Seven flights received bomb-threat messages through a social media handle on Tuesday, prompting security agencies to undertake specific counter-terrorist drills at various airports, official sources said.
The threats via microblogging platform X came a day after three international flights originating from Mumbai received bomb threats, causing trouble to hundreds of passengers and airline crew. The messages posted on Monday were declared a hoax. The sources said an X handle issued threats on Tuesday to seven flights - an Air India Express flight from Jaipur to Bengaluru via Ayodhya (IX765), a SpiceJet flight from Darbhanga to Mumbai (SG116), an Akasa Air flight from Bagdogra to Bengaluru (QP 1373), an Air India flight from Delhi to Chicago (AI 127), an Indigo flight from Dammam (Saudi Arabia) to Lucknow (6E 98), an Alliance Air Amritsar-Dehradun-Delhi flight (9I 650) and an Air India Express flight (IX 684) from Madurai to Singapore. The X handle has since been suspended by the platform after the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) wrote to cyber-security agencies.
Beatroot News: Text-only
Aviation
Seven flights get bomb threats via X
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City
Prohibitory orders imposed in areas adjacent to Kolkata's Red Road for ‘Puja Carnival’
Prohibitory orders banning the assembly of more than five persons have been imposed in areas adjacent to Red Road, where state-organised 'Puja Carnival' will be held on Tuesday.
The development comes amid calls for 'Droha' (protest) Carnival on nearby Rani Rashmoni Avenue in central Kolkata by junior doctors agitating over the RG Kar incident.
The West Bengal government has been holding the Durga Puja Carnival since 2016 showcasing several award-winning Durga idols. Prohibitory orders under Section 163 of BNSS were imposed on some roads and areas near Red Road where the carnival is scheduled to be held.
The junior doctors have called for a 'human chain' along Rani Rasmoni Avenue expressing solidarity with the junior doctors who have been on hunger strike for the last 11 days demanding justice for the woman medic who was raped and murdered at R G Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9.
A spokesperson of the West Bengal Junior Doctors' Forum said the state wants to muzzle the peaceful, democratic protest of junior doctors but it will not succeed.
The development comes amid calls for 'Droha' (protest) Carnival on nearby Rani Rashmoni Avenue in central Kolkata by junior doctors agitating over the RG Kar incident.
The West Bengal government has been holding the Durga Puja Carnival since 2016 showcasing several award-winning Durga idols. Prohibitory orders under Section 163 of BNSS were imposed on some roads and areas near Red Road where the carnival is scheduled to be held.
The junior doctors have called for a 'human chain' along Rani Rasmoni Avenue expressing solidarity with the junior doctors who have been on hunger strike for the last 11 days demanding justice for the woman medic who was raped and murdered at R G Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9.
A spokesperson of the West Bengal Junior Doctors' Forum said the state wants to muzzle the peaceful, democratic protest of junior doctors but it will not succeed.
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Police launch inquiry into allegations of Suresh Gopi misusing ambulance
The Thrissur city police have launched a preliminary inquiry into allegations that Union Minister Suresh Gopi misused an ambulance during the Thrissur Pooram festival held in April, a police source said today.
The police initiated the inquiry against the Union Minister of State for Tourism and Petroleum based on a complaint lodged by a local CPI leader.
According to a police source, the preliminary inquiry aims to determine whether there is sufficient merit to register an FIR regarding the incident, which occurred before the Lok Sabha elections. The complaint has been forwarded to the Thrissur city Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) for the preliminary inquiry, the source told PTI.
The complaint claims that Gopi arrived at the Pooram grounds in a Seva Bharati ambulance after the Thiruvambady faction temporarily paused the festival. It alleges that the ambulance, meant for medical emergencies, was used for non-medical purposes.
Additionally, the complaint states that Gopi was transported to a restricted area where other vehicles were prohibited.
The police initiated the inquiry against the Union Minister of State for Tourism and Petroleum based on a complaint lodged by a local CPI leader.
According to a police source, the preliminary inquiry aims to determine whether there is sufficient merit to register an FIR regarding the incident, which occurred before the Lok Sabha elections. The complaint has been forwarded to the Thrissur city Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) for the preliminary inquiry, the source told PTI.
The complaint claims that Gopi arrived at the Pooram grounds in a Seva Bharati ambulance after the Thiruvambady faction temporarily paused the festival. It alleges that the ambulance, meant for medical emergencies, was used for non-medical purposes.
Additionally, the complaint states that Gopi was transported to a restricted area where other vehicles were prohibited.
Yesterday | Search on Google News | Link
Diplomacy
EAM Jaishankar set to arrive in Pakistan today to attend SCO meeting
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is set to land in Pakistan today to attend a conclave of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), in the first high-level visit from India in years amid continuing strain in ties between the two neighbours.
Shortly after he arrives in Islamabad, the external affairs minister is likely to attend a banquet reception hosted by Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to welcome the delegates from the SCO member nations, people familiar with the matter said. Both sides have already ruled out any bilateral talks between Jaishankar and his Pakistan counterpart Ishaq Dar on the sidelines of the SCO heads of government summit.
It will be for the first time in nearly nine years that India's foreign minister will travel to Pakistan, even as the ties between the two neighbours remain frosty over the Kashmir issue and cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan.
It is learnt that Jaishankar will stay in Pakistan for less than 24 hours. Pakistan is hosting the SCO Council of Heads of Government (CHG) meeting on October 15 and 16.
The last Indian Foreign Minister to visit Pakistan was Sushma Swaraj. She had travelled to Islamabad in December 2015 to attend a conference on Afghanistan.
Shortly after he arrives in Islamabad, the external affairs minister is likely to attend a banquet reception hosted by Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to welcome the delegates from the SCO member nations, people familiar with the matter said. Both sides have already ruled out any bilateral talks between Jaishankar and his Pakistan counterpart Ishaq Dar on the sidelines of the SCO heads of government summit.
It will be for the first time in nearly nine years that India's foreign minister will travel to Pakistan, even as the ties between the two neighbours remain frosty over the Kashmir issue and cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan.
It is learnt that Jaishankar will stay in Pakistan for less than 24 hours. Pakistan is hosting the SCO Council of Heads of Government (CHG) meeting on October 15 and 16.
The last Indian Foreign Minister to visit Pakistan was Sushma Swaraj. She had travelled to Islamabad in December 2015 to attend a conference on Afghanistan.
Yesterday | Search on Google News | Link
Election
Maharashtra polls on November 20, Jharkhand on November 13
The Assembly polls in Maharashtra will be held in a single phase on November 20, while Jharkhand polls will be held in two phases on November 13 and 20, the Election Commission of India announced on Tuesday.
The votes for the two states will be counted on November 23. "There are 9.63 crore eligible voters in Maharashtra, while the number of eligible voters in Jharkhand is 2.6 crore," Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar said at a press conference.
Bypolls will also be held in 48 Assembly seats and two Lok Sabha seats, the CEC said Bye-elections to 47 assembly seats and the Wayanad Lok Sabha seat, vacated by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, will be held on November 13.
The votes for the two states will be counted on November 23. "There are 9.63 crore eligible voters in Maharashtra, while the number of eligible voters in Jharkhand is 2.6 crore," Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar said at a press conference.
Bypolls will also be held in 48 Assembly seats and two Lok Sabha seats, the CEC said Bye-elections to 47 assembly seats and the Wayanad Lok Sabha seat, vacated by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, will be held on November 13.
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Maharashtra polls to test electoral arithmetic, chemistry among allies
Long read
With half a dozen key players post splits in the Shiv Sena and NCP, a fragmented polity, Maratha quota stir and a spirited Opposition, Maharashtra will see a riveting contest in the Assembly polls amid dramatic changes since the last elections.
Elections to the 288-member Assembly, the second largest after Uttar Pradesh (403), will be held on November 20 in a single phase and counting will be on November 23. The Nanded Lok Sabha by-poll, necessitated due to the death of Congress MP Vasant Chavan, will also be held on November 20.
The Mahayuti government led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde is banking on its flagship scheme, Ladki Bahin Yojana, under which poor women get a monthly stipend of Rs 1,500, to sway voters after the ruling bloc's poor show in the Lok Sabha polls. The Rs 46,000-crore a year welfare scheme is being widely seen as a "game changer" for the ruling bloc which comprises the BJP, Shinde's Shiv Sena and the NCP led by Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, who joined the government just over a year ago after parting ways with his uncle Sharad Pawar.
The Mahayuti (grand alliance) is in a direct fight with the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) in a state where splits within major parties and realignments in the last five years have led to a tectonic shift in political dynamics. The MVA consists of the Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT) and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) faction led by veteran politician Sharad Pawar.
Both the MVA and the Mahayuti are yet to announce their seat-sharing deals. The ensuing Assembly polls, the first since the splits in the Shiv Sena in 2022 and the NCP a year later, will be a test of strength for the two major alliances and will also indicate the ability of their constituents to transfer votes to each other.
Even though the Lok Sabha elections saw the ruling alliance (which won 17 of 48 seats) suffering a jolt and the Opposition MVA (30 seats) performing well, the Assembly polls are going to be a different political ball game as state and local-level issues will dominate campaigning. Maharashtra's political climate has never been more fragmented, with six main parties vying for influence: BJP, Shiv Sena, NCP, Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and NCP (SP).
This fragmentation is a product of recent political upheavals, including the collapse of the MVA government and the emergence of new political factions.
The murder of former state minister and NCP leader Baba Siddique on Dussehra (October 12) raised concerns about law and order and came as an embarrassment for the Mahayuti government ahead of the polls. In the last fortnight, the Shinde government has taken a staggering 1,500 decisions, including around 160 in state cabinet meetings. These include the toll waiver for light motor vehicles at all five entry points into Mumbai.
Despite reports that Ajit Pawar may walk out of the ruling alliance, he has stayed put. Maharashtra saw a change in government mid-way in June 2022 when the MVA government led by Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray collapsed following a rebellion in his party Shiv Sena.
Shinde then succeeded Thackeray as CM with BJP support. Congress leader Ratnakar Mahajan said the BJP is facing erosion in its voter base, while the grand old party has gained people's trust by raising key issues like agrarian distress, unemployment and inflation.
Mahajan asserted Congress is not complacent after its encouraging Lok Sabha poll show - the party won 13 seats in Maharashtra - and it continues to highlight pro-people issues.
In 2019, the BJP bagged 105 seats, emerging as the single largest party, while its then-ally Shiv Sena won 56. The Congress and its ally NCP contested 125 seats each and won 44 and 54, respectively.
With half a dozen key players post splits in the Shiv Sena and NCP, a fragmented polity, Maratha quota stir and a spirited Opposition, Maharashtra will see a riveting contest in the Assembly polls amid dramatic changes since the last elections.
Elections to the 288-member Assembly, the second largest after Uttar Pradesh (403), will be held on November 20 in a single phase and counting will be on November 23. The Nanded Lok Sabha by-poll, necessitated due to the death of Congress MP Vasant Chavan, will also be held on November 20.
The Mahayuti government led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde is banking on its flagship scheme, Ladki Bahin Yojana, under which poor women get a monthly stipend of Rs 1,500, to sway voters after the ruling bloc's poor show in the Lok Sabha polls. The Rs 46,000-crore a year welfare scheme is being widely seen as a "game changer" for the ruling bloc which comprises the BJP, Shinde's Shiv Sena and the NCP led by Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, who joined the government just over a year ago after parting ways with his uncle Sharad Pawar.
The Mahayuti (grand alliance) is in a direct fight with the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) in a state where splits within major parties and realignments in the last five years have led to a tectonic shift in political dynamics. The MVA consists of the Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT) and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) faction led by veteran politician Sharad Pawar.
Both the MVA and the Mahayuti are yet to announce their seat-sharing deals. The ensuing Assembly polls, the first since the splits in the Shiv Sena in 2022 and the NCP a year later, will be a test of strength for the two major alliances and will also indicate the ability of their constituents to transfer votes to each other.
Even though the Lok Sabha elections saw the ruling alliance (which won 17 of 48 seats) suffering a jolt and the Opposition MVA (30 seats) performing well, the Assembly polls are going to be a different political ball game as state and local-level issues will dominate campaigning. Maharashtra's political climate has never been more fragmented, with six main parties vying for influence: BJP, Shiv Sena, NCP, Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and NCP (SP).
This fragmentation is a product of recent political upheavals, including the collapse of the MVA government and the emergence of new political factions.
The murder of former state minister and NCP leader Baba Siddique on Dussehra (October 12) raised concerns about law and order and came as an embarrassment for the Mahayuti government ahead of the polls. In the last fortnight, the Shinde government has taken a staggering 1,500 decisions, including around 160 in state cabinet meetings. These include the toll waiver for light motor vehicles at all five entry points into Mumbai.
Despite reports that Ajit Pawar may walk out of the ruling alliance, he has stayed put. Maharashtra saw a change in government mid-way in June 2022 when the MVA government led by Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray collapsed following a rebellion in his party Shiv Sena.
Shinde then succeeded Thackeray as CM with BJP support. Congress leader Ratnakar Mahajan said the BJP is facing erosion in its voter base, while the grand old party has gained people's trust by raising key issues like agrarian distress, unemployment and inflation.
Mahajan asserted Congress is not complacent after its encouraging Lok Sabha poll show - the party won 13 seats in Maharashtra - and it continues to highlight pro-people issues.
In 2019, the BJP bagged 105 seats, emerging as the single largest party, while its then-ally Shiv Sena won 56. The Congress and its ally NCP contested 125 seats each and won 44 and 54, respectively.
Yesterday | Search on Google News | Link
Mahayuti has spent its last few days bestowing gifts on Adani Group: Congress
The Congress on Tuesday claimed that the Mahayuti government in Maharashtra knows it is not coming back to power and has spent its last few days allegedly bestowing "gifts" on the Adani group at the expense of the people of Mumbai and the state.
Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh said the instructions from the top are clear - "the Mahayuti’s electoral future is bleak, but before it loses power, it must safeguard Modani’s financial future". Listing the alleged favours to the conglomerate, Ramesh said, "September 15 2024: Modani wins energy contract to supply 6,600 MW power to Maharashtra at inflated consumer prices. September 30 2024: 255 acres of ecologically fragile salt pan land handed over to Modani.
"October 10 2024: 140 acres in Madh handed over to Modani. October 14 2024: 124 acres from the Deonar landfill in Mumbai handed over to Modani," Ramesh alleged. The Congress has been persistent with its attack on the government since the Adani Group stocks took a beating on the bourses in the wake of US-based short seller Hindenburg Research making a litany of allegations, including fraudulent transactions and share-price manipulation, on the conglomerate headed by industrialist Gautam Adani.
The Adani Group has dismissed the charges as lies, saying it complies with all laws and disclosure requirements.
Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh said the instructions from the top are clear - "the Mahayuti’s electoral future is bleak, but before it loses power, it must safeguard Modani’s financial future". Listing the alleged favours to the conglomerate, Ramesh said, "September 15 2024: Modani wins energy contract to supply 6,600 MW power to Maharashtra at inflated consumer prices. September 30 2024: 255 acres of ecologically fragile salt pan land handed over to Modani.
"October 10 2024: 140 acres in Madh handed over to Modani. October 14 2024: 124 acres from the Deonar landfill in Mumbai handed over to Modani," Ramesh alleged. The Congress has been persistent with its attack on the government since the Adani Group stocks took a beating on the bourses in the wake of US-based short seller Hindenburg Research making a litany of allegations, including fraudulent transactions and share-price manipulation, on the conglomerate headed by industrialist Gautam Adani.
The Adani Group has dismissed the charges as lies, saying it complies with all laws and disclosure requirements.
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Jharkhand polls: Both NDA, I.N.D.I.A bloc confident of victory as battlelines drawn
With the Election Commission announcing the poll dates for the 81-member Jharkhand Assembly, the stage is set for a direct contest between the ruling JMM-led coalition and the NDA. With the current Assembly's term concluding in January, the stakes are high for both alliances.
The Assembly polls will be held in two phases on November 13 and 20 and counting will take place on November 23, the Election Commission announced on Tuesday. The BJP-led NDA has already started campaigning to regain lost ground, deploying Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma who have been raising the issues of "Bangladeshi infiltration" and "rampant corruption".
In response, the JMM-led ruling alliance, under Chief Minister Hemant Soren, is countering with a focus on welfare schemes, such as the Abua Awas Yojna and Maiyan Samman Yojna, which increases financial assistance to women aged 18-50 from Rs 12,000 to Rs 30,000 annually. Key factors that are likely to influence the election include the BJP's welfare schemes and the arrest and subsequent bail of Soren by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
The ruling alliance claims the arrest was politically motivated, as Soren was detained in a money laundering case linked to an alleged land fraud.
In the 2019 Assembly elections, the contest was close, with the JMM winning 30 seats and the BJP securing 25, down from 37 in 2014. The JMM-Congress-RJD alliance won a comfortable majority with 47 seats. The BJP has announced that its seat-sharing arrangement within the NDA is "almost final," with the first list of candidates expected within the next 48 hours.
According to the proposed arrangement, the Sudesh Mahto-led AJSU Party will contest 9-11 seats, while the Nitish Kumar-led JD(U) will field candidates in two constituencies.
Talks regarding seat-sharing with LJP (Ram Vilas) are scheduled for Wednesday or Thursday, pending the return of its chief Chirag Paswan from abroad. On Monday, Soren confirmed that the JMM-led alliance will contest all 81 seats, although seat-sharing with allies is yet to be finalised. The Congress said it will contest the polls in alliance with the JMM, with a decision on seat-sharing expected soon.
Currently, the strength of the Assembly stands at 74, with the JMM-led ruling alliance comprising 44 members — 26 from the JMM, 17 from Congress, and one from RJD.
Two JMM legislators, Nalin Soren and Joba Majhi, are now members of Parliament, while Jama legislator Sita Soren resigned to contest the Lok Sabha elections on a BJP ticket. Additionally, Borio MLA Lobin Hembrom was recently disqualified under the anti-defection law.
The Assembly polls will be held in two phases on November 13 and 20 and counting will take place on November 23, the Election Commission announced on Tuesday. The BJP-led NDA has already started campaigning to regain lost ground, deploying Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma who have been raising the issues of "Bangladeshi infiltration" and "rampant corruption".
In response, the JMM-led ruling alliance, under Chief Minister Hemant Soren, is countering with a focus on welfare schemes, such as the Abua Awas Yojna and Maiyan Samman Yojna, which increases financial assistance to women aged 18-50 from Rs 12,000 to Rs 30,000 annually. Key factors that are likely to influence the election include the BJP's welfare schemes and the arrest and subsequent bail of Soren by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
The ruling alliance claims the arrest was politically motivated, as Soren was detained in a money laundering case linked to an alleged land fraud.
In the 2019 Assembly elections, the contest was close, with the JMM winning 30 seats and the BJP securing 25, down from 37 in 2014. The JMM-Congress-RJD alliance won a comfortable majority with 47 seats. The BJP has announced that its seat-sharing arrangement within the NDA is "almost final," with the first list of candidates expected within the next 48 hours.
According to the proposed arrangement, the Sudesh Mahto-led AJSU Party will contest 9-11 seats, while the Nitish Kumar-led JD(U) will field candidates in two constituencies.
Talks regarding seat-sharing with LJP (Ram Vilas) are scheduled for Wednesday or Thursday, pending the return of its chief Chirag Paswan from abroad. On Monday, Soren confirmed that the JMM-led alliance will contest all 81 seats, although seat-sharing with allies is yet to be finalised. The Congress said it will contest the polls in alliance with the JMM, with a decision on seat-sharing expected soon.
Currently, the strength of the Assembly stands at 74, with the JMM-led ruling alliance comprising 44 members — 26 from the JMM, 17 from Congress, and one from RJD.
Two JMM legislators, Nalin Soren and Joba Majhi, are now members of Parliament, while Jama legislator Sita Soren resigned to contest the Lok Sabha elections on a BJP ticket. Additionally, Borio MLA Lobin Hembrom was recently disqualified under the anti-defection law.
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JMM-led alliance to contest all 81 Assembly seats in Jharkhand: CM Hemant Soren
Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren said the JMM-led alliance will contest all 81 seats in the upcoming Assembly elections.
Speaking after a central committee meeting of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), Soren expressed confidence in the party's electoral preparedness and asserted that the alliance would regain power in the state.
Speaking after a central committee meeting of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), Soren expressed confidence in the party's electoral preparedness and asserted that the alliance would regain power in the state.
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Congress to contest Jharkhand polls as part of JMM-led alliance
The Congress on Tuesday said it will contest the Jharkhand Assembly elections in alliance with the JMM, with a final decision on seat sharing expected soon.
"We will contest elections with our alliance partners in the state. We are confident of winning elections on the back of development works done by us," Jharkhand Pradesh Congress Committee president Keshav Mahto said.
The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) also expressed confidence that its alliance would be voted back to power. However, it raised concerns on how Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma knew that the election dates would be announced on Tuesday.
"We are ready to contest elections, though the announcement was made a bit early. However, we would like to know how Sarma was aware that elections would be announced on Tuesday. This is a grave threat to democracy," JMM spokesperson Manoj Pandey said.
Sarma, who is BJP’s co-in-charge of Assembly elections in Jharkhand, had said on Monday that the election dates would be announced on Tuesday. Reacting to the JMM's allegations, the BJP claimed that the JMM was afraid of defeat in the upcoming elections.
The BJP also mentioned that the seat-sharing arrangement among NDA partners for the Assembly elections was "almost final," with the first list of candidates to be announced within 48 hours of the polls being declared.
"We will contest elections with our alliance partners in the state. We are confident of winning elections on the back of development works done by us," Jharkhand Pradesh Congress Committee president Keshav Mahto said.
The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) also expressed confidence that its alliance would be voted back to power. However, it raised concerns on how Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma knew that the election dates would be announced on Tuesday.
"We are ready to contest elections, though the announcement was made a bit early. However, we would like to know how Sarma was aware that elections would be announced on Tuesday. This is a grave threat to democracy," JMM spokesperson Manoj Pandey said.
Sarma, who is BJP’s co-in-charge of Assembly elections in Jharkhand, had said on Monday that the election dates would be announced on Tuesday. Reacting to the JMM's allegations, the BJP claimed that the JMM was afraid of defeat in the upcoming elections.
The BJP also mentioned that the seat-sharing arrangement among NDA partners for the Assembly elections was "almost final," with the first list of candidates to be announced within 48 hours of the polls being declared.
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EC to announce schedule for Maharashtra, Jharkhand polls today
The Election Commission will announce the schedule for the Maharashtra and Jharkhand assembly polls today at 3:30 pm.
While the term of the Maharashtra assembly ends on November 26, that of Jharkhand ends on January 5 next year.
While the term of the Maharashtra assembly ends on November 26, that of Jharkhand ends on January 5 next year.
Yesterday | Search on Google News | Link
Environment
Delhi government plans to procure mist-spraying drones to check pollution
The AAP government in Delhi is planning to procure mist-spraying drones this winter to target the pollution hotspots in the city, officials said on Monday.
In a bid to combat air pollution, these drones will have sensors to record air quality data, including measurements of PM2.5 and PM10, and help reduce dust levels. Officials familiar with the initiative confirmed that a tender has been floated by the environment department for the acquisition of three drones designed to operate from above the city's most polluted areas.
The drones will primarily be used to monitor local sources of air pollution from a height while gathering critical air-quality information. "The idea is to comprehensively track pollution at Delhi's pollution hotspots. The drones will help identify local sources of air pollution and provide data that will enable us to take timely action," said a government official involved in the procurement process.
"We are also exploring the potential of these drones to spray mist, specifically aimed at reducing dust levels," the official added. The initiative is part of the Delhi government's 21-point Winter Action Plan unveiled on September 25.
Earlier, Environment Minister Gopal Rai emphasised the importance of using drones in pollution management, saying, "This is the first time we are utilising drones for this purpose. Previously, sources of pollution were identified manually, but this technology will facilitate real-time monitoring and rapid response to violations."
In a bid to combat air pollution, these drones will have sensors to record air quality data, including measurements of PM2.5 and PM10, and help reduce dust levels. Officials familiar with the initiative confirmed that a tender has been floated by the environment department for the acquisition of three drones designed to operate from above the city's most polluted areas.
The drones will primarily be used to monitor local sources of air pollution from a height while gathering critical air-quality information. "The idea is to comprehensively track pollution at Delhi's pollution hotspots. The drones will help identify local sources of air pollution and provide data that will enable us to take timely action," said a government official involved in the procurement process.
"We are also exploring the potential of these drones to spray mist, specifically aimed at reducing dust levels," the official added. The initiative is part of the Delhi government's 21-point Winter Action Plan unveiled on September 25.
Earlier, Environment Minister Gopal Rai emphasised the importance of using drones in pollution management, saying, "This is the first time we are utilising drones for this purpose. Previously, sources of pollution were identified manually, but this technology will facilitate real-time monitoring and rapid response to violations."
Yesterday | Search on Google News | Link
International
Bishnoi gang linked to Indian ‘agents’ targeting ‘Khalistani elements’: Canadian police
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police alleged that the Bishnoi gang is connected to the “agents” of the Indian government, which is targeting the South Asian community specifically "pro-Khalistani elements" in the country.
The remarks were made during a press conference by RCMP Commissioner Mike Duhene and his deputy, Brigitte Gauvin in Ottawa on Monday, hours after India announced the expulsion of six members of the Canadian high commission in Delhi. “What we have seen, from an RCMP perspective, is that they use organised crime elements," she added.
"It has been publicly attributed and claimed by one organised crime group in particular which is the Bishnoi group here in Canada. We believe the group is connected to agents of the Government of India."
However, investigation agencies in India have linked Lawrence Bishnoi to several crimes in India. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has named him in high-profile cases, including smuggling of arms from Pakistan.
The NIA had claimed that Bishnoi was running an extortion syndicate with Canada-based gangster Goldy Brar, who has close links with pro-Khalistan terror outfit Babbar Khalsa International (BKI).
Bishnoi has been allegedly operating his terror-crime syndicate from jails in India wherever he has been lodged over the years. The RCMP's comments came on a day India expelled six Canadian diplomats on Monday and announced that it is withdrawing its High Commissioner in Canada, after dismissing Ottawa's allegations linking the envoy to a probe into the killing of Sikh extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
Canada, however, said it has expelled six Indian diplomats.
India has been strongly rejecting Canada's charge of involvement of Indian agents in Nijjar's killing last year. The RCMP has been investigating the murder.
The remarks were made during a press conference by RCMP Commissioner Mike Duhene and his deputy, Brigitte Gauvin in Ottawa on Monday, hours after India announced the expulsion of six members of the Canadian high commission in Delhi. “What we have seen, from an RCMP perspective, is that they use organised crime elements," she added.
"It has been publicly attributed and claimed by one organised crime group in particular which is the Bishnoi group here in Canada. We believe the group is connected to agents of the Government of India."
However, investigation agencies in India have linked Lawrence Bishnoi to several crimes in India. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has named him in high-profile cases, including smuggling of arms from Pakistan.
The NIA had claimed that Bishnoi was running an extortion syndicate with Canada-based gangster Goldy Brar, who has close links with pro-Khalistan terror outfit Babbar Khalsa International (BKI).
Bishnoi has been allegedly operating his terror-crime syndicate from jails in India wherever he has been lodged over the years. The RCMP's comments came on a day India expelled six Canadian diplomats on Monday and announced that it is withdrawing its High Commissioner in Canada, after dismissing Ottawa's allegations linking the envoy to a probe into the killing of Sikh extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
Canada, however, said it has expelled six Indian diplomats.
India has been strongly rejecting Canada's charge of involvement of Indian agents in Nijjar's killing last year. The RCMP has been investigating the murder.
Yesterday | Search on Google News | Link
EAM Jaishankar arrives in Islamabad to attend SCO meeting
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday landed in Islamabad to attend a conclave of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).
It is the first time in nearly nine years that India's foreign minister travelled to Pakistan even as the ties between the two neighbours remained frosty over the Kashmir issue and cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan. The last Indian Foreign Minister to visit Pakistan was Sushma Swaraj. She had travelled to Islamabad in December 2015 to attend a conference on Afghanistan.
Jaishankar was greeted at the Nur Khan airbase by senior Pakistani officials.
Earlier in the day, India said it remains actively engaged in various mechanisms of the SCO. Pakistan is hosting the two-day SCO Council of Heads of Government summit on October 15 and 16.
"The SCO CHG meeting is held annually and focuses on the trade and economic agenda of the Organisation," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.
It is the first time in nearly nine years that India's foreign minister travelled to Pakistan even as the ties between the two neighbours remained frosty over the Kashmir issue and cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan. The last Indian Foreign Minister to visit Pakistan was Sushma Swaraj. She had travelled to Islamabad in December 2015 to attend a conference on Afghanistan.
Jaishankar was greeted at the Nur Khan airbase by senior Pakistani officials.
Earlier in the day, India said it remains actively engaged in various mechanisms of the SCO. Pakistan is hosting the two-day SCO Council of Heads of Government summit on October 15 and 16.
"The SCO CHG meeting is held annually and focuses on the trade and economic agenda of the Organisation," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.
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Imran Khan’s party calls off protest in Pakistan ahead of SCO summit
Pakistan’s main opposition called off its protest on Tuesday as the 23rd meeting of the Council of the Heads of Government (CHG) of the member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation begins in Islamabad under tight security.
The threat of unrest was avoided when the Pakistan Tehreeki-Insaf last night agreed to call off its protest in the capital after the assurance by the government that a medical team would be allowed to meet its jailed leader 72-year-old Imran Khan.
The threat of unrest was avoided when the Pakistan Tehreeki-Insaf last night agreed to call off its protest in the capital after the assurance by the government that a medical team would be allowed to meet its jailed leader 72-year-old Imran Khan.
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India-Canada relations hit new low
The context
Relations between India and Canada have been fraught since last year, when Canadian PM Justin Trudeau said he had evidence linking Indian agents to the assassination of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in 2020 in Canada.
Canada has now named six Indian diplomats as “persons of interest” in its investigation into the killing of Nijjar.
The remarks set off a diplomatic storm with India calling the allegations “preposterous imputations”. Indian expats withdrawn or expelled?
Last night, there was a sharp escalation when India’s Ministry of External Affairs announced its decision to withdraw the Indian High Commissioner to Canada and “other targeted diplomats”, citing security concerns.
While a ‘Reuters’ report, citing a Canadian government source, said Canada had “expelled six Indian diplomats”.
India also announced its decision to expel six Canadian diplomats, including Acting High Commissioner Stewart Wheeler. Trudeau and Modi
This escalation between the two countries comes days after PM Narendra Modi and Canadian PM Justin Trudeau met on the sidelines of the East Asia Summit in Laos last week.
On Monday, Trudeau claimed to have informed PM Modi about the crucial importance of the upcoming meeting between the national security advisors of both countries in Singapore but nothing came out of it. “This is not a choice that Canada made to create a chill in Canada-India relations,” Trudeau said.
He alleged that this weekend Canadian officials shared evidence with their Indian counterparts, which “concluded that six agents of the Government of India are persons of interest in criminal activities, but the Government of India decided not to cooperate.” Lawrence Bishnoi connection
Hours after India withdrew its diplomats from Canada, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) also alleged that “agents” of the Indian government were collaborating with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang to spread terror on Canadian soil.
“What we have seen is the use of organised crime elements, and it’s been publicly attributed to one organised crime gang in particular… the Bishnoi group is connected to the agents of India,” RCMP Assistant Commissioner Brigitte Gaubin alleged.
Relations between India and Canada have been fraught since last year, when Canadian PM Justin Trudeau said he had evidence linking Indian agents to the assassination of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in 2020 in Canada.
Canada has now named six Indian diplomats as “persons of interest” in its investigation into the killing of Nijjar.
The remarks set off a diplomatic storm with India calling the allegations “preposterous imputations”. Indian expats withdrawn or expelled?
Last night, there was a sharp escalation when India’s Ministry of External Affairs announced its decision to withdraw the Indian High Commissioner to Canada and “other targeted diplomats”, citing security concerns.
While a ‘Reuters’ report, citing a Canadian government source, said Canada had “expelled six Indian diplomats”.
India also announced its decision to expel six Canadian diplomats, including Acting High Commissioner Stewart Wheeler. Trudeau and Modi
This escalation between the two countries comes days after PM Narendra Modi and Canadian PM Justin Trudeau met on the sidelines of the East Asia Summit in Laos last week.
On Monday, Trudeau claimed to have informed PM Modi about the crucial importance of the upcoming meeting between the national security advisors of both countries in Singapore but nothing came out of it. “This is not a choice that Canada made to create a chill in Canada-India relations,” Trudeau said.
He alleged that this weekend Canadian officials shared evidence with their Indian counterparts, which “concluded that six agents of the Government of India are persons of interest in criminal activities, but the Government of India decided not to cooperate.” Lawrence Bishnoi connection
Hours after India withdrew its diplomats from Canada, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) also alleged that “agents” of the Indian government were collaborating with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang to spread terror on Canadian soil.
“What we have seen is the use of organised crime elements, and it’s been publicly attributed to one organised crime gang in particular… the Bishnoi group is connected to the agents of India,” RCMP Assistant Commissioner Brigitte Gaubin alleged.
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UN Security Council backs Lebanon peacekeepers after Israeli attacks
The United Nations Security Council has flagged “strong concern” after several UN peacekeeping positions in southern Lebanon came under fire amid clashes between the Israeli military and Iran-backed Hezbollah militants.
It’s the first statement by the UN’s most powerful body since Israel’s attacks on the positions of the peacekeeping force known as UNIFIL began last week, drawing international condemnation. The 15-member council in a consensual statement urged all parties — without naming them — to respect the safety and security of the personnel and premises of the UN peacekeeping mission.
"UN peacekeepers and UN premises must never be the target of an attack," said the council, reiterating its support for UNIFIL and the operation's importance for regional stability.
It’s the first statement by the UN’s most powerful body since Israel’s attacks on the positions of the peacekeeping force known as UNIFIL began last week, drawing international condemnation. The 15-member council in a consensual statement urged all parties — without naming them — to respect the safety and security of the personnel and premises of the UN peacekeeping mission.
"UN peacekeepers and UN premises must never be the target of an attack," said the council, reiterating its support for UNIFIL and the operation's importance for regional stability.
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Nobel economics prize goes to inequality researchers
The Nobel prize in economics was awarded on Monday to three economists who have studied why some countries are rich and others poor and have documented that freer, open societies are more likely to prosper.
The work by Daron Acemoglu, Simon Johnson and James A. Robinson “demonstrated the importance of societal institutions for a country’s prosperity,” the Nobel committee said at the announcement in Stockholm. Acemoglu and Johnson work at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, while Robinson does his research at the University of Chicago.
“Societies with a poor rule of law and institutions that exploit the population do not generate growth or change for the better. The laureates’ research helps us understand why,” the committee added.
The work by Daron Acemoglu, Simon Johnson and James A. Robinson “demonstrated the importance of societal institutions for a country’s prosperity,” the Nobel committee said at the announcement in Stockholm. Acemoglu and Johnson work at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, while Robinson does his research at the University of Chicago.
“Societies with a poor rule of law and institutions that exploit the population do not generate growth or change for the better. The laureates’ research helps us understand why,” the committee added.
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Legal
Supreme Court notice to Centre, EC on fresh plea against freebies
The Supreme Court has sought response from the Centre and the Election Commission on a fresh plea against the practice of political parties promising freebies during elections.
A Bench of Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra issued notices to the Union of India and the poll panel on a petition filed by Bengaluru resident Shashank J Sreedhara. The petition filed by advocate Srinivasan has also sought a direction to poll panel to take effective steps to restrain political parties from making promises of freebies during the pre-election period.
"The unregulated promise of freebies imposes a significant and unaccounted financial burden on the public exchequer. Further, there exists no mechanism to ensure the fulfilment of pre-poll promises on which votes were secured," the plea said. The top court tagged the matter with other pleas on similar issue.
The apex court had earlier agreed to list for hearing pleas against the practice of political parties promising freebies during elections after senior advocate Vijay Hansaria, appearing for lawyer and PIL petitioner Ashwini Upadhyay, sought an urgent hearing of the matter.
A Bench of Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra issued notices to the Union of India and the poll panel on a petition filed by Bengaluru resident Shashank J Sreedhara. The petition filed by advocate Srinivasan has also sought a direction to poll panel to take effective steps to restrain political parties from making promises of freebies during the pre-election period.
"The unregulated promise of freebies imposes a significant and unaccounted financial burden on the public exchequer. Further, there exists no mechanism to ensure the fulfilment of pre-poll promises on which votes were secured," the plea said. The top court tagged the matter with other pleas on similar issue.
The apex court had earlier agreed to list for hearing pleas against the practice of political parties promising freebies during elections after senior advocate Vijay Hansaria, appearing for lawyer and PIL petitioner Ashwini Upadhyay, sought an urgent hearing of the matter.
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Mere existence of 40% disability does not bar student from pursuing MBBS course: SC
The Supreme Court on Tuesday said mere existence of a benchmark disability of 40% does not bar a person from pursuing medical education unless there is an expert report that the candidate was incapacitated from pursuing MBBS.
A Bench of Justices B R Gavai, Aravind Kumar and K V Viswanathan gave detailed reasons for its September 18 order where it allowed a candidate to take admission in MBBS course after the medical board opined that he could pursue medical education without any impediment. The Bench said the capacity of a candidate suffering from disability to pursue the MBBS course has to be examined by the disability assessment board.
It said, "Mere existence of benchmark disability will not disqualify a candidate from being eligible for the MBBS course. The disability board assessing the disability of the candidate must positively record whether the disability of the candidate will or will not come in the way of the candidate pursuing the course." The top court further said the disability board should also give reasons if it concludes that the candidate was not eligible for pursuing the course.
It pronounced the verdict on a plea of student Omkar who has challenged the Graduate Medical Education Regulation of 1997 which bars a person with equal or more than 40% disability from pursuing MBBS.
A Bench of Justices B R Gavai, Aravind Kumar and K V Viswanathan gave detailed reasons for its September 18 order where it allowed a candidate to take admission in MBBS course after the medical board opined that he could pursue medical education without any impediment. The Bench said the capacity of a candidate suffering from disability to pursue the MBBS course has to be examined by the disability assessment board.
It said, "Mere existence of benchmark disability will not disqualify a candidate from being eligible for the MBBS course. The disability board assessing the disability of the candidate must positively record whether the disability of the candidate will or will not come in the way of the candidate pursuing the course." The top court further said the disability board should also give reasons if it concludes that the candidate was not eligible for pursuing the course.
It pronounced the verdict on a plea of student Omkar who has challenged the Graduate Medical Education Regulation of 1997 which bars a person with equal or more than 40% disability from pursuing MBBS.
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Markets
Sensex, Nifty close lower on selling in Reliance, spike in retail inflation
Benchmark stock indices closed lower on Tuesday following losses in bellwether Reliance Industries and retail inflation hitting a nine-month high in September.
Paring early gains, the BSE Sensex declined 152.93 points or 0.19% to settle at 81,820.12. During the day, it fell by 337.48 points or 0.41% to a low of 81,635.57.
The NSE Nifty settled lower by 70.60 points or 0.28% to 25,057.35. From the 30 Sensex firms, Bajaj Finance, Reliance Industries, Tata Steel, JSW Steel, Tech Mahindra, Tata Motors, Kotak Mahindra Bank and Maruti were the biggest laggards.
Reliance Industries Ltd, India's most valuable company, on Monday reported a 5% fall in the July-September quarter net profit as weak oil refining and petrochemical business hurt operational performance. ICICI Bank, Bharti Airtel, Asian Paints, Adani Ports, UltraTech Cement and HCL Technologies were among the gainers.
IT services major HCL Technologies (HCLTech) on Monday reported a 10.51% increase in consolidated net profit to Rs 4,235 crore in the July-September quarter of FY25, as the company raised the lower band of its growth guidance on the back of better-than-expected performance.
Paring early gains, the BSE Sensex declined 152.93 points or 0.19% to settle at 81,820.12. During the day, it fell by 337.48 points or 0.41% to a low of 81,635.57.
The NSE Nifty settled lower by 70.60 points or 0.28% to 25,057.35. From the 30 Sensex firms, Bajaj Finance, Reliance Industries, Tata Steel, JSW Steel, Tech Mahindra, Tata Motors, Kotak Mahindra Bank and Maruti were the biggest laggards.
Reliance Industries Ltd, India's most valuable company, on Monday reported a 5% fall in the July-September quarter net profit as weak oil refining and petrochemical business hurt operational performance. ICICI Bank, Bharti Airtel, Asian Paints, Adani Ports, UltraTech Cement and HCL Technologies were among the gainers.
IT services major HCL Technologies (HCLTech) on Monday reported a 10.51% increase in consolidated net profit to Rs 4,235 crore in the July-September quarter of FY25, as the company raised the lower band of its growth guidance on the back of better-than-expected performance.
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Sensex, Nifty climb in early trade on buying in IT, bank stocks
Equity benchmark indices rallied in early trade today amid buying in IT and bank stocks along with a sharp cut in Brent crude oil prices.
The BSE Sensex climbed 327.39 points to 82,300.44 in early trade. The NSE Nifty went up by 84.1 points to 25,212.05. From the 30 Sensex firms, Asian Paints, Bharti Airtel, Infosys, Mahindra & Mahindra, Titan, Bajaj Finance, HCL Technologies and ICICI Bank were among the major gainers.
From the blue-chip pack, Tata Steel, Power Grid, Axis Bank, JSW Steel, Reliance and NTPC were the laggards. Global oil benchmark Brent crude dropped 2.98% to $75.15 a barrel.
In Asian markets, Seoul and Tokyo were quoting in the positive territory while Shanghai and Hong Kong traded lower. The US markets ended higher on Monday.
Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) offloaded equities worth Rs 3,731.59 crore on Monday, according to exchange data. However, Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) bought equities worth Rs 2,278.09 crore.
The BSE Sensex climbed 327.39 points to 82,300.44 in early trade. The NSE Nifty went up by 84.1 points to 25,212.05. From the 30 Sensex firms, Asian Paints, Bharti Airtel, Infosys, Mahindra & Mahindra, Titan, Bajaj Finance, HCL Technologies and ICICI Bank were among the major gainers.
From the blue-chip pack, Tata Steel, Power Grid, Axis Bank, JSW Steel, Reliance and NTPC were the laggards. Global oil benchmark Brent crude dropped 2.98% to $75.15 a barrel.
In Asian markets, Seoul and Tokyo were quoting in the positive territory while Shanghai and Hong Kong traded lower. The US markets ended higher on Monday.
Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) offloaded equities worth Rs 3,731.59 crore on Monday, according to exchange data. However, Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) bought equities worth Rs 2,278.09 crore.
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National
India rejects Canadian PM Trudeau's charges
India on Tuesday trashed Canada's attempts to link Indian agents with criminal gangs in that country with official sources rejecting Ottawa's claim that it shared evidence with New Delhi in the Nijjar case.
The sources also rejected Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's allegations that India was engaging in activities, including carrying out covert operations targeting Canadian nationals in his country. The ties between India and Canada witnessed a major downturn on Monday as India expelled six Canadian diplomats and announced withdrawing its High Commissioner from Canada after dismissing Ottawa's allegations linking the envoy to a probe into the killing of Sikh extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
"Canadian PM Trudeau's press conference yesterday was the same old Trudeau saying the same old things for the same old reasons," said a source.
The sources said the assertions by Canadian officials that Canada presented credible evidence to India in the Nijjar case is simply not true. "The central assertion from all Canadian officials is that credible evidence has been presented to India. This was also repeated by their Charge d'Affaires Stewart Wheelers to the press. This is simply not true," the source said.
"From the very beginning, the Canadian approach has been to make vague accusations and put the burden of denial on India," it added.
The sources also rejected attempts by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) to link Indian agents to the Bishnoi gang. At the RCMP press briefing, assertions were made about connections of certain individuals to India. In no case were any specifics provided, the sources said.
There was also talk about holding people accountable. But it was never made clear who and for what, they said.
It is absurd that after intensively engaging the High Commissioner over the last year, the Canadian government now chooses to target him, they said.
The sources also rejected Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's allegations that India was engaging in activities, including carrying out covert operations targeting Canadian nationals in his country. The ties between India and Canada witnessed a major downturn on Monday as India expelled six Canadian diplomats and announced withdrawing its High Commissioner from Canada after dismissing Ottawa's allegations linking the envoy to a probe into the killing of Sikh extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
"Canadian PM Trudeau's press conference yesterday was the same old Trudeau saying the same old things for the same old reasons," said a source.
The sources said the assertions by Canadian officials that Canada presented credible evidence to India in the Nijjar case is simply not true. "The central assertion from all Canadian officials is that credible evidence has been presented to India. This was also repeated by their Charge d'Affaires Stewart Wheelers to the press. This is simply not true," the source said.
"From the very beginning, the Canadian approach has been to make vague accusations and put the burden of denial on India," it added.
The sources also rejected attempts by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) to link Indian agents to the Bishnoi gang. At the RCMP press briefing, assertions were made about connections of certain individuals to India. In no case were any specifics provided, the sources said.
There was also talk about holding people accountable. But it was never made clear who and for what, they said.
It is absurd that after intensively engaging the High Commissioner over the last year, the Canadian government now chooses to target him, they said.
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India inks big-ticket Predator drone deal with US
India on Tuesday inked a mega deal with the US to procure 31 Predator long-endurance drones from American defence major General Atomics under the foreign military sales route.
India is acquiring the drones primarily to crank up the surveillance apparatus of the armed forces, especially along the contested frontier with China.
The procurement of the drones was finalised just weeks ahead of the US presidential elections. The deal, signed in presence of top defence and strategic brass of India in the national capital, marks a significant upswing in military ties between the two countries, officials told PTI.
Last week, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi cleared the procurement of the MQ-9B 'hunter killer' drones. Vivek Lall, the Chief Executive of General Atomics Global Corporation who played a key role in the negotiations on the deal, was present at the signing ceremony.
The drones are being procured at an estimated cost of around USD 4 billion, officials said. In June last year, the Defence Ministry approved the procurement of the MQ-9B Predator armed drones from the US under a government-to-government framework.
The MQ-9B drone is a variant of the MQ-9 "Reaper" which was used to launch a modified version of the Hellfire missile that eliminated al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri in the heart of Kabul in July 2022.
While the Navy will get 15 Sea Guardian drones, the Indian Air Force and the Army will each get eight Sky Guardian drones. The high-altitude long-endurance drones are capable of remaining airborne for over 35 hours and can carry four Hellfire missiles and around 450 kgs of bombs.
The Sea Guardian drones are being procured as they can carry out a variety of roles, including maritime surveillance, anti-submarine warfare and over-the-horizon targeting among others.
India is acquiring the drones primarily to crank up the surveillance apparatus of the armed forces, especially along the contested frontier with China.
The procurement of the drones was finalised just weeks ahead of the US presidential elections. The deal, signed in presence of top defence and strategic brass of India in the national capital, marks a significant upswing in military ties between the two countries, officials told PTI.
Last week, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi cleared the procurement of the MQ-9B 'hunter killer' drones. Vivek Lall, the Chief Executive of General Atomics Global Corporation who played a key role in the negotiations on the deal, was present at the signing ceremony.
The drones are being procured at an estimated cost of around USD 4 billion, officials said. In June last year, the Defence Ministry approved the procurement of the MQ-9B Predator armed drones from the US under a government-to-government framework.
The MQ-9B drone is a variant of the MQ-9 "Reaper" which was used to launch a modified version of the Hellfire missile that eliminated al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri in the heart of Kabul in July 2022.
While the Navy will get 15 Sea Guardian drones, the Indian Air Force and the Army will each get eight Sky Guardian drones. The high-altitude long-endurance drones are capable of remaining airborne for over 35 hours and can carry four Hellfire missiles and around 450 kgs of bombs.
The Sea Guardian drones are being procured as they can carry out a variety of roles, including maritime surveillance, anti-submarine warfare and over-the-horizon targeting among others.
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Several Opposition MPs walk out of joint committee meeting on Waqf Bill
Several Opposition MPs on Tuesday walked out of a meeting of the joint committee on the Waqf Bill, alleging derogatory remarks against them by a BJP member.
Opposition members, including Kalyan Banerjee, Gaurav Gogoi, A Raja, Mohamed Abdulla and Arvind Sawant, stormed out of the meeting of the parliamentary panel, which was hearing a presentation from representatives of the Ministry of Minority Affairs on the Bill. The Opposition members rejoined the meeting after staying away for nearly one hour.
However, BJP members claimed that the Opposition members were abusing the chairman of the committee Jagadambika Pal.
This is the second consecutive day when Opposition members have walked out of the meeting following differences.
Opposition members, including Kalyan Banerjee, Gaurav Gogoi, A Raja, Mohamed Abdulla and Arvind Sawant, stormed out of the meeting of the parliamentary panel, which was hearing a presentation from representatives of the Ministry of Minority Affairs on the Bill. The Opposition members rejoined the meeting after staying away for nearly one hour.
However, BJP members claimed that the Opposition members were abusing the chairman of the committee Jagadambika Pal.
This is the second consecutive day when Opposition members have walked out of the meeting following differences.
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Trigger warning: Threatening language
Baba Siddique killing: Lawrence Bishnoi gang sends Salman Khan a warning
Trigger warning: Threatening language
The Lawrence Bishnoi gang has sent a strongly worded message to Bollywood star Salman Khan after the murder of Baba Siddique.
According to reports, a Facebook post from Bishnoi’s alleged aide Shubham Lonkar has linked Siddique’s murder to the death of Anuj Thapan, the man who died by suicide while in custody for opening fire outside Khan’s apartment. “Salman Khan, we did not want this war but you made our brother lose his life. Today the pool of decency of Baba Siddique is closed or at one time he was under MCOCA (Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act) with Dawood. The reason for his death was his links to Dawood and Anuj Thapan in Bollywood, politics, and property dealings,” read the post.
“We have no personal enmity with anyone. However, anyone who helps Salman Khan or the Dawood gang should be prepared. If anyone gets any of our brothers killed, we will respond. We never strike first. Jai Shri Ram, Jai Bharat, salute to the martyrs,” the post further read.
The Lawrence Bishnoi gang has sent a strongly worded message to Bollywood star Salman Khan after the murder of Baba Siddique.
According to reports, a Facebook post from Bishnoi’s alleged aide Shubham Lonkar has linked Siddique’s murder to the death of Anuj Thapan, the man who died by suicide while in custody for opening fire outside Khan’s apartment. “Salman Khan, we did not want this war but you made our brother lose his life. Today the pool of decency of Baba Siddique is closed or at one time he was under MCOCA (Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act) with Dawood. The reason for his death was his links to Dawood and Anuj Thapan in Bollywood, politics, and property dealings,” read the post.
“We have no personal enmity with anyone. However, anyone who helps Salman Khan or the Dawood gang should be prepared. If anyone gets any of our brothers killed, we will respond. We never strike first. Jai Shri Ram, Jai Bharat, salute to the martyrs,” the post further read.
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Sports
New Zealand pacer Ben Sears ruled out of India tour due to knee injury
New Zealand right-arm pacer Ben Sears has been ruled out of the upcoming three-Test series against India due to a knee injury.
The opening Test begins in Bengaluru on Wednesday.
Sears's departure to India was delayed after he experienced pain in his left knee during New Zealand’s recent tour of Sri Lanka. Scans back home revealed a tear to his meniscus, prompting medical consultations in hopes he could be cleared to play.
“However, following the medical advice, the decision was made to rule him out of the series. A plan on the best course of treatment and rehabilitation for the injury will be advised in due course,” New Zealand Cricket said.
Jacob Duffy has been called in as his replacement and the uncapped 30-year-old right-arm fast bowler will leave for India on Wednesday.
The opening Test begins in Bengaluru on Wednesday.
Sears's departure to India was delayed after he experienced pain in his left knee during New Zealand’s recent tour of Sri Lanka. Scans back home revealed a tear to his meniscus, prompting medical consultations in hopes he could be cleared to play.
“However, following the medical advice, the decision was made to rule him out of the series. A plan on the best course of treatment and rehabilitation for the injury will be advised in due course,” New Zealand Cricket said.
Jacob Duffy has been called in as his replacement and the uncapped 30-year-old right-arm fast bowler will leave for India on Wednesday.
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BCCI scraps Impact Player rule for domestic T20 tourney after retaining it for IPL
The BCCI has decided to scrap the contentious Impact Player rule for the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy.
The Impact Player concept was introduced in SMAT couple of years ago and was later extended to the Indian Premier League. The BCCI's decision to do away with the Impact Player comes shortly after it decided to retain the rule in the IPL till 2027.
With record 250 plus total seen in the IPL this year, the Impact Player experiment was questioned by many including India skipper Rohit Sharma.
However most of the IPL franchises were in favour of the rule. Rohit had felt that it was holding back the development of all-rounders.
"I generally feel that it is going to hold back (development of allrounders) because eventually cricket is played by 11 players, not 12 players. I'm not a big fan of impact player. You are taking out so much from the game just to make it little entertainment for the people around," Rohit said on the Club Prairie Podcast.
The Impact Player concept was introduced in SMAT couple of years ago and was later extended to the Indian Premier League. The BCCI's decision to do away with the Impact Player comes shortly after it decided to retain the rule in the IPL till 2027.
With record 250 plus total seen in the IPL this year, the Impact Player experiment was questioned by many including India skipper Rohit Sharma.
However most of the IPL franchises were in favour of the rule. Rohit had felt that it was holding back the development of all-rounders.
"I generally feel that it is going to hold back (development of allrounders) because eventually cricket is played by 11 players, not 12 players. I'm not a big fan of impact player. You are taking out so much from the game just to make it little entertainment for the people around," Rohit said on the Club Prairie Podcast.
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Bengaluru Test: Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal look to continue good form
Long read
Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill, the torchbearers of India's transition phase, will have to be the team's driving force in its quest to lord over an unsettled New Zealand when the two sides square off in a three-Test series, beginning in Bengaluru on Wednesday.
The baton has not been completely passed, but Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are certainly running their last lap and these two young superstars will have to show that they can carry forward the legacy of the titans. Since a productive series against England earlier this year, Gill is now more familiar and comfortable with the rigours of Test cricket.
His last 10 innings contain three hundreds and two fifties, while Jaiswal's last eight outings in Test cricket feature a 214 and five fifties.
Those numbers are not to be scoffed at. But at the same time, it is important for them to build on the foundation through this series, a precursor to the much tougher journey to Australia next month. Gill seems to have sorted his issues with the in-coming deliveries from pacers, but a trace of the old failing still remains.
In Chennai, Bangladesh pacer Hasan Mahamud troubled him with nip-backers before eventually grabbing his wicket.
Similarly, Jaiswal has a penchant to go for expansive shots against pace bowlers to get dismissed, evidenced by his three dismissals recently against Bangladesh quicks. In all, the left-hander has fallen to pacers 12 times in 20 innings, and he would want a better record before facing a clutch of top-class Australian pacers.
While these concerns are not deeply rooted, they serve as cautionary points against a New Zealand attack that has capable hands in pacers Matt Henry, William O'Rourke and the experienced Tim Southee, if he gets to play here after a sharp decline in his form.
There is another angle to the emergence of Jaiswal and Gill as the pillars of the Indian line-up, as Kohli and Rohit have not precisely set the field ablaze. Rohit, who has played 15 innings this year, has made two hundreds but managed only one fifty in the remaining 13, totaling 497 runs in eight Tests at just over 35.
Kohli, 53 runs shy of 9,000 Test runs, has not made even a fifty in six innings this year, and while Rohit often perishes in his attempt to grab the momentum, his colleague offers a much more curious case.
The 35-year-old Kohli has not been able to convert the two starts he got this year, ending up with 46 (vs SA) and 47 (vs Bangladesh), stirring the uncomfortable memories of that great slump between 2019 and 2023. The master batter will also have to keep an eye on New Zealand left-arm spinners – Ajaz Patel and Rachin Ravindra – the tribe which has been a thorn in his flesh in the past.
It has been a while since these two stalwarts embossed their mark across a full series, and a nervy New Zealand could be their golden chance to do so.
India has only minor concerns, but New Zealand's troubles across batting and bowling departments are more pronounced. Their batsmen struggled copiously against Sri Lankan spinners recently while losing an away series 0-2, and here they will have to negate two modern-day greats in Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja.
They took 20 wickets together against Bangladesh and with the Chinnaswamy Stadium pitch expected to give some assistance to spinners, the veterans might be itching to have a bowl here.
Besides the duo, the Kiwis will have to contend with the genius of Jasprit Bumrah, who rattled Bangladesh by picking up 11 wickets across two Tests. If they persist with the combination from the last series, Akash Deep will be the third pacer behind Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj.
The weather is expected to be gloomy over the course of the Test match, and there could be some delayed starts and truncated sessions. The management will take into account the fact that New Zealand, who have already lost Kane Williamson to an injury, were put through the wringer by Lankan spinners recently.
In another blow, right-arm pacer Ben Sears has been ruled out of the series due to a knee injury. An uncapped Jacob Duffy, who has played six ODIs and 14 T20Is, has been brought into the squad.
Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill, the torchbearers of India's transition phase, will have to be the team's driving force in its quest to lord over an unsettled New Zealand when the two sides square off in a three-Test series, beginning in Bengaluru on Wednesday.
The baton has not been completely passed, but Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are certainly running their last lap and these two young superstars will have to show that they can carry forward the legacy of the titans. Since a productive series against England earlier this year, Gill is now more familiar and comfortable with the rigours of Test cricket.
His last 10 innings contain three hundreds and two fifties, while Jaiswal's last eight outings in Test cricket feature a 214 and five fifties.
Those numbers are not to be scoffed at. But at the same time, it is important for them to build on the foundation through this series, a precursor to the much tougher journey to Australia next month. Gill seems to have sorted his issues with the in-coming deliveries from pacers, but a trace of the old failing still remains.
In Chennai, Bangladesh pacer Hasan Mahamud troubled him with nip-backers before eventually grabbing his wicket.
Similarly, Jaiswal has a penchant to go for expansive shots against pace bowlers to get dismissed, evidenced by his three dismissals recently against Bangladesh quicks. In all, the left-hander has fallen to pacers 12 times in 20 innings, and he would want a better record before facing a clutch of top-class Australian pacers.
While these concerns are not deeply rooted, they serve as cautionary points against a New Zealand attack that has capable hands in pacers Matt Henry, William O'Rourke and the experienced Tim Southee, if he gets to play here after a sharp decline in his form.
There is another angle to the emergence of Jaiswal and Gill as the pillars of the Indian line-up, as Kohli and Rohit have not precisely set the field ablaze. Rohit, who has played 15 innings this year, has made two hundreds but managed only one fifty in the remaining 13, totaling 497 runs in eight Tests at just over 35.
Kohli, 53 runs shy of 9,000 Test runs, has not made even a fifty in six innings this year, and while Rohit often perishes in his attempt to grab the momentum, his colleague offers a much more curious case.
The 35-year-old Kohli has not been able to convert the two starts he got this year, ending up with 46 (vs SA) and 47 (vs Bangladesh), stirring the uncomfortable memories of that great slump between 2019 and 2023. The master batter will also have to keep an eye on New Zealand left-arm spinners – Ajaz Patel and Rachin Ravindra – the tribe which has been a thorn in his flesh in the past.
It has been a while since these two stalwarts embossed their mark across a full series, and a nervy New Zealand could be their golden chance to do so.
India has only minor concerns, but New Zealand's troubles across batting and bowling departments are more pronounced. Their batsmen struggled copiously against Sri Lankan spinners recently while losing an away series 0-2, and here they will have to negate two modern-day greats in Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja.
They took 20 wickets together against Bangladesh and with the Chinnaswamy Stadium pitch expected to give some assistance to spinners, the veterans might be itching to have a bowl here.
Besides the duo, the Kiwis will have to contend with the genius of Jasprit Bumrah, who rattled Bangladesh by picking up 11 wickets across two Tests. If they persist with the combination from the last series, Akash Deep will be the third pacer behind Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj.
The weather is expected to be gloomy over the course of the Test match, and there could be some delayed starts and truncated sessions. The management will take into account the fact that New Zealand, who have already lost Kane Williamson to an injury, were put through the wringer by Lankan spinners recently.
In another blow, right-arm pacer Ben Sears has been ruled out of the series due to a knee injury. An uncapped Jacob Duffy, who has played six ODIs and 14 T20Is, has been brought into the squad.
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Udita Duhan attracts highest bid in first half of Hockey India League women's auction
Indian defender Udita Duhan emerged as the costliest buy in the first half of the Hockey India League women's auction after she was acquired by Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers for Rs 32 lakh on Tuesday.
Dutch star drag-flicker Yibbi Janssen was the second most expensive player and was bought by Odisha Warriors for Rs 29 lakh. Indian players Lalremsiami (for Rs 25 lakh to Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers), Sunelita Toppo (for Rs 24 lakh to Delhi SG Pipers), and Sangita Kumari (for Rs 22 lakh to Delhi SG Pipers) attracted significant attention in the first half of the auction.
Several overseas players, including Belgium's Charlotte Englebert (for Rs 16 lakh to Soorma Hockey Club), Germany's Charlotte Stapenhorst (for Rs 16 lakh to Soorma Hockey Club), and Australia's Jocelyn Bartram (for Rs 15 lakh to Odisha Warriors) were the notable buys.
Veteran India striker Vandana Katariya fetched Rs 10.5 lakh from Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers.
Dutch star drag-flicker Yibbi Janssen was the second most expensive player and was bought by Odisha Warriors for Rs 29 lakh. Indian players Lalremsiami (for Rs 25 lakh to Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers), Sunelita Toppo (for Rs 24 lakh to Delhi SG Pipers), and Sangita Kumari (for Rs 22 lakh to Delhi SG Pipers) attracted significant attention in the first half of the auction.
Several overseas players, including Belgium's Charlotte Englebert (for Rs 16 lakh to Soorma Hockey Club), Germany's Charlotte Stapenhorst (for Rs 16 lakh to Soorma Hockey Club), and Australia's Jocelyn Bartram (for Rs 15 lakh to Odisha Warriors) were the notable buys.
Veteran India striker Vandana Katariya fetched Rs 10.5 lakh from Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers.
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India eliminated from Women's T20 World Cup
India were eliminated from the Women's T20 World Cup after New Zealand scripted a commanding 54-run victory over Pakistan in Dubai on Monday to reach the semifinals for the first time since the 2016 edition.
India's only chance to make the semifinals depended on a Pakistan win with an inferior Net Run-rate compared to theirs.
Pakistan were very much in the game after restricting New Zealand to a meagre 110 for six in 20 overs. However, Pakistan's batting crumbled badly as they were shot out for 56 in just 11.4 overs as White Ferns entered the semifinals with three wins from four games in Group A.
Australia topped the group with eight points while New Zealand came second with six points. The loss to New Zealand in their tournament opener effectively cost India a place in the last four.
India's only chance to make the semifinals depended on a Pakistan win with an inferior Net Run-rate compared to theirs.
Pakistan were very much in the game after restricting New Zealand to a meagre 110 for six in 20 overs. However, Pakistan's batting crumbled badly as they were shot out for 56 in just 11.4 overs as White Ferns entered the semifinals with three wins from four games in Group A.
Australia topped the group with eight points while New Zealand came second with six points. The loss to New Zealand in their tournament opener effectively cost India a place in the last four.
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State
Trigger Warning: Mention of sexual abuse
Actor Jayasurya appears for questioning in sexual abuse case
Trigger Warning: Mention of sexual abuse
Actor Jayasurya appeared before the police in Thiruvananthapuram for questioning related to a sexual abuse case registered against him.
The complaint was lodged by a female actor, who alleges that she was insulted during a film shoot at the Secretariat.
After the questioning at the Cantonment police station, Jayasurya spoke to the media, firmly denying all allegations against him. He claimed that he is a "living martyr" to the false nature of such accusations. The FIR against the actor was registered on August 28 under section 354 (assault or criminal force on woman with intent to outrage her modesty) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) at Cantonment police station.
She had levelled sexual abuse allegations against prominent actors M Mukesh, who is also an MLA, Jayasurya and Maniyanpilla Raju, as well as small-time actor Idavela Babu, who held a prominent role in the actors’ association, AMMA.
Actor Jayasurya appeared before the police in Thiruvananthapuram for questioning related to a sexual abuse case registered against him.
The complaint was lodged by a female actor, who alleges that she was insulted during a film shoot at the Secretariat.
After the questioning at the Cantonment police station, Jayasurya spoke to the media, firmly denying all allegations against him. He claimed that he is a "living martyr" to the false nature of such accusations. The FIR against the actor was registered on August 28 under section 354 (assault or criminal force on woman with intent to outrage her modesty) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) at Cantonment police station.
She had levelled sexual abuse allegations against prominent actors M Mukesh, who is also an MLA, Jayasurya and Maniyanpilla Raju, as well as small-time actor Idavela Babu, who held a prominent role in the actors’ association, AMMA.
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Seven Governor-appointed MLCs sworn in ahead of Maharashtra polls announcement
Hours before the announcement of the Maharashtra Assembly elections, seven members of the state legislative council, appointed by the Governor, were administered the oath of secrecy on Tuesday.
Of the seven new MLCs, the BJP has nominated three, while Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's NCP have two members each.
The Governor can appoint 12 candidates as MLCs with a tenure of six years, and they are appointed from different walks of life. On Monday, the state cabinet cleared seven out of 12 names and received approval from Governor C P Radhakrishnan. With his approval, the state government held its swearing-in ceremony at the Vidhan Bhavan.
The remaining five posts are left vacant.
Shinde rehabilitated former Lok Sabha MP Hemant Patil and former MLC Manisha Kayande, while the BJP chose Dharmaguru Babusingh Maharaj Rathod, Chitra Wagh, and Vikrant Patil. Rathod heads Washim-based Poharadevi Sansthan, a prominent organisation of the Gor Banjara community. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the same temple a few weeks back.
Wagh is the state president of the saffron party's women's wing, and Vikrant Patil is the state general secretary.
The NCP chose Pankaj Bhujbal, the son of state cabinet minister Chhagan Bhujbal, and former mayor Sangli, Miraj Kupwad municipal corporation Idris Naikwadi. Earlier in the day, the state government informed the Bombay High Court that there was no impediment in the appointment of seven MLCs.
The total capacity of the Maharashtra Legislative Council is 78.
Of the seven new MLCs, the BJP has nominated three, while Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's NCP have two members each.
The Governor can appoint 12 candidates as MLCs with a tenure of six years, and they are appointed from different walks of life. On Monday, the state cabinet cleared seven out of 12 names and received approval from Governor C P Radhakrishnan. With his approval, the state government held its swearing-in ceremony at the Vidhan Bhavan.
The remaining five posts are left vacant.
Shinde rehabilitated former Lok Sabha MP Hemant Patil and former MLC Manisha Kayande, while the BJP chose Dharmaguru Babusingh Maharaj Rathod, Chitra Wagh, and Vikrant Patil. Rathod heads Washim-based Poharadevi Sansthan, a prominent organisation of the Gor Banjara community. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the same temple a few weeks back.
Wagh is the state president of the saffron party's women's wing, and Vikrant Patil is the state general secretary.
The NCP chose Pankaj Bhujbal, the son of state cabinet minister Chhagan Bhujbal, and former mayor Sangli, Miraj Kupwad municipal corporation Idris Naikwadi. Earlier in the day, the state government informed the Bombay High Court that there was no impediment in the appointment of seven MLCs.
The total capacity of the Maharashtra Legislative Council is 78.
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One more person arrested in Baba Siddique murder case
The Mumbai police have arrested one more person in connection with the killing of NCP leader and former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddique, officials said on Tuesday.
The accused has been identified as Harishkumar Balakram (23), hailing from Bahraich in Uttar Pradesh, an official said.
Balakram was working as a scrap dealer in Pune, he said, adding the accused was also part of the conspiracy to kill Siddique. With this, four persons have so far been arrested in connection with Siddique's killing.
Police had earlier arrested Haryana resident Gurmail Baljit Singh (23), Uttar Pradesh native Dharmaraj Rajesh Kashyap (19), both alleged shooters, and "co-conspirator" Pravin Lonkar from Pune.
Another suspected shooter Shivkumar Gautam, who hails from Bahraich, is on the run.
The accused has been identified as Harishkumar Balakram (23), hailing from Bahraich in Uttar Pradesh, an official said.
Balakram was working as a scrap dealer in Pune, he said, adding the accused was also part of the conspiracy to kill Siddique. With this, four persons have so far been arrested in connection with Siddique's killing.
Police had earlier arrested Haryana resident Gurmail Baljit Singh (23), Uttar Pradesh native Dharmaraj Rajesh Kashyap (19), both alleged shooters, and "co-conspirator" Pravin Lonkar from Pune.
Another suspected shooter Shivkumar Gautam, who hails from Bahraich, is on the run.
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No toll for cars, SUVs entering Mumbai: Eknath Shinde
The Maharashtra government announced a complete toll waiver for cars at all five toll booths in Mumbai. The toll waiver will bring relief to people travelling in and out of Mumbai via Dahisar, LBS Road-Mulund, Eastern Express Highway-Mulund, Airoli Creek Bridge and Vashi.
The waiver, effective midnight, is being seen as a way to impress the middle class ahead of the upcoming state elections.
The waiver, effective midnight, is being seen as a way to impress the middle class ahead of the upcoming state elections.
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Weather
Southwest monsoon withdraws from entire India
The southwest monsoon has completely withdrawn from the country and the northeast monsoon has begun over southeast peninsular India, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Tuesday.
This year, the southwest monsoon reached Kerala on May 30 and covered the entire country by July 2. It began its retreat from northwest India on September 23. Typically, the southwest monsoon arrives in Kerala by June 1 and covers the country by July 8, with its withdrawal from northwest India starting around September 17 and completing by October 15.
"Today, the southwest monsoon has withdrawn from the entire country. Simultaneously, northeast monsoon rainfall activity has commenced over southeast peninsular India," the IMD said in a statement. The country recorded 934.8 mm of rainfall compared to the normal of 868.6 mm - the highest since 2020 - in the monsoon season this year.
Intense low-pressure systems, especially in August and September, resulted in 8% more rainfall than usual in India during the 2024 monsoon season, according to the weather department.
The rainfall was 2% higher than normal in June and July, while August and September saw 12% above normal rains.
This year, the southwest monsoon reached Kerala on May 30 and covered the entire country by July 2. It began its retreat from northwest India on September 23. Typically, the southwest monsoon arrives in Kerala by June 1 and covers the country by July 8, with its withdrawal from northwest India starting around September 17 and completing by October 15.
"Today, the southwest monsoon has withdrawn from the entire country. Simultaneously, northeast monsoon rainfall activity has commenced over southeast peninsular India," the IMD said in a statement. The country recorded 934.8 mm of rainfall compared to the normal of 868.6 mm - the highest since 2020 - in the monsoon season this year.
Intense low-pressure systems, especially in August and September, resulted in 8% more rainfall than usual in India during the 2024 monsoon season, according to the weather department.
The rainfall was 2% higher than normal in June and July, while August and September saw 12% above normal rains.
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Schools closed, emergency measures in place as Chennai braces for heavy rain
The Indian Met Department has issued an orange alert for today and October 17 in various parts of Tamil Nadu and a red alert for October 16.
Chief Minister M K Stalin has declared a holiday for schools and colleges in Chennai and surrounding districts for Tuesday, with further instructions for employees in the IT sector to work from home between October 15 and 18. The extremely heavy rainfall warning has been issued due to an emerging low-pressure system over the southeast Bay of Bengal.
Chennai, along with the other north Tamil Nadu districts — Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, and Tiruvallur — are expected to receive up to 20 cm of rain in the next few days.
Chief Minister M K Stalin has declared a holiday for schools and colleges in Chennai and surrounding districts for Tuesday, with further instructions for employees in the IT sector to work from home between October 15 and 18. The extremely heavy rainfall warning has been issued due to an emerging low-pressure system over the southeast Bay of Bengal.
Chennai, along with the other north Tamil Nadu districts — Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, and Tiruvallur — are expected to receive up to 20 cm of rain in the next few days.
Yesterday | Search on Google News | Link
Wildlife
Gandhisagar Sanctuary to introduce cheetahs: Mandsaur collector
Cheetahs will soon be introduced to the Gandhisagar Sanctuary, as a part of efforts to boost tourism in the region, Mandsaur Collector Aditi Garg announced.
This will make it the second such site in India after Kuno to have cheetahs, Garg told PTI.
This will make it the second such site in India after Kuno to have cheetahs, Garg told PTI.
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❖ - Syndicated news, primarily from PTI
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