News highlights: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in Paris for talks with French President Emmanuel Macron

Here are the latest news updates from India and around the world.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in Paris for talks with French President Emmanuel Macron

NHRC sends notice to UP govt over teen gang-rape survivor's assault

NHRC sends notices to UP govt and state police chief over teen gang-rape survivor being allegedly sexually assaulted by police station in-charge in Lalitpur

Bombay HC grants anticipatory bail to Ganesh Naik in alleged rape case

In a major relief to one of Maharashtra’s senior-most politicians #GaneshNaik, the Bombay High Court on Wednesday granted anticipatory bail to him in a case of alleged rape, cheating and criminal intimidation

Pfizer sets up Asia's first global drug development centre in Chennai

US pharmaceutical company Pfizer has set up its global drug development centre at the Indian Institute of Technology-Madras Research Park here, at an outlay of over Rs 150 crore. The centre, which employs 250 scientists and technicians, would develop innovative formulations, small molecules and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). According to company, the centre would develop and support products in global markets and Pfizer's manufacturing centres, worldwide.

Two people dead, around 10 injured as container truck hits bus carrying pilgrims in UP's Etawah: Police

Agri Ministry revises wheat production estimate downwards to 105 mn tons for 2021-22 crop year from 111.3 mn tons earlier: Food Secy

EU clears $11.6 bn German scheme for companies hit by Russia sanctions

EU competition regulators on Wednesday approved a 11-billion-euro ($11.58 billion) German scheme to help companies hit by sanctions against Russia, similar to those proposed recently by other EU governments.

Sensex drops over 1,300 points, Nifty falls below 16,700.

Key takeaways from RBI Governor's address

In a surprise move, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Shaktikanta Das on Wednesday hiked the Repo Rate by 40 basis points to 4.40 per cent with immediate effect.

His address came amid soaring commodity prices across sectors.

The decision follows an unscheduled meeting of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), with all six members unanimously voting for a rate hike while maintaining the accommodative stance.

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Stating that the fundamentals of the Indian economy remains strong, Das exuded confidence that India will be able to face new challenges.

India rose to challenges of pandemic and war, we now stand at a crucial juncture once again, says Das amid inflation worries.

The Cash Reserve Ratio has been increased by 50 basis points to 4.5% of total demand and time liabilities, effective from May 21, 2022, saysRBI Governor.

Das emphasises that MPC actions, aimed at containing inflation spikes and anchoring inflation expection, will strengthen the medium-term growth prospects.

Nine out of the 12 food subgroups registered an increase in inflation in the month of March, says Das.

Das said that the sharp acceleration in headline CPI inflation in March 2022 to 7 per cent was propelled in particular by food inflation.

Shortages and volatility in commodities and financial markets are becoming more acute: RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das

The MPC has decided to maintain accommodative stance to control inflation and support growth.

Flagging inflation concerns, Das said that the RBI has hiked key policy repo rate to 4.40%.

Das says that India has weathered the economic storm for now due to prudent policy.

Das quotes IMF report that states that the economic effects of the war are spreading far.

Indian economy has shown resilience amid tectonic shift in global economy, says Shaktikanta Das.

RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das begins his address to the media. Das's address comes at a time of rising commodity prices across sectors and soaring inflation.

Watch RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das's address live here:

Raj Thackeray says MNS will blare Hanuman Chalisa during Azaan until all illegal loudspeakers are removed

Kirti Azad appointed State in-charge of AITC Goa

Over 250 MNS workers detained for playing Hanuman Chalisa on loudspeakers

Over 250 Maharashtra Navnirman Sena workers havebeen detained for playing Hanuman Chalisa on loudspeakers, sayMaharashtra Police.

MHA seeks detailed report from Rajasthan government on communal tension

The Ministry of Home Affairs has asked for a detailed report from Rajasthan government over communal tension in the state's Jodhpur district, reports ANI quoting sources.

BJP's high command instructed them to defame our government, Ashok Gehlot

RBI Governor Das Shaktikanta to address media at 2:00 pm today.

Relief for Rana couple as court grants bail but conditions apply

Hanuman Chalisa row |MLA Ravi Rana and MP Navneet Kaur Rana have been allowed to be released on bail by the sessions court with conditions.

Police detain MNS city head Yogesh Shete amid loudspeaker row

No illegal loudspeakers running in the state, says Sanjay Raut

Navneet Rana shifted to hospital ahead of court ruling on bail

Lok Sabha MP from Amravati Navneet Rana, who was arrested on April 23 on charges of sedition and promoting enmity, has been shifted to J J Hospital.

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MNS chief tweets Bal Thackeray video to 'justify' move against loudspeakers

MNS chief Raj Thackeray on Wednesday tweeted an old video ofBal Thackeray addressing a crowd on the 'namaz' and loudspeakers used for Azaan issue.

In the video, Bal Thackeray can be seen addressing a huge crowd as he thunders that the day Shiv Sena comes to power, the party will stop Muslims from offering ‘namaz’ on the roads. Bal Thackeray also says will remove loudspeakers from mosques, adding that acts “which cause hindrance to nation-building” should not be allowed.

The Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) on Wednesday launched its campaign against Azaan on loudspeakers in mosques by playing Hanuman Chalisa in the early hours at a few places.

MNS workers try to drown Azaan with Hanuman Chalisa in several parts of Maharashtra

The Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) on Wednesday launched its campaign against Azaan on loudspeakers in mosques by playing Hanuman Chalisa in the early hours at a few places.

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The Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena on Wednesday launched its campaign against Azaan on loudspeakers in mosques by playing Hanuman Chalisa in the wee hours at a few places.

Several MNS workers were rounded up at various cities across the state.

MNS leaders pointed out that as per the Supreme Court guidelines use of loudspeakers are prohibited between 10 pm to 6 am.

During the first Azan of the day, where loudspeakers were used, MNS workers played Hanuman Chalisa.

“We are ready to face action but action must be taken against them also for playing loudspeakers illegally,” said Pappu Kadam, a MNS leader from Thane, who played Hanuman Chalisa in Indiranagar.

MNS workers play Hanuman Chalisa on loudspeakers during Azaan in Maharashtra

Security heightened outside Raj Thackeray's residence amid loudspeaker row

Pope wants to meet Putin, compares Ukraine war to Rwanda

Pope Francis said in an interview published Tuesday that he requested a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin over Ukraine, while comparing the scale of the bloodshed to Rwanda's genocide.

The pontiff told Italy's Corriere Della Sera newspaper that he had sent a message to Putin around 20 days into the conflict saying that "I was willing to go to Moscow".

"We have not yet received a response and we are still insisting, though I fear that Putin cannot, and does not, want to have this meeting at this time," Francis said.

Action to be taken against Delhi Police personnel who were not on duty on Eid

The Delhi Police on Tuesday said that departmental action will be taken against personnel of the force's Third Battalion who were not on duty on Eid.

According to a senior police officer, 500 personnel of the battalion were deployed on duty across the national capital on Tuesday on the occasion.

"Those found absent will be dealt with as per rules," the officer said.