Breaking news on December 14

Public sector lender Punjab National Bank (PNB) under-reported its non-performing assets by Rs 2,617 crore for the fiscal year 2018-19, as per RBI's risk-assessment report. In a regulatory filing on Saturday, PNB said the divergence in gross non-performing assets (NPAs) assessed by the central bank stood at Rs 2,617 crore in FY19.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Saturday attached three more plots of land, owned by Sarathi Ashram and Satyam Charitable Trust, at Garapur on the outskirts of Kendrapara town.

Fire has broken out in a four-storey building in Delhi's Shalimar Bagh. As per initial reports, 3 women have died while several others are injured.

More details awaited...

Sonowal to meet PM Modi, Amit Shah very soon over protests against amended Citizenship Act: Assam minister

The national capital's air quality improved significantly on Saturday and was in the "moderate" category as a result of rains over the last two days.

Jamia teachers, alumni and students form coordination panel to conduct peaceful protests against new citizenship law.

Jamia students call off university 'lockdown'.

The UGC National Eligibility Test (NET) for candidates scheduled to appear in Assam and Meghalaya was postponed on Saturday due to unrest in the region. The National Testing Agency (NTA), which conducts the test, announced that the exam in other states will be held on Sunday as per the schedule. 

Three women and three children were injured in a fire that broke out in a house in Northwest Delhi's Shalimar Bagh area on Saturday evening, officials said. 

Review petition filed by Akshay Kumar Singh, one of the convicts in the December 2012 Delhi gang-rape case to be heard by a three-judge bench of Supreme Court, headed by Chief Justice of India Sharad Arvind Bobde, on December 17.

The Left organisations will hold a nationwide protest against the contentious Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 and the National Register of Citizen (NRC) on December 19.

Amit Shah in Giridih, Jharkhand said, "Now that we've brought  Citizenship Act, some are trying to incite violence in North-East (NE). Culture, language, social identity, & political rights of our brothers & sisters from NE will remain intact,it's responsibility of PM Modi led government".

Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram on Saturday alleged India was suspect in the eyes of the world as its economy and polity had broken and leadership failed, as he accused the BJP of pushing the agenda of Golwalkar and Savarkar and not that of Gandhi, Nehru and Ambedkar.

A resident of Mumbai lost Rs 6 lakh to a fraudster who tricked him into sharing his OTP for online transaction under the pretext of selling him an SUV, police said on Saturday. 

Three people, including a woman, were electrocuted when they stepped on a snapped live electric wire in a farm in Kodasalai village, about 15 kms from Udhagamandalam, in Nilgiris district, police said.

People gathered at Assam Bhawan to protest against Citizenship Amendment Act in New Delhi earlier today.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray & State Home Minister Eknath Shinde held a meeting with Police Commissioner, Sanjay Barve & other senior police officials, at the Mumbai Police headquarters, today.

JNU Vice-Chancellor Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar on Saturday claimed a group of 15-20 students tried to attack him on the campus but university security staff saved him.

"I had gone to School of Arts and Aesthetics to see how the exams were going on. When I was returning to the administration block, 15-20 students surrounded me, abused me and tried to attack me. However, I was rescued by university security personnel and policemen in plain clothes," Kumar said.

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) on Saturday re-opened entry and exit gates at all stations. "Entry & exit gates at all stations have been opened. Normal services have resumed in all stations," the DMRC tweeted. 

Amid protests in the Northeast over the amended Citizenship Act, the Army on Saturday advised people to not fall prey to "fake news" directed against the force.

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) on Saturday closed entry and exit gates at Jamia Millia Islamia metro station. "As advised by Delhi Police, entry & exit at Jamia Millia Islamia station has been closed. Trains will not be halting at this station," the DMRC tweeted. 

Employees of the Assam government Saturday announced that they will go for cease work on December 18 in protest against the amended Citizenship Act.

"We have decided to revise the milk prices by Rs 2 per litre being sold in Ahmedabad and Saurashtra markets of Gujarat, Delhi NCR, West Bengal,Mumbai and Maharashtra. from 15th December 2019," Amul tweeted.

The price of Amul Gold will be Rs. 28 per 500 ml, and Amul Taaza will be Rs. 22 per 500 ml. However, there will be no change in price of Amul Shakti which continues to be available at Rs. 25 per 500ml.

Vehicular movement could be affected or stopped tomorrow on Bhishma Pitamah Marg, Lodhi Road from Maharshi Raman Marg crossing to Lodhi flyover, & CGO Complex area from 6 am to 9 am, due to "One India Run Half Marathon".

Students of College of Veterinary Science, Khanapara are on a hunger strike against Citizenship Amendment Act.

A court in Sudan on Saturday convicted former President Omar al-Bashir on charges of corruption, illegal possession of foreign currency and illicit financial gains and sentenced him to two years in detention in a state-run reform center.

Leading milk supplier Mother Dairy on Saturday announced an increase in milk prices by up to Rs 3 per litre in Delhi-NCR due to lower supply and rise in procurement cost. The new prices will be effective from Sunday, it said. Prices of both token and poly pack milk have been increased in a range of Rs 2-3 per litre. 

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Saturday rearranged some portfolios which were allotted to NCP ministers Jayant Patil and Chhagan Bhujbal on Thursday. Water Resources & Sectoral Development portfolio allotted to Jayant Patil. Food & civil supplies, minority development & welfare given to Chhagan Bhujbal.

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) on Saturday closed entry and exit gates at Janpath metro station. "As advised by Delhi Police, entry & exit at Janpath has been closed. Trains will not be halting at this station," the DMRC tweeted. 

As per the Assam government's notification, branches of State Bank of India (SBI) in Dibrugarh, Duliajan, Moran, Naharkatia, and Dibrugarh branch of United Bank of India (UBI) to remain open tomorrow, i.e., December 15.

A court in Chhattisgarh's Bilaspur district sentenced four men to 30 years' imprisonment for repeatedly raping a 14-year-old girl.

The detention of Farooq Abdullah, a three-term chief minister of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, was extended on Saturday by three months and he would continue to remain at his residence that has been declared a sub-jail, officials said in Srinagar. 

IMD issues weather forecast for Dec 14, 15 and 16. Cold wave conditions very likely to prevail in isolated pockets over Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.

MD issues weather forecast for December 14, 15 and 16. Thunderstorm accompanied by lightning very likely at isolated places over east Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh tomorrow.

Two Nigerian nationals have been arrested who were involved in ATM card cloning. Police recovered 37 cloned debit and credit cards, 10 blank cards with electronic chip, among other things.

BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra said, "Even if Rahul Gandhi takes 100 births he can't be Rahul Savarkar. Savarkar was 'Veer', patriot&had sacrificed. The language Rahul Gandhi uses for Article 370, air strike, surgical strike, CAB is Pakistan's language. He can't be 'Veer' or be at par with Savarkar".

DCW Chief Swati Maliwal in her letter to PM wrote, "If the Andhra Government can take this historic decision (of passing Disha Bill), why can’t the Central Government show the same urgency and concern. I fervently appeal to you to immediately enact the Disha Bill for the entire country".

West Bengal Chief Minsiter Mamata Banerjee said, "I request everyone to not create any disturbance or involve in any kind of violence. Be sure that Citizenship Amendment Act and National Register of Citizens (NRC) will not be implemented in Bengal as we won't allow it. Please don't block roads and take law in hands".

Sukhbir Singh Badal has been unanimously re-elected as the president of Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD).

PM Modi cruises on Ganga to review Namami Gange Project in Kanpur. 

Lawyer Pyoli Swatija said: "Debabrata Saikia, Assam Leader of Opposition, Abdul Khaleque, Lok Sabha MP from Barpeta and Rupjyoti Kurmi, MLA from Mariani Legislative Assembly constituency today filed a petition before the Supreme Court challenging the Citizenship Amendment Act."

Amit Shah at Jharkhand poll rally amid Assam protests said: "I assure Northeast states that their culture, social identity, language, and political rights will be untouched and Modi govt will protect them." 

Amit Shah's dig at Congress while addressing poll rally in Jharkhand. He said: "They got stomach ache after Citizenship Act."

Amit Shah at a poll rally in Jharkhand said: "Congress kept issues pending for decades; after SC verdict, grand Ram temple will be built in Ayodhya and nobody can stop it."

Amit Shah at Jharkhand poll rally said: "Kashmir has become the jewel of India, PM Narendra Modi unfurled the tricolor thereby abrogating articles 370 and 35A."

- PM Modi running the country as per his own wish.  

- Citizenship Amendment Act is ripping off India's soul.

- Modi-Shah only have one agenda -- Logo ko ladwao, Asli mudde chupao.

- We are ready to face anything to protect our constitution. 

Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi addresses Bharat Bachao Rally at Ramlila Maidan, New Delhi.

Here are the pointers from her speech:

- Have to face struggles to save the nation.

- Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas has failed.

- Who possesses the black money that the Modi government claimed to have brought back after demonetization.

- Situation like Andher Nagri Chaupat Raja. 

Rahul Gandhi addresses the public during 'Bharat Bachao' rally. Highlights: 

- My name is Rahul Gandhi, not Rahul Savarkar 

- Narendra Modi destroyed the Indian economy 

- PM Modi Amit Shah should apologize to the nation 

- Demonetisation has broken the backbone of the Indian economy 

- Congress ready to die for India 

- PM Modi lied that he will fight corruption 

- I will not apologize for speaking the truth 

- PM Modi has divided the country 

- Modi has burnt North-East 

Violent protests erupt in Murshidabad, Howrah against Citizenship act.

One who doesn't fight against injustice in country will be judged as a coward. If we remain silent, our revolutionary Constitution will be destroyed and country's division will start, says Priyanka Gandhi at Bharat Bachao Rally. 

After Priyanka Gandhi and Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia addresses Bharat Bachao Rally at Ramlila Maidan in New Delhi. 

 Congress Interim President Sonia Gandhi, Former PM Dr. Manmohan Singh & Rahul Gandhi at 'Bharat Bachao' rally at Ramlila Maidan.

Justice DY Chandrachud at National Juvenile Justice Consultation in Delhi said: "Crimes against children has steadily been increasing. In 2014, there were 89,423 instances of crimes against children registered, which increased to 1,29,000 in 2017."

"In 2017, 33000 criminal offences were committed by juvenile, which comprise 0.67% of all criminal offences committed in India," he added. 

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is addressing the public during the 'Bharat Bachao' rally. Highlight: 

- Unemployment and GDP are declining.

- This rally is being organized to save India 

- Today we need to save the country

- If we stay quiet, then our constitution will be destroyed 

- The whole country will be divided 

- BJP ministers are liars 

- If you love your country then raise your voice

- Women will not be safe under BJP's regime

- Unnao victim's father reminded me of my father 

P Chidambaram, at Congress' 'Bharat Bachao' rally said: "In 6 months Modi govt has wrecked India's economy. Yet ministers are completely clueless. Y'day Finance Minister said everything's alright, we're on top of the world. The only thing she didn't say was 'achhe din aane wale hain.'"

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has arrived at Ramlila Maidan. The Congress party is organizing 'Bharat Bachao' rally.

The air quality in Delhi has improved significantly from the "very poor" to the "moderate" category on Saturday. The city's Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 179 at 9.45 am which falls in the "moderate" category as against 316 on Friday morning. The AQI recorded in Ghaziabad was 264, Greater Noida 241, Noida 254, Gurgaon 165, the Meteorological (MeT) department said. An AQI between 0-50 is considered "good", 51-100 "satisfactory", 101-200 "moderate", 201-300 "poor", 301-400 "very poor" and 401-500 "severe". An AQI above 500 falls in the "severe-plus" category. The minimum temperature was recorded at 12 degrees Celsius, two notches below the normal, a MeT official said.

Today's assembly session at the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly began at 11:30 am instead of 11:00 am, as some MLAs could not reach on time due to rainfall and snowfall in the state.

PM Narendra Modi chairs the first meeting of National Rejuvenation, Protection and Management of River Ganga Council (National Ganga Council) at Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology. Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat also present.

Jamia students protests against Citizenship Amendment Act.

Following High Court's order for CBI inquiry, re-postmortem of Ayesha Meera being conducted after exhuming her mortal remains from Chenchupet burial ground in Tenali, Guntur. She was found murdered in her hostel's bathroom in '07. Satyam Babu, sentenced to a life term in the case, was acquitted by High Court in '17.

The High Court had ordered for CBI inquiry on 29 November 2018 and CBI had started an inquiry in January 2019.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reached Kanpur. He will chair the first meeting of National Rejuvenation, Protection and Management of River Ganga Council (National Ganga Council) here today. He will also review the progress of work done & deliberate on aspects of cleaning the Ganga.

After supporting BJP in the 2014 LS election and YSRCP in the 2019 Andhra Assembly election, JDU leader Prashant Kishor is now to back Arvind Kejriwal led Aam Aadmi Party in the upcoming Delhi Assembly polls.

Janata Dal-United (JDU) Vice President Prashant Kishor will be meeting Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today.

TDP MLA, M Giridhara Rao, met a minor girl who was allegedly raped two days back, in Guntur and is admitted at a hospital. The MLA met her family and demanded the govt to punish the culprit and help the victim and her family.

Preparations underway at Ramlila Maidan where Congress is organising 'Bharat Bachao' rally today.

Curfew has been relaxed in Assam's Dibrugarh from 8 am to 2 pm. 

Indian Army issues advisory to people to be cautious against fake news and misinformation being spread by some suspicious people on social media regarding its action in the northeast.

Maneka Gandhi and Varun Gandhi - BJP leaders and wife and son of Sanjay Gandhi, pay tribute to him on his birth anniversary.

The Congress party will organise 'Bharat Bachao' rally in Delhi amid the massive protest against the citizenship amendment act,

Amitabh Kant,CEO NITI Aayog, in Washington DC said: "India came out with a new policy on intellectual property rights (IPR) and our IPR regime has radically improved. It's probably one of the best IPR regimes, we have benchmarked it against USA and Japan now."

Curfew relaxed from 9 am to 4 pm in Guwahati. 

Speaker of Maldives Parliament Mohamed Nasheed said: "During last 6-7 years, a large number of Chinese funds have gone into the Maldives as projects, most of which have inflated prices. Assets created by debt is not equal to it, so we can't pay the debt."

"When you are unable to pay the debt, they ask for equity and with equity, we very often relinquish land and sovereignty. It's a serious case. There is a pattern for this. We're worried and want Chinese authorities to address the issue appropriately," he said. 

One SIMI terrorist arrested from Delhi. 

Amid protests in northeastern states of India against the Citizenship Act, many countries including US, UK, France and Canada have issued travel advisories for their citizens asking them to "exercise caution" while travelling to the region.

External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar held Joint Commission Meeting with Foreign Minister of Indonesia Retno Marsudi, yesterday.

Speaker of Maldives parliament Mohamed Nasheed said: "We allowed Zakir Naik earlier because there were no issues with him then, that we knew of.Recently, govt refused entry to him. We've no issue with people who preach good Islam but if you want to preach hate, we can't allow that."

India Meteorological Department: An earthquake of magnitude 4.8 on the Richter scale hit Palghar, at 5:22 am, today.

Delhi Police conducted an encounter in Laxmi Nagar. 

Fire breaks out in Mundka area.12 fire tenders rushed to spot. More details awaited.