Latest news today (December 20): Presenting FE’s Breaking News today. We will keep you updated on all major news, views and much more throughout the day.
13 active coronavirus cases under home isolation in Gujarat
Gujarat currently has 13 active coronavirus cases, but all the patients are under home isolation, Health Minister Rushikesh Patel said on Wednesday and advised people to remain vigilant and not panic amid concern over the detection of a new sub-variant of COVID-19. He said Gujarat government authorities carried out a mock drill across more than 5,700 hospitals to assess their preparedness to deal with any health exigency in view of the detection of new cases of COVID-19. (PTI)
Christmas gift: Meghalaya govt employees get advance December salary, 3 per cent dearness allowance
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Wednesday announced early release of December salary for 55,000 government employees and a hike of three per cent dearness allowance. “Merry Christmas to our team of 55,000 government employees! We are pleased to announce that December salaries are being released early. Further, DA hike of 3% has been approved,” Conrad wrote on X.
Two more MPs suspended from Lok Sabha
The suspension of two more Opposition MPs from the Lok Sabha takes total number of suspended MPs to 143 this Winter Session of the Parliament.
New criminal bills threat to civil liberty, rights of people: Asaduddin Owaisi
Hyderabad MP and AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Wednesday alleged that the new criminal bills are a threat to the civil liberty and rights of the people as they give sweeping powers to the police to take action against anyone.Participating in a debate on the three proposed criminal laws in the Lok Sabha, Owaisi said the legislations are against the common people of the country as their rights will be snatched away once they become laws. (PTI)
Modi breaks silence on assassination plot claims
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in an exclusive interview with The Financial Times, addressed allegations of New Delhi’s involvement in the assassination plot of Khalistan sympathiser on the US soil. He expressed willingness to examine any evidence presented but emphasized that isolated incidents would not disrupt the strong ties between the United States and India. In the interview, PM Modi stated, “If someone provides us with information, we will certainly investigate it. Whether our citizens are involved in positive or negative actions, we are prepared to scrutinize the matter. Our dedication lies in upholding the rule of law.”
Ugandan woman held at Mumbai airport with cocaine worth Rs 8.9 cr
A Ugandan woman has been arrested at the Mumbai international airport after she was found to be carrying cocaine worth Rs 8.90 crore concealed in her hair wig and undergarment, a DRI official said on Wednesday. Based on a specific information, the Mumbai zonal unit of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) laid a trap at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport here on Tuesday and apprehended the woman passenger when she arrived from Entebbe via Nairobi, the official said.
Colorado Supreme Court removes Donald Trump from state’s 2024 ballot
The Colorado Supreme Court has removed former US President Donald Trump from the state’s 2024 ballot, ruling that he isn’t an eligible presidential candidate because of the 14th Amendment’s “insurrectionist ban,” a report by CNN mentioned.
DCW takes suo moto cognisance in case of kidnapping, raping and killing
DCW has taken suo moto cognisance in the case of abduction and alleged rape of a 9-year-old minor girl. A 52-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly kidnapping, raping, and killing a minor in Delhi’s Swaroop Nagar.
Death toll in China earthquake rises to 127
As many as 127 people have been killed and hundreds injured after an overnight earthquake struck north-western China. The earthquake was the most deadly the country has experienced in the past nine years, reports said.
Saudi Arabia and France sign a plan
Saudi Arabia and France sign executive plan for cooperation on capabilities, military industries and research and development- Saudi defense minister wrote on X.