News Live: Heavy rain lashes Chennai; Tamil Nadu govt issues red alert in 4 districts

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Red alert issued for 4 districts in TN including Chennai due to heavy rainfall

A red alert has been issued for 4 districts of Tamil Nadu -- Chennai, Kanchipuram, Thiruvallur, & Chinglepet in view of heavy rainfall. Three people have died due to electrocution today: State Revenue and Disaster Management Minister KKSSR Ramachandran

Delhi Police issues traffic advisory for New Year

The Delhi Traffic Police on Thursday said they have made elaborate arrangements to cater to both pedestrians as well as vehicular traffic at and around India Gate on the first day of the new year. It advised visitors to avoid coming to India Gate as the construction work of Central Vista is still in progress due to which the area is closed to the general public.

In case of heavy pedestrian movement, vehicles will not be allowed to go through C-Hexagon after 10 p.m.

"The vehicles will be diverted from Q point, roundabout MLNP, Sunheri Masjid, Maulana Azad road - Janpath, Rajpath-Rafi Marg, Windsor Place, Rajendra Prasad Road-Janpath, KG Marg-Ferozeshah Road, Mandi House, W-Point, Mathura Road-Purana Qila Road, Mathura Road-Sher Shah Road, Subramanian Bharti Marg (SBM) - Zakir Hussain Marg, SBM-Pandara Road, Madhavrao Scindia Road- Man Singh Road," the traffic advisory read.

The traffic police said that strict compliance with the recent orders of the DDMA will be enforced according to which all social, political, sports, entertainment, cultural, religious and festival-related gatherings and congregations are prohibited throughout the NCT of Delhi.

RTPCR test is mandatory for the pilgrims arriving from various states to Ganga Sagar Mela

2 people dead, 14 injured as bus skids off road and overturns in J&K's Rajouri: Police

India, Philippines set to conclude BrahMos missile deal

India and the Philippines are set to formally seal a government-to-government BrahMos deal soon, capping years of negotiations for the supply of a batch of the supersonic cruise missiles for the Philippine navy, people familiar with the development said on Thursday.

The procurement is expected to signal a major upswing in India's strategic ties with the Philippines which has been focusing on ramping up its naval prowess in the face of its lingering friction with China in the South China sea.

No 'bahubalis' seen under Yogi govt just 'Bajrang Bali': Amit Shah

Union Home Minister Amit Shah Thursday invoked Lord Hanuman during his election campaign in Uttar Pradesh to praise the Yogi Adityanath government, saying no 'bahubalis' (musclemen) are visible under his regime, but just 'Bajrang Bali'.

Addressing the BJP’s Jan Vishwas Yatra here, Shah alleged that general public especially "our daughters and sisters" were harassed by 'bahubali' during the Samajwadi Party government in the state.

"The land was grabbed. But today in the regime of Yogi Adityanath, 'baahubalis' (musclemen) are not visible, but only 'Bajrang Bali' could be seen," he said.

Kannada organisations withdraw Dec 31 Karnataka Bandh call

Chhattisgarh Police produced Kalicharan Maharaj before the court in Raipur

He was arrested by Chhattisgarh Police from Khajuraho (Madhya Pradesh) today morning for his alleged derogatory remarks against Mahatma Gandhi

We are mulling to bring a bill to free temples from govt control, which will be helpful in the development of temples from the donations collected: Karnataka Home Minister Araga Jnanendra

Crores of rupees generated by "selling" seats in MBBS, other courses were used to fund terror activities: JK officials quote SIA charge sheet

India beat Bangladesh by 103 runs in Under-19 Asia Cup Semifinal to reach finals

A student has died by suicide at Delhi's Maulana Azad Medical College. Police have initiated an investigation

In view of the alert in Mumbai, tight security has been deployed at the major stations of Mumbai

In view of the alert in Mumbai, tight security has been deployed at the major stations of Mumbai, Dadar, Bandra Churchgate, CSMT, Kurla and other stations. Tomorrow more than 3000 railway officers will be deployed: Quaiser Khalid, Commissioner of Police, Mumbai Railway

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) releases sixth list of 8 candidates for Punjab Assembly elections

Mumbai Police on high alert tomorrow amid terror threat

All police holidays and weekly holidays have been cancelled tomorrow and every policeman posted in Mumbai will be on duty. Information was received that Khalistani elements could carry out terrorist attacks in the city, after which the Mumbai Police has been on alert: Mumbai Police

(ANI)

CISF apprehended a passenger carrying a high volume of foreign currency worth approximately Rs 43 lakhs at IGI Airport, New Delhi. The passenger was handed over to customs

Manipur will only progress if Lotus blooms: BJP chief JP Nadda

You have to choose whether you want insurgency or stability, policy of divide & rule or prosperity, encounters or peace, drugs or sports. I believe the youth here will choose sports over drugs & peace over encounters. Manipur will only progress if Lotus blooms: BJP chief JP Nadda

In today's pre-budget meeting in Delhi, Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel demanded to release GST compensation, Rs 4,140 crores deposited with the Centre on coal mining and reimbursement of expenditure of Rs 15,000-Cr on central security forces deployed for Naxal eradication, says state govt

Other political parties only have the intention to criticize PM Modi. They forget that while criticizing PM Modi, they're criticizing the nation as well. They only think about corruption andcommission. On the other hand, we've vision to take India ahead: BJP chief JP Nadda

Iran announces new space launch amid nuclear talks

Iran announced Thursday it had carried out a new space launch, in a move likely to irk Western powers amid tough talks on reviving a 2015 nuclear deal.

"The Simorgh satellite launcher carried three research cargos into space," defence ministry spokesman Ahmad Hosseini said, quoted by state television.

"The research goals foreseen for this launch have been achieved," Hosseini added, without elaborating on the nature of the research.

In February, Iran announced a successful test of its most powerful solid fuel satellite launcher to date, the Zoljanah, boasting that it can put a 220-kilogramme (1,100-pound) payload into orbit.

"Manipur is synonymous with sports. Many women players come from Manipur. I call upon the maximum number of the youth from Manipur to associate themselves with sports under the Khelo India campaign,"BJP chief JP Nadda said while addressing a 'Yuva Rally' in Kakching, Manipur

Today, the new roads that are being constructed in Uttarakhand are widening, new rail routes are being constructed and they are bringing new tourists with them. The new ropeways being constructed at prominent places here today will bring with them tourists from all over the world:PM Modi

Uttarakhand has completed 20 years of its inception. Over the years, you have seen government-makers who used to say, "Loot Uttarakhand, save my government." These people looted Uttarakhand with both hands. Those who love Uttarakhand cannot even think so: PM Modi

Today, when people have come to know the truth of these people (previous govts), they have opened a new shop- that of rumour mongering. Make a rumor, then let it flow and keep shouting day and night, believing the same rumor to be true: PM Modi

Women and girls of the state face the brunt of all issues, whether it is issues in the kitchen, lack of bathrooms and lack of basic amenities like food and drinking water. Jal Jeevan Mission is aimed at solving these problems. More than 5 crore families in the country get piped water now, thanks to this mission: PM Modi in Haldwani

Previous govts couldn't give you basic amenities, but BJP government is doing everything it can to make sure all necessities reach the last village: PM Modi in Haldwani

Today, our government is taking the country to new heights at a rapid pace with the mantra of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas. The foundation stone of a Satellite Centre of AIIMS Rishikesh in Udhamsingh Nagar district and Jagjivan Ram Government Medical College at Pithoragarh was laid today: PM Modi in Haldwani

There are two ideologies:one is to keep mountainous states away from development and the other is to work tirelessly tobring development to them. Many generations saw bad state of affairs in Uttarakhand and had to migrate. I am satisfied that today the state is excelling: PM Modi in Haldwani

I know the strength of this land. We will work to revamp the city and make this the century of Uttarakhand. Water, sewage, roads will be improved upon. The world is witnessing the rise of tourism industry in the state: PM Modi in Haldwani

PM Modi, at a public meeting in Haldwani in Uttarakhand, announced a Rs 2,000 cr infrastructure package for the city.

61 per centvoter turnout was recorded in the 2017 UP assembly elections. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, voter turnout in UP was 59 per cent. The falling voting percentage in the stateis a matter of worry where there is high political awareness among people: CEC Sushil Chandra

Chandra reiterates need for Covid-appropriate behaviour during elections

ECI chief Sushil Chandra stressed need to follow Covid-related guidelines while voting by both voters and frontline workers at the booths. "It must be ensured that all booths are regularly sanitised. Frontline poll workers must be fully vaccinated. Everyone present at the voting centre must be inoculated with at least one jab," Chandra said.

VVPATs will be installed at all voting booths. Live webcasting facilities will be available at around 1 lakh voting booths to ensure transparency in the election process: Chandra on upcoming Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections

People above 80 years of age, persons with disabilities, and Covid-affected people who are unable to come to the polling booth, the Election Commission will reach their doorsteps for vote: Chandra on 2022 UP Assembly elections

Chandra said that the ECI will ensure that no voter is left behind.The final voters list will be released on January 5, 2022.

The strengthening of women voters was a big challenge in front of the ECI as the gender ratio in 2017 was very skewed. The ECI mobilised ASHA and Anganwadi workers to get more women to come out and vote," Chandra said.

The poll panel had visited the poll-bound state to review the Omicron situation. "All parties met us and told us that the elections should be held on schedule following Covid-19 protocol," Chandra said.

While briefing the media, the Election Commission of India chief Sushil Chandra said that the poll panel met with all concerned parties in Uttar Pradesh. He added that the parties want the polls to be on schedule and not delayed due to Omicron as suggested by the Allahabad High Court. "We will ensure free and fair polls in the state," he said.

Biden, Putin to hold call as Ukraine-Russia tension smolders

Presidents Joe Biden and Vladimir Putin are set to discuss the Russian troop buildup near Ukraine during their second call in recent weeks amid little progress toward ending the smoldering crisis.

Ahead of Thursday's call, the White House indicated that Biden would make clear to Putin that a diplomatic path remains open even as the Russians have moved an estimated 100,000 troops toward Ukraine and Putin has stepped up his demands for security guarantees in Eastern Europe.

But Biden will reiterate to Putin that for there to be “real progress” in talks they must be conducted in “a context of de-escalation rather than escalation,” according to a senior administration official who briefed reporters ahead of the call. The official spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Three JeM terrorists have been killed in Kulgam, onewas a Pakistani militant and2 were local terrorists,IGP Kashmir, Vijay Kumar said.No collateral damage was reported. He added that another terrorist was killed in the initial firing at night and2 pmearly morningat the Anantnag encounter. (ANI)

Centre declares entire Nagaland 'disturbed area' as demand for AFSPA withdrawal continues

Amid strong demands for the repeal of the controversial AFSPA, the Centre on Thursday extended the controversial law for another six months in Nagaland asserting that the state continues to be in a "disturbed and dangerous condition" warranting the use of armed forces in aid of the civil power.

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Sensex slipped64.56 points to 57,741.93 in the opening session; Nifty fell5.50 pts to 17,208.10

Hong Kong leader says Stand News arrests not aimed at media industry

The police raid and arrests at the now-closed pro-democracy Stand News outlet were law enforcement actions and were not aimed at the media industry, Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam said on Thursday.

Lam hit back at foreign governments demanding the release of the seven people arrested in relation to the Stand News investigation, saying that would be against the rule of law.

MP's Kalicharan Maharaj held for derogatory remarks against Mahatma Gandhi at Dharam Sansad

Chattisgarh's Raipur Police arrested Kalicharan Maharaj from Madhya Pradesh's Khajuraho for alleged inflammatory speech derogating Mahatma Gandhi at 'Dharam Sansad'. A case is registered against him in Tikrapara Police Station of Raipur, ANI reported.

N Korea discusses 2022 budget at party plenary

North Korea has discussed the country's budget for the new year at the third-day session of an ongoing meeting of the ruling Workers' Party, state media reported on Thursday.

North Korea opened the 4th Plenary Meeting of the ruling Workers' Party's 8th Central Committee on Monday amid expectations Pyongyang could unveil its new policy directions on the economy and foreign affairs for the new year, reports Yonhap News Agency.

"A state budget assessment group for discussing the second agenda item 'On the implementation of the state budget for 2021 and the draft state budget for 2022' was organised to study a draft document," the North's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said.

PM to lay foundation stone of AIIMS in Haldwani on Dec 30

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lay the foundation stone of an AIIMS in Uttarakhand’s Haldwani on December 30.

Announcing this at a public meeting in Gangolihat, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said it will be the second AIIMS for Uttarakhand after the one at Rishikesh.

Dhami said he was grateful to the prime minister for accepting his request for opening an AIIMS for people of Kumaon region, for whom going all the way to AIIMS, Rishikesh, for treatment is difficult.

Dhami, who was in Gangolihat to inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of development projects worth nearly Rs 23 crore, said under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, projects worth more than Rs 1 lakh crore have been cleared for the state over the past five years.

The National Tiger Conservation Authority stated that 126 tiger deaths were recorded in the country in the year 2021.