Daily wrap: Saravana Bhavan owner surrenders; India vs NZ semis suspended

World Cup: India vs NZ semis suspended due to rain, to continue on Wednesday

The India vs New Zealand World Cup semi-final match on Tuesday was called off on Tuesday after rain interrupted play in the 47th over of the first innings. The Kiwis will resume play from 46.1 overs at 3 PM (IST) on Wednesday and India will play their full innings. However, the bad news is that weather forecasts predict worse weather conditions for Wednesday.

Karnataka crisis: Speaker douses fire, keeps BJP waiting longer

Even as the HD Kumaraswamy-led JD(S)-Congress coalition government was reduced to a minority, with the about 15 MLAs resigning as on July 9 (Tuesday), the Karnataka assembly Speaker K R Ramesh’s decision stalling the resignations has come as a relief for some. Rejecting eight MLAs’ resignations saying they were not in accordance with rule 202 of the Procedure and Conduct of Business in Karnataka Legislative Assembly, Ramesh said he was not in a hurry to take a decision and wanted more time to carefully consider the legal provisions.

Saravana Bhavan owner Rajagopal surrenders after SC refuses relief

P Rajagopal, owner of Saravana Bhavan, the South Indian chain of restaurants, surrendered before the IV Additional Sessions Court on Madras High Court premises on Tuesday (July 9), after the Supreme Court turned down his request to extend the time for surrender. On March 29, the apex court upheld the life imprisonment for Rajagopal and nine other in connection with the Prince Santhakumar murder case.

High tariffs on American products in India unacceptable: Trump

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said India has long had a “field day” imposing tariffs on American products, which is “no longer acceptable” to the US. Trump’s terse comment came days after his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Osaka on June 28 where the two leaders aired their concerns over the bilateral trade disputes and agreed for a meeting of their commerce ministers to sort out the issues.

Centre backs Balakot narrative, says 43% fall in infiltration

In a vindication of its stand, which was a crucial narrative during the Lok Sabha campaign, the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) said in the lower house of the Parliament on Tuesday (July 9), that there has been a 43 per cent fall post-Balakot strike. Union minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai responding to a written question on the issue said, “due to concerted and synergised efforts of security forces, the security situation in the state (Jammu and Kashmir) has witnessed an improvement in the first half of this year over the corresponding period of 2018. Net infiltration has reduced by 43 per cent.”

Parliament passes Aadhaar amendment Bill

Parliament on Monday (July 9) passed an amendment bill which allows voluntary use of Aadhaar as proof of identity for users to open bank accounts and get mobile phone connection. The Aadhaar and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2019, was passed by Rajya Sabha by a voice vote. The Bill, which also provides for a stiff ₹1 crore penalty and a jail term for private entities violating provisions on Aadhaar data, was already passed by Lok Sabha on July 4.

‘Draft education policy denies rights of children with disabilities’ 

Disability rights activists have come down heavily on the draft National Education Policy, criticising it for excluding the needs and rights of children with disabilities. Pointing out that while access is being claimed as the guiding principle, the draft is unavailable in accessible formats like audio formats or in Braille. In a statement slamming the draft, Muralidharan, general secretary, National Platform for the Rights of the Disabled (NPRD), said, “Even the nodal ministry, the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, the National Trust are all omitted from the list.”

Power tariff hiked in Kerala, rates for domestic purposes up by 11.4%

In bad news for Kerala residents, electricity rates in the state have been raised by 11.4% for households, which means that users will have to pay 20-40 paise more per unit. The hike, fixed by the Electricity Regulatory Commission, came into effect yesterday (July 8). For up to 50 units a month, the rate has been increased from ₹2.90 to ₹3.15. For 51-100 units, it has been raised from ₹3.40 to ₹3.70.