January 10: Top news at noon

EC issues show cause notice to Sakshi Maharaj

The Election Commission has issued show cause notice to BJP MP Sakshi Maharaj for his remarks that those who talk of four wives and 40 children are responsible for population problem, saying prima facie he has violated the model code of conduct. He has been given time till tomorrow morning to file his reply as to why no action should be taken against him. It said read in entirety, his remarks "have effect of promoting enmity between classes of society..." The BJP MP's remarks came days after the Supreme Court ruled that political parties and candidates can't seek votes in the name of religion or caste and ahead of the first phase of polling in Uttar Pradesh on February 11.

Militant killed in encounter with security forces

A militant was killed today in an encounter with security forces in Kashmir's north Bandipora district, police said. Acting on specific intelligence input about the presence of the militant in Parray Mohalla in Hajin area, security forces launched a search operation in the village, they said. As the forces were conducting the search operation, the hiding militant opened fire on them. In the ensuing encounter, the militant was killed, a police official claimed. The identity and group affiliation of the militant was not immediately known.

Trump appoints his son-in-law as senior advisor

US President-elect Donald Trump today appointed his son-in-law Jared Kushner as his senior advisor that would make him one of the most powerful individuals in the incoming White House team, a move that could be challenged under the 50-year-old anti-nepotism law. During the grilling presidential election campaign, Trump had publicly acknowledged the important role being played by 35-year-old Kushner, the husband of his daughter Ivanka Trump. "Kushner has been a tremendous asset and trusted advisor throughout the campaign and transition and I am proud to have him in a key leadership role in my administration," Trump said in a statement. Trump's transition team said there is no legal problem with having Jared Kushner serve in the White House because an anti-nepotism law enacted in 1967 does not apply to the president's staff.

Democratic lawmakers have alleged that Kushner’s White House position may allow him to influence policy that benefits his business interests.

IOA revokes appointments of Kalmadi, Chautala

Facing a severe backlash for appointing scam-tainted Suresh Kalmadi and Abhay Singh Chautala as life presidents, the Indian Olympic Association has been forced to revoke its controversial decision. A top IOA official confirmed that the appointments of Kalmadi and Chautala has been declared "null and void" in order to get the recognition of the Sports Ministry and also to avoid any possible action from the International Olympic Committee. Kalmadi and Chautala were elevated to the honorary position at the IOA's Annual General Meeting in Chennai on December 27, but the Olympic body was forced to reverse its decision after it was opposed by a majority of IOA members.

Liquor seized in Mathura, Varanasi in run up to polls

Over ₹6 lakh cash and more than 4,471 litres of liquor have been seized from different parts of Mathura district as part of raids conducted to prevent their misuse in the state elections, officials said today. The amounts of cash recovered range from just ₹50,000 to ₹2.41 lakh. "Most of the liquor seized was brought to the state from Haryana," said SSP Mohit Gupta. Meanwhile several people, including a woman, have been arrested in separate raids in Varanasi and more than 50 litres of illegal liquor have been seized from them, police said today.