Daily brief: Former Russian minister caught with satellite phone in Dehradun, and all the latest news

Here are today's top news, analysis, and opinion. Know all about the latest news and other news updates from Hindustan Times. Former Russian minister caught with satellite phone at Dehradun airport: Police A former Russian minister was on Sunday caught with a prohibited satellite phone during a security check at the Jolly Grant Airport in Uttarakhand's Dehradun.

PM Modi greets people on start of traditional new year

PM Modi wished people on various festivals that mark the start of the traditional new year, including Navratri, Cheti Chand, Sajibu Cheiraoba, Gudi Padwa, Ugadi and Navreh, expressing hope for the country's progress.

Appalled: Shashi Tharoor condemns DU for action over BBC documentary

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has expressed shock at Delhi University's suspension of two students for screening a banned BBC documentary on Gujarat riots. He called it a "disgrace" and a "betrayal" of everything a university should stand for. The Assam government has also condemned the documentary for maligning India's international standing.

Morning brief: 11 killed, over 100 injured as 6.5 quake jolts Pak, Afghanistan, and all the latest news

Today's top news include 11 people killed and over 100 injured in a 6.5 magnitude earthquake in Pakistan and Afghanistan, Shoaib Akhtar's prediction for the 2023 World Cup and Asia Cup, Zeenat Aman's Instagram post, Suhana Khan's latest fashion sense, and the skincare benefits of Matcha tea.

No decision yet on NRC at national level: Govt tells Parliament

The government has informed Parliament that no decision has been taken yet on a National Register of Indian Citizens (NRC) at the national level. The Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) passed in December 2019, which links faith to citizenship in India, has sparked protests and raised fears of expulsion or detention of Muslims if an NRC is implemented. The National Population Register (NPR) is the first step towards a nationwide NRC, but the government has denied any link between the two. Rules for the CAA are yet to be notified.

Chaitra Navratri 2023: Devotees throng to Durga temples to seek blessings

On Tuesday, devotees thronged Maa Durga temples to pay homage to the goddess on the first day of Chaitra Navratri. The nine-day Hindu festival worships the nine incarnations of Durga and is marked by prayers, aartis and the celebration of Lord Rama's birth on the last day.

‘Amritpal Singh spent 45 minutes in gurdwara, took priest’s phone': Report

Radical Sikh preacher Amritpal Singh remains absconding, 4 days after a massive crackdown launched in Punjab. Police have pressed strong charges against him and released photos of him in different looks. Uttarakhand Police have started checking gurdwaras, hotels near India-Nepal border in search of Amritpal.

LOC issued; Amritpal Singh brandished rifle, changed clothes, looks to flee | 10 points

Punjab Police released several photos of radical Sikh leader Amritpal Singh on Wednesday, along with a lookout circular and non-bailable arrest warrant. Police have also extended their search to other states and India-Nepal border. Four people have been arrested for aiding his escape, and 154 people have been arrested as part of the crackdown. National Security Act has been invoked against Amritpal Singh.

Tower swing ride crashes at fair in Rajasthan's Ajmer, 11 injured

Eleven people were injured when a ride suddenly plummeted at a fair in Rajasthan's Ajmer district on Tuesday. Video of the incident showed people screaming as the carousel crashed due to a break in a cable. The victims are being treated at the JLN Government Hospital and are out of danger.

Delhiwale: The tomb besides Humayun's

At Humayun's Tomb in Delhi, a small mausoleum known as the Barber's Tomb lies close by. The monument, with its lime plastered masonry and no sign of gold, is often forgotten by visitors, but is a popular spot for couples due to its relative sparseness. It is thought to belong to Humayun's barber, yet no evidence links it to any barber. The tomb predates Humayun's, and in the morning, its dome is covered with birds, while the adjacent Humayun's Tomb remains bare.

Earthquake in Delhi-NCR, north India: Dos and don'ts to keep yourself safe

Tremors were felt in Delhi, Noida, Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir after a 6.6 magnitude earthquake struck northern Afghanistan on Tuesday. People rushed out in panic as tremors lasted for several seconds in the northern Indian states. Safety precautions such as keeping calm, staying inside or outside, avoiding inflammable products and preparing an emergency kit should be taken.

EC reviews national party status of NCP

The Election Commission held a hearing to review the national party status of Sharad Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). The poll panel will now decide if the NCP meets the criteria to retain national party status, which gives advantages such as a common party symbol, free airtime and a party office in New Delhi. Currently, there are 8 national parties registered with the EC. NCP has 53 legislators in Maharashtra, 7 MLAs in Nagaland and two in Kerala, and 4 MPs from Maharashtra and one from Lakshadweep.

Supreme Court to decide if electoral bonds need to be referred to Constitution bench on April 11

The Supreme Court will decide on April 11 whether to refer petitions challenging the validity of the electoral bond scheme to a Constitution bench. The scheme, implemented in 2018, allows for anonymous donations to be made to political parties with 100% tax exemption. ADR has opposed the scheme, claiming it legitimises bribery and the BJP has received ?4,238 crore from it. The Election Commission has supported the scheme.

UAPA tribunal upholds Centre’s decision to ban PFI, its affiliates

The tribunal upheld the ban on the Popular Front of India (PFI) and its seven affiliates, finding it wanted to establish "caliphate rule" in India by 2047 and indulged in "political murders" of people in the Hindu community. The tribunal noted that the Union government was able to prove on record enough material with regard to the activities and said the organizations have been indulging in unlawful activities against the integrity and sovereignty of the country.

Ahead of Congress list, uncertainty looms over Siddaramaiah seat

Suspense remains over the seat of Congress opposition leader Siddaramaiah as the party is set to release its first list of candidates without a decision on his seat. Siddaramaiah has left it to the party's high command and his supporters have protested outside his residence. JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy mocked Siddaramaiah's quest for a constituency, saying it shows lack of confidence.

US slams India on human rights practices in its annual report

US State Department's annual human rights report highlights challenges to freedom of expression, arbitrary arrests and detentions, extrajudicial killings, discrimination and infringement on freedom of association in India in 2022. US and India consult “at the highest levels on democracy and human rights”, but India has consistently rejected criticism. US and India have maintained a strategic relationship and launched initiatives. Report details cases of arrests, demolitions of homes without due process, internet censorship, restrictions on NGOs, discrimination against women and minorities.