Chandrayaan-3 LIVE Updates: Vikram lander to detach today; Spacecraft only 163 km away from Moon

11:15 (IST)

Chandrayaan-3 LIVE Updates

Vikram lander to detach today; Spacecraft only 163 km away from Moon

Following a successful manoeuvre on Wednesday, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) attained a nearly circular orbit, putting the spacecraft in a 153x163-kilometer lunar orbit. The Vikram lander will now depart from the propulsion module on its own.

11:05 (IST)

Kerala LIVE Updates

Neo-liberal policies cause for crisis in agriculture sector, says Kerala CM

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan stated on Thursday that the agriculture industry and farming community are facing difficult times and blamed the situation on the country's neoliberal policies.

Despite the obstacles, the state's LDF government is taking a variety of initiatives to enhance the agriculture industry, he added.

On the occasion of the Malayalam New Year Chingam today, which is regarded auspicious by the Kerala people, he stated on his Facebook page that efforts should be made to reach the largest number of people with its advantages.

11:04 (IST)

Rahul Gandhi LIVE Updates

Nehru Ji is known for the work he did and not just his name, says Congress leader Rahul Gandhi

#WATCH | On Nehru Memorial Museum and Library renamed as Prime Minister's Museum and Library, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi says "Nehru Ji is known for the work he did and not just his name"

(Nehru Ji ki pehchaan unke karam hai, unka naam nahi) pic.twitter.com/X2otaLJiPa— ANI (@ANI) August 17, 2023

10:58 (IST)

JNU Admissions LIVE Updates

JNU PG Admissions 2023: First merit list to be released today

The Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) will release the 1st merit list 2023 on 17 August for all candidates who have applied for admission to different postgraduate (PG) programmes in the University.

Once released, candidates applying for the JNU PG Admissions this year can download and check the JNU PG Admission First Merit List 2023 on the official website, http://jnuee.jnu.ac.in/.

All those candidates who will be selected in the JNU PG 2023 1st Merit List on Thursday must note that the pre-enrolment registration process, fee payment and blocking of seats will start on 17 August and end on 21 August 2023.

10:51 (IST)

Manipur LIVE Updates

Landslides block highway in Manipur, at least 500 trucks stranded

Heavy rains produced large landslides in Manipur's Noney district, causing the Imphal-Silchar highway to be closed and stranding at least 500 freight cars, officials said on Thursday.

On Wednesday, landslides occurred on National Highway 37 between Irang and Awangkhul part 2, Khongsang and Awangkhul, and Rangkhui village.

Officials added that work is being done to clean the road and re-start traffic flow.

They stated the landslides were caused by the recent heavy rainfall.

10:42 (IST)

Maharashtra LIVE Updates

Ahead of NCP rally, posters requesting Sharad Pawar to 'bless' Ajit

Ajit Pawar's group has put up posters greeting elder Pawar and begging him to "bless" his politically estranged nephew ahead of NCP Chief Sharad Pawar's rally in Maharashtra's Beed today.

NCP banners with images of both Pawars have been up around Beed only hours before Sharad Pawar's rally in Parli. This comes amid a spat between the NCP faction led by Sharad Pawar and other parties in the state opposition grouping Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), which also includes the Congress and the Shiv Sena (UBT), over a "secret" meeting between the two Pawars on August 12 at businessman Atul Chordiya's residence in Pune.

The MVA leaders want Sharad Pawar to explain what happened in that meeting, and Maharashtra Congress chairman Nana Patole said his party's leaders would discuss it at the INDIA alliance's conference later this month in Mumbai.

10:25 (IST)

Himachal Pradesh LIVE Updates

India has a rich history of traditional medicine through Ayurveda, says WHO chief

WHO head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said at the launch of the WHO Traditional Medicine Global Summit in Gandhinagar, "India has a rich history of traditional medicine through Ayurveda including Yoga which has been shown to be effective in alleviating pain."

#WATCH | Gujarat: At the Inauguration of WHO Traditional Medicine Global Summit in Gandhinagar, WHO (World Health Organisation) DG, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus says, "India has a rich history of traditional medicine through Ayurveda including Yoga which has been shown to be… pic.twitter.com/cSjTMhtyty— ANI (@ANI) August 17, 2023

10:16 (IST)

G20 Health Ministers Meeting LIVE Updates

Union Health Minister meets with WHO chief on sidelines of G20 Health Ministers meeting

Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Health Minister, met with World Health Organisation chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on the sidelines of the G20 Health Ministers' Meeting, which begins today (Thursday) in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.

Tedros, who arrived in India on Wednesday, appreciated the facilities at the Adraj-Gandhinagar Wellness and Health Centre.

10:00 (IST)

Himachal Pradesh LIVE Updates

Death toll in Himachal Pradesh reaches 71; nearly 1,700 others rescued as dam water floods Kangra

According to state principal secretary (revenue) Onkar Sharma on Wednesday, the assault of landslides and flash floods in Himachal Pradesh caused by heavy rains and cloudbursts since Sunday has resulted in the heartbreaking loss of 71 lives. The discharge of water from the Pong dam has swamped wide regions in Kangra district, forcing a large-scale rescue effort that has so far rescued almost 1,700 people. The district government, Army, and IAF are working together to evacuate impacted citizens to safer areas.

On Wednesday, search crews recovered the 13th body amid the wreckage of a major landslip that damaged the iconic Shiv Bawdi temple in Shimla's Summer Hill neighbourhood. On Monday morning, the disaster buried a family of seven, two Himachal Pradesh University professors, and almost two dozen worshippers.

09:49 (IST)

Nuh Violence LIVE Updates

FIR registered against provocative speeches at Palwal 'mahapanchayat'

According to sources, police have filed a FIR against unnamed persons for allegedly delivering inflammatory comments at the August 13 'Sarv Hindu Samaj mahapanchayat' in Haryana's Palwal.

The FIR was filed in response to a complaint filed by Probationer Sub-Inspector (PSI) Sachin, who claimed that some persons made derogatory remarks against members of another group at a meeting in Pondri village, they added.

According to authorities, the FIR was filed on Monday at the Hathin authorities Station under IPC sections 153-A (promoting enmity between different communities) and 505 (statements conducing public mischief), among others.

09:41 (IST)

Rajasthan LIVE Updates

‘Insulting the sacrifice…’: Rajasthan CM Gehlot backs Sachin Pilot amid BJP’s bombing charge against father Rajesh Pilot

Ashok Gehlot, the chief minister of Rajasthan, is not known for getting along well with his former deputy. However, on Wednesday, he spoke out in favour of Sachin Pilot in response to claims made by the BJP that his father, the late Rajesh Pilot, was responsible for the bombs over Mizoram in 1966.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated in his response to the Opposition's motion of no-confidence in the Lok Sabha that the Congress administration, led by then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, utilised air assets to strike Mizoram in 1966.

09:38 (IST)

PM Modi LIVE Updates

PM Modi expresses condolences over the death of former DRDO chief

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed his condolences on the demise of former DRDO Director General Dr. VS Arunachalam.

Dr. V.S. Arunachalam’s passing away leaves a major void in scientific community and the strategic world. He was greatly admired for his knowledge, passion for research and rich contribution towards strengthening India’s security capabilities. Condolences to his family and well…— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 17, 2023

09:33 (IST)

Himachal Pradesh LIVE Updates

Himachal rain death toll climbs to 71; 'mountain-like challenge' before state, says CM Sukhu

On Wednesday, the death toll in rain-soaked Himachal Pradesh increased to 71, with additional bodies being retrieved, while Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu described repairing the devastated infrastructure as a "mountain-like challenge."

“At least 71 people have died in the past three days and 13 are still missing. A total of 57 bodies have been recovered since Sunday night,” Principal Secretary (Revenue) Onkar Chand Sharma said.

Chief Minister Sukhu had stated that around 60 individuals have perished since Sunday night.

Read More

09:24 (IST)

Himachal Pradesh LIVE Updates

Rescue effort underway in Shimla’s Summer Hill

A rescue effort is underway in Shimla's Summer Hill neighbourhood following a huge landslide on August 14th.

NDRF Inspector Naseef Khan says "The rescue and search operation is underway since 4 days. Indian Army, SDRF and Police are engaged in rescue operations here. Out of the 21 people missing, 13 bodies have been recovered so far."

#WATCH | Punjab: On flood-like situation in Gurdaspur area, NDRF Inspector, Sanjay Bisht, says, "I have come here with a team of 24 people for rescue and evacuation...The administration is deputing us where there is a need..." pic.twitter.com/aDA6JeDitI— ANI (@ANI) August 17, 2023

09:19 (IST)

Dehradun LIVE Updates

Landslide in Langha Jakhan village destroys 15 houses

#WATCH | Uttarakhand: Due to landslide in Langha Jakhan village of Vikasnagar tehsil of Dehradun district, 15 houses and 7 cowsheds have been completely destroyed. 50 people from 16 families live in Jakhan village. No loss of life or animal was reported during the incident. All… pic.twitter.com/0thNopDTk4— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) August 17, 2023

09:03 (IST)

Delhi LIVE Updates

Yamuna River continues to overflow

The Yamuna River continued to overflow in Delhi on Tuesday, with a water level of 205.45 metres reported at 7 a.m. The Yamuna River's danger mark is 205.33 metres. Yamuna's water level was 206.56 metres on Monday.

08:31 (IST)

Punjab LIVE Updates

NDRF team of 24 people deployed for rescue and evacuation in Gurdaspur

On a flood-like situation in the Gurdaspur area in Punjab, NDRF Inspector, Sanjay Bisht, said, "I have come here with a team of 24 people for rescue and evacuation...The administration is deputing us where there is a need."

#WATCH | Punjab: On flood-like situation in Gurdaspur area, NDRF Inspector, Sanjay Bisht, says, "I have come here with a team of 24 people for rescue and evacuation...The administration is deputing us where there is a need..." pic.twitter.com/aDA6JeDitI— ANI (@ANI) August 17, 2023

08:29 (IST)

Himachal Pradesh LIVE Updates 

Choppers carried out over 50 sorties in last 48 hours, rescued over 780 people, says IAF

Choppers from the Western Air Command flew over 50 flights in the previous 48 hours, saving over 780 people in Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh, according to Indian Air Force authorities on Wednesday.

Speaking on the ongoing relief and rescue operations in Fatehpur sub-division of Kangra district, Deputy Commissioner, Kangra, Nipun Jindal, told ANI, "A total of 800 trapped civilians were rescued on August 15. Further rescue operations are underway with the help of NDRF, the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force. All necessary arrangements have been made for those rescued so far. Relief camps have also been set up for them."

08:09 (IST)

Traditional Medicine Summit LIVE Updates 

WHO holds first traditional medicine summit

On Thursday, the World Health Organisation will conduct its first summit on traditional medicine, with warnings that therapies based on natural ingredients can only be successful alternative healthcare if scientifically validated.

Traditional medicines are a "first port of call for millions of people worldwide," according to the UN health agency, and the meetings in India aim to "mobilise political commitment and evidence-based action" towards them.

The two-day WHO Traditional Medicine Global Summit is taking place in Gandhinagar, India, with a meeting of G20 health ministers.

08:01 (IST)

Rahul Gandhi LIVE Updates

Rahul Gandhi likely to leave for 2-day visit to Ladakh today

According to party sources, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will travel to Ladakh for a two-day visit beginning Thursday.

According to reports, Rahul Gandhi would visit Ladakh for two days on Thursday and Friday.

Previously, Rahul Gandhi had visited Srinagar and Jammu in Jammu and Kashmir thrice, but he was unable to reach Ladakh.

However, the party source did not divulge any additional intentions.

07:58 (IST)

Odisha LIVE Updates

Union Ministers Nirmala Sitharaman, Dharmendra Pradhan to offer prayers in Odisha

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, accompanied by Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, pays a visit to the Shree Jagannatha Temple in Puri, Odisha, to offer prayers.

#WATCH | Odisha: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman along with Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan visits Shree Jagannatha Temple in Puri, Odisha to offer prayers. pic.twitter.com/upbLVJiyhN— ANI (@ANI) August 17, 2023

07:53 (IST)

AIME LIVE Updates

AIME testimony to India's deep linkages with ASEAN countries, says envoy Shilpak Ambule

The recently concluded maiden ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise (AIME) attested to India and ASEAN countries' deep historic and cultural ties, which are being strengthened through vibrant economic engagements and a growing sense of a "progressive future for all," according to India's High Commissioner to Singapore Shilpak Ambule.

07:47 (IST)

Earthquake LIVE Updates

Earthquake of magnitude 3.6 jolts Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri

An earthquake of a magnitude of 3.6 struck Rajouri in Jammu and Kashmir early Thursday.

The jolt occurred at 3:49 a.m. on Thursday, according to the National Center for Seismology (NCS).

An earthquake of magnitude 3.6 hits Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri at around 3:49 am: National Center for Seismology pic.twitter.com/ziM4aUw092— ANI (@ANI) August 16, 2023

07:22 (IST)

Rahul Gandhi LIVE Updates

Lok Sabha Speaker nominates Rahul Gandhi to Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was appointed to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on defence just days after being reinstated as a Member of Parliament.

Gandhi was a member of the parliamentary panel on defence before being disqualified in March.

Earlier on August 7, the Lok Sabha Secretariat reinstated Rahul Gandhi's membership after the Supreme Court stayed his conviction in the 'Modi' surname remark case on August 4.

The Wayanad MP was reinstated after the Congress leader was dismissed from the Lower House in March 2023.