News Highlights: UNLF signs historic peace accord with government

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Live news updates: Ambassador Sanjay Sudhir spotlights India's climate achievements ahead of COP28

Indian Ambassador to UAE Sanjay Sudhir on COP28 and PM Modi's visit to Dubai, says, "PM Modi will be arriving in less than 24 hours from now. We're not only well prepared, we are all looking forward to his visit, COP28 is a significant occasion. The last time India had attended COP28 in Glasgow, and since then India has accomplished a lot in the climate change area. In the G20 statement, there was a substantial content on climate change. UAE has played significant role in renewables. We have one of the largest solar firms in the world, investing greatly in green hydrogen...we are trying to make this COP a COP of action."

Live news updates: Ambassador Sanjay Sudhir praises India's exemplary role in climate change mitigation

Indian Ambassador to UAE Sanjay Sudhir says, " Dealing with climate change is an area where India stands apart, India has walked the talk, India has done better than the commitments they have made. PM Modi is very conscious about the issue of climate change and sustainability."

Live news updates: Pneumonia threat looms for children with low immunity amid H9N2 outbreak in China


Dr Subash Giri, Director, Lady Hardinge Medical College, on the pneumonia outbreak in China, says, "H9N2 is being reported a lot in China. It is a viral infection...There is a danger of pneumonia in those children who have low immunity. In India, viral infections occur during the change of season and the start of winter routinely. I have not read any reports of H9N2 in India till now. It is important to stay alert."

ED's multi-city raids on Nove 24 in the case of ABG Shipyard Limited and others, seizure of unaccounted Indian currency, foreign currency, bullion and jewellery to the tune of Rs 5 crore (approx.) and incriminating documents

Live news updates: Chennai grapples with waterlogging due to heavy rainfall, Tiruvallur also faces downpour

Live news updates: Jitendra Awhad challenges legitimacy of EC hearing on NCP name and symbol dispute


Jitendra Awhad, NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) leader, speaking on Election Commission's hearing over the NCP name and symbol, says, "As per the latest judgment of Subash Desai vs. the State of Maharashtra, the Supreme Court has clearly said that the legislature is not a party, so the decision taken by the legislature cannot be accepted... This conflict cannot stand legally. We have said with proof that this petition cannot come before the Election Commission."

Live news updates: US stocks rise after strong economic growth data

Wall Street stocks advanced, extending a positive run following updated US growth data and a hefty share buyback announcement from General Motors.

The US economy saw GDP growth of 5.2 percent at an annual rate in the third quarter, up from the prior 4.9 percent estimate.

About 20 minutes into trading, the Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 0.2 percent at 35,469.06.

Israel-Hamas war update: Palestinians facing 'existential threat', says foreign minister

"We are owed respect to our inherent dignity... Israel has no right to self-defense against a people that it occupies," Palestinian foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki said at the UN Security Council.

Live news updates: TMC leader counters Amit Shah, says 'suspend Suvendu Adhikari before pointing fingers'

"We have already suspended Partha Chatterjee but what about Suvendu Adhikari who is named in the FIR filed by the CBI in Narada case. The BJP should suspend and arrest him before saying anything else," says TMC leader Kunal Ghosh on Union minister Amit Shah challenging Mamata Banerjee to suspend TMC leaders arrested in corruption cases.

Live news updates: CCI approves the proposed acquisition by Atlas 2022 Holdings Limited to increase its voting rights/shareholding in Vodafone from 14.6% to less than 25% in Vodafone Group Plc.

Live news updates: EC orders suspension of 3 Telangana police officers over alleged dilution of Cash-Seizure case (PTI sources)

Live news updates: PM Modi's leadership key to UNLF peace accord, says Manipur CM


Manipur CM N Biren Singh on the United National Liberation Front (UNLF) signing a peace agreement with the Government of India, says, "Efforts for peace talks were being made for years but without any success. This signing happened today under the leadership of PM Modi. I congratulate the Prime Minister and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who worked hard to bring peace. The cadres of UNLF agreed to follow the path of peace, I appreciate the members for this. I hope that the militants in the state and those who raise weapons also choose the path of peace."

Live news updates: Sonia Gandhi praises Kharge's 50-year political journey at his biography launch

Congress leader Sonia Gandhi at the launch of Congress President's biography named 'Mallikarjun Kharge: Political Engagement with Compassion, Justice, and Inclusive Development', said, "50 years is a long period in politics. Mallikarjun Kharge didn't just survive its unpredictable course, he continued to rise higher and higher throughout his political career. Not once did he compromise on his ideology, not once did he drift away from the cause or the poor."

IDBI Bank strategic disinvestment update: Fresh bids invited for asset valuer

The government issues a fresh RFP for the appointment of asset valuer

The last date for submitting bids by asset valuer is January 5

The asset valuer has to be registered either with the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India, or Sebi, or the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI).

Live news updates: India's urban unemployment holds steady at 6.6%

India's urban unemployment rate unchanged at 6.6% in July-September, according to the government's latest Periodic Labour Force Survey. However, male unemployment rate edged up to 6.0% from 5.9% in April-June, while the female unemployment rate fell to 8.6% from 9.1%.

Uttarkashi Tunnel Rescue: Rescued workers' well-being top priority, says Uttarakhand Health Minister


Uttarakhand Health Minister, Dhan Singh Rawat, on the treatment and current situation of rescued workers from Silkyara tunnel, says,"Everything is fine. They will be kept here for medical examinations today and tomorrow. They will be sent back home as per the directions of the director of AIIMS, people in the health department, and doctors... It was a big challenge for the state and central government. I want to thank the PMO and all the agencies of the Indian government, the Chief Minister, and the district administration. This work was successful because of the collective work of everyone."

UNLF Peace Agreement LIVE: Union minister Amit Shah talks about UNLF peace agreement
"The peace agreement signed today with the UNLF by the Government of India and the Government of Manipur marks the end of a six-decade-long armed movement," posts Union minister Amit Shah

Urban Infra Development Workshop LIVE: SBI Chairman Dinesh Kumar Khara addresses the workshop
"The crediblity of the bonds is adding monetizing of bonds. As many of these bonds are listed. So we can set more examples for the globe in terms of muncipal bonds," the SBI Chairman said

UNLF Peace Agreement LIVE: Peace Agreement signed with United National Liberation Front (UNLF)
-In a historic development, the Government of India and Government of Manipur signed a Peace Agreement with United National Liberation Front (UNLF), the oldest valley-based armed group of Manipur in New Delhi: MHA
-The agreement is poised to give a fillip to usher in a new era of peace in the North East in general and Manipur in particular
-As per the vision of the Prime Minister Modi and under the guidance of Union Home Minister, the government of India has signed agreements with several armed groups of the North East region since 2014 to end militancy and promote development
-This is the first time a valley-based Manipuri armed group has agreed to return to mainstream by abjuring violence and agreeing to honour the Constitution of India and laws of the land

Bharat Gaurav Express Incident LIVE: Passengers had food through their private source says Central Railway CPRO
Passengers had food through their private source. These food items were not supplied by Railway staff. All passengers were given treatment and are in normal condition after treatment. No hospitalization was required, they all continued their journey further on the same train, says Central Railway CPRO

PM JANMAN Scheme LIVE: Cabinet approves PM JANMAN campaign
Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM JANMAN) with total outlay of Rs.24,104 crore.

Urban Infra Development Workshop LIVE: SEBI Chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch talks about demand for municipal bonds
SEBI Chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch addressed the Urban Infra Development Workshop and said, that in all of SEBI's discussions that we have had, including with overseas investors, there is a lot of demand for municipal bonds.

Urban Infra Development Workshop LIVE: SEBI Chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch addresses the workshop
SEBI Chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch addressed the Urban Infra Development Workshop and said, 'I want to reiterate that T+0 settlement of trades is going to be optional. SEBI has looked at the data and then taken this decision. It will not lead to fragmentation of the market. These are canards being spread by some people'.

Urban Infra Development Workshop LIVE: Expect a good GDP growth number for July-September says Economic Affairs Secy
Ecoairs Secretary Ajay Seth addressed the Urban Infra Development Workshop and said that we can expect a good GDP growth number for July-September. He added that, 'we are confident of meeting the FY24 fiscal deficit target of 5.9% of GDP. Beyond this year, we are committed to the target of 4.5% by FY26'.

Uttarakhand Tunnel Rescue LIVE: Executive Director & CEO, AIIMS Rishikesh talks about status of rescued miners
On the 41 rescued workers, Prof. Meenu Singh, Executive Director & CEO, AIIMS Rishikesh says, "They are quite normal, I won't even call them patients. They are feeling quite normal, they are behaving very normally. Their blood pressure, vitals, oxygenation - everything is normal. We have done some basic preliminary investigations just to look at their electrolytes and their other blood parameters. The report will be coming and we will also be doing their ECG, just to see if there is any effect on the heart. These are very basic investigations which we will have. We will do a basic psychological assessment also so that we can follow it up later - whether this incident is having any effect on them on a long-term basis..."

Urban Infra Development Workshop LIVE:Chief Economic Adviser V Anantha Nageswaran addresses workshop
Chief Economic Adviser V Anantha Nageswaran says, 'Our cities have become health traps. We need to ensure that children and citizens can undertake physical activity. We are being trapped in sedentry lifestyles'.

Uttarkashi Tunnel Rescue LIVE: BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh talks about rescue ops post completion
On Silkyara tunnel rescue operation, BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh says, "The way 41 workers were rescued after 17 days, it is worth appreciating, importantly under the leadership of PM Modi, the PMO, Union Minister General VK Singh and Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami and their continuous presence there. I salute and thank NDRF, SDRF, several agencies, engineers, labourers and others involved in the operation..."

Urban Infra Development Workshop LIVE: PM-EAC Chairman Bibek Debroy talks about need for reform in land markets
PM-EAC Chairman Bibek Debroy said, 'We need to reform land markets. This doesn't mean just property taxes. But we need to know who owns what piece of land. And in many parts land records are in shambles'.

Urban Infra Development Workshop LIVE: PM-EAC Chairman Bibek Debroy addresses Urban Infra Development Workshop
PM-EAC Chairman Bibek Debroy says 'from a policy perspective, we need to ask ourselves whether the definition of urban and rural should be re-examined'.

Urban Infra Development Workshop LIVE:Urban Affairs Secy says good appetite for municipal bonds
There is a good appetite for municipal bonds. But municipalities need to structure the projects in such a way that revenue comes from the investments.

Urban Infra Development Workshop LIVE: Housing and Urban Affairs Secretary Manoj Joshi addresses
The largest capital investment in urban infrastructure is house loans. And that comes from individuals. So we need to reduce risks for institutional finance so that we can undertake greater urban planning, National Workshop on leveraging private finance for urban infrastructure development.

Urban Infra Development Workshop LIVE: Housing and Urban Affairs Secretary Manoj Joshi addresses workshop
Housing and Urban Affairs Secretary Manoj Joshi says the amount of money needed for urban infrastructure development for the next 25 years or so is far more than what the government can provide.

Urban Infra Development Workshop LIVE: Housing and Urban Affairs Secretary Manoj Joshi addresses workshop
Housing and Urban Affairs Secretary Manoj Joshi said the pace of capital investment in urban India has increased multifold in the last few years, but it remains far, far lower than what is needed.

Urban Infra Development Workshop LIVE: Economic Affairs Secretary Ajay Seth addresses workshop
"All of us recognise cities as centres of economic growth and cultural exchange. Urbanisation, if managed, can lead to inclusive growth. But it does pose challenges. The theme is inclusivity and sustainability must be at the forefront of our urban development," Seth said, speaking at a National Workshop on leveraging private finance for urban infrastructure development.

Urban Infra Development Workshop LIVE: Economic Affairs Secretary Ajay Seth addresses the workshop
Economic Affairs Secretary Ajay Seth said all of us recognise cities as centres of economic growth and cultural exchange. Urbanisation, if managed, can lead to inclusive growth. But it does pose challenges. The theme is inclusivity and sustainability must be at the forefront of our urban development. Seth is also speaking at a National Workshop on leveraging private finance for urban infrastructure development.

Urban Infra Development Workshop LIVE: 'Indian cities are very credit worthy,' says International Finance Corporation Director
Isabel Chatterton the International Finance Corporation Director said that Indian cities are very credit worthy. She added that the corporation is committed to support all 22 credit worthy cities of India.

Uttarkashi Tunnel Rescue: 'This was a mission of entire India,' says NDMA Member Syed Ata Hasnain
"This was a mission of entire India," says NDMA member Lt Gen (Retd) Syed Ata Hasnain as he lists out organisations and government bodies who were involved in the Uttarkashi tunnel rescue operation.

Uttarakhand Tunnel Rescue: Incentive amount for personnel working in rescue ops announced
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has announced that an incentive amount of Rs 50,000 each will be given to all the personnel working in the rescue operation inside the Silkyara tunnel the Chief Minister's Office said

Delhi AQI Live: Delhi, Environment Minister Gopal Rai addresses air pollution situation
On the air pollution situation in Delhi, Environment Minister Gopal Rai says," As per the weather dept, if the wind speed slows down, then there could be fluctuation in AQI levels. Environment Dept is ordering the implementation of measures under GRAP 1 and 2. Precautions currently being taken at hotspots will continue. The use of 215 anti-smog guns and 375 water sprinklers will continue. Dust control measures are to be followed mandatorily at construction sites."

Uttarkashi Tunnel Rescue: Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma talks about tunnel rescue ops
"The people recovered the (Uttarkashi) tunnel yesterday included two workers from Assam. It was a very big (rescue) operation. We were all very tensed, b but did not show it in the public. What happened yesterday has made us all proud," says Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma talksthe successful rescue of 41 workers trapped in Silkyara tunnel.

Govt Advisory on Chinese origin respiratory infection: Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj addresses measures to prevent spread of disease
Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj says, "A letter has been sent to all states from the central government in which it's mentioned that in China respiratory infection can be seen in kids which is like influenza, pneumonia and with COVID symptoms...It's a general advisory. I believe if there will be a specific advisory in it then it will be easy for the states to take proper actions"

Uttarakhand Tunnel Rescue Live Updates: IAF Chinook reaches Rishikesh
IAF's transport aircraft Chinook, carrying 41 rescued workers, arrives in Rishikesh. It has been flown to AIIMS Rishikesh from Chinyalisaur for the workers' further medical examination.

Cabinet briefing LIVE: 16th Finance Commission will submit its report by October 2025 says Union Minister Anurag Thakur
"The next decision is regarding the 16th Finance Commission. The Union Cabinet has given its approval on the Terms of Reference of the 16th Finance Commission...On the basis of the recommendations of the Working Group, the Terms of Reference of the 16th Finance Commission have been decided...The 16th Finance Commission will submit its report by October 2025, Centre will take a decision on it and this will be implemented from 1st April 2026 to 31st March 2031."

Cabinet briefing LIVE: 16th Finance Commission will submit its report by October 2025 says Union Minister Anurag Thakur
"The next decision is regarding the 16th Finance Commission. The Union Cabinet has given its approval on the Terms of Reference of the 16th Finance Commission...On the basis of the recommendations of the Working Group, the Terms of Reference of the 16th Finance Commission have been decided...The 16th Finance Commission will submit its report by October 2025, Centre will take a decision on it and this will be implemented from 1st April 2026 to 31st March 2031."

Cabinet briefing LIVE: I&B Minister Anurag Thakur talks about free food grain plan
I&B Minister Anurag Thakur says based assumption of 80 crore plus people for free food grain plan on current census estimates.He added that You are looking at food subsidy bill, I am looking at providing free food grain. For us money and budget is not a problem, providing free food grain is a priority for PM Modi.

Cabinet briefing LIVE: I&B Minister Anurag Thakur talks about Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana
There will no shortage of funds or food for Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana for over five years

Cabinet briefing LIVE: I&B Minister Anurag Thakur talks about ration scheme
There will no issues with procurement on extending free ration scheme for 5 years

Cabinet briefing LIVE: I&B Minister Anurag Thakur talks about PM Janman scheme
I&B Minister Anurag Thakur PM Janman scheme will cost Rs 24,100 crore out of which Rs 15,300 cr will be funded by Centre and remaining by states

Cabinet briefing LIVE:I&B Minister Anurag Thakur talks about ambit of PM Janman scheme
Basic facilities including housing, road connectivity, piped water, mobile medical units, solar street lighting, mobile towers will be provided under PM Janman scheme