Synopsis

National

Taj Mahal vacated after hoax bomb call

The Taj Mahal complex in Agra was vacated on Thursday morning following a hoax bomb call, officials said.

Delimitation Commission gets one-year extension to conclude its task in J&K

The Delimitation Commission, a panel for redrawing the parliamentary and Assembly constituencies in Jammu and Kashmir, has got a one-year extension, a move indicating that the Assembly polls in the Union Territory would not be held anytime soon.

Uproar in Maharashtra Assembly over vacant post of Speaker

Maharashtra Legislative Assembly on Thursday witnessed uproarious scenes over the issue of the Speaker''s post lying vacant, resulting in a brief adjournment.

International

Will ensure that America not China sets the international agenda: White House

Washington: The Biden Administration has said that by restoring US credibility and reasserting forward-looking global leadership, it will ensure that America, not a more assertive and authoritarian China, sets the international agenda.

UN: 38 died on deadliest day yet for Myanmar coup opposition

Myanmar security forces were seen firing slingshots at protesters, chasing them down and even brutally beating an ambulance crew in video showing a dramatic escalation of violence against opponents of last month''s military coup.

House passes sweeping voting rights bill over GOP opposition

House Democrats passed sweeping voting and ethics legislation Wednesday over unanimous Republican opposition, advancing to the Senate what would be the largest overhaul of the US election law in at least a generation. House Resolution 1, which touches on virtually every aspect of the electoral process, was approved on a near party-line 220-210 vote. It would restrict partisan gerrymandering of congressional districts, strike down hurdles to voting and bring transparency to a murky campaign finance system that allows wealthy donors to anonymously bankroll political causes.

Business

Infosys to create 500 jobs in Calgary, double workforce in Canada to 4,000 by 2023

IT services major Infosys has said it will create 500 jobs in Calgary over the next three years, doubling its Canadian workforce to 4,000 employees by 2023.

Banking services may get affected later this month due to proposed strike: Canara Bank

Public sector lender Canara Bank on Thursday said that banking services may get affected later this month due to the proposed strike by several bank unions.

Legal

Few OTT platforms at times show pornographic content: SC

New Delhi: The Supreme Court said that few over-the-top (OTT) platforms show some kind of pornographic content at times, and there should be a mechanism to screen such programmes.

UP has got no fundamental right to seek Mukhtar Ansari's transfer from Punjab jail: SC told

The Supreme Court on Thursday was told by Punjab government and gangster-turned-politician Mukhtar Ansari that Yogi Adityanath-led government has got no fundamental right to seek his transfer from Rupnagar jail to a district jail in Banda in Uttar Pradesh.

NGO moves SC, seeks appointment of regular CBI director

A plea has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking a direction to the Centre to forthwith appoint a regular CBI director.

SC directs private hospitals to give priority in treatment to elderly amid pandemic

The Supreme Court on Thursday directed that elderly people be given priority in admission and treatment at private hospitals besides at government medical institutions amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Entertainment

Reinaldo Marcus Green to direct Bob Marley biopic

Paramount Pictures has roped in Reinaldo Marcus Green, director of "King Richard", to helm a biopic on reggae legend Bob Marley.

Janet Jackson's documentary to arrive in 2022

A four-hour documentary on the life and career of singer Janet Jackson will be simulcast on Lifetime and A&E in early 2022, which marks the 40th anniversary of her eponymous debut album. According to The Hollywood Reporter, producers Workerbee have been filming the feature for three years, working with Jackson and given exclusive access to archival footage, unseen home videos and interviews with famous contemporaries. Ben Hirsch, known for documentaries on Idris Elba and "Bruno v Tyson", serves as director.

Sports

India remove dangerous Stokes, England 144 for 5 at tea

Ahmedabad: Ben Stokes displayed the indefatigable side of his batsmanship in his 24th Test half-century but India did well enough to get breakthroughs at the right moments to leave England reeling at 144 for 5 at tea on the opening day of the fourth and final match.

England opt to bat, Mohammed Siraj replaces Bumrah in Indian playing XI

Ahmedabad: England captain Joe Root opted to bat after winning the toss in the fourth and final Test against India here.

Man United, Leicester stumble to draws in Premier League

As a grueling and intense Premier League season heads toward its conclusion, Manchester United and Leicester are stumbling their way toward Champions League qualification.

David scores 2 as Lille wins to stay two points clear of PSG

Canada forward Jonathan David scored two late goals as Lille beat Marseille 2-0 to stay top of the French league.

Saina makes first-round exit from Swiss Open

Olympic bronze-medallist Saina Nehwal crashed out of the Swiss Open Super 300 tournament after a hard-fought first-round loss to Phittayaporn Chaiwan of Thailand here.

Boxing: Pooja Rani in semis; Lovlina Borgohain loses in Boxam International in Spain

Asian champion Pooja Rani (75kg) entered the semifinals to secure a medal but two-time world bronze-winner Lovlina Borgohain (69kg) bowed out after a quarterfinal loss at the 35th Boxam International Boxing Tournament in Castellon, Spain.