News Updates on June 2: Here’s snapshots of big developments of the day. What came as a shock late evening was the news of a three-way accident involving Bengaluru-Howrah superfast express, the Coromandel Express and goods train in Odisha’s Balasore district. Here’s a recap of all the headlines including Coal India’s share getting oversubscribed, wrestlers’ FIR details getting published, Manipur violence and much more:

PM Modi, President Murmu express distress over Odisha train accident

Expressing distress over the train accident in Odisha, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday took to Twitter and wrote, ““Spoke to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and took stock of the situation. Rescue ops are underway at the site of the mishap and all possible assistance is being given to those affected.” President Mumru also expressed her anguish over the incident and wrote,”My heart goes out to the bereaved families. I pray for the success of rescue operations and quick recovery of the injured.” (Read More)

Coromandel, Bengaluru-Howrah Express trains derail, hit goods train; 50 dead, 179 injured

At least 50 people died and 350 people were injured as a three way accident involving Bengaluru-Howrah superfast express, the Coromandel Express and goods train on three separate tracks occurred at Bahanagar in Odisha’s Balasore district. A railway official said that several coaches of 12864 Bengaluru-Howrah superfast express travelling to Howrah, derailed at Bahanagabazar and fell on the up line.

“These derailed coaches collided with 12841 Shalimar-Chennai Coromandel Express and its coaches capsized too,” he said. A goods train was also involved in the accident as the coaches of the Coromandel Express hit its wagons after getting derailed, the official said. The accident occurred at around 7 pm, about 255 kms from Howrah, he said. (READ MORE)

Coal India share sale over-subscribed, govt to get more than Rs 4,000 crore

The Coal India share sale was over-subscribed by both retail and institutional investors and the government is expected to get more than Rs 4,000 crore. In the two-day offer for sale (OFS), the government sold its 18.48 crore shares or 3 per cent stake in Coal India at a floor price of Rs 225 apiece. At the floor price, the stake sale would fetch over Rs 4,000 crore to the exchequer. (Read More)

1983 World Cup winning team backs wrestlers

In a statement, the 1983 squad says that they are ‘disturbed’ by the visuals of ‘champions being manhandled.’ Requesting the sportspersons to not take any ‘hasty decision’, the 1983 squad added – ‘let the law of land prevail.’

Congress govt approves poll guarantees in Karnataka

From 200 units of free electricity to free travel for women passengers in state-run buses, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah has cleared five poll guarantees that Congress had said during the Assembly elections. (READ MORE)

Manipur violence death toll surges to 98

Latest reports from strife-torn state say that 98 people have been confirmed dead and over 300 have been injured in the violence. Over 4,000 cases of arson were confirmed by local authorities. Meanwhile, Manipur Police says that a day after Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s appeal, 140 weapons have been surrendered.

No permission for Brij Bhushan’s Ayodhya Rally

BJP MP and WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh was scheduled to address a ‘maha rally’ in UP’s Ayodhya on June 5. However, a PTI report says that local authorities have denied him the permission to hold the rally. Singh, who has been accused by abusing wrestlers, took to Facebook to say that he has ‘postponed’ his ‘Jan Chetna Maharally’ for ‘few days’. He said that he took this decision due to the ongoing inquiry. A while back, Brij Bhushan also took to Twitter to claim that the allegations against him are political conspiracy.(READ MORE)

Storm hits Japan

Japan is witnessing torrential rain as Tropical Storm Mawar nears the mainland. The officials have advised people to evacuate to safer areas. Roughly over a million people will be affected by the Storm Mawar. So far, no injuries have been reported. A Reuters report said that Mawar, which wreaked havoc on Guam earlier this week, has weakened to tropical storm now. Previously, it had the super typhoon status.

Khap panchayat in Haryana’s Kurukshetra

Farmers are holding a mega khap panchayat in Haryana’s Kurukshetra over wrestlers’ protest. Rakesh Tikait had previously said that the farmers will meet the President to back the wrestlers.

Wrestlers’ FIR details

As details of FIR by wrestlers have appeared in the public domain, pressure is mounting on the Modi government to take a definitive action. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra took to Twitter to question the Centre. Posting the front page of the Indian Express, Priyanka Gandhi tagged PM Modi and questioned why no action was taken against the accused.

New tension arms pact violation

In what is being termed as a tit-for-tat, Washington has said that it will not provide some of the key notifications to Moscow under the ‘START’ arms pact. The notifications also include details on its launcher and missile locations. The US says that this is a retaliation against Moscow’s “ongoing violations” of the accord.

US Senate passes debt ceiling bill

The US Senate has passed the bill to raise debt ceiling, staving off default just days before deadline. President Joe Biden is expected to sign quickly, latest reports from Washington suggest. (READ MORE)

Biden trips at Air Force graduation ceremony

President Joe Biden tripped and fell after handing out the last diploma at a graduation ceremony at the US Air Force Academy on Thursday, but got up quickly and walked back to his seat. The 80-year-old US president fell forward, caught himself with his hands, then got up on one knee helped by three people. He walked back to his seat unassisted. (REUTERS)