The big news: GDP growth rises to 8.2% for first quarter of 2018-’19, and 9 other top stories
Other headlines: Police claimed the activists arrested in connection with Bhima Koregaon violence were in touch with Maoists, and the rupee hit the 71-mark.
A look at the headlines right now:
- GDP growth rose to 8.2% in first quarter of 2018-’19: The government had reported a 7.7% growth in the GDP in the previous quarter.
- Evidence clearly establishes accused in Bhima Koregaon case had links with Maoists, say police: The additional director general of police claimed activists’ speeches were meant to incite hatred before caste-related violence erupted near Pune on January 1.
- Rupee breaches 71 against dollar for the first time: Diesel prices hit all-time high and petrol also costlier as the home currency continued to slide.
- Supreme Court adjourns hearing of petitions against Article 35A till January: The Centre told the court that all security agencies are busy preparing for upcoming local body elections in the state.
- Vodafone completes merger with Idea, creates India’s largest telecom operator: Kumar Mangalam Birla is the chairperson of Vodafone Idea Ltd and Balesh Sharma is the chief executive officer.
- Donald Trump threatens to pull US out of World Trade Organisation: The US president said the agreement establishing the body ‘was the single worst trade deal ever made’.
- Supreme Court quashes FIR filed against actor Priya Prakash Varrier for winking in a film: The top court said the song ‘Manikya Malaraaya Poovi’ was not blasphemous and rebuked the petitioners for filing the case.
- Delhi court grants bail to Rabri Devi, Tejashwi Yadav and other accused in IRCTC scam: They have to furnish a personal bond and surety amount of Rs 1 lakh each.
- SC issues notices to Centre, BJP and states for allegedly violating public advertisement guidelines: The apex court issued notices to Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Chattisgarh and Telangana.
- Rahul Gandhi has an obsession with China, alleges BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra: His statements come the day the Congress president is scheduled to leave for a 12-day pilgrimage to Kailash Mansarovar.
- IAF rescue 30 people stranded on island in Siang river, says Arunachal Pradesh chief minister: Deputy Commissioner of East Siang district Tamiyo Tatak said the water in the river has increased slightly since Thursday but there was no reason to panic.
