Nepal crime reform sparks press freedom concerns
Nepal introduced a new criminal code on Friday that makes sharing confidential information a jailable offence, sparking concerns among journalists that the laws could be used to muzzle the press.
Church to demand inclusion of Dalit Christians in SC list
The Catholic Church in Tamil Nadu will be organising a conference in Tiruchi to highlight the long pending demand of inclusion of Dalit Christians in the Scheduled Caste list.
Constitutional crisis due to panchayat poll row
The West Bengal government told the Supreme Court that the row over the recently-concluded panchayat polls in the State has led to a “constitutional crisis” since the tenure of several panchayats was over and new bodies have not been made functional.
Proposal for city-level GDP under study
With urban India responsible for an increasingly large share of the national GDP, the Centre now hopes to bring out city-level GDP data.
Will honour ceasefire if Pakistan curbs infiltration: India
The Indian Army will “abide by its commitment” to uphold the ceasefire understanding of 2003 if the Pakistan Army “initiates positive steps to control infiltration and abetment of terrorism” in J&K, Pakistan was told on Thursday.
Pakistan Speaker hails MFN status for India
Pakistan’s decision to give India the “Most Favoured Nation” status is an example of what can happen when regional cooperation and networking are given full play in South Asia, according to Fehmida Mirza, Speaker of the Pakistani National Assembly.
Odisha to showcase its biodiversity
The Odisha government is setting up a world-class interpretation centre at Dangamal near Bhitarkanika National Park to showcase its efforts in protecting crocodiles and preserving its rich mangrove diversity.
Scientists to test land for LIGO
The Environment Ministry has allowed scientists to test the suitability of land in Maharashtra’s Hingoli district to host the India wing of the ambitious Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory (LIGO) project.
Creamy layer cannot apply to SCs/STs: Centre
The government told the Supreme Court that the “creamy layer” concept cannot be applied to the Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe communities, who have suffered for centuries.
Reduce water level in Mullaperiyar to 139 ft, orders SC
The Supreme Court told Tamil Nadu and Kerala that “an effort has to be made to bring the water level [in the Mullaperiya dam] to 139 feet so that people downstream (of the dam) do not live in constant fear”.