News LIVE: DoT to meet telcos, regulator on Jan 10 to discuss call drops
This blog will keep track of key global and local developments impacting business and markets through the day. Important local and global political developments will also find resonance here
DoT to meet telcos, regulator on call drops on Jan 10
Concerned about the deteriorating call drop situation, the Department of Telecom (DoT) will meet service providers on January 10 to discuss the burning issue as also the new service quality norms that have been implemented in the sector.
Jan 08, 02:58 PM (IST)
Delhi govt launches common card for bus, metro rides
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal today launched a common card for rides on public buses and the metro, terming it a big step in the city's transport sector.
Delhi is the first city in the country to have a common mobility card, which can at present be used on 200 DTC and 50 cluster buses plying on different routes, apart from metro trains.
Jan 08, 02:48 PM (IST)
Railways to deploy drones to monitor projects
Drones will now monitor railway projects, aid in crowd management and oversee maintenance work across its zones, railway officials said today.
Cameras (UAV/NETRA) will be used for various railway activities especially project monitoring and maintenance of tracks and other railway infrastructure, the national transporter said in a statement.
Jan 08, 02:40 PM (IST)
Pragati Maidan: No tree felling without nod, Delhi govt to NGT
The Delhi government has assured the National Green Tribunal that there would be no felling of trees without requisite permission for carrying out redevelopment work at Pragati Maidan exhibition ground in New Delhi.
Jan 08, 02:27 PM (IST)
Bharat Net Phase-2 may be complete before schedule by Dec
The government today expressed hope that the second phase of Bharat Net project to provide broadband connectivity to 1.5 lakh gram panchayats will be completed before time by December this year.
Telecom Minister Manoj Sinha said financial incentives and disincentives should be built into clauses for the second phase of the project to reward players for on time delivery.
Jan 08, 02:23 PM (IST)
Govt assures sugar cos it will mull hiking duty on cheap Pak imports: ISMA
The government has assured that it would consider hiking import duty on sugar from the current 50 per cent to check any cheaper shipments from neighbouring Pakistan, the Indian Sugar Mills Association said today.
In view of steep fall in global prices, Pakistan has not been able to export its surplus sugar and is mulling a subsidy to make outward shipments viable.
Jan 08, 02:03 PM (IST)
Mercury dips across Rajasthan, sub-zero temperature in Sikar
Fatehpur Shekhawati in Rajasthan's Sikar district shivered under a minimum temperature of minus 1.8 degree Celsius as mercury dropped by nearly one degree Celsius at most places of the state today.
Severe cold reportedly claimed the life of a man in Sikar whose body was found lying near Palsana bus stand.
Jan 08, 01:57 PM (IST)
Apple investors urge action to curb child gadget addiction
Two Apple investors are urging the iPhone maker to take action to curb growing smartphone addiction among children.
Jana Partners LLC and the California State Teachers' Retirement System, or CalSTRS, said today in open letter to Apple that the company must offer more choices and tools to help youngsters fight addiction to its gadgets.
Jan 08, 01:46 PM (IST)
TN Guv addresses House, seeks Rs 4,854 crore to undo storm wreck
Amid a boycott by opposition parties led by the DMK, Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit today made his maiden address to the state assembly, urging the Centre to sanction Rs 4,854 crore towards Cyclone Ochki rehabilitation work.
Jan 08, 01:43 PM (IST)
Govt reduced energy subsidies by over Rs 82,000 cr in 3 years
The Central government reduced its energy subsidies — financial benefits provided to boost energy production and consumption — by over Rs 82,000 crore ($15 billion) between 2013-14 and 2015-16, a drop of 38 percent, IndiaSpend reported.
During the same period, carbon-emitter fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas remained the largest beneficiaries.
Jan 08, 01:40 PM (IST)
No Need to Reopen Mahatma Gandhi Assassination Case, Amicus Curiae Tells SC
A senior lawyer, appointed as amicus curiae by the Supreme Court, has said that there is no need to reopen Mahatma Gandhi's assassination case, News 18 reported.
On Monday, senior advocate Amarendra Sharan mentioned the matter before a bench headed by Justice SA Bobde. He informed the court that his report has concluded there is no necessity to re-investigate the assassination after six decades.
Jan 08, 01:38 PM (IST)
No one in White House questions Trump's mental stability:Haley
No one in the White House questions the mental stability of Donald Trump, US' top envoy to the UN Nikki Haley has said in response to an allegation against the American President in a controversial book.
Haley, the first-ever Cabinet-ranking official in any presidential administration, defended staffers in the Trump administration as loyal and respecting.
Jan 08, 01:21 PM (IST)
JNU Students' Union to boycott attendance
The Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU) has decided to go ahead with its plan to not mark their attendance as the administration insisted on introducing a mandatory attendance rule.
During a meeting with the JNU vice chancellor this morning, JNUSU president Geeta Kumari said, "we explained to the administration how such a surveillance is going to curtail academic freedom and destroy JNU culture".
Jan 08, 01:12 PM (IST)
Supreme Court says it will revisit verdict on Section 377
The Supreme Court today referred to a larger bench a plea seeking decriminalisation of gay sex between two consenting adults.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud said the issue arising out of section 377 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) required to be debated upon by a larger bench.
Jan 08, 01:06 PM (IST)
'Chappal Chor Pakistan' protest held in US, condemns misconduct dispensed to Jadhav's kin: Report
Aprotest by the name of 'Chappal Chor Pakistan' was held outside the Pakistan embassy by a group of Indian-Americans and Balochs over the misbehaviour dispensed to former Indian Naval officer Kulbhushan Jadhav's kin, Times Now reported.
Jan 08, 01:04 PM (IST)
Have earned this FIR, says reporter booked for Aadhaar database breach story
The journalist booked by Unique Identification Authority of India for the Aadhaar database breach story said she has earned this FIR and was happy about the development.
"I think I have earned this FIR. I am happy that at least the UIDAI has taken some action on my report and I really hope that along with the FIR, the government of India will see what all breaches were there and take appropriate action,” she said.
Jan 08, 01:01 PM (IST)
Saudi Arabia okays India's plan to ferry Haj pilgrims via sea route: Naqvi
Saudi Arabia has given its nod to India's plan to revive the option of ferrying Haj pilgrims via sea route to Jeddah, Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said in a statement today.
Naqvi made the comment after the signing of annual Haj agreement between India and Saudi Arabia in Mecca.
Jan 08, 12:44 PM (IST)
Money laundering case: ED attaches Rs 472 crore assets
The Enforcement Directorate today said it has attached assets worth Rs 472 crore, including one in Australia, in connection with its money laundering probe in the PACL ponzi scam case.
The ED had registered a criminal case against the firm in 2015 based on a CBI FIR against the group, its directors and officials.
Jan 08, 12:31 PM (IST)
JK: Live mortar shell triggers panic in Kathua
A live mortar shell allegedly fired by Pakistan Rangers earlier this month was found in a field in a village in the border belt of Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district, leading to panic in the area, police said today.
Security forces recovered the live shell yesterday from Bobiyan village, an official said.
Jan 08, 12:27 PM (IST)
Fire at BRD Hospital; principal's office gutted
A major fire broke out today at the state-run BRD Hospital, infamous for deaths of scores of children last year allegedly due to shortage of oxygen, fire department said. No loss of life has been reported so far.
Jan 08, 12:12 PM (IST)
Jan 08, 12:09 PM (IST)
BJP left red-faced as bypoll candidate says she is with TMC
The West Bengal unit of the BJP was left red-faced after former TMC MLA Manju Basu turned down the saffron party's offer to contest the upcoming Noapara assembly bypoll.
The BJP central leadership had announced Basu's name as the party's candidate for the byelection yesterday evening. Hours later, Basu told reporters that she is still with the TMC.
Jan 08, 11:50 AM (IST)
TN governor addresses assembly, DMK boycotts
Tami Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit today made his maiden address to the state assembly even as the main opposition DMK along with its allies walked out of the House boycotting his speech.
Soon after he arrived, Purohit greeted all members of the House with a 'Vanakkam' and began his address. Even as he began his speech, Leader of the Opposition MK Stalin was on his feet trying to raise some issues.
Jan 08, 11:37 AM (IST)
Jan 08, 11:36 AM (IST)
Bail denied to accused teenager in Ryan school murder case
A sessions court today rejected the bail plea of a 16-year-old student, accused of killing 7-year-old Pradhuman Thakur at the Ryan International School here.
Additional Sessions Judge Jasbir Singh Kundu declined relief to the accused, who is presently under custody.
Jan 08, 11:23 AM (IST)
Chief Minister from Imran Khan's Party Shares Dais With Lashkar Commander Makki in Pakistan
Despite Pakistan losing out on American aid over support to terror groups, Pervez Khattak, a prominent leader of cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI), attended a public meeting of the Difa-i-Pakistan Council in Peshawar on Sunday.
Among those present was Abdul Rahman Makki, who was filling in for his brother-in-law and 26/11 attacks mastermind Hafiz Saeed, who was barred from attending the meeting by the Punjab government in Pakistan.
Jan 08, 11:10 AM (IST)
Australia beat England by an innings and 123 runs to seal 4-0 Ashes series win
Beating England by an innings and 123 runs in the fifth and final Test in Sydney, Australia today sealed the 2017-18 Ashes series 4-0. Steve Smith's side regained the Ashes by winning the first three Tests - the hosts have won seven of the past eight series down under as well as 15 of their past 20 home Tests against England.
Jan 08, 10:59 AM (IST)
NDMC to seal 30 restaurants in Delhi's Khan Market today for misuse of land
At least, 30 leading restaurants in Delhi's Khan Market are to be sealed by the New Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) on Monday for alleged misuse of land, media reports said.
The NDMC has been mandated by a Supreme Court-appointed monitoring committee to take action against those using land in contravention of the 2021 master plan, The Times of India reported.
Jan 08, 10:40 AM (IST)
Macron begins China state visit at Silk Road gateway
French President Emmanuel Macron today launched a state visit to China in Xian - the starting point of the ancient Silk Road - in a nod to his counterpart's scheme to revive the famous trading route.
Macron will visit the northern city's famous terracotta warriors along with his wife Brigitte before delivering a keynote speech on the future of Franco-Chinese relations.
Jan 08, 10:22 AM (IST)
Cold wave: 2 die in UP's Muzaffarnagar and Shamli
Two people have died due to intense cold wave conditions in Muzaffarnagar and Shamli districts, according to the administration.
A 42-year-old man, identified as Pritam Singh, collapsed due to cold at his home in Wajidpur village yesterday. He was rushed to the hospital where he was declared dead, a report from the district headquarter said.
DoT to meet telcos, regulator on call drops on Jan 10
Concerned about the deteriorating call drop situation, the Department of Telecom (DoT) will meet service providers on January 10 to discuss the burning issue as also the new service quality norms that have been implemented in the sector.
Delhi govt launches common card for bus, metro rides
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal today launched a common card for rides on public buses and the metro, terming it a big step in the city's transport sector.
Delhi is the first city in the country to have a common mobility card, which can at present be used on 200 DTC and 50 cluster buses plying on different routes, apart from metro trains.
Railways to deploy drones to monitor projects
Drones will now monitor railway projects, aid in crowd management and oversee maintenance work across its zones, railway officials said today.
Cameras (UAV/NETRA) will be used for various railway activities especially project monitoring and maintenance of tracks and other railway infrastructure, the national transporter said in a statement.
Pragati Maidan: No tree felling without nod, Delhi govt to NGT
The Delhi government has assured the National Green Tribunal that there would be no felling of trees without requisite permission for carrying out redevelopment work at Pragati Maidan exhibition ground in New Delhi.
Bharat Net Phase-2 may be complete before schedule by Dec
The government today expressed hope that the second phase of Bharat Net project to provide broadband connectivity to 1.5 lakh gram panchayats will be completed before time by December this year.
Telecom Minister Manoj Sinha said financial incentives and disincentives should be built into clauses for the second phase of the project to reward players for on time delivery.
Govt assures sugar cos it will mull hiking duty on cheap Pak imports: ISMA
The government has assured that it would consider hiking import duty on sugar from the current 50 per cent to check any cheaper shipments from neighbouring Pakistan, the Indian Sugar Mills Association said today.
In view of steep fall in global prices, Pakistan has not been able to export its surplus sugar and is mulling a subsidy to make outward shipments viable.
Mercury dips across Rajasthan, sub-zero temperature in Sikar
Fatehpur Shekhawati in Rajasthan's Sikar district shivered under a minimum temperature of minus 1.8 degree Celsius as mercury dropped by nearly one degree Celsius at most places of the state today.
Severe cold reportedly claimed the life of a man in Sikar whose body was found lying near Palsana bus stand.
Apple investors urge action to curb child gadget addiction
Two Apple investors are urging the iPhone maker to take action to curb growing smartphone addiction among children.
Jana Partners LLC and the California State Teachers' Retirement System, or CalSTRS, said today in open letter to Apple that the company must offer more choices and tools to help youngsters fight addiction to its gadgets.
TN Guv addresses House, seeks Rs 4,854 crore to undo storm wreck
Amid a boycott by opposition parties led by the DMK, Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit today made his maiden address to the state assembly, urging the Centre to sanction Rs 4,854 crore towards Cyclone Ochki rehabilitation work.
Govt reduced energy subsidies by over Rs 82,000 cr in 3 years
The Central government reduced its energy subsidies — financial benefits provided to boost energy production and consumption — by over Rs 82,000 crore ($15 billion) between 2013-14 and 2015-16, a drop of 38 percent, IndiaSpend reported.
During the same period, carbon-emitter fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas remained the largest beneficiaries.
No Need to Reopen Mahatma Gandhi Assassination Case, Amicus Curiae Tells SC
A senior lawyer, appointed as amicus curiae by the Supreme Court, has said that there is no need to reopen Mahatma Gandhi's assassination case, News 18 reported.
On Monday, senior advocate Amarendra Sharan mentioned the matter before a bench headed by Justice SA Bobde. He informed the court that his report has concluded there is no necessity to re-investigate the assassination after six decades.
No one in White House questions Trump's mental stability:Haley
No one in the White House questions the mental stability of Donald Trump, US' top envoy to the UN Nikki Haley has said in response to an allegation against the American President in a controversial book.
Haley, the first-ever Cabinet-ranking official in any presidential administration, defended staffers in the Trump administration as loyal and respecting.
JNU Students' Union to boycott attendance
The Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU) has decided to go ahead with its plan to not mark their attendance as the administration insisted on introducing a mandatory attendance rule.
During a meeting with the JNU vice chancellor this morning, JNUSU president Geeta Kumari said, "we explained to the administration how such a surveillance is going to curtail academic freedom and destroy JNU culture".
Supreme Court says it will revisit verdict on Section 377
The Supreme Court today referred to a larger bench a plea seeking decriminalisation of gay sex between two consenting adults.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud said the issue arising out of section 377 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) required to be debated upon by a larger bench.
'Chappal Chor Pakistan' protest held in US, condemns misconduct dispensed to Jadhav's kin: Report
A protest by the name of 'Chappal Chor Pakistan' was held outside the Pakistan embassy by a group of Indian-Americans and Balochs over the misbehaviour dispensed to former Indian Naval officer Kulbhushan Jadhav's kin, Times Now reported.
Have earned this FIR, says reporter booked for Aadhaar database breach story
The journalist booked by Unique Identification Authority of India for the Aadhaar database breach story said she has earned this FIR and was happy about the development.
"I think I have earned this FIR. I am happy that at least the UIDAI has taken some action on my report and I really hope that along with the FIR, the government of India will see what all breaches were there and take appropriate action,” she said.
Saudi Arabia okays India's plan to ferry Haj pilgrims via sea route: Naqvi
Saudi Arabia has given its nod to India's plan to revive the option of ferrying Haj pilgrims via sea route to Jeddah, Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said in a statement today.
Naqvi made the comment after the signing of annual Haj agreement between India and Saudi Arabia in Mecca.
Money laundering case: ED attaches Rs 472 crore assets
The Enforcement Directorate today said it has attached assets worth Rs 472 crore, including one in Australia, in connection with its money laundering probe in the PACL ponzi scam case.
The ED had registered a criminal case against the firm in 2015 based on a CBI FIR against the group, its directors and officials.
JK: Live mortar shell triggers panic in Kathua
A live mortar shell allegedly fired by Pakistan Rangers earlier this month was found in a field in a village in the border belt of Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district, leading to panic in the area, police said today.
Security forces recovered the live shell yesterday from Bobiyan village, an official said.
Fire at BRD Hospital; principal's office gutted
A major fire broke out today at the state-run BRD Hospital, infamous for deaths of scores of children last year allegedly due to shortage of oxygen, fire department said. No loss of life has been reported so far.
BJP left red-faced as bypoll candidate says she is with TMC
The West Bengal unit of the BJP was left red-faced after former TMC MLA Manju Basu turned down the saffron party's offer to contest the upcoming Noapara assembly bypoll.
The BJP central leadership had announced Basu's name as the party's candidate for the byelection yesterday evening. Hours later, Basu told reporters that she is still with the TMC.
TN governor addresses assembly, DMK boycotts
Tami Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit today made his maiden address to the state assembly even as the main opposition DMK along with its allies walked out of the House boycotting his speech.
Soon after he arrived, Purohit greeted all members of the House with a 'Vanakkam' and began his address. Even as he began his speech, Leader of the Opposition MK Stalin was on his feet trying to raise some issues.
Bail denied to accused teenager in Ryan school murder case
A sessions court today rejected the bail plea of a 16-year-old student, accused of killing 7-year-old Pradhuman Thakur at the Ryan International School here.
Additional Sessions Judge Jasbir Singh Kundu declined relief to the accused, who is presently under custody.
Chief Minister from Imran Khan's Party Shares Dais With Lashkar Commander Makki in Pakistan
Despite Pakistan losing out on American aid over support to terror groups, Pervez Khattak, a prominent leader of cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI), attended a public meeting of the Difa-i-Pakistan Council in Peshawar on Sunday.
Among those present was Abdul Rahman Makki, who was filling in for his brother-in-law and 26/11 attacks mastermind Hafiz Saeed, who was barred from attending the meeting by the Punjab government in Pakistan.
Australia beat England by an innings and 123 runs to seal 4-0 Ashes series win
Beating England by an innings and 123 runs in the fifth and final Test in Sydney, Australia today sealed the 2017-18 Ashes series 4-0. Steve Smith's side regained the Ashes by winning the first three Tests - the hosts have won seven of the past eight series down under as well as 15 of their past 20 home Tests against England.
NDMC to seal 30 restaurants in Delhi's Khan Market today for misuse of land
At least, 30 leading restaurants in Delhi's Khan Market are to be sealed by the New Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) on Monday for alleged misuse of land, media reports said.
The NDMC has been mandated by a Supreme Court-appointed monitoring committee to take action against those using land in contravention of the 2021 master plan, The Times of India reported.
Macron begins China state visit at Silk Road gateway
French President Emmanuel Macron today launched a state visit to China in Xian - the starting point of the ancient Silk Road - in a nod to his counterpart's scheme to revive the famous trading route.
Macron will visit the northern city's famous terracotta warriors along with his wife Brigitte before delivering a keynote speech on the future of Franco-Chinese relations.
Cold wave: 2 die in UP's Muzaffarnagar and Shamli
Two people have died due to intense cold wave conditions in Muzaffarnagar and Shamli districts, according to the administration.
A 42-year-old man, identified as Pritam Singh, collapsed due to cold at his home in Wajidpur village yesterday. He was rushed to the hospital where he was declared dead, a report from the district headquarter said.