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6:17 PM

Bank of England says holds key interest rate at 5.25%

6:16 PM

India's net direct tax collection rises 23.4% Y-o-Y April-November

The Indian government's net direct tax collection rose 23.4 per cent on the year to Rs 10.64 trillion ($127.75 billion) in the period from April 1 to Nov. 30, it said on Thursday. Gross tax collected, before adjusting refunds, was Rs 12.67 trillion, about 17.7 per cent higher than last year.

5:16 PM

Opposition MPs have been suspended because we want action on this incident of security breach: Chaturvedi

On the Parliamentary security breach incident, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi says, "Opposition MPs have been suspended because we want action on this incident of security breach. Is it not the responsibility of the Union Home Minister to come and answer on this? We want action against BJP MP Pratap Simha..."

5:15 PM

It shows that the BJP has no concern for Parliament: CPI MP Binoy Viswam says

On suspension of 15 MPs from the Parliament, CPI MP Binoy Viswam says, "...It shows that the BJP has no concern for Parliament, no regard for democracy. We are not surprised to see this because they follow the footsteps of Hitler who burned the parliament building in Germany in the 1930s that is the ideology they follow..."

4:59 PM

Putin saya a total of 617,000 Russian troops are currently fighting in Ukrain

President Vladimir Putin said Thursday that a total of 617,000 Russian troops are currently fighting in Ukraine. Some 244,000 of them are soldiers who were called up to fight alongside professional Russian military troops, according to the president. Putin revealed those rare details about the military operation during his year-end press conference. He dismissed the need for another wave of mobilisation after drafting some 300,000 men last year in a move that proved widely unpopular.

4:55 PM

Opposition MPs address the media over the suspension of 15 MPs from the House

Opposition MPs address the media over the suspension of 15 MPs from the House.  RJD MP Manoj Jha says, "...When such an act takes place in the House, it is not just a Parliamentary matter - it is related to security. A government which can't keep its Parliament secure, can't keep the country safe. Mark my words...We would tell you - the country is not safe in your hands. You are not coming before us even after 24 hours...We will continue to raise this issue in the House and force the Home Minister to come."

MP Danish Ali says, "...This included one such MP who was not even present in the House. He too was suspended. God knows how is this country running..."

3:01 PM

HC allowed our application where we had demanded survey of Shahi Idgah Masjid : Hindu side advocate

2:53 PM

Suspended MP Derek O'Brien continues to be present in RS despite Chairman's direction to leave

Suspended TMC MP Derek O'Brien continues to be present in the Rajya Sabha despite Chairman's direction to leave the House. "It is most unfortunate that suspended member Derek O'Brien continues to be present in the House. His conduct has handicapped the House from transacting business". House adjourned till 3pm.

2:47 PM

Deliberations on for framing laws on seizure of electronics: Centre to SC

Several rounds of talks have been held in order to formulate guidelines for seizure of electronic devices like mobile phones and laptops of individuals, especially those from the media, in the course of criminal investigations, the Centre told the Supreme Court on Thursday. It said until the time the new guidelines are put in place, central probe agencies will follow the CBI manual for search and seizure of such equipment.

The apex court had on November 7 asked the Centre to put in place guidelines on seizure of electronic devices of individuals, particularly media professionals, saying impounding equipment without following a regulation was a serious matter.

2:32 PM

Five Congress MPs suspended from LS for rest of session for 'unruly conduct'

2:29 PM

Rajya Sabha proceedings adjourned till 2:30 pm during post-lunch session

Rajya Sabha proceedings were adjourned till 2:30 pm on Thursday in the post-lunch session amid Opposition demand for a discussion on the Parliament security breach and protests over the suspension of TMC member Derek O'Brien.

When the Upper House, which witnessed two adjournments earlier in the day, reassembled for the post-lunch session, Opposition members started sloganeering and demanded Union Home Minister Amit Shah to come to the House and give a statement on Wednesday's security breach in the Lok Sabha. Without naming O'Brien, Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar said his continued presence in the House despite the suspension was in disregard of the rules and asked him to leave.

2:15 PM

Oppn slams Centre over suspension of TMC's Derek O'Brien in Rajya Sabha

Opposition MPs on Thursday slammed the Centre over suspension of Trinamool Congress MP Derek O'Brien from the Rajya Sabha and taking no action against the BJP MP who authorised the entry in Parliament of the two men who caused the security breach.

 

O'Brien was on Thursday suspended from the Rajya Sabha by Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar for the remainder of the Winter session for "unruly behaviour" and "misconduct." Leader of the House Piyush Goyal moved a motion in this regard, which was passed by the House.

1:50 PM

Decision on old pension scheme before budget session, says Ajit Pawar

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Thursday said CM Eknath Shinde has assured government employees demanding restoration of the old pension scheme (OPS) that a decision on it will be taken before the upcoming budget session.The state legislature's budget session is generally held in February-March every year.

Speaking to reporters in the Vidhan Bhavan premises in Nagpur, where the winter session of the state legislature is currently underway, Pawar informed about discussions held with the representatives of government employees demanding the OPS.

1:46 PM

Fire breaks out on second floor of Vizag hospital

A fire broke out on the second floor of Indus Hospital in Visakhapatnam. Fire tenders were at the spot and all patients had been evacuated at the time of filing this report.

The preliminary investigation suggests that the fire may have broken out at the operation theatre.

1:41 PM

West Bengal's Malda, known for its mangoes, grows oranges in a first

A farmer in West Bengal's Malda district, which is known for its mangoes, has set a record this year by growing oranges. Dipak Rajbanshi has grown around 1.5 quintal of orange in his garden.

He claimed that the oranges that he grew were tastier than the ones grown in Maharashtra's Nagpur.

1:27 PM

Parl security breach: BJP blames Cong, Oppn seeks action against Simha

Congress workers staged a protest against BJP MP Pratap Simha in Bengaluru on Thursday and demanded his arrest and immediate disqualification. Simha faces opposition scrutiny over allegations of providing Parliament passes to individuals responsible for triggering panic in the Lok Sabha with smoke canisters.

 

A protesting Congress worker said, "We demand his arrest and immediate disqualification. We have seen he is linked with the intruders and he provided them with the pass. We are sure that the intrusion happened to target Rahul Gandhi. BJP government has failed to give protection to Parliament. Pratap Sinha should explain whether he is linked to them."

12:52 PM

Congress workers stage protest against BJP MP Simha over security breach incident

12:31 PM

Kerala CM condemns Parliament security breach

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday condemned the security breach at the Parliament on December 13, saying such an incident should never have happened and called for action into the matter.

Vijayan, at a press briefing here, said all major political parties have pointed out at the alleged security failure in connection with the incident. He said the Centre should consider the matter seriously and take action accordingly.

11:50 AM

Parl security breach accused last traced in Rajasthan's Neemrana: Police

The accused in the Parliament security breach case, Lalit Jha who is currently absconding was last traced in Rajasthan's Nimrana, police sources said on Thursday. So far, four people have been arrested in the case. Police informed that two people, one identified as Vicky and his wife are being interrogated. "So far no connection with any outfit has been established," sources said.

11:24 AM

LS adjourned till 2pm amid sloganeering by Oppn over security breach incident

11:19 AM

Lok Sabha secretariat suspends 8 personnel for Parliament security breach

The Lok Sabha Secretariat has suspended eight personnel for the security breach in Parliament, sources said on Thursday. Those suspended have been identified as Rampal, Arvind, Vir Das, Ganesh, Anil, Pradeep, Vimitt and Narendra. In a major security breach on the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament terror attack on Wednesday, two persons -- Sagar Sharma and Manoranjan D -- jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber from the public gallery during Zero Hour, released yellow gas from canisters and shouted slogans before being overpowered by the MPs.

10:16 AM

MP Mather files plea in RS to discuss Parliament security breach incident

10:12 AM

More than 10,000 Jan Aushadhi Centers opened in country: Mandaviya

9:57 AM

1,217 tourists evacuated in night from Gangtok

A total of 1,217 tourists were evacuated in the night to 17 Mile. The Civil administration officials are moving from Gangtok to 17 Mile to coordinate their return to Gangtok: Indian Army

9:56 AM

BJP forms five-member committee to expose 'failures' of Jharkhand govt

Jharkhand BJP president Babulal Marandi has set up a five-member committee to list the "failures" of the Hemant Soren government, a party official said on Thursday. The JMM, Congress and RJD coalition government will complete four years in power on December 28.

 

Former IPS officer Arun Oraon will be the convener of the committee, while Shiv Pujan Pathak, Yogendra Pratap Singh, Ravinath Kishor and Sunita Singh will be the members, according to a party press statement. "The Hemant Soren government will complete four years in power on December 28. Like every year, the BJP will come up with a list to expose the government's failures, lies and corruption," it said.

9:45 AM

Shah to move Govt of UTs (Amendment) Bill, 2023, J-K Reorganization (Second Amendment) Bill in Rajya Sabha

As the Parliament is set to convene for Day 11 of the ongoing Winter Session on Thursday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah will move the Government of Union Territories (Amendment) Bill, 2023 in Rajya Sabha for its consideration and passage. The Government of Union Territories (Amendment) Bill, 2023 seeks to reserve 33 per cent of seats in the Puducherry Assembly for women. The legislation has already been passed in Lok Sabha on Tuesday.

According to the agenda released, the Home Minister will also move the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Second Amendment) Bill, 2023 which seeks to reserve 33 per cent of seats in the Jammu and Kashmir assembly for women. The legislation has already been passed in Lok Sabha on Tuesday.

9:36 AM

UN Security Council caught in 'concerning state of paralysis': UNGA President Francis

The UN Security Council is caught in a "concerning state of paralysis" and aims to serve the predominance of Global North countries, UNGA President Dennis Francis has said, underlining the need for representation and equitable participation of developing nations in decision-making in a reformed Council.

Underlining that reform is our collective task and responsibility, Francis said that as the President of the 78th session of the General Assembly, he believes that we need a Council that is more balanced, representative, responsive, democratic and transparent.

9:14 AM

Oppn welcome HC ruling on Pune LS seat bypoll, BJP says avoid politics

Opposition parties in Maharashtra have welcomed the Bombay High Court order asking the Election Commission of India (ECI) to immediately hold the bypoll for Pune Lok Sabha seat, stressing people from the constituency cannot be left unrepresented for a long time. However, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and former Pune mayor Murlidhar Mohol said the HC's ruling must be respected and should not be seen through political prism.

9:03 AM

Delhi's AQI continues to remain in 'very poor' category

The overall air quality in the national capital continued to hover in the 'very poor' category on Thursday, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

As per the CPCB, the AQI at IGI Airport (T3) was recorded in the 'very poor' category at 334 on Thursday morning. The AQI in the New Moti Bagh area was recorded in the 'very poor' category at 343 at 7 a.m. The air quality in Punjabi Bagh was recorded in the 'very poor' category at 405 at 7 a.m. on Thursday.

8:58 AM

Mumbai Crime Branch recovers drugs worth Rs 30 lakh, two held

The Anti Narcotics Cell (ANC) of the Mumbai Crime Branch arrested two drug peddlers from the Ghatkopar area and recovered MD drugs worth Rs 30 lakh on Wednesday. The drugs were seized by the Worli unit of ANC. "Mumbai Crime Branch arrested two drug peddlers and recovered drugs worth Rs 30 lakhs from Ghatkopar area. The police registered a case against both of them under the NDPS Act and presented them in court, where the court sent them to police custody till December 14. Further investigation underway," Mumbai Crime Branch police said.