India is sending a contingent of 80 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel for relief and rescue works in earthquake-hit Myanmar, officials said Saturday.
The personnel of the federal disaster contingency force are being deployed under 'Operation Brahma' with quake rescue equipment like strong concrete cutters, drill machines, hammers etc. to provide succour to the neighbouring country.
Commandant P K Tiwary of the 8th NDRF battalion based in Ghaziabad near Delhi will lead the USAR (Urban Search And Rescue) team. The team is also taking along rescue dogs for the collapsed structure search and rescue operation being undertaken as per International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG) norms, the official said.
Myanmar and neighbouring Thailand were rocked by high-intensity earthquake on Friday, destroying buildings, bridges and other structures.
At least 1,002 people were reportedly killed in Myanmar. India has deployed NDRF abroad on two previous occasions - during the 2015 Nepal earthquake and the 2023 Turkiye quake.
About 15 tonnes of relief material was sent by India on Saturday to the Myanmarese city of Yangon on a C130J military transport aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF).
Beatroot News: Text-only
International
India sending 80 NDRF personnel to quake-hit Myanmar
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Curfew lifted in east Kathmandu, over 100 pro-king demonstrators arrested for vandalising property
Authorities in Nepal on Saturday lifted a curfew imposed in the eastern part of Kathmandu following violent clashes between the security personnel and the pro-monarchy protesters, as tensions eased in the area.
Parts of Kathmandu on Friday witnessed a tense situation after pro-monarchy protesters pelted stones, attacked the office of a political party, set fire to vehicles and looted shops in the Tinkune area of the capital.
Two persons, including a TV cameraman, were killed and 110 others injured in the clashes between the security personnel and the pro-monarchy protesters. The Army was later called out to control the situation. Police have arrested 105 agitators who were involved in burning houses and vandalising vehicles during Friday's violent demonstration.
The curfew imposed since 4.25 pm on Friday has been lifted from 7 am on Saturday, according to a notice issued by Kathmandu District Administration Office.
Those arrested included the general secretary of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party Dhawal Shumsher Rana and a central member of the party, Rabindra Mishra, among others.
Durga Prasai, the key person behind Friday's violent demonstration, is at large, Superintendent of Police of Kathmandu District Police Range Apil Bohara said. According to the police, 53 police personnel, 22 Armed Police Force personnel and 35 protestors were injured in Friday's incident.
During the violent demonstration, 14 buildings were set on fire and nine were vandalised. Nine government vehicles were torched and six private vehicles were vandalised.
Protesters also attacked the Kantipur Television building and Annapurna Media House in the Tinkune area. A Cabinet meeting discussed the evolving security situation following the violent protest. The government decided to revoke former King Gyanendra Shah's state privileges and cancel his passport, accusing him of inciting violent protests, myrepublica.com reported.
The protesting monarchists were demanding the reinstatement of the monarchy and a Hindu kingdom.
The demonstration turned violent after Prasai, the convenor of the agitation, broke the security barricade, riding a bulletproof vehicle, and headed towards Baneshwor, where the Parliament building is located. Nepal’s political parties through a Parliament declaration abolished the 240-year-old monarchy in 2008 and turned the erstwhile Hindu kingdom into a secular, federal, democratic republic.
The monarchists have been demanding the restoration of the monarchy since the former king appealed for support in a video message telecast on Democracy Day (February 19).
The pro-monarchy activists also held a rally on March 9 in support of the former king who landed at the Tribhuvan International Airport from Pokhara after visiting religious places in different parts of the country.
Parts of Kathmandu on Friday witnessed a tense situation after pro-monarchy protesters pelted stones, attacked the office of a political party, set fire to vehicles and looted shops in the Tinkune area of the capital.
Two persons, including a TV cameraman, were killed and 110 others injured in the clashes between the security personnel and the pro-monarchy protesters. The Army was later called out to control the situation. Police have arrested 105 agitators who were involved in burning houses and vandalising vehicles during Friday's violent demonstration.
The curfew imposed since 4.25 pm on Friday has been lifted from 7 am on Saturday, according to a notice issued by Kathmandu District Administration Office.
Those arrested included the general secretary of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party Dhawal Shumsher Rana and a central member of the party, Rabindra Mishra, among others.
Durga Prasai, the key person behind Friday's violent demonstration, is at large, Superintendent of Police of Kathmandu District Police Range Apil Bohara said. According to the police, 53 police personnel, 22 Armed Police Force personnel and 35 protestors were injured in Friday's incident.
During the violent demonstration, 14 buildings were set on fire and nine were vandalised. Nine government vehicles were torched and six private vehicles were vandalised.
Protesters also attacked the Kantipur Television building and Annapurna Media House in the Tinkune area. A Cabinet meeting discussed the evolving security situation following the violent protest. The government decided to revoke former King Gyanendra Shah's state privileges and cancel his passport, accusing him of inciting violent protests, myrepublica.com reported.
The protesting monarchists were demanding the reinstatement of the monarchy and a Hindu kingdom.
The demonstration turned violent after Prasai, the convenor of the agitation, broke the security barricade, riding a bulletproof vehicle, and headed towards Baneshwor, where the Parliament building is located. Nepal’s political parties through a Parliament declaration abolished the 240-year-old monarchy in 2008 and turned the erstwhile Hindu kingdom into a secular, federal, democratic republic.
The monarchists have been demanding the restoration of the monarchy since the former king appealed for support in a video message telecast on Democracy Day (February 19).
The pro-monarchy activists also held a rally on March 9 in support of the former king who landed at the Tribhuvan International Airport from Pokhara after visiting religious places in different parts of the country.
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Trump optimist about US-India trade talks 'working out very well'
US President Donald Trump has described Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a "very smart man" and a "great friend of mine" while emphasising that tariff talks would "work out very well between India and our country".
The remarks assume significance since Trump has repeatedly criticised the high tariffs charged by India and other countries on American goods.
"Prime Minister Modi was here just recently and we have always been very good friends," the US president said in the White House on Friday. "India is one of the highest tariffing nations in the world.… it's brutal, it's brutal. They're very smart. He (Modi) is a very smart man and a great friend of mine. We had very good talks. I think it's going to work out very well between India and our country, Trump said.
"And I want to say you have a great prime minister," he said. PM Modi had visited Washington DC in February and held bilateral discussions with Trump.
The visit came less than a month after Trump was sworn in as US President for a second term. Trump had earlier said that India was a very high-tariff nation and reiterated that reciprocal tariffs on countries that impose levies on American goods would kick in on April 2.
The remarks assume significance since Trump has repeatedly criticised the high tariffs charged by India and other countries on American goods.
"Prime Minister Modi was here just recently and we have always been very good friends," the US president said in the White House on Friday. "India is one of the highest tariffing nations in the world.… it's brutal, it's brutal. They're very smart. He (Modi) is a very smart man and a great friend of mine. We had very good talks. I think it's going to work out very well between India and our country, Trump said.
"And I want to say you have a great prime minister," he said. PM Modi had visited Washington DC in February and held bilateral discussions with Trump.
The visit came less than a month after Trump was sworn in as US President for a second term. Trump had earlier said that India was a very high-tariff nation and reiterated that reciprocal tariffs on countries that impose levies on American goods would kick in on April 2.
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Myanmar's earthquake death toll jumps to over 1,000 as more bodies recovered from rubble
The death toll from a powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Myanmar jumped to more than 1,000 on Saturday as more bodies were pulled from the rubble of the scores of buildings that collapsed when it struck near the country's second-largest city.
The country's military-led government said in a statement that 1,002 people have now been found dead and another 2,376 injured, with 30 others missing.
The statement suggested the numbers could still rise, saying “detailed figures are still being collected.” Myanmar is in the throes of a prolonged and bloody civil war, which is already responsible for a massive humanitarian crisis.
It makes movement around the country both difficult and dangerous, complicating relief efforts and raising fears that the death toll could still rise precipitously.
The earthquake struck midday Friday with an epicentre not far from Mandalay, followed by several aftershocks including one measuring a strong 6.4 magnitude.
It sent buildings in many areas toppling to the ground, buckled roads, caused bridges to collapse and burst a dam. In the capital Naypyidaw, crews worked on Saturday to repair damaged roads, while electricity, phone and internet services remained down for most of the city. The earthquake brought down many buildings, including multiple units that housed government civil servants, but that section of the city was blocked off by authorities on Saturday.
The country's military-led government said in a statement that 1,002 people have now been found dead and another 2,376 injured, with 30 others missing.
The statement suggested the numbers could still rise, saying “detailed figures are still being collected.” Myanmar is in the throes of a prolonged and bloody civil war, which is already responsible for a massive humanitarian crisis.
It makes movement around the country both difficult and dangerous, complicating relief efforts and raising fears that the death toll could still rise precipitously.
The earthquake struck midday Friday with an epicentre not far from Mandalay, followed by several aftershocks including one measuring a strong 6.4 magnitude.
It sent buildings in many areas toppling to the ground, buckled roads, caused bridges to collapse and burst a dam. In the capital Naypyidaw, crews worked on Saturday to repair damaged roads, while electricity, phone and internet services remained down for most of the city. The earthquake brought down many buildings, including multiple units that housed government civil servants, but that section of the city was blocked off by authorities on Saturday.
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Myanmar declares emergency in its capital, its second-largest city after 7.7 earthquake
A state of emergency has been declared in six regions and states in Myanmar after a 7.7 magnitude earthquake whose epicentre was near the country's second largest city.
State-run MRTV television said the military-run government's proclamation includes the capital Naypyitaw and Mandalay, after the earthquake and a strong aftershock hit midday. Myanmar is in the midst of a civil war and many areas are not easily accessible. It was not immediately clear what relief efforts the military would be able to provide.
State-run MRTV television said the military-run government's proclamation includes the capital Naypyitaw and Mandalay, after the earthquake and a strong aftershock hit midday. Myanmar is in the midst of a civil war and many areas are not easily accessible. It was not immediately clear what relief efforts the military would be able to provide.
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Markets
Markets rebound; Sensex gains over 300 points on buying in RIL, L&T
Stock market benchmark indices rebounded on Thursday after falling sharply in the previous session as continuous foreign fund inflows and buying in blue-chip Reliance Industries, L&T, and Bajaj Finance supported the recovery.
However, selling in auto counters and subdued pharma stocks amid uncertainties over Trump tariffs limited the gains in domestic equities, traders said. The 30-share BSE benchmark Sensex climbed 317.93 points or 0.41% to settle at 77,606.43. During the day, it surged 458.96 points or 0.59% to 77,747.46.
The NSE Nifty rallied 105.10 points or 0.45% to 23,591.95. From the Sensex pack, Bajaj Finserv, IndusInd Bank, NTPC, Larsen & Toubro, UltraTech Cement, Adani Ports, Bajaj Finance, Power Grid, Zomato, State Bank of India, HDFC Bank and Titan were the biggest gainers. Tata Motors tanked over 5.5% after US President Donald Trump announced he would impose 25% tariffs on imported cars. Sun Pharma, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Bharti Airtel, HCL Tech and Mahindra & Mahindra were also among the laggards.
Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) bought equities worth Rs 2,240.55 crore on Wednesday, according to exchange data. In Asian markets, Shanghai and Hong Kong settled in the positive territory while Seoul and Tokyo ended lower.
Equity markets in Europe were quoting lower. US markets ended in the negative territory on Wednesday.
However, selling in auto counters and subdued pharma stocks amid uncertainties over Trump tariffs limited the gains in domestic equities, traders said. The 30-share BSE benchmark Sensex climbed 317.93 points or 0.41% to settle at 77,606.43. During the day, it surged 458.96 points or 0.59% to 77,747.46.
The NSE Nifty rallied 105.10 points or 0.45% to 23,591.95. From the Sensex pack, Bajaj Finserv, IndusInd Bank, NTPC, Larsen & Toubro, UltraTech Cement, Adani Ports, Bajaj Finance, Power Grid, Zomato, State Bank of India, HDFC Bank and Titan were the biggest gainers. Tata Motors tanked over 5.5% after US President Donald Trump announced he would impose 25% tariffs on imported cars. Sun Pharma, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Bharti Airtel, HCL Tech and Mahindra & Mahindra were also among the laggards.
Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) bought equities worth Rs 2,240.55 crore on Wednesday, according to exchange data. In Asian markets, Shanghai and Hong Kong settled in the positive territory while Seoul and Tokyo ended lower.
Equity markets in Europe were quoting lower. US markets ended in the negative territory on Wednesday.
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National
Modi government making banks 'collection agents' of 'loot': Kharge after hike in ATM withdrawal charges
The Congress on Saturday hit out at the Modi government after the RBI's decision to allow banks to increase charges on ATM cash withdrawals, and said banks have been reduced to "collection agents" to "loot" citizens.
Giving a list of charges levied by banks, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said a "painful" price rise and "unbridled loot" was the BJP's mantra.
"Our banks have been unfortunately made 'collection agents' by the Modi government! ATM withdrawal charges to be costlier," Kharge said in a post on X. "The Modi government has extracted at least Rs 43,500 crore due to non-maintenance of minimum balance from savings accounts and Jan Dhan accounts combined, between 2018 and 2024," he said.
"Other bank charges to LOOT citizens - an inactivity fee, which is Rs 100-200 every year. Bank statement issuance fee is Rs 50-100. Rs 20-25 per quarter is charged for SMS alerts. Banks charge 1-3 per cent as loan processing fees," he added.
The Congress chief also claimed that if a loan is paid on time, loan pre-closure charges are levied by banks, and NEFT and demand draft charges are an additional burden. KYC updates like signature changes also attract fees, he claimed.
"Earlier, the Union government used to provide the data of the amount collected by these charges in the Parliament, but now this practice has also been discontinued by saying 'RBI doesn't maintain such data'. "Painful Price Rise + Unbridled Loot = BJP's Mantra for Extortion!," Kharge posted.
The Reserve Bank of India on Friday permitted banks to increase charges on ATM cash withdrawals beyond the mandatory free monthly usage by Rs 2 to Rs 23 per transaction from May 1.
Customers are eligible for five free transactions (inclusive of financial and non-financial transactions) every month from their own bank Automated Teller Machines (ATMs). They are also eligible for free transactions (inclusive of financial and non-financial transactions) from other bank ATMs -- three transactions in metro centres and five in non-metro centres.
Giving a list of charges levied by banks, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said a "painful" price rise and "unbridled loot" was the BJP's mantra.
"Our banks have been unfortunately made 'collection agents' by the Modi government! ATM withdrawal charges to be costlier," Kharge said in a post on X. "The Modi government has extracted at least Rs 43,500 crore due to non-maintenance of minimum balance from savings accounts and Jan Dhan accounts combined, between 2018 and 2024," he said.
"Other bank charges to LOOT citizens - an inactivity fee, which is Rs 100-200 every year. Bank statement issuance fee is Rs 50-100. Rs 20-25 per quarter is charged for SMS alerts. Banks charge 1-3 per cent as loan processing fees," he added.
The Congress chief also claimed that if a loan is paid on time, loan pre-closure charges are levied by banks, and NEFT and demand draft charges are an additional burden. KYC updates like signature changes also attract fees, he claimed.
"Earlier, the Union government used to provide the data of the amount collected by these charges in the Parliament, but now this practice has also been discontinued by saying 'RBI doesn't maintain such data'. "Painful Price Rise + Unbridled Loot = BJP's Mantra for Extortion!," Kharge posted.
The Reserve Bank of India on Friday permitted banks to increase charges on ATM cash withdrawals beyond the mandatory free monthly usage by Rs 2 to Rs 23 per transaction from May 1.
Customers are eligible for five free transactions (inclusive of financial and non-financial transactions) every month from their own bank Automated Teller Machines (ATMs). They are also eligible for free transactions (inclusive of financial and non-financial transactions) from other bank ATMs -- three transactions in metro centres and five in non-metro centres.
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Body of fourth cop sighted as security forces resume anti-terror operation in Kathua
The body of another policeman was sighted using a drone on Friday near the spot where a gunfight took place earlier in a remote forested area in Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said.
This is the fourth cop to be have died in the gunfight in which three terrorists are also confirmed to have been killed, officials said. Heavy firing and deafening sounds of explosions continued for the second day as police assisted by the Army and CRPF moved this morning from different directions, after a night halt to sanitise the Safiyan area, they said.
On Thursday, three suspected Pakistani terrorists of proscribed Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) outfit and an equal number of policemen were found dead after the day-long gunfight while one policeman was reported missing. Seven others, including a deputy superintendent of police, were injured in the gunbattle.
The officials said the security forces resumed the operation with the first light of the day, having the primary focus to retrieve the bodies of the deceased, finding a missing policeman and neutralising any other threat.
This is the fourth cop to be have died in the gunfight in which three terrorists are also confirmed to have been killed, officials said. Heavy firing and deafening sounds of explosions continued for the second day as police assisted by the Army and CRPF moved this morning from different directions, after a night halt to sanitise the Safiyan area, they said.
On Thursday, three suspected Pakistani terrorists of proscribed Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) outfit and an equal number of policemen were found dead after the day-long gunfight while one policeman was reported missing. Seven others, including a deputy superintendent of police, were injured in the gunbattle.
The officials said the security forces resumed the operation with the first light of the day, having the primary focus to retrieve the bodies of the deceased, finding a missing policeman and neutralising any other threat.
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Gold rises Rs 365 to reclaim Rs 91,000/10 gram-mark
Gold prices increased by Rs 365 to Rs 91,050 per 10 grams in the national capital on Thursday amid a strong trend in the overseas markets, according to the All India Sarafa Association.
The precious metal of 99.9% purity had closed at Rs 90,685 per 10 grams on Wednesday. Gold of 99.5% purity also rose by Rs 365 to Rs 90,600 per 10 grams against the previous close of Rs 90,235 per 10 grams. "Gold maintains its gains as the global risk sentiment has been increased, following the new auto tariffs announced by the US President Donald Trump on Wednesday," Saumil Gandhi, Senior Analyst of Commodities at HDFC Securities, said.
Silver prices also went up by Rs 200 to Rs 1,01,700 per kg. It had ended at Rs 1,01,500 per kg on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, gold futures for April delivery surged by Rs 828 or 0.94% to trade near a record high of Rs 88,466 per 10 grams on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX). On March 20, the yellow metal prices rose to hit a lifetime high of Rs 89,796 per 10 grams.
The precious metal of 99.9% purity had closed at Rs 90,685 per 10 grams on Wednesday. Gold of 99.5% purity also rose by Rs 365 to Rs 90,600 per 10 grams against the previous close of Rs 90,235 per 10 grams. "Gold maintains its gains as the global risk sentiment has been increased, following the new auto tariffs announced by the US President Donald Trump on Wednesday," Saumil Gandhi, Senior Analyst of Commodities at HDFC Securities, said.
Silver prices also went up by Rs 200 to Rs 1,01,700 per kg. It had ended at Rs 1,01,500 per kg on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, gold futures for April delivery surged by Rs 828 or 0.94% to trade near a record high of Rs 88,466 per 10 grams on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX). On March 20, the yellow metal prices rose to hit a lifetime high of Rs 89,796 per 10 grams.
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PM Modi to visit RSS founder's memorial in Nagpur on March 30
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will pay a visit to RSS founder Dr K B Hedgewar's memorial in Nagpur on March 30 and lay the foundation stone of the extension building of Madhav Netralaya Premium Centre.
The memorials of Hedgewar and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh's second Sarsanghchalak M S Golwalkar are located at the Dr Hedgewar Smruti Mandir in Nagpur's Reshimbagh area.
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat will also attend the programme. "This is the first time that a sitting prime minister will be visiting the Dr Hedgewar Smruti Mandir premises," a scholar well-versed with RSS history told PTI.
He said late BJP stalwart Atal Bihari Vajpayee visited the memorial in 2007, but he was not the prime minister at that time.
Modi earlier visited the memorial as a "pracharak", but he is visiting the place for the first time after becoming the prime minister, he said. Modi will also visit Deekshabhoomi, where Dr B R Ambedkar embraced Buddhism along with thousands of his followers in 1956.
The memorials of Hedgewar and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh's second Sarsanghchalak M S Golwalkar are located at the Dr Hedgewar Smruti Mandir in Nagpur's Reshimbagh area.
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat will also attend the programme. "This is the first time that a sitting prime minister will be visiting the Dr Hedgewar Smruti Mandir premises," a scholar well-versed with RSS history told PTI.
He said late BJP stalwart Atal Bihari Vajpayee visited the memorial in 2007, but he was not the prime minister at that time.
Modi earlier visited the memorial as a "pracharak", but he is visiting the place for the first time after becoming the prime minister, he said. Modi will also visit Deekshabhoomi, where Dr B R Ambedkar embraced Buddhism along with thousands of his followers in 1956.
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Whatever life is destined is destined: Salman Khan on death threats and security
"Jitni umar likhi hai, utni likhi hai," a philosophical Salman Khan said in his first comments about death threats from the Lawrence Bishnoi gang and the heightened security that has significantly restricted his movements.
The security protocol has impacted his daily routine, Khan told reporters. "Bhagwan, Allah sab unpar hai. Jitni umar likhi hai, utni likhi hai. Bas yahi hai. (It is up to Bhagwan, Allah. Whatever life is destined is destined. That's all)," Khan said in a rare interaction in which he opened up about his personal life and the many challenges after the death threats. “I cannot do anything about it (security). Khallas. So I go from Galaxy (home) to shoot to Galaxy, no detours," he added.
The 59-year-old could earlier be seen cycling around the city unhindered by his security team. His security concerns escalated in 2018 when incarcerated gangster Bishnoi openly threatened to kill him during a court appearance in Jodhpur over the actor's involvement in the infamous 1998 blackbuck poaching case
Since then, Khan has faced multiple threats. In April 2024, two shooters, allegedly from the Bishnoi gang, fired gunshots outside his Bandra residence before being arrested. After this, security was enhanced with bulletproof glass protecting his balcony and CCTV cameras keeping watch on the road outside.
Two months later, Navi Mumbai Police claimed to have discovered a plot to kill the actor when he travelled to his farmhouse at Panvel near Mumbai.
Security around the actor was further tightened following the murder of politician Baba Siddiqui, who was known to be a close friend of Salman, in October 2024. Asked about the elaborate security around him, Khan said, “You guys are sweet; that’s why they are sweet to you. I don't wish for them to be sweet with those people who are not sweet.” “It’s not when I’m with the press, but when I’m without the press. This (security) cramps my style,” Khan said.
The security protocol has impacted his daily routine, Khan told reporters. "Bhagwan, Allah sab unpar hai. Jitni umar likhi hai, utni likhi hai. Bas yahi hai. (It is up to Bhagwan, Allah. Whatever life is destined is destined. That's all)," Khan said in a rare interaction in which he opened up about his personal life and the many challenges after the death threats. “I cannot do anything about it (security). Khallas. So I go from Galaxy (home) to shoot to Galaxy, no detours," he added.
The 59-year-old could earlier be seen cycling around the city unhindered by his security team. His security concerns escalated in 2018 when incarcerated gangster Bishnoi openly threatened to kill him during a court appearance in Jodhpur over the actor's involvement in the infamous 1998 blackbuck poaching case
Since then, Khan has faced multiple threats. In April 2024, two shooters, allegedly from the Bishnoi gang, fired gunshots outside his Bandra residence before being arrested. After this, security was enhanced with bulletproof glass protecting his balcony and CCTV cameras keeping watch on the road outside.
Two months later, Navi Mumbai Police claimed to have discovered a plot to kill the actor when he travelled to his farmhouse at Panvel near Mumbai.
Security around the actor was further tightened following the murder of politician Baba Siddiqui, who was known to be a close friend of Salman, in October 2024. Asked about the elaborate security around him, Khan said, “You guys are sweet; that’s why they are sweet to you. I don't wish for them to be sweet with those people who are not sweet.” “It’s not when I’m with the press, but when I’m without the press. This (security) cramps my style,” Khan said.
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State
Traders in Kashmir witness lacklusture sales ahead of Eid
Markets in Srinagar and other parts of the Kashmir valley lack the usual hustle-bustle ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr with many traders staring at losses due to sluggish sales during the festival.
The Eid-ul-Fitr festival, which marks the culmination of Muslim fasting month of Ramzan, will be celebrated either on Monday or Tuesday depending on the sighting of the crescent on Sunday. However, markets in and around the Lal Chowk city centre - the Srinagar's commercial hub - have been witnessing muted sales. Local traders attributed the lack of enthusiasm among shoppers to the rising trend of online purchase as well as consumers' concerns over increasing prices.
Traders say the usual hustle and bustle associated with Eid shopping is missing this time and the overall sales have declined by around 70%.
"The market is about 70% down from what it used to be before Eid festivals," vice president of the Lal Chowk Traders Association Suhail Shah told PTI. He said the market outlook on Eid was "worse than normal days".
The markets, especially the shops dealing with bakeries, confectioneries, ready-made garments and crockery, which used to witness a heavy rush of customers before Eid, are experiencing sluggish sales, he added. "Every sector is affected. The sales were sluggish even in bakeries and confectionaries this year. Ready-made garment dealers are the most affected.
"To some extent, online shopping is to blame for that, but overall, the purchasing power of the people has decreased," Shah said.
Earlier, long queues of people were seen in front of popular bakery shops in the city but those shops are also witnessing a dip in sales, traders said.
"The sales are down from last year. There is no sign of the usual shopping zeal associated with Eid," a bakery shop owner in Lal Chowk area said. Shah said while there is an economic distress, the market seems to run only because of the salaried class. "It is the money of the salaried class that is moving around. Otherwise, there is an economic distress and the businesses are suffering," he said.
Meanwhile, traffic police personnel were deployed in large numbers in the city and in other district headquarters to manage the traffic movement as there have been reports of traffic snarls in several parts of the valley.
The Eid-ul-Fitr festival, which marks the culmination of Muslim fasting month of Ramzan, will be celebrated either on Monday or Tuesday depending on the sighting of the crescent on Sunday. However, markets in and around the Lal Chowk city centre - the Srinagar's commercial hub - have been witnessing muted sales. Local traders attributed the lack of enthusiasm among shoppers to the rising trend of online purchase as well as consumers' concerns over increasing prices.
Traders say the usual hustle and bustle associated with Eid shopping is missing this time and the overall sales have declined by around 70%.
"The market is about 70% down from what it used to be before Eid festivals," vice president of the Lal Chowk Traders Association Suhail Shah told PTI. He said the market outlook on Eid was "worse than normal days".
The markets, especially the shops dealing with bakeries, confectioneries, ready-made garments and crockery, which used to witness a heavy rush of customers before Eid, are experiencing sluggish sales, he added. "Every sector is affected. The sales were sluggish even in bakeries and confectionaries this year. Ready-made garment dealers are the most affected.
"To some extent, online shopping is to blame for that, but overall, the purchasing power of the people has decreased," Shah said.
Earlier, long queues of people were seen in front of popular bakery shops in the city but those shops are also witnessing a dip in sales, traders said.
"The sales are down from last year. There is no sign of the usual shopping zeal associated with Eid," a bakery shop owner in Lal Chowk area said. Shah said while there is an economic distress, the market seems to run only because of the salaried class. "It is the money of the salaried class that is moving around. Otherwise, there is an economic distress and the businesses are suffering," he said.
Meanwhile, traffic police personnel were deployed in large numbers in the city and in other district headquarters to manage the traffic movement as there have been reports of traffic snarls in several parts of the valley.
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Police should not test our patience, arrest Kamra soon: Maharashtra minister
Maharashtra tourism minister and Shiv Sena leader Shambhuraj Desai on Thursday said the police should arrest comedian Kunal Kamra at the earliest and not test the patience of party workers.
Angered by the stand-up comedian's parody song targeting Maharashtra deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena president Eknath Shinde, Sena workers on Sunday night vandalised a studio in Mumbai where Kamra's show had been recorded. "We have been asked by Shinde to be observe restraint, that is why we are quiet. As Shiv Sena workers, we know how to drag him out from wherever he is hiding, but as ministers we have some restrictions," Desai told reporters.
"We want to tell the police, do not test our patience and nab him from wherever he is, put him in a tyre and give him 'prasad'," the Sena leader added. In Marathi, the word 'prasad' means an offering made to God, but it is also used as a euphemism for punishment.
Angered by the stand-up comedian's parody song targeting Maharashtra deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena president Eknath Shinde, Sena workers on Sunday night vandalised a studio in Mumbai where Kamra's show had been recorded. "We have been asked by Shinde to be observe restraint, that is why we are quiet. As Shiv Sena workers, we know how to drag him out from wherever he is hiding, but as ministers we have some restrictions," Desai told reporters.
"We want to tell the police, do not test our patience and nab him from wherever he is, put him in a tyre and give him 'prasad'," the Sena leader added. In Marathi, the word 'prasad' means an offering made to God, but it is also used as a euphemism for punishment.
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❖ - Syndicated news, primarily from PTI
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