India, EU launch new body to tackle challenges in trade, tech

India and the European Union on Monday launched the India-EU Trade and Technology Council, a strategic mechanism to tackle challenges at the nexus of trade, trusted technology, and security. The agreement on launching the council was reached at a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The body will also deepen cooperation between the two sides on trade and technology.

Tamil Nadu passes bill to ban online gambling, weeks after governor returns it

The Tamil Nadu assembly passed the bill to ban online gambling for the second time in six months after governor RN Ravi sent it back earlier this month. Chief Minister MK Stalin urged the assembly to pass the bill to protect people from the "evils of online gambling" and cited Union minister Anurag Thakur's written response to an unstarred question to underline the state's power to legislate on betting and gambling. The governor had previously approved a similar bill sent by the AIADMK government in November 2020.

OPS welcomes bill on AIADMK’s behalf, EPS objects, triggers ruckus in assembly

Expelled AIADMK leader OPS welcomed the bill to ban online gambling in Tamil Nadu on behalf of the party, triggering a ruckus in the state assembly. EPS objected, leading to a shouting match between their supporters. The speaker allowed OPS to speak as he is a former CM. The EPS faction boycotted the assembly as the speaker did not take a call on their faction's recognition.

Covid's XBB1.16 strain found in 349 cases: Symptoms, severity

India has detected 349 cases of XBB1.16, the most contagious Covid-19 variant so far, with the highest number in Maharashtra. Symptoms include upper respiratory issues, fever and myalgia. This variant has been found in 12 countries, including India, US, Brunei and the UK. India's active Covid-19 cases have increased to 7,605, with a single-day rise of 1,300 cases, the highest in 140 days.

Important that nation hears apology from Rahul Gandhi: Goyal in Parliament

Union Minister Piyush Goyal demanded an apology from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for allegedly discrediting India and Parliament during a speech at Cambridge University. Goyal's remarks sparked reactions from the opposition, who demanded a JPC probe on the Adani issue. The BJP has accused Gandhi of maligning India on foreign soil and seeks an apology, while Gandhi has blamed the Modi-led government for building a 'false narrative'.

Amritpal Singh fled Punjab? Woman held in Haryana; gunman arrested

Haryana Police has arrested a woman who allegedly harboured fugitive 'Waris Punjab De' chief Amritpal Singh and his associate, while Punjab Police has nabbed his gunman. The woman, Baljit Kaur, was handed over to Punjab Police, while the gunman, Tejinder Singh, was involved in the Ajnala incident. The Punjab government has invoked the National Security Act against some of Amritpal's supporters.

Assam steps up security at jail where Amritpal Singh's associates are kept

Seven associates of radical preacher Amritpal Singh, including his uncle, are being kept under round-the-clock CCTV surveillance in Dibrugarh Central Jail. Security has been intensified with Black Panther Assam Police commandos securing the outer perimeter and CRPF, Assam Police personnel and prison guards monitoring the inner security. Four additional CCTV cameras have been installed within the jail premises. Punjab Police recently launched a massive crackdown in the northern state to counter the return of Khalistani militancy.

As Covid-19 cases surge, health ministry asks states to follow 5-fold strategy

India's Health Ministry has advised states to implement a five-fold strategy of "test, track, treat, follow Covid-appropriate behaviour and vaccinate" to check the spread of Covid-19. PM Modi also stressed on the need for lab surveillance and testing of all SARI cases. India recorded 1,300 new Covid cases, the highest in 140 days, with a total tally of 4.46 crore and 5,30,816 deaths.

'Congress wants Rahul Gandhi to utter abuses, but...': BJP MP's attack

BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad said anyone "at dismay" due to Rahul Gandhi's comments can file a defamation case. This comes after Gandhi was sentenced to 2 years in prison over his 2019 comment on 'Modi surname'. Congress leaders have criticised the verdict and said Gandhi will continue to question the government.

BJP reacts as Kejriwal backs Rahul Gandhi: ‘AAP has finally…’

BJP has accused AAP of openly embracing Congress after Kejriwal came out in support of Rahul Gandhi after he was sentenced to two years in jail in a defamation case. BJP alleged that AAP had no faith in the court, while Kejriwal claimed a conspiracy was being hatched to eliminate non-BJP leaders and parties. Gandhi's sentence has been suspended for 30 days, and he can be disqualified as an MP if he fails to get a stay on the conviction from an appellate court within that period.

US pick for World Bank chief, Ajay Banga, to meet PM Modi in Delhi

US nominee for World Bank President Ajay Banga is on a two-day visit to India to meet PM Modi and FM Sitharaman. He is on a three-week global tour to build support for his candidacy, gaining the support of governments, academics, entrepreneurs and Nobel Laureates. If elected, he will draw from his experience to mobilise investments and action to confront long standing challenges.

‘Mere bhai na kabhi dare…’: Priyanka Gandhi's show of strength for Rahul after conviction

After Rahul Gandhi was convicted in a criminal defamation case, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra tweeted her support for her brother, alleging the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Centre is trying to suppress his voice. She said Gandhi has never been afraid and will continue to speak the truth with the love of crores of countrymen. Unless he can get a stay on the conviction, disqualification will kick in a month later.

Rahul Gandhi being punished for...: Jairam Ramesh's 'new India' dig

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi convicted for 2019 comment on 'Modi surname' thieves; sentence suspended for 30 days. Congress leaders protest against the verdict, calling it an attempt to suppress the voice of opposition. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra says her brother will never be afraid and will continue to speak the truth.

Rahul Gandhi tore ordinance in 2013 for 3-month protection from disqualification

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's conviction in a criminal defamation case will not immediately disqualify him from his Lok Sabha membership. The Surat Court suspended his sentence for 30 days, allowing him time to appeal to a higher court. The case was filed against Gandhi for allegedly defaming the Modi community at a rally in 2019. The Congress legal team is now working to get a stay on the Surat court's order.

Afternoon brief: After Adani report, Hidenburg Research signals another 'expose', and all the latest news

Hindenburg Research dropped a bombshell report on Gautam Adani and announced it will disclose "another big" expose, causing speculation on its next target. Norwegian dance group Quick Style was recently in India, dancing with celebrities and performing to songs including Sonu Nigam's Saathiya and RRR's Naatu Naatu. After India's home ODI series loss to Australia, Rohit Sharma addressed workload management concerns ahead of IPL 2023. Five benefits of using a wooden comb were also shared, as well as Vidya Balan's magical festive look for new brides during Chaitra Navratri.

'Not intentional': What Rahul Gandhi said in Surat court | Watch

Rahul Gandhi was convicted by a Surat court in a 2019 defamation case and told the court that his words were not intentional. His lawyer said he is not asking for mercy and will appeal. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and other Opposition leaders condemned the court order. Gandhi's sentence was suspended for 30 days, giving him a chance to challenge the conviction in an appellate court.