50K NOMINATIONS RECEIVED FOR 2019 PADMA AWARDS

NEW DELHI: The government has received as many as 50,000 nominations for the 2019 Padma awards, which are given for work of distinction and exceptional achievement in different fields. Last year, the home ministry had received 35,595 nominations and this year it received 49,992 nominations from the general public for Padma awards. A home ministry statement said the figure of nominations received from general public is 32 times higher than 2010 when only 1,313 nominations were received.

CBI quizzes ED deputy director in TN gutka scam

NEW DELHI: The CBI Thursday questioned a senior Enforcement Directorate officer, a recipient of Presidential Certificate, in connection with the Tamil Nadu gutka scam in which several politicians, policemen and customs and excise officials are under scanner, officials said. They, however, refused to disclose whether SK Sheoran, currently posted as Deputy Director in the Enforcement Directorate, was questioned as a witness or a suspect in the case.

Over 900 prisoners released to mark Gandhi Jayanti

NEW DELHI: Union home ministry on Thursday said over 900 prisoners was released from jails across India under the amnesty scheme announced on the occasion of the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. The ministry in a statement said in the week-long first phase of special remission, over 900 prisoners were set free after receiving the approval of the competent authority. More prisoners will be released in the second and third phase of remission beginning on April 6, 2019 and October 2, 2019 respectively. The phase-wise release of prisoners is part of the year-long celebrations to mark the 150th anniversary of the father of the nation