Fear of flood looms large in the Mahanadi river system in Odisha following heavy rainfall in its upper catchment areas in Chhatisgarh and a rise in the water level of Hirakud Dam, a senior official said. Five more people lost their lives in rain-related incidents in the state on Friday, raising the death toll to nine, while 4,15,817 people in 10 districts are affected, Special Relief Commissioner (SRC), PK Jena, said.
One soldier was martyred after an encounter between terrorists and security forces broke out in Jammu and Kashmir. Three terrorists were also killed during the encounter, which was reported from Zadoora area of Pulwama late on Friday. 
The government on Friday announced to keep nominations for Padma Awards 2021, the highest civilian awards of the country, open till September 15 this year. According to a press release from the ministry, Online nominations and recommendations for the Padma Awards will be announced on the occasion of Republic Day, 2021 and have started from 1st May 2020. The last date for nominations for Padma Awards is 15th September 2020.
The direct air connectivity between Kochi and Europe, a long-cherished demand of the NRIs and business community in this port city fructified on Friday with Air India commencing services in the London-Kochi sector. The Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) welcomed the AI 1186 aircraft with a water salute as a mark of gratitude.
At least 4 terrorists have been killed and one has surrendered in an encounter with security forces at Kiloora village in South Kashmir's Shopian district. Two AK-47 and 3 pistols are also recovered. A joint security operation is underway. More to follow.
The Haryana government on Friday ordered that malls and shops in the market places of urban areas will remain closed on every Monday and Tuesday instead of weekends as instructed earlier due to coronavirus. The revised instructions come a week after the government had ordered offices and shops to remain closed on weekends throughout the state.
Senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad, one of the signatories to the dissenters' letter, has said "Congress will continue to sit in the opposition for the next 50 years" if it did not conduct elections to the Congress Working Committee (CWC) and other key organizational posts within the party.Republic Day 2024 : As India's 75th Republic Day Parade kicked off in the national capital, a 30-member band contingent and a marching c...
