aspires to. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2MWnILz Sumathi Chandrashekaran

Collegium has flaws, but that's the cost of judicial independence

While there can be no getting away from the truth of these criticisms, the question we need to ask ourselves is whether they mean that the collegium system should be done away with? from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2SF6QhR Prateek Chadha

Guru Mantra: This is not the time for coalition government

"Right now the coalition that we are seeing is just about winning the election," says Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev on Opposition's attempt to form a grand alliance against Modi government in the upcoming Lok Sabha Election from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2MYiyPs Ajay Singh

Daily Bulletin: CBI to question Rajeev Kumar today, Narendra Modi to visit Assam, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh; day's top stories

Narendra Modi is likely to visit three North East states today even as the Centre has come under fire for Rafale; CBI to question Rajeev Kumar today; day's top stories from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2SF6pnJ FP Staff

34 die in Saharanpur and Haridwar after drinking hooch in Uttarakahand village; probe launched, 17 suspended

Eighteen from Uttar Pradesh's Saharanpur district and 16 from Uttarakhand's Haridwar district died on Friday allegedly after drinking hooch (spurious liquor) at a village in Haridwar during a mourning ritual from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2MVc6sg FP Staff

Seven killed, including five policemen, in Jammu and Kashmir avalanche; rescue operations on

Seven bodies including that of five policemen have been recovered in Kulgam district near Jawahar tunnel on Srinagar-Jammu National Highway where an avalanche took place on Friday morning, said an official statement. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2SF6KH1 Asian News International

Kolkata Police chief Rajeev Kumar reaches Shillong to face questioning by CBI sleuths in Saradha chit fund scam case

Rajeev Kumar will be interrogated by CBI sleuths at two locations: in the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) office and at an undisclosed location from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2MVHwyQ Press Trust of India

The many shades of Red and how to erase them

Guns or roses, what should the government's strategy be against the nettlesome Maoist insurgency? from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2SF6Dez Ajai Sahni

Read India must come before Skill India

The recently released Annual Status of Education Report, India's largest NGO-run yearly survey, paints a distressing picture of basic reading and arithmetic abilities of students: with 25 per cent of students completing Class 8 without any reading competency, and over 50 per cent unable to even divide numbers. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2MU8irp Azeez Gupta and Medha Uniyal

Water and hopes down to a trickle in Uttarakhand's hilly areas as residents ignored by state abandon their homes

With natural water resources gradually drying up and households still waiting for drinking water connections, Mason village in Uttarakhand's Pauri district is one of worst-hit by migration, earning the moniker of 'ghost villages' from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2SwB5HR Varsha Singh

'All appears to be propaganda,' says ex-interim CBI chief Nageswara Rao, hours after Kolkata Police raids two locations

It was Rao under whose instruction officers of the central investigating agency landed at the doorstep of the Kolkata police commissioner Rajeev Kumar on Sunday evening from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2MVHuXK FP Staff

Sanatan Sanstha: A Hypnotic Attraction

The secretive organisation set up by hypnotherapist Jayant Balaji Athavale has been accused of serious crimes like murder and bomb blasts but remains popular among the youth for its ideology from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2SF6ub1 Sonal Matharu

Cults, religious sects are not a thing of the past

The tragic and inglorious end of Jim Jones' Peoples Temple, Osho's Rajneeshpuram, Japan's Aum Shinrikyo and other such associations across the world by no means implies that cults are a thing of the past from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2MYivmK Sonal Matharu

Giriraj Singh says Mamata Banerjee is a 'demoness who destroyed state', can't be 'Jhansi ki Rani'

TMC leader Dinesh Trivedi on Thursday called Mamata Banerjee "today's Jhansi ki Rani" from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2SH51Rq Press Trust of India

Raphael Samuel, the Mumbai man suing his parents for giving birth to him, calls procreation 'a Ponzi scheme'

Raphael Samuel writes that he didn't understand why the human race was propagating 'a ridiculous way of life'. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2MVzaam FP Staff

Raman Singh's development card didn't turn the trick for adivasis

In the midst of the Maoist killing fields, the government built a skill city, an education hub, a multispeciality hospital and also set up a call centre. A one-time Maoist stronghold, Palnar turned into a 'digital village', hooked up to the world. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2SzoKmd Debobrat Ghose

Firstpost Editor's Picks: Rafale row, mood of first-time voter, MeToo's moment of reckoning; today's must-read stories

The fundamental issue flagged by the report was that the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) began a parallel stream of negotiation from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2MXPzLi FP Staff

From promise of 33% seats in Parliament to abolishing triple talaq, India's politicians have always used women's issues for gains

The Congress on Thursday announced that it would abolish the ban on the triple talaq should it come to power after the 2019 Lok Sabha election but while the announcement in itself may be harmful to women, this is not the first time that gender issues have been appropriated for the political ambitions of India's parties. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2SzoDXP FP Staff

Supreme Court raps CBI for transferring officer probing Bihar shelter home cases, directs Nageswara Rao to appear before it

A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi took serious note of violation of two earlier orders of the apex court and issued contempt notice to Rao for transferring Sharma to the CRPF on 17 January without taking prior permission from the court. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2SEI5SR Press Trust of India

Arvind Kejriwal's car attacked in Narela by mob armed with sticks, says CMO; nobody injured

A group of about 100 men tried to stop Arvind Kejriwal's car and attacked it with sticks. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2BuuWSB Press Trust of India

'Enough is enough': SC transfers Bihar's Muzaffarpur shelter home rape case to Delhi; a look at key cases moved for efficiency

The Supreme Court on Thursday ordered that the Muzaffarpur shelter home sexual assault case be transferred from Bihar to a New Delhi court which would conclude the trial within six months, saying "enough is enough" over the delay in progress in the case. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2TBvXiI FP Staff

Rafale deal LIVE updates: Don't need certificate from Nirmala Sitharaman, they are in big trouble, says N Ram

Rafale deal LIVE updates: "I say with great assurance and guarantee that there was no interference from Prime Minister's office with the Indian negotiating team," Air Marshal SBP Sinha, who was the former head of price negotiation committee in the Rafale deal said. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2BpLYkU FP Staff

The Hindu report on Rafale deal puts PMO in spot; Congress claims corruption as Centre slams 'selective reporting'

A fresh controversy broke over the Rafale deal on Friday after a media report claimed that the defence ministry in 2015 had objected to "parallel discussions" held by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) during the negotiations between India and France. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2TBvT2s FP Staff

Congress beats BJP when it comes to cow worship: Kamal Nath govt in Madya Pradesh invokes NSA against cow slaughter accused

Going by its poll promises of dedicating itself for cow protection, the Congress government on Tuesday had slapped the stringent National Security Act against three persons accused of cow slaughter in the communally-sensitive Khandwa district. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2BmS3OL Manish Chandra Mishra

Rafale dissent letter concerned only sovereign guarantee, says G Mohan Kumar: What is this assurance and why is it key to deal?

In the light of the controversy erupting after a report on The Hindu revealed that the defence ministry had opposed the involvement of the Prime Minister's Office in negotiating the Rafale deal with France, then Defence Secretary G Mohan Kumar said on Friday that the ministry had only issued a dissent note over the sovereign guarantee aspect of the negotiations. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2TFmmYa FP Staff

Sunanda Pushkar case transferred to Sessions court; trial against Shashi Tharoor to begin on 21 February

A Delhi court on Monday sent Sunanda Pushkar's death case against Congress leader Shashi Tharoor to the Sessions court for further proceedings. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2UEEQbs FP Staff

All 7 convicts in 2013 Kawal murders thathad triggered Muzaffarnagar riots, given life imprisonment by local court

A day after being convicted, all the 7 accused in the Kawal murder case from 2013, which had triggered riots in Uttar Pradesh's Muzaffarnagar have been awarded life imprisonment by a local court. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2I2auy7 FP Staff

Three Jammu and Kashmir policemen rescued from avalanche site in Kulgam; seven still feared trapped

The avalanche had hit the north portal of Jawahar Tunnel on the Qazigund side in Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam district on Thursday evening. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2SD1zat FP Staff

BJP criticises triple talaq, nikah halala but hasn't yet clarified its stance; experts say tacit politicisation of personal law at heart of issue

Arun Jaitley's Facebook post on the Bareilly nikah halala incident raises the question as to why the government has never cleared its stand on this contentious issue pertaining to the Muslim Personal Laws. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2HYR11a Soumashree Sarkar

Rafale deal LIVE updates: Ex-negotiation's committee head slams 'selective outrage', says Russia, US never gave sovereign guarantee

Rafale deal LIVE updates: "I say with great assurance and guarantee that there was no interference from Prime Minister's office with the Indian negotiating team," Air Marshal SBP Sinha, who was the former head of price negotiation committee in the Rafale deal said. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2SBPMsR FP Staff

'Full' note on Rafale negotiations shows Manohar Parrikar asked defence secretary to solve interference issue with PMO

The report on the Rafale deal on The Hindu, armed with which Congress chief Rahul Gandhi had organised a press conference slamming Prime Minister Narendra Modi, appears to have produced an internal communication between the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) and the Defence Ministry only in part. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2I2aiin FP Staff

Rafale row: They're flogging a dead horse, says Nirmala Sitharaman amid protests in LS over report on PMO role in negotiations

Opposition members were heard shouting slogans demanding resignation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the issue. Opposition parties also demanded constitution of a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) to probe the Rafale fighter jet deal. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2SzhMO6 Press Trust of India

SC dismisses Tejashwi Yadav's petition challenging Bihar govt's order to vacate bungalow, imposes fine of Rs 50,000

The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed a plea of Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav's petition challenging the Bihar government's order to vacate the bungalow allotted to him while he was the deputy chief minister. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2I2aePF Asian News International

Mumbai's firemen prepared for all challenges, but more public awareness needed on fire safety, says CFO Prabhat Rahangdale

The data released by the Directorate of Maharashtra Fire Services reveals that the number of inspections done has gone up over the years. A new compliance circular was brought in place in August 2018 by the fire department post the Kamala Mills Fire tragedy on 29 December 2017. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2Sxbbnh Kritvi Paliwal

AgustaWestland case: Christian Michel applies for bail; Delhi court lists matter for 12 Feb, seeks responses from CBI, ED

Christian Michel, accused of being a middleman in the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper case, on Friday approached Delhi's Patiala House Court for bail in the cases filed by the CBI and ED. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2HYQOeo FP Staff

Hindu report proves Narendra Modi govt abruptly altered modalities of Rafale negotiations; Manohar Parrikar ignored objections

The report in The Hindu on Rafale negotiations makes it crystal clear that after the Modi government came to power the modalities of the negotiation process was abruptly changed to the detriment of Indian interests. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2Sxb7E3 Suhit K Sen

Mumbai's firemen prepared for all challenges, but there more public awareness needed on fire safety, says CFO Prabhat Rahangdale

The data released by the Directorate of Maharashtra Fire Services reveals that the number of inspections done has gone up over the years. A new compliance circular was brought in place in August 2018 by the fire department post the Kamala Mills Fire tragedy on 29 December 2017. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2TB48Hi Kritvi Paliwal

Karnataka budget: Rs 5,450 crore released for farm loan waiver scheme so far, says HD Kumaraswamy

Kumaraswamy also announced that the Centre's Ayushman Bharat scheme will be combined with the Aroygya Karnataka scheme, and would be renamed as Ayushman Bharat Karnataka. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2BppSyY Press Trust of India

Rafale deal LIVE updates: No one interfered with our negotiations, pricing committee head clarifies after letter row

Rafale deal LIVE updates: Air Marshal SBP Sinha, who was the former head of price negotiation committee in the Rafale deal told CNN-News18: "I can confirm that there was no interference in the price negotiations. The minutes of every meeting with french delegation are available on record and whatever decisions were taken were arrived at by the negotiation committee collectively." from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2TEI0fd FP Staff

Mood of First-Time Voter: 66% of college graduates say will vote in LS polls; only 51% of high school grads set to cast ballot

To get a better idea of how young first-time voters - people aged 18 to 21 - perceive of the forthcoming election, YouGov India and Firstpost conducted a nationwide survey between 3 and 9 January from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2Bq9IVT YouGov India and Firstpost

Ex-finance minister P Chidambaram appears before ED to record statement in INX Media money laundering case

P Chidambaram has been grilled a number of times in this case in the past. His son Karti was questioned by the agency in the same case on Thursday for about six hours from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2BrfSVT Press Trust of India

Mahinda Rajapaksa to visit India today; first visit since being appointed Sri Lanka's Leader of Opposition

This will be Mahinda Rajapaksa's second visit to India within the last six months. In September, he visited New Delhi and met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2TyFlng Press Trust of India

SC seeks Centre's response on fresh plea against 10% quota, refuses to bring stay on decision to grant reservation

The Supreme Court on Friday sought a response from the Centre on a fresh plea challenging its decision to grant 10 percent reservation in jobs and admissions to economically weak general category candidates. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2Bq9A8R Press Trust of India

Supreme Court considers asking Mayawati to repay public money used for erecting statues of herself, elephants

The Supreme Court on Friday said it was of the tentative view that Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati has to deposit public money used for erecting statues of herself and elephants, the party's symbol, at parks in Lucknow and Noida to the state exchequer. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2TEZkRc Press Trust of India

BS Yeddyurappa says HD Kumaraswamy 'concocted' audio clips detailing BJP's alleged poaching bid

HD Kumaraswamy had concocted the story to hide his failures and inability to keep the JD(S)-Congress flock together, Karnataka BJP chief BS Yeddyurappa told reporters in Bengaluru. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2BoUVuC Press Trust of India

Seven caste panchayat members in Maharashtra booked for ordering boycott of woman, kin in domestic violence case

The Vaid community panchayat, to which the couple belong, decided to socially ostracise the Shivkar family as their daughter had gone to court against her husband's family instead of solving the dispute at the panchayat from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2TCjawA Press Trust of India

Tamil Nadu govt presents 2019-20 budget with no new taxes; revenue deficit expected to reduce in next few years

The Tamil Nadu government also announced a number of initiatives in various sectors, including implementing a Rs 2,000 crore comprehensive parking management project in state capital Chennai from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2BnMDmQ Press Trust of India

Narendra Modi a 'thief', says Rahul Gandhi after report reveals MoD's objection to parallel talks by PMO in Rafale deal

Controversy around Rafale deal reached a crescendo after an exclusive report on The Hindu claimed that the Defence Ministry reportedly raised "strong objections" to "parallel negotiations" undertaken by the Prime Minister's Office with the French in the controversial Rafale deal. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2TEppQi FP Staff

Supreme Court refuses to hear sacked IPS officer Sanjiv Bhatt's plea seeking security for family, tells him to approach Gujarat HC

The Supreme Court on Friday asked former IPS officer Sanjiv Bhatt to approach the Gujarat High Court with the petition seeking security to his family. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2Bq95M1 FP Staff

Four men held for destroying ancient pillar in Hampi, tell cops say they did it out of 'sheer excitement'

The development had come just days after the Times Magazine listed Hampi World Heritage site as the second must-see place in 2019. Hampi, an ancient village in Karnataka is dotted with numerous ruined temple complexes from the Vijayanagara Empire from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2TB3CJm FP Staff

After two days of ED grilling, Robert Vadra asked to appear before agency again on Saturday in money laundering case

Vadra's lawyer KTS Tulsi alleged that the ED was leaking information about its questioning of Vadra, Congress president Rahul Gandhi's brother-in-law. He argued that the probe agency has nothing concrete against his client. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2Bq8Xfv Asian News International

Cold wave in India: Fresh snowfall in Himachal Pradesh's Shimla disrupts efforts to clear roads; avalanche reported in J&K's Kulgam

The weather department has forecast light snow and rain in Himachal Pradesh for the next few days. Shallow to dense fog is predicted in Delhi over the next two days. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2TDi43L Asian News International

Chhattisgarh court rejects anticipatory bail plea of Raman Singh's son-in-law in 2014 Antagarh bypoll fixing case

A court in Chhattisgarh's Raipur district on Thursday rejected the anticipatory bail pleas of former chief minister Raman Singh's son-in-law Dr Puneet Gupta and BJP leader Maturam Pawar in a case related to the alleged fixing of the 2014 Antagarh bypoll. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2SAxbNP Press Trust of India

Populism picks up ahead of polls as Union Budget, state budgets in UP, Rajasthan, Bengal, MP hand out goodies

The Lok Sabha election is upon India and if the government at the Centre and in the states of Assam, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Bengal and Uttar Pradesh are any indication, then populist budgetary allocations and scheme announcements are what parties in power are banking on as a surefire way of garnering votes. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2MVQImH Soumashree Sarkar

'Protectors of rapists will keep quiet': Lalu Prasad slams Nitish Kumar after Muzaffarpur shelter home case transferred to Delhi court

Nitish Kumar has been accused by opposition leaders, especially Lalu Prasad's younger son Tejashwi Yadav, of keeping silent over allegations against the accused in the Muzaffarpur shelter home scandal. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2SzrQX7 Press Trust of India

Does Bareilly nikah-halala not shock your conscience? Arun Jaitley slams 'Rahul and coterie' over promise to scrap triple talaq bill

In a Facebook post, Arun Jaitley lashed out at Congress for promising, at a minority convention, to withdraw the triple talaq bill which is pending in the Parliament. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2MSG684 Arun Jaitley

19-year-old girl dragged out of her house, gangraped by 6 while father forced to witness in Bihar's Kishanganj; all accused remain at large

A 19-year-old girl was dragged out of her house in Bihar's Kishanganj district, was beaten up and gangraped by six men, while her father was forced to witness the incident. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2SGFBTU FP Staff

Indian Railways demands Rs 16.43 crore from Lok Sabha for operating canteens in Parliament; amount claimed as 'establishment cost'

Northern Railway has demanded Rs 16.43 crore from the Lok Sabha secretariat for running four canteens in Parliament - where food prices are significantly low - during 2017-18, an RTI query has revealed. This amount was claimed as "subsidy claim and establishment cost". from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2MZja7u Press Trust of India

#MeTooIndia's moment of reckoning: Movement's torchbearers must reflect on responsibility towards anonymous survivors

A lot has been said about anonymous allegations during the #MeTooIndia movement; about naming and shaming, the fear of defamation. But what we need to discuss is the ethics of being the torchbearer of someone else's stories; of making a career out of it. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2SzWTCb DVL Padma Priya

Bid to develop narratives to alter public opinion in Valley, Pakistan using social media to influence youths in Kashmir, says Indian Army

Lieutenant General Ranbir Singh, said that the Pakistani army has been using social media to mobilise support among the youth of Jammu and Kashmir to stir them towards militancy. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2MTsauv Press Trust of India

Assam govt hands out gold for brides in election year Budget; Opposition says BJP making fake promises to voters

Assam will give gold worth about Rs 38,000 to every bride from a poor family, the latest budget giveaway ahead of a general election that must be held by May. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2SD644T Reuters

Kartarpur Sahib Corridor: Pakistan delegation to visit India on 13 March to finalise draft agreement

Pakistan on Thursaday said it will send a delegation to India next month to discuss and finalise draft agreement for setting up a corridor to facilitate visit of Sikh pilgrims to the Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib Gurudwara. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2MUTIjj Press Trust of India

10 Naxals killed in encounter with security forces in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district; ammunition, explosives recovered

Ten Naxals were killed in an encounter with security forces in Chhattisgarh on Thursday, police said. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2SvZtt5 Press Trust of India

Daily Bulletin: Kumaraswamy to present Karnataka budget amid coalition discord; CBI to quiz Rajeev Kumar tomorrow; day's top stories

While HD Kumaraswamy is set to present Karnataka budget amid coalition discord, Congress president Rahul Gandhi will address a farmers rally in Bhopal. Narendra Modi will address his third rally in a week in West Bengal. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2MUNAHH FP Staff

US fake university sting: Many Indian students released from custody, 'immigration status okay in many cases', say officials

Official sources in the US confirmed to Firstpost that "many" of the "close to 140" students arrested in the ICE fake university sting operation by US law enforcement and not implicated have been released and have "gone back" (to their lives as usual or back home to India). In many cases, "their immigration status was okay, there was no problem", sources on the frontlines of the effort to deliver legal resources to the affected students said. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2SB2doW Nikhila Natarajan

Ten Jammu and Kashmir policemen feared trapped as avalanche strikes Kulgam district near Jawahar Tunnel

At least 10 policemen were feared trapped inside their post after an avalanche struck Kulgam district near the Jawahar Tunnel on Srinagar-Jammu National Highway on Thursday evening, police said. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2MTiGQ1 Press Trust of India

Three jawans, civilian injured in attack at Manipur's Imphal Polo ground after hand grenades hurled at Assam Rifles team

Three jawans of Assam Rifles and one civilian were injured in a grenade attack at Imphal Polo ground on Thursday evening from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2SC6Z5F Asian News International

Jammu and Kashmir Police chargesheet eight, including journalist, for conspiring with Hizbul Mujahideen

The Jammu and Kashmir Police has secured prosecution sanctions under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act against all the accused named in the chargesheet. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2MU0C8q Press Trust of India

Lands of Always Winter? Rains, hailstorm hit Delhi-NCR region; over 30 flights diverted from IGI Airport

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) had predicted that the sky will generally remain cloudy throughout the day in Delhi. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2UMGHem FP Staff

Mamata Banerjee urges industry leaders to invest in West Bengal, terms state destination for businesses, farmers, unemployed youth

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday urged industry barons to invest in the state which has a great potential for industrial growth from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2MVE9b8 Asian News International

Kashmir remains cut off as heavy snowfall disrupts flight services, closes highway; avalanche warning issued for 16 districts

Heavy snowfall Thursday threw normal life out of gear in Kashmir due to disruption in essential services as the valley remained cut off for the second consecutive day as the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway remained closed and flight services were cancelled at the airport in Srinagar from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2SBNNox Press Trust of India

Saradha chit fund scam: CBI summons Kolkata Police chief Rajeev Kumar to Shillong on 9 February

The CBI wants to question Rajeev Kumar, a 1989-batch IPS officer, as he was heading the SIT formed by West Bengal government to probe Saradha and other similar ponzi scheme cases, from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2MX2q0h Press Trust of India

Delhi-NCR hit by hailstorm and heavy rain; 18 flights diverted from IGI airport between 6 and 7 pm

Delhi-NCR was hit by heavy rain and hailstrom on Thursday evening. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2SD6mZx FP Staff

Narendra Modi slams Opposition's 'maha milawat' in Parliament address, says he will terrify those looting the country

Modi said that those who want a healthy democracy would never prefer a "maha milawat" government, in an apparent dig at the Opposition's 'mahagathbandhan'. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2MTm7WU FP Staff

INX Media case: Indrani Mukerjea requests Delhi court for lawyer so she can turn approver

Indrani Mukerjea appeared through video conference from Byculla jail where she is lodged in Sheena Bora murder case from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2MWNqQ2 Press Trust of India

Maharashtra to make virginity tests a punishable offence; practice still prevalent in UK, Canada, Indonesia and Afghanistan

However, the practice is not just limited to India, many other countries in the world including developed nations like the United Kingdom (UK) continue to see the prevalence of this ritual, which violates human rights and is a direct attack on the sexual-autonomy of a woman. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2BnkBrw FP Staff

Centre hauls up five other Bengal IPS officers for presence at Mamata Banerjee's dharna; may strip them off medals

The Ministry of Home Affairs seems to have, for the first time, brought five top Bengal police officers who were present at Mamata Banerjee's protest venue in Kolkata, into the disciplinary ambit, along with Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2TD79XA FP Staff

Sabarimala row: Supreme Court directs devotees' association's lawyer to file written submission for rehearing case

Supreme Court asked Mathew Nedumpara to file written submissions, adding that if required the court could grant him an oral hearing in the Sabarimala case from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2Bp8M4e Asian News International

JNU sedition case: Arvind Kejriwal says chargesheet just before Lok Sabha polls raises several questions

Arvind Kejriwal said the police took three years to file in a court the chargesheet in connection with the sedition case against former JNUSU president Kanhaiya Kumar and nine others. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2TDotM4 Press Trust of India

ED claims lobbyist Deepak Talwar has links with fugitive Vijay Mallya; Delhi court extends his custody till 12 February

ED had sought extension of custody for Deepak Talwar by seven days. The court had earlier allowed ED to quiz him in custody for seven days, after the probe agency alleged that he acted as middleman in negotiations to favour foreign private airlines causing the loss to national carrier Air India from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2Bja8xp Press Trust of India

Air India One flying president, PM to get Air Force One-like protection as US approves sale of two missile defence systems to India

The US has agreed to sell two advanced missile defence systems to India for the two Air India One (Boeing-777) aircraft used by the Indian prime minister and president for an estimated cost of $190 million, bringing the security of Head-of-State aircraft at par with that of 'Air Force One' used by the American president from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2TCfStc Press Trust of India

Prime minister should initiate high-level inquiry into reports of army coup attempt in 2012, says VK Singh

Union minister and former army chief VK Singh on Thursday requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to order a high-level inquiry into the alleged planting of "fallacious" stories to the media about an attempted coup in 2012. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2BoxbGZ Press Trust of India

MP farmers outraged over fake loan waiver list

The farmers can't seem to win either way. On one hand, a loan waiver was launched to alleviate the suffering of 34 lakh farmers, and on the other, innocent farmers now have to suffer without ever having taken loans in the first place. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2TBDGNL Khabar Lahariya

Ayodhya gets Rs 301 crore in Uttar Pradesh budget: Rs 200 crore for airport, Rs 101 crore to develop tourist spots

Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, Ayodhya on Thursday got a significant share in the Uttar Pradesh Budget, including Rs 200 crore for an airport and Rs 101 crore for the development of tourist spots in the city. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2TCDNZt Press Trust of India

SC lifts ban on women in dance bars: Questions about consent, protection from exploitation remain

While the State may now take measures to protect women in dance bars, are alternative livelihoods available to these women, especially as they grow older and can no longer work at bars? from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2BkQb9s Sharon Menezes

Allow only members, family to donate to political parties, says TS Krishnamurthy; ex-CEC suggests creation of national election fund

Political parties should be barred from accepting donations, except from their members and family, former CEC TS Krishnamurthy said as he pushed for creation of a national election fund from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2TAUhkX Press Trust of India

Nurse throws acid on doctor inside court premises in Tirupati, attempts suicide later by consuming it

The nurse, who was aware of his visit, had covered her head and face with a cloth and threw the acid contained in a bottle at the doctor in the court premises, police said from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2BqK17J Press Trust of India

Muzaffarpur shelter home rape case: SC summons ex-interim CBI chief M Nageswara Rao for transferring probe officer

Supreme Court on Thursday summoned former interim Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) director M Nageswara Rao. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2TAUbd5 FP Staff

Robert Vadra appears before ED in money laundering case for second day; questioned for almost six hours on first day

Robert Vadra was questioned by the Enforcement Directorate for the second day on Thursday in connection with a probe into money laundering allegations from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2Bsf17j Press Trust of India

About 15.7 lakh public grievances against central government departments in 2018, Jitendra Singh tells Rajya Sabha

Of these, 14.98 lakh were disposed of and nearly 8.4 lakh grievances were pending, he said in a written reply from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2TFIMJ6 Press Trust of India

Sonia Gandhi leads Congress MPs in table thumping to laud Nitin Gadkari's performance as transport minister

There were reports in August 2018 that Sonia had written to Gadkari thanking him for his "positive response" to road issues she had raised relating to her constituency Rae Bareli in Uttar Pradesh. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2BkK8l1 Press Trust of India

If elected, Congress promises to abolish triple talaq ban: After accusing BJP of leveraging issue for elections, is the party doing just that?

Congress MP and All India Mahila Congress chief Sushmita Dev, on Thursday, said the Congress will abolish the criminalisation of triple talaq if voted to power in the 2019 Lok Sabha election. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2TzY4Ph FP Staff

Rajasthan begins implementing farm loan waiver; cultivators to get relief for sums borrowed from cooperative, development banks

The Rajasthan government on Thursday started conducting camps at all the district headquarters for waiving off loans of farmers from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2BoiiV7 Press Trust of India

Mood of First-Time Voter: 58% in Tier 2 say they will definitely vote in LS polls; 31% in Tier 3 cities identify with conservative views

To get a better idea of how young first-time voters - people aged 18 to 21 - perceive of the forthcoming election, YouGov India and Firstpost conducted a nationwide survey between 3 and 9 January from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2TATXmf YouGov India and Firstpost

Cabinet approves another cow-related scheme: Rashtriya Kamdhenu Aayog is Modi govt's latest initiative to protect the bovine

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved a proposal seeking the establishment of 'Rashtriya Kamdhenu Aayog' for cow protection and effective implementation of welfare schemes. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2BseRNf FP Staff

Dilshad Garden to New Bus Adda section of Delhi Metro's Red Line approved; passenger services to commence soon

The 9.41 km long Dilshad Garden-New Bus Adda section of the Delhi Metro's Red Line has been granted mandatory approval for commencement of passenger operations. The mandatory approvals were granted by the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety, SK Pathak. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2TCU40q Asian News International

Uttar Pradesh allots Rs 447 crore in budget for cow shelters as Yogi Adityanath govt presents Rs 4.79-lakh crore plan

Yogi Adityanath's Uttar Pradesh government presented a Rs 4.79 lakh crore budget for the 2019-2020 financial year at the state Assembly on Thursday, out of which more than Rs 447 crore was allocated for the welfare of cows. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2BmuQMY FP Staff

Tamil Nadu MSRB opens applications for 520 nurse posts; check updates at mrb.tn.gov.in

The Tamil Nadu Medical Services Recruitment Board (MSRB) opened applications for 520 positions of nurses for the Sick Newborn Care Unit from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2TATLU3 FP Staff

BJP could have avoided messy situation in Assam over citizenship bill; 'people feel cheated' with last-minute damage-control plan

The extraordinary episode is yet another testimony of the anxieties of the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government in Assam which seems to be caught between the popular movement against the Citizenship Amendment Bill and the party's decision to pass it in Parliament. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2t9b3ff Rajeev Bhattacharyya

Nandini Krishnan, Penguin Random House committed serious breach of trust, ethical lapses in publishing book on us, charge trans men

At least 22 trans men featured in Nandini Krishnan's recently released book, Invisible Men: Inside India's Transmasculine Network, have accused the author of committing serious ethical transgressions from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2BjCCqV Greeshma Rai

Ailing healthcare services in Uttarakhand's hilly areas forces migration to urban centres; lack of doctors cripples hospitals

Some hospitals in Uttarakhand face not only a shortage of doctors but also of paramedical staff, highlighting the seriousness of the healthcare facilities the state lacks. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2taU3oT Rahul Singh Shekhawat

Massive fire breaks out at Noida's Metro Hospital; at least 40 patients evacuated so far, many more feared trapped

Several fire tenders have been rushed to the hospital and there have also been reports of some patients trying to save their lives by jumping from the building from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2HWYgqG FP Staff

Muzaffarpur shelter home rape case: SC tells Bihar govt 'enough is enough', transfers case to Delhi trial court

A Supreme Court bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi said the Muzaffarpur shelter home cases should be transferred from the Bihar CBI court to a POCSO Saket trial court within two weeks. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2tbQ3EC Press Trust of India

Chennai man arrested for killing actress wife, chopping her body into pieces and dumping parts in garbage bins

On 21 January, the police found the right hand severed from the shoulder and parts of two legs below the knees of 35-year-old Sandhya at the dump yard. Sandhya, who was a small-time actress, was a native of Thoothukudi. Her husband Balakrishnan, after murdering her, cut the body parts into several pieces from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2HWYeiy Asian News International

Political opportunism washes away taint: Despite active probes, politicians switch loyalties, get big party tickets

With the heat turning up on the Saradha chit-fund scam in West Bengal and the ghost of the scandal coming to haunt former TMC leader Mukul Roy and ex-Assam Congress member Himanta Biswa Sarma, the focus is back on possible political opportunism practised by tainted netas. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2t9LIBS Kritvi Paliwal

Youth march in New Delhi today to demand educational, employment opportunities; Hardik Patel to join rally

Some of the demands include filling up of all government vacancies, creation of more government jobs, stopping the policy of fund cuts and seat cuts and spending 10 percent of the country's GDP on education. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2HWYcaq Press Trust of India

In the nomadic Kanjarbhat community, a group of activists are quietly leading a campaign against 'virginity tests'

In the Kanjarbhat community, a bride must submit to a 'virginity test' on the night of her wedding. But a campaign spearheaded by the community's youth is hoping to put an end to the practice | A ground report from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2tbsg7L Sonali Jain

Bhima-Koregaon activists' arrest case: Sudha Bhardwaj moves Bombay High Court seeking bail

Human rights activist and lawyer Sudha Bhardwaj, arrested in connection with the Elgar Parishad case, has moved the Bombay High Court to seek bail. The plea was taken up for hearing on Wednesday by Justice N W Sambre. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2HVOaGv Press Trust of India

2018 fourth hottest year on record, finds UN report; earth's temperature to approach dangerous levels in years to come

Last year, 2018, was the fourth hottest year on record and the outlook is for more sizzling heat approaching levels that most governments view as dangerous for the earth, a UN report showed on Wednesday. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2tiugvj Reuters

Delhi records 'very poor' air quality despite rains and strong winds; SAFAR predicts no improvement for next three days

In the coming three days too, SAFAR has predicted no improvement in air quality in Delhi, which is likely to oscillate between the "poor" and "very poor" category. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2Iayyz9 Asian News International

American, European scholars come out in support of Anand Teltumbde; sign petition to condemn 'witch hunt' against Dalit scholar

Protesting against the "false allegations" against Teltumbde, the statement issued on Wednesday "strongly" condemned the threat of Teltumbde's imminent arrest calling him distinguished scholar, civil rights activist, and one of India's leading intellectuals. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2tc4eK1 Press Trust of India

Post attack by BJP members, journalists in Raipur wear helmets to meet Madhya Pradesh saffron party leaders

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2HXDQ0L FP Staff

Farmers hold protest rally against Ahmedabad-Mumbai bullet train project in Gujarat's Navsari; concerns include depletion of green belt

Farmers from 29 villages in Gujarat's Navsari held a protest rally against bullet train project on Wednesday from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2Dftm7m Asian News International

Narendra Modi to flag off Vande Bharat Express, also known as Train 18, on 15 February from New Delhi Railway station

Train 18, which was recently named Vande Bharat Express by Railway Minister Piyush Goyal, has been manufactured by the Integral Coach Factory, Chennai. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2SgaPlH Press Trust of India

Manipur: MANPAC launches indefinite agitation against Citizenship Bill, urges indigenous people to join in

MANPAC has urged all indigenous people of Manipur to come out on roads as a mark of protest against the Citizenship Bill. The agitation has led to congestion on roads. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2Dfti7C Asian News International

Himanta Biswa Sarma presents Rs 1,193 cr deficit budget, says Assam govt will 'generate revenue to carry out development projects'

With rice at Rs 1 per kg and around 10 grams of gold for brides belonging to families with annual earnings of less than Rs 5 lakh, Assam finance minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has said that the Rs 1193.04-crore-deficit budget he has presented, will be taken positively by the people of the state. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2SdF2BI Asian News International

Mamata Banerjee says West Bengal govt yet to receive MHA notice for action against Kolkata Police chief Rajeev Kumar

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee's statement came a day after she described as "blatant lie" the MHA's charge that Rajeev Kumar had participated in her dharna and said the Kolkata Police commissioner never went up to the dais. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2Dftdkk Press Trust of India

Madhya Pradesh HC sends notice to state, Centre over PIL to protect identity of accused in sexual assault cases

The Madhya Pradesh High Court on Wednesday served notices to the Centre and state governments on a petition demanding that the name of the accused in cases of sexual assault should not be published. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2SclSfz Press Trust of India

Devaswom Board says no pressure from Kerala govt to change Sabarimala stand, move to end discrimination based on 'biological attributes'

The Travancore Devaswom Board on Wednesday said its decision in the Supreme Court to back women's entry into the Ayyappa shrine at Sabariamala was not due to any pressure following the CPM-led LDF government's stand on the issue. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2Dimmq7 Press Trust of India

Maharashtra govt to make virginity tests for brides a punishable offence, calls practice a form of sexual assault

The Maharashtra government said that the practice of virginity tests for newlywed women will be considered a form of sexual assault. The home department will hold a bi-monthly review of cases of sexual assault, and ensure low pendency of such cases in the courts. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2SeN6SU Press Trust of India

Priyanka Gandhi with Robert Vadra at ED office sends strong message to BJP, but could it force party to back off?

Priyanka is playing the victim card. Will the BJP turn cautious? from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2DeT4bR Sanjay Singh

Sabarimala devotees not surprised by Devaswom Board's volte face, but fear retaliatory violence when temple opens on 12 Feb

With the TDB opposing the review petitions in the Sabarimala case, the devotees are fearing another wave of violence. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2SjdECB TK Devasia

Daily Bulletin: ED to interrogate Robert Vadra again today; Donald Trump nominates David Malpass as World Bank chief; day's top stories

The Enforcement Directorate will continue to interrogate Robert Vadra; Rajeev Kumar to file counter affidavit against CBI in Supreme Court; Trump nominates David Malpass for World Bank president and other top stories for the day from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2DhtjrC FP Staff

CBI purge continues, government curtails tenure of two senior officers at centre of controversy

The tenures of two senior IPS officers - Anish Prasad and Abhay Singh - at the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) have been curtailed, according to a Personnel Ministry order issued Wednesday from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2SclRZ3 Press Trust of India

Five years after Lokpal Act came into force, Centre seeks applications for anti-corruption body chief, members

The government has sought applications for chairman and members of anti-corruption ombudsman Lokpal, nearly five years after the Lokpal Act came into force, officials said Wednesday. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2Dg2B2v Press Trust of India

Shashi Tharoor nominates Kerala fishermen for Nobel Peace Price 2019 for role in 2018 floods relief operations

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has recommended Kerala fishermen, whose deeds of courage were the main highlight of the rescue operations during the 2018 Kerala floods, for the Nobel Peace Prize. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2SeqK3L Press Trust of India

Cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan remains core concern for India: Government

Cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan remains a core concern for India, the government said. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2Dg2zaT Press Trust of India

Narendra Modi govt eroded federal autonomy, says Congress, terms claim of increased devolution of funds to states 'maha jumla'

The Congress on Wednesday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government of eroding federal autonomy and alleged that its claim of increased devolution of funds to states had turned out to be a 'maha jumla' from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2SeZbaz Press Trust of India

Nitin Gadkari launches highway and port projects in Odisha worth Rs 6,000 cr, says another Rs 2.5 lakh cr will be pumped in

Union minister Nitin Gadkari on Wednesday launched a slew of highway and port projects worth Rs 6,000 crore in Odisha. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2DhYCCm Press Trust of India

Seven held guilty for killing two youths that led to 2013 Muzaffarnagar riots, quantum of sentence on Friday

A local court Wednesday held seven men guilty of killing two youths in Kawal village in an attack which is said to have triggered the 2013 Muzaffarnagar riots that led to killings of over 60 people from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2Sdkyt1 Press Trust of India

Mumbai-based Raphael Samuel plans to sue his parents for giving birth without his consent; mother admires son's 'temerity'

Samuel, a committed "anti-natalist", believes it is morally wrong of people to breed as it only leads to misery. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2DhtfrS FP Staff

Robert Vadra grilled by Enforcement Department for six hours in connection with 2009 petroleum deal case

Speaking to media, Robert Vadra's counsel Suman Jyoti Khaitan said the businessman has given an undertaking to appear before the ED whenever summoned. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2t66Bhs Asian News International

ED's questioning of Robert Vadra an attempt to stop Opposition parties from uniting, says Mamata Banerjee

Robert Vadra on Wednesday appeared before the ED in connection with a money laundering case against him from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2I6F7lU Asian News International

Hindu Mahasabha leader Puja Shakun Pandey, who shot at Mahatma Gandhi effigy, arrested in Aligarh and sent to jail

Hindu Mahasabha Puja Shakun Pandey and her husband Ashok Pandey were arrested on Wednesday by the Aligarh police and remanded in judicial custody for allegedly shooting at an effigy of Mahatma Gandhi and glorifying his assassination on his death anniversary from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2t66B0W Press Trust of India

Shekhawati wall paintings and the art of mythological imagination

Shekhawati is a region in Rajasthan that is famous for its heavily muraled buildings. The region is made up of several towns with thousands of painted buildings that include havelis, temples, shops and cenotaphs. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2GdT8g8 Saumya Agarwal

Kerala woman shunned by husband, in-laws for entering Sabarimala temple returns home after local court order

Armed with a local court order, the woman whose in-laws had thrown her out for entering the Sabarimala Temple returned to her husband's home in Kerala from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2Dfhyll Asian News International

Anna Hazare calls off seven-day fast: Is he no longer the force he was back in 2003 and 2011?

As Anna Hazare called off his seven-day fast for the formation of a Lokpal at the Centre and Lokayuktas in the states, the anti-corruption crusader who once drew thousands to the national capital's central protest grounds must now grapple with his new image as an activist diminished. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2GdT5AY FP Staff

Indian Air Force Mirage 2000 crash: Aircraft's black box being sent to France to ascertain reasons behind mishap

India is sending to France the black box of the Mirage 2000 which crashed in Bengaluru and claimed the lives of two pilots to ascertain reasons for the mishap from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2DcA8KU Asian News International

Robert Vadra appears before ED for questioning in 2009 petroleum deal case, his lawyers call charges 'beset with political vendetta'

Congress leader Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law Robert Vadra on Wednesday appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED). from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2GdT3ZS FP Staff

BJP has ensured cow protection becomes universal brand of politics; Congress-led govt invoking NSA in MP a typical example

The cow has turned into a potent political totem, much like the seasonal iftar photo-ops, ever since BJP graduated from Ram mandir politics to gau mata politics. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2DakMGQ Ananya Srivastava

Mamata vs Centre: 3-4 Kolkata cops at dharna with Rajeev Kumar, but MHA disciplinary sword hangs only over commissioner

The MHA letter recognises other police officers' presence at the dharna along with Kumar, but disciplinary action has been ordered against the Commissioner of Police, Kolkata, alone. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2GdSWNW A Ghose

Rahul Gandhi slams 'jumla raja' Narendra Modi over unfulfilled promise to provide jobs to youth; calls his tenure 'chaupat raj'

Hitting out at the government on the issue of unemployment and farmer distress, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi dubbed PM Narendra Modi "jumla raja" from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2DbxxRB Press Trust of India

Migration in Uttarakhand: 25% of villages without access to roads; residents lament lack of govt accountability, forced to abandon state

According to government data, 34,000 kilometres of road has been laid in Uttarakhand over the past 18 years, but only 24,000 kilometres is concretised. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2GdSYFy Rahul Singh Shekhawat

Nila Vikhe Patil, daughter of leading Maharashtra educationist Ashok Vikhe Patil, named political advisor in Sweden PMO

Nila Vikhe Patil has been a member of the Board of the Green Party, Swedish Young Greens, Green Party Gothenburg, Green students of Sweden, and also a member of the executive committee of the Green Party Stockholm from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2DcyBVm Press Trust of India

Bharati Ghosh joins BJP, but former Bengal IPS officer's chequered career at odds with saffron party's stated stand on corruption

BJP inducted Bharati Ghosh, a former police officer, into its ranks in West Bengal. Ghosh, an officer once much favoured by the Trinamool Congress government and leadership, has had a chequered career that is worth recounting in some detail to make a larger point about the party that still controls the Centre from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2GhxtDV Suhit K Sen

Mood of First-Time Voter: 19% in West not registered to vote; education biggest issue in East, corruption in South

To get a better idea of how young first-time voters - people aged 18 to 21 - perceive of the forthcoming election, YouGov India and Firstpost conducted a nationwide survey between 3 and 9 January from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2DbgGhN YouGov India and Firstpost

Sabarimala hearing: SC reserves verdict as Travancore Devaswom Board does U-turn, says respects verdict on women's entry

The Supreme Court started hearing a bunch of review petitions urging it to revisit an earlier order allowing women to enter Sabarimala shrine. A five-judge bench, led by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi, remarked that the pleas made by both petitioner and respondent had interesting aspects from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2Ge205o FP Staff

Ram Nath Kovind, Narendra Modi condole death of Ladu Kishore Swain; PM lauds BJD MP's work in rural development

President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday expressed grief over the demise of Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MP from Aska, Ladu Kishore Swain from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2DcG6vf Asian News International

Aurangzeb's killing: Indian Army questions three soldiers over their role in leaking information on colleague's movements

Indian Army soldier Aurangzeb, who was proceeding on leave for Eid on 14 June, 2018, was abducted and later shot in the head and neck. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2GdJ0nC Press Trust of India

Heavy snowfall results in cancellations of 15 flights to Srinagar; Jammu-Srinagar highway closed after landslides

The situation in Srinagar arose as Kashmir is witnessing a fresh spell of wet weather with higher reaches receiving heavy snowfall and plains lashed by a mix of rain and snow. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2DcFWnD Press Trust of India

MHA bans Jammu and Kashmir-based Tehreek-ul-Mujahideen, says group was part of various acts of terrorism in India

In a notification, the ministry said the central government believes that the Tehreek-ul-Mujahideen is involved in terrorism as it has committed and participated in various acts of terrorism in India and its members are getting financial as well as logistic support from their handlers based abroad. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2Gdzu3Y Press Trust of India

Nepal makes work permit mandatory for Indians, asks labour authorities to finalise number of Indian workers in country

Nepal's labour and occupational safety department on Wednesday ordered all its labour offices throughout the country to finalise the actual number of Indian workers working in different sectors in the country. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2DcG9ap Asian News International

Sabarimala hearing underway in SC: Travancore Devaswom Board does a U-turn, says it now respects verdict on entry of women

The Supreme Court started hearing a bunch of review petitions urging it to revisit an earlier order allowing women to enter Sabarimala shrine. A five-judge bench, led by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi, remarked that the pleas made by both petitioner and respondent had interesting aspects from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2HY0TbE FP Staff

VHP puts campaign for Ram temple construction on hold, will resume demand for ordinance after Lok Sabha election

The VHP will cease its campaign towards the Ram temple for four months and will continue to demand the construction of the temple in Ayodhya immediately after the 2019 general elections. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2t6z0DZ Asian News International

MEA gains consular access to 117 Indian students detained in US; immigration attorneys criticise Washington for 'trapping' them

The MEA's statement came after the US State Department said all 130 foreign students detained in the US for enrolling in the fake university, were aware that they were committing a crime to fraudulently remain in the country. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2HY0Rk2 FP Staff

Airfares witness 30% rise as runway repair work hits flight operations at Mumbai airport

With the Mumbai airport shutting for runway repairs thrice a week, airfares especially on the Delhi-Mumbai sector, has seen a surge of 30 per cent from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2t8wPQo Asian News International

'Rs 6,000-cr fraud case by Sandesara Group was daylight robbery': Nitin, Chetan Sandesara spun web to funnel illegal funds from India to Nigeria

The Appellate Tribunal, which works under the department of revenue, has termed the Sandesara Group fraud against the public sector banks as 'daylight robbery' seeking stringent action in the case. Sandesara brothers - Nitin and Chetan Sandesara, owners of Sandesara group of companies and now officially designated economic offenders from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2HVdhcs Yatish Yadav

Female Genital Mutilation has declined globally, but Dawoodi Bohra women continue to fight 'khatna' in India

International Day of Zero Tolerance For Female Genital Mutilation: In India, FGM in the form of 'khatna' is strongly associated with the Dawoodi Bohra community. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2t6yWUL Aprameya Rao

Supreme Court issues contempt notice to Prashant Bhushan; bench condemns lawyer for commenting on sub-judice matter

A contempt notice was served to Prashant Bhushan by the Supreme Court following pleas filed by the Centre over his tweets criticising M Nageswara Rao's appointment from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2HY0Nki FP Staff

Maharashtra government sets up panel to review welfare schemes for tribals; committee to meet every three months

The committee will undertake a study of various works done for providing employment opportunities, minimum wages and proper livelihood to tribals in Maharashtra. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2t6yUfB Press Trust of India

JNU sedition case: Delhi court gives police time till 28 Feb to get AAP govt's nod to prosecute Kanhaiya Kumar, 9 others

A Delhi court on Wednesday gave Delhi Police time till 28 February to procure the sanctions needed to prosecute former Jawaharlal Nehru University Students Union president Kanhaiya Kumar and others in a 2016 sedition case. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2HY0Lca FP Staff

Swine flu deaths touch 88 in Rajasthan in January, February; 16 people succumb to influenza virus in Himachal Pradesh

Rajasthan has recorded 88 deaths between 1 January and 5 February due to swine flu while 16 people have lost their lives in Himachal Pradesh from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2t6yS7t Asian News International

Employee of govt firm summoned by CBI for fake parts in Bofors guns found dead after missing for days in Jabalpur

A blood-stained blade was also found near the body of 45-year-old SC Kathua. The body, which was found in the factory area behind Section 2 region of GCF, was severely decomposed. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2HY0Igu Asian News International

Delhi wakes to light rain, gusty winds; intense western disturbance over northern region to bring more showers, thunderstorm on Thursday

The Delhi rain, however, will have no or little impact over the air quality which likely to stay in "very poor" quality on Wednesday and is predicted to improve in the coming few days owing to strong surface winds from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2t8wHAo Press Trust of India

Narendra Modi's popularity declines as number of stray cattle rises: Rural UP says will think twice before voting for BJP

While stray cattle ambling around towns and villages have always been a feature of life in rural India, farmers say their number has increased sharply in recent years to the extent that they have become a menace, and blame the policies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's BJP-led government from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2HY0C8C Reuters

Bangladesh finance minister AK Abdul Momen reaches India today; will seek New Delhi's help to resolve Rohingya crisis

Bangladesh's newly-appointed Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen will travel to New Delhi on Wednesday in his maiden overseas trip during which he will attend the 5th India-Bangladesh Joint Consultative Commission (JCC) meeting and held talks with top leaders. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2Gr37Of Press Trust of India

Sterlite row: Madras High Court asks Tamil Nadu pollution board to study impact of effluents from smelter on Uppar river

A petition alleged that effluents from the Sterlite copper smelter in Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu, polluted the rivers and water bodies in the region. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2SzpOGs Press Trust of India

After Kartarpur Corridor, Kashmiri Pandits demand road, visas for pilgrims to visit Sharda Peeth shrine in PoK

Members of the 'Save Sharada Committee Kashmir' are demanding a pilgrimage for Kashmiri Pandits to Sharada Peeth, which is situated in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2GnDOwG Asian News International

Rajeev Kumar never joined dharna, says Mamata Banerjee after MHA orders disciplinary action against Kolkata Police chief

"Why is the central government so scared? Has Rajeev become their nightmare? I do not know what is going on. He never joined the dharna," Mamata told reporters after calling off her demonstration on the third day on Tuesday evening. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2Suum0P Press Trust of India

Uttar Pradesh govt sets up SIT to investigate 1984 Kanpur riots; panel to submit report in six months

The Uttar Pradesh government has constituted an Special Investigation Team to probe the circumstances that led to riots in Kanpur in 1984 following the assassination of then prime minister Indira Gandhi, an official release said Tuesday night. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2GnDHRM Press Trust of India

Govt knowingly misled Indian students detained in US by setting up fake university, says Indian-American attorney

Flooded with phone calls from panic-stricken students, an eminent Indian-American attorney on Tuesday alleged that the US Department of Homeland Security had knowingly allowed the "fake university" to be set up and misled students sitting hundreds of miles away in another country. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2SuuhKz Press Trust of India

Mamata Banerjee's Kolkata dharna: Bid to detain Rajeev Kumar overtly political move to assert Centre's right, dismiss Didi's delusions

The history of the case bears significance in the present context as Mamata on Monday sat on dharna in Kolkata to protect Kumar who is suspected to have tinkered with evidence in the scam. Mamata, known for hitting streets and rabble-rousing for populist causes, seems to have reversed her politics in her constitutional role. She is seen as taking the side of the corrupt and protecting a few of her favourites at the expense of masses. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2GqP0sd Ajay Singh

Vijay Mallya to initiate appeal against UK govt's extradition order; lawyers say it may take months for case to be heard

The extradition of Vijay Mallya, a 63-year-old liquor baron, was approved by UK Home Secretary Sajid Javid on Sunday, boosting India's efforts to bring back the fugitive businessman. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2Suuduj Press Trust of India

GoAir pilots shut wrong engine of Delhi-Mumbai flight in 2017 after bird strike incident, shows DGCA probe

While engine number 2 of the flight was affected due to a bird strike, the pilots on GoAir's Delhi-Mumbai flight decided to shut down engine number 1, stated a report from the Indian aviation watchdog DGCA on the incident that occurred on 21 June, 2017. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2GqtWSU Press Trust of India

Daily Bulletin: Sabarimala case in SC; Trump delivers State of the Union address; fuel prices decline; day's top stories

Day's top stories: The Supreme Court will begin hearing review petitions against its September 2018 verdict on Sabarimala issue; Robert Vadra is likely to appear before ED in money laundering case; Donald Trump's State of the Union address will focus on issues like immigration, national security and trade and call for unity; and more. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2Suu9L5 FP Staff

Sabarimala: Supreme Court to begin hearing review petitions starting today; 4 women seek to become party to case

Four women have moved the Supreme Court seeking to intervene as parties in support of its last September's historic judgment which allowed women of all age groups into Sabarimala temple in Kerala. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2Go3zga Press Trust of India

In 2019, swine flu cases mount to over 1,000 in Delhi, says report; govt sets up helpline for awareness

One death due to swine flu and 124 fresh cases of Influenza A (H1N1) was Tuesday recorded in Delhi, taking the total number of people affected by the disease in the city this year to 1019, according to a report. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2Suu1LB Press Trust of India

After KK Venugopal, Centre now moves SC seeking initiation of contempt proceedings against Prashant Bhushan

The Centre has moved the Supreme Court seeking initiation of contempt proceedings against activist lawyer Prashant Bhushan for his tweets alleging that they amounted to making a false statement in a pending case on the appointment of M Nageswara Rao as interim CBI Director from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2GwDImD Press Trust of India

Jammu and Kashmir jolted by moderate intensity quake measuring 5.6 on Richter scale; no casualties

The epicentre of the quake was at a depth of 40 kilometres in northwestern Kashmir, 118 kilometres from Srinagar, the officials said. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2SutWYj Press Trust of India

Robert Vadra to appear before Enforcement Directorate on Wednesday in 2009 petroleum deal case

A day ahead of the hearing, Vadra had filed an anticipatory bail plea in connection with the case and claimed that he was being targeted and subjected to false prosecution which has the colour of "political witch hunt. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2GnDFcC Asian News International

All India Kisan Sabha announces farmers' rally on 20 Feb to press for farm loan waiver, pension and MSP

The new long march also follows 208 organisations of farmers from parts of the country staging protest in Delhi in November, 2018, raising the demands. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2SutRDZ Press Trust of India

Govt responds to reports of Indian Army's temporary allowance being put on hold, says more funds to be given when needed

Temporary allowances are paid to officers when they travel for purposes such as tours and training. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2GnDsGm Press Trust of India

Narendra Modi govt's apathy for defence forces compromised national security, says Congress' Randeep Surjewala

The Congress on Tuesday accused the Modi government of "politicising" the armed forces and compromising national security by "lowering" the morale of soldiers and insulting them through cuts in their spending from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2SwRyvo Press Trust of India

Anna Hazare calls off fast after talk with Devendra Fadnavis; Maharashtra CM says Lokpal appointment process to begin soon

Hazare has also been demanding implementation of the Swaminathan Commission recommendations on ways to address agrarian distress, besides electoral reforms. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2GoYHaN Press Trust of India

Devendra Fadnavis meets Anna Hazare in Maharashtra's Ralegan Siddhi, supports social activist's demand to set up Lokpal, Lokayuktas

Hazare claimed that senior BJP leaders who once vehemently backed his Lokpal demand had turned 'allergic' to it after coming to power. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2Sod8Cv Press Trust of India

Saradha chit fund scam: Kolkata police commissioner Rajeev Kumar tampered with evidence, CBI tells Supreme Court

The CBI Tuesday alleged in the Supreme Court that Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar, who was leading the SIT probe into Saradha chit fund scam, tampered with the electronic evidence and handed over the document to the agency some of which were "doctored" from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2Gp3uJf FP Staff

Firstpost Editor's Picks: Mamata vs Centre, mood of first-time voter, migration in Uttarakhand; today's must-read stories

Mamata, known for hitting streets and rabble-rousing for populist causes, seems to have reversed her politics in her constitutional role. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2Gr4CMu FP Staff

'Keep Congress-JD(S) flock together': Yeddyurappa takes dig at Deve Gowda after ex-PM's claim that BJP is trying to 'destabilise' state govt

Yeddyurappa was reacting to Gowda's comments that attempts were being made by the BJP's state unit to "destabilise" the government. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2BlwaQ5 Press Trust of India

Can't 'self-censor' political ads, says Facebook even as Google, Twitter aim for greater transparency ahead of LS polls

In December, Facebook had said that "anyone who wants to run political ads in India will have to disclose their name and location", adding that the platform would provide more details about who had placed the ad. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2TyXjpU FP Staff

Chhattisgarh govt carries out major bureaucratic reshuffle, transfers 40 IAS, two IFS officials; 12 district collectors also changed

In a major bureaucratic reshuffle, the Chhattisgarh government has transferred 40 Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and two Indian Forest Service (IFS) officials in the state from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2BlJ40B Press Trust of India

BJP claims moral victory as Supreme Court directs Kolkata Police chief to appear before CBI in Shillong

Banerjee has been on a 'dharna' since Sunday night over the CBI's attempts to interrogate the police chief. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2TyXdP4 Press Trust of India

Arun Jaitley likely to return from US by this weekend after undergoing medical treatment

Union Minister Arun Jaitley is likely to return back from the United States, where he has been undergoing medical treatment, by this weekend from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2BkEGyK Press Trust of India

MHA orders disciplinary action against Kolkata Police chief Rajeev Kumar for flouting rules by joining Mamata's dharna

In a letter addressed to the West Bengal chief secretary, the MHA cited indisciplined behaviour and violation of All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968/AIS (Discipline & Appeal) Rules, 1969 by the 1989-batch IPS officer. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2TyXa5Q FP Staff

Supreme Court slams MHA, says entire effort seems to be to destroy National Register of Citizens in Assam

The Supreme Court's observation comes after the Central government sought the suspension of the process in view of the impending general elections. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2BkED62 Asian News International

Supreme Court pulls up Centre for causing 'delays in NRC process', refuses to extend deadline beyond 31 July

The Supreme Court on Tuesday slammed the Central government for causing "delays in the NRC process", saying that the deadline will not be extended beyond 31 July and that the process must go on along with the elections. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2TvWNc8 FP Staff

Calcutta High Court tells Bengal police to cooperate in CBI investigation against Rajeev Kumar, adjourns hearing till Thursday

The Calcutta High Court on Tuesday adjourned the hearing on the West Bengal government's plea against the CBI's attempt to enter Kolkata Police chief Rajeev Kumar's residence to question him in connection with the multi-crore chit fund scam cases. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2HRuzah Press Trust of India

RSS most secular and inclusive organisation, always respects people's faith, says Maharashtra governor Vidyasagar Rao

RSS is one of the most secular and inclusive organisations as it has always respected the right of individuals to practice their own faith, Maharashtra governor C Vidyasagar Rao said on Tuesday. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2t2qeHc Press Trust of India

Pakistan violates ceasefire in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch; Indian Army doesn't retaliate to avoid civilian casualties

Indian troops did not retaliate to the ceasefire violation to avoid civilian casualties across the border, said the officer, asking not to be named. He said the rockets aimed at the army camp in Jhulas area of the Krishna Ghati sector were fired around 10.30 am but did not cause any damage. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2HV3zqt Press Trust of India

CTET 2019 application begins today on ctet.nic.in; here are the important dates, fees, syllabus

Applications for CTET 2019 will begin today on the official website ctet.nic.in. The last to apply for which is 5 March from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2teN1jf FP Staff

Puducherry: A tale of two beautiful worlds

Unique would be the perfect word to describe Puducherry. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2HTM5Lc FP Studio

BSF jawan arrested for shooting colleagues over 'duty dispute' in Rajasthan's Barmer; injured soldiers out of danger

A Border Security Force jawan was arrested after he shot two fellow soldiers in Rajasthan's Barmer district on Monday night from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2t54c6r FP Staff

Odisha BJP's women's wing launches state-wide campaign against Naveen Patnaik for BJD govt's 'anti-women policies'

The BJP women's wing in Odisha has launched a state-wide campaign against the Naveen Patnaik-led BJD government to highlight the "atrocities" against women and the state government's alleged complicity. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2HRiMss Asian News International

Anna Hazare loses 5 kgs of weight on seventh day of indefinite hunger strike demanding setting up of Lokpal and Lokayuktas

Hazare went on a hunger strike from 30 January demanding the setting up of a Lokpal at the Centre and Lokayuktas in states from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2ta7Uvz Asian News International

Jagannath temple case: Amicus curiae to visit Puri on 22 Feb after Supreme Court tells him to assess ground reality

A bench headed by Justice AK Sikri told the Ranjit Kumar to visit the Jagannath temple after the counsel appearing for Odisha argued that the amicus should visit the shrine and see the situation. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2HSAlbU Press Trust of India

Delhi HC seeks ED's response on Deepak Talwar's plea against deportation; lobbyist claims he was 'abducted' by Indian authorities

Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for Talwar, contended that his client was picked up from Dubai and handed over to Indian authorities. "Government of India abducted my client. More so, when there was summons for him to appear on 4 February. There was no extradition and they picked him up," he argued. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2t7XY5Y Press Trust of India

Migration in Uttarakhand: As crisis plagues hill state, govt survey finds 50% villagers left gram panchayats in search of jobs

"We might as well have not separated from Uttar Pradesh if this was going to be the state of affairs" - this is the common train of thought that villagers in Uttarakhand have been voicing. Reason: the 40-year-old problem of mass migration that continues to hold the hilly region in its grip. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2HRL7iv Rahul Singh Shekhawat

Over 300 positive cases of swine flu reported in Telangana in January; 23 contracted illness in first 5 days of February

Telangana has seen an alarming rise in the number of swine flu cases with at least 330 people tested positive this year from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2WEdF2t Asian News International

Mood of the First-Time Voter: Nearly 70% of males demand jobs from next govt, 79% of females want women's safety

To get a better idea of how first-time voters perceive of the forthcoming election, YouGov India and Firstpost conducted a nationwide survey between 3 and 9 January from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2RFuq9x YouGov India and Firstpost

Mamata-Centre faceoff: CBI can't arrest Kolkata Police chief Rajeev Kumar, but can question him, says Supreme Court

An ecstatic Mamata received the media at the dharna site and said that she stands vindicated after the court's ruling. "This is a moral victory, it's the victory of the people," Mamata said. Attorney General KK Venugopal and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta appeared for CBI while Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi appeared for West Bengal. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2WHsktK FP Staff

In Uttar Pradesh Assembly, Opposition MPs hurl paper balls during Governor's address; Yogi slams members for childish behaviour

Opposition members hurled paper balls towards the podium as Uttar Pradesh Ram Naik addressed a joint sitting of the state legislature on the first day of of the Budget Session . from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2RFaFPx Press Trust of India

Mamata vs Centre Updates: 'SC order our moral victory,' both TMC, BJP claim vindication as court orders Rajeev Kumar to appear before CBI

Mamata vs Centre LIVE Updates: The BJP on Tuesday projected the apex court order directing Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar to make himself available before the CBI as a blow to the Mamata Banerjee-led government in West Bengal and a moral victory for the investigating agency. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2WEqxWa FP Staff

Mamata vs CBI: Probe agency submits affidavit in SC alleging that Rajeev Kumar shielded Saradha, Rose Valley groups during investigation

n additional affidavit submitted by the CBI in the Supreme Court claimed that the Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar shielded chit fund firms like Saradha and Rose Valley during the SIT's probe into the scams the companies were involved in. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2RF3gzC FP Staff

Kolkata Police wanted detained CBI team to reveal 'investigation plan' for chit fund case, claim agency officials

A CBI official said the Kolkata Police officials kept pressurising the CBI team, which was forcefully taken to the Shakespeare Sarani police station, to reveal "the investigation plan". from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2WJdnXO Press Trust of India

TSLPRB 2019 PET/PMT admit cards released on tslprb.in; candidates can check updates here

Telangana State Level Police Recruitment Board (TSLPRB) released the revised Admit Card for the PMT and PET on 5 February from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2RALHRn FP Staff

Vijay Mallya's extradition order a boost for Modi govt ahead of elections, but process likely to take 2-3 months

After netting Vinay Mittal, Christian Michel, Rajiv Saxena and Deepak Talwar, India's investigating agencies received another boost on Monday - UK has approved an order for the extradition of businessman Vijay Mallya to India to face judicial proceedings for allegedly defrauding banks and laundering money to the tune of Rs 9,000 crore. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2WKnc7V Yatish Yadav

Mamata vs Centre LIVE Updates: SC orders Rajeev Kumar to cooperate with CBI, Bengal CM calls it moral victory'; next hearing on 20 Feb

Mamata Banerjee vs Centre LIVE Updates: The Supreme Court of India has set 20th February as the next date of hearing in the case. For now, the court has asked Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar to fully cooperate with the CBI in the investigation, while it has sent notices to the Kolkata Police and west Bengal government in the contempt case. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2BlS9Gs FP Staff

Pariksha Pe Charcha 2.0: Narendra Modi advises parents not to connect children's report card with social status

The prime minister through a simple analogy of a domestic maid balancing her time and responsibilities at each of her employers, stressed on the need for planning, timely review of schedules and realistic goal-setting among students. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2TscQI0 Swarup Rawal

West Bengal Police recruitment 2019: Applications open for 8,419 constable posts at wbpolice.gov.in

The West Bengal Police Recruitment department opened online applications for the post of constable (male) on the official website - www.wbpolice.gov.in. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2Bj0J99 FP Staff

Rare 1623 edition of Shakespeare's complete works, document with Jawaharlal Nehru's signature await proper care at IIT Rourkee

A rare document bearing Jawaharlal Nehru's signature in Hindi, English, and Urdu, and a priceless 1623 edition of William Shakespeare's complete works, are among thousands of historic manuscripts and unseen photographs awaiting proper preservation at IIT Roorkee's iconic library. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2Ty7M4G Press Trust of India

Ram Mandir-Babri Masjid title dispute: Ayodhya will bring moment of reckoning for BJP govt in 2019 election season

Recent developments, taken together, reveal the nervousness and indecision of the government and the RSS on how the Ram Mandir issue is to be presented during the campaign for the 2019 general elections from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2BeF167 Scharada Dubey

Dissent on Aadhaar: New book highlights limitations of ID project, legal and tech opposition to it

While some of the themes mentioned in Dissent on Aadhaar have filtered down to conversations in urban, English-speaking India, the book reveals that we haven't even begun to scratch the surface. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2RxpcwG Partha P Chakrabartty

SC lifts ban on women in dance bars: Questions about consent, protection from exploitation remain

While the State may now take measures to protect women in dance bars, are alternative livelihoods available to these women, especially as they grow older and can no longer work at bars? from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2BkQb9s Sharon Menezes

Centre charges Kerala Rs 102 crore for using IAF aircraft, choppers during 2018 flood rescue and relief operations

The Centre has forwarded a bill of Rs 102 crore to the Kerala government for the use of Indian Air Force aircraft and helicopters for flood relief operations in the state, the Rajya Sabha was informed on Monday. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2TB0Rbe Press Trust of India

Mamata vs CBI: Defrauded chit fund investors feel 'betrayed' by West Bengal govt's tussle with agency, say an attempt to 'hide' truth

The defrauded investors and agents of various chit fund companies on Monday said they feel "betrayed" by the West Bengal government's move to stop CBI officers from interrogating the Kolkata Police Commissioner and accused the Trinamool Congress dispensation of trying to hide the truth behind the multi-crore scam. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2Bi8fRG Press Trust of India

Mumbai's BMC presents Rs 30,692-crore budget for 2019-20, proposes Rs 44 crore as capital investment for BEST

The Mumbai civic body on Monday earmarked Rs 4,151 crore for health and Rs 2,074 crore for primary education besides allocating funds for a number of infrastructure projects in its Rs 30,692-crore budget for 2019 -20. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2TB0OMA Press Trust of India

Mehul Choksi is still Indian citizen, says govt official; reiterates efforts for fugitive jeweller's extradition from Antigua

Fugitive jeweller Mehul Choksi, a main defendant in India's largest bank fraud case, is still an Indian citizen despite holding an Antigua and Barbuda passport, an Indian official told Reuters, adding that the government is pushing for his extradition. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2Bo4BFL Reuters

The sameness of the 'other': India has an enduring Islamic legacy; confluence of art, culture make Muslims innate part of Indian history

At a time when the fault lines are becoming starker, how corrosive and baffling it would be to define the boundaries of an accepted Indian-ness along lines of Hindu and Muslim otherness? from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2TE9lhq Ira Mukhoty

Daily Bulletin: Mallya to challenge extradition order; Mamata's dharna enters Day 3; SC to hear plea against Rajeev Kumar; day's top stories

Day's top stories: UK clears Vijay Mallya's extradition; Mamata Banerjee's agitation to save the 'Constitution and country' will continue till 8 February; Priyanka Gandhi back in India, meets Rahul; and more. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2BkQ91k FP Staff

Indian students in US arrested in ICE fake university sting: Community leaders plan legal pushback 'this week'

Community organisations led by the Telugu Association of North America (TANA) which are actively involved in getting legal help for the 129 Indians arrested in the ICE fake university sting operation confirmed to Firstpost that a lawsuit against the US government is very much on the cards "as early as this week" as they consider legal pushback to removal proceedings initiated against the arrested Indians. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2Ty3wCj Nikhila Natarajan

Vijay Mallya claims assets over Rs 13,000 crore have been attached towards debt recovery; where is the justice, asks fugitive liquor baron

Fugitive liquor baron Vijay Mallya Friday claimed his group's properties worth over Rs 13,000 crore have been attached, more than the 'claimed' Rs 9,000 crore that he "ran away with" from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2BlRAfN FP Staff

Devendra Fadnavis says Maharashtra govt has agreed to almost all of Anna Hazare's demands, asks activist to end his hunger strike

Anna Hazare had earlier warned that if the Modi government did not fulfil its promises, he would return his Padma Bhushan award. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2TscS2A Press Trust of India

Air India passenger finds cockroach in meal served; airline apologises, initiates 'corrective action internally'

Air India issued a statement in Twitter, saying: "We sincerely apologise for the incident where our valued passenger had a disappointing experience with the meal served on board our Bhopal-Mumbai flight." from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2BlePH7 Press Trust of India

UK's decision to extradite Vijaya Mallya shows Narendra Modi govt delivering on its promise, says BJP leader GVL Narasimha Rao

BJP said the UK govt's decision to extradite Vijay Mallya underlines the Narendra Modi govt's commitment to ensuring that every rupee looted of the public money is returned to the exchequer and the guilty brought to book from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2TvkMbq Press Trust of India

Mamata Banerjee to continue her 'satyagraha' dharna against CBI and Centre till Friday

A CBI team had gone to Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar's residence in the city on Sunday to question him in connection with multi-crore chit fund scams. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2BkNRPw Press Trust of India

Kolkata Police did not share complete call records of Saradha group chairman Sudipta Sen, claims CBI

The note also brought out that this was not the first time that CBI officials have been harassed in the case as Investigating Officer of the Rose Valley scam was summoned by Ballygunge Police station. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2Ty3wlN Asian News International

Only two women of menstural age entered Sabarimala temple since 28 Sep SC verdict, Kerala minister tells Assembly

The Kerala government said only two women of menstrual age had visited the Sabarimala temple after a Supreme Court judgement removed the bar on their entry from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2BkFO5z Press Trust of India

UK Home Secretary clears Vijaya Mallya's extradition to India; fugitive liquor baron has 14 days to appeal against order

UK Home Secretary has ordered fugitive liquor baron Vijaya Mallya's extradition to India under the India-UK extradition treaty; Mallya is wanted in India for alleged fraud and money laundering charges amounting to an estimated Rs 9,000 crores from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2TwBrLL FP Staff

Attorney General KK Venugopal files contempt petition against Prashant Bhushan over tweet accusing govt of misleading SC

Attorney General KK Venugopal Monday filed a contempt petition in the Supreme Court against activist lawyer Prashant Bhushan for allegedly scandalising the court with his recent tweets on the appointment of former interim chief of CBI M Nageswara Rao from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2Bk92kW Press Trust of India

Indian Army says at least 190 Kashmiri youths joined militancy in 2018; new recruits mostly from south Kashmir

In 2010, 54 youths had joined militancy, while in 2011 the number came down to 23. It further dipped to 21 in 2012 and 16 in 2013, the official said. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2TqkZMZ Press Trust of India

West Bengal BJP cancels Yogi Adityanath's Bankura rally in absence of permission for chopper landing

BJP cancelled a Yogi Adityanath's public rally in Bankura claiming that the administration was dilly-dallying on giving a nod for his helicopter's landing from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2BhFOmG Press Trust of India

Manohar Parrikar 'very unwell', says Goa Assembly deputy speaker Michael Lobo; claims 'God's blessings keeping him alive'

Goa chief minister Manohar Parrikar, who is currently admitted at AIIMS in Delhi, is "very unwell" and is "living" with God's blessings, Deputy Speaker of the state Assembly Michael Lobo said Monday. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2TtOJbJ Press Trust of India

Maharashtra govt grants 10 percent quota to economically-weaker sections in jobs, education; benefits effective since 1 February

Ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, Maharashtra government has decided to grant 10 per cent reservation in jobs and education to those who are economically weak from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2BhFKmW Press Trust of India

Babul Supriyo accuses Mamata Banerjee of protecting 'corrupt' in chit fund scams, demands Presidents's Rule in West Bengal

Mamata Banerjee skipped meals and remained awake the entire night on a makeshift dais in Kolkata along with some senior ministers and party members. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2TCDca0 Press Trust of India

Ram Temple-Babri Mosque title row: Plea filed in SC challenging Central law on land acquisition in Ayodhya near disputed site

The petitioners submitted that the Acquisition of Certain Areas of Ayodhya Act, 1993 Act infringes right to religion of Hindus guaranteed and protected by Article 25 of the Constitution of India. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2BhFHaK Press Trust of India

The sameness of the 'other'

At a time when the fault lines are becoming starker, how corrosive and baffling it would be to define the boundaries of an accepted Indian-ness along lines of Hindu and Muslim otherness? from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2TuVWZ7 Ira Mukhoty

Why is the onus only on Hindus to accept Muslims and not the other way round?

Hindus feel victimised in a Hindu-majority country and in turn, some demonise Muslims, most of whom are descendants of victims of the conquerors and forced converts. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2BkXTjN Makarand R Paranjape

'Nitin Gadkari only one in BJP with guts': Rahul Gandhi praises Union minister for his 'can't manage country' remark

Congress spokesperson Manish Tewari had last week lauded Gadkari for his remarks that "leaders who fail to fulfill promises get 'beaten up' by people". from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2TAPTT7 Press Trust of India

Day after Kolkata Police-CBI showdown, West Bengal governor KN Tripathi submits report on situation to MHA

The contents of the report was, however, not immediately known. "The governor has submitted his report to the MHA (Ministry of Home Affairs). Today (Monday) in the morning, he spoke to Rajnath," sources said. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2BhFyUK Press Trust of India

Mamata vs Centre updates: Corruption will never stick to Mamata Banerjee's white saree, says Derek O'Brien

Mamata vs CBI updates: Trinamool Congress Party leader Derek O'Brien said on Monday that the most corrupt people in this country are Amit Shah and Narendra Modi. "Corruption will never stick to the white saree that Mamata Banerjee wears," he said. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2TzvygY FP Politics

Plea for Sanskrit prayers at Kendriya Vidyalayas begs for honest judicial, political examination of nature of Indian secularism

Is it against the Constitution for the Kendriya Vidyalayas, institutes which are funded and managed by the government, to insist on students beginning their day with a Hindu prayer? from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2BhFrIO Alok Prasanna Kumar

Mamata vs Centre updates: Corruption will never stick to Mamata Banerjee's white saree, says Derek O'Brien

Mamata vs CBI LIVE updates: Trinamool Congress Party leader Derek O'Brien said on Monday that the most corrupt people in this country are Amit Shah and Narendra Modi. "Corruption will never stick to the white saree that Mamata Banerjee wears," he said. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2S5tj8l FP Politics

Odisha BJD claims CBI's move against Rajeev Kumar 'coloured with political motives', slams Centre for 'misuse' of probe agency

The ruling BJD and the opposition Congress in Odisha on Monday backed West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee over the alleged misuse of the CBI by the Centre and claimed that the federal probe agency was being "used as a political weapon" ahead of the general elections. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2UEF5Do Press Trust of India

Govt to begin process to monetise non-core assets of state-owned companies from April

The Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM) has been drafting an asset monetisation framework, which will lay down the procedures for the administrative ministries to follow in selling off CPSE assets from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2ScnLZB Press Trust of India

For women from Delhi's outskirts, taking selfies is a way to claim their right to the city

Feminist, minority and queer activists have argued that selfies can be a way for people to represent and take pride in their identity, sexuality and gender orientation. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2UEF42i The Conversation

Decode Budget 2019 with Firstpost: Part 5

FM Goyal allocated Rs 500 crore for pension scheme for the unorganised sector, in the interim Budget of 2019. With that, informal economy workers will get Rs 3,000 per month once they turn 60.What is it and what does it mean? Decode Budget 2019 with Naghma Sahar and Firstpost Columinist Madhavan Narayanan. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2S5teBz FP Staff

Decode Budget 2019 with Firstpost: Part 4

The latest data on unemployment in India has generated a lot of controversy. It reveals that the unemployment rate was at its highest level since 1972-73 - a period from when the jobs data is comparable. Presenting the Interim Budget during the Budget Session of the Parliament, Finance Minister Goyal said that Rs 60,000 crore has been set aside with regard to the employment guarantee scheme, MNREGA. What is it and what does it mean? Decode Budget 2019 with Naghma Sahar and Firstpost Columnist Madhavan Narayanan from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2UEF1n8 FP Staff

Decode Budget 2019 with Firstpost: Part 3

The realty industry has welcomed the Budget 2019 saying the many tax proposals will give the needed fillip to the sector that has reeling since the past two years with severe liquidity crisis and demand slowdown. What it means? Decode Budget with Firstpost with Naghma Sahar and Firstpost columnist & expert on Political Economy Madhavan Narayanan from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2S5tWPf FP Staff

Decode Budget 2019 with Firstpost: Part 2

Finance Minister Piyush Goyal announced Rs 6,000 per year for each farmer under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi for those who have less than two hectares of land holding, in the interim budget. What it is and what it means? Decode Budget with Naghma sahar and Firstpost columnist & expert on Political Economy Madhavan Narayanan from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2UFWRpT FP Staff

Decode Budget 2019 with Firstpost: Part 1

Making a strong re-election pitch, the BJP-led NDA government on Friday announced the biggest income tax sops for the middle class, including a complete exemption for income up to Rs 5 lakh. What it means? Decode Budget 2019 with Naghma Sahar and Madhavan Narayanan. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2S5tUa5 FP Staff

This village in UP counters government's 100% rural electrification claim

While the SAUBHAGYA website, equipped with an electrification tracker, claims that 100% of rural households in Uttar Pradesh have been electrified under the scheme, Chirayigaon has only 413 electrified households as of 2017. Presently, all 5563 households in the block are said to have been electrified after the release of 5150 connections under this scheme, but there are no official records for the number of houses that are not covered - only personal tales of misery. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2UEEXno Khabar Lahariya

Migration in Uttarakhand: In need of better healthcare, other basic facilities, villagers abandon Baluni for urban centres

According to a Migration Commission report, 734 revenue villages of Uttarakahnd have become 'ghost villages', putting a serious question mark on the relevance of the hilly state carved out of Uttar Pradesh. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2S6BHEy Rahul Singh Shekhawat

Soft separatist battles to stay relevant in valley of violence

In downtown Srinagar's Mazar-e-Shuhada, or the martyrs' graveyard, assassinated Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Farooq Shah lies buried close to Hizbul Mujahideen's Abdullah Bangroo. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2UEEUYK Rayan Naqash

Mamata Banerjee holding protest to 'save herself' from CBI, says Prakash Javadekar; claims breakdown of order in West Bengal

The situation in West Bengal is an Emergency imposed by Mamata Banerjee, not by us, HRD minister Prakash Javadekar said on Monday. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2S5pkZn Asian News International

CBI calls Sunday drama in Kolkata 'most unfortunate', seeks directive to Rajeev Kumar to cooperate in plea to SC

The CBI has alleged that Kolkata Police commissioner Rajeev Kumar is now destroying the evidence pertaining to the Saradha chit scam case. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2UEESQC Yatish Yadav

'Mummified', six-month-old body found inside wooden box at locked flat in Madhya Pradesh; cops say no injury marks found on corpse

Police said autopsy reports are awaited to find out the identity of the corpse and cause of death, adding that no injury marks have been reported on the body from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2S5aD8y Press Trust of India

Sunanda Pushkar case transferred to Sessions court; trial against Shashi Tharoor to begin on 21 February

A Delhi court on Monday sent Sunanda Pushkar's death case against Congress leader Shashi Tharoor to the Sessions court for further proceedings. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2UEEQbs FP Staff

Toshakhana auctions 1,800 mementos received by Narendra Modi; proceeds to be used for Clean Ganga Mission

Nearly 1,800 mementoes presented to Prime Minister Narendra Modi from 2014 onwards are put on auction at the NGMA in Delhi by the govt toshakhana; the proceeds from the auction will go to the National Mission for Clean Ganga from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2SdPOrS FP Staff

SC rejects CBI plea for urgent hearing in Saradha, Rose Valley chit fund cases: 'Give us evidence if you fear tampering,' says CJI

The Supreme Court turned down the CBI's plea to conduct an urgent hearing of the Saradha and Rose Valley chit fund probes on Monday, after a dramatic showdown between West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee and the Centre, hours after a CBI team had gone to question Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar and was detained. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2UEEO3k FP Staff

Nandini Krishnan, Penguin Random House committed serious breach of trust, ethical lapses in publishing book on us, charge trans men

At least 20 trans men featured in Nandini Krishnan's recently released book, Invisible Men: Inside India's Transmasculine Network, have accused the author of committing serious ethical transgressions from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2BjCCqV Greeshma Rai

Mamata vs Centre LIVE updates: Anything can happen till Lok Sabha election dates are out, says Nitish; West Bengal CM chairs cabinet meet amid dharna

Mamata vs CBI LIVE updates: Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar refused to comment on the issue on Monday. "Until the Election Commission announces the date of elections, anything can happen in the country," he said. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2TuKpct FP Politics

Mamata vs CBI drama could've been averted if BJP-led Centre had been mindful of federal and political sensibilities

Mamata is right when she says, without prejudice to any other issues, that the Centre is trying to engineer a coup and using the CBI to undermine the federal structure, though the idea that it is trying to create the grounds for President's rule might be a trifle fanciful. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2BeL1vp Suhit K Sen

Fire affects at least 25 godowns containing plastic and rubber in Maharashtra's Thane; no casualties reported

A fire destroyed at least 25 godowns, where plastic and rubber material were stored, at a village in Thane district of Maharashtra in the wee hours of Monday, officials said. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2TvEUds Press Trust of India

251 sedition cases filed against individuals, banned organisations in Assam since BJP-led alliance came to power in 2016

Assam government has registered a total of 251 sedition cases since the BJP-led alliance came to power in the state in 2016, the Assembly was informed from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2BkX22u Press Trust of India

Mamata vs CBI: All you need to know about Saradha, Rose Valley chit fund scams agency is investigating

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee is on an indefinite dharna, 'Save the Constitution', in Kolkata in protest against the CBI trying to question Kolkata police commissionter Rajeev Kumar in chit fund scams. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2TvESCm FP Staff

BJP leader Subramanian Swamy appears for cross examination in National Herald case

Sonia Gandhi and Congress president Rahul Gandhi Monday started cross examination of complainant and BJP leader Subramanian Swamy in the National Herald case. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2Bhmh63 Press Trust of India

Saradha scam probe: Rajeev Kumar had alleged political interference by 'gentleman' to victimise him, in letter to Alok Verma

The Kolkata Police commissioner also suggested that the notice to appear in person before the investigating officer was politically motivated. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2TuKixz FP Staff

Situation in West Bengal similar to Emergency, says HD Deve Gowda; extends support to Mamata Banerjee's protest against CBI

Former prime minister HD Deve Gowda has said the massive standoff between the Centre and the West Bengal government over the CBI's attempt to question the Kolkata Police chief in connection with chit fund scams, reminded him of the Emergency days. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2BeL0rl Press Trust of India

World Cancer Day 2019: Cervical cancer can be prevented, even cured if found early

India has a population of 365.71 million women over age 15 who are at risk of developing cervical cancer. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2TuKhcZ Kishore Kumar

World Cancer Day 2019: Cancer is a war that can be won if you know what to look for

Cancer can be detected & cured in many cases, so stay positive & let the fighting spirit take over. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2BcTi3d Binita Priyambada

Antagarh tape scam: Police files FIR against Ajit Jogi, son Amit Jogi, Raman Singh's son-in-law Puneet Gupta

The audio tapes were related to the Assembly by-polls in 2014, and purportedly carried conversations among Ajit Jogi, his son and Puneet Gupta over poll-fixing. It hinted at huge political compromises being made among the trio and Congress candidate Manturam Pawar from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2TvEOCC Press Trust of India

Police in West Bengal detains CBI team outside Kolkata police commissioner's home; Mamata Banerjee reaches spot

Kolkata Police on Sunday detained a team of CBI which had reached the residence of Kolkata police commissioner Rajeev Kumar. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2Bj4fjw FP Staff

CBI director Rishi Kumar Shukla takes charge: Ex-Madhya Pradesh DGP will helm agency's action in tussle with Mamata Banerjee

Newly-appointed CBI chief Rishi Kumar Shukla took over the reins of the probe agency on Monday from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2GcpF6a Press Trust of India

Day after being posthumously awarded Bharat Ratna, Bhupen Hazarika's voice resonates at Rajpath

Bhupen Hazarika provided music for acclaimed Bollywood movies from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2HwZb0Q Press Trust of India

Motivated campaign against Citizenship (Amendment) Bill in Assam aims to derail pace of development, claims Sarbananda Sonowal

Assam CM Sarbananda Sonowal has claimed that a "motivated campaign" is going on surrounding the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill to derail the pace of the development from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2G9m0WG Press Trust of India

Mamata vs CBI LIVE updates: Trinamool MPs force Rajya Sabha to adjourn till 2 pm; party MPs created ruckus for discussion on issue

Mamata vs CBI LIVE updates: The Rajya Sabha has been adjourned till 2 pm after TMC MPs disrupted proceedings on Monday and rushed to the Well. The MPs were demanding discussion on the situation in West Bengal. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2D8gEHb FP Politics

Bihar bandh: Govt beefs up security in state; RLSP calls for shutdown after chief Upendra Khushwaha injured in police clash

The Bihar government has put in place stringent measures to ensure that law and order is maintained during the bandh called for by Rashtriya Lok Samata Dal (RLSP) and supported by the 'Opposition Grand Alliance'. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2G5Fw6o FP Staff

Dense fog engulfs Delhi-NCR: Low visibility delays flights, trains; air quality drops to 'poor' after slight improvement over weekend

Delhi-NCR on Monday woke up to a thick blanket of fog that made transportation difficult in the National Capital Region and rendered visibility to dangerously low levels. Air quality also dipped to the 'poor' category again after a slight improvement over the weekend. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2t5YilQ FP Staff

Anna Hazare says don't want Padma Bhushan if Centre doesn't fulfil Lokpal, Swaminathan Commission demands

Social activist Anna Hazare, whose indefinite hunger strike entered the fifth day on Sunday, warned that if the Narendra Modi government did not fulfil its promises, he would return his Padma Bhushan. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2D4tAhq Press Trust of India

Delhi fog LIVE updates: Traffic police tweets list of dos and don'ts for drivers, advises motorists to be cautious

Delhi fog LIVE updates: The Delhi Police has tweeted out a list of dos and don'ts and advised motorists to exercise caution while venturing out to the foggy roads of Delhi-NCR. Several airlines have advised flyers from Delhi-NCR to check their flight status before heading to airports, cautioning them about likely delays due to bad weather and dense fog. from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2GdCvkP FP Staff