Latest news today (February 21): Presenting FE’s Breaking News today. We will keep you updated on all major news, views and much more throughout the day.
The Union Cabinet has approved the proposal of Ministry of Home Affairs of continuation of implementation of Umbrella Scheme on ‘Safety of Women’ at a total cost of Rs.1179.72 crore during the period from 2021-22 to 2025-26. Out of the total project outlay of Rs.1179.72 crore, a total of Rs.885.49 crore will be provided by MHA from its own budget and Rs.294.23 crore will be funded from Nirbhaya Fund.
The Union Cabinet has approved the proposal of Department of Water Resources, RD & GR for continuation of centrally sponsored Scheme, viz., “Flood Management and Border Areas Programme (FMBAP)” with total outlay of Rs. 4,100 crore for a period of 5 years from 2021-22 to 2025-26 (15th Finance Commission period).
The Union Cabinet chaired by PM Modi approved the amendment in FDI policy on space sector. Now, the satellites sub-sector has been divided into three different activities with defined limits for foreign investment in each such sector. The Indian Space Policy 2023 was notified as an overarching, composite and dynamic framework to implement the vision for unlocking India’s potential in Space sector through enhanced private participation. The said policy aims to augment space capabilities; develop a flourishing commercial presence in space; use space as a driver of technology development and derived benefits in allied areas; pursue international relations and create an ecosystem for effective implementation of space applications among all stakeholders.
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi approved the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) of sugarcane for Sugar Season 2024-25 at ₹ 340/quintal at sugar recovery rate of 10.25%. This is historic price of sugarcane which is about 8% higher than FRP of sugarcane for current season 2023-24. The revised FRP will be applicable w.e.f. 01 Oct 2024.
Officials reported a significant fire incident at a plastic furniture manufacturing facility located in the Ghoghali area of Besa, Nagpur, on Wednesday. The fire broke out around 6:30 PM at Vaidya Industries, the plastic furniture making factory.
The National Centre for Seismology reported that Afghanistan experienced an earthquake measuring 4.5 on the Richter scale on Wednesday. The earthquake's depth was recorded at 10 km. The tremors were felt around 6:27 pm, as stated by the NCS.
According to Delhi police, tragedy struck in the national capital as a wall of a house collapsed, resulting in one fatality and leaving another individual injured. A rescue operation has been initiated amid concerns that some individuals may be trapped beneath the debris. The incident took place at Kotla Mubarakpur on Gurudwara road at approximately 5 pm today.
The National Human Rights Commission has sent a notice to the West Bengal government and the state's police chief over reports alleging "unabated human rights violations" due to continued violence in restive Sandeshkhali, officials said on Wednesday. Considering the gravity of the matter, the Commission has also decided to "depute its team to ascertain facts by an on-spot inquiry" into the incidents of "violence of human rights" in Sandeshkhali in North 24 Parganas district, they said. (PTI)
Social media platform Reddit plans to sell a chunk of its IPO shares to its platform's users, the Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday. It aims to reserve an as-yet-undetermined number of shares for 75,000 of its most prolific so-called redditors when it goes public next month, the report said, citing people familiar with the matter. The users will have the opportunity to buy Reddit shares at its initial public offering (IPO) price before the stock starts trading, a privilege normally reserved only for big investors, the report said. (Reuters)
Google has unveiled a set of new artificial intelligence (AI) models, which, like Meta Platforms and other companies, are available for external developers to adapt and utilize. The Alphabet subsidiary has introduced a collection of "open models" named Gemma, allowing individuals and businesses to create AI software based on these models at no cost.
The Samajwadi Party on Wednesday said that it will fight in alliance with the Congress in the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections. The former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav-led party said that it will contest in 63 out of the 80 seats in the Lok Sabha elections, and has offered 17 seats to the Congress. (Read More)
A fire broke out in the third floor of a residential apartment in Dwarka Sector 10 on Wednesday morning, police officials said.
According to sources, the Income Tax Department on Tuesday recovered these amounts from the bank account of the Congress party. The income tax department had marked a lien of Rs 115 crore in the accounts of the Congress party.
The European Union approved its 13th package of sanctions against Russia on Wednesday , according to a report by Reuters. The new package will see nearly 200 entities and individuals added to the list but no fresh sectoral measures.
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav broke the silence on speculations around fallout between his party and the Congress for the upcoming general elections. He also said that the two parties will be addressing the media in a joint press conference at 5 pm today. The seat-sharing formula in Uttar Pradesh is likely to be revealed.
Gulmarg in Jammu and Kashmir is gearing up to host the fourth edition of the Khelo India Winter Games. Authorities are eagerly anticipating the arrival of guests at the renowned ski resort. Organizers have diligently prepared to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for both participants and spectators.
Indian para swimmer Suyash Jadhav on Wednesday secured the 2024 Paris Paralympics quota in the Men's 50m Butterfly S7 category with his brilliant performance at the previous Asian Para Games.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a prosecution complaint (PC) under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, against Tower Infotech Limited and its Managing Director, Ramendu Chattopadhyay, an official said on Wednesday.
PM to visit Gujarat and UP on Feb 22-23, 2024, to launch development projects worth more than 48,000 crore.
ISRO's CE20 cryogenic engine is now human-rated for Gaganyaan missions. (READ MORE)
The Kerala High Court on Tuesday ordered a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the suspicious death of a minor girl in Thiruvananthapuram in March last year. The Kerala HC's order comes after eight months of police inquiries that couldn't pinpoint the accused.
Protesting farmers are set to resume their “Delhi Chalo” march today i.e. Wednesday at 11 am. (READ MORE)
Renowned constitutional jurist Fali S. Nariman passed away in New Delhi today, February 21, 2024, at 95. (READ MORE)
An earthquake of magnitude 4.2 struck Afghanistan in the early hours of Wednesday. According to the National Centre for Seismology, the depth of the earthquake was recorded at 10 km.
Congress MP and former UN diplomat Shashi Tharoor has been conferred with the highest French civilian honour, 'Chevalier de la Legion d'honneur' for being a 'friend' of France and working for deepening Indo-French ties.