Srinagar (JandK), Jan 01 (ANI): As the situation is returning towards normalcy across Kashmir, SMS services have been restored in the Kashmir Valley from midnight on December 31. All mobile networks and landline connections were suspended across Jammu and Kashmir on August 05, 2019 in the view of security concerns in the region following Centre's decision of abrogation of Article 370 that granted special status to the state. On October 14, postpaid mobile services were also restored. The Central government had abrogated Article 370 and also bifurcated the former State into Union Territories (UTs) of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. The new Union Territories came into being on October 31.
Amaravati (Andhra Pradesh), Jan 01 (ANI): Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief Nara Chandrababu Naidu with wife Bhuvaneswari stood in support of Amaravati region farmers on January 01. Other TDP leaders also came in to support the farmers. Amaravati region farmers are protesting against the three capitals proposal by state government.
Mathura (Uttar Pradesh), Jan 01 (ANI): Three people were found dead in a car on Mathura highway on January 01. A pistol was also found in the car. Police investigation is underway. Police said, "A man's dead body was found in the front seat with a pistol. From the back seat, dead body of a woman and child has been recovered. Another child was injured who has been sent to the hospital. A suicide note was also retrieved from the spot."
Bengaluru, Jan 01 (ANI): In an interaction with mediapersons, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chief K Sivan said that ISRO made good progress on Chandrayaan-2. K Sivan said, "We have made good progress on Chandrayaan-2, even though we could not land successfully, the orbiter is still functioning, and it's going to function for the next 7 years to produce science data. A lot of people are working on the 'Science Meet' for Chandrayaan data. In my view, we have completed and achieved what we promised in 2019."
Bardhaman (West Bengal), Jan 01 (ANI): An over-speeding truck entered a house in WB's Bardhaman leading to death of five people, including a woman and two children, of a family. Furious locals set fire to the truck and other vehicles and also beat the truck driver. Police reached to the spot and further investigation is underway.
Bengaluru, Jan 01 (ANI): In an interaction with mediapersons, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chief K Sivan said that government has approved Chandrayaan-3. K Sivan said, "Government has approved Chandrayaan-3, the project is ongoing. Chandrayaan-3's configuration will be almost similar to Chandrayaan-2. The work is going very smoothly on Chandrayaan-3. This year is going to be year of Chandrayaan -3 and Gaganyaan."
New Delhi, Jan 01 (ANI): Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) chief G Satheesh Reddy paid tribute at National War Memorial on January 01, 2020. Today is 62nd DRDO Day. DRDO was established in 1958 with the objective of enhancing the research work in defence sector.
Joshimath/ Auli (Uttarakhand), Jan 01 (ANI): On the first morning of Year 2020, Indo-Tibetan Border Police Force (ITBP) personnel walked on a snow ridge and were seen performing their tasks. The visuals are from ITBP's Mountaineering and Skiing Institute in Auli. ITBP personnel were also seen patrolling in an all terrain vehicle in the high mountains. The region has experienced heavy snow fall in December.
Katra (Jammu and Kashmir), Jan 01 (ANI): On the first day of New Year, devotees across the country reached at Vaishno Devi Temple in Jammu and Kashmir's Katra district. One of the devotee said, "I am happy to see that people still believe in their culture and celebrating New Year with 'Devi's' blessings." Thousands of devotees offered prayer at the temple. As they want to start their new decade with the blessings of goddess. Vaishno Devi Temple is considered to be one of the holiest pilgrimages.
New Delhi, Jan 01 (ANI): Information and Broadcasting Minister, Prakash Javadekar hit out at Congress and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for spreading misinformation on Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). "In a peaceful city like Delhi, the atmosphere that was created by spreading misinformation on Citizenship Amendment Act, and the damage that was done to property, Congress and AAP are responsible for it. They must apologise to the people," said Union Minister Prakash Javadekar in a press conference.
Nowshera (JandK), Jan 01 (ANI): Two Indian Army soldiers have lost their lives during an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Nowshera sector on January 01. The encounter took place during cordon and search operation in the sector. However, the search operation is still in progress.
New Delhi / Mumbai, Jan 01 (ANI): Indian Railways announced a hike in ticket price across its network and changes in ticket price can be seen from Jan 01. Indian Railways took the step to provide better services and amenities to its passengers. The Railway Ministry issued an order in which it said that while suburban fares remain unchanged, ordinary non-AC, non-suburban fares hiked by 1 paisa per km of journey. The last fare revision by Railways Ministry over Indian Railways was done in 2014-15. Speaking on the fare hike, one of the commuters said, "It is alright. If government wants to improve something in railways, such steps have to be taken. We also should cooperate with them. I am in support of it." While, the other commuter is not happy with the price hike and said, "Prices should not have been revised. It leads to trouble for public. If you increase the money again and again, how far will the man bear it." Other commuter concerned facilities provided by Indian Railways and said,
Koregaon Bhima (Pune), Jan 01 (ANI): Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Ajit Pawar paid tribute to 'Jay Stambh' (victory pillar) on 202nd anniversary of Bhima Koregaon Battle in Pune on January 01. Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi president Prakash Ambedkar also reached Koregaon Bhima village. He said that security system is better this time. Violence broke out during the bicentenary celebrations of the Bhima Koregaon battle on January 1, 2018 in which one person was killed and several others were injured. In 1818, Bhima Koregaon Battle was fought between the British East India Company and the Peshwa faction of the Maratha Confederacy. Lakhs of people congregate every year to offer tributes.
Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh), Jan 01 (ANI): Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) president Mayawati greeted a happy New Year to the whole country and wished that 2020 to be not painful like 2019. She said, "I wish a very happy new year to the whole country. I wish this year to be not painful like 2019." Mayawati further said, "Some parties who are playing politics for their personal gains should not forget that India is a secular country and we should respect all religions. Peace and harmony should be maintained in the country."
Chennai, Jan 01 (ANI): Parts of Chennai received heavy rain on January 01. Chennai's Koyambedu area received heavy downpour. Heavy rainfall led to water-logging in few parts of the city. Vehicular movement also affected due to heavy downpour.
New Delhi, Jan 01 (ANI): Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat paid tribute at National War Memorial on Jan 01. Addressing the media after paying tribute, General Rawat said, "All the three services will work as a team. As per the task given to the Chief of Defence Staff we have to enhance integration." Speaking on the allegations that he is politically inclined, General Rawat said, "We stay far away from politics, very far. We have to work according to the directions of the Government in power."
New Delhi, Jan 01 (ANI): Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat paid tribute at National War Memorial on New Year. He was appointed as the first Chief of Defence Staff of the country on Dec 30 and will took charge as Chief of Defence Staff on Jan 01. He will now head department of military affairs.
New Delhi, Jan 01 (ANI): The cold wave in Northern India continued to impact train schedules. 29 trains were running late due to low visibility in the Northern Railway region on the first day of the year. Several other trains were cancelled as well. On the other hand, all the flight operations were normal as announced by Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL). National capital recorded minimum temperature at 4.8 degree C on the New Year eve.
Mumbai, Jan 01 (ANI): Mumbaikar reached Gateway of India to witness first sunrise of the year 2020. The view of crimson sunrise was a sight to behold. Several locals were seen capturing the dawn in their phones. Many others chose a temple visit to start their New Year with devotion.
Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh)/ Mumbai/ Bengaluru, Jan 01 (ANI): On the occasion of new year, prayers were held at different temples across India. Priests performed 'Ganga aarti' in Varanasi on the first morning of the year 2020, was a beautiful sight. Devotees thronged Shree Siddhivinayak Ganapati Temple to offer prayers on New Year. Devotees also offered special prayers at Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple in Bengaluru.