Mumbai, Jan 17 (ANI): While speaking to ANI in Mumbai on January 17, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Nawab Malik spoke about giving grant to Parel hospital. He said, "Devendra Fadnavis led BJP government did not give any decision regarding grant of a children's hospital (Wadia Hospital) in Parel area of Mumbai. They were giving excuses about lack of funds and delayed this whole matter." "Yesterday (January 16) Bombay High Court asked questions on this matter. So, we would like to tell people that before three days a meeting was conducted, in which Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has decided to give grant to the hospital," he added.
Gadchiroli (Maharashtra), Jan 17 (ANI): Police conducted door step delivery of important documents in Maharashtra's Gadchiroli district on January 17. They delivered documents which is important to avail government benefits. The move is a part of an outreach initiative called 'Project Pragati'. Around 3000 people are expected to get benefits with the initiative. Police are also organizing 'Jan Jagaran Melawa' (mass awareness campaign rallies) to distribute documents. While speaking to ANI, SP of Gadchiroli Shailesh Balkawade said, "We have started a new initiative called 'Project Pragati' for identification of tribals under which caste certificates, driving licenses and other documents used for identification are being issued." "This will help tribals to exercise rights made for them," he added.
New Delhi, Jan 17 (ANI): Russian Ambassador to India, Nikolay Kudashev on Russia's position on the closed-door meeting on Kashmir, called by China, in UNSC asserted that the country has never been in favour of bringing the issue into UN agenda. He called the issue as a bilateral matter for India and Pakistan to discuss on. "As far as the discussions within UNSC are concerned, we have never been in favour of bringing this issue into the United Nations agenda. This is strictly a bilateral matter for India and Pakistan to discuss on the basis of Shimla Agreement and Lahore Declaration," said Russian Ambassador to India.
Ahmedabad (Gujarat), Jan 17 (ANI): Railways Minister Piyush Goyal arrived in Gujarat on January 17 and visited the 'Statue of Unity' at Sardar Sarovar Dam in Kevadia. He will flag off the inaugural run of Ahmedabad-Mumbai Tejas Express shortly in Ahmedabad. The commercial run of the Tejas Express will begin on January 19.
New Delhi, Jan 17 (ANI): While speaking to ANI in the national capital on January 17, Nirbhaya's mother Asha Devi said, "We are facing atrocities in court and almost everywhere but government can't see our problem." "Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) are playing with death of my daughter for their political gains," she added. "I can see some conspiracy and their death sentence have been delayed intentionally," Nirbhaya's Mother further stated.
Kullu (HP)/ Shimla (HP), Jan 17 (ANI): Thick layer of snow covered parts of Himachal Pradesh on January 17 after heavy snowfall. Landscape turned white in Kullu and Shimla. Traffic has also been affected partially.
Ahmedabad (Gujarat), Jan 17 (ANI): Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani flagged off the inaugural run of Ahmedabad-Mumbai Tejas Express in Ahmedabad. The commercial run of the Tejas Express will begin on January 19. Newly-inaugurated train is equipped state-of-the-art facilities.
Rohtak (Haryana), Jan 17 (ANI): Unseasonal rains and hailstorm have wreaked havoc in Haryana by not only affecting daily lives but also destroying crops of farmers. The incessant rain in winters has caused severe damage to various crops. Farmers suffering damages have no sign of relief as weather remains cloudy. Continuous rainfall also makes crops more vulnerable to pest attacks.
New Delhi, Jan 17 (ANI): The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell Fontelles met External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar in the national capital on January 17. Josep Borrell Fontelles is also the Vice-President of European Commission. He gave speech at Raisina Dialogue 2020 on January 16. Several Foreign Ministers and dignitaries have arrived in India to attend global conference.
Mathura (Uttar Pradesh), Jan 17 (ANI): An Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL) junior engineer was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Mathura on January 16. The deceased has been identified as a resident of Agra, Pradeep Kumar. The body has been sent for the post-mortem. Soon after receiving the information of murder, Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) of Mathura Shalabh Mathur reached the spot to investigate the matter. While speaking to ANI, Shalabh Mathur said, "An acquaintance of Pradeep Kumar is involved in his murder. However, we will clear things once we get a post-mortem report. The probe is underway."
New Delhi, Jan 16 (ANI): Layer of fog continued to engulf the national capital on January 17. Republic Day parade practice continued despite rainy winters in Delhi. Minimum temperature will hover around 8 degrees Celsius this week, predicted India Meteorological Department. Major pollutants PM 2.5 at 206 and PM 10 at 201 were both in 'Poor' category in Lodhi Road area, according to the Air Quality Index (AQI) data.
Madurai (Tamil Nadu), Jan 16 (ANI): People gathered in Tamil Nadu's Madurai to participate in the traditional bull-taming sport 'Jallikattu' on January 17. Spectators were noticed cheering for the bull tamers in Alanganallur village. More than 700 bulls are participating in the competition. The Supreme Court (SC) in 2014 had banned 'Jallikattu' after a plea was filed by the Animal Welfare Board of India and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) but the state government insisted Jallikattu was a crucial part of its culture and identity. The ban was later lifted in January 2017 with an amendment due to massive protests along the Marina beach in Chennai.
Tonk (Rajasthan), Jan 17 (ANI): Neeta Sodha, an immigrant from Pakistan who was recently given Indian citizenship is contesting panchayat elections in Natwara. Speaking to media, she said, "I came to India 18 yrs back but I was given nationality just 4 months ago. My father-in-law guides me in my political journey."
New Delhi, Jan 17 (ANI): Speaking to ANI, Foreign Minister of Maldives, Abdulla Shahid backed India on Citizenship (Amendment) Act and the abrogation of article 370. He asserted that no country should intervene in decisions taken by the elected representatives of a nation. "It is essential that democracy functions, in India we see a very vibrant democracy. It is not for other countries in the region or otherwise to intervene when the processes are taken. India has the right to decide on its laws," said Maldives Foreign Minister.
Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh), Jan 17 (ANI): A pair of lions was brought to Van Vihar National Park in Madhya Pradesh's Bhopal on January 16. Lions were brought out from Kanan Pendari Zoological Park in Chhattisgarh's Bilaspur.
Shivamogga (Karnataka), Jan 17 (ANI): Environmentalists are in panic as many trees are being chopped down to 'develop' the Karnataka's Shivamogga district into 'smart city'. One of the environmentalists said that the city is already observing high temperature, if we cut the trees the conditions will became worse. However, Deputy Conservator of Forest of Shivamogga said that they will remove only those trees which are needed to be removed. "Shivamogga has been included in smart city list and works regarding it are going on. We have given permission to remove some trees for developmental works. We will see that, we remove only those trees which are needed to be removed," said forest official.
New Delhi, Jan 17 (ANI): What if your contact lens showed you more than just a sharper reality? Mojo Vision, a startup has built a new type of contact lens that is powered with augmented reality (AR) technology. According to Mashable, the AR contact lens is positioned as an invisible computer where the information appears seamlessly around the wearer instead on the smartphone screens. The Mojo Vision's prototype lenses come with built-in displays that project information directly into the eyes. The information could be simpler notifications or complex details which give context to real-world scenarios.
Noida (UP), Jan 17 (ANI): A man was allegedly thrashed by security guards in Uttar Pradesh's Noida. The incident took place when the victim was going to his office for the night shift on January 16 at around 12:30 am. A man accompanying the victim was also beaten up. A case has been registered and investigation is underway.
New Delhi, Jan 17 (ANI): Bhim Army chief Chandrashekhar Azad was released from Tihar Jail on January 16. A Delhi Court had granted him bail on January 15, ordering him to not hold any protest in Delhi till February 16. After being released from Tihar Jail, Chandrashekhar Azad said, "Humara andolan samvidhanik roop se jaari rahega jab tak yeh kanoon wapas nahi liya jata. Jo log mulk ko bantna chahte hain hum unke khilaaf hain". He further added, "Tomorrow I will visit Jama Masjid at 1 pm. Later, I will also visit Ravidas Temple, a gurudwara and a church".
Bhubaneswar (Odisha), Jan 17 (ANI): The three-day annual Mukteswar Dance Festival 2020 concluded in Odisha's Bhubaneswar. The festival to celebrate Odissi dance form started with Shiva Vandana. The classical dancers paid tribute to God Shiva. Audience was mesmerized after watching the performances. The event took place in the premises of the Mukteswar Temple in Bhubaneswar. It was organised by the Department of Tourism, Government of Odisha.