News Highlights: FORDA claims police brutality during protest of resident doctors

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Jury signals verdict not near at Ghislaine Maxwell trial

Turncoats are no leaders, not even a fit human being: Ajay Maken

Only those who stick to their ideology make a mark in politics and those who change their ideology for the greed of power is not a leader at all, Congress general secretary Ajay Maken observed on Monday.

Maken, the political affairs in-charge of the Rajasthan Congress made the observation in a reminder of the state’s former Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot’s failed rebellion against the Ashok Gehlot government.

FORDA claims police brutality during protest of resident doctors

India to chair Counterterrorism Committee of UNSC in January

Congress will scrap anti-conversion law if voted to power: Siddaramaiah

MHA orders states to form Anti-Narcotics Task Forces

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Monday asked states to immediately form dedicated Anti-Narcotics Task Forces (ANTF) under the Directors General of Police to fight the menace of drugs and realise the dream of a 'drug-free India'.

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NEET-PG 2021 counselling: Protesting doctors return lab coats, hold march

Delhi's air quality improves to 'poor' category after rains; max temp settles at 22.6 Deg C

Engineering education in local languages will be instrument of empowerment: Pradhan

Engineering education in local languages and mother tongue will be an instrument of empowerment, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said on Monday.

Addressing the valedictory session of the 36th Indian Engineering Congress organised by the Institution of Engineers, India (IEI), Pradhan said, "India has been a land of people with a scientific temper and robust engineering capabilities and our civilisational history has scientific evidence of structural engineering, water management, maritime engineering etc."

"With the implementation of the visionary NEP 2020, we are integrating education with skills, taking a multi-disciplinary approach and making skilling and apprenticeship a part of the main curriculum to prepare our youth for the 21st century.

"Introduction of engineering education in local languages and mother tongue, in line with the National Education Policy 2020, will be an instrument of empowerment for our youth and will further strengthen our engineering prowess," he added.

UP health index worst, this is real report of BJP govt: Akhilesh Yadav

Soon after a Niti Aayog report on Monday dubbed Uttar Pradesh as the worst performer on various health parameters, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav attacked the Yogi Adityanath government in the state, saying it is the “real report” of the BJP government.

"In the Health Index of the Niti Aayog, UP is at the bottom in terms of medicine and health. This is the real report of the UP's BJP government,” Samajwadi Party chief asserted in a tweet.

“By publishing misleading advertisements, the reality cannot be changed. The people will give a reply in 2022 (elections) to those who have spoiled the health of UP,” he added.

“UP is saying today that the BJP is not needed," he said.

The Niti Aayog on Monday released its fourth Health Index report for the country, putting Kerala at the top of the list of states as per their performance in the health sector and Uttar Pradesh at its bottom.

Pakistan approves "citizen-centric" National Security Policy

Pakistan's top security panel ​on Monday approved its National Security Policy for 2022-26, placing "economic security at the core" of the first-of-its kind document to ensure a "citizen-centric approach to security".

The policy was presented and approved at the 36th meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC), chaired by Prime Minister Imran Khan and attended by the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee and all Services Chiefs.

National Security Advisor (NSA) Moeed Yusuf, presenting the document, said Pakistan was shifting to a Comprehensive National Security Framework - the ultimate purpose of it being safety, security and dignity of citizens.

This is the first time a National Security Policy has been approved in Pakistan.

Maharashtra local body polls postponed

Frenchman held in Iran begins hunger strike

A Frenchman held in Iran for more than 18 months on espionage charges he rejects has begun a hunger strike to protest at his detention conditions, his family said Monday.

Benjamin Briere, 36, was arrested in Iran last May, allegedly while flying a drone and taking photographs in a prohibited area.

"Benjamin started the hunger strike on December 25 because he was not allowed to call us for Christmas, but also to draw attention to the mistreatment he has suffered for twenty months," his sister Blandine Briere told AFP.

"He sees no evolution in his case."

His family describes him as an innocent tourist who set out in 2018 on a road trip in his camper van that began in Scandinavia before heading overland towards Iran.

Violet Baruah becomes first woman IG of Assam Police

Indian Police Services (IPS) officer Violet Baruah on Monday became the first-ever woman to get promoted to the rank of Inspector General in Assam Police.

In an official notification, the Home Department of Assam government promoted Baruah, who received the President's Police Medal for Distinguished Service this year, to the rank of Inspector General of Police with effect from January 1, 2022.

The Assam Police's seniormost woman IPS officer, who is currently posted as the Deputy Inspector General of Police (BTAD) in Kokrajhar district, will be in the 'Super Time Scale-II of IPS' of pay matrix, it added.

Govt's paddy procurement reaches 443.49 lakh tonnes in Oct-Dec

The government's paddy procurement at MSP reached 443.49 lakh tonnes so far in the ongoing marketing year that commenced from October 2021, with the maximum quantities being purchased from Punjab, Haryana and Telangana, the food ministry said on Monday.

About 186.85 lakh tonnes of paddy has been procured from Punjab, 55.30 lakh tonnes from Haryana, 52.88 lakh tonnes from Telangana, 47.20 lakh tonnes from Chhattisgarh, 38 lakh tonnes from Uttar Pradesh, 15.14 lakh tonnes from Madhya Pradesh during October-December 26 of this marketing year, it said.

FCRA renewal application of Missionaries of Charity refused on December 25 for not meeting eligibility conditions: MHA

Rain washes out South Africa vs India day two

No play was possible on the second day of the first test between South Africa and India at Centurion Park on Monday as heavy rain meant frustration for both sides seeking to gain the upper hand in the three-match series.

India were to resume on an imposing 272 for three, but persistent rain meant the umpires called the day off at 1400 local time (1200 GMT) with no prospect of play.

Better weather is forecast for Tuesday and Wednesday, but India will have to quicken the pace of their innings if they are to drive home their advantage.

Opener KL Rahul was superb on Sunday as he made an unbeaten 122 and when play resumes he will be joined at the crease by Ajinkya Rahane on 40.

Sharad Aggarwal Appointed as CEO, Godfrey Phillips India

Photo of PM on vaccination certificate in wider public interest: GoI

The MoHFW’s response came in response to an RTI query filed by Mumbai-based activist Anil Galgali.

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Cathedral bells toll for South Africa's anti-apartheid hero Tutu

South Africans remembered anti-apartheid hero Archbishop Desmond Tutu with cathedral bells, flowers and warm words on Monday, a day after he died in a Cape Town nursing home aged 90.

Tutu, a Nobel laureate who had preached against the tyranny of the white minority, was revered by Black and white South Africans alike as the nation's moral conscience.

His passing prompted an outpouring of tributes https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/south-africas-archbishop-desmond-tutu-dies-aged-90-2021-12-26 worldwide, including from U.S. President Joe Biden and his predecessors Barack Obama and Jimmy Carter, Britain's Queen Elizabeth, Pope Francis and the foundation of Nelson Mandela, South Africa's first Black president and friend of Tutu.

"Fighting for freedom from the trenches of South Africa required a courage that cannot be described. Yet he stood resolute and fearless, leading demonstrations cloaked in his flowing clerical robe...," said Mandela's widow, Graca Machel.

MHA form panel to review AFSPA in Nagaland

Kerala best state on health parameters, Uttar Pradesh worst

Kerala has again emerged as the top performer in terms of overall health performance among larger states, while Uttar Pradesh is the worst, according to the fourth Health Index launched by Niti Aayog.

The fourth round of the Health Index took into account the period2019-20 (reference year).

The report by the government think tank said Tamil Nadu and Telangana have emerged as the second and third best performers, respectively, on health parameters.

Bihar and Madhya Pradesh were the second and third worst performers, respectively, on health parameters.

Akhilesh, Priyanka congratulate RLD chief Jayant Chaudhary on birthday

Many leaders including Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav and Congress national general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra extended their best wishes to Rashtriya Lok Dal chief Jayant Chaudhary on his birthday on Monday.

Businessman Piyush Jain produced before a court, Rs 257 cr cash recovered in raids

Centre froze bank accounts of Mother Teresa's Missionaries of Charity: Mamata

The Centre has frozen all bank accounts of Missionaries of Charity founded by Mother Teresa, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee claimed on Monday.

Expressing shock, Banerjee said that this move has left Missionaries of Charity's 22,000 patients and employees without food and medicines.

"Shocked to hear that on Christmas, Union Ministry FROZE ALL BANK ACCOUNTS of Mother Teresa's Missionaries of Charity in India! Their 22,000 patients & employees have been left without food & medicines," she tweeted.

"While the law is paramount, humanitarian efforts must not be compromised," Banerjee added.

Iran to announce new ambassador in Yemen

Turkey urges Russia to drop 'one-sided' NATO demands

Turkey urged Russia on Monday to drop "one-sided" demands and adopt a more constructive approach in its standoff with Western powers and NATO over Ukraine.

NATO member Turkey has irritated Moscow by supplying combat drones to Ukraine that Russia fears could be used by Kiev in its conflict with separatists in two eastern regions.

But Turkey has also upset Washington and NATO by acquiring an advanced missile defence system from Russia that resulted in sanctions from the United States.

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu urged Moscow and the Western defence alliance to air their differences in direct negotiations proposed by NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg.

Fire in empty railway coach in Gaya, no casualty

A fire broke out in an empty isolation coach parked at Gaya railway station yard on Monday, officials said.

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Haryana cabinet to be expanded on December 28

The swearing-in ceremony will be held at the Haryana Raj Bhavan at 4 pm, the CMO tweeted.

HM Amit Shah chairs 3rd Apex Level meeting of Narco Coordination Centre Home Secy Ajay Bhalla, Director IB Arvind Kumar, NCB Chief SN Pradhan, DG BSF & SSB, Chief Secretaries & DGPs of States, their representatives & administrators in UTs took part in the meeting today. (ANI)

Anil Deshmukh's judicial custody extended for 14 days

The judicial custody of former Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh was further extended for 14 days. He is currently lodged in Arthur Road Jail in Mumbai. (ANI)

Women belonging to tribal communities stage a protest demanding immediate issuance of caste certificate, in Thane onMonday. (PTI Photo)

Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar today proposed in the State Assembly that local bodies' elections should be extended or postponed until the Supreme Court's decision on OBC reservation. This proposal was passed by all parties unanimously. (ANI)

AAP wins Chandigarh Municipal Corporation poll in 14 wards

Chandigarh Municipal Corp poll results | Aam Aadmi Party wins in 14 wards, BJP wins in 12 wards, Congress wins in 8 wards, Shiromani Akali Dal wins in oneward, as per State Election Commission. (ANI)

"The delayed thinkers made the people of Himachal wait for decades. That is why the work on the Atal Tunnel was delayed for years. Renuka ji project also delayed by three decades," PM Modi.

India is called the pharmacy of the world today, Himachal Pradesh has a big strength behind it. During the Corona global epidemic, Himachal Pradesh has helped not only other states but also other countries: PM Modi

Our Government is also on alert about the damage caused to the mountains due to plastic. It is also working on plastic Waste management along with a nationwide campaign against single-use plastic, says PM.

India's 40% electricity capacity needs met with non-fossil energy sources: PM Modi

India had set a target in 2016 that it would meet 40 per cent of its installed electricity capacity withnon-fossil energy sources by 2030.Today, every Indian will be proud that India has achieved this goal only in November this year: PM Modi

PM Modi is addressing a public meeting in Mandi, Himachal Pradesh

BJP, Amarinder Singh and Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa's party to jointly contest in Punjab polls: Shekhawat

"BJP, Amarinder Singh and Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa's party will jointly contest upcoming Punjab polls," Union minister Gajendra Shekhawat. (PTI)

Kerala top state in overall health performance, UP the worst, says Niti Aayog 4th Health Index

Kerala top state in overall health performance among larger states, Uttar Pradesh the worst, says the 4th Health Index by Niti Aayog. (PTI)

6 Naxals killed in encounter on Chhattisgarh-Telangana border

At least sixNaxalswere killed in an encounter with security forces in the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border area on Monday morning, police said. The skirmish took place between 6 am and 7 am in a forest in the Kistaram area of Chhattisgarh's Sukma district, located over 400 km from the state capital Raipur, they said. Six ultras, including four women, were killed in the gun-battle with the special anti-NaxalGreyhounds unit of the Telangana Police, a senior police official posted in Bastar said.

PM Modi arrives in Himachal Pradesh to inaugurate hydropower projects worth Rs 11,00 crore

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in Mandi, Himachal PradeshHe will inaugurate andlay the foundation stone for projects worth Rs 11,000 crores, including the Dhaula Sidh hydropower andRenukaji dam project.

JP legislators protest at Maharashtra 'Vidhan Bhavan' on various issues including TET paper leak, Maratha reservation and unemployment, during Assembly's Winter Session. (ANI)

AAP wins 4 wards in Chandigarh Municipal Corporation poll

Aam Aadmi Party wins in 4 wards in Chandigarh Municipal Corporation poll, leading on 3, BJP wins in 2 wards, leads in 3 wards, Congress wins & leads in 2 wards each, Shiromani Akali Dal leads in one ward, as per State Election Commission. (ANI)

Fire breaks out in shoe factory in Delhi's Mangolpuri

Fire breaks out at a shoe factory in Delhi's Mangolpuri area. Around 20 fire tenders rushed to the site. No casualties reported so far. Details awaited. (ANI)

Bhima Koregaon Inquiry Commission has again summoned IPS officer Rashmi Shukla on 18th & 19th January 2022 to depose as a witness.

Union Health Secy Rajesh Bhushan arrives at EC office

Union Health SecyRajesh Bhushan arrives at the office of the Election Commission of India (ECI) for a meeting convened by ECI with senior officials of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to discuss the prevailing Covid situation for upcoming Assembly elections in fivestates.

Nadda holds meeting with UP Brahmin outreach members

Bharatiya Janata Party president JP Nadda holds a meeting with members of the BJP committee formed for Brahmin outreach in Uttar Pradesh, ahead of upcoming Assembly elections.

A handful of Myanmar nurses hiding from the junta run makeshift clinics to treat Covid patients and resistance fighters using medicine smuggled past military checkpoints, their bags packed and ready to flee as fighting rages around them. (AFP Photo)

FIR against Hindu religious leader for derogatory remarks against Mahatma Gandhi

Chhattisgarh Police have registered an FIR against Hindu religious leader Kalicharan Maharaj on the charge of promoting enmity between classes after he used derogatory words against Mahatma Gandhi and hailed his assassin, Nathuram Godse, an official said on Monday.

During the conclusion of the two-day 'dharma sansad' at Ravan Bhata ground in Raipur on Sunday evening, Kalicharan had used an "abusive" word against the Father of the Nation and asked people to elect a staunch Hindu leader as the head of the government in order to protect the religion. His statement drew flak from leaders of the ruling Congress in the state.

“Based on the complaint of Congress leader Pramod Dubey, a case was registered against Kalicharan on Sunday night at Tikrapara police station under Indian Penal Code sections 505 (2) (statements creating or promoting enmity, hatred or ill-will between classes) and 294 (obscene acts),” a police official said.

Sensex plunges 352 points, currently trading at 56,771; Nifty trades at 16,887

Special Operations team of the Border Security Force (BSF) has recovered threeIEDs adjacent to a road near Tentulipadar in Swabhimaan Anchal yesterday. (ANI)

Delhi's overall air quality is in the 'Severe' category with Air Quality Index at 433, as per SAFAR.

20 suspected Bangladeshis arrived at Paradip Fishing Harbour in Odisha

About 20 people suspected to be Bangladeshis arrived at Paradip Fishing Harbour, in Odisha. "We are verifying their movement; their motor boat engine reportedly was out of order. With the help of some boatmen here, they were rescued," Charan Sethi, Additional SP, Paradip, told ANI.

EC to discuss Covid situation with top health officials

The Election Commission will convene a meeting with senior officials of the Union Health Ministry on Monday to discuss the current Covid situation in the five poll-bound states, sources said.

A source said that the Commission will discuss the current Covid situation for poll-bound states and will seek an update on the new Covid variant Omicron from Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan. The commission is also likely to seek suggestions on improving the Covid protocol for poll campaigning, polling days, and others. Read more

Uttarakhand's Chamoli district receives snowfall

Death toll from DR Congo suicide attack rises to 7

The death toll from the suicide attack in the eastern city of Beni, on the Democratic Republic of Congo's eastern border with Uganda, has risen to seven, officials said Sunday.

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Dream big, 'reconvert' Pakistanis to Hinduism: Tejasvi Surya

Bangalore South MP Tejasvi Surya set social media abuzz as he asked Hindus to “dream big” and "reconvert" Pakistanis to Hinduism.

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