A look at the headlines right now:

  1. Two suspected LeT militants shot down in encounter in Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag: Two civilians were also killed in the gunbattle after security forces opened fire at suspects who were holed up in a house.
  2. ‘We are ensuring progress of the country’, says Modi at GST launch: The Goods and Services Tax was launched by the prime minister and the president in Parliament’s Central Hall at midnight.
  3. Carrie Lam sworn-in as Hong Kong’s new leader amid protests by pro-democracy activists: However, Chinese President Xi Jingping, who administered the ceremony, warned against ‘impermissible’ challenges to Beijing’s authority.
  4. One arrested in Jharkhand lynching case, police form special investigation team to probe incident: The state government has announced Rs two lakh compensation for Ansari’s family, and Rs 20,000 for the burial.
  5. The surgical strikes were planned 15 months in advance, says Manohar Parrikar: The former defence minister said it was an ‘insulting’ question by a TV show anchor to ex-Armyman Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore in 2015 had triggered the plan.
  6. Twitter criticises Trump’s order defining ‘bona fide’ relationship with #GrandparentsNotTerrorists campaign: Several social media users shared pictures of their grandparents, asking the US president if they seemed like a threat to the country.
  7. US’ strategic patience with North Korean regime is over, says Donald Trump: He said Washington was open to a dialogue with Pyongyang only if it was ready to give up its nuclear weapons programmes.
  8. Tamil Nadu theatres call for shut down from Monday over unclear tax structure: The state government has not yet specified whether the owners will have to pay 30% entertainment tax to local body over and above the GST rate.
  9. Mid-air collision averted after IndiGo and BSF aircraft came perilously close over Jammu and Kashmir: While Union Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi was on board the BSF aircraft, there were about 180 passengers on the IndiGo flight.
  10. Former doctor kills one, injures six others in New York’s Bronx hospital shooting: The gunman later shot himself dead after a failed self-immolation bid.