News updates: Report of MSP panel to be made public soon, says central govt

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10:08 AM

Mizoram's Kolasib district landowners to block highways from Sep 25

A landowners' association in Mizoram's Kolasib district bordering Assam has called for an indefinite blockade of NH-306 and NH-6 from September 25 to exert pressure on the state government to resolve ownership issues concerning land along these national highways. NH-306 and NH-6 are interlinked routes connecting Mizoram capital Aizawl with Assam's Silchar town. They serve as the primary lifeline for Mizoram, as all essential supplies are transported via these highways.

9:43 AM

China will be "high on agenda" at Quad Summit: White House

China will certainly be "high on the agenda" at the Quad Summit set to be hosted by US President Joe Biden in Delaware's Wilmington on September 21, US National Security Council (NSC) Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby on Wednesday (local time). When asked to what extent China will be a focus of the Quad Summit, Kirby stated, "I think it'll certainly be high on the agenda. I mean, there's not an opportunity when you get together with these particular leaders, the Indo-Pacific, Quad, where you in fact it would be irresponsible if they didn't talk about the challenges that still exist in the region caused by aggressive PRC military action for instance, unfair trade practices, tensions over the Taiwan Strait. I have no doubt that that all those issues will come up."

9:41 AM

Officials refused our demands: Junior docs after meeting Bengal chief secy

The second round of talks between agitating junior doctors and the West Bengal government on Wednesday remained "inconclusive" as the medics expressed their dissatisfaction with the outcome of the meeting and announced that they would continue their agitation and 'cease work'. "We discussed many issues, but we were not provided with the minutes of the meeting. The chief secretary has given us verbal assurances but did not provide us with written documentation. Our agitation and 'cease work' will continue. We are not happy with the outcome of the meeting," said one of the agitating doctors after coming out of the meeting at Nabanna.

9:40 AM

PM Modi urges people to bid for mementoes given to him

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday urged people to bid for the mementoes he has received and which are now being auctioned, noting that their proceeds will be used for the 'Namami Gange' initiative. He said on X, "Every year, I auction the various mementoes I receive during the public programmes. The proceeds of the auction go to the Namami Gange initiative. I'm delighted to share that this year's auction has opened. Do bid for the mementoes you find interesting!" 

9:12 AM

21 houses set on fire in Bihar's Nawada, land dispute suspected

Twenty-one houses were set on fire in Bihar's Nawada district, police said. Preliminary investigation suggested that a land dispute could be the cause behind the incident that happened in Manjhi Tola in Mufassil police station area on Wednesday evening, they said. No one was injured in the incident, they added. Ten people were detained, and a search is on to nab the other accused, police said.

8:50 AM

India abstains from UN resolution to end Israel's occupation of Palestine

India abstained from voting in the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Wednesday, as the 193-member body passed a resolution demanding that Israel end its unlawful presence in the occupied Palestinian territories within 12 months. The resolution received 124 votes in favour, 14 against, and 43 abstentions.