News updates: CAS decision on Vinesh's appeal against Olympic final disqualification on Aug 13

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11:20 AM

PM Modi reiterates commitment to protecting lions on occasion of World Lion Day

On World Lion Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed his government's dedication to lion conservation on Saturday. In a post on X, he praised those involved in lion conservation efforts and emphasized the commitment to protecting these magnificent big cats. He noted that India, particularly in Gir, Gujarat, is home to a significant lion population, which has seen a considerable increase in numbers over the years—a positive development.

11:03 AM

Day after release from jail, Manish Sisodia offers prayers at Hanuman temple, to address AAP workers

On Saturday, AAP leader and former deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia visited the Hanuman temple in Connaught Place to offer prayers, just a day after his release from jail in the Delhi excise policy case. The Supreme Court granted Sisodia bail on Friday, criticizing his 17-month imprisonment without trial as a denial of his right to speedy justice. The bail was granted in connection with corruption and money laundering charges linked to the alleged excise policy "scam." Sisodia arrived at the temple with AAP leaders, including MP Sanjay Singh and ministers Atishi and Saurabh Bharadwaj. Sisodia will go to Rajghat and then address party leaders, workers and the media at the DDU Marg-based AAP headquarters

10:51 AM

No concept of national disaster in central govt rules: UPA's 2013 reply in Parliament

On Saturday, government sources referenced a 2013 parliamentary response from a Congress-led UPA government minister to clarify that the central government’s rules do not include a concept of "national disaster." This clarification came in response to calls, including from Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, to declare the landslide tragedy in Kerala’s Wayanad as a national disaster. In 2013, then-Minister of State for Home and Congress MP Mullappally Ramachandran had informed the Lok Sabha that there was no provision for declaring a natural disaster as a national disaster. 

10:32 AM

Israeli airstrike on school in Gaza city kills over 60 people, say officials

Palestinian health authorities report that an Israeli airstrike hit a school-turned-shelter in Gaza City on Saturday, resulting in over 60 deaths. The Health Ministry’s Ambulance and Emergency service also reported 47 people wounded from the strike on the Tabeen school in central Gaza City. The Israeli military confirmed the strike, stating it targeted a Hamas command center located within the school, but did not provide evidence to support this claim.

10:14 AM

Opposition spreading rumours about 'Ladki Bahin' scheme: Maharashtra CM Shinde

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde criticized opposition parties on Friday night for spreading rumors about his government's 'Ladki Bahin' scheme for women. Speaking in Thane, his home base, Shinde urged people to be wary of these "stepbrothers" and emphasized that his government prioritizes public welfare over election considerations. With Maharashtra's Assembly elections expected in October, Shinde’s government recently introduced the 'Mukhymantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana'—translated as 'Chief Minister’s My Beloved Sister Scheme'—which provides eligible women with Rs 1,500 in financial assistance each month.

9:56 AM

No free water to people with annual income exceeding Rs 50,000 in Himachal

In Himachal Pradesh, rural water consumers with an annual income above Rs 50,000 will no longer receive free water. They will now be charged Rs 100 per month. Commercial establishments, such as hotels and home-stays, will be billed based on their water usage in kilolitres. The State Cabinet made this decision on Thursday to increase revenue and reduce subsidies. It also decided to implement metered water supply for commercial entities and charge them at commercial rates. However, certain vulnerable groups, including widows, destitute individuals, single women, and the disabled, will continue to receive free water.

9:41 AM

BSF tightens security amid ongoing crisis in Bangladesh, make night patrols

The Border Security Force (BSF) has enhanced security measures along the Indo-Bangladesh border due to the ongoing crisis in Bangladesh. Security deployments at border outposts have been increased, and all surveillance equipment is being utilised for effective monitoring. In Mathabhanga, Cooch Behar, BSF personnel from the 169th battalion are seen patrolling at night despite light rain. India's border with Bangladesh stretches for 4,096 kilometers, with North Bengal covering 936.415 kilometers.

9:21 AM

PM Modi to visit landslide-hit areas of Wayanad today, to review relief operations

On Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Wayanad to assess the ongoing relief and rehabilitation efforts and connect with survivors of the recent landslides. Officials have stated that Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, and senior state officials will greet Modi upon his arrival in Kannur around 11 am. Following this, he will conduct an aerial survey of the landslide-affected areas in Wayanad. Rescue teams will update him on the evacuation progress.

9:07 AM

PM Modi, Sehwag hail Aman Sehrawat for winning bronze medal in Olympics

Wrestler Aman Sehrawat's emotional journey to winning a bronze medal on Friday resonated with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BCCI secretary Jay Shah, and former cricketer Virender Sehwag, who all paid tribute to the 21-year-old athlete. PM Modi praised Aman's determination: "Our wrestlers bring us immense pride! Congratulations to Aman Sehrawat for winning the Bronze Medal in Men's Freestyle 57kg at the Paris Olympics. His dedication and perseverance are evident. The entire nation celebrates this outstanding achievement."

8:49 AM

President Droupadi Murmu arrives in Timor-Leste to boost bilateral ties

On Saturday, President Droupadi Murmu arrived in Timor-Leste, marking the final stop of her three-nation tour, which included visits to New Zealand and Fiji. This visit is the first official presidential visit from India to Timor-Leste, a Southeast Asian country. During her stay, President Murmu will meet with President Jose Ramos-Horta and also have a meeting with Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao.

8:37 AM

No provision for creamy layers in SC/ST reservation, says Vaishnaw

On Friday, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that the Constitution drafted by BR Ambedkar does not include provisions for a creamy layer in SC and ST reservations, and the NDA government must adhere to this Constitution. Vaishnaw’s comments followed a recent Supreme Court ruling granting states the authority to sub-classify Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs). The Court also noted that states could develop policies to identify and exclude the creamy layer within SCs and STs from affirmative action benefits.

8:29 AM

Olympics 2024: Wrestler Aman Sehrawat wins Bronze in 57kg freestyle event

Indian wrestler Aman Sehrawat claimed India’s sixth medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics by securing bronze in the men’s 57kg freestyle wrestling event. After winning his initial two rounds with technical superiority, Aman lost his semifinal match to Japan’s Rei Higuchi by technical superiority on Thursday, which led him to the bronze medal match on Friday. This victory marks India’s first wrestling medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics and adds to the country's tally of five bronze and six total medals in Paris.

8:27 AM

Union Cabinet approves PMAY-U 2.0 with Rs 2.30 trn housing assistance

On Friday, the Union Cabinet approved Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U) 2.0, which will offer financial aid to one crore urban poor and middle-class families through states and Union Territories for constructing, purchasing, or renting affordable housing in urban areas over the next five years. This decision was made during a Cabinet meeting led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The government plans to allocate Rs 2.30 trillion for the scheme. In the initial phase of PMAY-U 2.0, 1.18 crore houses have been approved, and over 85.5 lakh homes have already been built and handed over to beneficiaries.