Breaking News Updates: Kamala Harris to become US President briefly

Facebook and Instagram have apparently went down for some users in India with netizens taking to Twitter to complain about the outage.

RSS-affiliate Bharatiya Kisan Sangh says PM Narendra Modi's decision to repeal three Farm Laws "seems to be right" to avoid "unwarranted controversies and conflicts.

Tamil Nadu: 'Mahadeepam’ lit atop the hillock near Sri Subramaniaswamy Temple in Tirupparankundram, Madurai on the occasion of the Karthigai festival. 

The Victory of farmers is a major setback to Sangh Parivar's strategy of dividing ppl through communalism and implementing capitalist agendas. This struggle gives people energy to hold on to the dream of a world where equality and brotherhood plays a crucial role: Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan

Delhi has recorded zero COVID-19 fatality and 30 fresh cases in the past 24 hours; the Positivity rate currently stands at 0.05%, according to the authorities.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Friday expressed concern over the fresh surge of COVID-19 cases in several districts of Rajasthan. He said that he will write to PM Narendra Modi urging him to allow a booster dose of the vaccine.

United States President Joe Biden on Friday will be transferring power to Vice President Kamala Harris. Report says Joe Biden will be transferring power to Kamala Harris as he would be going under anaesthesia for a routine colonoscopy at Walter Reed Medical Center. 

"As was the case when President George W. Bush had the same procedure in 2002 and 2007, and following the process set out in the Constitution, President Biden will transfer power to the Vice President for the brief period of time when he is under anaesthesia," White House press secretary Jen Psaki said in a statement. "The Vice President will work from her office in the West Wing during this time," she added. 

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Congress MP Deepender Singh Hooda on Friday celebrated the withdrawal of three farm laws with farmers at Tikri on the Delhi-Haryana border. 

Jhansi node of UP Defence Industrial Corridor will open new opportunities for MSMEs and small industries, providing new employment opportunities to the youth. This means that the region, which was suffering the plight of migration, will now become an attraction for investment: PM Narendra Modi

The Golden Temple in Amritsar has been illuminated and fireworks displayed on the occasion of Guru Nanak Jayanti. 

"I appeal to all the former NCC cadets to join the NCC Alumni Association. Let us come together and pledge to do something for the country," PM Modi after launching and taking membership of NCC Alumni Association in Jhansi.

Rashtra Raksha Samarpan Parv is Jhansi is the beginning of a new chapter in the history of defence in India. Foundation stone for a new plant of Bharat Dynamics Limited has been laid here. It will give new recognition to the Jhansi node of UP Defence Corridor: PM Modi in Jhansi

Today, I want to remember Jhansi's son Major Dhyan Chand, who brought recognition for Indian sports around the world. Some time back, our government named the Khel Ratna Awards after Major Dhyan Chand: PM Modi in Jhansi

"Today this land of Jhansi is witnessing the grand nectar festival of freedom. Today a new, strong and powerful India is taking shape on this earth," PM Modi said addressing Rashtra Raksha Samarpan.

Bihar farmers supported these farm laws. Some opposition leaders tried to oppose it but farmers supported it... I believe that dialogue on these farm laws should continue so that these laws can be given a new life: Bihar Agriculture Minister Amarendra Pratap Singh

PM  formally hands over indigenously designed and developed Light Combat Helicopter, Drones and Advanced Electronic Warfare suite for naval ships to Armed Forces Service Chiefs.

• IAF Air Chief Marshal V R Chaudhary received a model of LCH from PM
• Navy Chief Admiral Karambir Singh received an AE warfare suit from PM
• Vice Chief Of Army LT Gen CP Mohanty received Drone models from PM

"Much delayed but I welcome Centre's decision to repeal three black farm laws. A memorial will be constructed to honour the sacrifices of the farmers during the ‘Sangarsh’. I urge PM @narendramodi ji to make MSP a statutory right," Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi tweeted.

PM Narendra Modi launches the National Cadet Corps (NCC) Alumni Association, becomes the first member of the association.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reached Jhansi Fort. He will launch and dedicate to the nation multiple initiatives of the Defence sector at ‘Rashtra Raksha Samparpan Parv’ in the district.

Congress to observe 'Kisan Vijay Diwas' across the country tomorrow "in recognition of consistent and spirited fight of the farmers against the flawed decisions"; asks state units to organise Kisan Vijay Rallies/Kisan Vijay Sabhas

"Farmers can't get benefits until electricity rates are cut and MSP is implemented with a new approach. This (repeal of three farm laws) has been done to woo farmers but the people can't be fooled. They know everything and vote against BJP," RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav said, ANI reported.

He asked, "What about the families of the 700-750 farmers who died during the agitation against these black laws? They've withdrawn the laws now that Assembly elections are around the corner. They've lost on this front and they'll face defeat there (in elections) too."

Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal denies possibilities of allying with BJP after the repeal of three Farm Laws.

In a democracy, any decision should be taken after talks with every stakeholder and deliberations with the Opposition. I hope the Modi government has at least learned something for the future: Congress Interim President Sonia Gandhi on Farm Laws

"Union government tried to garb the strength of agriculture from Punjab It was a conspiracy of the Union government that is foiled today," Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced to repeal farm laws in the upcoming session of Parliament.

"MSP is bigger issue than farm laws, it is the lifeline of Indian farmers … If the central govt genuinely wants to fulfil their promise of doubling the farmers income or accepting the C2 formula of Swaminathan report, then they should accede to this demand," Congress Punjab president Navjot Singh Sidhu tweeted.

"As Uttar Pradesh, Punjab elections have neared and people in Haryana, Punjab started boycotting BJP, they took this decision to repeal the Farm Laws. We can't forget that due to this govt, farmers were forced to sit on protest for 1 year," NCP chief Sharad Pawar said.

AAP called Centre's decision to repeal three Farm Laws victory of farmers over PM Narendra Modi's 'egoistic' govt, party MP Sanjay Singh demanded that government should pay compensation of Rs 1 crore and provide job to kin of farmers who died during protests against legislations.

I myself had sought advice from all state agriculture ministers but this govt without discussion implemented the three farm laws: NCP chief Sharad Pawar after the repeal of three farm laws

"As a Union Agriculture Minister for 10 years, I had made this commitment on farm issue which is a state subject, that without taking all stakeholders into confidence, it was not right to bring in any new measure related to farm laws," he added.

Targeting opposition, PM Modi says, "No matter how much trouble these people create, the work of development of UP, development of Bundelkhand is not going to stop." 

"Some time back, the second phase of the Ujjwala scheme was started from here. A few years back, I had promised the Muslim sisters of the country from Mahoba that I would free them from the practice of triple talaq. This promise has also been fulfilled," PM Modi said.

Those who ruled for a long time in Delhi and Uttar Pradesh alternately left no stone unturned to destroy Bundelkhand. How the forests, resources were handed over to the mafia, is not hidden from anyone.

"Some time back, the second phase of the Ujjwala scheme was started from here. A few years back, I had promised the Muslim sisters of the country from Mahoba that I would free them from the practice of triple talaq. This promise has also been fulfilled," PM Modi said.

Those who ruled for a long time in Delhi and Uttar Pradesh alternately left no stone unturned to destroy Bundelkhand. How the forests, resources were handed over to the mafia, is not hidden from anyone.

PM Narendra Modi inaugurates Rs 3,240 crore worth of projects in Mahoba in UP aimed at ending water shortage for farmers in Bundelkhand. During his address, he said, "Mahoba is a witness to how we have brought the government from the closed-door rooms of Delhi to every nook and corner of the country in the last 7 years."

PM has led by example and listened to the problems of farmers. Pro-farmer organizations have welcomed the move. Congress projects it as its victory but you have to remember that agitating farmers didn't associate their protests with any party: Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai

Aryan Khan, son of Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan, on Friday appeared before the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) officials here in connection with cruise drugs case to mark his weekly presence there as instructed by the high court, sources said. 

Aryan Khan arrived at the NCB office located in Ballard Estate area of south Mumbai around 1.30 pm and left within 10 minutes, they said. 

This is Aryan's third weekly appearance before the anti-drugs agency in connection with the case.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday launched the 'Arjun Sahayak irrigation  Project' in Uttar Pradesh's Mohaba providing much-needed relief to the farmers in the Bundelkhand region.

"I appeal to everyone to mutually move forward on the issue of farm laws. As far as MSP is concerned, since it's a suggestion from farmers, PM has announced that a committee comprising farmers, states, Centre...will be formed to take a decision on the matter," Haryana CM ML Khattar.

PM Modi arrived in Mohaba on Friday to launch a number of development schemes in Uttar Pradesh.

Speaking exclusively with Republic on Friday, Capt Amarinder said it is a great occasion that the farm laws have been repealed and MSP assurance has been given by the PM. 

Referring to his previous warnings about security threats to India in light of the protests, Captain said, "Several drones carrying a large number of weapons, counterfeit currency, and drugs from across the border were seized by the security forces, all to polarise the situation in India. This is why I met the Prime Minister and the Home Minister."

NCP chief Sharad Pawar on Friday welcomed the decision to repeal the farm laws. He however stated that the farmers struggled for one whole year because of the farm laws, yet the government withdraw them only during elections. 

Former Karnataka Chief Minister and JDS leader Kumaraswamy expressed surprise over the sudden repeal of farm laws without any talks with the protesting farmers.

Speaking to Republic, Kumaraswamy said. "I am rather surprised by the government's move. The talks between the Centre and farmers had come to a halt and there was no word on the issue. Yet, suddenly, the Modi government decided to repeal the laws today."

"The decision has been taken for farmers' welfare. I welcome this move. But at the same time, the issue regarding MSP should also be resolved. Then no farmer will have to commit suicide," said Anna Hazare, who had voiced support to the farmer's protest earlier. 

Politicizing the Centre's decision to withdraw the three farm laws, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) supremo Lalu Yadav hailed the victory of farmers, who carried out the 'longest protest witnessed in Indian history.' Stating that the government conceded to the demand for votes, he said many others issues related to MSP remain unresolved. 

Former Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh thanked PM Modi for putting an end to the farmers' protests on Friday by repealing the farm laws on the occasion of Guru Purab. "I congratulate the farmers. PM Modi has given an assurance. Now only legality is left. The farmers should leave the protest site," Captain told Republic TV. 

"I can't say if the decision is politically beneficial to the BJP. They seem more concerned about farmers' welfare. The Prime Minister has taken the decision with benevolence has shown great humility by apologizing to the farmers," the former CM added. 

Welcoming the announcement on repealing of the farm laws, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha stated that the NDA government, led by PM Modi has always taken decisions in favour of farmers welfare. 

Lamenting that a section of farmers could not be convinced on the farm laws, Sinha said the government has rolled back its decision for the farmer's well-being. 

Alleging that the new farm laws were for the 'businessmen' and not farmers, Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav said the government has repealed the laws to woe voters of UP. He questioned if the government would compensate for the 'sacrifices of farmers.'

Ghulam Nabi Azad on Friday regretted that the decision to withdraw the farm laws was delayed and lamented that the loss of farmers' lives in the year-long protests. He said this decision should have been made during the last Parliament session when the Opposition was staging protests, instead of repealing the laws when elections are near. 

Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar detailed the Centre's initiatives for the welfare of farmers after PM Modi announced the repeal of Farm Laws.

"The nation is witness to the fact that ever since PM Modi took the reins of the govt in his hands in 2014, the commitment of his govt has been for farmers and agriculture. As a result, you would've seen that in last 7 yrs many new schemes benefitting agriculture were started," the Agri Minister said. 

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath on Friday thanked PM Modi and welcomed this step taken by him to withdraw the farm laws.

"Though a large section of people believed that such laws can play an essential role to increase the income of farmers when farmer organization opposed it, the government attempted to establish a dialogue on all levels," he said. 

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday said that PM Modi's announcement relating to the farm laws is a welcome and statesmanlike move. "As the Prime Minister pointed out in his address, the Government of India will keep serving our farmers and always support them in their endeavors," he said a tweet. 

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday welcomed the Centre's announcement to repeal the contentious farm laws, saying the "sacrifice" of farmers who died protesting against them will remain immortal. 

Welcoming the government's decision to repeal the contentious farm laws, Shiromani Akali Dal leader Majinder Singh Sirsa asked the farmers to call off their protests and return to their homes. Speaking to Republic, Sirsa said the announcement should be celebrated on the pious occasion of Guru Purab, instead of continuing with the agitation. 

BKU leader Rakesh Tikait said the announcement to withdraw the farm laws was a victory for the agitating farmers. Asking the government to hold talks on matters like MSP, he announced that the agitations will continue until a written word is given on the repeal of farm laws. 

Reacting to the withdrawal of farm laws, BSP chief Mayawati said farmers' sacrifice has paid off.

"The decision to repeal 3 farm laws should have been taken much before. The farmers' demand for a law on MSP is still pending. BSP demands that in the upcoming Parliament session the Centre should bring a law in this regard (on MSP)."

"The decision to repeal 3 black farm laws is the victory of the longest peaceful people’s struggle that was started by farmers in Punjab. My salute to the Annadatas," said Punjab CM Charanjit Singh Channi after the farm laws were repealed on Friday. 

Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik on Friday welcomed PM Narendra Modi’s decision to repeal all 3 Farm Laws, in the best interests of the country and its farmers. "Your farms and families have been waiting for long and they will be happy to welcome you back. BJD continues to stand with the farmers," he said. 

People celebrate at Ghazipur border with 'Jalebis' following PM Narendra Modi's announcement to repeal all three farm laws.

Ahead of PM's program in Jhansi today, Kisaan union leaders and protesting farmers also celebrated repealing of the farm laws. Farmer leader Gauri Shankar Vidua expressed his gratitude to PM Modi.

Samyukta Kisan Morcha has welcomed PM Narendra Modi's decision to repeal all three anti-farmer laws. However, the farmer's body said it will wait for the announcement to take effect through due parliamentary procedures. If this happens, it will be a historic victory of the one-year-long farmers' struggle in India.

Supreme Court-appointed farm panel member Anil Ghanwat on Friday described as regressive the Central government's decision to repeal the three farm laws which were at the center of protests by farmers for the past year.

This is the most regressive step by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as he chose politics over farmers' betterment, Ghanwat said. 

Senior Samyukta Kisan Morcha leader Balbir Singh Rajewal has denied ending the farmers' protest even after PM Modi announced the withdrawal of the farm laws. Rajewal said till the time the government completely repeals these laws in the Parliament, the agitation will not end. He also demanded a law for MSP.

Reacting to the withdrawal of the contentious farm laws, SKM Member Bhopal Singh on Friday hailed PM Modi for the move. Stating that the farmers have won the fight, the SKM leaders appealed to farmers to return to their homes. 

After PM Modi announced the withdrawal of farm laws, Bharat Kisan Union leader Rakesh Tikait said the agitation will not be lifted immediately and the farmers will wait for the day when the laws are repealed in Parliament.

Taking to Twitter, he said the government should also discuss other issues of farmers, along with the MSP.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi congratulated the farmers on the victory against injustice after the farm laws were repealed. 

Taking to Twitter, he wrote, "The country's Annadatas bowed the government's head of arrogance with Satyagraha. Congratulations on this victory against injustice! Jai Hind, Jai Kisan!"

After PM Modi announces the withdrawal of the 3 farm laws, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal said the coming generations will remember how the farmers of this country put their lives on the line to save agriculture and farmers.

"What great news was received today on the day of light! All three laws were repealed. More than 700 farmers were martyred. His martyrdom will be immortal. The coming generations will remember how the farmers of this country put their lives on the line to save agriculture and farmers. I salute the farmers of my country," he said in a tweet. 

"On the announcement of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji to withdraw all the three agricultural laws on Guru Nanak Dev Ji's Prakash Utsav, all farmer organizations should express their gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and immediately lift their dharna and go to their homes and start their regular work," Anil Vij said in a tweet. 

On the occasion of Guru Purab, PM Modi announced that the 3 contentious farm laws will be repealed by the government. 

Punjab Congress Chief Navjot Singh Sidhu said repealing of black laws is a step in the right direction and congratulated the Satyagrah of Kisan morcha on their 'historic success.'

Former Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh welcomed the government's decision to withdraw the farm laws and expressed gratitude to PM Modi.

"Great news! Thankful to PM Modi for acceding to the demands of every Punjabi & repealing the 3 black laws on the pious occasion of Guru Nanak Jayanti. I am sure the central govt will continue to work in tandem for the development of Kisan!," Captain tweeted. 

Addressing the nation on Guru Purab, PM Modi said every effort had been made to take the farmers into confidence regarding the farm laws. Accepting that the government failed to convince the farmers on the matter, he announced that the government has withdrawn the farm laws. This has been a long-standing demand of the farmers. 

To strengthen the condition of farmers further, the country got 3 Farm Laws. All Kisan Organisations were demanding the Farm Laws. Previous governments were also considering the laws. I thank everyone who brought the Farm Laws, said. PM Modi. He however lamented that a section of farmers has been agitating against the laws, despite 10 rounds of talks. 

Addressing the nation on the occasion of  Guru Purab, PM Modi extended greetings to the public. He congratulated all Sikh devotees on the reopening of the Kartarpur Sahib corridor. 

"I have seen the challenges farmers face. 80 out of 100 farmers in our country are small farmers. They own less than 2 acres of land. To overcome these challenges, we focused on seed, insurance, market, and savings. Crop insurance scheme was made more effective. Efforts of the govt resulted in higher agricultural production," PM Modi said during his addresses to the nation.

As Delhi's air quality index (AQI) deteriorates, American space agency NASA on Thursday, released a photo of the crop fires in and around Delhi which had led to pollution in the national capital. Sharing a satellite image of the crop fires due to stubble burning, NASA explained that the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) on the Suomi NPP satellite had detected a river of smoke streaming from fires in Punjab and Haryana toward Delhi. The national capital current AQI is at 343 which is categorized as 'hazardous'.

The Manipur Govt has decided to hand over the terrorist attack to ambush the convoy of 46 Assam Rifles Commanding Officer Colonel Viplav Tripathi to NIA. 

Maharashtra Leader of Opposition and BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday hit out at Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) President Sharad Pawar and asked him to have checked facts before censuring Prime Minister Narendra Modi over a mega gathering of Tribals in Madhya Pradesh's Bhopal earlier this week. Taking to Twitter, Pawar had lashed out at Prime Minister Modi, saying that PM Modi was attending an Adivasi Sammelan (tribal gathering) in Bhopal two days back where surprisingly, the word Adivasi was not used anywhere.

Pakistan Information and Broadcasting Minister Fawad Chaudhry on Thursday said that extremism in the country originates from schools and colleges and not Madrasas. He stated that teachers were recruited during the 1980s and 1990s as a plot to "teach extremism".

AIMIM supremo Asaduddin Owaisi on Thursday declared that his party will protest across Maharashtra for implementing Muslim reservation in the state. While the Congress-NCP government had promulgated an ordinance on July 11, 2014, providing 5% reservation to Muslims in educational institutions and public employment, the Bombay HC had upheld the quota for the minority community only in educational institutions. Addressing a press briefing in Aurangabad, Owaisi lamented that successive governments had failed to act on the HC order. 

Extreme flooding was witnessed in Tirupati leaving hundreds of pilgrims stranded as heavy rains lashed the temple town of Andhra Pradesh on Thursday. Visuals from the ground show inundated Tirumala hills, where the main temple of Lord Venkateswar is located. Darshan of the chief deity was virtually stalled as pilgrims were unable to venture out due to the unprecedented flooding.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be addressing the nation at 9 am on Friday on the occasion of Guru Purab. 

"Today is the Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Today PM will inaugurate key schemes relating to irrigation in Mahoba, Uttar Pradesh. Then, he will go to Jhansi for the ‘Rashtra Raksha Samparpan Parv.’ Before all of these programs, he will address the nation at 9 AM," the Prime Minister's office informed. 

Congress on Thursday restructured its disciplinary action committee and dropped senior leaders Ghulam Nabi Azad and Sushil Kumar Shinde. The panel will now be chaired by former union minister AK Antony.

The omission of Ghulam Nabi Azad, a prominent G-23 leader, comes a day after 20 Congress leaders including four former ministers and three former legislators in Jammu and Kashmir resigned from party posts, saying they were not provided an opportunity to be heard on party affairs. The leaders who resigned were close to Ghulam Nabi Azad 

The US Food and Drug Administration could approve both Pfizer & Moderna boosters for all adults by tomorrow, November 20. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to officially hand over indigenously manufactured Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) to the Indian Air Force at Uttar Pradesh's Jhansi today. The move will give a significant boost to Aatmanirbhar Bharat in defense sector at ‘Rashtra Raksha Samparpan Parv’. PM Modi will also be dedicating Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) as part of celebrations to mark the 75th year of India's Independence.

Thunderstorm with moderate rain is likely to occur at a few places over  Erode, Salem, Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri, Thirupattur,  Vellore, Kallakurichi, and Thiruvannamalai districts of Tamil Nadu within the next three hours.

Thirty Rafale fighter jets manufactured by French firm Dassault Aviation have been delivered to India so far and the remaining six will be handed over by April 2022 as part of an inter-governmental agreement signed five years ago, Ambassador of France Emmanuel Lenain said on Thursday.

Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan's son Aryan Khan on Friday will appear before the NCB as a part of his bail conditions. Apart from these bail conditions, the Bombay high court had mandated that Aryan Khan will not make any statement regarding the present proceeding to the media. 

The bail conditions are the same for Aryan Khan, Arbaaz Merchant, and Munmun Dhamecha, all of who have secured bail on Thursday. 

The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi is presently at 332 (overall) and still in the 'very poor' category, as per SAFAR-India, even after a number of emergency measures announced by the Central and state governments.