Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu on Wednesday held a review meeting with various stakeholders on fog preparedness and asked airlines to proactively inform passengers about flight delays as well as ensure check-in counters are fully staffed to help minimise travel disruptions.
Also, passengers will be allowed to exit from an aircraft through an airport departure gate in case there is a long delay in operating the flight after boarding, as per norms issued earlier this year. "The preparations for managing visibility-related challenges this winter are moving in the right direction with good progress made in resolving the bottlenecks," the civil aviation ministry said in a release.
"The flight has to be cancelled if the delay is exceeding three hours," the release added.
On Monday, bad weather conditions in the national capital resulted in at least 15 flight diversions and a delay of more than 100 flights as visibility conditions were very poor.
Beatroot News: Text-only
Aviation
Aviation minister directs airlines to inform passengers on flight delays
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City
After season's coldest night, Delhi wakes up to another day with toxic air
Delhi witnessed yet another dawn with a blanket of toxic air on Wednesday, as the capital recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 426 in the "severe" category, which followed the coldest night of the season in the city so far.
The city's minimum temperature dropped to 11.1 degrees Celsius on Tuesday night, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The drop in temperature combined with dense fog has blanketed the national capital, reducing visibility to 500 metres as of 8.30 am. The IMD has forecast dense fog to persist throughout the day.
Delhi had an AQI reading of 426 at 9 am on Wednesday, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
An AQI of 400 or higher is classified as "severe," posing health risks to healthy individuals and those with pre-existing medical conditions. All but one of the 38 monitoring stations in the national capital were in the red zone. The Lodhi Road station was not in the red zone recording an AQI in the "very poor" category.
Delhi's air quality first breached the "severe plus" category on Sunday, leading to the implementation of Stage IV restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan on Monday morning.
These measures include a complete ban on construction and demolition activities and suspension of physical classes in schools.
The city's minimum temperature dropped to 11.1 degrees Celsius on Tuesday night, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The drop in temperature combined with dense fog has blanketed the national capital, reducing visibility to 500 metres as of 8.30 am. The IMD has forecast dense fog to persist throughout the day.
Delhi had an AQI reading of 426 at 9 am on Wednesday, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
An AQI of 400 or higher is classified as "severe," posing health risks to healthy individuals and those with pre-existing medical conditions. All but one of the 38 monitoring stations in the national capital were in the red zone. The Lodhi Road station was not in the red zone recording an AQI in the "very poor" category.
Delhi's air quality first breached the "severe plus" category on Sunday, leading to the implementation of Stage IV restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan on Monday morning.
These measures include a complete ban on construction and demolition activities and suspension of physical classes in schools.
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50% staff of Delhi government offices to WFH due to pollution
Half of the staff of Delhi government offices will work from home in view of the pollution levels in the city, Environment minister Gopal Rai said today.
Implementation of the provision will be discussed in a meeting with the officers later in the day, he said in a post on X. Earlier, the government announced staggered office timings for its offices and the MCD.
The timings of Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) offices were fixed from 8.30 am to 5 pm, while that of Delhi government offices were 10 am to 6.30 pm.
Implementation of the provision will be discussed in a meeting with the officers later in the day, he said in a post on X. Earlier, the government announced staggered office timings for its offices and the MCD.
The timings of Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) offices were fixed from 8.30 am to 5 pm, while that of Delhi government offices were 10 am to 6.30 pm.
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Sarojini Nagar Market among Delhi's 3 shopping spots to undergo major revamp
Delhi's iconic Sarojini Nagar Market along with Malcha Market and Aliganj Market are set for a major transformation as New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) unveiled a major revamp plan.
The NDMC Vice Chairman Kuljeet Singh Chahal on Tuesday unveiled plans to redevelop three major markets as part of Phase-I of its urban renewal initiative. Chahal outlined the council's vision to modernise and improve urban spaces in alignment with the Delhi Master Plan 2021.
Sarojini Nagar, famous for its budget-friendly fashion finds, will undergo a complete makeover, with plans to convert the currently mixed-use building into a fully commercial hub. The redevelopment will see the ground floor, first floor, second floor, and part of the third floor dedicated to retail and commercial spaces, offering more room for shoppers and boosting the market’s revenue potential, Chahal said.
"This revamp aims to preserve the market's cultural charm while transforming it into a more organised and modern shopping centre, attracting even more visitors and vendors," he added.
The NDMC Vice Chairman Kuljeet Singh Chahal on Tuesday unveiled plans to redevelop three major markets as part of Phase-I of its urban renewal initiative. Chahal outlined the council's vision to modernise and improve urban spaces in alignment with the Delhi Master Plan 2021.
Sarojini Nagar, famous for its budget-friendly fashion finds, will undergo a complete makeover, with plans to convert the currently mixed-use building into a fully commercial hub. The redevelopment will see the ground floor, first floor, second floor, and part of the third floor dedicated to retail and commercial spaces, offering more room for shoppers and boosting the market’s revenue potential, Chahal said.
"This revamp aims to preserve the market's cultural charm while transforming it into a more organised and modern shopping centre, attracting even more visitors and vendors," he added.
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Diplomacy
PM Modi arrives in Guyana after concluding Brazil visit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Guyana today, on the last leg of his three-nation tour after attending the G20 Summit in Brazil, where he met global leaders, including US President Joe Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
The PM’s visit to Guyana till November 21 comes at the invitation of President Mohamed Irfaan Ali. It will be the first visit of an Indian prime minister to Guyana in more than 50 years. Modi had arrived in Brazil after wrapping up a "productive" visit to Nigeria, where he held bilateral talks with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and interacted with the Indian community.
Announcing his departure from Brazil, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a post on X, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi emplanes for Guyana, the last leg of his three-nation visit, after a constructive and fruitful G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro." In Brazil, Modi was welcomed on Monday by the Indian community with Sanskrit chants after his arrival. Cultural performances were also held to welcome him.
In an address at a session at the G20 Summit on Monday, Modi said India's G20 theme of "One Earth, One Family, One Future" was as relevant at the ongoing summit as it was last year.
The PM’s visit to Guyana till November 21 comes at the invitation of President Mohamed Irfaan Ali. It will be the first visit of an Indian prime minister to Guyana in more than 50 years. Modi had arrived in Brazil after wrapping up a "productive" visit to Nigeria, where he held bilateral talks with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and interacted with the Indian community.
Announcing his departure from Brazil, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a post on X, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi emplanes for Guyana, the last leg of his three-nation visit, after a constructive and fruitful G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro." In Brazil, Modi was welcomed on Monday by the Indian community with Sanskrit chants after his arrival. Cultural performances were also held to welcome him.
In an address at a session at the G20 Summit on Monday, Modi said India's G20 theme of "One Earth, One Family, One Future" was as relevant at the ongoing summit as it was last year.
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Education
CBSE Class 10, 12 exams to begin from February 15
The board exams for class 10 and 12 will begin from February 15, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) announced on Wednesday.
In a late night notification, the board announced that the class 10 exams will conclude on March 18 while class 12 exams will end on April 4, 2025.
For the first time, the datesheet has been issued by the board at least 86 days in advance.
In a late night notification, the board announced that the class 10 exams will conclude on March 18 while class 12 exams will end on April 4, 2025.
For the first time, the datesheet has been issued by the board at least 86 days in advance.
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Election
Maharashtra sees highest voter turnout in 30 years
An estimated 65.1% voter turnout was recorded in the Maharashtra assembly elections on Wednesday, where the ruling BJP-led Mahayuti alliance is making a determined bid to retain power and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition is hoping to continue its good showing in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.
The figure is the highest voter turnout in the state since 1995 when the state witnessed a turnout of 71.69%, notes Indian Express. The turnout was way above the 61.39% recorded in Maharashtra during the Lok Sabha elections this year, and the 61.4% in the 2019 Assembly elections. The Naxal-affected Gadchiroli district recorded a turnout of 69.63% on Wednesday, while Mumbai, the financial capital, saw an estimated 54% turnout.
Officials noted that poll percentage figures are provisional and may undergo minor revisions once all data is verified. The final voter turnout percentage is expected to be officially announced later today. Notably, an encouraging trend has been observed in urban constituencies, traditionally known for lower voter participation.
In Jharkhand, where the JMM-led alliance is battling the BJP-led NDA bloc, the turnout was 68.45%. The turnout surpassed the 67.04% voting in 2019, officials said.
The figure is the highest voter turnout in the state since 1995 when the state witnessed a turnout of 71.69%, notes Indian Express. The turnout was way above the 61.39% recorded in Maharashtra during the Lok Sabha elections this year, and the 61.4% in the 2019 Assembly elections. The Naxal-affected Gadchiroli district recorded a turnout of 69.63% on Wednesday, while Mumbai, the financial capital, saw an estimated 54% turnout.
Officials noted that poll percentage figures are provisional and may undergo minor revisions once all data is verified. The final voter turnout percentage is expected to be officially announced later today. Notably, an encouraging trend has been observed in urban constituencies, traditionally known for lower voter participation.
In Jharkhand, where the JMM-led alliance is battling the BJP-led NDA bloc, the turnout was 68.45%. The turnout surpassed the 67.04% voting in 2019, officials said.
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Maharashtra to see BJP-led coalition; close contest likely in Jharkhand, suggest exit polls
Several exit polls on Wednesday predicted a narrow victory for the ruling BJP-led Mahayuti alliance in the Maharashtra Assembly election and a close contest in the Jharkhand election.
In Maharashtra, the ruling Mahayuti is projected to win around 150 seats, while the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi may win 125 seats, according to an average of exit poll predictions compiled by NDTV. The half-way mark is at 145 seats in the 288-member Maharashtra Assembly. In Jharkhand, the BJP-led NDA is projected to win 39 seats, while the I.N.D.I.A bloc is predicted to win 38 seats, according to NDTV’s average of exit polls. This could mean that neither coalition will touch the halfway mark of 41 needed to form the government in the 81-seat Assembly.
Votes for the election to the Legislative Assemblies of both states will be counted on Saturday.
In Maharashtra, the ruling Mahayuti is projected to win around 150 seats, while the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi may win 125 seats, according to an average of exit poll predictions compiled by NDTV. The half-way mark is at 145 seats in the 288-member Maharashtra Assembly. In Jharkhand, the BJP-led NDA is projected to win 39 seats, while the I.N.D.I.A bloc is predicted to win 38 seats, according to NDTV’s average of exit polls. This could mean that neither coalition will touch the halfway mark of 41 needed to form the government in the 81-seat Assembly.
Votes for the election to the Legislative Assemblies of both states will be counted on Saturday.
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Polling peaceful, 68 pc turnout recorded till 5 PM in final phase of Jharkhand assembly polls
Polling was peaceful on Wednesday as nearly 68% voter turnout was recorded till 5 pm in 38 constituencies in Jharkhand where voting for the second and final phase of the assembly elections ended, officials said.
Polling began at 7 AM in 14,218 booths across 12 districts and continued till 5 PM. However, polling in 31 booths ended at 4 PM. People standing in the queue at those hours were allowed to exercise their franchise, the officials said. The ruling JMM-led INDIA bloc is seeking to retain power riding on its welfare schemes, while the BJP-headed National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is trying to wrest it.
"A voter turnout of 67.59% was recorded till 5 PM. Voting has been peaceful," an Election Commission official said. The highest turnout of 76.16% was reported from Jamtara district, followed by 75.88% from Pakur, 72.46% from Deoghar and 72.01% from Ranchi.
Ramgarh registered a turnout of 71.98%, followed by Dumka 71.74%, Godda 67.24%, Sahebganj 65.63%, Giridih 65.89%, Hazaribag 64.41% and Dhanbad 63.39%.
The lowest turnout was recorded in Bokaro district at 60.97% till 5 PM.
Polling began at 7 AM in 14,218 booths across 12 districts and continued till 5 PM. However, polling in 31 booths ended at 4 PM. People standing in the queue at those hours were allowed to exercise their franchise, the officials said. The ruling JMM-led INDIA bloc is seeking to retain power riding on its welfare schemes, while the BJP-headed National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is trying to wrest it.
"A voter turnout of 67.59% was recorded till 5 PM. Voting has been peaceful," an Election Commission official said. The highest turnout of 76.16% was reported from Jamtara district, followed by 75.88% from Pakur, 72.46% from Deoghar and 72.01% from Ranchi.
Ramgarh registered a turnout of 71.98%, followed by Dumka 71.74%, Godda 67.24%, Sahebganj 65.63%, Giridih 65.89%, Hazaribag 64.41% and Dhanbad 63.39%.
The lowest turnout was recorded in Bokaro district at 60.97% till 5 PM.
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Amid complaints of harassment of voters in UP bypoll, EC orders suspension of five cops
At least five police personnel were suspended and many others removed from poll duty in Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday for flouting Election Commission guidelines and stopping electors from casting votes in the ongoing Assembly bypolls, officials said.
The action by the poll authority came amid complaints by Opposition parties, mainly Samajwadi Party that people from a particular community were being prevented from casting vote. SP president Akhilesh Yadav urged the EC to suspend all police officers who are checking voter cards and Aadhaar IDs on basis of video evidence.
Acting on the Commission's directions, district election officers and superintendents of police, after verifying the complaints, have suspended the police personnel for their conduct.
The action by the poll authority came amid complaints by Opposition parties, mainly Samajwadi Party that people from a particular community were being prevented from casting vote. SP president Akhilesh Yadav urged the EC to suspend all police officers who are checking voter cards and Aadhaar IDs on basis of video evidence.
Acting on the Commission's directions, district election officers and superintendents of police, after verifying the complaints, have suspended the police personnel for their conduct.
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Presiding officer replaced in Jharkhand after allegations of favouring candidate
Jharkhand BJP MP Nishikant Dubey on Wednesday said he had filed a complaint with the Election Commission against a presiding officer for allegedly "favouring a ruling party candidate" in Madhupur Assembly constituency during voting.
Dubey claimed that following his complaint, the officer was arrested.
However, the Deoghar administration said the officer was replaced after being found too close to the voting compartment, which is against Election Commission rules. "I filed a complaint with the Election Commission against the presiding officer at booth number 111 in Madhupur, Deoghar district, for favouring Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) candidate and Minister Hafizul Hassan. The commission took my complaint seriously and arrested the officer," Dubey told reporters in Deoghar.
An official statement from Deoghar administration clarified that the presiding officer at booth number 111 had been replaced.
"During monitoring in the webcasting room, the presiding officer was found too close to the voting compartment, which violates Election Commission rules and demonstrates gross negligence in performing duties," the statement read.
Dubey claimed that following his complaint, the officer was arrested.
However, the Deoghar administration said the officer was replaced after being found too close to the voting compartment, which is against Election Commission rules. "I filed a complaint with the Election Commission against the presiding officer at booth number 111 in Madhupur, Deoghar district, for favouring Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) candidate and Minister Hafizul Hassan. The commission took my complaint seriously and arrested the officer," Dubey told reporters in Deoghar.
An official statement from Deoghar administration clarified that the presiding officer at booth number 111 had been replaced.
"During monitoring in the webcasting room, the presiding officer was found too close to the voting compartment, which violates Election Commission rules and demonstrates gross negligence in performing duties," the statement read.
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Over 31% voter turnout recorded till 11 am in final phase of Jharkhand Assembly polls
Over 31% of around 1.23 crore voters exercised their franchise till 11 am on Wednesday in 38 Assembly constituencies in Jharkhand where voting is underway in the second and final phase, officials said.
Polling began at 7 am in 14,218 booths across 12 districts and will continue till 5 pm.
However, polling in 31 booths will end at 4 pm though people standing in the queue at that time will be able to exercise their franchise, the officials said. The ruling JMM-led I.N.D.I.A bloc is seeking to retain power riding on its welfare schemes, while the BJP-headed National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is trying to wrest it.
The highest voting turnout of 35.15% was recorded from Pakur, followed by 34.75% in Ranchi, 33.78% in Jamtara and 33.45% in Ramgarh district.
Altogether 528 candidates, including Chief Minister and JMM leader Hemant Soren, his wife Kalpana Soren and Leader of Opposition Amar Kumar Bauri of the BJP, are trying their luck in the second phase of the elections.
Polling began at 7 am in 14,218 booths across 12 districts and will continue till 5 pm.
However, polling in 31 booths will end at 4 pm though people standing in the queue at that time will be able to exercise their franchise, the officials said. The ruling JMM-led I.N.D.I.A bloc is seeking to retain power riding on its welfare schemes, while the BJP-headed National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is trying to wrest it.
The highest voting turnout of 35.15% was recorded from Pakur, followed by 34.75% in Ranchi, 33.78% in Jamtara and 33.45% in Ramgarh district.
Altogether 528 candidates, including Chief Minister and JMM leader Hemant Soren, his wife Kalpana Soren and Leader of Opposition Amar Kumar Bauri of the BJP, are trying their luck in the second phase of the elections.
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Over 18% voter turnout in Maharashtra till 11 am
Maharashtra recorded a voter turnout of 18.14% till 11 am as polling was underway in all 288 Assembly constituencies, election officials said.
Gadchiroli district recorded 30% turnout in the first four hours of voting. Aheri in the district saw 30.6% voting, while Armori Assembly registered 30.75% polling. Mumbai city district recorded 15.78% voting, while that of Mumbai suburban district was 17.99%.
The Colaba Assembly segment in the megapolis registered 13.03% polling, Mahim 19.66% and Worli 14.59%. In Mumbai suburban, Bhandup polled 23.42% votes.
In Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's Kopri-Pachpakhadi constituency in Thane, the voter turnout was 18.22%.
Gadchiroli district recorded 30% turnout in the first four hours of voting. Aheri in the district saw 30.6% voting, while Armori Assembly registered 30.75% polling. Mumbai city district recorded 15.78% voting, while that of Mumbai suburban district was 17.99%.
The Colaba Assembly segment in the megapolis registered 13.03% polling, Mahim 19.66% and Worli 14.59%. In Mumbai suburban, Bhandup polled 23.42% votes.
In Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's Kopri-Pachpakhadi constituency in Thane, the voter turnout was 18.22%.
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Mumbai city records 6.25% polling till 9 am
Maharashtra recorded 6.61% voter turnout till 9 am on Wednesday as polling was underway in all 288 Assembly constituencies of the state, as per election officials.
Gadchiroli district witnessed 12.33% turnout in the first two hours of polling. The Armori Assembly segment in the district registered 13.53% polling. In Mumbai suburban, a 7.88% turnout was recorded. Bhandup and Mulund suburbs saw 10.59% and 10.71% turnout.
Mumbai city recorded 6.25% polling. While Colaba saw 5.35% turnout, Worli recorded 3.78% polling, according to the election officials.
Gadchiroli district witnessed 12.33% turnout in the first two hours of polling. The Armori Assembly segment in the district registered 13.53% polling. In Mumbai suburban, a 7.88% turnout was recorded. Bhandup and Mulund suburbs saw 10.59% and 10.71% turnout.
Mumbai city recorded 6.25% polling. While Colaba saw 5.35% turnout, Worli recorded 3.78% polling, according to the election officials.
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NDA and I.N.D.I.A bloc locked in tight fight as voting begins across Maharashtra, remaining Jharkhand seats
Voting began at 7 am today for the single-phase Maharashtra Assembly elections and will conclude at 6 pm. Polling is taking place across 288 Assembly constituencies.
In Maharashtra, the ruling Mahayuti coalition—led by the trio of Devendra Fadnavis (BJP), Eknath Shinde (Shiv Sena), and Ajit Pawar (NCP)— will face off against the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), which includes the Congress, Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT), and NCP (Sharad Pawar). All eyes are on the family feud in Baramati, where Deputy CM Ajit Pawar battles his own nephew, Yugendra Pawar of the NCP (SP). Meanwhile, in Nagpur South West, Fadnavis is locking horns with Congress’s Prafulla Gudhade, and CM Shinde is fighting to hold onto his Kopri-Pachpakhadi seat against Anand Dighe from Sena (UBT).
In Jharkhand, polling is underway for 38 assembly seats in the second and final phase of elections. Voting began at 7 am across 12 districts and will continue till 5 pm. Here, the ruling JMM-Congress alliance is battling against the BJP and its local ally, the All Jharkhand Students’ Union Party (AJSUP). Chief Minister Hemant Soren is set to clash with BJP’s Gamaliel Hembrom in Barhait, while his wife, Kalpana Soren, aims to win against BJP’s Muniya Devi in Gandey.
The Dhanwar seat is also critical as former CM Babulal Marandi of the BJP takes on CPI(ML)L’s Rajkumar Yadav. Additionally, in Jamtara, Sita Soren, daughter-in-law of political heavyweight Shibu Soren, seeks to unseat Congress’s Irfan Ansari.
In Maharashtra, the ruling Mahayuti coalition—led by the trio of Devendra Fadnavis (BJP), Eknath Shinde (Shiv Sena), and Ajit Pawar (NCP)— will face off against the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), which includes the Congress, Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT), and NCP (Sharad Pawar). All eyes are on the family feud in Baramati, where Deputy CM Ajit Pawar battles his own nephew, Yugendra Pawar of the NCP (SP). Meanwhile, in Nagpur South West, Fadnavis is locking horns with Congress’s Prafulla Gudhade, and CM Shinde is fighting to hold onto his Kopri-Pachpakhadi seat against Anand Dighe from Sena (UBT).
In Jharkhand, polling is underway for 38 assembly seats in the second and final phase of elections. Voting began at 7 am across 12 districts and will continue till 5 pm. Here, the ruling JMM-Congress alliance is battling against the BJP and its local ally, the All Jharkhand Students’ Union Party (AJSUP). Chief Minister Hemant Soren is set to clash with BJP’s Gamaliel Hembrom in Barhait, while his wife, Kalpana Soren, aims to win against BJP’s Muniya Devi in Gandey.
The Dhanwar seat is also critical as former CM Babulal Marandi of the BJP takes on CPI(ML)L’s Rajkumar Yadav. Additionally, in Jamtara, Sita Soren, daughter-in-law of political heavyweight Shibu Soren, seeks to unseat Congress’s Irfan Ansari.
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All set for Maharashtra Assembly elections on November 20
Long Read
The Maharashtra Assembly elections will be held on November 20, with the ruling BJP-led Mahayuti alliance vying to retain power and the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) combine hoping for a strong comeback.
Polling will begin in all 288 Assembly seats at 7 am and end at 6 pm, an election official said. The votes will be counted on November 23. The election campaign saw prominent leaders like Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and many Union ministers crisscrossing the state to garner votes for their candidates.
The Mahayuti, comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and the Nationalist Congress Party led by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, is banking on its popular schemes like Majhi Ladki Bahin for women helping it retain power.
The BJP's use of slogans like "Batenge toh katenge" and "Ek hai toh safe hai" prompted the opposition parties to accuse the Mahayuti of polarising voters along religious lines. The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), comprising the Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar), slammed Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's use of "Batenge toh katenge" and PM Modi's "Ek hai toh safe hai” slogans.
Not all the BJP allies supported these slogans. Ajit Pawar, distanced himself from them. Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis attempted to clarify the meaning of the slogans, leading to confusion within the ruling alliance.
The MVA alliance countered the ruling combine's rhetoric by focusing on issues like caste-based census, social justice, and protecting the Constitution. The opposition aimed to appeal to voters who felt neglected by the government. Ahead of the elections, the BJP on Monday launched a new ad campaign attacking the Opposition MVA and urging people to "Say No to Congress."
The ad campaign highlighted various incidents from the past, including the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, and incidents like the lynching of sadhus at Palghar. The BJP is contesting the November 20 elections in 149 seats, Shiv Sena is in the fray in 81 seats, and the Ajit Pawar-led NCP has fielded candidates in 59 constituencies.
The Congress has fielded 101 candidates, Shiv Sena (UBT) 95, and NCP (SP) has put up 86 candidates.
Smaller parties, including the Bahujan Samaj Party and the All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM), are also contesting, with BSP fielding 237 candidates and AIMIM 17 in the 288-member Lower House. The number of candidates has increased by 28 per cent this time compared to the 2019 state assembly elections. This year, 4,136 candidates are contesting, up from 3,239 in 2019.
Among these candidates, 2,086 are independents. Rebels are in the fray in over 150 constituencies, with candidates from the Mahayuti and MVA contesting against their party's official nominees.
As on October 30, the updated number of registered voters stands at 9,70,25,119, officials said. There will be 1,00,186 polling booths in Maharashtra this time, compared to 96,654 booths in the 2019 assembly elections. This increase is due to the rise in the number of voters.
Around six lakh state government employees will be involved in election duties. Since the code of conduct came into force on October 15, cash and items worth Rs 252.42 crore were seized in enforcement actions conducted under various schemes of the central and state governments. The seized items included Rs 63.47 crore cash, along with 34,89,088 litres of liquor valued at Rs 33.73 crore.
Additionally, Rs 32.67 crore drugs were confiscated, along with precious metals valued at Rs 83.12 crore.
Officials also seized 34,634 pieces of jewellery worth Rs 2.79 crore and 8,79,913 miscellaneous items valued at Rs 36.62 crore.
The Maharashtra Assembly elections will be held on November 20, with the ruling BJP-led Mahayuti alliance vying to retain power and the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) combine hoping for a strong comeback.
Polling will begin in all 288 Assembly seats at 7 am and end at 6 pm, an election official said. The votes will be counted on November 23. The election campaign saw prominent leaders like Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and many Union ministers crisscrossing the state to garner votes for their candidates.
The Mahayuti, comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and the Nationalist Congress Party led by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, is banking on its popular schemes like Majhi Ladki Bahin for women helping it retain power.
The BJP's use of slogans like "Batenge toh katenge" and "Ek hai toh safe hai" prompted the opposition parties to accuse the Mahayuti of polarising voters along religious lines. The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), comprising the Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar), slammed Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's use of "Batenge toh katenge" and PM Modi's "Ek hai toh safe hai” slogans.
Not all the BJP allies supported these slogans. Ajit Pawar, distanced himself from them. Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis attempted to clarify the meaning of the slogans, leading to confusion within the ruling alliance.
The MVA alliance countered the ruling combine's rhetoric by focusing on issues like caste-based census, social justice, and protecting the Constitution. The opposition aimed to appeal to voters who felt neglected by the government. Ahead of the elections, the BJP on Monday launched a new ad campaign attacking the Opposition MVA and urging people to "Say No to Congress."
The ad campaign highlighted various incidents from the past, including the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, and incidents like the lynching of sadhus at Palghar. The BJP is contesting the November 20 elections in 149 seats, Shiv Sena is in the fray in 81 seats, and the Ajit Pawar-led NCP has fielded candidates in 59 constituencies.
The Congress has fielded 101 candidates, Shiv Sena (UBT) 95, and NCP (SP) has put up 86 candidates.
Smaller parties, including the Bahujan Samaj Party and the All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM), are also contesting, with BSP fielding 237 candidates and AIMIM 17 in the 288-member Lower House. The number of candidates has increased by 28 per cent this time compared to the 2019 state assembly elections. This year, 4,136 candidates are contesting, up from 3,239 in 2019.
Among these candidates, 2,086 are independents. Rebels are in the fray in over 150 constituencies, with candidates from the Mahayuti and MVA contesting against their party's official nominees.
As on October 30, the updated number of registered voters stands at 9,70,25,119, officials said. There will be 1,00,186 polling booths in Maharashtra this time, compared to 96,654 booths in the 2019 assembly elections. This increase is due to the rise in the number of voters.
Around six lakh state government employees will be involved in election duties. Since the code of conduct came into force on October 15, cash and items worth Rs 252.42 crore were seized in enforcement actions conducted under various schemes of the central and state governments. The seized items included Rs 63.47 crore cash, along with 34,89,088 litres of liquor valued at Rs 33.73 crore.
Additionally, Rs 32.67 crore drugs were confiscated, along with precious metals valued at Rs 83.12 crore.
Officials also seized 34,634 pieces of jewellery worth Rs 2.79 crore and 8,79,913 miscellaneous items valued at Rs 36.62 crore.
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Environment
India drops two places but remains among top 10 climate performers: Report
India remained in the top 10 on a list of 63 countries assessed for efforts to combat climate change, despite dropping two spots compared to an year ago, thanks to its low per-capita emissions and rapid deployment of renewables, a report said on Wednesday.
The Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI 2025) - published by think tanks Germanwatch, New Climate Institute, and Climate Action Network International - tracks the progress of the world’s largest emitters in terms of emissions, renewables, and climate policy. The 63 countries, along with the European Union, assessed in the CCPI are responsible for 90% of global emissions.
India ranks 10th in this year’s CCPI, remaining among the highest performers. The CCPI report, however, noted that significant changes in India's climate policy are unlikely. The growth-oriented approach to climate action is expected to continue or intensify, driven by rising energy demand from industry and the growing population, it said.
The report leaves the first three places empty, as no country performed well enough across all index categories to achieve an overall “very high” rating.
The Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI 2025) - published by think tanks Germanwatch, New Climate Institute, and Climate Action Network International - tracks the progress of the world’s largest emitters in terms of emissions, renewables, and climate policy. The 63 countries, along with the European Union, assessed in the CCPI are responsible for 90% of global emissions.
India ranks 10th in this year’s CCPI, remaining among the highest performers. The CCPI report, however, noted that significant changes in India's climate policy are unlikely. The growth-oriented approach to climate action is expected to continue or intensify, driven by rising energy demand from industry and the growing population, it said.
The report leaves the first three places empty, as no country performed well enough across all index categories to achieve an overall “very high” rating.
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International
Adani charged in US for bribes worth $265 million to Indian officials
US authorities have indicted Gautam Adani in a multi-million dollar bribery and fraud case.
Authorities allege Adani and seven other company executives promised around Rs 2,029 crore (appx $265 million) in bribes to Indian government officials to secure solar energy contracts for Adani Green Energy which are expected to yield $2 billion of profit over 20 years. Of this, $228 million was promised “to a single unnamed official, who secured a deal for electricity suppliers in the state of Andhra Pradesh to purchase seven gigawatts of solar energy from Adani.”
These contracts were used to raise more than $3 billion in loans and bonds in the US from investors concealing the bribery scheme. The criminal charges, filed on Wednesday in New York, for alleged violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, a U.S. anti-bribery law.
Adani group stocks crashed up to 20% reacting to this news today.
Authorities allege Adani and seven other company executives promised around Rs 2,029 crore (appx $265 million) in bribes to Indian government officials to secure solar energy contracts for Adani Green Energy which are expected to yield $2 billion of profit over 20 years. Of this, $228 million was promised “to a single unnamed official, who secured a deal for electricity suppliers in the state of Andhra Pradesh to purchase seven gigawatts of solar energy from Adani.”
These contracts were used to raise more than $3 billion in loans and bonds in the US from investors concealing the bribery scheme. The criminal charges, filed on Wednesday in New York, for alleged violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, a U.S. anti-bribery law.
Adani group stocks crashed up to 20% reacting to this news today.
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India strongly rejects new Canadian media report on Nijjar killing, calls it smear campaign
India on Wednesday strongly trashed as "smear campaign" a Canadian media report that claimed that the Indian prime minister was aware of the alleged plot to kill Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
Referring to the report quoting an unnamed official, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said such "ludicrous statements" should be dismissed with the contempt they deserve. "We do not normally comment on media reports. However, such ludicrous statements made to a newspaper purportedly by a Canadian government source should be dismissed with the contempt they deserve," he said.
"Smear campaigns like this only further damage our already strained ties," he said. The report in question was published by Canadian newspaper The Globe and Mail that cited inputs from a senior national security official.
The report claimed the Indian national security advisor and the external affairs minister were also in the loop of the plot.
Referring to the report quoting an unnamed official, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said such "ludicrous statements" should be dismissed with the contempt they deserve. "We do not normally comment on media reports. However, such ludicrous statements made to a newspaper purportedly by a Canadian government source should be dismissed with the contempt they deserve," he said.
"Smear campaigns like this only further damage our already strained ties," he said. The report in question was published by Canadian newspaper The Globe and Mail that cited inputs from a senior national security official.
The report claimed the Indian national security advisor and the external affairs minister were also in the loop of the plot.
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US vetoes UN resolution demanding a ceasefire in Gaza
The US has vetoed a resolution at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) that demanded an “immediate, unconditional and permanent” ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, amid Israel’s continued bombardment of the Palestinian territory.
The US voted down the resolution on Wednesday while the 14 other members of the UNSC voted in favour. The resolution called for the release of captives held in Gaza and Washington voiced opposition to its demand for an “unconditional” ceasefire. This is the fourth time that US President Joe Biden’s administration has vetoed a resolution calling for an end to the war in Gaza since October last year.
“We made clear throughout negotiations that we could not support an unconditional ceasefire that failed to release the hostages,” Robert Wood, the deputy US envoy to the UN, said during the session in New York.
Since the most recent escalation in violence began, nearly 44,000 Palestinians are estimated to have been killed.
The US voted down the resolution on Wednesday while the 14 other members of the UNSC voted in favour. The resolution called for the release of captives held in Gaza and Washington voiced opposition to its demand for an “unconditional” ceasefire. This is the fourth time that US President Joe Biden’s administration has vetoed a resolution calling for an end to the war in Gaza since October last year.
“We made clear throughout negotiations that we could not support an unconditional ceasefire that failed to release the hostages,” Robert Wood, the deputy US envoy to the UN, said during the session in New York.
Since the most recent escalation in violence began, nearly 44,000 Palestinians are estimated to have been killed.
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One Direction stars gather for funeral of ex-bandmate Liam Payne
Former One Direction member Liam Payne’s family, friends and former bandmates came together to pay tribute at his funeral in England on Wednesday, a month after the singer died at 31.
Zayn Malik, Harry Styles, Niall Horan and Louis Tomlinson, who accompanied Payne on his rise to fame as part of one of Britain’s biggest ever boybands, each attended the private service in Amersham, northwest of London. Payne's coffin arrived at the church on a white horse-drawn hearse carrying floral tributes spelling the words "son" and "daddy".
Payne died on 16 October after falling from the third floor of a hotel room in the Argentine capital Buenos Aires.
Zayn Malik, Harry Styles, Niall Horan and Louis Tomlinson, who accompanied Payne on his rise to fame as part of one of Britain’s biggest ever boybands, each attended the private service in Amersham, northwest of London. Payne's coffin arrived at the church on a white horse-drawn hearse carrying floral tributes spelling the words "son" and "daddy".
Payne died on 16 October after falling from the third floor of a hotel room in the Argentine capital Buenos Aires.
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PM Modi meets Indian diaspora at Guyana
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday praised the Indian diaspora members in Guyana saying he was glad to see them making a mark across sectors.
The community members were dressed in their traditional bests and many of them were seen carrying the Indian Tri-colour in their hands. PM Modi was also presented a sketch made by a member amid loud chanting of slogans.
There are around 3,20,000 people of Indian origin in Guyana, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), which described it as “one of the oldest Indian diasporas, which migrated more than 185 years ago.” Apart from the people of Indian origin, there are about 2,000 Indian nationals, mainly restricted to members of the Indian Mission, Indian Cultural Centre of the Mission, staff of Bank of Baroda and other international agencies, doctors, nurses, students of private medical institutions and workers employed by local companies, hospitals and University of Guyana, according to the High Commission of India.
Modi's visit is the first visit by an Indian head of the state in more than 50 years.
He arrived in Georgetown (Guyana) in the wee hours after a late Tuesday departure from Brazil and interacted with the Indian diaspora members at the hotel.
The community members were dressed in their traditional bests and many of them were seen carrying the Indian Tri-colour in their hands. PM Modi was also presented a sketch made by a member amid loud chanting of slogans.
There are around 3,20,000 people of Indian origin in Guyana, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), which described it as “one of the oldest Indian diasporas, which migrated more than 185 years ago.” Apart from the people of Indian origin, there are about 2,000 Indian nationals, mainly restricted to members of the Indian Mission, Indian Cultural Centre of the Mission, staff of Bank of Baroda and other international agencies, doctors, nurses, students of private medical institutions and workers employed by local companies, hospitals and University of Guyana, according to the High Commission of India.
Modi's visit is the first visit by an Indian head of the state in more than 50 years.
He arrived in Georgetown (Guyana) in the wee hours after a late Tuesday departure from Brazil and interacted with the Indian diaspora members at the hotel.
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Trump picks celebrity TV doctor to run Medicaid
US President-elect Donald Trump has chosen television personality and surgeon Dr. Mehmet Oz to serve as administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, a wide-reaching agency with annual spending of $2.6 trillion.
Oz said in a post on social media website X he was looking forward "to serving my country to Make America Healthy Again under" Kennedy's leadership. Oz was a regular Fox News commentator during the COVID-19 pandemic and a proponent of unproven treatments for COVID-19 including hydroxychloroquine, an antimalarial drug whose use against the disease was also backed by Trump.
The agency runs Medicare, the federal health insurance program for people aged 65 or older and people with disabilities. The office also oversees Medicaid, the state-based health insurance program for low-income people, which is jointly funded by states and the federal government. The two programs provide health insurance for over 140 million Americans.
Oz said in a post on social media website X he was looking forward "to serving my country to Make America Healthy Again under" Kennedy's leadership. Oz was a regular Fox News commentator during the COVID-19 pandemic and a proponent of unproven treatments for COVID-19 including hydroxychloroquine, an antimalarial drug whose use against the disease was also backed by Trump.
The agency runs Medicare, the federal health insurance program for people aged 65 or older and people with disabilities. The office also oversees Medicaid, the state-based health insurance program for low-income people, which is jointly funded by states and the federal government. The two programs provide health insurance for over 140 million Americans.
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Legal
Delhi High Court stays trial court proceedings against Chidambaram in Aircel-Maxis case
The Delhi High Court on Wednesday stayed the trial court proceedings against senior Congress leader P Chidambaram in the Aircel-Maxis case lodged by the Enforcement Directorate.
The court also issued notice to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and sought its response on Chidambaram's petition challenging the trial court's order taking cognisance of the chargesheet filed by the agency against him and his son Karti in the money laundering case. "Notice issued. Till the next date of hearing, the proceedings against the petitioner shall remain stayed. List on January 22," Justice Manoj Kumar Ohri said, adding that he will pass a detailed order later.
The cases relate to alleged irregularities in the grant of Foreign Investment Promotion Board approval in the Aircel-Maxis deal. The approval was granted in 2006 when Chidambaram was the Union finance minister.
The CBI and the ED have alleged that as finance minister, Chidambaram had granted approval to the deal beyond his capacity, benefitting certain persons, and received kickbacks.
The court also issued notice to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and sought its response on Chidambaram's petition challenging the trial court's order taking cognisance of the chargesheet filed by the agency against him and his son Karti in the money laundering case. "Notice issued. Till the next date of hearing, the proceedings against the petitioner shall remain stayed. List on January 22," Justice Manoj Kumar Ohri said, adding that he will pass a detailed order later.
The cases relate to alleged irregularities in the grant of Foreign Investment Promotion Board approval in the Aircel-Maxis deal. The approval was granted in 2006 when Chidambaram was the Union finance minister.
The CBI and the ED have alleged that as finance minister, Chidambaram had granted approval to the deal beyond his capacity, benefitting certain persons, and received kickbacks.
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Supreme Court flags delay in delimitation process in four northeastern states
The Supreme Court has highlighted delays in conducting the delimitation process in Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, and Assam, despite a 2020 Presidential order lifting its deferment.
A Bench led by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna directed the Centre to clarify its stance, emphasising, "The exercise has to be done… it is a statutory mandate." Additional Solicitor General K M Natraj, representing the Centre, stated consultations were ongoing in Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland, but the situation in Manipur remained challenging due to ongoing violence.
The Election Commission, through senior advocate Maninder Singh, said it required specific directions from the Centre to proceed under the Representation of the People Act, 1950.
The next hearing on the petition filed by the ‘Delimitation Demand Committee’ is scheduled for January 2025.
A Bench led by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna directed the Centre to clarify its stance, emphasising, "The exercise has to be done… it is a statutory mandate." Additional Solicitor General K M Natraj, representing the Centre, stated consultations were ongoing in Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland, but the situation in Manipur remained challenging due to ongoing violence.
The Election Commission, through senior advocate Maninder Singh, said it required specific directions from the Centre to proceed under the Representation of the People Act, 1950.
The next hearing on the petition filed by the ‘Delimitation Demand Committee’ is scheduled for January 2025.
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Markets
Sensex, Nifty tumble in early trade; Adani group stocks crack
Equity benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty tumbled in early trade today amid sharp fall in Adani group stocks and unabated foreign fund outflows. Weak trends from Asian peers also drove the markets lower during the initial trade.
The BSE benchmark Sensex tumbled 468.17 points to 77,110.21 in early trade. The NSE Nifty declined 179.75 points to 23,338.75. From the 30-share Sensex pack, Adani Ports tumbled 10% as billionaire Gautam Adani has been charged by US prosecutors over his role in an alleged years-long scheme to pay $265 million bribe to Indian officials in exchange for favourable terms for solar power contracts.
Other Adani group stocks, including Adani Enterprises, Adani Green Energy and Adani Energy Solutions, also fell sharply in the early trade.
State Bank of India, IndusInd Bank, NTPC and Tata Motors were also among the laggards. Infosys, HCL Technologies, Tata Consultancy Services and Tech Mahindra were the gainers. Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) offloaded equities worth Rs 3,411.73 crore on Tuesday, according to exchange data.
In Asian markets, Tokyo, Shanghai and Hong Kong traded lower while Seoul quoted higher. The US markets ended mostly in the positive territory.
Global oil benchmark Brent crude climbed 0.25% to $72.99 a barrel.
The BSE benchmark Sensex tumbled 468.17 points to 77,110.21 in early trade. The NSE Nifty declined 179.75 points to 23,338.75. From the 30-share Sensex pack, Adani Ports tumbled 10% as billionaire Gautam Adani has been charged by US prosecutors over his role in an alleged years-long scheme to pay $265 million bribe to Indian officials in exchange for favourable terms for solar power contracts.
Other Adani group stocks, including Adani Enterprises, Adani Green Energy and Adani Energy Solutions, also fell sharply in the early trade.
State Bank of India, IndusInd Bank, NTPC and Tata Motors were also among the laggards. Infosys, HCL Technologies, Tata Consultancy Services and Tech Mahindra were the gainers. Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) offloaded equities worth Rs 3,411.73 crore on Tuesday, according to exchange data.
In Asian markets, Tokyo, Shanghai and Hong Kong traded lower while Seoul quoted higher. The US markets ended mostly in the positive territory.
Global oil benchmark Brent crude climbed 0.25% to $72.99 a barrel.
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Bitcoin breaches $94,000 for the first time
Bitcoin has risen to a record high above $94,000 amid a report that US President-elect Donald Trump's social media company was in talks to buy crypto trading firm Bakkt. This has further fueled hopes of a crypto-friendly regime under incoming administration.
Bitcoin, the world's biggest and best-known cryptocurrency, has more than doubled this year. It was last at $92,104 in Asian hours today having touched a record high $94,078 just toward the end of the previous session.
Bitcoin, the world's biggest and best-known cryptocurrency, has more than doubled this year. It was last at $92,104 in Asian hours today having touched a record high $94,078 just toward the end of the previous session.
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National
Ukraine conflict: Don't see much ground for negotiation at present, says Russian envoy Alipov
Amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, Russian envoy to India Denis Alipov on Wednesday said there is not much ground for negotiation at present.
Alipov said this in response to a query during an interaction session in the national capital on BRICS and its potential. The session was hosted by Russian state-owned Sputnik news agency.
The Russia-Ukraine conflict, which began in February 2022, entered its 1,000th day on Monday. Asked if Russia would be willing to sit across the table and talk to Ukraine to seek a resolution to this conflict, the envoy said, "Frankly, (we) don't see much grounds for negotiations at the moment."
"What we are prepared for is to sit and talk, provided there is a basis for negotiations," Alipov said.
And that basis should include the ground realities in the first place, interests of Russia from the point of view of security and protection of Russians within Ukraine and Ukrainian citizens of Russian origin, he said.
Alipov said this in response to a query during an interaction session in the national capital on BRICS and its potential. The session was hosted by Russian state-owned Sputnik news agency.
The Russia-Ukraine conflict, which began in February 2022, entered its 1,000th day on Monday. Asked if Russia would be willing to sit across the table and talk to Ukraine to seek a resolution to this conflict, the envoy said, "Frankly, (we) don't see much grounds for negotiations at the moment."
"What we are prepared for is to sit and talk, provided there is a basis for negotiations," Alipov said.
And that basis should include the ground realities in the first place, interests of Russia from the point of view of security and protection of Russians within Ukraine and Ukrainian citizens of Russian origin, he said.
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Hardik Pandya reclaims top spot among T20I all-rounders
Star India player Hardik Pandya on Wednesday re-claimed the top spot in the T20I all-rounders' list while rising star and teammate Tilak Varma made a massive jump of 69 rungs to occupy the third place among batters in the latest ICC men's player rankings.
Pandya overtook England dasher Liam Livingstone and Nepal dynamo Dipendra Singh Airee at the top of the T20I all-rounder charts on the back of some strong form during India's recent series in South Africa, with the 31-year-old producing some eye-catching efforts with both bat and ball. His innings of 39 not out in the second game of the four-match series helped balance India's innings, while his spell of 1/8 from three overs during the decisive fourth contest ensured his side claim an impressive 3-1 series triumph.
It is the second time Pandya has held the No.1 ranking for T20I all-rounders, with the consistent India performer first rising to the top at the end of this year's ICC men's T20 World Cup. Pandya wasn't the only India player to make giant strides in the latest rankings update, with Player of the Series and rising player Varma shooting up the batting charts a whopping 69 places following his two centuries and 280 runs for the series against the Proteas.
The rise sees Varma improve to third place overall behind No.1-ranked T20I batter Travis Head and England's Phil Salt and means he is now the highest-rated batter from India, with skipper Suryakumar Yadav dropping one spot to fourth behind him.
Pandya overtook England dasher Liam Livingstone and Nepal dynamo Dipendra Singh Airee at the top of the T20I all-rounder charts on the back of some strong form during India's recent series in South Africa, with the 31-year-old producing some eye-catching efforts with both bat and ball. His innings of 39 not out in the second game of the four-match series helped balance India's innings, while his spell of 1/8 from three overs during the decisive fourth contest ensured his side claim an impressive 3-1 series triumph.
It is the second time Pandya has held the No.1 ranking for T20I all-rounders, with the consistent India performer first rising to the top at the end of this year's ICC men's T20 World Cup. Pandya wasn't the only India player to make giant strides in the latest rankings update, with Player of the Series and rising player Varma shooting up the batting charts a whopping 69 places following his two centuries and 280 runs for the series against the Proteas.
The rise sees Varma improve to third place overall behind No.1-ranked T20I batter Travis Head and England's Phil Salt and means he is now the highest-rated batter from India, with skipper Suryakumar Yadav dropping one spot to fourth behind him.
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Sports
We are not carrying baggage from New Zealand series: Jasprit Bumrah
India's stand-in skipper Jasprit Bumrah on Thursday insisted that his team is not carrying any baggage from the unprecedented 0-3 defeat at home against New Zealand as it embarks on a challenging Test series against fierce rivals Australia.
The five-match Test series starts in Perth on Friday. "When you win you start from zero but when you lose, then also you also start from zero. We are not carrying any baggage from India. Yes, we have our learnings from New Zealand series but those were different conditions and our results here have been different," said Bumrah, who is leading in the opening Test in the absence of Rohit Sharma, who is on paternity leave.
Bumrah also said that the team has finalised its playing XI although he will reveal it only at the toss.
The five-match Test series starts in Perth on Friday. "When you win you start from zero but when you lose, then also you also start from zero. We are not carrying any baggage from India. Yes, we have our learnings from New Zealand series but those were different conditions and our results here have been different," said Bumrah, who is leading in the opening Test in the absence of Rohit Sharma, who is on paternity leave.
Bumrah also said that the team has finalised its playing XI although he will reveal it only at the toss.
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Argentina football team, featuring Lionel Messi, to play in Kerala next year
Kerala Sports Minister V Abdurahiman on Wednesday revealed that the Argentina football team, including legendary player Lionel Messi, will visit the state next year for an international match.
Addressing a press conference in Thiruvananthapuram, the minister stated that the match would be conducted under the complete supervision of the state government.
"All the financial assistance for organising this high-profile football event will be provided by the merchants of the state," the minister said.
Addressing a press conference in Thiruvananthapuram, the minister stated that the match would be conducted under the complete supervision of the state government.
"All the financial assistance for organising this high-profile football event will be provided by the merchants of the state," the minister said.
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Rafael Nadal's illustrious tennis career ends after Spain's Davis Cup defeat
Rafael Nadal's illustrious tennis career came to an end after Spain lost to the Netherlands’ Botic van de Zandschulp in the Davis Cup quarterfinal singles on Tuesday.
The 22-time Grand Slam winner ended his career in professional tennis at the end of Spain’s participation in the tournament in Malaga after two injury-ravaged years. It had not been certain Nadal would feature in the singles but he was picked by Spain captain David Ferrer despite not playing a competitive match for over three months.
Nadal had won his last 29 Davis Cup singles matches out of 30 played — after debuting in the tournament in 2004 — and both of his prior clashes with the Dutchman. "I want to congratulate the Netherlands and thank the whole Spanish team that is here, who have let me play the Davis Cup again, which has not gone as we all wanted. I have given everything I had,” Nadal said after the match.
“The truth is that you never want to get to this point. I'm not tired of playing tennis but my body doesn't want to play anymore and you have to accept that. I feel super privileged, I've been able to make my hobby my profession for a long time,” he added.
The 22-time Grand Slam winner ended his career in professional tennis at the end of Spain’s participation in the tournament in Malaga after two injury-ravaged years. It had not been certain Nadal would feature in the singles but he was picked by Spain captain David Ferrer despite not playing a competitive match for over three months.
Nadal had won his last 29 Davis Cup singles matches out of 30 played — after debuting in the tournament in 2004 — and both of his prior clashes with the Dutchman. "I want to congratulate the Netherlands and thank the whole Spanish team that is here, who have let me play the Davis Cup again, which has not gone as we all wanted. I have given everything I had,” Nadal said after the match.
“The truth is that you never want to get to this point. I'm not tired of playing tennis but my body doesn't want to play anymore and you have to accept that. I feel super privileged, I've been able to make my hobby my profession for a long time,” he added.
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Indian blind cricket team denied permission to travel to Pakistan for T20 World Cup
The Indian blind cricket team will not compete in the T20 World Cup as the government has denied it permission to travel to Pakistan due to security concerns, the national federation said on Tuesday.
The Indian team was otherwise supposed to cross the Wagah border today for the event, scheduled to be held from November 23 to December 3. The Indian blind cricket team had got a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the sports ministry for participation but apparently couldn't get clearance from the MEA.
"We have been told unofficially that the blind team will not be permitted to travel to Pakistan. We were scheduled to travel to Wagah border tomorrow. But as of now no clearance has come from the ministry officials. So, we are a bit disappointed," Shailendra Yadav, General Secretary of the Indian Blind Cricket Association (IBCA), told PTI. "They are saying when the mainstream cricket team is not safe how can you be safe there. Of course, we will accept the decision, but why hold the decision till the last minute, why not inform us a month or 25 days back. There is a process," Yadab added.
The Indian team was otherwise supposed to cross the Wagah border today for the event, scheduled to be held from November 23 to December 3. The Indian blind cricket team had got a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the sports ministry for participation but apparently couldn't get clearance from the MEA.
"We have been told unofficially that the blind team will not be permitted to travel to Pakistan. We were scheduled to travel to Wagah border tomorrow. But as of now no clearance has come from the ministry officials. So, we are a bit disappointed," Shailendra Yadav, General Secretary of the Indian Blind Cricket Association (IBCA), told PTI. "They are saying when the mainstream cricket team is not safe how can you be safe there. Of course, we will accept the decision, but why hold the decision till the last minute, why not inform us a month or 25 days back. There is a process," Yadab added.
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State
Malayalam actor Meghanadhan no more
Noted Malayalam film and serial actor Meghanadhan, known for his villainous roles, passed away at a hospital in Kozhikode in the early hours of Thursday, according to film industry sources.
He was 60.
He appeared in over 50 films, including notable works such as Chamayam, Chenkol, and Ee Puzhayum Kadannu. He died at 2 am while undergoing treatment for respiratory-related ailments, they said.
Meghanadhan was the son of the renowned actor Balan K Nair.
Meghanadhan began his acting career in 1983 with the film Astram, directed by P N Menon.
He was 60.
He appeared in over 50 films, including notable works such as Chamayam, Chenkol, and Ee Puzhayum Kadannu. He died at 2 am while undergoing treatment for respiratory-related ailments, they said.
Meghanadhan was the son of the renowned actor Balan K Nair.
Meghanadhan began his acting career in 1983 with the film Astram, directed by P N Menon.
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Delhi government inaugurates one-stop solar power portal
Delhi Chief Minister Atishi on Wednesday launched the 'Delhi Solar Portal' as a single-window solution for installing rooftop solar panels by people in the national capital.
Delhiites can now become 'prosumers' (power consumers who generate extra solar power) by installing rooftop solar panels with the help of the portal. In a post on X, AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal said people can now instal solar panels on their rooftops with the help of the portal, while sitting at home. He said the rooftop solar panels will not only render power bills zero but also help earn Rs 700-Rs 900 per month.
Atishi launched the portal at Delhi secretariat and said it will help achieve the target of 750 MW rooftop solar power generation, as per the solar policy of the AAP government launched on March 14 this year. Rooftop solar panel installation will help consumers having over 400 units of monthly power consumption to also enjoy subsidy benefits, the Delhi chief minister said at a press conference.
The portal will provide all information required for installation of rooftop panels. It will have a solar calculator to estimate solar power generation capacity at a specific rooftop, savings to be made, list of vendors and rate of solar plants, she said.
Delhiites can now become 'prosumers' (power consumers who generate extra solar power) by installing rooftop solar panels with the help of the portal. In a post on X, AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal said people can now instal solar panels on their rooftops with the help of the portal, while sitting at home. He said the rooftop solar panels will not only render power bills zero but also help earn Rs 700-Rs 900 per month.
Atishi launched the portal at Delhi secretariat and said it will help achieve the target of 750 MW rooftop solar power generation, as per the solar policy of the AAP government launched on March 14 this year. Rooftop solar panel installation will help consumers having over 400 units of monthly power consumption to also enjoy subsidy benefits, the Delhi chief minister said at a press conference.
The portal will provide all information required for installation of rooftop panels. It will have a solar calculator to estimate solar power generation capacity at a specific rooftop, savings to be made, list of vendors and rate of solar plants, she said.
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ED raids premises of audit company employee amid charges of Bitcoin use in Maharashtra polls
The Enforcement Directorate on Wednesday conducted searches at the Chhattisgarh premises of an auditing company employee, allegedly linked to a political Bitcoin transactions case in Maharashtra, as part of a money laundering investigation, official sources said.
The house of Gaurav Mehta in Chhattisgarh's capital city Raipur is being covered under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), they said.
The ED action comes when polling for the Maharashtra Assembly elections is underway. The BJP on Tuesday played purported voice notes of NCP (SP) leader and Baramati MP Supriya Sule and Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole alleging attempts were being made to encash Bitcoins to influence the elections.
ED sources said the agency has widened its ongoing money laundering probe into a crypto (Bitcoin) assets ponzi scam and is investigating the "links" of Mehta and some others with politicians, politically exposed persons and bureaucrats.
The agency attached assets worth Rs 98 crore of actor Shilpa Shetty and her husband Raj Kundra in April as part of this crypto-ponzi probe. The couple challenged the ED action and got relief from the Bombay High Court. Sharing some audio clips, in which voices and signal chats purportedly of Sule and Patole allegedly indicate that Bitcoins were used for funding the poll campaign, BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi said it is clear that the MVA has seen the writing on the wall that it will be defeated in the polls.
Sule has denied the charges and said she has filed a complaint with the Election Commission and the cybercrime department of the state against the false allegations. She told reporters on Wednesday that she "did not know Gaurav Mehta".
Patole also dismissed the BJP's allegations and said, "The voice in the clip being circulated is not mine. Even (Prime Minister) Narendra Modi recognises my voice."
The house of Gaurav Mehta in Chhattisgarh's capital city Raipur is being covered under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), they said.
The ED action comes when polling for the Maharashtra Assembly elections is underway. The BJP on Tuesday played purported voice notes of NCP (SP) leader and Baramati MP Supriya Sule and Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole alleging attempts were being made to encash Bitcoins to influence the elections.
ED sources said the agency has widened its ongoing money laundering probe into a crypto (Bitcoin) assets ponzi scam and is investigating the "links" of Mehta and some others with politicians, politically exposed persons and bureaucrats.
The agency attached assets worth Rs 98 crore of actor Shilpa Shetty and her husband Raj Kundra in April as part of this crypto-ponzi probe. The couple challenged the ED action and got relief from the Bombay High Court. Sharing some audio clips, in which voices and signal chats purportedly of Sule and Patole allegedly indicate that Bitcoins were used for funding the poll campaign, BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi said it is clear that the MVA has seen the writing on the wall that it will be defeated in the polls.
Sule has denied the charges and said she has filed a complaint with the Election Commission and the cybercrime department of the state against the false allegations. She told reporters on Wednesday that she "did not know Gaurav Mehta".
Patole also dismissed the BJP's allegations and said, "The voice in the clip being circulated is not mine. Even (Prime Minister) Narendra Modi recognises my voice."
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ED raids premises of audit company employee amid charges of Bitcoin use in Maharashtra polls
The Enforcement Directorate on Wednesday conducted searches at the Chhattisgarh premises of an auditing company employee, allegedly linked to a political Bitcoin transactions case in Maharashtra, as part of a money laundering investigation, official sources said.
The house of Gaurav Mehta in Chhattisgarh's capital city Raipur is being covered under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), they said.
The ED action comes when polling for the Maharashtra Assembly elections is underway. The BJP on Tuesday played purported voice notes of NCP (SP) leader and Baramati MP Supriya Sule and Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole alleging attempts were being made to encash Bitcoins to influence the elections.
ED sources said the agency has widened its ongoing money laundering probe into a crypto (Bitcoin) assets ponzi scam and is investigating the "links" of Mehta and some others with politicians, politically exposed persons and bureaucrats.
The agency attached assets worth Rs 98 crore of actor Shilpa Shetty and her husband Raj Kundra in April as part of this crypto-ponzi probe. The couple challenged the ED action and got relief from the Bombay High Court. Sharing some audio clips, in which voices and signal chats purportedly of Sule and Patole allegedly indicate that Bitcoins were used for funding the poll campaign, BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi said it is clear that the MVA has seen the writing on the wall that it will be defeated in the polls.
Sule has denied the charges and said she has filed a complaint with the Election Commission and the cybercrime department of the state against the false allegations. She told reporters on Wednesday that she "did not know Gaurav Mehta".
Patole also dismissed the BJP's allegations and said, "The voice in the clip being circulated is not mine. Even (Prime Minister) Narendra Modi recognises my voice."
The house of Gaurav Mehta in Chhattisgarh's capital city Raipur is being covered under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), they said.
The ED action comes when polling for the Maharashtra Assembly elections is underway. The BJP on Tuesday played purported voice notes of NCP (SP) leader and Baramati MP Supriya Sule and Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole alleging attempts were being made to encash Bitcoins to influence the elections.
ED sources said the agency has widened its ongoing money laundering probe into a crypto (Bitcoin) assets ponzi scam and is investigating the "links" of Mehta and some others with politicians, politically exposed persons and bureaucrats.
The agency attached assets worth Rs 98 crore of actor Shilpa Shetty and her husband Raj Kundra in April as part of this crypto-ponzi probe. The couple challenged the ED action and got relief from the Bombay High Court. Sharing some audio clips, in which voices and signal chats purportedly of Sule and Patole allegedly indicate that Bitcoins were used for funding the poll campaign, BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi said it is clear that the MVA has seen the writing on the wall that it will be defeated in the polls.
Sule has denied the charges and said she has filed a complaint with the Election Commission and the cybercrime department of the state against the false allegations. She told reporters on Wednesday that she "did not know Gaurav Mehta".
Patole also dismissed the BJP's allegations and said, "The voice in the clip being circulated is not mine. Even (Prime Minister) Narendra Modi recognises my voice."
Yesterday | Search on Google News | Link
Exposition of sacred relics of St Francis Xavier to begin in Goa on November 21
The 45-day-long decennial exposition of the holy relics of St Francis Xavier in Old Goa will start on Thursday, November 21. It is expected to be attended by over 80 lakh pilgrims.
Fr Henry Falcao, convenor of the exposition committee, told PTI that the decennial display will continue till January 5. The last exposition was held in 2014.
Fr Falcao said that the holy relics of the Saint, preserved at the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa, would be carried in a procession to Se Cathedral Church, located a few metres away, after a mass at 9.30 am.
Fr Henry Falcao, convenor of the exposition committee, told PTI that the decennial display will continue till January 5. The last exposition was held in 2014.
Fr Falcao said that the holy relics of the Saint, preserved at the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa, would be carried in a procession to Se Cathedral Church, located a few metres away, after a mass at 9.30 am.
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Killers of six people to be brought to justice soon, says Manipur CM
Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh has condemned the killing of six people by suspected Kuki militants in Jiribam district last week.
Calling it a "crime against humanity," Singh assured that those responsible would be brought to justice soon.
In his first statement following the recent surge in violence in the state, Singh said search operations are actively underway to track down the perpetrators. The victims' bodies were recovered from a river in Jiribam, sparking widespread outrage. "Today, I stand here with profound sadness and anger to condemn the horrific killings of three innocent children and three innocent women by Kuki terrorists after being taken hostage at Jiribam," Singh said in a video posted on X.
"Such barbaric acts have no place in any civilised society. Let me assure you that the hunt for these terrorists is currently underway and they will be brought to justice very soon. We will not rest until they are held accountable for their inhuman actions," he added.
Calling it a "crime against humanity," Singh assured that those responsible would be brought to justice soon.
In his first statement following the recent surge in violence in the state, Singh said search operations are actively underway to track down the perpetrators. The victims' bodies were recovered from a river in Jiribam, sparking widespread outrage. "Today, I stand here with profound sadness and anger to condemn the horrific killings of three innocent children and three innocent women by Kuki terrorists after being taken hostage at Jiribam," Singh said in a video posted on X.
"Such barbaric acts have no place in any civilised society. Let me assure you that the hunt for these terrorists is currently underway and they will be brought to justice very soon. We will not rest until they are held accountable for their inhuman actions," he added.
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Schools in Rajasthan's Khairthal-Tijara go online for classes 1 to 5
The administration of Khairthal-Tijara district in Rajasthan has announced that all schools will hold online classes for students of classes 1 to 5 for four days starting Wednesday due to alarmingly high pollution levels in Delhi-NCR.
The order was issued by District Collector Kishore Kumar on Tuesday following the Supreme Court's directions to all states in the Delhi-NCR area to decide on conducting physical classes for students up to class 12 amid the dire situation. Khairthal-Tijara, which was carved out of Alwar in August 2023, falls under the National Capital Region (NCR).
The order is only applicable to students, teachers are required to come to school to conduct online classes.
The order was issued by District Collector Kishore Kumar on Tuesday following the Supreme Court's directions to all states in the Delhi-NCR area to decide on conducting physical classes for students up to class 12 amid the dire situation. Khairthal-Tijara, which was carved out of Alwar in August 2023, falls under the National Capital Region (NCR).
The order is only applicable to students, teachers are required to come to school to conduct online classes.
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Manipur: Curfew relaxed in 3 districts, broadband internet restored with conditions
Curfew was relaxed in three Imphal Valley districts on Tuesday and the suspension on broadband internet lifted with conditions, even as Chief Minister N Biren Singh blamed the Congress for the present crisis in Manipur and NDA MLAs called for a "mass operation" against militants responsible for the killing of six women and children.
Peaceful rallies were also staged across the state, with hundreds taking to the streets with empty coffins in Churachandpur district, demanding justice for those killed in a gunfight with the security forces in Jiribam, and members of various civil society organisations bringing out a procession in Imphal West district to protest the reimposition of AFSPA in parts of the state. Prohibitory orders were relaxed in Imphal East and West, and Kakching districts from 5 am to 10 am to facilitate the purchase of essential items "in view of improvement in law and order".
However, restrictions on large scale gatherings or movement of persons or sit-ins continued to remain imposed.
Peaceful rallies were also staged across the state, with hundreds taking to the streets with empty coffins in Churachandpur district, demanding justice for those killed in a gunfight with the security forces in Jiribam, and members of various civil society organisations bringing out a procession in Imphal West district to protest the reimposition of AFSPA in parts of the state. Prohibitory orders were relaxed in Imphal East and West, and Kakching districts from 5 am to 10 am to facilitate the purchase of essential items "in view of improvement in law and order".
However, restrictions on large scale gatherings or movement of persons or sit-ins continued to remain imposed.
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Haryana joins Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh in declaring ‘The Sabarmati Report’ tax-free
The recently released Hindi film 'The Sabarmati Report', based on the 2002 Godhra train burning incident in Gujarat, was declared tax-free in Haryana, with Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini making the announcement after watching the film on Tuesday evening.
Chief Minister Saini watched the film with its starcast, presenter Ektaa Kapoor and producer Amul Mohan in Chandigarh. Subsequently, he announced that ‘The Sabarmati Report’ will be tax-free in the state, thus exempting it from entertainment levy.
Other BJP-ruled states Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh have already given tax-free status to the film, which hit theatres on November 15.
Chief Minister Saini watched the film with its starcast, presenter Ektaa Kapoor and producer Amul Mohan in Chandigarh. Subsequently, he announced that ‘The Sabarmati Report’ will be tax-free in the state, thus exempting it from entertainment levy.
Other BJP-ruled states Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh have already given tax-free status to the film, which hit theatres on November 15.
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Weather
Srinagar experiences winter chill at -0.7 degrees Celsius
Srinagar and some other places in Kashmir on Wednesday experienced the coldest night of the season. In most places of the Valley, the minimum plummeted below the freezing point. Srinagar city recorded a low of minus 0.7 degrees Celsius.
The officials said many other places in the Valley also experienced the coldest night of the season, as most registered sub-zero minimum temperatures. Qazigund recorded a low of minus 1.6 degrees Celsius, while the minimum in Pahalgam tourist resort settled at minus 3.7 degrees Celsius.
Pahalgam was the coldest recorded place in the valley.
Gulmarg ski resort registered a low of minus 0.6 degrees Celsius, while Kupwara town minus 0.8 degrees Celsius.
The officials said many other places in the Valley also experienced the coldest night of the season, as most registered sub-zero minimum temperatures. Qazigund recorded a low of minus 1.6 degrees Celsius, while the minimum in Pahalgam tourist resort settled at minus 3.7 degrees Celsius.
Pahalgam was the coldest recorded place in the valley.
Gulmarg ski resort registered a low of minus 0.6 degrees Celsius, while Kupwara town minus 0.8 degrees Celsius.
Yesterday | Search on Google News | Link
❖ - Syndicated news, primarily from PTI
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