Breaking News, December 16 I Highlights

A day after resigning as an MLA, former Goa minister Rohan Khaunte on Thursday said he would join the ruling BJP. Khaunte, who quit as an independent MLA from the Porvorim Assembly constituency, said in a statement, "I have decided to join the BJP to ensure the continuity of Porvorim's development as well as to imbibe a culture of inclusiveness and togetherness. I will be joining BJP on Friday at Mahalaxmi temple in Panaji at 10 am." 

A fire broke out in a factory manufacturing perfume and plastic goods in Vasai area of Maharashtra's Palghar district on Thursday. No casualty was reported so far, regional disaster management cell chief Santosh Kadam said, adding that loud sounds, possibly of drums exploding at the site, could be heard.

The fire erupted around 10.30 am in the unit located at Kaman in Vasai township and spread in the entire premises. Two fire engines of the Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation were rushed to the spot and efforts were still on to douse the blaze, the official said.

"No one is injured, as per the latest reports," he said. The cause of the fire is not yet known, he added. 

The Supreme Court directed the Commission for Air Quality Management on Thursday to invite suggestions of the public and experts about a permanent solution to the problem of air pollution in Delhi-NCR. A bench headed by Chief Justice N V Ramana took note of a report filed by the commission which informed it that a decision to lift the ban on certain industries has been taken.

"The committee's report states measures that have been taken. So far as construction activities have been taken it's been stated that a decision will be taken tomorrow. We will list the matter in the first week of February. Meanwhile, we direct the commission to invite suggestions of the general public and experts about a permanent solution to the pollution," the bench also comprising Justices D Y Chandrachud and Surya Kant said. 

The Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha have been adjourned till 2 pm on Thursday following the Opposition's protest in the House over the Lakhimpur Kheri incident and their demand for the immediate resignation of Minister Ajay Mishra Teni.

Several Congress MPs in Lok Sabha, including Rahul Gandhi, earlier on Wednesday have moved an adjournment motion in the House over the Lakhimpur Kheri incident demanding the removal of Ajay Kumar Mishra as Minister of State (MoS) for Home Affairs.

The Shree Jagannath Temple will remain open for devotees from 5.30 am to 9.30 pm from Thursday, marking the beginning of "Pahili Bhoga" rituals of the sibling deities in the 12th century shrine.

During the period from Dhanu Sankranti to Makara Sankranti of Odia calendar (December 16 to January 14) a special bhoga known as "Pahili Bhoga" (first offering) is offered to the deities along with "Ballava Bhoga" in the morning.

This is part of the new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) announced by Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) effective from Thursday.

South Africa reports daily record of 26,976 Covid-19 infections, reports AFP News Agency