NEWS

In view of the recent security challenges at the India-China border, the Supreme Court on Tuesday allowed a double lane paved shoulder configuration for the Chardham road project saying it is essential for the swift movement of the Armed Forces.

A bench headed by Justice D Y Chandrachud emphasised that it is essential to strike a balance when there is a need to widen strategic roads, important for national security, and the principle of sustainable development, which is crucial to protect the environment. The bench said this court can’t second-guess the infrastructural needs of the Armed Forces.

The top court also constituted an oversight committee, led by former Supreme Court judge Justice A.K. Sikri, to ensure all remedial measures are taken in the interest of the environment and the recommendations of the high-power committee are implemented in the project.

The attack on a bus of armed forces personnel at Srinagar's Zeewan was carried out by three Kashmir Tigers terrorists, an offshoot of the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror outfit, police officials said on Monday (December 13, 2021).

In a press statement, police said that the preliminary investigation has revealed that three terrorists had fired indiscriminately upon a police vehicle carrying police personnel of the 9th Battalion near Zewan Pantha Chowk area of Srinagar. 

"Although the fire was retaliated, however, taking advantage of darkness, terrorists managed to escape from the spot," the police added.

A meeting of Opposition floor leaders from Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha is scheduled to be held on Tuesday. The meeting will be held at 10 am in the Chamber of Leader of Opposition (LoP), Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge to chalk out the strategy for the ongoing winter session of the Parliament.

On Monday, Vice-President and Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla led the nation in paying tributes to the security personnel and victims who lost their lives while defending the Parliament 10 years ago. 

The tributes reminded everyone about the horrific terror attack on the Parliament on December 13. Jagdish Prasad Yadav, Matbar Singh Negi, both Security Assistants of Rajya Sabha Secretariat, and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) constable Kamlesh Kumari, who were posthumously awarded the Ashok Chakra, were remembered for their selfless sacrifice while defending the terrorists.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday said the cabinet committee on privatisation is yet to take a decision with regard to divesting two public sector banks.

The government had in Budget 2021-22 announced its intent to take up privatisation of two public sector banks (PSBs) during the year and approval of a policy of strategic disinvestment of public sector enterprises, she said in the Lok Sabha.

''Consideration of various issues related to disinvestment, which inter alia, include selection of the bank(s) is entrusted to the Cabinet committee designated for this purpose. Decision by the Cabinet committee concerned for privatisation of PSBs has not been taken in this regard,'' she said.