WFI Elections Highlights: Goonga Pehalwan Virender Singh announced that he will return his Padma Shri in support of Wrestler Sakshi Malik

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WFI Elections Highlights: Goonga Pehalwan Virender Singh announced he will return his Padma Shri in support of Wrestler Sakshi Malik

-- Deaflympics gold medallist Virender Singh Yadav, better known as Goonga Pehlwan, has now decided to return his Padma Shri to the government, showing solidarity with the country’s top wrestlers who have objected to election of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh loyalist Sanjay Singh as WFI president.

-- "I would also request the top players of the country to also give their decision," Virender, said in his post, tagging cricket legend Tendulkar and Olympic champion javelin thrower Chopra. Virender had received the Padma Shri, the country’s fourth-highest civilian award, in 2021.

-- On Thursday, Sanjay was elected as the president of the WFI after the panel led by him won 13 of the 15 posts. Sakshi, Bajrang and Vinesh Phogat had demanded that no close associate of Brij Bhushan should enter the WFI. Read the entire report here.

Maratha Reservation Petition News Updates: On Jan 24, legal team on behalf of the Maharashtra government will present the case, says Eknath Shinde

"On January 24, the legal team on behalf of the (Maharashtra) government will present the case. It brings solace to the Maratha community," says Maharashtra CM
Eknath Shinde on the Supreme Court's approval of the curative petition on Maratha reservation.

Uttar Pradesh News Updates: Smoke was detected in a bogie of Jharkhand Sampark Kranti Express train

Etawah, UP: Smoke was detected in a bogie of Jharkhand Sampark Kranti Express train earlier today.

Congress' Big Shuffle News: It's inherent in the Congress's DNA to alter leadership roles as a form of punishment, says BJP's Kedar Gupta

"It's inherent in the Congress's DNA to alter leadership roles as a form of punishment, but otherwise, the alliance remains intact," says BJP spokesperson Kedar Gupta on Congress appointing Sachin Pilot as the general secretary in charge of Chhattisgarh and Avinash Pande as the general secretary in charge of Uttar Pradesh, replacing Kumari Selja and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, respectively.

LIVE News Updates: Weaponising disruption, disturbance as a political strategy is no less than sacrileging democracy, says Jagdeep Dhankhar to Kharge

Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar writes to Congress president and Rajya Sabha LoP Mallikarjun Kharge.

The letter also reads, "...Weaponising disruption and disturbance as a political strategy is no less than sacrileging the temple of democracy. As members of the Council of States, the Upper House, the House of Elders we need to exemplify our conduct worth emulating by others. Painfully I had to suffer in the House your stance 'rejecting' my offer for interaction in the Chamber. On reflection, you will agree that avoidance of interaction with the Chairman and rebuff to such request on the floor of the House by the Leader of the Opposition is unwholesomely unprecedented and certainly is not in sync with well-established parliamentary practice, of which you are a veteran..."

LIVE News Updates: WB Governor CV Ananda Bose removes Jadavpur University interim Vice Chancellor Buddhadeb Sau

West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose removes Jadavpur University interim Vice Chancellor Buddhadeb Sau on disciplinary grounds.

J&K News LIVE: An infiltration bid was foiled at the International Border in Akhnoor

An infiltration bid was foiled at the International Border in Jammu's Akhnoor sector by the Indian Army.

Covid-19 Jn.1 Variant News LIVE: It is more transmissible, it is spreading more rapidly, says former AIIMS Director
On Covid-19 new variant Jn.1, former AIIMS Director and Senior Pulmonologist Dr Randeep Guleria says, " It is more transmissible, it is spreading more rapidly, it is gradually becoming a dominant variant....it is causing more infections but the data also suggests that it is not causing severe infections and hospitalisation. Most of the symptoms are predominantly of the upper airways like fever, cough, cold, sore throat, running nose and body aches..."

LIVE News Updates: MV Chem Pluto has started moving at a speed of around 11 nautical miles per hour
MV Chem Pluto has started moving at a speed of around 11 nautical miles per hour and Indian Coast Guard ship ICGS Vikram is likely to rendezvous with it around 10 PM tonight. MV Chem Pluto has also requested to be escorted by ICGS Vikram and is expected to reach Mumbai by early December 25: ICG officials

Congress major rejig ahead of 2024 polls LIVE: MP Syed Naseer Hussain appointed as in-charge of Congress president Kharge's Office
Congress MP Syed Naseer Hussain has been appointed as in-charge of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge's Office. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has also appointed party leader Pranav Jha as AICC Secretary, attached to the Congress President's Office, in-charge of Communications.

LIVE News Updates: President Murmu witnessed the Integrated Fire Power exercise conducted by the Indian Army at Pokhran

President Droupadi Murmu witnessed the Integrated Fire Power exercise conducted by the Indian Army at Pokhran in Rajasthan. President Murmu interacted with the troops and appreciated them for their commitment and preparedness to defend the country.

Tamil Nadu News LIVE: 1000 cubic feet of surplus water discharged from Manimuthar Dam

1000 cubic feet of surplus water discharged from Manimuthar Dam, in Tirunelveli through three sluices.

Congress major rejig ahead of 2024 polls LIVE: Sachin Pilot appointed Chhattisgarh In-charge, Priyanka Gandhi removed as UP Chief

- Congress leader Sachin Pilot appointed as the General Secretary of the Chhattisgarh Congress, Congress leader Deepa Dasmunshi appointed as the General Secretary of the Kerala, Lakshadweep and additional charge of Telangana Congress, Congress leader GA Mir appointed as the General Secretary of Jharkhand and addition charge of West Bengal.

- Priyanka Gandhi Vadra to be general secretary 'without any assigned portfolio': Congress statement

- Ramesh Chennithala appointed as AICC in-charge of Maharashtra

J&K News LIVE: Terrorist Initiated Incident at Bafliaz in Poonch-Rajouri Sector (21/ 22 Dec 23), posts ADG Indian Army
"Terrorist Initiated Incident at Bafliaz in Poonch-Rajouri Sector (21/ 22 Dec 23). Search operations by the Security Forces are continuing in the area of operations after the incident of 21 Dec 23. Reports have been received regarding three civilian deaths in the area. The matter is under investigation. Indian Army stands committed to extending full support and cooperation in the conduct of investigations," posts ADG Indian Army.
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Politics News LIVE: Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has been relieved from the post of AICC in-charge of UP Congress

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has been relieved from the post of AICC in-charge of UP Congress. Sachin Pilot appointed as in-charge of Chhattisgarh Congress. Ramesh Chennithala appointed as AICC in-charge of Maharashtra.

Telangana News LIVE: A fire broke out at Ankura Hospital in the Gudimalkapur area of Hyderabad

Hyderabad, Telangana: A fire broke out at Ankura Hospital in the Gudimalkapur area. Fire tenders reached the spot.

J&K News LIVE: Search operations by the Security forces are continuing in the area of operations after the incident of 21 Dec 23

Terrorist initiated incident at Bafliaz in Poonch-Rajouri Sector: Search operations by the Security forces are continuing in the area of operations after the incident of 21 Dec 23. Reports have been received regarding three civilian deaths in the area. The matter is under investigation. Indian Army stands committed to extending full support and cooperation in the conduct of investigations: Indian Army

LIVE News Updates: Indian Coast Guard Dornier maritime surveillance aircraft has established communication with the distressed vessel MV Chem Pluto
Indian Coast Guard Dornier maritime surveillance aircraft has established communication with the distressed vessel MV Chem Pluto. After the drone attack, the ship switched off its Automatic Identification System which can be used for tracking the vessel. The power generation system of the ship is now functional and more checks are being carried out before it sets out for its destination: Indian Coast Guard officials

LIVE News Updates: Finance ministry has clarified that it has not extended lower import duty for palm, soybean and sunflower oils till March 2025

The finance ministry has today clarified that it has not extended lower import duty for palm, soybean and sunflower oils till March 2025. The finance ministry has extended the import duty exemption for Masur Dal only by one year up to March 2025.

Uttar Pradesh News Live: Ahead of Christmas and New Year's, liquor shops across UP will remain open till 11 pm on 24th and 31st December

Ahead of Christmas and New Year's, liquor shops across Uttar Pradesh will remain open till 11 pm on 24th and 31st December: Excise Department, Uttar Pradesh Govt

J&K News LIVE: A vehicle was damaged after a slab of an under-construction building collapsed in Pulwama

A vehicle was damaged after a slab of an under-construction building collapsed in Pulwama. Soon after the incident, Pulwama Police, SDRF, fire, emergency and municipality officials rushed to the spot to assess the situation. No loss of life or injury was reported.

LIVE News Updates: President Droupadi Murmu addresses 'Lakhpati Didi Sammelan' in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
"Women empowerment is important in itself. Women always contribute towards the development of the country. No country can move ahead if it ignores its 50 percent of the population," says President Droupadi Murmu at 'Lakhpati Didi Sammelan' in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.

LIVE News Updates: Passenger detained for smoking inside flight

A passenger who reportedly smoked inside the Muscat-Chennai flight was handed over to the airport police here on Saturday, a source at the airport said.
The traveler smoked inside the flight in violation of the rules. Following this, the crew handed him over to the airport police.

J&K News LIVE: Two-storey building collapsed in Pulwama, Rescue team on spot

Two-storey building collapsed in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama. Rescue team on the spot. More details are awaited.

MPs Suspension News LIVE Updates: TMC workers took out a protest march against the central government in Siliguri

TMC workers took out a protest march against the central government in Siliguri over the suspension of opposition MPs from Parliament and the Parliament security breach incident.

WFI Elections LIVE Updates: We have announced to hold Under-15 and Under-20 wrestling events from Dec 28 to 31, says Former WFI chief
Former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh says "Because of some issues, national or state level wrestling events were paused in the country for 11 months...We have announced to hold Under-15 and Under-20 wrestling events from 28th December to 31st December...If these tournaments are not organised within 31st, one complete year of the wrestlers will be affected..."

WFI Elections LIVE Updates: All the aspiring sportspersons should focus on our career, says Former wrestler Sangram Singh

Former wrestler Sangram Singh says, "I want to appeal to all the aspiring sportspersons and my colleagues that we should focus on our career. People will mislead you and after listening (to them) you will want to become a politician, actor, entrepreneur or socialist but later we regret when we lose our career... We all should think for the country. Governments will come, governments will go but the country will always remain."

WFI Elections LIVE Updates: Goonga Pehalwan Virender Singh announced that he will return his Padma Shri in support of Wrestler Sakshi Malik

- Deaflympics gold medallist Virender Singh Yadav, better known as Goonga Pehlwan, has now decided to return his Padma Shri to the government, showing solidarity with the country’s top wrestlers who have objected to election of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh loyalist Sanjay Singh as WFI president.
- Bajrang Punia, one of the prominent faces of the protest against the former WFI chief, had returned his Padma Shri on Friday. "I will also return the Padma Shri for my sister and the country’s daughter. Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, I am proud of your daughter and my sister Sakshi Malikkh," Virender wrote on X.
- "I would also request the top players of the country to also give their decision," Virender, said in his post, tagging cricket legend Tendulkar and Olympic champion javelin thrower Chopra. Virender had received the Padma Shri, the country’s fourth-highest civilian award, in 2021.

WFI Elections LIVE Updates: Those who want to engage in politics should go ahead and do so, says WFI chief Sanjay Singh

"Those who are athletes are preparing for wrestling. Those who want to engage in politics should go ahead and do so. It's their personal matter," says newly elected WFI chief Sanjay Singh on wrestler Sakshi Malik's quitting wrestling and Bajrang Punia returning the Padma Shri award.

WFI elections LIVE: Elected body should be allowed to function, says former wrestler Sunil Rana

On WFI elections, former wrestler Sunil Rana says "There was a delay in the elections but the body that was elected in the elections is working for wrestling. Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik and Vinesh Phogat have been good wrestlers but wrestling in India should not be at a loss now, the elected body should be allowed to function. The Federation has announced to hold Under-15 and Under-20 national wrestling events in Gonda, right after it got elected..."

LIVE News Updates: ICG ship ICGS Vikram is moving towards a merchant vessel MV Chem Pluto in the Arabian Sea
Indian Coast Guard ship ICGS Vikram is moving towards a merchant vessel MV Chem Pluto in the Arabian Sea 217 nautical miles off Porbandar cost after it reported a fire incident suspected to be caused by a drone attack. The vessel has crude oil and was going towards Mangalore from a port in Saudi Arabia. As per inputs received, the fire has been extinguished but it has affected its functioning. The ICGS Vikram was deployed on the patrol of the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone when it was directed towards the merchant ship in distress. All crew are safe which includes around 20 Indians. The ICGS Vikram has alerted all ships in the area to provide assistance to it: Defence officials

J&K LIVE News Updates: Security personnel deployed in Poonch district as a search operation is underway

Security personnel deployed in the Bafliaz area of Poonch district as a search operation is underway to nab terrorists in the forest area of Dera ki Gali in the Rajouri sector.

LIVE News Updates: BJP councillors stage a protest during the Special meeting of the House of MCD

BJP councillors stage a protest during the Special meeting of the House of Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to discuss issues relating to the de-sealing of properties falling within the jurisdiction of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi.

Covid-19 Sub Variant JN.1 LIVE Updates: It is a mild variant, says Dr. Randeep Guleria

"The new COVID variant JN.1 is emerging as the dominant variant. It is spreading because it is more transmissible and has an immune-escape mechanism. The good thing is that cases have increased but there is no increase in hospital admissions or deaths. So, it is a mild variant," says Dr. Randeep Guleria, chairman of the Institute of Internal Medicine & Respiratory and Sleep Medicine and Director Medical Education at Medanta.

Delhi News LIVE: Sent the summon under political pressure from the central government, says Saurabh Bharadwaj on ED summons to Delhi CM

On ED summons to Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, Delhi Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj says, "Central agency ED knows that Arvind Kejriwal is at the 10-day vipassana. A person going for vipassana is completely cut off from the world. There are no phones, newspapers or televisions. There is no communication. Now, they are saying that they have given a summon but who received it? This summon was only given to create a political perception. This means that you (ED) have nothing to do with laws and legality. You only sent the summon under political pressure from the central government. This is unfortunate and ridiculous."

LIVE News Updates: Drone attack hits ship in Indian Ocean, alert issued for vessels

British maritime security firm Ambrey said that a merchant vessel was stuck by unmanned aerial vehicle off India's Verval, Reuters reported.

Politics News LIVE Updates: RJD, JD(U) to merge soon, claims BJP leader Giriraj Singh

- Union minister Giriraj Singh said that Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's JD(U) and its ally RJD, founded and headed by Lalu Prasad, were heading for a merger.

- The senior BJP leader made the claim when reporters asked him about Kumar's insistence that all constituents of the INDIA bloc finalise seat-sharing arrangements for Lok Sabha polls by January.

Vivo-money laundering case LIVE: ED arrests 3 more in money laundering case against Vivo-India, others

- The Enforcement Directorate has made three fresh arrests in connection with its money laundering probe against Chinese smartphone-maker Vivo and some others, official sources told PTI.

- A charge-sheet was also filed by the Enforcement Directorate against these people recently before a special PMLA court in Delhi and the court took its cognisance recently.

News LIVE Updates: Supply of 'non-standard' drugs in Delhi govt hospitals, says LG; recommends CBI inquiry

- Delhi Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena has recommended a CBI inquiry into the alleged procurement and supply of "non-standard" drugs in Delhi government hospitals, Raj Niwas officials said.

Karnataka Hijab Ban Reversal News LIVE: Not yet implemented, thinking of withdrawing the decision, says Siddaramaiah

- On lifting the ban on hijab in Karnataka, CM Siddaramaiah says, "I have said this in response to a question. We have not done it yet. We are thinking of withdrawing the decision (of hijab ban). We will discuss it. "

India’s Tour of South Africa LIVE: Ruturaj Gaikwad injured, ruled out

- Ruturaj Gaikwad ruled out of Test series after he suffered an injury to his right ring finger while fielding in the second ODI against South Africa in Gqeberha.

- The Men’s Selection Committee has named Abhimanyu Easwaran as his replacement, says BCCI.

- Fast bowler Harshit Rana has been ruled out of the four-day match against South Africa A starting on 26th December at Willowmoore Park in Benoni owing to a hamstring injury.

Finance News LIVE Updates: I-T Dept notifies ITR forms 1, 4 for AY'25

- The Income Tax Department has notified ITR forms 1 and 4, which are filed by individuals and entities with annual total income of up to Rs 50 lakh, for assessment year (AY) 2024-25.

- Individuals, besides Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs), firms having income up to Rs 50 lakh and those having earnings from business and profession in the current fiscal (April 2023-March 2024) can start filing returns for the income earned this financial year.

News LIVE Updates: 3 Naxalites injured in Chhattisgarh

- An encounter broke out between security forces and Naxalites in the Gogunda area, Sukma.

- 3 Naxalites got injured during the exchange of fire.

J&K News LIVE Updates: Major infiltration bid foiled along IB in Jammu; one terrorist killed

- One terrorist was killed as army troops guarding the International Border (IB) scuttled an infiltration attempt in Jammu, officials said.

- Army's Jammu-based White Knight Corps said the suspected movement of terrorists was captured through surveillance devices during the intervening night of December 22 and 23. "Effective fire brought down. Terrorists seen dragging one body back across the IB," it posted on X.

Punjab Weather News LIVE: Cold weather conditions prevail in most parts of Punjab, Haryana

- Cold weather conditions continued to persist in Punjab and Haryana on Saturday with Bathinda being the coldest place with the minimum temperature of six degrees Celsius.

- Among other places in Punjab, Ludhiana, Patiala and Amritsar recorded respective minimum temperatures of 9.2, 8.6 and 11 degrees Celsius, according to the Meteorological Department's weather report.

Delhi AQI LIVE Updates: Delhi environment minister directs effective implementation of Stage-3 GRAP curbs

- Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Saturday asked all departments concerned to reactivate their teams for effective implementation of curbs under Stage-3 of the Centre's air pollution control plan.

- Addressing a press conference, the minister said that air quality in Delhi deteriorated from very poor to the severe category on Friday due to low temperatures and calm winds.

- "In view of worsening air quality, the Commission for Air Quality Management re-invoked curbs under Stage-3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). This means a ban on non-essential construction work and plying of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers in Delhi-NCR," he said.

Pakistan Elections LIVE Updates: Imran Khan's party alleges its candidates forced out of poll process

- Jailed former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan's party has alleged that its members were targeted, arrested and stopped from filing nomination papers for the February 8 elections despite assurances from the top poll body and the judiciary.

- According to a report in the Dawn newspaper, several Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) hopefuls were not even allowed to reach the Returning Officers (ROs), belying the caretaker government's claim about providing a level playing field to all.

World News LIVE Updates: Bomb found in train at Karachi’s Cantt railway station, defused

- The Sindh Counter Terrorism Department has foiled a terror attack at the main railway station of Pakistan’s biggest city Karachi when a time bomb was found in a train.

- Asad Raza, DIG Operations CTD, said that on Friday they found an IED device in a bag which was placed under a seat of the Peshawar Express from Peshawar which had just reached the Karachi Cantt Station.