The Taliban-appointed acting minister of higher education of Afghanistan Nida Mohammad Nadim said there is no opposition to the barring of women from university education in the country.

This comes at a time when the Taliban are attracting criticism over the matter from around the world, Khaama Press reported.

The statement was given by Nadim while addressing a meeting with officials of private universities.

According to the Khaama Press report, Nadim said, "There has been no opposition to the education of girls as per the recent decree of this ministry."

He further said that the Taliban do not intend to oppose the education of the new generation but wants to develop a system according to the Islamic Sharia law and the values of Afghanistan.

According to Khaama Press, the Taliban-appointed education minister also pointed out the formation of a joint commission between the education ministry and university professors for reiterating these sectors should prepare in accordance with the legal provisions of the ministry.

However, to express their frustration and anger on the issues of university education for female students banned by the Taliban, many male students from private and public universities have gone on strike chanting slogans like 'education for all or none'.

Further Khaama Press report said that with Afghan women being deprived of getting an education, some university lecturers have resigned from their positions.

Contradicting Nadim's opinion on the education ban for female students in Afghanistan, Grand Imam of Egypt's Al-Azhar University, Ahmed El-Tayeb called for the Taliban to reconsider their decision to ban Afghan women from accessing university education, saying the decision contradicts Sharia.

The Grand Imam said that he 'deeply' regrets the decision issued by the authorities in Afghanistan, preventing Afghan women's access to university education.Tayeb said he warns 'Muslims and non-Muslims against believing or accepting that banning women's education is approved in Islam. Indeed, Islam firmly denounces such banning since it contradicts the legal rights Islam equally guarantees for women and men'.

He called on authorities in Afghanistan to reconsider their decision for 'the truth is more deserving of being followed'.

"I am deeply concerned. I wanted to resign as a protest and I hope these protests and actions by us will convey our voices to officials," said Raihana Halim, a lecturer from Kabul University.

"I have offered my resignation to the ministry of higher education as a protest and in support of our sisters. There are some other lecturers who are trying to continue their process of resignation," said Ihsanullah Rahmani, a lecturer from Kabul Polytechnic University who is in Turkey for his master's degree.

A group of students from different universities in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in response to the decision held a protest on Friday and demanded the reopening of universities for women in Afghanistan.

On Wednesday, the UN mission in Afghanistan expressed the outrage of millions of Afghans and the international community over the decision by the Islamic regime and called on the de facto authorities to revoke the decision immediately.

In a statement, the UN mission said 'the UN and its humanitarian partners also urged the de facto authorities to reopen girls' schools beyond the sixth grade and end all measures preventing women and girls from participating fully in daily public life'.

'Banning women from attending university is a continuation of the systematic policies of targeted discrimination put in place by the Taliban against women,' the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan statement read.   -- ANI

The Defence Ministry has cleared the procurement of around 120 Pralay ballistic missiles for the Indian armed forces that will deploy them along the borders with China and Pakistan.

At present, the Pralay ballistic missiles can take out targets from 150 to 500 km and are extremely difficult to intercept for the enemy through interceptor missiles.

"A high-level meeting of the Defence Ministry cleared the acquisition of around 120 missiles for the armed forces and their deployment along the borders," senior defence sources told ANI.

The acquisition of these ballistic missiles is being seen as a big development for the country which now has a policy that allows the use of ballistic missiles in tactical roles.

Both China and Pakistan have ballistic missiles which are for tactical roles.

The missile developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation is being further developed and its range can be extended significantly if the forces want it, the sources said.

The missile system started getting development around 2015 and the development of such a capability was given a push by the late Gen Bipin Rawat as Chief of Army Staff.

The missile was successfully tested twice on consecutive days last year on December 21 and December 22.

'Pralay' is a quasi-ballistic surface-to-surface missile.

The advanced missile has been developed in a way to be able to defeat interceptor missiles.

It has the ability to change its path after covering a certain range in midair.

'Pralay' is powered by a solid propellant rocket motor and other new technologies.

The missile guidance system includes state-of-the-art navigation and integrated avionics.

The missile would be first inducted into the Indian Air Force likely to be followed by the Indian Army.

The proposal has been cleared at the Defence Ministry level and has paved the way for manufacturing and induction into the armed forces.

Defence watchers say such a missile system can be used for taking out long-range enemy air defence systems and also other high-value installations and weaponry.

The proposal to induct these missiles has been cleared at a time when the defence forces are working towards creating a dedicated rocket force which can take out enemy targets from long range.

The Chinese military already has a dedicated rocket force.   -- ANI

The National Archives of India (NAI) does not have records of 1962, 1965, and 1971 wars and the green revolution as a number of Union ministries and departments have not shared their records with it, according to its Director General Chandan Sinha.

The NAI keeps and conserves records of the government of India and its organisations only.

It does not receive classified documents.

Underlining that records management in government is an essential aspect of good governance, Sinha said there are several ministries that have not shared their records with the NAI since independence.

Speaking at the good governance workshop organised by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances on Friday, he noted that there are in all 151 ministries and departments, and the NAI has only records of 64 agencies, including 36 ministries and departments.

What does it mean it means we do not have any records in the National Archives of India of the Green Revolution, which we hail all the time, or the wars 1962 war, the 1965 war, and the 1971 war -- the great victory.

"There are several such issues in certain such areas which I am very sad to share with you that we do not have any records. We are not holding history in trust. Indeed, the question that we must face is that are we losing a large part of our history since independence," Sinha said.

He also informed that the Defence Ministry had sent till the beginning of this year 476 files after independence.

He said 20,000 files that go up to the year 1960 have been transferred this year, he said.

Sinha said rather than waiting for a special campaign for recording and weeding out of files for records, it is supposed to be done every quarter.

He asserted that there should be no unauthorised destruction of records.

In fact, there is a one-year imprisonment for unauthorised destruction of records.

Sinha said an appraisal of records and reviewing and identifying them for transfer to the NAI is a very important aspect of governance.   -- PTI

A 40-year-old man, who returned from China two days ago, has tested positive for COVID-19 following which he has been isolated at his home in Agra, Chief Medical Officer Arun Srivastava said on Sunday.

His samples will be sent to Lucknow for genome sequencing, he said.

"The man has been isolated at his home and teams of the health department have been asked to conduct tests of his family members and those who came in contact with him," Srivastava added.

The man returned to Agra from China via Delhi on December 23 following which he was tested at a private lab.

The report came out positive for Covid, he added.

This the first Covid positive case in the district detected after November 25, officials said.

Amid a surge in Covid cases in some countries, including China, the Centre has ramped up its anti-coronavirus measures.

The Centre had said RT-PCR test would be made mandatory for passengers from China, Japan, South Korea, Singapore and Thailand and asked states to conduct a mock drill on December 27 to ensure readiness of health facilities including medical oxygen generation plants.

Meanwhile, the health department in Agra began screening and collecting samples of foreign tourists at Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Akbar's Tomb in Agra.

Besides, samples are also being collected at the Agra airport, railway station and Inter Bus Terminal (ISBT), officials said.

"Sample collection at Sarojani Naidu Medical College, District Hospital and Primary and Community Health Centres in rural Agra have been initiated with priority. Those who have symptoms of cold, cough and fever can visit the health centres to undergo Covid test," CMO added.

Srivastava added, "Residents are being asked to wear masks and maintain social distance at public places. They have been advised to use hand sanitiser and follow Covid guidelines to avoid the infection. Besides, residents are advised to get their precaution dose of COVID-19."

People can contact on the health department's helpline numbers 0562-2600412, 9458569043 regarding any queries on the disease, officials said.   -- PTI

Nepal's ruling five-party alliance virtually broke on Sunday after Prime Minister and Nepali Congress president Sher Bahadur Deuba and Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist Centre chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' failed to reach a power-sharing deal.

The talks held at the PM's residence at Baluwatar failed after Prime Minister Deuba rejected Prachanda's bid to become the Prime Minister in the first half of the five-year term, CPN-MC secretary Ganesh Shah said.

Deuba and Prachanda had earlier reached a tacit understanding to lead the new government on a rotational basis.

During talks with Prachanda on Sunday morning, Nepali Congress had staked claim for both the key posts of President and Prime Minister, which Prachanda had rejected resulting in failure of the talks, Maoist sources said.

The NC offered the post of Speaker to the Maoist Party, which was rejected by Prachanda.

"Now the alliance has broken as the last-minute talk between Deuba and Prachanda failed to strike a deal," Shah told PTI.

As talks with Prime Minister Deuba failed, Prachanda reached the private residence of CPN-UML chairman K P Sharma Oli to seek his support to become the Prime Minister, according to party sources.

Talks are underway at the residence of former prime minister Oli at Balkot. Nepali Congress is the largest party with 89 seats in the House of Representatives while CPN-UML and CPN-MC have 78 and 32 seats, respectively.

Besides Prachanda, Janata Samajwadi Party president Upendra Yadav, Rastriya Prajatantra Party president Rrajendra Lingden and Rastriya Swatantra Party President Ravi Lamichhane have also reached Oli's residence to attend the joint meeting.

After agreeing on the distribution of power and important posts, these parties are likely to reach the President's Office to stake their claim to form a new government, sources said.

According to a senior leader of the CPN-MC, the formation of the new government by Sunday is unlikely and parties may need more time for negotiations to strike a deal for power sharing.

No party in the 275-member House of Representatives has 138 seats required to form a government.

The deadline given by President Bidya Bhandari to political parties to form a coalition government under Article 76(2) of the constitution, is expiring on Sunday evening.

If the parties fail to meet the deadline, the President will either extend the deadline if political parties make a request or she will call for the largest party to form a government under Article 76 (3) of the constitution.

In such a situation the Prime Minister should prove majority in the HoR within 30 days.

The newly-formed Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has 20 seats, Rastriya Prajatantra Party 14, Janata Samajwadi Party (JSP) 12 and Janamat Party six seats. CPN (Unified Socialist) has 10 seats, Loktantrik Samajwadi Party (LSP) has four, and Nagarik Unmukti Party has three seats.

Rastriya Janamorcha and Nepal Workers and Peasants Party have one seat each.

There are five independent members in the Lower House.  -- PTI

Democratic Azad Party (DAP) chief Ghulam Nabi Azad on Sunday said Kashmiri Pandit employees should be temporarily shifted to Jammu till the situation improves in Kashmir.

"Unfortunately, some incidents have happened. Life is a priority and so I am of the opinion that Kashmiri Pandit employees be transferred to safer places in Jammu. When the situation improves, they should be brought back," Azad told reporters in Srinagar.

He said life is far more important than employment and promised to take such a step if his party comes to power in the UT.

"I do not know what the approach of the government is, but if our party comes to power, we will do this only (temporarily shift such employees to Jammu)," he said.

Asked about the delay in holding the assembly elections in J-K, the former chief minister said, "We have been waiting for the last six years. I raised the issue many times in Parliament as well. They show us Panchayat elections or DDC polls, but the real election is that of assembly which is not taking place."   -- PTI

Villagers clashed with organisers of a event attended by Christian clerics at Devdhung in Uttarkashi district, accusing them of unlawful conversion, officials said.

The incident was reported on Friday, Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM), Purola, Jitendra Kumar said.

"Villagers have complained of collective conversion at a programme in the area. We have information that there was also a minor clash between the villagers and the programme's organisers. The matter is being investigated," he said.

On Saturday, right-wing Hindu outfits held a demonstration at the SDM's office, alleging that Christian missionaries are converting people from Nepal coming to Uttarkashi to work by offering them allurements.

They also submitted a memorandum addressed to the Governor Gurmit Singh, demanding action.

The governor recently gave his assent to the Freedom of Religion (Amendment) Bill passed by the state assembly on November 30 making unlawful conversion a cognisable and non-bailable offence punishable with a maximum of 10 years' imprisonment besides a fine.   -- PTI

An incident of stone-pelting was witnessed from Nepal's side on embankment work in Uttarakhand's Dharchula, informed Irrigation Department Executive Engineer Farzan Ahmed on Sunday.

A dumper was damaged and the driver was injured, added the Executive Engineer.

While talking to ANI, the Executive Engineer said, "We demand steps to be taken to stop this."

Earlier on December 6, India closed a suspension bridge connecting Nepal following a stone-pelting incident on the Indian workers by the Nepalese at the Indo-Nepal border in the Dharchula area of Pithoragarh district in Uttarakhand.

Following the incident, the traders and local residents staged a protest.

The incident occurred during the construction of an embankment wall on river Kali on the Indian side, according to the officials.

The river acts as the border between Nepal and India.

In Dharchula, a safety wall is being created along the Kali river that flows between India and Nepal.   -- ANI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday asked people to be vigilant and take precautions against COVID-19, as he noted that the virus is spreading in many countries.

In his last 'Mann ki Baat' broadcast of the year, Modi said many people are on a vacation or will go on one during Christmas and New Year and urged them to follow protocols like wearing masks and washing hands to ensure that their enjoyment is not affected adversely by the virus.

The central government has stepped up measures against the virus, with the cases on a rise, especially in China where the lifting of zero-Covid policy has caused a spread of the pandemic.

Modi has also chaired meetings and his government has written to the states to put in place adequate measures to deal with any spurt.

The prime minister said the outgoing year, 2022, has been inspirational to India in many ways.

India carved out a special place for itself in the world with its incredible vaccination doses of over 220 crore and the country becoming the fifth largest global economy, he said.

The country also achieved the 'magical' export figure of $400 billion (one billion=100 crore) and made new strides in space, defence and drone sectors, he added and also highlighted its achievements in sports.   -- PTI

A United States court has ruled that Marine Corps cannot deny entry to Sikhs sporting a beard and wearing a turban, in a major victory for three recruits from the community who can now join the elite unit's basic training without having to forfeit their religious beliefs.

The trio of recruits -- Aekash Singh, Jaskirat Singh, and Milaap Singh Chahal -- had sought an exemption from a Marines grooming rule requiring them to shave their beards, with the men arguing it was their expression of commitment to their religious faith.

The Marine Corps told three Sikh men that they could serve only if they shaved before going through basic training.

They appealed to the US Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit in September after a lower-court judge denied their request for a preliminary injunction that would have allowed them to enter basic training with their articles of faith.

"They are now suffering and will continue to suffer grave, immediate, and ongoing injuries to the exercise of their faith," the three-judge bench of the US Court of Appeals in Washington, DC ruled on Friday.

'A federal court has just ruled that Sikhs can maintain their religious beards while serving their country in the US Marine Corps. Now, three Sikh recruits, who had previously been denied religious accommodations, can enter basic training,' lawyer Eric Baxter, who represented the three men, tweeted.

This is a major ruling for religious freedomfor years, the Marine Corps has barred Sikh recruits with religious beards from entry into basic training.

Today's ruling strikes down that rule as a 'violation of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA)', he said.

No one should have to choose between serving God and country, he added in a series of tweets.

The Marines' ban on facial hair applies in basic training and combat zones, a designation the plaintiffs said in court covers over three dozen countries where hazard pay is given, the Washington Post newspaper reported.

The Marines claimed that beards will impact 'troop uniformity' and appearance among recruits, ultimately threatening national security.

Writing for the Court, Judge Millett stated that the Sikh recruits not only have a substantial likelihood of success on the meritsit is difficult to imagine them losing.

She noted that the Marine Corps has never explained why the Corps cannot apply the same or similar [religious] accommodations that the Army, Navy, and Air Force, and Coast Guard provide, Baxter said.

The US Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard all accommodate the religious requirements of Sikhism. In the Sikh religion, it is mandatory for the male adherents to not trim their hair and beard along with keeping kanga (wooden comb), kirpan (small sword), kara (steel bracelet), and a white cotton undergarment (kachera).

'Sikhs have a long tradition of serving in militaries around the globe, motivated by their religious teaching to defend the defenseless. We are grateful that these Sikh recruits can continue that traditionthe ruling was made right in time for them to enter boot camp,' Baxter tweeted.

'They believe, as part of their religious duty, in defending the rights of others,' Baxter told National Public Radio (NPR).

'This was also a win for our national security. At a time of historic recruiting shortfalls, the Marines now have access to a new community of Americans who have a history of bravely serving in the military,' he tweeted.

The Marine Corps allows medically required beards and diverse hairstyles for women, and has relaxed its rules around tattoos.

In 2021, NPR reported that the Marines planned to address its lack of diversity and retention problems.

Approximately 75% of Marines leave at the end of their four-year term, the highest turnover rate among the military services, according to the article.

The ruling means that the three men are allowed to go ahead with training, while the Marine Corps considers a possible appeal.

"They should really just recognize it's time to make this change and let all Americans serve without having to abandon their religious their core religious belief," Baxter said.   -- PTI

The severity of BF.7 variant of coronavirus in India may not be as serious as it is currently prevailing in China as Indian have already developed 'herd immunity' a top official of CSIR- Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) in Hyderabad said.

Vinay K Nandicoori, Director CCMB, stressing the need to follow Covid appropriate behaviour, said there is always a concern that all these variants have the ability to escape the immunity and can infect people who are vaccinated and even sometimes infected with the previous variants of Omicron.

"The severity of the infection is not as much as they used to be with Delta. That's because of the fact that we do have herd immunity to an extent. Actually we have herd immunity because we are exposed to the other viruses," he told PTI.

Media reports indicate that India reported four cases of BF.7 variant of coronavirus.

"We (India) have seen the Delta wave which is a big one. Then we have got vaccination done. And then the Omicron wave came and we continued booster doses. We are different in many ways. What is happening in China may not happen in India because of that," he further said.

The official said the 'Zero Covid Policy' followed by China is one of the reasons for the outbreak of the infection in that country and opined that lower vaccination levels may also have contributed to the severity.

"It is actually that (the zero Covid policy that China is followed) and also the fact is in China, not many people really went for the vaccine as it has happened in India all the older population is vaccinated and sometimes even sometimes booster dose has been given to older population or susceptible population," he said.

Maintaining that at this point it cannot be asserted that there may or may not be a wave in India, Nandicoori said as of now it does not seem to be that alarming that a wave is coming right away.

Currently there is enough capacity within India both for the Covid tests as well as therapy and vaccination.

They are accessible to many people, he added.  -- PTI

The 21-year-old actress allegedly committed suicide on the set of a serial in Vasai area here on Saturday, he said. 

Based on a complaint filed by Sharma's mother, the Valiv police in Palghar registered a case against the deceased's co-actor, Sheezan M Khan, under Indian Penal Code Section 306 (abetment of suicide) and arrested him, the station house office of Valiv police station said. 

Sharma had acted in the TV show Bharat Ka Veer Putra Maharana Pratap and films like Fitoor and Baar Baar Dekho. 

The incident on Saturday took place on the set where the shooting of the serial Ali Baba: Dastaan-E-Kabul was in progress. 

Sharma had gone to the washroom on the set and did not return for a long time. 

When the door was broken down, she was found hanging inside, the official said. -- PTI

A total of 6,017 birds, mostly ducks, were killed on Saturday in the Vechur, Neendoor and Arpookara panchayats of the district, a release from the district administration said. 

Around 133 ducks and 156 chickens in Vechur, 2,753 ducks in Neendoor and 2,975 ducks in Arpookara were killed, the release said. 

Bird flu or avian influenza, is a highly contagious zoonotic disease. 

Meanwhile, the Lakshadweep administration has for now banned transportation of frozen chicken to the islands from the mainland due to a reported outbreak of bird flu in Kerala. -- PTI

On the sand art, Pattnaik wrote, "Merry Christmas." 

Pattnaik created the sculpture using 1500 kg of tomatoes which was 27ft high and 60 ft wide in size. 

Christmas is celebrated with a whole lot of pomp and grandeur across the world. 

People spend the day dancing, dressing up in new attire, and giving heartfelt gifts to their loved ones. 

Previously, on Christmas 2021, Pattnaik created a 50 feet long, 28 feet wide sand sculpture of Santa Claus on Puri sea beach with the help of 5400 red roses and other flowers. 

For the last 17 years, he has been creating sand art during Christmas. 

Many of his sand sculptures have carved a place in the Limca Book of World records. -- ANI

The mortal remain of the actress was brought to the JJ Hospital at around 1:30 am on Sunday.   

"The autopsy was conducted till 4:30 am and 4-5 police personnel were also present," officials said, adding that the dead body is kept in cold storage.      

Actor Tunisha Sharma (21) died by suicide on the sets of a TV serial on December 24.      

According to the Waliv police, they received information that after the tea break, the actress went to the toilet and when she did not come back, the police broke the door open and found that she had hanged herself.      

The Waliv police arrested Sheezan Khan, co-star of actor Tunisha Sharma, after a case of the abetment to suicide was registered against him.      

"A case under Section 306 of the IPC has been registered against the accused," the Waliv police said in the early hours of Sunday.      

This comes after Sharma allegedly died by suicide on the sets of a TV serial on Saturday.      

"TV actress Tunisha Sharma death case | Waliv police arrested actress Tunisha Sharma's co-star Sheezan Khan by registering a case of abetment to suicide. Police registered a case under section 306 of IPC," the Waliv police said.      

Khan will be presented in court on Monday.      

Earlier, police conducted an investigation on the spot, where actress Tunisha Sharma was allegedly found hanging, and said that there was no suicide note recovered while adding that the reason for the suicide is not yet clear.  -- ANI

Vaiyalikawal police detained D Kempanna after a court issued a non-bailable arrest warrant for not appearing before the court in connection with a criminal defamation case filed against him and his associates by state horticulture minister Munirathna. 

Attempts to reach Kempanna went in vain as his phone was switched off. Kempanna had caused a storm a few months ago when he accused some ministers of demanding 40 per cent commission on public works in the state. 

This gave the opposition parties an ammunition against the ruling BJP in poll-bound Karnataka. -- PTI

After the last post was sounded at the wreath-laying ceremony, 15 of the bodies were flown by special Air Force aircraft to various airports in the country, from where they will be taken to the victims' towns or villages, the Army said.

The body of Naib Subedar Chandan Kumar Mishra, who belonged to Khagaria in Bihar, was taken to his village by road. 

"After the bodies reach the native places of deceased soldiers, local Army authorities will coordinate the handing over of mortal remains to the family members and conduct of funeral with full military honours," an Army official said.

The 16 bravehearts lost their lives when the Army truck they were travelling in skidded down a steep slope at Zema in North Sikkim on Friday morning.

Wreaths were laid on the mortal remains of the deceased soldiers at Bagdogra airport, near Siliguri city, at a solemn ceremony after the bodies reached the facility shortly after 12.30 pm from Libing helipad in East Sikkim, an Army official said.

The deceased were accorded a gun salute.

Sikkim Governor Ganga Prasad, Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, General Officer Commanding of Trishakti Corps Lt General VPS Kaushik, and other Army and Air Force officials paid their last respects to the deceased soldiers, he said.

The mortal remains were earlier brought to Sochethang near Gangtok in Army vehicles from the accident site and post-mortem examinations were conducted before being sent to Gangtok for the ceremony.

Senior civil and police officials were also present at the hospital to pay their last respects to the departed souls. -- PTI

The police also ordered a ban on liquor sales till December 27.   

The deceased in the Saturday night incident has been identified as Jaleel, the police said. 

The reason behind the attack is not known yet.      

Jaleel was stabbed while he was standing in front of his shop. 

His attackers fled from the spot after the assault, the police added.      

The victim was immediately rushed to the hospital but he died during treatment. 

"Injured breathed his last and now the body is shifted to AJ hospital for further procedures," said police commissioner N Shashikumar.      

Mangaluru city police commissioner promulgated prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the CrPC in Surathkal, Bajpe, Kavoor and Panambur police station limit, from 6 am on Sunday, December 25 till Tuesday, December 27, 6 am, to prevent any untoward incidents connected to the murder.      

The police commissioner also ordered a ban on liquor sales till 10 am on December 27. -- ANI                            

The director general of police said that the records of those who facilitate cheating would be scrutinised and strict legal action would be taken against them. 

Mishra in a statement also said that an amendment allowing police to seize the property of criminals involved in cheating gangs has been suggested in the Prevention of Anti Social Activities Act-2018. 

According to the PASA, a person can be detained for a period of up to one year without any public disclosure. 

He said that the state Police is ready to conduct recruitment exams in a clean and fair manner. 

Mishra's statement came after police arrested 44 people on Saturday, hours before the General Knowledge paper in the Class II Teacher Recruitment exam. 

The paper was cancelled after it was leaked to the public. -- PTI

"Merry Christmas! May this special day further the spirit of harmony and joy in our society. We recall the noble thoughts of Lord Christ and the emphasis on serving society,' the PM said in a tweet.

The blast damaged the roof of the emergency department at the Tambo Memorial hospital and destroyed two houses and several cars, and injured bystanders. 

The tanker caught fire while under a low bridge, emergency services spokesperson William Ntladi said. 

"Apparently, a gas tanker drove under the subway bridge and got stuck in there, and due to friction, it caught alight," Ntladi told South African media. 

He said six firefighters from Boksburg Central Fire Station were called to the bridge to help, reported ABC News. 

"While doing the fire suppression, there was an explosion that took place," said Ntladi. He added that a fire engine and two motor vehicles were destroyed by the blast. The injured were transported to the nearby Tambo Memorial hospital, but its efforts to treat the injured were hampered by damage to its roof," reported ABC News. -- ANI

Singh appeared before sleuths of the agency in its zonal office in Ranchi in connection with the cash recovery from Jharkhand MLAs in West Bengal's Howrah district, he said. 

Singh, however, claimed that he was not summoned as an accused but as a complainant in the case. 

"As a responsible citizen and people's representative, I came here to cooperate with the ED in the investigation," said Singh, who came out from the ED office around 9 pm. 

Singh said he gave his statement as provided to the Kolkata police under section 164 of CrPC. 

"I assured the ED officers of full cooperation," he said. 

The three Congress MLAs from Jharkhand Irfan Ansari, Rajesh Kachchap and Naman Bixal Kongari were arrested by the West Bengal police after over Rs 49 lakh in cash was seized from their vehicle in Howrah in July. -- PTI