Romania nightclub fire, 41 hospitalized

January 21, 2017

Romania, 41 people were hospitalized after a fire broke out at a popular nightclub in the capital Bucharest this morning. No deaths were reported. Officials said, most of the injured were suffering from smoke intoxication. There was no definitive word on the cause of the fire.

Hong Kong withdraws visa-free facility for Indians

January 21, 2017

Hong Kong has withdrawn the visa-free facility for Indians who will have to complete a pre-arrival registration from Monday. The Pre-arrival Registration for Indian Nationals will be implemented on January 23. The Hong Kong immigration department said in an announcement on its official website that the online service for Pre-arrival Registration for Indian Nationals is now open. It said, Indian nationals must apply for and successfully complete pre-arrival registration online before they can visit or transit Hong Kong, a special administrative region of China, visa-free, if seeking to enter the region during transit. It said, the Pre-arrival registration is not required for Indian nationals in direct transit by air and not leaving the airport transit area.

A notice on the Indian Consulate in Hong Kong said, Indian passport holders without the Pre-Arrival Registration Slip, except those belonging to any of the exempted categories, would not be allowed to board a conveyance bound for Hong Kong. It said, a Pre-Arrival Registration is normally valid for a six month period or until the expiry date of the Indian passport linked to it, whichever is earlier.

Pakistan blast, 20 people killed, 50 injured

January 21, 2017

Pakistan, at least 21 people were killed and 54 others injured in a powerful blast in northwest tribal region Kurram Agency today. Officials said in Peshawar that the blast took place at a crowded vegetable market inside Eidgah Bazaar in Parachinar, near the Afghan border. The injured have been shifted to hospital.

Security personnel have cordoned off the entire area and started search operation. According to officials, the death toll is expected to rise as the market was crowded due to early morning rush. Pakistan President Mamnoon Hussain and Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif have expressed their deep grief over loss of lives in the deadly blast.

Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan spokesman Umer Khurasani has claimed responsibility for the blast. He said, the blast was in retaliation for killing Lashkar-e-Jhangvi chief Chotu, along with three others in an encounter. Kurram is one of the most sensitive tribal areas as it borders three Afghan provinces and at one point was one of the key routes for militant movement across the border.

TN Governor Vidyasagar Rao promulgates Ordinance to conduct Jallikattu

January 21, 2017

Tamil Nadu Governor Vidyasagar Rao has promulgated an Ordinance paving way for resuming Jallikattu game in the state. With the ordinance, the decks are cleared now for conducting the bull-taming game that remained stalled since May 2014 due to court ban.

In a statement in Chennai, Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam said, he will launch the game at Alanganallur in Madurai at 10 am tomorrow. In other venues, the ministers from the districts concerned will launch the game from 11 am onwards.

Mr Panneerselvam thanked the Centre for according the inter-ministerial nod for the draft of the state ordinance in a single day yesterday. He said, President of India endorsed the draft ordinance last night itself, enabling the approval of the state Governor today.

The Chief Minister assured that the Bill seeking to replace the ordinance will be introduced in the ensuing session of the state Assembly that has been convened to be held from Monday. He also appreciated the lakhs of youth who fought for the game on a sustained manner across the state in a peaceful manner.

National Girl Child Day

January 21, 2017

INVITATION

Dear Sir/Madam,

You are cordially invited to cover the following event:

EVENT	:	Union Minister of Women and Child Development Smt. Maneka Sanjay Gandhi will be the Chief Guest on celebration of National Girl Child Day. MoS for Women and Child Development Smt. Krishna Raj will chair the Event.
DATE	:	24th January, 2017
TIME	:	11:00 AM
VENUE	:	Pravasi Bhartiya Kendra, Chankyapuri, New Delhi