State must discard 'colonial notion' of being sovereign in handing out doles at will: SC

‘Won’t meet SC committee’: Farmers after talks; Centre ready to meet members

Farmer union leader Rakesh Tikait, after meeting with Centre on Friday, said that they will only hold discussion on the government and will not meet the committee formed by the Supreme Court. The government on Friday asked protesting farmers to form an informal group to prepare a concrete proposal about their objections and suggestions on the three farm laws for further discussion at their next meeting on January 19 to end the long-running protest at various Delhi borders, but unions stuck to their main demand of a complete repeal of the three Acts. As nearly five hours of talks between 41 unions and three central ministers did not reach a decisive stage in the ninth round of talks at Vigyan Bhawan here, the two sides decided to meet again the next Tuesday. Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar told farmer leaders at the meeting that the government has been flexible in its approach and urged the same from them. Watch the full video for more details.

Centre will present its side before SC's constituted committee when asked: Agriculture Minister

Minister of Agriculture and Farmer Welfare Narendra Singh Tomar on January 15 said that the government will present its side before the committee constituted by the Supreme Court when asked. He also informed that the next round of meeting is scheduled on January 19. Farmers of different states are protesting against Centre's farm laws.

Farmers won't go to committee constituted by SC, will only talk to Centre: Tikait

Bhartiya Kisan Union spokesperson Rakesh Tikait said that farmers' demands of repealing of the three farm laws and MSP guarantee remain the same. "We will not go to the committee constituted by the Supreme Court. We'll talk to Central Government only," he said.

Farmers’ protest: Bhupinder Mann explains why he quit SC appointed committee

As farmers hold 9th round of talks with the government, protesting farmers held a shirtless protest at the Tikri border against the farm laws. Meanwhile, Bhupinder Mann, who quit the SC appointed panel to break the deadlock over farm laws, has said that since farmers have refused to talk to the committee, there is no point in being a part of it. He added that he stated his stand to the Chief Justice of India and recused himself from the panel. The Supreme Court had earlier stayed the implementation of the farm laws and also appointed a committee to listen to the grievances of the farmers. Farmer Unions, however, said that they would not attend any talks with the panel and insisted that their only demand is the complete withdrawal of the Centre’s farm laws. Watch the full video for all the details.

Biden picks Jaime Harrison to head DNC

President-elect Joe Biden has picked former South Carolina Democratic Party Chairman Jaime Harrison to head the Democratic National Committee, Biden's office said in a statement on Thursday. Gloria Tso has more.

Biden to pick Jaime Harrison to head DNC -source

President-elect Joe Biden is set to pick former U.S. Senate candidate in South Carolina Jaime Harrison to head the Democratic National Committee, a source told Reuters on Thursday. Colette Luke has more.

Bird flu: Poultry industry faces fresh blow in sale

The sale of poultry products takes a dive with the outbreak of bird flu in several states of India. The anxiety of avian influenza is spreading fast. People are not buying eggs and chickens much, which gave a fresh blow to the poultry industry in Chandigarh. Shopkeepers are incurring losses due to bird flu. On the other side, chicken shop owners in Jharkhand's Ranchi are also facing hardship amid selling of poultry products. Speaking to ANI, a poultry trader said, "We cannot say anything definitive about the situation except that people believe in it. Our market has gone down by 50%. But we are fine. We live with the chicken."

'Indians should not be made lab rats': Jharkhand Health Min on COVID vaccination

While speaking to media in Jamshedpur, the Health and Family Welfare Minister of Jharkhand, Banna Gupta spoke on COVID-19 vaccination. Gupta said, "We won't do anything by keeping political differences/political ambitions in mind, as far as public welfare and national welfare is concerned. We will stand with Centre as far as public welfare and national welfare are concerned." "I would just like to say that before using any vaccine, Central Government should adjudge its authenticity, relevance and utility. Its proper exercise is essential. People of this country should not be made lab rats," he added.