India News

Big Stories Today: Petrol, diesel prices to be cut by Rs 5, 10 from tomorrow, WHO okays Covaxin, Pakistan refuses airspace for Srinagar-Sharjah flights

Published

5 years ago

November 3, 2021

Central government on Wednesday announced the reduction of excise duty on petrol and diesel. from tomorrow onwards the prices of petrol and diesel will be reduced by Rs 5 and 10, respevtively.

Afghanistan win toss, opt to field first against India in Abu Dhabi

In the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 between India and Afghanistan, Afghanistan win toss and opt to field first.

The India vs Afghanistan T20 WC 2021 match is taking place at Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi from 7.30 pm IST. Its a must-win game for team India, who are yet to win their first match in the tournament. Afghanistan has registered two wins so far. India, to keep their hopes alive of reaching the semi-finals, will have to register a win against Afghanistan tonight.

PM Modi to spend Diwali with Army jawans in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri

Sticking to the tradition, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit the border outposts area of Nowshera sector in Jammu & Kashmir’s Rajouri.

WHO approves Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin for emergency use

Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin has got WHO approval on Wednesday as the technical advisory team has recommended the India-made vaccine for emergency use listing for 18 years and above. This marks a major victory for India’s journey in vaccination against Covid-19.

Centre releases Rs 17,000 crores GST compensation to states

The Central Government has released GST Compensation of Rs. 17,000 crore to States today.

The total amount of compensation released to the States/UTs so far including the aforesaid amount during the year 2021-22 is Rs. 60,000 crore.

Delhi’s air quality turns very poor day ahead of Diwali

The air quality in Delhi deteriorated as it entered the very poor category for the first time this season. The Air Quality Index (AQI) of the city was reported 316 on Wednesday afternoon.

Delhi’s neighbouring cities — Faridabad (310), Ghaziabad (334) and Noida (316) — also recorded very poor air quality. Before this, the highest AQI of the season recorded in Delhi was 298 in the poor category on October 17.

Sensex ends Samvat 2077 on weak note, slips 257 points to settle below 60,000

The benchmark indices on the Bombay Stock Exchange and National Stock Exchange (NSE) ended the last day of Samvat 2077 year on a negative note, slipping over a quarter per cent on Wednesday weighed by weakness in banking and automobile stocks amid a negative trend in global markets ahead of the policy outcome of the US Federal Reserve.

Pakistan’s Babar Azam becomes No. 1 batsman in ICC T20 rankings

Pakistan captain Babar Azam’s two successive half-centuries in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 have helped him overtake England’s Dawid Malan and grab the top position for batters in the ICC Men’s T20I Player Rankings.

Delhi High Court restrains heads of nine institutes of Jawaharlal Nehru University from taking major decisions

The Delhi High Court has restrained the heads of nine JNU centres from taking any major decisions and said that their appointment by the university’s Vice-Chancellor was prima facie without any authority.

High court stated that the Vice-Chancellor is not vested with the power to appoint Chairpersons of Centres or Special Centres as the JNU statute confers the power of appointment on the Executive Council.

Delhi’s air quality a day before Diwali best in 5 years, says Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai

Environment Minister Gopal Rai said on Wednesday that the air quality in the national capital a day before Diwali is the best in 5 years.
Earlier he said, Delhi Police and sub-divisional magistrates have been asked by the Delhi Government to keep a round-the-clock vigil to prevent the sale, purchase, and bursting of firecrackers on Diwali, with a special focus on border areas.

Pakistan refuses use of its airspace for Srinagar-Sharjah flights

Pakistan has once again declined the use of its airspace for flights from Jammu and Kashmir’s Srinagar to Sharjah.
Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah called the move very unfortunate and tweeted: “Pakistan did the same thing with the Air India Express flight from Srinagar to Dubai in 2009-2010. I had hoped that Go First being permitted to overfly Pak airspace was indicative of a thaw in relations, but alas, that wasn’t to be.”

Tamil Nadu government declares holiday for schools in 15 districts

Tamil Nadu government has declared a holiday for schools in 20 districts on Wednesday to avoid accidents caused by water stagnation amid the prediction of heavy rainfall by the Indian Meteorological Department.

Schools in Chengalpet, Kancheepuram, Thiruvallur, Villupuram, Kallakurichi, Ranipet, Trichy, Ariyalur, Namakkal Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Vellore, and Karur will be closed today.

PM Modi holds meeting with districts having low Covid vaccination coverage

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday held a review meeting with district magistrates of over 40 districts having low Covid-19 vaccination coverage.
The meeting, being held via video conferencing, includes districts with less than 50 per cent coverage of the first dose and low coverage of the second dose of vaccine.

Delhi CM Kejriwal urges people to follow Covid-19 protocols ahead of Diwali

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal extended his greetings for Diwali to all the citizens of Delhi, and on this occasion announced a new web portal to take local business globally.

Kejriwal said that last year, the Covid-19 virus spread rapidly during the festival season, and asked people to be extra cautious this year.

Delhi Police arrest 2 with heroin worth Rs 18 crore

Delhi Police on Wednesday arrested two drug smugglers with 6 kg of heroin worth Rs 18 crores from Delhi.
Delhi Police had launched a special anti-drug enforcement drive under Operation Spider. The two accused–Asim and Varun–were arrested in this operation after the officials received information related to a drug mafia.

The police said that the accused had found a new way to produce drugs. Drug plants were set up in the house itself. These drugs were then supplied all over India, including Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Delhi and Punjab.

Tripura police file five criminal cases against 71 persons for alleged fake and provocative posts on vandalism of a mosque

The Tripura Police on Wednesday morning registered five criminal cases against 71 people for allegedly posting provocative and fake posts on social media.

Tripura Police in a Facebook post Appealed to people to stay away from spreading fake news and rumours, the police have also warned that strict action would be taken against those trying to create hatred in the society.

10,000 EV charging stations in the next three years, says OIL chairperson SM Vaidya

Oil India Limited chairperson SM Vaidya said that 10,000 electric vehicles charging stations will be set up in next three years.
2000 electric vehicle charging stations will be established in the next 12 months and another 8000 in the next two years to achieve target of 10,000 EV charging stations in the next three years, h3e said.

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India hits back at Shehbaz Sharif at UN, says terror will have consequences

India hit back at Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s UN speech, with New Delhi warning that terrorism will have consequences.

Published

2 hours ago

September 26, 2026

APNLive Desk

India has responded to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s remarks at the United Nations, delivering a strong message on terrorism and warning that such actions will have consequences.

The response came after Mr Sharif addressed the UN and raised issues concerning India and Pakistan. New Delhi rejected the narrative presented by the Pakistani prime minister and highlighted the issue of terrorism.

India’s message was delivered by Petal Gehlot, who represented New Delhi in the response to Pakistan.

India warns Pakistan over terrorism

India’s response focused on Pakistan’s record and its approach towards terrorism. New Delhi made clear that terrorism cannot be separated from its consequences and that those responsible cannot expect such actions to go unanswered.

The Indian side also pushed back against the claims and allegations made by Mr Sharif during his UN speech.

The exchange comes amid continuing tensions between India and Pakistan, with terrorism remaining a major point of disagreement between the two countries.

Shehbaz Sharif’s UN remarks

In his address, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spoke about India-Pakistan relations and raised several issues concerning New Delhi.

India subsequently exercised its right of reply to respond to Pakistan’s statements at the United Nations.

New Delhi’s response underlined its position that terrorism remains a serious issue in the relationship and that there would be consequences for terrorist actions.

The latest exchange at the UN adds to the continuing diplomatic confrontation between the two neighbouring countries.

India News

Veeramani POCSO case: Vijay questions Stalin over earlier probe

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay has questioned MK Stalin over the handling of the Veeramani POCSO case, while Stalin has rejected allegations that the previous DMK government protected anyone.

Published

16 hours ago

September 25, 2026

APNLive Desk

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president C Joseph Vijay has questioned DMK president MK Stalin over the handling of the POCSO case involving Gem Granites founder R Veeramani. The political exchange follows renewed investigation into allegations involving minor girls.

Vijay’s remarks came as the ruling TVK stepped up its questions about how the case was handled during the previous DMK government. The party’s IT wing has alleged that the earlier investigation was weakened and questioned why a final report was filed.

The allegations have been rejected by the DMK. Stalin has said that no order was issued by the DMK government to protect anyone in the case and has called the allegations false and defamatory.

What did Vijay say about the Veeramani case?

Vijay questioned Stalin over the handling of the case and demanded an explanation from the former chief minister.

The TVK has specifically questioned why action was not taken against Veeramani during the previous administration and why the earlier investigation resulted in a closure report.

The party has also raised questions about the role of officials involved in the earlier investigation. These are political allegations made by the TVK and have not been established as facts.

What is the Veeramani POCSO case?

The case concerns allegations of sexual abuse of minors involving R Veeramani, the founder of Gem Granites.

The case came under renewed scrutiny after a special POCSO court rejected an earlier closure report and ordered further investigation. The expanded probe has subsequently identified additional alleged survivors who were minors at the time of the alleged offences, according to current reporting.

The investigation is also examining the circumstances surrounding the earlier probe and whether there were any lapses in how the case was handled.

What has MK Stalin said?

Stalin has rejected allegations that the previous DMK government protected Veeramani.

He has said that no order was issued by the DMK government to shield anyone in the case. Stalin has also said that everyone responsible for the alleged offences, including anyone who aided or attempted to protect the accused, should face the law.

The DMK president has further said that the focus should remain on securing justice for the affected girls rather than making political allegations.

Why has the case become a political issue?

The Veeramani case has become the subject of a political dispute between the ruling TVK and the DMK over the handling of the earlier investigation.

The TVK is questioning the previous government’s handling of the case, while the DMK has denied that it intervened to protect the accused.

At this stage, claims about political interference or deliberate weakening of the earlier investigation should be treated as allegations unless established by the ongoing investigation or judicial proceedings.

India News

Women wrestlers challenge Brij Bhushan’s acquittal in sexual harassment case

Four women wrestlers have challenged the acquittal of former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and co-accused Vinod Tomar in a sexual harassment case.

Published

16 hours ago

September 25, 2026

APNLive Desk

Four women wrestlers have approached a Delhi court challenging the acquittal of former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief and BJP leader Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh in a sexual harassment case.

The wrestlers have also challenged the acquittal of co-accused Vinod Tomar. The matter is scheduled to be heard by a Special Judge at the Rouse Avenue Courts.

The appeal challenges the order passed by an Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate on August 3, 2026, when Brij Bhushan and Tomar were acquitted in the case.

Wrestlers challenge court’s reasoning

In their appeal, the wrestlers have argued that the acquittal order is legally unsustainable and that the evidence was not assessed appropriately.

They have also alleged that the order relied on assumptions about how victims of sexual assault and harassment were expected to behave instead of assessing the evidence and circumstances of the complainants.

The challenge seeks judicial scrutiny of the findings that resulted in the acquittal of Brij Bhushan and Tomar.

Brij Bhushan was acquitted in August

The Rouse Avenue court acquitted Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh on August 3 in the sexual harassment case involving women wrestlers. The court’s decision followed consideration of the evidence and statements presented during the proceedings.

The case had emerged after several women wrestlers accused the former WFI chief of sexual harassment. The allegations had led to a major protest by wrestlers in 2023.

The latest appeal means the acquittal is now being challenged before a higher court.