Latest News Today (July 8): Presenting FE Online’s ‘Breaking News Today’. Here, we keep you updated with all big developments as they happen:

BJP demands President’s Rule in West Bengal after Panchayat poll violence

The BJP is up in arms and has sought President’s Rule in West Bengal after violent clashes, deaths were reported during the Panchayat polls today. As many as 12 people lost their lives in various parts of Bengal during the violence today. Police vehicle was sent on fire in Murshidabad. Bengal BJP has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah seeking imposition of the President’s Rule in the state.

Woman dies in ceiling collapse in Karol Bagh

A 58-year-old woman died coming under the debris of a ceiling of a Tibbia College Society flat that collapsed Saturday morning apparently due to heavy rain, police said. According to the fire department, the quarter was located in a dilapidated building in Karol Bagh on the DB Gupta Road. The building is an object of a legal battle between the residents and the college authority. Police said the victim was Ranjeet Kaur, who was salvaging some items after a portion of the ceiling collapsed but came under the debris after the rest of it came crashing down. (PTI)

Heavy rains hit Delhi, waterlogging, traffic jams bring life to halt

The National Capital witnessed incessant rains today. According to news agency ANI, wall of Deshbandhu College also collapsed due to rains. Massive traffic jams are being reported from areas such as ITO and Panchsheel Marg etc. Meanwhile, in J&K’s Poonch, two army personnel reportedly washed away in a river in the spate. rescue operation is underway.

PM Modi holds roadshow in Bikaner, launches projects worth Rs 24,000 crore

PM Modi addressed a rally in Rajasthan’s Bikaner, where he inaugurated projects worth Rs 24,000 crore. Taking a dig at the ruling Congress in the state, PM Modi said that the party was running ‘loot ki dukaan’. He also held a roadshow in Bikaner.

Volodymyr Zelensky posts video from Snake Island

As Russia-Ukraine war enters 500th today, Ukrainian President Zelensky visisted Snake Island. Touted as the symbol of Ukrainian defiance, Kyiv had succssfully defended the island from Russian attacks in the early phase of the war.

Adani buys 30% in Trainman for Rs 3.5 cr

Adani Enterprises, the flagship firm of billionaire Gautam Adani’s group, has bought a close to 30 per cent stake in Start Enterprises Pvt Ltd, which owns the online train ticket booking platform Trainman. Adani Enterprises last month announced that it has signed a pact to acquire 100 per cent of SEPL. In a stock exchange filing on Saturday, Adani Enterprises said Adani Digital Labs Pvt Ltd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the company, has bought a 29.81 per cent stake in SEPL for Rs 3.56 crore. (PTI)

Hoax call triggers security scare at Lucknow’s Hazratganj metro station

Security was heightened and a bomb disposal squad deployed at the Hazratganj metro station here in response to a phone call reporting a bomb threat, which later turned out to be a hoax, officials said on Saturday. A senior official of the Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation said the 112 police helpline received the hoax threat call around 9 pm on Friday which warned of targeting the metro station at 11.48 pm. Immediately after receiving the call, police alerted metro security and a bomb disposal squad arrived at the Hazratganj metro station, the official said, adding that the station premises were thoroughly searched and declared safe around 12 midnight. (PTI)

Indian Railways’ big decision, announces 25% reduction in passenger fare

In a big relief for common man, the Indian Railways on Saturday announced reduction in passenger fares. According to the latest decision taken by the Railway Board, the fares for AC chair car and executive class tickets will be slashed by 25 per cent. The decision will also come into force for all Vande Bharat trains as well, PTI confirmed. The Railway Board also added that apart from Vande Bharat, the tickets will also cost less for Vistadome and Anubhuti coaches. However, it will also depend on the occupancy of these coaches on that particular day. (READ MORE)

2023 ODI World Cup: Key meet in Pakistan

While many fans are planning to buy tickets for October 15 India vs Pakistan World Cup match, there’s still no official confirmation from across the border. PTI says that Pakistan PM Shahbaz Sharif on Saturday formed a high-level panel, which is chaired by Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto. This committee will decide whether the Pakistan sqaud will travel to India for World Cup or not!

Fresh violence in Manipur

A mob of 150-200 people set ablaze two vehicles near the Kangla Fort and also tried to snatch weapons from the police, forcing the security forces to fire at the crowd, sources said on Saturday. However, there were no reports of any casualties. According to the sources, there were reports of intermittent gunfire exchange near Yaingangpokpi in the Imphal East district till midnight. The situation is being closely monitored. (PTI)

PM Modi launches key projects in Telangana

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates various development projects in Telangana’s Warangal. “I am confident that with highway network, business and industries will get a boost. I often reiterate the famous quote of former US President John F Kennedy – American roads are not good because America is rich but America is rich because American roads are good. I am happy that the road infrastructure, that will be developed here under the leadership of the PM, will connect the mining industry, trade, business, export-import and small centres of development and we will generate employment…,” Nitin Gadkari said at the event. Meanwhile, K Chandrashekar Rao skipped the event. (ANI)

Inclement weather continues to affect Amarnath Yatra

Amarnath Yatra remains suspended for second day running, officials confirmed on Saturday. All the piligrims continue to remain at Jammu base as rains lash the route ahead. Officials are not allowing people to take the journey ahead due to bad weather. The Srinagar-Jammu Highway remains closed for Amarnath Yatra. During early morning hours, a mudslide was reported from Ramban area.

Bastille Day Updates

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will join French President Emmanuel Macron for this year’s Bastille Day celebrations on July 14. Latest media reports say that apart from a private dinner at Elysee Palace, Macron will also host a ceremonial dinner for PM Modi at world-famous Louvre Museum.

West Bengal Panchayat Elections underway

West Bengal is today voting for 73,000 Panchayat seats today. The polling, which is being held in a single-phase, has been marred by sporadic incidents of violent clashes and deaths. According to news agency ANI, a 52-year-old Trinamool Congress worker was allegedly murdered in Murshidabad. Latest reports say that 24 people have died in poll-related violence so far. (READ MORE)