Latest news today (February 17): Presenting FE’s Breaking News today. We will keep you updated on all major news, views and much more throughout the day.
The Jnanpith selection committee has announced two popular names for the recipients of the 58th Jnanpith Award, Urdu poet Gulzar and Sanskrit scholar Jagadguru Rambhadracharya. (READ MORE)
On Saturday, an explosion at a fireworks factory in this district claimed the lives of ten individuals, including four women. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin has instructed two state ministers to oversee the rescue and relief efforts. The Chief Minister explained that the sudden explosion occurred at a firecracker manufacturing unit in Kundayiruppu village in Vembakottai, resulting in the tragic loss of ten lives, including six men and four women. (READ MORE)
Today, ISRO has launched the INSAT-3DS meteorological satellite aboard the Geosynchronous Launch Vehicle F14 (GSLV-F14) from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota at 5:35 pm. (READ MORE)
https://x.com/ANI/status/1758826178331467788?s=20
According to ARY News, the Election Commission of Pakistan dismissed accusations of rigging in the 2024 general election against Rawalpindi Commissioner Liaqat Ali Chatha on Saturday. Following a contentious election outcome, Commissioner Liaquat Ali Chatta of Rawalpindi Division resigned from his position on Saturday in protest against electoral irregularities, particularly allegations of rigging.
Veteran actress Anjana Bhowmick passed away on Saturday, as confirmed by family sources. She was 79 years old. Anjana, who had been unwell for some time, breathed her last at a private hospital around 10:30 am. She had been hospitalized on February 16 due to respiratory issues and had been bedridden due to age-related health concerns in recent months.
A man of Indian origin has received a life sentence from a court for committing a murder 30 years ago. Sandip Patel, aged 51, was convicted of brutally stabbing Marina Koppel to death in her flat in the Westminster area of London in 1994. His conviction came after his strand of hair was discovered at the crime scene, connecting him to the heinous crime. The sentencing took place at the Old Bailey court in London on Friday.
Iran has unveiled a new anti-ballistic missile system and a new low-altitude air defence system, the country's state news agency reported on Saturday. The Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) said that the two new systems developed by the Iranian Defence Ministry were unveiled today in the presence of Defence Minister Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Gharaei Ashtiani. (ANI)
Suhani Bhatnagar, known for her portrayal of young Babita Phogat in Aamir Khan's Dangal, passed away in Delhi on Saturday at the age of 19. (READ MORE)
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu unveiled the annual budget for 2024-25, totalling Rs 58,444 crore. Emphasizing the agriculture sector, the budget includes provisions for an enhanced Minimum Support Price (MSP) for milk. (READ MORE)
Officials reported that ten bogies of a freight train derailed near Sarai Rohilla Railway station in the national capital on Saturday. They stated that there is a possibility of a person being injured on the tracks. The incident occurred as the train was passing under the Zakhira flyover on Saturday morning. Teams from the railway police and fire brigade have been dispatched to the scene for the rescue efforts.
Fire breaks out in Tarapur MIDC, Palghar, Maharashtra. The fire broke out after a sudden explosion. Further details awaited
On Saturday, the Delhi Assembly commenced a debate on the motion of confidence proposed by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who accused the BJP of attempting to lure AAP MLAs to overthrow his government.
Richard Verma, a senior American diplomat, is set to undertake a six-day official trip to India, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives next week. The visit aims to bolster bilateral relations between the United States and these key Indo-Pacific partners, reaffirming the enduring commitment to a free, open, secure, and prosperous region. Verma will embark on this journey from February 18 to February 23, engaging with leaders and stakeholders in all three countries.
More than eight people sustained injuries after a structure installed near Gate number 2 of the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in the national capital collapsed on Saturday, Delhi Police said. Emergency services, including the fire brigade and Delhi Police, are on the spot and conducting rescue operations. (ANI) (READ MORE)
According to the National Center for Seismology (NCS), Myanmar experienced a 4.4 magnitude earthquake on Saturday. The tremors occurred at 9:25:24 Indian Standard Time (IST). Fortunately, there have been no reports of casualties or property damage thus far.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is gearing up for a two-day national convention in Delhi, dedicated to strategizing for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Beginning on Saturday at the Bharat Mandap, the event will be inaugurated with an opening speech by the party's national president, JP Nadda. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is slated to address the attendees on Sunday, amplifying the significance of the gathering.
The party of imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan has opted to assume the role of the Opposition in Parliament. Simultaneously, they are initiating a nationwide protest against purported election rigging, following their unsuccessful attempts to secure the formation of the next government. Meanwhile, Pakistan's major political factions have intensified their endeavors to establish a federal government following the divided outcome of the February 8 elections.
the Bharti Kisan Union (Ekta Ugrahan) is set to stage demonstrations outside the residences of three prominent BJP leaders in Punjab as part of the ongoing farmers' protest, now entering its fifth day. The protest encompasses various demands, notably seeking a legal assurance for Minimum Support Price (MSP). In addition, the union will also mobilize protests at toll plazas across the state, aligning with the farmers' "Delhi Chalo" movement.
Foreign Minister S Jaishankar has confirmed discussions with his Canadian counterpart Melanie Joly, addressing the "current status" of bilateral relations and prevailing global concerns. This dialogue unfolds amid diplomatic tensions arising from the killing of a Sikh separatist in Canada. (READ MORE)