Morning Digest | Philippines approves first BrahMos missile order; EC to decide on extending ban on physical campaign, and more

A select list of stories to read before you start your day

Samajwadi Party supporters during a ‘virtual rally’ in Lucknow on Friday. January 14, 2022.

In first BrahMos missile order, Philippines approves $374-million contract

In the first export order for the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile system, Philippines has approved a $374.96 million contract for the purchase of shore based anti-ship variant of the missile from India, while discussions are ongoing with few other South East Asian counties.

Physical campaign: EC to decide on extending ban on Saturday

The Election Commission will meet on Saturday, January 17, 2022, to take a call on whether to extend beyond January 15 the ban on public rallies, roadshows and corner meetings in five poll-bound States in view of the COVID-19 pandemic.

IAF chopper crash | Inquiry rules out mechanical failure, sabotage or negligence

The tri-services inquiry into

the Mi-17 V5 helicopter that killed Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen. Bipin Rawat and 13 others has submitted its preliminary findings according to which the crash occurred due to “unexpected change” in weather conditions that led to spatial disorientation of the pilot resulting in Controlled Flight into Terrain (CFIT), the Indian Air Force (IAF) said on January 14.

Once the Brahmin face of BSP, Ramveer Upadhayay likely to join BJP

Four-time Bahujan Samaj Party MLA and former minister Ramveer Upadhyay quit the party on Friday. Posting his resignation on social media, Mr. Upadhyay said he had made the party aware of the shifting cadre but the high command didn’t pay heed to it.

Avaniapuram jallikattu | Spectator gored to death, over 80 participants injured

Madurai’s first bull-taming event of the Pongal season, the Avaniapuram jallikattu was held on January 14 amidst COVID-19 restrictions. One spectator was gored to death by a bull, and at least 80 participants were injured at the event.

10th century idol discovered in England, returned to India

An Indian idol dating back to the 10th century, which was illegally removed from a village temple in Uttar Pradesh over 40 years ago and discovered in a garden in England, was returned to India on the occasion of Makar Sankranti on January 14.

Calcutta High Court urges State Election Commission to postpone civic polls

The Calcutta High Court has urged the West Bengal State Election Commission to postpone the proposed elections to four municipal corporations for a period of four to six weeks

Probe panel finds Coal India subsidiary guilty of illegal mining in Assam

A subsidiary of Coal India Limited extracted coal worth ₹4,872.13 crore in eastern Assam without obtaining mining rights, the report of a probe panel constituted by the State government has revealed.

‘Among the best Test series played in South Africa’, says coach Boucher

South Africa coach Mark Bouncer rated the come-from-behind 2-1 Test series triumph over a “strong” Indian side among his best victories as a player or a coach.

EAM Jaishankar speaks with counterparts from Japan, Netherlands, Brazil, Argentina

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Friday spoke with his counterparts from Japan, the Netherlands, Argentina and Brazil separately and reviewed bilateral ties as well as discussed key issues, including Covid challenges.

Ousted Myanmar leader Suu Kyi faces 5 new corruption charges

Myanmar's military-installed government has filed five new corruption charges against ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi in connection with granting permits to rent and buy a helicopter, a legal official said Friday.