The big news: FIR filed against BJP MLA in Unnao rape case, and nine other top stories
Other headlines: Fifty DMK workers were arrested as PM Modi reached Chennai, and the ISRO launched navigation satellite INRSS-1I.
A look at the headlines right now:
- Uttar Pradesh Police file FIR against BJP MLA in Unnao rape, CBI to take over case: This came hours after the state government asked the police to file a case against Kuldeep Singh Sengar.
- Protests greet Narendra Modi in Chennai, 50 DMK workers arrested: The prime minister is in the city to inaugurate the four-day Defence Expo India 2018.
- ISRO successfully launches INRSS-1I, completing the navigation constellation: It was put into orbit around 19 minutes after its launch at 4.04 am from Andhra Pradesh’s Sriharikota space centre.
- Minaret at Taj Mahal Complex crashes down in storm, no injuries reported: Photographs showed the 12-foot metal pillar and its dome shattered.
- Judiciary’s independence is under threat, says SC judge as Centre sits on collegium’s recommendation: Justice Kurian Joseph said the government sitting on the recommendation for long sends a message that judges must not ‘cause any displeasure to the executive’.
- J&K Police want two Sikh policemen as prosecuting officers in Kathua rape case, says report: Some officers said the move was to prevent further polarisation in the state while others said the decision was not based on the officers’ religion.
- SC extends its order directing Gujarat court not to proceed with defamation case against The Wire: On Wednesday, an Ahmedabad court issued summons to the news website’s journalist and editors in a defamation case file by the Adani Group.
- Samajwadi Party to support Bahujan Samaj Party candidate in UP Legislative Council polls: Elections to 13 seats are due later this month.
- Disabled people barred from Haj pilgrimage because they ‘take up begging’, Centre tells Delhi HC: The government’s affidavit said the journey was also very demanding physically for those with disabilities.
- Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg says Cambridge Analytica breach included his personal data: He continued to defend his company’s privacy controls saying users did not choose the options at their disposal to check what they share.