QWrap: Uttarakhand Crisis, Lahore Blast and Pathankot Probe Update

1. Congress Moves Court Against President’s Rule in Uttarakhand

The Uttarakhand High Court has heard Congress’ petition against imposing President’s rule in the state. The court heard both the Congress and the Centre’s arguments and has posted the matter for tomorrow. Earlier in the day, Harish Rawat met with Governor KK Paul, submitted two memoranda with signatures from 34 MLAs, and claimed that his government can still prove its majority.

2. ‘Cooperative’ Pakistan JIT to Be Given Limited Access in Pathankot

India and Pakistan began formal discussions on investigations into the terror attack at the Pathankot IAF base on Monday. This is the first-ever visit of a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) from the neighbouring country that included an ISI official to India.

National Investigation Agency Chief has said that the Pakistani team was “cooperative” during the meeting and has been given limited access to the base.

3. Lahore Blast: 72 Killed, TTP Says it Targeted Christians on Easter

At least 72 people were killed and more than 300 injured when a suicide bomber blew himself up in Lahore, Pakistan. Most victims were women and children, enjoying Easter holiday at a popular public park – Gulshan-e-Iqbal. TTP claimed responsibility for the blast, says the attack was on Christians celebrating Easter.

4. Over Dependence on Virat Kohli: Scary Times For Indian Cricket?

The Indian batting now revolves around Virat Kohli, especially in limited-overs cricket. It is a throwback to the times in the 1990s when it was all about Sachin Tendulkar. Everything now seems to be about Kohli and how he performs.

5. Amitabh Bachchan & Kangana Ranaut Grab National Award

Amitabh Bachchan won the best actor award for playing a hypochondriac father in Piku while Kangana Ranaut scored her second consecutive best actress honour at the 63rd National Film Awards, where Hindi films won in major categories barring the top prize, that went to Baahubali.

6. Bajaj V – The Invincible: Memories of INS Vikrant in Steel

It’s fitting that Bajaj Auto started delivery of its latest motorcycle model V – The Invincible, made with metal from the INS Vikrant, India’s legendary aircraft carrier – on 23 March, close to Bangladesh’s Independence Day on 26 March.

7. Xiaomi Mi 5 to Be Launched on 31 March in India

Xiaomi has a soft corner for India and that’s why consumers will get a chance to buy the Mi 5 earlier than expected. The company has confirmed that on 31 March, the Mi 5 will be launched in India. And in all probability, the phone will be priced at around Rs 25,000.