Nation news in brief

ICJ to deliver Jadhav verdict today

The Hague, May 17 (IANS): The International Court of Justice will announce its verdict on Thursday on India’s appeal against the death sentence awarded by a Pakistani court to alleged spy Kulbhushan Jadhav. The verdict is set to be announced at 3.30 p.m. IST. The verdict comes after India and Pakistan clashed on Monday at the ICJ over Jadhav with New Delhi invoking the court’s jurisdiction to see that the death sentence against him is annulled immediately.

Kerala Govt to give Rs 2 lakh each to families of 4 persons

Thiruvananthapuram, May 17 (PTI): Kerala Government today decided to give Rs 2 lakh solatium each to next of kin of four persons who died standing in queues in front of banks and ATMs in the wake of demonetisation by the central government. The decision in this regard was taken at the Cabinet meetng chaired by Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan.

Cabinet approves pan-India maternity benefit programme

New Delhi, May 17 (IANS): The Cabinet on Wednesday extended to the entire country a programme to provide compensation for wage loss so that women get adequate rest before and after delivery and not be deprived of proper nutrition. But the scheme will be applicable for the first born only, the government said in an official statement. Pregnant women and lactating mothers will get Rs 5,000 in three lots for the birth of the first live child. They will also get Rs 1,000 each month for six months. The scheme excludes women employed by the central or state governments or public sector undertakings or those who are in receipt of similar benefits under any law.

Lookout notice against Karnataka home minister’s aide

New Delhi, May 17 (IANS): Probing the role of Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara’s aide V.C. Prakash in the alleged attempt by AIADMK leader T.T.V. Dinakaran to bribe Election Commission officials, the Delhi Police have issued a lookout notice against him. The police on Wednesday said Prakash, who was the deputy chairman of the NRI forum of Karnataka, is apparently close to the minister and Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC).