The big news: President says Kathua rape and murder is shameful for India, and 9 other top stories
Other headlines: Narendra Modi unveiled a Basavanna statue on the banks of the Thames, and Tamil Nadu’s governor drew criticism for patting a reporter’s cheek.
A look at the headlines right now:
- ‘We have to think about what kind of society we are developing,’ says President on Kathua rape, murder: Meanwhile, at least 15 people were injured in clashes with police in Anantnag during a protest to demand justice in the Kathua rape case.
- Narendra Modi unveils statue of Lingayat philosopher Basavanna on the banks of the Thames: The prime minister later met his British counterpart Theresa May to discuss matters such as separatism, cross-border terrorism and immigration.
- TN Governor Banwarilal Purohit pats journalist’s cheek in reply to her question, sparks controversy: He later apologised and said it was a sign of affection.
- ‘PM Modi should follow his own advice to me and speak up,’ says Manmohan Singh on Kathua, Unnao rapes: He said there may have been pressure on Jammu and Kashmir CM Mehbooba Mufti from her party’s coalition partner, the BJP, to go slow in the Kathua case.
- Law Commission recommends simultaneous elections to Lok Sabha, state Assemblies: It has sought suggestions on the matter from constitutional experts, academia, political parties, bureaucrats and students.
- Three men arrested for raping 12-year-old in Delhi, circulating video on WhatsApp: The girl’s family alleged that they were facing pressure to withdraw the case.
- BJP asks its ministers in Jammu and Kashmir to resign ahead of Cabinet reshuffle, say reports: Party spokesperson Khalid Jehangir dismissed reports that claimed the ministers had been asked to quit in protest against Mehbooba Mufti’s leadership.
- Union minister Anantkumar Hegde claims ‘big nexus’ against him after truck hits escort vehicle: He said he suspected a ‘serious attempt’ on his life, claiming that the vehicle had targeted his car initially but missed.
- Twenty-one die, several injured after truck with marriage party falls off a bridge: The vehicle plunged about 70 feet before crashing into the dry river bed.
- Internet existed during the Mahabharata, says Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb: ‘How could Dhritarashtra see through Sanjay’s eyes? This means technology was there, internet was there.’