Breaking news on December 12

Due to heavy rains and strong wind, some flight operations at Delhi Airport are impacted. For further info, get in touch with the airline concerned. Any inconvenience caused to flyers is regretted.

Heavy rains, coupled with thunderstorm, lashed several parts of the national capital Thursday evening, which is expected to improve the city's air quality and bring the temperature further down.

Doubts over Citizenship Amendment Bill not baseless, there is a strong possibility of it creating division", Assam Speaker Hitendra Nath Goswami said". 

The CRPF has directed its contingents not to carry liquor when being deployed for sensitive duties and elections, a decision taken in the wake of a recent fratricidal incident in which an allegedly drunk jawan killed his commanding officer and a trooper during poll-duty in Jharkhand.

Two bodies of Naxals have been recovered from Chintalnar area of Sukma following an exchange of fire between security forces & Naxals, today. An STF jawan has been injured in the exchange of fire who has been airlifted to Raipur for further treatment.

Parliament on Thursday passed a Constitution amendment bill to extend quota to SCs and STs in Lok Sabha and state assemblies by another 10 years with Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad asserting that the Modi government will never stop the reservation system.

DTH service provider Dish TV on Thursday said Jawahar Lal Goel has been reappointed its Managing Director till March 31, 2020. Goel, who is also the Chairman of the company's board, shall continue to be the Chairman post expiry of his tenure as the Managing Director (MD), Dish TV said in a regulatory filing.

Parliament on Thursday passed a bill to set up a unified authority for regulating all financial activities in international financial services centres (IFSCs) in the country.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said, "Centre will honour commitment made on GST compensation to states". 

"GST cess released to states was Rs 9,783 cr more than Rs 55,467 cr collected till October 31",  Nirmala Sitharaman said in Rajya Sabha.

The air quality in Delhi remained in the 'severe' category for the second consecutive day on Thursday even as light rains lashed the city in the evening.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman replying to a debate in Rajya Sabha said, "Group of state ministers appointed to look into Integrated-GST dues to states for 2017-18".

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman replying to a debate on supplementary demands in Rajya Sabha said, "No state has received GST compensation since August".

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said, "There is no dispute whatsoever over payment of GST compensation to states".

A delegation of Joint Movement against Citizenship Amendment Bill (JMACAB) from Tripura today met Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi. They have called off their indefinite strike after meeting Home Minister.

An indefinite curfew imposed in Assam's Tezpur and Dhekiajuli towns, officials said.

The Pakistan High Commission on Thursday said it has issued visas to 88 Indian pilgrims to visit the famous Katas Raj temples in the country's Punjab province.

A 53-year-old Indian-origin man has been jailed for 20 years by a UK court for leaving his neighbour in east London with "catastrophic injuries" after throwing acid over him during an argument.

Lok Sabha passes the Central Sanskrit Universities Bill, 2019.

At least two persons died due to bullet injuries on Thursday after police opened fire on protesters in Assam's Guwahati, officials said.

Mobile Internet and messaging services withdrawn in Meghalaya for 48 hours, Senior State Home department official said.

Terming the Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB) as a direct assault on India’s secular character, Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh today said his government would not allow the legislation to be implemented in his state. 

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested former Fortis Healthcare promoter, Shivinder Singh, in Tihar jail in connection with money laundering case.

Voter turnout in the third phase of Jharkhand Assembly Polls till 5 PM is 62.03 per cent. 

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) released a statement: "India condemns the terrorist attack in the western region of Niger on 10 December, 2019, where more than 70 have been killed and many injured. We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims and to the people and Govt of Niger."

One man dead, one woman injured after getting trapped under a slab which collapsed at the dermatology department of Nagpur's Government Hospital today. More details awaited.

All schools and anganwadi centres in Dehradun district to be closed tomorrow, following hailstorm and snowfall warning.

Accused Amit Soni sent to 2-day police remand in connection with Madhya Pradesh honey trap case. 

The Constitution Amendment Bill 2019 has been passed in Rajya Sabha. 

The retail inflation has increased to 5.54 per cent in November from 4.62 per cent in October. 

Asha Devi, mother of 2012 Delhi gang-rape victim said: "Court should hear review petition but the petition should have been dismissed earlier. We have no option but to accept the Supreme Court's decision."

Maharashtra portfolio allocation: State ministers Eknath Shinde (Shiv Sena) gets Home, Urban Development, Environment, PWD, Tourism and parliamentary works; Chhagan Bhujbal (NCP) gets Rural Development, Social Justice, Water Resources, State Excise. 

Subhash Desai (Shiv Sena) gets Industry, Higher and Technical Education, Sports and Youth, Employment; Nitin Raut(Congress) PWD Tribal development, OBC Development, Women and Child development & Relief and rehabilitation. 

Balasaheb Thorat (Congress) gets Revenue, School Education, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries; Jayant Patil (NCP) gets Finance and Planning, Housing, Food Supply & Labour. 

CBI searches at 13 places in Mumbai, Lonavala in connection with Rs 568.52 cr alleged bank loan fraud by jewellery firm

A Delhi court rejects bail plea of Ranbaxy's former promoter Shivinder Singh, in a case related to alleged misappropriation of funds at Religare Finvest Limited.

Supreme Court three-Judge bench to hear on December 17 review petition of Akshay Kumar Singh, one of the convicts in 2012 gang rape case.

Anand Kumar, Additional Director General (Prisons) said: "Tihar Jail's Superintendent has written to us requesting to send two hangmen to carry out execution of convicts who have been given capital punishment. We will send hangmen even on short notice."
 

The Supreme Court has dismissed all the 18 review petitions in connection with Ayodhya verdict. 

No bill can affect the good relations enjoyed between India and Bangladesh, MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, reacting to reports of Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina expressing concern over the passage of the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill.

Congress rally in Kolkata over dengue halted by BJP workers, who were celebrating passage of citizenship bill.

Raveesh Kumar on Pak PM's remarks on CAB said: "Don't think we need to respond to every statement of Pakistan PM. All his statements are unwarranted, he should rather pay attention to the condition of minorities in Pakistan than comment on internal matters of India."

Actor and Assam BJP leader Jatin Bora resigns from the party

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said that that the foundation of bilateral ties between India and Bangladesh remained strong and there wasn't a need to read much into the cancellation

Accused in the Nirbhaya rape and murder case will be produced in Delhi's Patiala House tomorrow. 

Raveesh Kumar said: "India and USA 2+2 ministerial dialogue will be held on December 18 in Washington DC. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Foreign Minister S Jaishankar to lead the Indian delegation."

Government and private schools, and Anganwadi Centres to stay closed tomorrow following heavy snowfall in higher reaches of the region.

YSRCP women MLAs tied rakhi to CM Jagan Mohan Reddy today, for approving to enact a new law (in name of Andhra Pradesh Disha Act), Andhra Pradesh Criminal Law (Amendment) Act 2019 and Andhra Pradesh Special Court for Specified Offences against Women and Children Act 2019.

Sensex jumps 169.14 points to end at 40,581.71; Nifty rises 61.65 points to 11,971.80

Delhi's Patiala House Court to hear on 27 January extradition case of a man who is accused of killing a man in Australia in 2008.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said: "Will waive farm loans if Opposition alliance comes to power in Jharkhand."

Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad writes to Chief Justice of Gujarat High Court over 'crimes against women',stating,"Hope you will appreciate that completion of trial within 2 months and appeals within 6 months of cases of rapes is now a statutory obligation under Criminal Law(Amendment) Act"

The letter further states, "We owe it to our daughters and sisters and their families who are unfortunate victims of these heinous crimes, a fair and prompt trial. The Union govt is committed to support efforts in enhancing safety of women and children in all possible manner."

Mahendra Singh Dhoni leaves after casting his vote at a polling station in Ranchi. 

Assam CM Sarbananada Sonowal said: "I sincerely appeal to all sections of people of Assam to maintain peace and tranquility. It's our cultural, social and spiritual tradition. I have a firm belief that people of Assam, as usual, will maintain peace for all time to come."

BJP leader Pankaja Munde in Beed, Maharashtra said: "I will hold a day-long hunger strike in Aurangabad. This will be not against any party or individuals. It will be a symbolic hunger strike to attract the attention of the leadership towards the issue of Marathwada."

One Special Task Force jawan injured in IED blast near Morpalli forest area under Chintalnar police station limits in Chattisgarh. 

Bangladesh Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen cancels his visit to India. He was scheduled to visit India from December 12-14.

Students' body AASU and peasants' organisation KMSS called for a mega gathering at Latashil playground in the city, which was attended by hundreds of people. Notwithstanding the restrictions, several prominent personalities from the film and music industry, including icon Zueen Garg, joined the gathering along with college and university students.

Additional Chief Secretary (Home and Political) Kumar Sanjay Krishna said: "Internet services in Assam suspended for another 48 hours, beginning from 12 noon today."

Guwahati Police Commissioner Deepak Kumar removed amid CAB protests. Munna Prasad Gupta to new city police chief.

A delegation of BJP leaders will meet Election Commission of India today, to file a complaint against West Bengal govt and Trinamool Congress over 'violence against BJP workers and during Assembly by-elections in the state.'

Enforcement Directorate (ED) has moved Delhi High Court seeking cancellation of bail to businessman Ratul Puri in a money laundering case in connection with AgustaWestland matter. A special CBI court had recently granted bail to Ratul Puri. 

West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC chief Mamata Banerjee to hold a meeting with her party leaders on 20th December over Citizenship Amendment Bill and National Register of Citizens (NRC). 

PM Modi said: "I assure every state of the East and Northeast. The traditions, culture, language etc of Assam and other states will not be affected at all. Central Govt will work with state Govts for your development. Don't be misled by Congress's statements."

PM Modi at Jharkhand rally said: "I never cared about vote bank, have always worked for the welfare of people."

PM Modi at Jharkhand rally said: "Congress deliberately kept Ram Janmabhoomi dispute hanging for decades, national interest is secondary for them."

In the third phase of polling in Jharkhand assembly elections, the voter turnout recorded till 1 pm is 45.14 per cent. 

PM Narendra Modi in Dhanbad said: "We had promised that we will peacefully solve the long-standing Ayodhya issue, which the Congress was deliberately blocking. Now as you can see, the path for construction of a grand Ram Temple is open."

PM Modi while addressing the rally for Jharkhand Assembly Polls, said: "There is great appreciation for BJP’s development agenda in Dhanbad."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a rally in Dhanbad, Jharkhand said: "People across the country have faith on Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as BJP delivers on its promises."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is addressing a public meeting in Dhandbad, Jharkhand.

Union minister Pralhad Joshi in Lok Sabha said: "Cong instigating violence in the northeast, we condemn it."

Pakistan initiated unprovoked ceasefire violation by firing of small arms and shelling with mortars along LoC in Shahpur, Kirni and Qasba sectors in Poonch district today at about 1130 hours. Indian Army is retaliating.

In Telangana encounter deaths case, other members of inquiry panel will be ex-Bombay HC judge Rekha Sondur Baldota, ex-CBI Director D R Karthikeyan. The SC stays proceedings pending in HC, NHRC and seeks SIT report into the case. It orders judicial inquiry, to be headed by its ex-judge VS Sirpurkar.

The pronouncement of judgement in Muzaffarpur shelters home case is now to be passed on 14th January, 2020. Earlier, it was scheduled to be passed today but due to the unavailability of the concerned judge, it has been deferred. 

Chief Minister of Assam Sarbananda Sonowal said: "I appeal to the people to maintain peace and not get misled."

Left parties to organise a protest against Citizenship Amendment Bill and National Register of Citizens (NRC) across the country, on December 19.

Supreme Court on Telangana Encounter case said: "We are of the considered view that an inquiry commission needs to be constituted. The inquiry to be completed in six months."

Supreme Court orders a three-member judicial inquiry into Telangana Encounter which is to be headed by former SC judge VS Sirpurkar. SC says no other court or authority shall inquire into this matter until further orders of this court.

The voter turnout of the third phase of the Jharkhand Assembly Polls till 11 am is 29.44 percent. 

The Telangana government justified encounter of 4 gang-rape and murder accused, saying they snatched 2 firearms and shot at the police party. 

AAP MP Sanjay Singh has given 'Suspension of Business Notice' in Rajya Sabha under rule 267, on 'protest in Assam, Tripura and northeastern region over Citizenship Amendment Bill'​ under rule 267, on 'protest in Assam, Tripura and northeastern region over Citizenship Amendment Bill'

The voter turnout for the third phase of the Jharkhand Assembly elections till 9 am in 13 per cent. 

Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal to represent Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) in Supreme Court. IUML in its petition pleaded the SC to declare Citizenship AmendmentBill 2019 as illegal and void.

All trains from Guwahati towards upper Assam region have been cancelled.

Union Minister and BJP MP from Dibrugarh (Assam), Rameshwar Teli said: "My uncle's shop was set on fire and the boundary wall of my house was also damaged by protestors, last night around 11 pm. I appeal to the people of Assam to maintain peace."

"I am an Assamese, I will not do anything that may hurt the people of Assam. I want to assure everyone that Citizenship Amendment Bill that has been passed will not affect the culture and language of Assam," he added. 

Telangana Encounter case in Supreme Court, CJI SA Bobde observes, "We are of the view that there be an independent inquiry into the encounter."

The Supreme Court's hearing on Hyderabad encounter case is underway. The four accused of Hyderabad vet rape and murder case were killed in a police encounter. 

It was a cold Thursday morning in the national capital with the minimum temperature settling at 12.8 degrees Celsius, four notches above the season's average. The relative humidity was 89 per cent at 8.30 am. The maximum temperature is likely to settle around 20 degrees Celsius, the meteorological department said. It has forecast a thunderstorm with hail during the day in the city. The city recorded a high of 23.2 degrees Celsius and a low of 7.9 degrees Celsius on Wednesday. 

Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) have filed a writ petition against Citizenship Amendment Bill 2019 in Supreme Court today.

The air quality in the national capital was in the "severe" category for the second consecutive day on Thursday. The city recorded an air quality index (AQI) 428 at 9.46 am, against 408 on Wednesday morning. Delhi's suburbs -- Ghaziabad (470), Noida (426), Greater Noida (422), Faridabad (398) and Gurgaon (390) -- also breathed extremely polluted air. An AQI between 0-50 is considered 'good', 51-100 'satisfactory', 101-200 'moderate', 201-300 'poor', 301-400 'very poor' and 401-500 'severe'. An AQI above 500 falls in the 'severe plus' category.

Market benchmark BSE Sensex climbed over 150 points on Thursday tracking gains in other Asian equities after US Federal Reserve kept interest rates unchanged at its policy meeting and hinted at an accommodative stance throughout next year. The 30-share index was trading 149.75 points or 0.37 per cent higher at 40,562.32 in morning trade. The broader Nifty was trading 47.60 points or 0.40 per cent up at 11,957.75.

Five Army Columns have been requisitioned and deployed in Assam. Three Assam Rifles columns requisitioned and deployed in Tripura.

Congress MPs Adhir Ranjan Chaudhry, K Suresh and Gaurav Gogoi have given Adjournment Motion Notice in Lok Sabha, over 'unrest in north eastern states and law and order situation'.

PM Modi tweets: "I want to assure my brothers & sisters of Assam that they have nothing to worry after the passing of Citizenship Amendment Bill 2019. I want to assure them-no one can take away your rights, unique identity and beautiful culture. It will continue to flourish and grow."

"The Central Government and I are totally committed to constitutionally safeguard the political, linguistic, cultural and land rights of the Assamese people as per the spirit of Clause 6," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in tweets.

The Indian rupee appreciated by 21 paise to 70.64 against the US dollar in early trade on Thursday as higher opening in domestic equities and sustained foreign fund inflows strengthened investor sentiments. Forex traders said the domestic unit gained ground ahead of the release of key macro-economic numbers. At the interbank foreign exchange the rupee opened at 70.67, then gained further ground and touched 70.64, registering a rise of 21 paise over its previous close.

Congress MP Ripun Bora has given 'Suspension of Business Notice' in Rajya Sabha under rule 267, over 'current situation of Assam and northeast region'.

All flights have been cancelled from Kolkata (West Bengal) to Dibrugarh sector (Assam), says Kolkata Airport Official

Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) to file a writ petition against Citizenship Amendment Bill 2019 in Supreme Court today

Sensex opens 148.77 pts higher at 40,561.34; Nifty rises 34.15 pts to 11,944.30. 

Former Union Minister & BJP MP Jayant Sinha at a polling booth in Hazaribagh to cast his vote. Polling is underway in 17 constituencies in the state for the third phase of Jharkhand elections.

Voting began for the third of the five-phase polling in 17 assembly constituencies of Jharkhand on Thursday. The voting began at 7 am in all the 17 constituencies, amidst a tight security arrangement. While polling at Ranchi, Hatia, Kanke, Barkatha and Ramgarh seats will end at 5 pm, voters in rest of the constituencies can exercise their franchise till 3 pm.

"The third phase of Jharkhand polls will take place today. Urging all those whose seats go to the polls today to vote in large numbers. I particularly urge my young friends to vote," PM Modi tweeted.

A 12-year-old girl allegedly gang-raped in Karnal in Haryana. Police say, "The minor girl complained that 4 people raped her, case has been registered on the basis of her complaint. All 4 accused have been detained. Investigation underway."

- Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad to move The Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-sixth Amendment) Bill, 2019. 

- Tribal Affairs Minister Arjun Munda to move The Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order (Second Amendment) Bill, 2019.

Supreme Court to hear today the petitions seeking review of its verdict in Ayodhya land title dispute case.

Voting for the third phase of the Jharkhand Assembly Elections to be held in the state today. Polling will be held for 17 assembly constituencies. 

- Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to introduce Insolvency & Bankruptcy Code (2nd Amendment) Bill, 2019.

- HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal to move Central Sanskrit Universities Bill, 2019.

- EAM S Jaishankar to move Anti-Maritime Piracy Bill, 2019

 Curfew imposed in Dibrugarh district in Assam till further orders following a violent protest against Citizenship Amendment Bill