News Highlights: Parliament building illuminated on the eve of 2022

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FinMin mandates ticket booking from 3 agents for govt-funded air travels

India's April-November fiscal deficit over 46% of FY22 target

As per the data furnished by the Controller General of Accounts (CGA), the fiscal deficit -- the difference between revenue and expenditure -- for the April-November 2021-22 period stood at Rs 695,614 crore, or 46.2 per cent of the budget estimates (BE).

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Parliament building illuminated on the eve of 2022

Cong-BJP-Jamaat-e-Islami alliance opposing development in Kerala, claims CM

The ambitious K-Rail project of the Left government in Kerala continues to be a raging topic of debate with state Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Friday alleging alliance between the Congress and BJP to oppose the development of the state, while Leader of Opposition in the State Assembly V D Satheesan termed it anti-people.

Vijayan alleged the Congress-led UDF, the BJP and the Jamaat-e Islami have joined hands against the proposed project in Kerala and has been opposing developmental activities of the Left government.

He also said that the BJP was trying to use its power at the Centre to thwart the rail project, which is also known as the SilverLine project.

Imran Khan has surrendered to IMF: Shehbaz Sharif

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President and Opposition leader in National Assembly (NA), Shehbaz Sharif, on Friday lashed out at Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and said that he had surrendered to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in the economic war, Dunya News reported.

Sharif said the government says that the burden will not fall on the poor people, when in reality the mini budget will seize the economy's engine altogether.

This is the level of brutality and indifference this government has shown towards the poor people of Pakistan, said the Opposition leader.

Loan fraud case: CBI files charge sheet against YSRC MP RR Raju, 15 others

The CBI has filed a charge sheet against YSR Congress MP Raghu Ramkrishna Raju, and 15 other individuals and companies in connection with an alleged loan fraud case of Rs 947 crore with the Power Finance Corporation Limited and other lenders, officials said.

In its charge sheet filed before a special CBI court here, the agency alleged that Raju's company Ind Barath group had allegedly availed around Rs 947.71 crore from a consortium of lenders for setting up a thermal power plant at Tuticorin in Tamil Nadu.

The consortium was led by the Power Finance Corporation Limited (PFC) and the other lenders were Rural Electrification Corporation Limited (REC) and India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited (IIFCL).

GST Mumbai East Commissionerate while investigating business activities of cryptocurrency exchange WazirX has detected GST evasion of Rs 40.5 crores

Rs 49.20 crores in cash pertaining to GST evaded, interest andpenalty, has been recovered,the agency says. (ANI)

India fined for slow over-rate in first Test against South Africa

The victorious Indian cricket team was on Friday fined 20 per cent of its match fee for maintaining a slow over-rate against South Africa in the first Test here.

India will also lose one point from their ICC Men's World Test Championship tally due to this offence, the ICC said.

Andrew Pycroft of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees imposed the sanction after India ended one over short of the target after time allowances were taken into consideration.

PM Modi to release 10th instalment of financial benefit under PM-KISAN scheme on Jan 1

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will release the 10th instalment of financial benefit under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme on January 1 via video conferencing: PMO

GoI nods Rs 600.50 crore additional aid for flood-hit Madhya Pradesh

The Centre has approved an additional assistance of Rs 600.50 crore for flood-affected Gwalior-Chambal division and Bidisha district in Madhya Pradesh.

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VS Pathania appointed as new Indian Coast Guard chief

(ANI)

Xi flags Taiwan reunification, CPC achievements in his New Year address

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday flagged unification of Taiwan with the mainland as an “aspiration” in his New Year address, as he highlighted the ruling Communist Party’s achievements, including its recent key meeting that paved the way for his unprecedented third term in power.

“The complete reunification of our motherland is an aspiration shared by people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait,” Xi said in his New Year-eve television address to the nation.

His Taiwan reference is considered significant as China has increasingly come under pressure from the US, the European Union and other western countries, who have stepped up support to Taipei, much to Beijing’s chagrin.

India wins Under-19 Asia Cup beating SL by nine wickets in rain-hit final

UK companies face New Year Brexit import controls

British firms face the introduction of much-delayed post-Brexit border control checks from Jan. 1 which will affect businesses importing $314 billion of goods a year from the European Union.

Britain left the EU's single market at the beginning of 2021 and while Europe imposed checks on goods straight away, Britain staggered and delayed the introduction of a full customs border.

From Jan. 1, 2022, EU businesses sending goods to Britain will now need to supply full customs declarations while traders will also have to prove that goods are allowed to enter tariff-free under rules of origin requirements.

Amit Shah holds a roadshow in Bareilly

Over 16.2 million content pieces "actioned" on Facebook proactively in India during Nov: Meta

Social media giant Meta said over 16.2 million content pieces were "actioned" on Facebook across 13 violation categories proactively in India during the month of November.

Its photo sharing platform, Instagram took action against over 3.2 million pieces across 12 categories during the same period proactively, as per data shared in a compliance report.

Under the IT rules that came into effect earlier this year, large digital platforms (with over 5 million users) have to publish periodic compliance reports every month, mentioning the details of complaints received and action taken thereon.

It also includes details of content removed or disabled via proactive monitoring using automated tools. Facebook had "actioned" over 18.8 million content pieces proactively in October across 13 categories, while Instagram took action against over 3 million pieces across 12 categories during the same period proactively.

Output of 8 core sectors grows 3.1 pc in November as against 1.1% contraction in same month last year: Govt data

Rape cases shoot up by 23% in Telangana in 2021

Baghel slams Gandhi's detractors, cites Bose, Tagore's admiration for Mahatma

Lashing out at religious leader Kalicharan Maharaj, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Friday cautioned people to be alert about the forces spreading hatred in society.

Referring to the arrested religious leader's comments against Mahatma Gandhi, Baghel said great people like Rabindranath Tagore and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose were admirers of Gandhi.

While Tagore had called Gandhi a Mahatma, Bose, despite ideological differences, referred to Gandhi as Father of Nation during a radio broadcast from Rangoon in 1944, Baghel pointed out. The Congress leader was speaking at a function here, titled `Gandhi Hamare Abhiman' (Gandhi, Our Pride).

Indian shares close out 2021 with best gains in four years

Indian shares on Friday locked in their best year since 2017, driven by an economic recovery from the pandemic-led slump and infusion of massive liquidity, even as valuation concerns and a raging new coronavirus variant brought in some caution towards the year-end.

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Voters won't allow outsider parties to use Goa as lab for political experiments: Sawant

Voters will not allow parties that have come from outside to use Goa as a laboratory for political experiments in the upcoming state Assembly elections, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said on Friday in a remark aimed at the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).

Sawant was addressing a gathering in his native village of Kothambi in Sankhalim Assembly constituency, where he formally kicked off his election campaign for the polls scheduled to be held in February 2022. "

We are taking forward the legacy of former chief ministers late Dayanand Bandodkar, late Manohar Parrikar and others," the BJP leader said, taking a jibe at the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP), accusing it of selling out its values to political parties that arrived from outside the state.

It's not BJP money: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on cash seized from perfume maker Peeyush Jain in Kannauj

There is no proposal to extend the date for income tax return filing: Revenue Secretary Tarun Bajaj, Govt of India

TMC’s Abhishek Banerjee to embark on two-day Tripura tour

Trinamool Congress national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee would be on a two-day visit to the state from Sunday to discuss organisational issues ahead of the 2023 assembly elections, a party member said.

Banerjee will meet victims of political violence that had erupted during the civic elections last month, and hold a meeting with the party’s steering committee members, TMC State Steering Committee convener Subal Bhowmik said here.

Normalcy stays a distant dream for Nagaland

The killing of 14 civilians by security forces in Mon district brought a disconsolate 2021 to a close for Nagaland, with the shared aspiration of its people for an early solution to the decades-old political issue remaining a distant dream.

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Would be a lovely project: Kirsten interested in coaching England Test side

Former South Africa opener Gary Kirsten has expressed interest in coaching England's Test side, saying it would be 'a really lovely project' to be a part of. Kirsten's comments come after speculations rose over current England coach Chris Silverwood's future after the Test side lost the Ashes in just 12 playing days

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal leads AAP's 'Shanti March' in Patiala

Section 144 extended in Mumbai till January 15

Following a cap in attendance at gatherings in open and closed spaces, the Mumbai police have further prohibited citizens from visiting beaches, open grounds, sea faces, promenades, gardens, parks, or similar public places from 5 PM to 5 AM.

Akhilesh Yadav hits out at BJP

The SP leader hit out at BJP, and said that the party 'spreads stench of hatred.'

Sri Lankans are at 74 for 7 wickets from 33 overs, as rain stops play

Sourav Ganguly discharged from private hospital, after testing positive for Covid

They thought it is still Manmohan Singh's government: Amit Shah takes a dig at Oppn

Akhilesh Yadav is panicking after the Income Tax raids, claims Amit Shah

Bua, Babua and Congress incapable of developing UP: Amit Shah in Ayodhya

GST Council defers hike on textiles from 5% to 12%

The GST Council unanimously decided to defer a hike in GST on textiles in the 46th GST Council meet chaired by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman today.

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CBI conducts raids in several cities, including Bhopal in bribery case

The Central Bureau of Investigation is conducting raids in several cities including Bhopal in relation to a bribery case.

Kohli credits Centurion win to all-round performance

India skipper Virat Kohli says his team will pounce at any opportunity to win a test match and the win at the Supersport Park against South Africa is a testimony to the "all-round side" it has become in the longest format.

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Union Home Minister Amit Shah offers prayers at Ayodhya's Hanuman Garhi temple.

Temples in TN to be open till midnight on New Year eve

Tamil Nadu Minister for Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments PKSekar Babu has said that temples in the state would open till midnight on New Year's eve.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin visits rain-affected areas in Chennai

BBMP may mandate two-dose vax for cab, metro commuters

Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), the civic agency of Bengaluru, is contemplating replicating the Mumbai model of making two doses of Covid-19 vaccines compulsory for those travelling by autos, taxis and public transport, including buses and metro.

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Sri Lanka and India face off in U-19 Asia Cup final

Sri Lanka are currently 15/1 in 10 overs.

Virus delays UN nuclear treaty meeting, likely in August 2022

A coronavirus surge has upended plans to hold a major nuclear treaty conference at the United Nations, with participants agreeing Thursday to postpone the meeting just days before its scheduled start.

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Several areas of Tamil Nadu left waterlogged due to heavy rains

Delhi: Buses operating at 50% capacity cause difficulties for commuters

Sabarimala Ayyappa temple opens for Makaravilakku

Devotees offer prayers as Sabarimala Ayyappa temple opens for the 21-day Makaravilakku season.

Russia to host 'Troika Plus' meet on Afghanistan

Russia will host a 'Troika Plus' meeting on Afghanistan next month which will see the participation of the US, China and Pakistan, Moscow's Special Representative to Kabul Zamir Kabulov announced.

NIA team to travel to Germany to question Ludhiana blast suspect

A National InvestigationAgency (NIA) team is set to travel to Germany for questioning a Sikh for Justice (SFJ) member Jaswinder Singh Multani for his alleged role in the Ludhiana court blast.

I-T department raids SP MLC Pampi Jain's residence

The Income Tax department raided Samajwadi Party MLA Pushparaj aka Pampi Jain's residence, on Friday.Around 50 locations in UP, Mumbai is being raided by the department as well,which belongs to Jain, who owns perfumery, cold storage operations as well as petrol pumps. He had even launched a 'Samajwadi Party perfume' ahead of the UP state elections next year.

More details awaited

Modi to lay foundation stone of sports university in UP on January 2

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lay the foundation stone of the Major Dhyan Chand Sports University in Meerut on January 2

Farmers' political ambitions in Punjab trump reality

The decision of 22 farm unions in Punjab to form a political party and contest elections is a big gamble. Under the stewardship of Balbir Singh Rajewal, they have decided to form a political front, the Samyukt Samaj Morcha, to contest all the 117 legislative assembly seats in the state.

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Nirmala Sitharaman to chair the 46th meeting of GST Council in Delhi today

The meeting will be attended by MoS Finance Pankaj Chaudhary, Dr Bhagwat Kishanrao Karad, and Finance Ministers of States and UTs, said the Ministry of Finance

New Year parties slashed as Covid wave hammers the world

A New Year shorn of mass celebrations beckoned Thursday for millions around the world as the number of daily Covid infections, driven by the Omicron variant, surged through another symbolic high.

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South Africa's Quinton de Kock announces retirement from Test cricket

South African wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock announced on Thursday his retirement from Test cricket with immediate effect.

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Heavy rainfall in Chennai leaves several areas waterlogged

Australia's Head ruled out of Sydney Ashes test with Covid-19

Australia batsman Travis Head will miss the fourth Ashes test against England in Sydney next week after testing positive for Covid-19, Cricket Australia said.

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Community spread of Omicron can overwhelm hospitals: Experts

Senior doctors in Delhi on Thursday warned that though the data collected so far suggests that the Omicron variant of coronavirus causes mild infection, there is a need to remain watchful as a community spread can still strain hospitals.

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Sisodia demands increased share in central tax for Delhi

Citing Covid-induced inflation as the reason, Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia has urged the Centre to increase the national capital's share in the central tax, as it has been getting only Rs 325 crore for the last 21 years and said it is unfair to the Union Territory.

Rajya Sabha secretariat to conduct study to improve functionality, efficiency

The Rajya Sabha Secretariat is embarking on a study in the new year to improve its functioning, equip its officials for higher leadership positions and make Parliamentary committee reports more comprehensible so that it attracts more space in the media.

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India rejects China renaming places in Arunachal Pradesh; says 'invented' names do not alter status

India on Thursday strongly rejected China renaming some places in Arunachal Pradesh and asserted that the state has "always been" and will "always be" an integral part of India and that assigning "invented" names does not alter this fact.

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Centre notifies sale of electoral bonds through SBI

In a significant notification ahead of the Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh, Goa, Punjab, Manipur and Uttarakhand scheduled early next year, the Finance Ministry said on Thursday that the State Bank of India (SBI) has been assigned to issue and encash electoral bonds through its 29 authorised branches from January 1-10 next year.

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