HIGHLIGHTS AT 18:00 HRS

Following are the top PTI stories at 18:00 hours:

NATION:

DEL38 2NDLD DALIT-BANDH

Dalit protests: Violence erupts in many states, at least 4 dead in cross-firing

New Delhi/Bhopal: Dalit protesters block trains, clash with police and set fire to vehicles in violent protests across seven states against the alleged dilution of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, leaving at least four people dead and many injured, officials said.

DEL15 PB-IRAQ-BODIES-ARRIVE

Special aircraft carrying mortal remains of Indians killed in Iraq arrive

Amritsar (Punjab): A special aircraft carrying the mortal remains of 38 Indians killed in Iraq arrives at the Amritsar International Airport, officials said.

 

LGD21 SC-SC/ST CENTRE

Centre moves SC with review petition against verdict on SC/ST Act

New Delhi: The Centre moves Supreme Court seeking review of its recent judgement by which safeguards were put on the provisions for immediate arrest under the SC/ST Act.

DEL40 CONG-DALIT PROTESTS

NDA govt responsible for violence: Cong on Dalit protests

New Delhi: The Congress holds the central government responsible for the loss of life and damage to properties during violent protests by Dalit outfits against the alleged dilution of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, and accused the Centre of taking the issue "lightly".

LGD22 HC-2ND LD CBSE LEAK

When will class 10 maths re-examination be held: HC asks CBSE

New Delhi: The Delhi High Court asks the Central Board of Secondary Education about its plans, if any, to re-conduct the class 10 Maths test the question papers for which had been leaked recently.

DEL33 NHRC-LD WB-VIOLENCE

WB violence: NHRC notice to govt, DGP; asks internal team for on-spot probe

New Delhi: The NHRC sends a notice to the West Bengal government and the state police chief over alleged failure of law enforcement agencies in protecting the liberty and dignity of people who have become victims of violence in Asansol-Raniganj area during Ram Navami celebrations.

MDS5 TN-CAUVERY-LD PROTEST

Protests engulfs TN for Cauvery Mgmt Board

Chennai: Two DMK workers allegedly make self-immolation bids in Coimbatore amid a state-wide stir for setting up of Cauvery Management Board at the earliest to implement the Supreme Court's February 16 verdict on water allocation among the riparian states.

DEL16 LD PARLIAMENT

Ruckus forces adjournment of Par for 18th day

New Delhi: Ruckus prevails in both Houses of Parliament as Opposition parties and those from Tamil Nadu create noisy scenes, forcing their adjournment for the 18th straight day without transacting any substantial business.

BUSINESS

DEL37 BIZ-TAX

Direct tax collection exceeds target in FY18

New Delhi: Direct tax collection in the fiscal year just ended exceeds the targets with a record 6.84 lakh income tax returns being filed, officials said.

DEL36 BIZ-INFRA-GROWTH

Core sector growth up 5.3% in Feb as cement, refinery output pick up

New Delhi: Eight infrastructure sectors grow by 5.3 per cent in February, mainly helped by a robust performance of refinery products, fertiliser and cement segments.

DEL43 BIZ-SMARTPHONE-IMPORT DUTY

Govt levies 10 pc import duty on key smartphone components

New Delhi: The government imposes a 10 per cent duty on import of key smartphone components like camera module and printed circuit board assembly, with a view to boost domestic manufacturing.

FOREIGN

FGN4 PAK-INDIA-ABBASI

Pak PM accuses India of launching 'brutal crackdown' in Kashmir

Islamabad: Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi accuses India of launching a "brutal crackdown" in Kashmir after terror groups suffer a major setback following killing of 13 terrorists in counter-insurgency operations. By Sajjad Hussain

FGN3 CHINA-LD SPACELAB

Defunct Chinese space lab plunges back to Earth

Beijing: A defunct uncontrolled Chinese space laboratory re-enters the Earth's atmosphere and plunged in the South Pacific, Chinese officials said.