News updates: Mob tries to storm CM N Biren Singh's home as Manipur protests escalate

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11:05 PM

Mob tries to storm CM N Biren Singh's home as Manipur protests escalate

Protesting against the death of six hostages, a mob tried to barge into the personal residence of Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Saturday evening, setting off another big escalation between security forces and the protesters.

9:12 PM

NHRC notice to UP govt, DGP over death of newborns in Jhansi hospital fire

The NHRC on Saturday said it has issued a notice to the Uttar Pradesh government and the state's police chief in connection with a fire at the children's ward of a medical college in Jhansi that claimed the lives of 10 newborns.

Describing reports of the incident as "disturbing", the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has sought a detailed report within a week.

The commission observed that the contents of the reports are "indeed disturbing and indicate negligence" resulting in a "grave violation" of the human rights of the victims as they were in the care of a government institution.

In a statement, the NHRC said it has taken suo motu cognisance of a media report that at least 10 newborns died in the fire that broke out in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of the Maharani Laxmibai Medical College on Friday night.

9:01 PM

Delhi records lowest temperature of season so far at 15.3 deg C

Delhi on Saturday registered a minimum temperature of 15.3 degrees Celsius, the lowest so far this season, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.

With night-time temperatures dropping, fog continued to envelop the capital, accompanied by cold winds in the morning and evening.

The maximum temperature was recorded at 29.6 degrees Celsius, 1.1 notches above normal. The city experienced its second-lowest temperature of the season on Friday, with the minimum recorded at 15.6 degrees Celsius, according to the weather department.

Meanwhile, visibility at Safdarjung dropped to 300 metres at 8:30 am, with humidity levels fluctuating between 94 per cent and 79 per cent throughout the day.

8:15 PM

BJP-ruled states sending diesel buses to Delhi to aggravate pollution problem: Rai

Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Saturday accused BJP-ruled neighbouring states like Haryana and Uttar Pradesh of aggravating Delhi's pollution problem by sending BS IV diesel buses to the city despite a ban.
 

The Delhi government has imposed a ban on BS III petrol and BS IV diesel vehicles under the Graded Response Action Plan (Grap) III.
 

During an inspection of buses at the Kashmiri Gate inter-state bus terminal (ISBT), Rai flagged the arrival of diesel buses from Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttarakhand, noting that these buses continue to violate the Grap III guidelines aimed at reducing pollution.

8:13 PM

Mizoram govt urges residents to exercise caution following recent violence in Manipur

The Mizoram government on Saturday urged residents to exercise "extreme caution" to avoid communal violence in the state, following recent incidents in neighbouring Manipur.

 

Over the past week, over 10 people have been killed in Manipur's Jiribam district, which shares a border with Mizoram.

 

A statement by the Mizoram Home Department called on residents to avoid actions that could provoke communal incidents within the state.

 

It reassured that the state government would continue to take measures to ensure the safety and security of all outsiders, particularly those from Manipur.

 

The statement also highlighted that the government would take steps to safeguard Mizos living outside Mizoram, especially students and migrant workers in Manipur.

 

The state government expressed sadness over the recent violence in Manipur and extended condolences to the families of the deceased and those injured in the violence.

7:58 PM

Seven feared dead in deadly attack on security check post in Pakistan

6:57 PM

Army chief General Dwivedi to visit Nepal next week to boost military ties

Army chief General Upendra Dwivedi will embark on a four-day visit to Nepal starting November 20 to explore ways to further expand the already close defence and strategic ties between the two countries and review the evolving regional security situation.
 

In Kathmandu, Gen. Dwivedi will be conferred the honorary rank of "General of the Nepal Army" by Nepalese President Ramchandra Paudel in continuation of an age-old tradition that first started in 1950, reflecting the strong ties between the two militaries.

6:55 PM

"Will expose BJP on Waqf issue," says Karntaka Deputy CM Shivakumar

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Saturday said his party would expose the BJP on the Waqf issue as changes in revenue records favouring the Waqf Board were effected only during the Saffron party's regime.
 

While the BJP is all set to mount pressure on the Congress government by holding a mega protest and a month long march on the Waqf issue, Shivakumar claimed that during its tenure, the BJP regime started changing the revenue records of rights, tenancy and crops in favour of the Waqf Board and many properties also were transferred in the name of that board.

6:43 PM

Delhi Mayor conducts first inspection to tackle garbage accumulation

Delhi's newly elected Mayor Mahesh Khinchi and Deputy Mayor Ravinder Bhardwaj conducted their first inspection on Saturday, after taking charge, to address the growing problem of garbage accumulation in the city.

 

They visited the Vasant Vihar ward accompanied by officials to assess cleanliness efforts and identify areas of concern.

 

Addressing the issue during the inspection, Mayor Khinchi said, "This is our first official visit after assuming the office. We are here to inspect areas with significant garbage build-up, evaluate the current arrangements, and identify problems. Resolving these issues is our top priority, and we are committed to taking swift and effective action."

 

Deputy Mayor Bhardwaj added, "Since the Mayoral elections were held just a few days ago, today marks our first inspection. We are focusing on cleanliness in line with former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's vision for a cleaner Delhi. To achieve this, we are working directly with local MLAs, councillors, and MCD officials. We are also engaging with residents to assess where improvements are needed."

6:43 PM

Punjab man arrested in Baba Siddique murder case

A Fazilka-based person was held by Punjab Police in a joint operation with the Maharashtra Police in connection with the murder of NCP leader and former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddique, a top police officer said on Saturday.

 

Punjab Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav said the accused has been identified as Akash Gill, a native of Pakka Chishti of Fazilka district in Punjab.

 

"Preliminary investigation reveals the arrested accused is an associate of Lawrence Bishnoi Gang and was providing logistical assistance to the shooters involved in the murder of Baba Siddiqui," Yadav said in a post on X.

5:48 PM

"Devastated...": West Bengal CM Mamata demands immediate action in Jhansi hospital fire

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday condemned the blaze at Jhansi Medical College that claimed the lives of 10 newborns and called for immediate action to prevent such horrific incidents in the future.

 

"I am devastated by the tragic incident at Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College in Jhansi, where ten newborns lost their lives in a fire in the NICU. We stand in solidarity with the affected families and demand accountability and immediate action to prevent such horrific accidents in the future," Mamata Banerjee posted on X.

 

The tragedy occurred when a fire, suspected to have been caused by a short circuit in an oxygen concentrator, spread rapidly in the highly oxygenated environment of the NICU, claiming the lives of 10 newborns.

 

Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi also expressed his sorrow over the incident and called for strict action against those responsible.

5:46 PM

UP Bypolls 2024: CM Yogi Adityanath holds roadshow in Ghaziabad

5:46 PM

Haryana govt orders temporary closure of schools up to class 5 amid rising pollution

5:30 PM

Authorities reimpose curfew in Imphal West District

Authorities in Imphal West District have re-imposed a curfew starting at 4

 

Earlier, the authorities had relaxed the curfew from 5:00 am to 8:00 pm on November 16, as per an order dated November 15. However, this relaxation order now stands cancelled with immediate effect.

 

Individuals involved in essential services, including healthcare, will be exempt from the curfew.

 

An order issued by Th Kirankumar, District Magistrate, Imphal West District, on Saturday stated: "Now, due to the developing law and order situation in the district, the above-mentioned curfew relaxation order stands cancelled with immediate effect, i.e., from 4:30 pm on November 16, 2024. Total curfew is imposed with effect from 4:30 pm on November 16, 2024, until further orders."

 

"All persons involved in essential services such as health, electricity, CAF & PD, PHED, petrol pumps, municipality, press and electronic media, functioning of courts, and to-and-fro movement of flight passengers to the airport, as well as contractors/workers with valid Airport Entry Permit (AEP) cards, shall be exempted from the curfew," the order further stated.

5:11 PM

BJP purchases govts in states where it fails to get elected: Mallikarjun Kharge in Ranchi

5:01 PM

Philippines urges residents to flee as super typhoon Man-Yi strengthens on approach

Philippine authorities issued an urgent appeal on Saturday for residents in low-lying areas and coastal towns to move to safety as super typhoon Man-Yi gained strength on its approach towards the country's main Luzon island.
 

Man-Yi, the sixth tropical cyclone to hit the Philippines in a month, intensified with maximum sustained winds reaching 195 kph (121 mph) and gusts up to 240 kph, according to state weather agency PAGASA.
 

This prompted it to raise its storm alert to its highest level for the provinces of Catanduanes and Camarines Sur in the central Bicol region.

4:55 PM

Poll body notices to Congress and BJP

Election Commission seeks reply from Mallikarjun Kharge, JP Nadda on Rahul Gandhi and Amit Shah's speeches.

4:43 PM

PM Modi emplanes for five-day visit to three nations

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday departed for his five-day visit to Nigeria, Brazil and Guyana, a statement by the Ministry of External Affairs said.

 

Spokesperson of the MEA, Randhir Jaiswal, called it an 'action-packed' visit.

 

In a post on X, he said, "An action packed visit begins! PM Narendra Modi emplanes on a 3-nation visit to Nigeria, Brazil and Guyana. On the first leg of his visit, PM will be visiting Nigeria, which is the first visit by an Indian PM to Nigeria in 17 years. In Brazil, PM will be participating in the G20 Leaders' Summit and meet world leaders. From there, PM will be on a State visit to Guyana, first visit by an Indian PM to Guyana in over 50 years."

 

4:12 PM

Andhra CM Chandrababu Naidu's brother passes away

Former TDP MLA and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu's younger brother N Ramamurthy Naidu passed away at a private super-speciality hospital here on Saturday, while undergoing treatment for health complications, the hospital said.

 

He was 72.

 

Ramamurthy Naidu, who was admitted to the hospital on November 14 following a cardiac arrest, breathed his last at 12.45 PM, the hospital said in a bulletin.

3:13 PM

Sukhbir Singh Badal resigns as Shiromani Akali Dal president, says party leader Daljit Cheema

Sukhbir Singh Badal has resigned as the president of the Shiromani Akali Dal, said party leader Daljit Cheema, news agency PTI reported. In a post on X, Cheema said that Badal submitted his resignation to the working Committee of the party on Saturday "to pave the way for the election of new President".

2:47 PM

I see disengagement as disengagement; nothing more: EAM on Ladakh row

The disengagement part of the "problem" with China along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh has been addressed with last month's understanding and the next focus would be on de-escalation, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said. Jaishankar described as a "reasonable supposition" to expect some improvement in the relations between India and China following the last round of disengagement but hesitated to say that there could be a reset of the ties.

2:24 PM

Over 1,400 antiquities valued $10 million to be returned to India from US

At least 1,440 antiquities collectively valued at $10 million will be returned to India, a statement has said. The returned pieces included a sandstone sculpture depicting a Celestial Dancer looted from a temple in Madhya Pradesh, the Tanesar Mother Goddess carved from green-grey schist and looted from the village of Tanesara-Mahadeva in Rajasthan.

2:04 PM

Meghalaya CM, Scindia announce foundation for 'skywalk project' at Mawkdok

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma and Union DoNER Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Friday announced the foundation for the 'skywalk project' at Mawkdok in East Khasi Hills at the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival.

1:50 PM

Five Naxalites killed, 2 security personnel injured during encounter in Bastar region

Five Naxalites were killed and two security personnel injured in an anti-insurgency operation in Chhattisgarh's Bastar region on Saturday, a senior police official said. Personnel belonging to the Border Security Force (BSF), District Reserve Guard (DRG) and Special Task Force (STF) are involved in the operation

1:44 PM

UP govt orders three-tier probe into Jhansi hospital fire; announces ex gratia for kin of deceased

A day after a fire engulfed the children's ward of a medical college in Uttar Pradesh's Jhansi district killing 10 newborns, the state government Saturday announced Rs 5 lakh ex gratia to the parents of each deceased and also ordered a three-tier probe into the incident.

1:22 PM

Ashutosh Gowariker named chairperson of International Jury for IFFI 2024

Filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker has been appointed as the chairperson of the International Jury for the 2024 International Film Festival of India (IFFI). Gowariker, known for films such as Jodhaa Akbar, Lagaan, and Swades, said he is honoured to be associated with the prestigious film festival, which will be held in Goa from November 20 to 28.

1:08 PM

Protest erupts in Imphal valley after three bodies found in Jiribam

Hundreds of people protested in different parts of Imphal valley on Saturday after three bodies suspected to be of six persons missing were found from Jiribam district. The protesters mostly women blocked the main roads in Kwakeithel area in Imphal West district, Sagolband Tera in Imphal West district by burning tyres to prevent vehicular movement, police said.

12:54 PM

For us, Constitution book is country's DNA, while it is blank for RSS and BJP, says Rahul

For us, Constitution book is country's DNA, while it is blank for RSS and BJP, says Rahul Gandhi in Maharashtra's Amravati. 

12:28 PM

PM Modi interacts with BJP workers as part of "Mera Booth Sabse Mazboot" programme

PM Modi asks BJP booth workers to involve professionals like doctors in propagating BJP-led Mahayuti's message among Maharashtra voters. PM Modi also asked BJP workers to hold booth-level meets of women, youth and farmers and to circulate videos of BJP-led govt's schemes.

12:24 PM

Seasoned diplomat Anurag Srivastava appointed as India's next envoy to Mauritius

Seasoned diplomat Anurag Srivastava has been appointed as India's next high commissioner to Mauritius -- an island nation that has emerged as a strategic player in the Indian Ocean region. He will succeed incumbent K Nandini Singla. Srivastava is expected to take up the assignment shortly, the MEA said in a brief statement.