A 6.7 magnitude earthquake hit the country’s remote northeast region before dawn on Monday, killing at least five people, injuring 100 others and causing damage to several buildings. Indian Meteorological Department said the epicentre of the quake was in Tamenglong region of Manipur. It struck before dawn on Monday at a depth of 17 kilometres in the India-Myanmar border region. The US Geological Survey said the depth was 55 kilometres. The death and injuries were caused by falling debris in and around Imphal, police said. There were reports of damage to a popular market in Imphal, the capital of Manipur. The tremor left large cracks in several walls and a portion of the building collapsed, police said. 

National Disaster Response Force teams have been rushed to Northeast early today, Home Minister Rajnath Singh said in Guwahati as he took stock of the situation. The Home Ministry is actively monitoring the situation after the earthquake in the Northeastern region. NDRF teams, including from Guwahati, have rushed to the affected areas, he said. The Prime Minister's Office tweeted that NDRF team has been sent to the areas affected by the quake. Prime minister Narendra Modi spoke to Rajnath Singh to oversee situation in quake-hit areas.

Heavy firing underway in Pathankot on day 3 of terror attack
A day seven soldiers were killed while 20 others injured in a terror attack on Pathankot airbase in Punjab, fresh gunshots were heard Monday morning after which the security forces intensified their operation against suspected terrorists holed up in the area. Today is the third day the operation and so far terrorists have been killed, however, at least one is suspected to be alive and hiding in the adjoining forest. Meanwhile, the seven security personnel, who have been martyred in the operation, will be cremated today.

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat pitches for societal unity
India is the traditional motherland of Hindu community, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat said on Sunday as he pitched for societal unity where character is valued. "Even though the languages are different, regions are different, creeds are different, culture of all is same. Entire world recognizes it as Hindu culture. And therefore, our community is recognised as Hindu community. This is the traditional mother land of Hindu community," he said addressing an RSS rally near Pune.

He stressed on the need for unity in the society which would strengthen India as a nation. He stressed on the need for unity in the society which would strengthen India as a nation. "Dr (BR) Ambedkar had said that through the Constitution we managed to ensure political equality, but this political unity can not be sustainable until we achieve economic and societal unity. "History of our country has been such that none of our rivals won here on his own, but due to differences amongst us.Hence, if we don't forget our differences, then the Constitution won't be able to safeguard us. Therefore, he stressed on creating a society which is rich in character and affectionate towards its people," he said addressing the 'Shiv Shakti Samagam', considered one of the largest RSS congregations.

UP pravasi divas from today
In its bid to reach out to a large diaspora from Uttar Pradesh settled abroad, the Akhilesh Yadav government is organising a three-day UP Pravasi Divas in Agra beginning today (January 4).
The event is also being supported by top industry organisations. Some high-profile names like Infosys CEO Vishal Sikka, entrepreneur Frank Islam, film maker Sanjay Khan would be among the noted speakers at the event.

No issues with Mehbooba Mufti As CM, says BJP
Bharatiya Janata Party has said that it has 'no problems' if People's Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti takes over as chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, given the deteriorating health of her father and CM Mufti Muhammad Sayeed. Senior BJP leader and health minister of the state, J&K Chaudhary Lal Singh, clarified that the 'change of guard' is an 'internal matter' of PDP, and BJP 'won't interfere with it'.

Fifity-six-year-old Mehbooba's ascendacy seems 'a matter of time' as Sayed has been admitted to the intensive care unit of AIIMS on December 24 after he complained of 'acute chest pain and fever'. An AIIMS spokesperson said the CM is 'critical but stable', he is on 'antibiotic and antifungal treatment' and is given 'oxygen therapy'.

Mines ministry set to identify 50 blocks for private exploration
The government is identifying large tracts of land to be given to private companies for detailed exploration of minerals. The ministry is in the process of identifying at least 50 potential blocks of 100 sq km and above to be given to companies for bringing private investment in the mineral exploration sector, reports Economic Times.The blocks will be awarded in the three models proposed in the national mineral exploration policy for attracting private sector participation in exploration — revenue share from mining lease proceeds for 50 years, JV between private and public sector firms and reimbursement of costs with reasonable profits.

Bihar CM Nitish Kumar's son richer than his father
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar owns movable and immovable assets worth about Rs 60 lakh even as his son Nishant has assets about four-times more than his father. According to details of the assets declared by Kumar and his ministers three days ago, the Chief Minister has movable assets worth about Rs 19 lakh and immovable assets in the form of a flat in the national capital valued at Rs 40 lakh. In contrast to his assets, Kumar's son Nishant has movable assets worth Rs 94 lakh and immovable assets to the tune of Rs 1.2 crore comprising a house in Patna and his native village Kalyan Bigaha in Nalanda district.