New updates: 98.12% of Rs 2,000 banknotes in circulation on May 19, 2023 has been returned, says RBI

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8:48 PM

3-year-old girl pulled out of borewell after 10-day rescue operation, dies

A three-year-old girl, who fell into a 150-foot-deep borewell in Rajasthan's Kotputli-Behror district, was brought out in an unconscious state on Wednesday after a 10-day rescue operation and rushed to hospital, officials said. However, the girl, Chetna, was declared dead by doctors at the hospital, they said. NDRF team in-charge Yogesh Meena said that when the girl was taken out there was no movement in her body.

7:36 PM

Suspect in New Orleans pickup-ramming attack is dead, reports AFP citing US media.

7:15 PM

Gadkari seeks Mamata's intervention to facilitate land acquisition for 20 NH projects in Bengal

7:09 PM

India's GDP emission intensity reduced by 36% between 2005 and 2020: Report submitted to UNFCCC

6:58 PM

BR Ambedkar's statue vandalised in UP's Ballia, probe on

A statue of BR Ambedkar was defaced by throwing motor oil on it in Chaube Chhapra village, prompting the local police to register a case against against unidentified people, officials said on Wednesday.

 

According to the police, the incident occurred last night when some unidentified person poured motor oil over the statue. The act of vandalism was discovered by villagers who went out for a morning walk on Wednesday and informed the police.

 

Revati SHO Rohan Rakesh Singh said a case has been registered against unidentified individuals under relevant sections of the BNS, based on a complaint filed by a villager, Vikas Kumar.

 

Singh further assured that the police are actively investigating the matter.

 

The police have also ensured that the statue is being cleaned and additional officers have been stationed at the site to maintain law and order.

 

Authorities have emphasised that they are committed to bringing the perpetrators to justice and preserving peace in the village.

6:57 PM

Haryana, Punjab continue to reel under intense cold; Chandigarh records 11.3 deg C

Haryana and Punjab continued to be in the grip of severe cold, with maximum temperatures hovering well below normal limits in the two states.

 

Fog also reduced visibility early in the morning at some places in the two states.

 

Piercing cold prevailed in Chandigarh during the day, with the city recording a maximum temperature of 11.3 degrees Celsius, seven notches below normal, according to the local Met office.

6:57 PM

Govt allows 1 million tn non-basmati rice exports to Indonesia

The Cabinet on Wednesday approved the export of 1 million tonnes of non-basmati rice to Indonesia through National Cooperative Export Ltd (NCEL).

 

The decision was taken during a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Agriculture Minister Shivaraj Singh Chouhan told reporters.

 

The export will be conducted under a memorandum of understanding between NCEL, India's Cooperation Ministry and the Indonesian government, Chouhan said.

6:56 PM

India's GDP emission intensity reduced by 36% between 2005 and 2020: Report submitted to UNFCCC

6:28 PM

New Orleans mayor says New Year's Day mass casualty incident was a 'terrorist attack,' reports AP.

6:27 PM

Two police shot and wounded in New Orleans driving attack: Reports

6:13 PM

98.12% notes of Rs 2000 banknotes in circulation on May 19, 2023 has been returned, says RBI

6:13 PM

1 dead, 15 school students injured after the bus carrying them lost control and overturned in Valakkai, Kannur

A student of Class 5 lost her life in the school bus accident in Valakkai, Kannur. The incident occurred near the Valakkai Bridge when the bus lost control on a slope and flipped over. The bus belonged to Kurumathur Chinmaya School and was transporting students home after school hours.

6:13 PM

Businessman Gautam Adani meets World Chess Champion D Gukesh

Adani tweeted,"It was an absolute privilege to meet and hear the victory story of reigning World Chess Champion D Gukesh. Equally inspiring was meeting his incredible parents, Dr Rajinikanth and Dr Padmavathi, whose quiet sacrifices laid the foundation for his success. At just 18, Gukesh’s poise and brilliance are a testament to India's unstoppable youth. Prodigies like him are inspiring a new generation, building an army of champions ready to dominate global chess for decades. This is the confident, resurgent and rising India. Jai Hind!

5:48 PM

Cong to launch 'Jai Bapu, Jai Bhim, Jai Samvidhan' campaign on Jan 3

The Congress will launch its 'Jai Bapu, Jai Bhim, Jai Samvidhan Abhiyan' in all blocks, districts and states on January 3. The campaign will culminate in a public rally at Mhow on January 26.

5:20 PM

10 people killed, 30 injured after vehicle drove into a crowd on New Orlean's Canal and Bourbon Street: AP

10 people were killed and 30 injured after a vehicle drove into a crowd on New Orlean's Canal and Bourbon Street, reports AP.

5:04 PM

Multiple casualties feared as car rams crowd in New Orleans: Reports

New Orleans police say they are dealing with a mass casualty incident after a car reportedly plowed into people, reports AP.

5:02 PM

Most parts of India likely to record above-normal maximum and minimum temperatures in January: IMD

5:00 PM

PM Modi says govt's first decision in New Year is dedicated to farmers.

PM Modi refers to enhancement of allocation for 'Fasal Bima Yojana', says govt's first decision in New Year is dedicated to farmers. 

4:59 PM

In 2025, Mamata pledges to stand firmly for 'what is just'

Wishing the people on occasion of the new year, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday pledged to stand firmly for "what is just" and help those less fortunate.
 

She also expressed her gratitude for the love received, the challenges faced and the lessons learnt from them in the past year.
 

"As we step into 2025, my heart swells with gratitude for the love we've received, the challenges we've faced together, and the invaluable lessons we've learned along the way," Banerjee said in a post on X.
 

"Let this New Year imbue us with a renewed sense of purpose, the wisdom to let go of negativity, and the determination to work towards collective progress. May we pledge to stand firmly for what is just and extend our hands to uplift those less fortunate. Wishing you and your loved ones a very happy New Year!" she added.

4:58 PM

North India to get below normal rainfall in January to March period: IMD

4:31 PM

2024 warmest year in India since 1901: IMD

The year 2024 was the warmest on record in India since 1901, with the average minimum temperature settling 0.90 degrees Celsius above the long-period average.
 

The annual mean land surface air temperature across India in 2024 was 0.65 degrees Celsius above the long-term average (1991-2020 period), Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, director general of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), said at a virtual press briefing.

3:39 PM

GST collection rises 7.3 per cent to Rs 1.77 trillion in December, according to government data.

3:22 PM

Rs 800 crore fund has been created to foster innovation and technology in the agriculture sector

3:19 PM

Govt to continue PM Fasal Bima Yojana, Restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme till 2025-26: Vaishnaw

Govt to continue Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana and Restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme till 2025-26 with an overall outlay of Rs.69,515.71 crore from 2021-22 to 2025-26.

DAP bag in open market would cost more than Rs 3,000 because of higher transportation cost through Cape of Good Hope; we are offering at Rs 1350 per 50 kg bag.

DAP at Rs 1350 will start getting distributed as per season's requirements. Once season starts, railways, shipping, cooperation and agriculture ministries work together to provide DAP. Distribution is smooth now

We have enough supplies as well as distribution of DAP fertiliser, said the minister.

3:17 PM

Cabinet approves modifications in Central Sector Scheme of Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana

3:13 PM

MSP for kharif crop for marketing season 2024-25 totalling Rs 2.08 trn: Vaishnaw

"Krishi Vikas Yojana + Krishnonnati Yojana worth Rs 1 trn. Also, Rs 6 trn total expenditure related to agriculture and farmers' welfare," said the minister.

3:11 PM

Comprehensive protection for farmers from sowing till after harvesting: Vaishnaw

3:09 PM

90% of insured area under PM Crop Insurance Scheme validated through digital records: Vaishnaw

"Fertiliser subsidy between 2014-2024 was Rs 11.9 trn, more than twice given in previous decade of Rs 5.5. trn," the minister added.

3:08 PM

DAP to continue to be sold at Rs 1,350 per 50 kg bag, govt will bear extra burden

One-time special package of up to Rs 3850 crore for DAP fertiliser

2:58 PM

Navy to commission 2 frontline warships, 1 submarine on Jan 15

The Indian Navy will commission two indigenously constructed frontline warships and a diesel-electric submarine on January 15 that is expected to significantly enhance the force's overall combat prowess.