BJP president J P Nadda released the first part of the party's manifesto for the Delhi Assembly polls on Friday. The manifesto announces Rs 2,500 monthly aid for women, Rs 500 LPG cylinders, and Rs 2,500 pensions for senior citizens.
He also assured all existing public welfare schemes in Delhi will continue if the BJP is voted to power.
Addressing a press conference while releasing the first part of the 'Sankalp Patra', Nadda said the party's manifesto is the foundation for a developed Delhi. Hitting out at the Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party, he said all corruption charges in the existing public welfare schemes will be investigated.
He promised that a BJP-led Delhi government will approve implementation of the 'Ayushman Bharat ' in the city in its first Cabinet meeting, and also give additional health cover of Rs 5 lakh.
"The BJP will give LPG cylinders at Rs 500 to women from poor sections. One free cylinder will be given each on Holi and Diwali," he said. The BJP president also promised Rs 2,500 pension for senior citizens between the age of 60-70 and Rs 3,000 for those older than 70.
Delhi will vote on February 5 and the results will be announced on February 8.
Beatroot News: Text-only
Election
BJP releases Delhi manifesto; promises Rs 2,500 for women, LPG at Rs 500
Yesterday | Search on Google News | Link
Entertainment
1,000 cops to be deployed at Coldplay concert venue in Navi Mumbai
Nearly 1,000 cops will be deployed to maintain law and order during the Coldplay concert in Navi Mumbai, police said on Friday.
As part of their ‘Music of the Spheres World Tour’, the British rock group has three shows scheduled at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on January 18, 19 and 21.
Nearly 45,000 fans are expected to attend the event, for which elaborate security arrangements have been made, said a release by the Navi Mumbai police. The release said 70 officers and 434 policemen will be inside the stadium as part of their bandobast. Also, 21 officers and 440 policemen will be deployed outside the stadium each day, it said.
Heavy vehicles from Uran, Nhavasheva, Pune and Thane have been banned in the area during these days.
The Thane city police have also issued similar directives, restricting the movement of heavy vehicles within their jurisdiction.
As part of their ‘Music of the Spheres World Tour’, the British rock group has three shows scheduled at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on January 18, 19 and 21.
Nearly 45,000 fans are expected to attend the event, for which elaborate security arrangements have been made, said a release by the Navi Mumbai police. The release said 70 officers and 434 policemen will be inside the stadium as part of their bandobast. Also, 21 officers and 440 policemen will be deployed outside the stadium each day, it said.
Heavy vehicles from Uran, Nhavasheva, Pune and Thane have been banned in the area during these days.
The Thane city police have also issued similar directives, restricting the movement of heavy vehicles within their jurisdiction.
Yesterday | Search on Google News | Link
International
China's population falls for third straight year
China's population fell last year for the third straight year, its government said on Friday, pointing to further demographic challenges for the world's second most populous nation, which is now facing both an ageing population and an emerging shortage of working age people.
China's population stood at 1.408 billion at the end of 2024, a decline of 1.39 million from the previous year. The figures announced by the government in Beijing follow trends worldwide, but especially in East Asia, where Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong and other nations have seen their birth rates plummet.
China three years ago joined Japan and most of Eastern Europe among other nations whose population is falling. The reasons are in many cases similar: Rising costs of living are causing young people to put off or rule out marriage and child birth while pursuing higher education and careers.
While people are living longer, that's not enough to keep up with rate of new births.
Countries such as China that allow very little immigration are especially at risk.
China's population stood at 1.408 billion at the end of 2024, a decline of 1.39 million from the previous year. The figures announced by the government in Beijing follow trends worldwide, but especially in East Asia, where Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong and other nations have seen their birth rates plummet.
China three years ago joined Japan and most of Eastern Europe among other nations whose population is falling. The reasons are in many cases similar: Rising costs of living are causing young people to put off or rule out marriage and child birth while pursuing higher education and careers.
While people are living longer, that's not enough to keep up with rate of new births.
Countries such as China that allow very little immigration are especially at risk.
Yesterday | Search on Google News | Link
Three lawyers for late Russian opposition leader Navalny jailed by Russian court
Three lawyers who once represented the late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny were jailed on Friday in Russia as part of the Kremlin's crackdown on dissent that has reached levels unseen since Soviet times.
Vadim Kobzev, Igor Sergunin and Alexei Liptsen were jailed from 3 1/2 to five years.
They were arrested in October 2023 on charges of involvement with extremist groups, as Navalny's networks were deemed by authorities. The case was widely seen as a way to increase pressure on the opposition to discourage defence lawyers from taking political cases.
At the time, Navalny was serving a 19-year prison term on several criminal convictions, including extremism.
He died in a Russian prison camp in February 2023.
Vadim Kobzev, Igor Sergunin and Alexei Liptsen were jailed from 3 1/2 to five years.
They were arrested in October 2023 on charges of involvement with extremist groups, as Navalny's networks were deemed by authorities. The case was widely seen as a way to increase pressure on the opposition to discourage defence lawyers from taking political cases.
At the time, Navalny was serving a 19-year prison term on several criminal convictions, including extremism.
He died in a Russian prison camp in February 2023.
Yesterday | Search on Google News | Link
China's economy expands 5% in 2024
China's economy expanded at a 5% annual pace in 2024, slower than the year before but in line with Beijing's target of “around 5%” growth, helped by strong exports and recent stimulus measures.
In quarterly terms, the economy grew 5.4% in October-December, the government reported on Friday.
Exports accelerated as companies and consumers rushed to beat potential tariff hikes incoming President-elect Donald Trump may impose on Chinese goods. “The national economy was generally stable with steady progress and new achievements were made in high-quality development,” according to the report by the National Bureau of Statistics on Friday.
“Particularly, with a package of incremental policies being timely rolled out, the social confidence was effectively bolstered and the economy recovered remarkably,” it said.
Manufacturing was a strong engine for growth last year, with industrial output jumping 5.8% from a year earlier. Total retail sales of consumer goods grew 3.5% at an annual rate. Exports expanded 7.1% in annual terms, while imports grew 2.3%.
The world's second largest economy has struggled with weaker consumer spending and resulting deflationary pressures as its recovery after the Covid-19 pandemic faltered and the property sector, once a main driver of business activity, fell into a downturn.
The Chinese economy grew at a 5.2% annual rate in 2023, and economists have forecast that it will slow further in coming years.
In quarterly terms, the economy grew 5.4% in October-December, the government reported on Friday.
Exports accelerated as companies and consumers rushed to beat potential tariff hikes incoming President-elect Donald Trump may impose on Chinese goods. “The national economy was generally stable with steady progress and new achievements were made in high-quality development,” according to the report by the National Bureau of Statistics on Friday.
“Particularly, with a package of incremental policies being timely rolled out, the social confidence was effectively bolstered and the economy recovered remarkably,” it said.
Manufacturing was a strong engine for growth last year, with industrial output jumping 5.8% from a year earlier. Total retail sales of consumer goods grew 3.5% at an annual rate. Exports expanded 7.1% in annual terms, while imports grew 2.3%.
The world's second largest economy has struggled with weaker consumer spending and resulting deflationary pressures as its recovery after the Covid-19 pandemic faltered and the property sector, once a main driver of business activity, fell into a downturn.
The Chinese economy grew at a 5.2% annual rate in 2023, and economists have forecast that it will slow further in coming years.
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Markets
Markets snap three-day winning run on selloff in Infosys, ICICI Bank
Key benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty slipped into negative territory on Friday after a three-day rally, dragged by selling pressure in Infosys, ICICI Bank and Axis Bank.
Unabated foreign fund outflows and elevated crude prices in international markets also played spoilsport for the bourses.
In a largely subdued session, the 30-share benchmark declined 423.49 points or 0.55% to settle at 76,619.33. During the day, it tumbled 779.53 points or 1 per cent to 76,263.29. Similarly, the NSE Nifty dropped 108.60 points or 0.47% to 23,203.20.
From the 30-share blue-chip pack, Infosys dropped nearly 6% despite raising its annual sales forecast for a third time this fiscal year.
Infosys Ltd, India's second-largest IT services firm, on Thursday reported an 11.46% rise in the third quarter net profit on pick-up in demand, which also prompted the company to raise its annual sales forecast for a third time this fiscal year. Axis Bank also declined by over 4% post-earnings announcement.
Kotak Mahindra Bank, Tata Consultancy Services, Mahindra & Mahindra, ICICI Bank, Tech Mahindra, Bajaj Finance, HDFC Bank and Bajaj Finserv were the other big laggards from the pack.
In contrast, Reliance Industries climbed 2.50% higher after the firm reported a 7.4% rise in December quarter net profit as retail business rebounded, telecom earnings surged on higher tariffs and mainstay oil and petrochemicals business delivered consistent performance. Zomato emerged as the biggest gainer, followed by Reliance, Nestle, Asian Paints and Power Grid.
In Asian markets, Seoul and Tokyo settled lower, while Shanghai and Hong Kong ended in positive territory.
European markets were quoting with gains. US markets ended lower on Thursday.
Unabated foreign fund outflows and elevated crude prices in international markets also played spoilsport for the bourses.
In a largely subdued session, the 30-share benchmark declined 423.49 points or 0.55% to settle at 76,619.33. During the day, it tumbled 779.53 points or 1 per cent to 76,263.29. Similarly, the NSE Nifty dropped 108.60 points or 0.47% to 23,203.20.
From the 30-share blue-chip pack, Infosys dropped nearly 6% despite raising its annual sales forecast for a third time this fiscal year.
Infosys Ltd, India's second-largest IT services firm, on Thursday reported an 11.46% rise in the third quarter net profit on pick-up in demand, which also prompted the company to raise its annual sales forecast for a third time this fiscal year. Axis Bank also declined by over 4% post-earnings announcement.
Kotak Mahindra Bank, Tata Consultancy Services, Mahindra & Mahindra, ICICI Bank, Tech Mahindra, Bajaj Finance, HDFC Bank and Bajaj Finserv were the other big laggards from the pack.
In contrast, Reliance Industries climbed 2.50% higher after the firm reported a 7.4% rise in December quarter net profit as retail business rebounded, telecom earnings surged on higher tariffs and mainstay oil and petrochemicals business delivered consistent performance. Zomato emerged as the biggest gainer, followed by Reliance, Nestle, Asian Paints and Power Grid.
In Asian markets, Seoul and Tokyo settled lower, while Shanghai and Hong Kong ended in positive territory.
European markets were quoting with gains. US markets ended lower on Thursday.
Yesterday | Search on Google News | Link
Markets drop in early trade dragged by Infosys, Axis Bank
Equity benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty declined in early trade on Friday after a three-day rally dragged by Infosys and Axis Bank.
Also, continuous foreign fund outflows and muted global trends added to the markets' decline.
The 30-share BSE benchmark Sensex declined 485 points to 76,557.79 in early trade. The NSE Nifty dropped 144.75 points to 23,167.05. From the 30-share blue-chip pack, Infosys dropped over 5% despite raising its annual sales forecast for a third time this fiscal year.
Infosys Ltd, India's second-largest IT services firm, on Thursday reported 11.46% rise in the third quarter net profit on pick-up in demand, which also prompted the company to raise its annual sales forecast for a third time this fiscal year.
Axis Bank also fell by over 5% post-earnings announcement. Tata Consultancy Services, HCL Tech, IndusInd Bank and ICICI Bank were the other big laggards from the pack.
In contrast, Reliance Industries traded over 2 per cent higher after the firm reported a 7.4 per cent rise in December quarter net profit as retail business rebounded, telecom earnings surged on higher tariffs and mainstay oil and petrochemicals business delivered consistent performance.
Tata Motors, Larsen & Toubro, Nestle and Asian Paints were among the other gainers. "There are two positives for the market today: One, the declining trend in the dollar index and the US bond yields continue. Second, the Q3 results from the big boys RIL and Infosys are better than expected.
"These two stocks have the potential to lead a minor recovery in the market. Even though the declining dollar index and US bond yields are positive, the declines are not adequate to arrest the sustained selling by FIIs. Therefore, any significant recovery in the market will be sold into," V K Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist, Geojit Financial Services, said. In Asian markets, Seoul, and Tokyo traded lower while Shanghai and Hong Kong quoted in the positive territory.
US markets ended lower on Thursday.
Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) offloaded equities worth Rs 4,341.95 crore on Thursday, according to exchange data.
Also, continuous foreign fund outflows and muted global trends added to the markets' decline.
The 30-share BSE benchmark Sensex declined 485 points to 76,557.79 in early trade. The NSE Nifty dropped 144.75 points to 23,167.05. From the 30-share blue-chip pack, Infosys dropped over 5% despite raising its annual sales forecast for a third time this fiscal year.
Infosys Ltd, India's second-largest IT services firm, on Thursday reported 11.46% rise in the third quarter net profit on pick-up in demand, which also prompted the company to raise its annual sales forecast for a third time this fiscal year.
Axis Bank also fell by over 5% post-earnings announcement. Tata Consultancy Services, HCL Tech, IndusInd Bank and ICICI Bank were the other big laggards from the pack.
In contrast, Reliance Industries traded over 2 per cent higher after the firm reported a 7.4 per cent rise in December quarter net profit as retail business rebounded, telecom earnings surged on higher tariffs and mainstay oil and petrochemicals business delivered consistent performance.
Tata Motors, Larsen & Toubro, Nestle and Asian Paints were among the other gainers. "There are two positives for the market today: One, the declining trend in the dollar index and the US bond yields continue. Second, the Q3 results from the big boys RIL and Infosys are better than expected.
"These two stocks have the potential to lead a minor recovery in the market. Even though the declining dollar index and US bond yields are positive, the declines are not adequate to arrest the sustained selling by FIIs. Therefore, any significant recovery in the market will be sold into," V K Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist, Geojit Financial Services, said. In Asian markets, Seoul, and Tokyo traded lower while Shanghai and Hong Kong quoted in the positive territory.
US markets ended lower on Thursday.
Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) offloaded equities worth Rs 4,341.95 crore on Thursday, according to exchange data.
Yesterday | Search on Google News | Link
National
Saif Ali Khan doing 'very well', say doctors; no gang involved: Minister
Long Read
Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan, undergoing treatment at a Mumbai hospital after suffering injuries in a knife attack at home, is doing "very well" and expected to be discharged in two to three days, doctors said on Friday.
Police said they have detained a suspect in connection with the attack, while Maharashtra minister of state for home Yogesh Kadam said no underworld gang is behind the incident.
The 54-year-old actor, who received multiple stab injuries, including in his neck, underwent an emergency surgery at the Lilavati Hospital where he was taken after the brutal attack in his apartment in upscale Bandra by an intruder on early Thursday. "We are observing his progress and he is doing excellently well according to our expectations. As per his progress, we have advised him bed rest and if he is comfortable, then in two to three days we will discharge him," said Dr Nitin Dange, neurosurgeon at Lilavati Hospital.
He said a team of doctors checked on him and made him walk.
The actor is fit to be moved out of the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and "we are shifting him to a special room," informed the neurosurgeon, who led the team of doctors who operated on Khan on Thursday. "Khan had three injuries, two on the hand and one on the right side of the neck. And the major part was at the back, which was in the spine, thoracic spine we call. A sharp object was lodged inside, which has gone very deep, touching the dura and the spinal cord, but it has not damaged the spinal cord," Dr Dange said.
Doctors have removed the sharp object and done repairing of the spinal injury, he explained.
An image of the sharp object, a knife blade, surfaced on social media. "He is very lucky. We repaired the leaking spinal fluid and the dura which was there. We had to do a repair, which was successful," Dr Dange added.
"Today when we made him walk, he was completely okay to walk. He is on a regular diet and that's why we have taken a decision to shift him from the ICU to a normal special room. He has been advised bed rest in view of the deeper injury to the spine. Today we will be restricting visitors as we want Khan to rest," he maintained. The entire family - Khan, his wife and fellow star Kareena Kapoor, and their two sons, four-year-old Jeh and eight-year-old Taimur - were home in the 12th floor apartment in 'Satguru Sharan' building along with their five house helps at the time of the attack.
In a statement to the police, Jeh's nanny Eliyama Philip, who first encountered the armed attacker, said he asked for Rs 1 crore.
The intruder did not force his entry or break into the actor's flat but possibly sneaked in at some point during the night with the intention of robbery, police officials said. A suspect has been detained in connection with the attack, Kadam said, adding he is not part of any gang. No gang has carried out this attack, Kadam told reporters in Pune.
The suspect, whose identity is yet to be established, was taken to the Bandra police station. He was detained after police questioned several people who resembled the attacker, an official said.
The man brought into the Bandra police station was carrying a backpack similar to the one seen in the CCTV footage from the actor's building, the official said. There has been no intimation from Saif Ali Khan to police till date on whether he faced any threat, the minister said. He has not sought any security cover, but if he does so, we will follow due procedure, he added.
Kadam said theft was the only motive behind the attack on the actor.
Kadam said the suspect’s facial features matched with the attacker whose image was captured in CCTV cameras when he was fleeing the building. The police are tracking one more person, Kadam said.
CCTV footage showed the suspected assailant, wearing a red scarf and carrying a backpack, scurrying down the stairs from the sixth floor of the 'Satguru Sharan' building where Khan lives.
Maharashtra minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule said the state government and police department responded quickly to the knife attack on actor Saif Ali Khan, emphasising that Mumbai is the safest city in the country. Following the attack, leaders from the opposition parties, including the Congress, NCP (SP) and Shiv Sena (UBT), said the attack on Khan showed that not even celebrities are safe in the state, and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who holds the home portfolio, has failed to maintain law and order.
Speaking to reporters in Nagpur, Bawankule said the government took such incidents seriously, and the chief minister had stated that the government and police took cognisance of the attack and quickly responded.
Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan, undergoing treatment at a Mumbai hospital after suffering injuries in a knife attack at home, is doing "very well" and expected to be discharged in two to three days, doctors said on Friday.
Police said they have detained a suspect in connection with the attack, while Maharashtra minister of state for home Yogesh Kadam said no underworld gang is behind the incident.
The 54-year-old actor, who received multiple stab injuries, including in his neck, underwent an emergency surgery at the Lilavati Hospital where he was taken after the brutal attack in his apartment in upscale Bandra by an intruder on early Thursday. "We are observing his progress and he is doing excellently well according to our expectations. As per his progress, we have advised him bed rest and if he is comfortable, then in two to three days we will discharge him," said Dr Nitin Dange, neurosurgeon at Lilavati Hospital.
He said a team of doctors checked on him and made him walk.
The actor is fit to be moved out of the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and "we are shifting him to a special room," informed the neurosurgeon, who led the team of doctors who operated on Khan on Thursday. "Khan had three injuries, two on the hand and one on the right side of the neck. And the major part was at the back, which was in the spine, thoracic spine we call. A sharp object was lodged inside, which has gone very deep, touching the dura and the spinal cord, but it has not damaged the spinal cord," Dr Dange said.
Doctors have removed the sharp object and done repairing of the spinal injury, he explained.
An image of the sharp object, a knife blade, surfaced on social media. "He is very lucky. We repaired the leaking spinal fluid and the dura which was there. We had to do a repair, which was successful," Dr Dange added.
"Today when we made him walk, he was completely okay to walk. He is on a regular diet and that's why we have taken a decision to shift him from the ICU to a normal special room. He has been advised bed rest in view of the deeper injury to the spine. Today we will be restricting visitors as we want Khan to rest," he maintained. The entire family - Khan, his wife and fellow star Kareena Kapoor, and their two sons, four-year-old Jeh and eight-year-old Taimur - were home in the 12th floor apartment in 'Satguru Sharan' building along with their five house helps at the time of the attack.
In a statement to the police, Jeh's nanny Eliyama Philip, who first encountered the armed attacker, said he asked for Rs 1 crore.
The intruder did not force his entry or break into the actor's flat but possibly sneaked in at some point during the night with the intention of robbery, police officials said. A suspect has been detained in connection with the attack, Kadam said, adding he is not part of any gang. No gang has carried out this attack, Kadam told reporters in Pune.
The suspect, whose identity is yet to be established, was taken to the Bandra police station. He was detained after police questioned several people who resembled the attacker, an official said.
The man brought into the Bandra police station was carrying a backpack similar to the one seen in the CCTV footage from the actor's building, the official said. There has been no intimation from Saif Ali Khan to police till date on whether he faced any threat, the minister said. He has not sought any security cover, but if he does so, we will follow due procedure, he added.
Kadam said theft was the only motive behind the attack on the actor.
Kadam said the suspect’s facial features matched with the attacker whose image was captured in CCTV cameras when he was fleeing the building. The police are tracking one more person, Kadam said.
CCTV footage showed the suspected assailant, wearing a red scarf and carrying a backpack, scurrying down the stairs from the sixth floor of the 'Satguru Sharan' building where Khan lives.
Maharashtra minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule said the state government and police department responded quickly to the knife attack on actor Saif Ali Khan, emphasising that Mumbai is the safest city in the country. Following the attack, leaders from the opposition parties, including the Congress, NCP (SP) and Shiv Sena (UBT), said the attack on Khan showed that not even celebrities are safe in the state, and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who holds the home portfolio, has failed to maintain law and order.
Speaking to reporters in Nagpur, Bawankule said the government took such incidents seriously, and the chief minister had stated that the government and police took cognisance of the attack and quickly responded.
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Saif Ali Khan doing 'very well': Doctors
Bollywood star Saif Ali Khan, undergoing treatment at a Mumbai hospital after suffering injuries in a knife attack, is doing "very well" and his parameters have improved, doctors treating him said on Friday.
The 54-year-old actor, who received six stab injuries, including in his neck, underwent an emergency surgery at the Lilavati Hospital where he was taken after the brutal attack in his Bandra apartment by an intruder on early Thursday. Khan is being shifted from the Intensive Care Units (ICU) to a special room at the private hospital, said the doctors.
"Today we will be restricting visitors as we want Saif Ali Khan to rest. He has to take rest due to knife-inflicted wounds, especially in the back which can have chances of infection, they added.
The 54-year-old actor, who received six stab injuries, including in his neck, underwent an emergency surgery at the Lilavati Hospital where he was taken after the brutal attack in his Bandra apartment by an intruder on early Thursday. Khan is being shifted from the Intensive Care Units (ICU) to a special room at the private hospital, said the doctors.
"Today we will be restricting visitors as we want Saif Ali Khan to rest. He has to take rest due to knife-inflicted wounds, especially in the back which can have chances of infection, they added.
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Over 30 hours gone, 20 teams at work, but no trace of Saif Ali Khan’s attacker
More than 30 hours have passed but the Mumbai police have yet to arrest the man who repeatedly stabbed actor Saif Ali Khan in his plush apartment in the city’s Bandra area, an official said on Friday.
The city police have formed 20 teams to track down and nab the intruder and are tapping their network of informers to locate him, officials have said. The crime branch and the local police have gathered technical data, including how many mobile phones were active in the area when the actor was attacked during a “burglary attempt” in his apartment housed in ‘Satguru Sharan’ building, the police official said.
Evidence has been collected from Khan’s home and the building with the help of forensic teams and the dog squad and searches were conducted at many places in Mumbai to track down the attacker, he said. Police are examining the CCTV footage of the building showing the intruder, who was armed with a wooden stick and a long Hexa blade, fleeing after the attack.
The footage, captured at 2.33 am, clearly showed the young suspect’s face. He is seen wearing a brown T-shirt with a collar and a red scarf while scurrying down the stairs on the sixth floor of the building. The actor lives on the 12th floor.
Besides Khan, a 56-year-old staff nurse at the house, Eliyama Philip, who is the complainant, and a domestic help suffered blade injuries in the incident, said an official on Thursday. The entire family - Khan, his wife and fellow star Kareena Kapoor, and their two sons, four-year-old Jeh and eight-year-old Taimur - were home in the 12th-floor apartment along with their five house helps. In a statement to the police, Jeh's nanny Philip, who first encountered the armed attacker, said he asked for Rs 1 crore.
The intruder did not force his entry or break into the actor's flat but possibly sneaked in at some point during the night with the intention of robbery, police officials said. The man, she said, pointed a finger at her and warned her, "Koi awaaz nahin (don't make any noise).
Hearing her scream, Khan and Kareena rushed out of their room. The intruder, who Philip said was between 35-40 years old, then attacked Khan with a knife.
The city police have formed 20 teams to track down and nab the intruder and are tapping their network of informers to locate him, officials have said. The crime branch and the local police have gathered technical data, including how many mobile phones were active in the area when the actor was attacked during a “burglary attempt” in his apartment housed in ‘Satguru Sharan’ building, the police official said.
Evidence has been collected from Khan’s home and the building with the help of forensic teams and the dog squad and searches were conducted at many places in Mumbai to track down the attacker, he said. Police are examining the CCTV footage of the building showing the intruder, who was armed with a wooden stick and a long Hexa blade, fleeing after the attack.
The footage, captured at 2.33 am, clearly showed the young suspect’s face. He is seen wearing a brown T-shirt with a collar and a red scarf while scurrying down the stairs on the sixth floor of the building. The actor lives on the 12th floor.
Besides Khan, a 56-year-old staff nurse at the house, Eliyama Philip, who is the complainant, and a domestic help suffered blade injuries in the incident, said an official on Thursday. The entire family - Khan, his wife and fellow star Kareena Kapoor, and their two sons, four-year-old Jeh and eight-year-old Taimur - were home in the 12th-floor apartment along with their five house helps. In a statement to the police, Jeh's nanny Philip, who first encountered the armed attacker, said he asked for Rs 1 crore.
The intruder did not force his entry or break into the actor's flat but possibly sneaked in at some point during the night with the intention of robbery, police officials said. The man, she said, pointed a finger at her and warned her, "Koi awaaz nahin (don't make any noise).
Hearing her scream, Khan and Kareena rushed out of their room. The intruder, who Philip said was between 35-40 years old, then attacked Khan with a knife.
Yesterday | Search on Google News | Link
Saif knife attack: Jr NTR, Chiranjeevi 'shocked', Pooja Bhatt questions lawlessness in Mumbai
Jr NTR and Chiranjeevi were among those shocked by the attack on Saif Ali Khan at his home in Mumbai with several people, including Pooja Bhatt, questioning lawlessness in the city and saying she has never felt so unsafe.
The actor, who was injured after the intruder attacked him with a knife at around 2.30 am on Thursday at his Bandra home, was hospitalised and underwent surgery. Jr NTR, who recently shared screen space with Saif in Telugu hit "Devara", posted on X, "Shocked and saddened to hear about the attack on Saif sir. Wishing and praying for his speedy recovery and good health."
Chiranjeevi wrote, "Deeply Disturbed by news of the attack by an intruder on #SaifAliKhan. Wishing and praying for his speedy recovery."
Actor and BJP MP Ravi Kishan, who worked with Saif on films such as "Agent Vinod" and "Bullet Raja", said the incident is saddening. "He's my friend and co-actor... Government and police administration is working to nab the culprits. The culprit will be caught soon, Mumbai police has a good reputation. He'll be given strict punishment. Security of actors should be given importance. I pray to lord that Saif recovers soon," Kishan told PTI. Meanwhile, Bhatt tagged Mumbai Police in a post and questioned the "lawlessness" in the city, which is home to several celebrities as well as top industrialists, .
"Can this lawlessness please be curbed @MumbaiPolice @CPMumbaiPolice We need more Police presence in Bandra. The city & especially the queen of the subburbs, have never felt so unsafe before," she said.
The actor, who was injured after the intruder attacked him with a knife at around 2.30 am on Thursday at his Bandra home, was hospitalised and underwent surgery. Jr NTR, who recently shared screen space with Saif in Telugu hit "Devara", posted on X, "Shocked and saddened to hear about the attack on Saif sir. Wishing and praying for his speedy recovery and good health."
Chiranjeevi wrote, "Deeply Disturbed by news of the attack by an intruder on #SaifAliKhan. Wishing and praying for his speedy recovery."
Actor and BJP MP Ravi Kishan, who worked with Saif on films such as "Agent Vinod" and "Bullet Raja", said the incident is saddening. "He's my friend and co-actor... Government and police administration is working to nab the culprits. The culprit will be caught soon, Mumbai police has a good reputation. He'll be given strict punishment. Security of actors should be given importance. I pray to lord that Saif recovers soon," Kishan told PTI. Meanwhile, Bhatt tagged Mumbai Police in a post and questioned the "lawlessness" in the city, which is home to several celebrities as well as top industrialists, .
"Can this lawlessness please be curbed @MumbaiPolice @CPMumbaiPolice We need more Police presence in Bandra. The city & especially the queen of the subburbs, have never felt so unsafe before," she said.
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Politics
BJP national spokesperson Poonawalla apologises for controversial reference to AAP MLA's surname
BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla on Friday apologised for his controversial reference to AAP MLA Rituraj Jha's surname, as his party sought to put a lid on the row.
"I tender an apology with folded hands to all my Purvanchali brothers and sisters. My words have hurt them. I do not want to offer any justification," Poonawalla said in a video message posted on X, adding that he has a lot of respect for the hardworking people of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. In a heated discussion during a television news channel debate on Wednesday, Poonawalla had played on Jha's surname to take a jibe at him, a remark slammed as abusive by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).
His swipe had come after Jha played with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson's surname to take a dig at him.
Besides its rivals, BJP ally Janata Dal (United) has also spoken against Poonawalla and sought action against him. In Delhi, Purvanchal loosely refers to eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
Voters from the region reside in large numbers in the national capital and have increasingly become influential electorally.
Assembly polls are scheduled to be held in Delhi on February 5 and the votes will be counted on February 8.
"I tender an apology with folded hands to all my Purvanchali brothers and sisters. My words have hurt them. I do not want to offer any justification," Poonawalla said in a video message posted on X, adding that he has a lot of respect for the hardworking people of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. In a heated discussion during a television news channel debate on Wednesday, Poonawalla had played on Jha's surname to take a jibe at him, a remark slammed as abusive by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).
His swipe had come after Jha played with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson's surname to take a dig at him.
Besides its rivals, BJP ally Janata Dal (United) has also spoken against Poonawalla and sought action against him. In Delhi, Purvanchal loosely refers to eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
Voters from the region reside in large numbers in the national capital and have increasingly become influential electorally.
Assembly polls are scheduled to be held in Delhi on February 5 and the votes will be counted on February 8.
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Sports
Saqib Mahmood gets visa for India tour after delay
England fast-bowler Saqib Mahmood has finally received his visa for the team's upcoming white-ball tour of India, starting with the T20I series opener in Kolkata on January 22.
Mahmood, who is of Pakistani heritage, had faced a delay in procuring the travel document, forcing him to miss an England training camp in the UAE. The 27-year-old Lancashire seamer will join the touring English party in the UAE, where the team held a pace-bowling camp for the likes of Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, and Mark Wood alongside fast-bowling mentor James Anderson, on their way to India.
Two other members of the T20I squad of similar background - Adil Rashid and Rehan Ahmed - had however received their visas earlier. Mahmood had encountered similar issues in the past and, in 2019, he had to be replaced in an England Lions squad for the India tour due to a delay in obtaining his visa. A similar reason had prevented Mahmood from travelling to India for a Lancashire pre-season camp last year.
Also last year, off-spinner Shoaib Bashir was forced to fly back to London on the eve of England's five-match Test series against India as he had to obtain his visa, which kept him out of the first game in Hyderabad.
Mahmood, who is of Pakistani heritage, had faced a delay in procuring the travel document, forcing him to miss an England training camp in the UAE. The 27-year-old Lancashire seamer will join the touring English party in the UAE, where the team held a pace-bowling camp for the likes of Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, and Mark Wood alongside fast-bowling mentor James Anderson, on their way to India.
Two other members of the T20I squad of similar background - Adil Rashid and Rehan Ahmed - had however received their visas earlier. Mahmood had encountered similar issues in the past and, in 2019, he had to be replaced in an England Lions squad for the India tour due to a delay in obtaining his visa. A similar reason had prevented Mahmood from travelling to India for a Lancashire pre-season camp last year.
Also last year, off-spinner Shoaib Bashir was forced to fly back to London on the eve of England's five-match Test series against India as he had to obtain his visa, which kept him out of the first game in Hyderabad.
Yesterday | Search on Google News | Link
State
Jallikattu, manjuvirattu events leave seven dead in Tamil Nadu
Seven persons, mostly spectators and a bull owner, died in the jallikattu and manjuvirattu events held across Tamil Nadu on Kaanum Pongal day, police said on Friday.
Two bulls too died in separate incidents. While one bull died during the event in Pudukkottai, a bull owner and his bull died at Siravayal manjuvirattu in Sivaganga, the police said.
Two bulls too died in separate incidents. While one bull died during the event in Pudukkottai, a bull owner and his bull died at Siravayal manjuvirattu in Sivaganga, the police said.
Yesterday | Search on Google News | Link
Trigger Warning: Suicide
Rajasthan: NEET aspirant from Odisha hangs self in Kota, third suicide case in 2025
Trigger Warning: Suicide
An 18-year-old NEET aspirant from Odisha allegedly hanged himself in his hostel room here, police said on Friday.
Officails said that no suicide note was recovered from the room. The incident occurred in Ambedkar Colony, Vigyan Nagar area on Thursday night.
According to police, Abhijeet Giri, hailing from Mayurbhanj district in Odisha, had been preparing for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) at a coaching institute since April 2024. The incident came to light when around 8 pm when a mess worker went to deliver food to Abhijeet's room, a police officer said.
Upon receiving no response, the mess worker along with a few hostellers forcibly opened the door and found him hanging from the ceiling fan, Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Lal Singh Tanwar said.
A police team reached the spot and sent the body for post-mortem, which will be conducted after his family arrives. They have been informed about the incident, the ASI added. He said that no suicide note was recovered from the room and the reason behind the suicide is yet to be ascertained.
The ceiling fan in the hostel room was not equipped with suicide prevention device, mandated by the district administration to prevent suicides in student accommodations, the officer said.
Preliminary investigations suggest that Abhijeet was good in studies and attended his coaching classes regularly, he said. This is the third suicide by a coaching student in Kota this year. The city, a prominent hub for coaching institutes, saw 17 such cases in 2024. If you are aware of anyone facing mental health issues, please help. Here are some helpline numbers of suicide-prevention organisations.
Vandrevala Foundation for Mental Health: 9999666555 or help@vandrevalafoundation.com
TISS iCall: 022-25521111 (Monday-Saturday: 8 am to 10 pm)
An 18-year-old NEET aspirant from Odisha allegedly hanged himself in his hostel room here, police said on Friday.
Officails said that no suicide note was recovered from the room. The incident occurred in Ambedkar Colony, Vigyan Nagar area on Thursday night.
According to police, Abhijeet Giri, hailing from Mayurbhanj district in Odisha, had been preparing for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) at a coaching institute since April 2024. The incident came to light when around 8 pm when a mess worker went to deliver food to Abhijeet's room, a police officer said.
Upon receiving no response, the mess worker along with a few hostellers forcibly opened the door and found him hanging from the ceiling fan, Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Lal Singh Tanwar said.
A police team reached the spot and sent the body for post-mortem, which will be conducted after his family arrives. They have been informed about the incident, the ASI added. He said that no suicide note was recovered from the room and the reason behind the suicide is yet to be ascertained.
The ceiling fan in the hostel room was not equipped with suicide prevention device, mandated by the district administration to prevent suicides in student accommodations, the officer said.
Preliminary investigations suggest that Abhijeet was good in studies and attended his coaching classes regularly, he said. This is the third suicide by a coaching student in Kota this year. The city, a prominent hub for coaching institutes, saw 17 such cases in 2024. If you are aware of anyone facing mental health issues, please help. Here are some helpline numbers of suicide-prevention organisations.
Vandrevala Foundation for Mental Health: 9999666555 or help@vandrevalafoundation.com
TISS iCall: 022-25521111 (Monday-Saturday: 8 am to 10 pm)
Yesterday | Search on Google News | Link
African baboon dies in Delhi zoo, third animal death in as many weeks
A female African baboon has died at the Delhi Zoo, the third animal fatality at the facility in as many weeks, officials said.
The National Zoological Park, commonly known as Delhi Zoo, reported that the baboon named "Chintu", which appeared lethargic earlier in the day on Thursday, was shifted to the veterinary hospital after it started shivering. An official said the animal died later in the day.
"The cause of death is not yet confirmed. We are awaiting the report from the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) in Bareilly," said zoo director Sanjeet Kumar.
Recently, a white tiger cub and a one-horned rhinoceros at the zoo have died. A senior zoo official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the cold weather may have been a factor in the deaths. "The baboon's activity level had dropped and shivering indicated that it was unwell," the official said.
The zoo had four baboons. With the death of "Chintu" only three are left now.
The National Zoological Park, commonly known as Delhi Zoo, reported that the baboon named "Chintu", which appeared lethargic earlier in the day on Thursday, was shifted to the veterinary hospital after it started shivering. An official said the animal died later in the day.
"The cause of death is not yet confirmed. We are awaiting the report from the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) in Bareilly," said zoo director Sanjeet Kumar.
Recently, a white tiger cub and a one-horned rhinoceros at the zoo have died. A senior zoo official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the cold weather may have been a factor in the deaths. "The baboon's activity level had dropped and shivering indicated that it was unwell," the official said.
The zoo had four baboons. With the death of "Chintu" only three are left now.
Yesterday | Search on Google News | Link
Weather
Very dense fog in outer Delhi, air quality poor
Very dense fog shrouded parts of outer Delhi on Friday morning, reducing visibility and disrupting traffic movement.
The city recorded a minimum temperature of 8.8 degrees Celsius, 1.2 notches above normal, while the air quality was recorded in the poor category with a reading of 294.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted a foggy day with the maximum temperature likely to settle around 19 degrees Celsius. The department has predicted very dense fog on Saturday also and dense fog conditions on Sunday.
An AQI between zero and 50 is considered good, 51 and 100 satisfactory, 101 and 200 moderate, 201 and 300 poor, 301 and 400 very poor, and 401 and 500 severe.
The city recorded a minimum temperature of 8.8 degrees Celsius, 1.2 notches above normal, while the air quality was recorded in the poor category with a reading of 294.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted a foggy day with the maximum temperature likely to settle around 19 degrees Celsius. The department has predicted very dense fog on Saturday also and dense fog conditions on Sunday.
An AQI between zero and 50 is considered good, 51 and 100 satisfactory, 101 and 200 moderate, 201 and 300 poor, 301 and 400 very poor, and 401 and 500 severe.
Yesterday | Search on Google News | Link
❖ - Syndicated news, primarily from PTI
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