5 prisoners, on 30 December, escaped from Central Jail in Buxar, Bihar following which the police has issued high alert and cordoned off the area. The search for the prisoners is still on, however, according to media reports, there is no progress so far.

The five prisoners have been identified as Pradeep Singh, Sonu Pandey, Upendra Saah, Deodhari Rai and Sonu Singh.

The Reserve Bank, on 30 December said that cash withdrawal limit from ATMs will be increased to Rs 4,500 per day from the current Rs 2,500 from 1 January.

However, there has been no change in the weekly withdrawal limit, which stands at Rs 24,000, including from ATM, for individuals (Rs 50,000 in case of small traders).

"On a review of the position, the daily limit of withdrawal from ATMs has been increased (within the overall weekly limits specified) with effect from January 1, 2017, from the existing Rs 2,500 to Rs 4,500 per day per card," the central bank said in a notification.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on 31 December, is likely to address the nation this evening, and according to reports, is expected to spell out the post-demonetisation roadmap.

This will be his second address to the nation since his announcement to scrap 1,000 and 500 rupees notes on 8 November.

While announcing the landmark decision, he had asked the people to give 50 days for demonetisation and getting accustomed to a cashless economy.

The Congress Party, on 31 December, said that the expulsion of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav and National General Secretary Ram Gopal Yadav from the Samajwadi Party is a case of political instability in the state and worrisome for democracy.

"There is a situation of political instability in Uttar Pradesh, it's worrisome for democracy. We don't comment on internal divisions within any political party," said Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala.

"Samajwadi Party needs to settle this dispute on its own. Congress vice-president Rahul ji and Congress leaders have given a new paradigm for UP and that is development that is away from the politics of caste and division," he added.