At least 12 people were admitted to a hospital for suspected food poisoning in the last two days after they ate a chicken shawarma from a street food vendor in Goregaon area of Mumbai, a civic official said on Sunday.
He said nine of the 12 people have been discharged from the hospital while three others are recuperating.
The incident occurred at Satellite Tower in Santosh Nagar area of Goregaon (East) on Friday, he said.
Beatroot News: Text-only
City
12 hospitalised after eating chicken shawarma in Mumbai; 9 discharged
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Crime
MCOCA slapped against all six accused in firing outside Salman Khan’s home case
Mumbai police on Saturday invoked provisions of the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) in the April 14 firing incident outside actor Salman Khan's home in Bandra in the metropolis, an official said.
MCOCA provisions have been invoked against alleged shooters Vicky Gupta (24) and Sagar Pal (21) as well as Sonu Kumar Chander Bishnoi (37) and Anuj Thapan (32), who are accused of supplying two firearms and bullets, and gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and his brother Anmol Bishnoi, who are shown as wanted accused. Gupta and Pal, both residents of Bihar, were held from Kutch in Gujarat on April 16, while Sonu Bishnoi and Thapan were held from Punjab on April 25.
Anmol Bishnoi, who stays in Canada and travels to USA, had claimed responsibility for the firing through a Facebook post, though its IP address was traced to Portugal, as per police.
Lawrence Bishnoi, accused of several crimes, is currently lodged in a jail in Sabarmati in Gujarat.
MCOCA provisions have been invoked against alleged shooters Vicky Gupta (24) and Sagar Pal (21) as well as Sonu Kumar Chander Bishnoi (37) and Anuj Thapan (32), who are accused of supplying two firearms and bullets, and gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and his brother Anmol Bishnoi, who are shown as wanted accused. Gupta and Pal, both residents of Bihar, were held from Kutch in Gujarat on April 16, while Sonu Bishnoi and Thapan were held from Punjab on April 25.
Anmol Bishnoi, who stays in Canada and travels to USA, had claimed responsibility for the firing through a Facebook post, though its IP address was traced to Portugal, as per police.
Lawrence Bishnoi, accused of several crimes, is currently lodged in a jail in Sabarmati in Gujarat.
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Election
Congress workers protest near Kanhaiya Kumar's office; demand local candidate
A group of Congress workers on Sunday held a protest near the office of party’s North East Delhi’s candidate for Lok Sabha polls Kanhaiya Kumar, demanding a local person to be nominated from the seat. The protest was held near the Maujpur metro station.
Navdeep Sharma, one of the protesters, said they want a local candidate from the seat. "We want our own candidate or leader to fight, otherwise, we should have a meeting so that we can express our feelings with the high command. We need a local candidate from among us; we don't want an outsider. Our dissatisfaction is not with anyone; we don't have any problem with anyone,” Sharma told PTI.
He added if there is an outsider candidate, their local politics will be neglected. Another protester said that they had raised objections earlier, but their voices were allegedly not heard, so now they have taken to the streets as they don't like Kanhaiya Kumar.
Candidates like Arvinder Singh Lovely, Sandeep Dikshit etc should be given the ticket because they understand the local problems, he said.
When asked about the development, Kumar said, “I don’t know. I don’t have any information. Let me gather information from the party and then I will tell you.”
Navdeep Sharma, one of the protesters, said they want a local candidate from the seat. "We want our own candidate or leader to fight, otherwise, we should have a meeting so that we can express our feelings with the high command. We need a local candidate from among us; we don't want an outsider. Our dissatisfaction is not with anyone; we don't have any problem with anyone,” Sharma told PTI.
He added if there is an outsider candidate, their local politics will be neglected. Another protester said that they had raised objections earlier, but their voices were allegedly not heard, so now they have taken to the streets as they don't like Kanhaiya Kumar.
Candidates like Arvinder Singh Lovely, Sandeep Dikshit etc should be given the ticket because they understand the local problems, he said.
When asked about the development, Kumar said, “I don’t know. I don’t have any information. Let me gather information from the party and then I will tell you.”
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Election Commission asks AAP to modify election campaign song
The AAP on Sunday claimed the Election Commission has "banned" its Lok Sabha campaign song "Jail Ka Jawab, Vote Se Denge", but officials of the Delhi poll body said AAP was asked to modify the contents of the song since it violated EC's guidelines and advertising codes.
The over two-minute campaign song, penned and sung by AAP MLA Dilip Pandey, was released at the party headquarters on Thursday. In a statement, the Delhi Chief Electoral Office said the Media Pre Certification Committee headed by Delhi's joint chief electoral officer made certain observations about the advertisement in line with guidelines of the Election Commission. The statement added the party can file an appeal before the state-level Media Certification and Monitoring Committee.
Earlier, the Delhi poll panel said certain images and phrases are "slanderous" remarks and "criticism of the ruling party on the basis of unverified facts" and also cast aspersions on the judiciary and police. Addressing a press conference, AAP senior leader Atishi accused the Election Commission of becoming a "political weapon of the BJP" and turning a blind eye to its violations.
She also asserted that the campaign song does not mention the BJP and does not violate the Model Code of Conduct.
The over two-minute campaign song, penned and sung by AAP MLA Dilip Pandey, was released at the party headquarters on Thursday. In a statement, the Delhi Chief Electoral Office said the Media Pre Certification Committee headed by Delhi's joint chief electoral officer made certain observations about the advertisement in line with guidelines of the Election Commission. The statement added the party can file an appeal before the state-level Media Certification and Monitoring Committee.
Earlier, the Delhi poll panel said certain images and phrases are "slanderous" remarks and "criticism of the ruling party on the basis of unverified facts" and also cast aspersions on the judiciary and police. Addressing a press conference, AAP senior leader Atishi accused the Election Commission of becoming a "political weapon of the BJP" and turning a blind eye to its violations.
She also asserted that the campaign song does not mention the BJP and does not violate the Model Code of Conduct.
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Chandrababu Naidu's schemes impossible to implement: Jagan Mohan Reddy
YSRCP chief and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy on Sunday claimed that TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu is making promises about schemes that are impossible to implement.
He was referring to the proposed schemes of the TDP, including providing free bus travel for women, three free cooking gas cylinders to every household per year, Rs 15,000 to every school-going child per annum, and Rs 20,000 annual financial assistance to every farmer. Reddy was speaking at Tadipatri in Anantapur district during a public meeting on the first day of his four-day election campaign tour across the state.
"Chandrababu Naidu is coming back with his lies and fake promises. We (YSRCP) have fulfilled the manifesto promises by treating it as a holy book. It will be etched in history that your child (Jagan) has pressed the DBT button 130 times, disbursing over Rs 2.70 lakh crore directly into the accounts of beneficiaries," said Reddy. The chief minister underscored that the forthcoming elections to the 175 State Assembly seats and the 25 Lok Sabha seats, being held simultaneously on May 13, are not just to elect MPs and MLAs but to continue welfare schemes that will change the lives of the poor in the next five years.
According to Reddy, all the existing schemes will continue if YSRCP is voted back to power and warned that they will get discontinued if TDP, a constituent of the NDA, captures power. Reddy said that over 2.31 lakh government jobs were provided during the YSRCP government. He also noted that doorstep delivery of services were offered with the help of volunteers and secretariat systems.
Further, he highlighted various measures implemented during his tenure such as renovating government schools, village clinics, doorstep delivery of health services and financial assistance "without corruption".
He also listed out several other schemes that were introduced in the past five years.
He was referring to the proposed schemes of the TDP, including providing free bus travel for women, three free cooking gas cylinders to every household per year, Rs 15,000 to every school-going child per annum, and Rs 20,000 annual financial assistance to every farmer. Reddy was speaking at Tadipatri in Anantapur district during a public meeting on the first day of his four-day election campaign tour across the state.
"Chandrababu Naidu is coming back with his lies and fake promises. We (YSRCP) have fulfilled the manifesto promises by treating it as a holy book. It will be etched in history that your child (Jagan) has pressed the DBT button 130 times, disbursing over Rs 2.70 lakh crore directly into the accounts of beneficiaries," said Reddy. The chief minister underscored that the forthcoming elections to the 175 State Assembly seats and the 25 Lok Sabha seats, being held simultaneously on May 13, are not just to elect MPs and MLAs but to continue welfare schemes that will change the lives of the poor in the next five years.
According to Reddy, all the existing schemes will continue if YSRCP is voted back to power and warned that they will get discontinued if TDP, a constituent of the NDA, captures power. Reddy said that over 2.31 lakh government jobs were provided during the YSRCP government. He also noted that doorstep delivery of services were offered with the help of volunteers and secretariat systems.
Further, he highlighted various measures implemented during his tenure such as renovating government schools, village clinics, doorstep delivery of health services and financial assistance "without corruption".
He also listed out several other schemes that were introduced in the past five years.
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Just 8% women candidates contested first two phases of Lok Sabha polls
Women constituted only 8% of the total 2,823 candidates in the first two phases of the Lok Sabha elections, with political activists saying it reflects a deeper issue of gender bias and that talk of women's empowerment rings hollow.
There were 135 women candidates in the first phase of the elections and 100 in the second phase, bringing the combined total for the first two phases to 235. In the first phase of the elections on April 19, there total number of candidates in the fray was 1,625. In the second phase held on April 26, 1,198 candidates contested the elections.
Of the 135 women candidates in the first phase, Tamil Nadu had the highest share at 76. However, that figure accounted for just 8 per cent of the total candidates in the state. Kerala had the maximum number of women candidates at 24 in the second phase. Party wise, the Congress fielded 44 women in the two phases and the BJP 69.
This significant gender imbalance has sparked criticism from political analysts and activists, who asked why parties are waiting for the Women Reservation Act to be implemented instead of proactively fielding women. Dr Sushila Ramaswamy, an associate professor at Delhi University's Jesus and Mary College, said political parties should take concrete steps to promote women's candidacy.
"Political parties should have been more proactive and fielded more women candidates," she underscored, citing the effectiveness of seat reservations for women within party structures, as seen in the UK's Labour Party.
There were 135 women candidates in the first phase of the elections and 100 in the second phase, bringing the combined total for the first two phases to 235. In the first phase of the elections on April 19, there total number of candidates in the fray was 1,625. In the second phase held on April 26, 1,198 candidates contested the elections.
Of the 135 women candidates in the first phase, Tamil Nadu had the highest share at 76. However, that figure accounted for just 8 per cent of the total candidates in the state. Kerala had the maximum number of women candidates at 24 in the second phase. Party wise, the Congress fielded 44 women in the two phases and the BJP 69.
This significant gender imbalance has sparked criticism from political analysts and activists, who asked why parties are waiting for the Women Reservation Act to be implemented instead of proactively fielding women. Dr Sushila Ramaswamy, an associate professor at Delhi University's Jesus and Mary College, said political parties should take concrete steps to promote women's candidacy.
"Political parties should have been more proactive and fielded more women candidates," she underscored, citing the effectiveness of seat reservations for women within party structures, as seen in the UK's Labour Party.
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Congress urges ECI to probe 'terrible mismanagement' of Lok Sabha polls in Kerala
The Congress in Kerala on Sunday alleged "terrible mismanagement" of the Lok Sabha polls held in the state on April 26 and urged the Election Commission of India (ECI) to initiate a comprehensive inquiry into it.
In a letter to the ECI, Leader of Opposition in the Kerala Assembly V D Satheesan alleged that the elections in Kerala were "grossly mismanaged," resulting in significant delays in many booths. The Congress leader said that the interval between subsequent votes in many booths saw undue delays, with many voters apparently waiting up to four-and-a-half hours for their turn.
"Many voters returned after standing in line for hours at numerous booths in the blazing heat. Furthermore, some of the voters were unable to vote despite arriving at the polling booth before 6 PM," he said. Satheesan alleged that "grave negligence" on the part of officials was evident in many booths.
"Undoubtedly, the lacklustre attitude of the officials has been a major cause of the drop in voter turnout. Unlike other elections, the EVM malfunction was also profound," he said. The LoP said the polling hours were not extended in booths where voting machines were found to be faulty, and the election arrangements have never been so bad in recent times.
"The voters' list sanitisation process in Kerala was also not meticulously done, as the latest voters list has numerous double votes and obsolete votes. Hence, I request your good self to initiate a comprehensive inquiry into the terrible mismanagement of the Lok Sabha election held in Kerala on April 26, 2024," he said in the letter.
In a letter to the ECI, Leader of Opposition in the Kerala Assembly V D Satheesan alleged that the elections in Kerala were "grossly mismanaged," resulting in significant delays in many booths. The Congress leader said that the interval between subsequent votes in many booths saw undue delays, with many voters apparently waiting up to four-and-a-half hours for their turn.
"Many voters returned after standing in line for hours at numerous booths in the blazing heat. Furthermore, some of the voters were unable to vote despite arriving at the polling booth before 6 PM," he said. Satheesan alleged that "grave negligence" on the part of officials was evident in many booths.
"Undoubtedly, the lacklustre attitude of the officials has been a major cause of the drop in voter turnout. Unlike other elections, the EVM malfunction was also profound," he said. The LoP said the polling hours were not extended in booths where voting machines were found to be faulty, and the election arrangements have never been so bad in recent times.
"The voters' list sanitisation process in Kerala was also not meticulously done, as the latest voters list has numerous double votes and obsolete votes. Hence, I request your good self to initiate a comprehensive inquiry into the terrible mismanagement of the Lok Sabha election held in Kerala on April 26, 2024," he said in the letter.
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Choice between 'those who opened fire at karsevaks and those who built Ram temple', says Amit Shah
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday hit out at the opposition for keeping the Ram temple issue "hanging" and said the public has to choose between "those who opened fire at karsevaks and those who built the Ram temple."
Shah made these remarks at a public rally in support of Rajveer Singh, the BJP candidate from Etah-Kasganj in Uttar Pradesh. Attacking opposition party leaders for not attending the Ram temple consecration ceremony, Shah said, "The people who did not go to the consecration ceremony, they know that they are the people who shot at karsevaks."
He asserted that there are two groups to choose from — "one that fired shots at Ram bhakts and one that built the Ram temple". "The Congress, Rahul 'baba' and the party of Akhilesh Yadav (Samajwadi Party) kept the Ram temple issue hanging for more than 70 years. You made Modi ji the prime minister for a second time and he did 'Jai Shri Ram' by doing the consecration ceremony on January 22," Shah said.
The home minister also alleged that the opposition parties ignored people from backward communities, who were granted their rights by Narendra Modi after he became prime minister. Targeting Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, he said, "Rahul Gandhi says that if the BJP gets 400 seats, it will remove reservation. I want to say that we had a full majority for two terms but Narendra Modi is a supporter of reservation."
"I want to say that it is a Modi guarantee that neither the BJP will remove reservations for SCs (Scheduled Castes), STs (Scheduled Tribes) and OBCs (Other Backward Classes) nor will it allow anyone to do so," Shah said.
Shah made these remarks at a public rally in support of Rajveer Singh, the BJP candidate from Etah-Kasganj in Uttar Pradesh. Attacking opposition party leaders for not attending the Ram temple consecration ceremony, Shah said, "The people who did not go to the consecration ceremony, they know that they are the people who shot at karsevaks."
He asserted that there are two groups to choose from — "one that fired shots at Ram bhakts and one that built the Ram temple". "The Congress, Rahul 'baba' and the party of Akhilesh Yadav (Samajwadi Party) kept the Ram temple issue hanging for more than 70 years. You made Modi ji the prime minister for a second time and he did 'Jai Shri Ram' by doing the consecration ceremony on January 22," Shah said.
The home minister also alleged that the opposition parties ignored people from backward communities, who were granted their rights by Narendra Modi after he became prime minister. Targeting Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, he said, "Rahul Gandhi says that if the BJP gets 400 seats, it will remove reservation. I want to say that we had a full majority for two terms but Narendra Modi is a supporter of reservation."
"I want to say that it is a Modi guarantee that neither the BJP will remove reservations for SCs (Scheduled Castes), STs (Scheduled Tribes) and OBCs (Other Backward Classes) nor will it allow anyone to do so," Shah said.
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Talks with China going on smoothly, India will never bow down: Rajnath Singh
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday said talks between India and China are going smoothly and in a good environment, and India will never bow down.
Singh, who is in Ahmedabad to campaign for BJP candidates contesting the Lok Sabha elections, said India has become a powerful country from a military standpoint and wants to maintain good relations with its neighbours. "India is no longer a weak India. India has also become a powerful country from a military point of view. We want to maintain good relations with our neighbouring countries," the minister said when asked about Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's accusation against the Narendra Modi government over Chinese aggression.
Talks between India and China are going on smoothly and in a good environment over whatever issues there are, he said.
"I understand that we should wait for the outcome of the talks. But I want to assure the countrymen that India has not bowed down anywhere, nor will it ever bow down," he said. Singh also expressed confidence that India's defence exports, which crossed the Rs 21,000 crore mark in the financial 2023-24, will increase going forward.
"In 2014, we exported Rs 600 crore defence items, but now the figure has crossed Rs 21,000 crore, and I can say that it is going to increase," he said. The minister said the Modi government is committed to ensuring that defence items, whether missiles and other weapons, bombs or tanks, should be made in India and by Indians.
"Today, we have achieved defence production worth more than Rs 1 lakh crore," he said.
Singh, who is in Ahmedabad to campaign for BJP candidates contesting the Lok Sabha elections, said India has become a powerful country from a military standpoint and wants to maintain good relations with its neighbours. "India is no longer a weak India. India has also become a powerful country from a military point of view. We want to maintain good relations with our neighbouring countries," the minister said when asked about Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's accusation against the Narendra Modi government over Chinese aggression.
Talks between India and China are going on smoothly and in a good environment over whatever issues there are, he said.
"I understand that we should wait for the outcome of the talks. But I want to assure the countrymen that India has not bowed down anywhere, nor will it ever bow down," he said. Singh also expressed confidence that India's defence exports, which crossed the Rs 21,000 crore mark in the financial 2023-24, will increase going forward.
"In 2014, we exported Rs 600 crore defence items, but now the figure has crossed Rs 21,000 crore, and I can say that it is going to increase," he said. The minister said the Modi government is committed to ensuring that defence items, whether missiles and other weapons, bombs or tanks, should be made in India and by Indians.
"Today, we have achieved defence production worth more than Rs 1 lakh crore," he said.
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India will become world's third largest economy irrespective of who is PM: Chidambaram
Terming Prime Minister Narendra Modi a "master of exaggeration" for "turning an arithmetic inevitability into a guarantee", senior Congress leader P Chidambaram said that India will become the third largest economy in the world no matter who becomes the PM.
The former Union finance minister said India would achieve the feat given the size of its population, and there was "no magic" involved in it, but refrained from allotting a time frame within which the nation would progress to the coveted third place in the global ranking. According to the World Economy Rankings 2024, India, with a GDP of USD 4.8 trillion, is preceded by the United States, China and Japan while currently standing neck and neck with Germany.
Countries like France, Italy, Brazil, Canada and the UK, which also feature in the list of the world's top 10 economies, are below India in their respective ranks. "Narendra Modi is a master of exaggeration. He is turning an arithmetical inevitability into a guarantee. It is inevitable that India will become the third largest economy in the world (in terms of GDP)," Chidambaram told PTI in an interview.
"In 2004, India's GDP was at 12th place. In 2014, it rose to seventh place. In 2024, it was the fifth largest. No matter who the prime minister is, the GDP will become the third largest in the world. There is no magic in it. It is an arithmetic inevitability given the size of our population," he said. Chidambaram, who has served as the Union finance minister four times, however, asserted that the size of the GDP of a country is not the true measure of the prosperity of its people and stressed that per capita income is a more accurate indicator.
"In my view, rather than GDP, per capita income is the true measure of prosperity. But India ranks very low on that global yardstick," he said.
The former Union finance minister said India would achieve the feat given the size of its population, and there was "no magic" involved in it, but refrained from allotting a time frame within which the nation would progress to the coveted third place in the global ranking. According to the World Economy Rankings 2024, India, with a GDP of USD 4.8 trillion, is preceded by the United States, China and Japan while currently standing neck and neck with Germany.
Countries like France, Italy, Brazil, Canada and the UK, which also feature in the list of the world's top 10 economies, are below India in their respective ranks. "Narendra Modi is a master of exaggeration. He is turning an arithmetical inevitability into a guarantee. It is inevitable that India will become the third largest economy in the world (in terms of GDP)," Chidambaram told PTI in an interview.
"In 2004, India's GDP was at 12th place. In 2014, it rose to seventh place. In 2024, it was the fifth largest. No matter who the prime minister is, the GDP will become the third largest in the world. There is no magic in it. It is an arithmetic inevitability given the size of our population," he said. Chidambaram, who has served as the Union finance minister four times, however, asserted that the size of the GDP of a country is not the true measure of the prosperity of its people and stressed that per capita income is a more accurate indicator.
"In my view, rather than GDP, per capita income is the true measure of prosperity. But India ranks very low on that global yardstick," he said.
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BJP seeking 400-plus LS seats to make changes in Constitution: Sharad Pawar
Nationalist Congress Party (SP) chief Sharad Pawar on Sunday said the BJP wants to win 400-plus seats in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls in order to make changes in the Constitution.
Addressing a campaign rally in Pune's Saswad tehsil, which is part of Baramati Lok Sabha constituency, Pawar said this year's general election is different from earlier ones since it will decide "by which method the country will work". "The chief minister of Delhi (Arvind Kejriwal) is put behind bars. They (BJP) are walking on the path of dictatorship and are destroying democracy. Therefore, to save our nation we need to defeat them," he said.
"This Lok Sabha poll is different from earlier ones as it will decide by which method our country will work. The nation should run as a democracy but we are worried. They (BJP) want more than 400 seats to make changes in the Constitution," Pawar claimed. The NCP (SP) has fielded sitting MP and Sharad Pawar's daughter Supriya Sule from Baramati. She is up against Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's wife Sunetra Pawar.
"Wherever I go I can see man blowing turha symbol. Vote for Supriya Sule and make her victorious with a huge margin. We will strive for development and welfare of people," the opposition stalwart said.
Addressing a campaign rally in Pune's Saswad tehsil, which is part of Baramati Lok Sabha constituency, Pawar said this year's general election is different from earlier ones since it will decide "by which method the country will work". "The chief minister of Delhi (Arvind Kejriwal) is put behind bars. They (BJP) are walking on the path of dictatorship and are destroying democracy. Therefore, to save our nation we need to defeat them," he said.
"This Lok Sabha poll is different from earlier ones as it will decide by which method our country will work. The nation should run as a democracy but we are worried. They (BJP) want more than 400 seats to make changes in the Constitution," Pawar claimed. The NCP (SP) has fielded sitting MP and Sharad Pawar's daughter Supriya Sule from Baramati. She is up against Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's wife Sunetra Pawar.
"Wherever I go I can see man blowing turha symbol. Vote for Supriya Sule and make her victorious with a huge margin. We will strive for development and welfare of people," the opposition stalwart said.
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'Shehzada' insulted Maharajas but silent on atrocities by Nawabs: PM's attack on Rahul Gandhi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of insulting India's Rajas and Maharajas, but remaining silent on the atrocities committed by Nawabs, Nizams, Sultans and Badshahs for the sake of appeasement politics.
He also continued his attack against the Congress on the "inheritance tax" issue and targeted the party's government in Karnataka on law and order issue. The BJP is working on increasing the assets of the people, but Congress' shahzada (Rahul Gandhi) and his sister (Priyanka Gandhi Vadra), both are announcing that if they come to power, they will do the 'X-ray' of the country, Modi said.
"They will x-ray your property, bank lockers, lands, vehicles, also 'Streedhan' and ornaments of women, gold, the Mangalsutra. These people will raid every house and capture your assets. After capturing they are talking about redistributing it, they want it to give it to their loved vote bank...will you allow this loot to happen?" he asked.
"I want to alert Congress," Modi said, asserting that "leave this intention. Until Modi is alive, I will not allow it... " Addressing a mega public meeting in Belagavi, Karnataka, he said, "Congress has ensured the writings of our history and our freedom struggle with an eye on appeasement and vote bank. Even today, the Congress' shehzada (prince) is carrying forward that sin. You might have heard Congress' shehzada's recent statement -- he says Bharath's Rajas and Maharajas were atyachari (oppressive)."
"He (Gandhi) has accused them (Rajas and Maharajas) of usurping the lands and properties of people and poor...Congress' shehzada has insulted great personalities like Chatrapati Shivajji Maharaj and Kittur Rani Channamma, whose administration and patriotism inspires us even today," the prime minister said. Recalling the contribution of the erstwhile Mysuru royal family for which they are respected across the country even today, he said: "the Congress' shehzada's statements were intentional, aimed at vote bank politics and appeasement."
"Shahzada spoke ill about Raja, Maharajas, but the shahzada's mouth was locked regarding the 'atyachar' that Nawabs, Nizams, Sultans and Badshahs committed in India's history. His mouth was shut on them, but on Raja, Maharajas he speaks ill and insults them," he said.
He also continued his attack against the Congress on the "inheritance tax" issue and targeted the party's government in Karnataka on law and order issue. The BJP is working on increasing the assets of the people, but Congress' shahzada (Rahul Gandhi) and his sister (Priyanka Gandhi Vadra), both are announcing that if they come to power, they will do the 'X-ray' of the country, Modi said.
"They will x-ray your property, bank lockers, lands, vehicles, also 'Streedhan' and ornaments of women, gold, the Mangalsutra. These people will raid every house and capture your assets. After capturing they are talking about redistributing it, they want it to give it to their loved vote bank...will you allow this loot to happen?" he asked.
"I want to alert Congress," Modi said, asserting that "leave this intention. Until Modi is alive, I will not allow it... " Addressing a mega public meeting in Belagavi, Karnataka, he said, "Congress has ensured the writings of our history and our freedom struggle with an eye on appeasement and vote bank. Even today, the Congress' shehzada (prince) is carrying forward that sin. You might have heard Congress' shehzada's recent statement -- he says Bharath's Rajas and Maharajas were atyachari (oppressive)."
"He (Gandhi) has accused them (Rajas and Maharajas) of usurping the lands and properties of people and poor...Congress' shehzada has insulted great personalities like Chatrapati Shivajji Maharaj and Kittur Rani Channamma, whose administration and patriotism inspires us even today," the prime minister said. Recalling the contribution of the erstwhile Mysuru royal family for which they are respected across the country even today, he said: "the Congress' shehzada's statements were intentional, aimed at vote bank politics and appeasement."
"Shahzada spoke ill about Raja, Maharajas, but the shahzada's mouth was locked regarding the 'atyachar' that Nawabs, Nizams, Sultans and Badshahs committed in India's history. His mouth was shut on them, but on Raja, Maharajas he speaks ill and insults them," he said.
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Samajwadi Party candidate from UP's Ballia booked for spreading hatred
Police have booked Sanatan Pandey, the Samajwadi Party's candidate from the Ballia Lok Sabha constituency, for allegedly spreading enmity and threatening the district election officer, officials said on Sunday.
District officials said an FIR was lodged against Pandey over his statement to reporters on Saturday.
During the interaction, Pandey can be heard saying that he had been winning the election last time but the administration cost him his victory. "I accepted my defeat last time because I didn't want to challenge the Election Commission," he told the reporters.
"During the last elections, I was attacked outside the counting centre and my vehicle was damaged by people on the side of the government," he alleged.
Pandey also said that he would not allow anything similar to happen this time. "I have taken an oath this time. If the people of Ballia want to defeat me, I will accept it. But if the people of Ballia want to make me the victor, then the local administration or the BJP will not be able to stop me from getting my winning certificate," he further said.
"If they do so, either my body or the collector's body will come out...," Pandey said.
A clip of the statement has become widely circulated on social media.
District officials said an FIR was lodged against Pandey over his statement to reporters on Saturday.
During the interaction, Pandey can be heard saying that he had been winning the election last time but the administration cost him his victory. "I accepted my defeat last time because I didn't want to challenge the Election Commission," he told the reporters.
"During the last elections, I was attacked outside the counting centre and my vehicle was damaged by people on the side of the government," he alleged.
Pandey also said that he would not allow anything similar to happen this time. "I have taken an oath this time. If the people of Ballia want to defeat me, I will accept it. But if the people of Ballia want to make me the victor, then the local administration or the BJP will not be able to stop me from getting my winning certificate," he further said.
"If they do so, either my body or the collector's body will come out...," Pandey said.
A clip of the statement has become widely circulated on social media.
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Mamata wants govt that is soft on terrorism: Nadda
BJP president JP Nadda on Saturday alleged that Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee wants a government at the Centre that is "soft on terrorism".
Addressing an election rally in Murshidabad in West Bengal, Nadda claimed that the TMC government in the state helmed by Banerjee is known for corruption, extortion, appeasement and discrimination. "We talk about a 'Majboot Sarkar' but Mamata Banerjee wants a 'Majboor Sarkar'. She wants a government in Delhi that believes in appeasement, corruption and discrimination and has a soft corner for terrorists.
"We are opposed to her politics of appeasement which favours infiltrators and opposes CAA... her government has sympathy for terrorists," Nadda alleged. On the Sandeskhali incidents, where local TMC leader Shajahan Sheikh and his associates are accused of sexual abuse of women and land-grabbing, he alleged that women are not safe under the Mamata Banerjee rule in the state.
"The way women were tortured in Sandeshkhali and the way Mamata Banerjee tried to protect Shajahan Sheikh, who played with the honour and dignity of women, is very unfortunate. "What can be more shameful than harassment of women in a state ruled by a woman? Mamata Banerjee had given the slogan 'Maa Mati and Manush' but neither mothers nor sisters are safe in the state. What happened in Sandeshkhali is heart-wrenching, where TMC goons played with the dignity of our sisters," he added.
Addressing an election rally in Murshidabad in West Bengal, Nadda claimed that the TMC government in the state helmed by Banerjee is known for corruption, extortion, appeasement and discrimination. "We talk about a 'Majboot Sarkar' but Mamata Banerjee wants a 'Majboor Sarkar'. She wants a government in Delhi that believes in appeasement, corruption and discrimination and has a soft corner for terrorists.
"We are opposed to her politics of appeasement which favours infiltrators and opposes CAA... her government has sympathy for terrorists," Nadda alleged. On the Sandeskhali incidents, where local TMC leader Shajahan Sheikh and his associates are accused of sexual abuse of women and land-grabbing, he alleged that women are not safe under the Mamata Banerjee rule in the state.
"The way women were tortured in Sandeshkhali and the way Mamata Banerjee tried to protect Shajahan Sheikh, who played with the honour and dignity of women, is very unfortunate. "What can be more shameful than harassment of women in a state ruled by a woman? Mamata Banerjee had given the slogan 'Maa Mati and Manush' but neither mothers nor sisters are safe in the state. What happened in Sandeshkhali is heart-wrenching, where TMC goons played with the dignity of our sisters," he added.
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Modi runs govt for billionaires, Patnaik for select few: Rahul Gandhi
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday alleged that while PM Narendra Modi runs a government for billionaires from Delhi, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik leads a dispensation that works for "select people" in Odisha.
Addressing an election rally in Cuttack's Salepur, Gandhi claimed that though the BJD and BJP were fighting the electoral battle against each other, in reality, they were working together. "Call it a partnership or marriage, both BJD and BJP are together," he claimed.
Taking a dig at Patnaik, Gandhi said that though he was the chief minister, the BJD government in the state was being run by his aide VK Pandian.
In an apparent reference to PM Modi, Gandhi said, "Uncle-ji and Naveen-babu have given Odisha PAANN, meaning Pandian, Amit Shah, Narendra Modi, Naveen Patnaik. They have looted your wealth."
Addressing an election rally in Cuttack's Salepur, Gandhi claimed that though the BJD and BJP were fighting the electoral battle against each other, in reality, they were working together. "Call it a partnership or marriage, both BJD and BJP are together," he claimed.
Taking a dig at Patnaik, Gandhi said that though he was the chief minister, the BJD government in the state was being run by his aide VK Pandian.
In an apparent reference to PM Modi, Gandhi said, "Uncle-ji and Naveen-babu have given Odisha PAANN, meaning Pandian, Amit Shah, Narendra Modi, Naveen Patnaik. They have looted your wealth."
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Bengal: TMC worker killed in 'factional fighting'
A Trinamool Congress worker was killed in Baguiati area adjoining Kolkata allegedly in a clash between two factions of the party, police said on Sunday.
A confrontation took place in Arjunpur West Para in Baguiati on Saturday night, escalating into brick-batting by both sides, in which one person, identified as Sanjeev Das aka Potla, was severely injured and was taken to a hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead, a police officer said. Eleven cases, including those related to the Arms Act, were earlier registered against Das, she said. A total of 13 people have been arrested in connection with the incident, the officer said, adding further investigation is underway.
The deceased's family members alleged that TMC workers owing allegiance to the local councillor were behind the incident. Meanwhile, a woman BJP leader lodged a police complaint alleging that she was assaulted by TMC workers in Anandapur area in south Kolkata on Saturday.
She claimed that she was attacked with sharp weapons when she and her party workers were putting up election banners and festoons, causing severe injuries to her head.
Voting will be held in the constituencies in Kolkata and its surrounding areas in the last phase on June 1.
A confrontation took place in Arjunpur West Para in Baguiati on Saturday night, escalating into brick-batting by both sides, in which one person, identified as Sanjeev Das aka Potla, was severely injured and was taken to a hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead, a police officer said. Eleven cases, including those related to the Arms Act, were earlier registered against Das, she said. A total of 13 people have been arrested in connection with the incident, the officer said, adding further investigation is underway.
The deceased's family members alleged that TMC workers owing allegiance to the local councillor were behind the incident. Meanwhile, a woman BJP leader lodged a police complaint alleging that she was assaulted by TMC workers in Anandapur area in south Kolkata on Saturday.
She claimed that she was attacked with sharp weapons when she and her party workers were putting up election banners and festoons, causing severe injuries to her head.
Voting will be held in the constituencies in Kolkata and its surrounding areas in the last phase on June 1.
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Amid row, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat backs reservations
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat said the Sangh Parivar never opposed reservations extended to certain groups.
Addressing a programme at an educational institution on Sunday, Bhagwat said the Sangh is of the opinion that the reservations should be extended as long as they are needed. Bhagwat’s reiteration came in the wake of a war of words taking place between BJP and Congress over reservations.
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Bhagwat last year in Nagpur said that reservations should continue as long as there is discrimination in society. Discrimination exists in society even though it is invisible, he had said.
Addressing a programme at an educational institution on Sunday, Bhagwat said the Sangh is of the opinion that the reservations should be extended as long as they are needed. Bhagwat’s reiteration came in the wake of a war of words taking place between BJP and Congress over reservations.
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Bhagwat last year in Nagpur said that reservations should continue as long as there is discrimination in society. Discrimination exists in society even though it is invisible, he had said.
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Delhi Congress chief Arvinder Singh Lovely resigns
In a setback to the Congress ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, senior leader Arvinder Singh Lovely has resigned as the party's Delhi unit chief, citing the alliance with the AAP as one of the reasons.
He said the Delhi Congress unit was against the alliance but the party high command went ahead with it. In his resignation letter sent to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday, Lovely also said that all unanimous decisions taken by the senior Delhi unit leaders have been "unilaterally vetoed" by AICC Delhi in-charge Deepak Babria.
This comes days after former Delhi minister and AICC member Rajkumar Chauhan resigned from the party following an altercation with Babria. In his letter to Kharge, Lovely said, "It is with a heavy heart that I write the present letter to you finding myself handicapped and unable to continue as the President of the Delhi Party Unit."
"I had gratefully accepted the role as the DPCC President with the sole objective of supporting the local Congress party workers with whom I have an extremely close connection and life-long association. "However, since I cannot protect the interests of the party workers, I see no reason to continue in the said post. Therefore, with great regret and an extremely leaden heart, I, Arvinder Singh Lovely, do hereby tender my resignation from the post of DPCC President," he said.
A minister in the Sheila Dikshit government, Lovely was appointed as the Delhi Congress chief in August last year.
He said the Delhi Congress unit was against the alliance but the party high command went ahead with it. In his resignation letter sent to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday, Lovely also said that all unanimous decisions taken by the senior Delhi unit leaders have been "unilaterally vetoed" by AICC Delhi in-charge Deepak Babria.
This comes days after former Delhi minister and AICC member Rajkumar Chauhan resigned from the party following an altercation with Babria. In his letter to Kharge, Lovely said, "It is with a heavy heart that I write the present letter to you finding myself handicapped and unable to continue as the President of the Delhi Party Unit."
"I had gratefully accepted the role as the DPCC President with the sole objective of supporting the local Congress party workers with whom I have an extremely close connection and life-long association. "However, since I cannot protect the interests of the party workers, I see no reason to continue in the said post. Therefore, with great regret and an extremely leaden heart, I, Arvinder Singh Lovely, do hereby tender my resignation from the post of DPCC President," he said.
A minister in the Sheila Dikshit government, Lovely was appointed as the Delhi Congress chief in August last year.
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Delhi chief electoral officer blames urban apathy for low voter turnout in NCT
Delhi's Chief Electoral Officer, P Krishnamurti, on Saturday blamed urban apathy for low voter turnout in the National Capital Territory.
Speaking at a "celebration of democracy" programme, Krishnamurti urged the people of Delhi to contribute to the nation by voting and emphasised the importance of a strong turnout to strengthen democracy.
The event aimed to highlight voter education and participation in the Lok Sabha elections, which will be held on May 25. The event was organised by the District Election Officer's Office in South Delhi.
Speaking at a "celebration of democracy" programme, Krishnamurti urged the people of Delhi to contribute to the nation by voting and emphasised the importance of a strong turnout to strengthen democracy.
The event aimed to highlight voter education and participation in the Lok Sabha elections, which will be held on May 25. The event was organised by the District Election Officer's Office in South Delhi.
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Baramati a fight for Maharashtra's pride; MVA will win 30-35 LS seats in state: Raut
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Sunday said the Baramati Lok Sabha seat contest was a fight for Maharashtra's pride and claimed the opposition MVA will win 30-35 parliamentary constituencies out of the total 48 in the state.
Talking to reporters, Raut said Sena (UBT) head and former state chief minister Uddhav Thackeray will soon hold a rally in Khadakvasala, which comes under the Baramati constituency where polling will be held on May 7. The NCP (SP), which is part of the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) along with the Sena (UBT) and the Congress, has renominated its sitting MP Supriya Sule from the Baramati Lok Sabha constituency in Pune district.
Sule, the daughter of NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar, is pitted against her sister-in-law Sunetra Pawar, the wife of state Deputy Chief Minister and NCP leader Ajit Pawar. "All the people of Maharashtra are fully behind Supriya Sule and will ensure her win. The Baramati Lok Sabha contest is a fight for Maharashtra's pride," Raut said.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader accused state Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar of switching sides to the ruling BJP-Shiv Sena alliance to "save his skin". "Ajit Pawar couldn't ensure victory of his son Parth in the Maval seat in the last Lok Sabha elections and now the process of his wife's defeat has begun," Raut claimed.
"Rahul Gandhi is getting a tremendous response in the country and you will see a change in government after June 4 (the day of vote counting)," he further claimed.
Talking to reporters, Raut said Sena (UBT) head and former state chief minister Uddhav Thackeray will soon hold a rally in Khadakvasala, which comes under the Baramati constituency where polling will be held on May 7. The NCP (SP), which is part of the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) along with the Sena (UBT) and the Congress, has renominated its sitting MP Supriya Sule from the Baramati Lok Sabha constituency in Pune district.
Sule, the daughter of NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar, is pitted against her sister-in-law Sunetra Pawar, the wife of state Deputy Chief Minister and NCP leader Ajit Pawar. "All the people of Maharashtra are fully behind Supriya Sule and will ensure her win. The Baramati Lok Sabha contest is a fight for Maharashtra's pride," Raut said.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader accused state Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar of switching sides to the ruling BJP-Shiv Sena alliance to "save his skin". "Ajit Pawar couldn't ensure victory of his son Parth in the Maval seat in the last Lok Sabha elections and now the process of his wife's defeat has begun," Raut claimed.
"Rahul Gandhi is getting a tremendous response in the country and you will see a change in government after June 4 (the day of vote counting)," he further claimed.
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Large numbers of Sikhs, including Delhi Sikh Gurudwara Management Committee members, join BJP
A large number of Sikhs, including members of the Delhi Sikh Gurudwara Management Committee, have joined the BJP on Saturday, citing measures taken by the government to help the minority community.
BJP chief JP Nadda on the occasion said if anybody has really worked for the community, it is Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Nadda cited central government decisions such as the opening of the Kartarpur Sahib corridor, FCRA registration for donations to the Golden Temple, and action against the accused in the 1984 anti-Sikh riot cases.
BJP chief JP Nadda on the occasion said if anybody has really worked for the community, it is Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Nadda cited central government decisions such as the opening of the Kartarpur Sahib corridor, FCRA registration for donations to the Golden Temple, and action against the accused in the 1984 anti-Sikh riot cases.
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International
Benjamin Netanyahu 'unnaturally' worried over possible ICC arrest warrant: Reports
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is worried that the International Criminal Court (ICC) might issue a warrant for his and several other senior officials' arrest, local media in Israel reported Saturday.
Netanyahu was "unnaturally afraid and worried" about the potential arrest warrant by the ICC, according to the Maariv newspaper, which quoted unnamed sources. Netanyahu has reportedly made telephone calls to international leaders, especially to US President Joe Biden, to prevent such an arrest warrant. "Under my leadership, Israel will never accept any attempt by the ICC to undermine its inherent right of self-defense. The threat to seize the soldiers and officials of the Middle East's only democracy and the world's only Jewish state is outrageous. We will not bow to it," Netanyahu wrote Friday on X.
Netanyahu was "unnaturally afraid and worried" about the potential arrest warrant by the ICC, according to the Maariv newspaper, which quoted unnamed sources. Netanyahu has reportedly made telephone calls to international leaders, especially to US President Joe Biden, to prevent such an arrest warrant. "Under my leadership, Israel will never accept any attempt by the ICC to undermine its inherent right of self-defense. The threat to seize the soldiers and officials of the Middle East's only democracy and the world's only Jewish state is outrageous. We will not bow to it," Netanyahu wrote Friday on X.
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US reject a 1/3 of MDH exports since October
US customs authorities refused 31% of all spice-related shipments exported by MDH over salmonella contamination in the last six months, according to a report in The Indian Express.
“Salmonella contamination happens due to unhygienic practices. If you maintain hygiene practices right through the value chain, from harvesting to processing to packaging, you should not be getting salmonella,” a food safety expert said. The FDA had physically inspected the spice brand’s manufacturing plant in January 2022, during which it noted that the “plant did not have adequate sanitary facilities and accommodations”.
This marks a doubling of refusal rate since October 2023 considering it was 15% for all shipments sent in the year prior. The surge in refusal rate over salmonella contamination in recent months comes at a time when both Singapore and Hong Kong have suspended sales of certain MDH and Everest products after the alleged detection of a carcinogenic pesticide in spice mixes.
“Salmonella contamination happens due to unhygienic practices. If you maintain hygiene practices right through the value chain, from harvesting to processing to packaging, you should not be getting salmonella,” a food safety expert said. The FDA had physically inspected the spice brand’s manufacturing plant in January 2022, during which it noted that the “plant did not have adequate sanitary facilities and accommodations”.
This marks a doubling of refusal rate since October 2023 considering it was 15% for all shipments sent in the year prior. The surge in refusal rate over salmonella contamination in recent months comes at a time when both Singapore and Hong Kong have suspended sales of certain MDH and Everest products after the alleged detection of a carcinogenic pesticide in spice mixes.
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Drugs worth Rs 600 crore seized from Pakistani boat off Gujarat coast; 14 crew members held
The Indian Coast Guard has seized 86 kg of drugs worth Rs 600 crore from a Pakistani boat and arrested 14 persons on board the vessel off the Gujarat coast, the maritime security agency said on Sunday.
The overnight operation in the Arabian Sea was carried out in coordination with the Gujarat Anti-terrorism Squad (ATS) and the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), it said. “In a breathtaking overnight operation, Indian Coast Guard undertook an intelligence-based anti-narcotics operation at sea on 28 Apr 24. Approx 86 kg of narcotics worth Rs 600 crore has been apprehended along with 14 crew from the Pakistani boat,” the agency said in a release.
The Coast Guard is yet to disclose what kind of narcotic substances were recovered from the Pakistani boat.
Coast Guard ships and aircraft were deployed for the operation, it said, adding that ICG ship Rajratan was used to identify the suspect boat with the help of NCB and ATS officials on board. The Pakistani boat along with its 14-member crew were apprehended and were being brought to Porbandar for further investigations, it added.
“The jointness of ICG and ATS, which has led to eleven such successful law enforcement operations in the last three years, itself reaffirms the synergy for national objectives,” it added.
The overnight operation in the Arabian Sea was carried out in coordination with the Gujarat Anti-terrorism Squad (ATS) and the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), it said. “In a breathtaking overnight operation, Indian Coast Guard undertook an intelligence-based anti-narcotics operation at sea on 28 Apr 24. Approx 86 kg of narcotics worth Rs 600 crore has been apprehended along with 14 crew from the Pakistani boat,” the agency said in a release.
The Coast Guard is yet to disclose what kind of narcotic substances were recovered from the Pakistani boat.
Coast Guard ships and aircraft were deployed for the operation, it said, adding that ICG ship Rajratan was used to identify the suspect boat with the help of NCB and ATS officials on board. The Pakistani boat along with its 14-member crew were apprehended and were being brought to Porbandar for further investigations, it added.
“The jointness of ICG and ATS, which has led to eleven such successful law enforcement operations in the last three years, itself reaffirms the synergy for national objectives,” it added.
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US President Biden pokes fun at Trump, age critiques ahead of presidential election
US President Joe Biden roasted his predecessor and political rival, Donald Trump and poked fun at his age at the annual dinner for Washington’s political and media elites, saying "I am a grown man running against a six-year-old".
The White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA) dinner on Saturday night provided the platform for Biden, 81, to continue his criticism of Trump, 77, with cutting humour.
The high-profile event came against the backdrop of growing protests over Biden's handling of the Israel-Hamas war. "Of course, the 2024 election’s in full swing and, yes, age is an issue: I’m a grown man running against a 6-year-old,” Biden said in a roughly 10-minute speech, referring to former President Trump, whom he called “Sleepy Don.”
Speaking to an audience of nearly 3,000 journalists, celebrities and politicians, Biden added, “Age is the only thing we have in common. My vice president actually endorses me.”
“Donald has had a few tough days lately. You might call it ‘stormy’ weather,” Biden said, an oblique reference to Stormy Daniels, a porn actress who claims she had an affair and received a hush-money payment in the days before the 2016 election, a deal at the centre of his New York trial.
The White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA) dinner on Saturday night provided the platform for Biden, 81, to continue his criticism of Trump, 77, with cutting humour.
The high-profile event came against the backdrop of growing protests over Biden's handling of the Israel-Hamas war. "Of course, the 2024 election’s in full swing and, yes, age is an issue: I’m a grown man running against a 6-year-old,” Biden said in a roughly 10-minute speech, referring to former President Trump, whom he called “Sleepy Don.”
Speaking to an audience of nearly 3,000 journalists, celebrities and politicians, Biden added, “Age is the only thing we have in common. My vice president actually endorses me.”
“Donald has had a few tough days lately. You might call it ‘stormy’ weather,” Biden said, an oblique reference to Stormy Daniels, a porn actress who claims she had an affair and received a hush-money payment in the days before the 2016 election, a deal at the centre of his New York trial.
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Tesla CEO Elon Musk has commenced an unexpected journey to Beijing: Sources
Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, arrived in Beijing on Sunday, according to a flight tracking app, initiating an unexpected visit to the automaker's significant market.
Sources familiar with the situation revealed that Musk aims to engage with high-ranking Chinese officials in discussions regarding the implementation of Full-Self Driving (FSD) software in China.
Additionally, he seeks approval for the transfer of locally collected data overseas, crucial for enhancing autonomous driving technologies through algorithm training. Since 2021, Tesla has complied with Chinese regulations by storing all data from its Chinese fleet in Shanghai, refraining from transferring any information to the United States.
Despite customer demand, Tesla has not introduced FSD in China, even though it rolled out the advanced Autopilot software four years ago.
In response to inquiries on the social media platform X, Musk hinted earlier this month that Tesla might soon offer FSD to customers in China.
Sources familiar with the situation revealed that Musk aims to engage with high-ranking Chinese officials in discussions regarding the implementation of Full-Self Driving (FSD) software in China.
Additionally, he seeks approval for the transfer of locally collected data overseas, crucial for enhancing autonomous driving technologies through algorithm training. Since 2021, Tesla has complied with Chinese regulations by storing all data from its Chinese fleet in Shanghai, refraining from transferring any information to the United States.
Despite customer demand, Tesla has not introduced FSD in China, even though it rolled out the advanced Autopilot software four years ago.
In response to inquiries on the social media platform X, Musk hinted earlier this month that Tesla might soon offer FSD to customers in China.
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Trigger Warning: Warning: Disturbing Details
Indian-origin doctor who drove Tesla off cliff with family inside experienced ‘psychotic’ break: Reports
Trigger Warning: Warning: Disturbing Details
An Indian-origin radiologist who drove his Tesla off a cliff in the US with his wife and children inside allegedly suffered from major depressive disorder and was experiencing a psychotic break at the time of the incident, according to media reports.
Dharmesh Patel from Pasadena, California was charged in January last year with three counts of attempted murder after he drove the family’s Tesla off the cliff at Devil’s Slide on Highway 1 near Half Moon Bay, according to prosecutors.
Patel, his wife, Neha, and their children — a 7-year-old girl and a 4-year-old boy at the time — miraculously survived. Patel, 43, was experiencing hallucinations, hearing footsteps and believed his children had been sex trafficked, two doctors testified at a hearing on Wednesday in Redwood City.
Wednesday’s hearing was a response to an earlier request from Patel who is seeking a mental health diversion in his case, the New York Post newspaper reported.
If a judge grants the doctors' request, Patel would be placed on a two-year treatment plan instead of receiving jail time. Patel’s charges would be dropped if he doesn’t commit any crimes during the proposed treatment plan.
At the time of the crash, the doctors testified, Patel was experiencing a psychotic episode in which he believed that his children might be sex trafficked, Los Angeles Times newspaper quoted District Attorney Stephen Wagstaffe as saying.
Doctors – Mark Patterson and James Armontrout — testified for the defence. If Patel is placed in the mental diversion program, James Armontrout, a Stanford psychiatric clinician, will oversee the treatment.
“I see him as someone who is very motivated and amenable to treatment,” psychologist Mark Patterson testified at the hearing.
Patterson’s diagnosis of Patel came after a series of 18 tests were conducted and he spoke with the doctor and his siblings. Prosecutors oppose diversion in the case, arguing that the prosecution’s doctor found Patel is not suffering from a major depressive disorder with a psychotic feature, but from a different disorder, known as schizoaffective, and that the defence’s proposed treatment plan will not be effective.
Prosecutors believe the case should remain in court. Wagstaffe worried that if Patel is released he will not be monitored except in his meetings with doctors.
“If he goes off his medication, how do you know? It’s not like being on probation or parole. It’s purely the visits with the psychiatrist,” he said.
Patel’s attorney, Joshua Bentley, did not respond to a request for comment, the report said.
An Indian-origin radiologist who drove his Tesla off a cliff in the US with his wife and children inside allegedly suffered from major depressive disorder and was experiencing a psychotic break at the time of the incident, according to media reports.
Dharmesh Patel from Pasadena, California was charged in January last year with three counts of attempted murder after he drove the family’s Tesla off the cliff at Devil’s Slide on Highway 1 near Half Moon Bay, according to prosecutors.
Patel, his wife, Neha, and their children — a 7-year-old girl and a 4-year-old boy at the time — miraculously survived. Patel, 43, was experiencing hallucinations, hearing footsteps and believed his children had been sex trafficked, two doctors testified at a hearing on Wednesday in Redwood City.
Wednesday’s hearing was a response to an earlier request from Patel who is seeking a mental health diversion in his case, the New York Post newspaper reported.
If a judge grants the doctors' request, Patel would be placed on a two-year treatment plan instead of receiving jail time. Patel’s charges would be dropped if he doesn’t commit any crimes during the proposed treatment plan.
At the time of the crash, the doctors testified, Patel was experiencing a psychotic episode in which he believed that his children might be sex trafficked, Los Angeles Times newspaper quoted District Attorney Stephen Wagstaffe as saying.
Doctors – Mark Patterson and James Armontrout — testified for the defence. If Patel is placed in the mental diversion program, James Armontrout, a Stanford psychiatric clinician, will oversee the treatment.
“I see him as someone who is very motivated and amenable to treatment,” psychologist Mark Patterson testified at the hearing.
Patterson’s diagnosis of Patel came after a series of 18 tests were conducted and he spoke with the doctor and his siblings. Prosecutors oppose diversion in the case, arguing that the prosecution’s doctor found Patel is not suffering from a major depressive disorder with a psychotic feature, but from a different disorder, known as schizoaffective, and that the defence’s proposed treatment plan will not be effective.
Prosecutors believe the case should remain in court. Wagstaffe worried that if Patel is released he will not be monitored except in his meetings with doctors.
“If he goes off his medication, how do you know? It’s not like being on probation or parole. It’s purely the visits with the psychiatrist,” he said.
Patel’s attorney, Joshua Bentley, did not respond to a request for comment, the report said.
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Pro-Palestinian students peacefully vacate a prestigious campus building in Paris
Following days of tension, students in Paris, inspired by solidarity encampments for Gaza at US campuses, peacefully evacuated a building at a prestigious French university late on Friday.
The head of the Paris Institute of Political Studies, commonly known as Sciences Po, announced on Friday that an agreement had been reached with the students. Sciences Po boasts numerous prominent alumni, including President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Gabriel Attal. Tensions escalated on the campus earlier in the week when pro-Palestinian students attempted to occupy an amphitheater. On Friday, pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli demonstrators confronted each other in a tense standoff outside the school, leading riot police to intervene and separate the groups.
Eventually, the students agreed to vacate the premises.
The head of the Paris Institute of Political Studies, commonly known as Sciences Po, announced on Friday that an agreement had been reached with the students. Sciences Po boasts numerous prominent alumni, including President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Gabriel Attal. Tensions escalated on the campus earlier in the week when pro-Palestinian students attempted to occupy an amphitheater. On Friday, pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli demonstrators confronted each other in a tense standoff outside the school, leading riot police to intervene and separate the groups.
Eventually, the students agreed to vacate the premises.
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Mount Fuji's iconic view to be obscured to discourage tourists
Authorities in Japan are taking action to address the issue of poorly behaved tourists at one of the country's most iconic photo spots.
A large black barrier will be installed to obscure views of Mount Fuji, following complaints from residents of Fujikawaguchiko, particularly about foreign tourists littering and parking illegally in their pursuit of the perfect photograph. The renowned shot includes a convenience store in the foreground, with Mount Fuji towering in the background. Local officials expressed frustration over the situation, noting instances of tourists even climbing onto rooftops for the ideal picture.
Construction of a mesh net, measuring 2.5m (8ft) in height and 20m (65.6ft) in length – equivalent to the size of a cricket pitch — is set to commence as early as next week, according to an official speaking to AFP.
A large black barrier will be installed to obscure views of Mount Fuji, following complaints from residents of Fujikawaguchiko, particularly about foreign tourists littering and parking illegally in their pursuit of the perfect photograph. The renowned shot includes a convenience store in the foreground, with Mount Fuji towering in the background. Local officials expressed frustration over the situation, noting instances of tourists even climbing onto rooftops for the ideal picture.
Construction of a mesh net, measuring 2.5m (8ft) in height and 20m (65.6ft) in length – equivalent to the size of a cricket pitch — is set to commence as early as next week, according to an official speaking to AFP.
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National
BJP MP, ex-Union minister Sreenivasa Prasad passes away
BJP MP from Karnataka's Chamarajanagar and former Union minister V Sreenivasa Prasad, who was undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Bengaluru, died on Monday, family sources said.
He was 76. Prasad is survived by his wife and three daughters.
The six-time MP from Chamarajanagar and two-time MLA from Nanjangud in Mysuru district was ailing for some time. On March 18 this year, Prasad announced his retirement from electoral politics, marking an end to his almost 50 years in public life.
He started his political career with the erstwhile Janata Party in 1976 and joined the Congress in 1979. He also had a stint with the JD(S), JD(U), and the Samata Party before joining the BJP.
He was 76. Prasad is survived by his wife and three daughters.
The six-time MP from Chamarajanagar and two-time MLA from Nanjangud in Mysuru district was ailing for some time. On March 18 this year, Prasad announced his retirement from electoral politics, marking an end to his almost 50 years in public life.
He started his political career with the erstwhile Janata Party in 1976 and joined the Congress in 1979. He also had a stint with the JD(S), JD(U), and the Samata Party before joining the BJP.
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Delhi Police registers case in connection with doctored videos of Home Minister Amit Shah
The Delhi Police registered a case on Sunday after a complaint by the Ministry of Home Affairs in connection with the doctored videos of Union Home Minister Amit Shah being circulated on social media platforms, officials said.
According to the complaint filed by Sinku Sharan Singh, DC, Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), some doctored videos are being circulated on social media with "the intent of creating disharmony among communities which is likely to affect public tranquillity and public order." The Special Cell has registered an FIR under various sections of the IPC and relevant provision of the IT Act, they said. Sources in the Special Cell said that now arrests are likely to follow across the country.
According to the complainant, links from which the videos were shared were also attached for further action.
According to the complaint filed by Sinku Sharan Singh, DC, Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), some doctored videos are being circulated on social media with "the intent of creating disharmony among communities which is likely to affect public tranquillity and public order." The Special Cell has registered an FIR under various sections of the IPC and relevant provision of the IT Act, they said. Sources in the Special Cell said that now arrests are likely to follow across the country.
According to the complainant, links from which the videos were shared were also attached for further action.
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Mumbai police arrest actor Sahil Khan in Mahadev betting app case
The Mumbai cyber cell's SIT on Sunday arrested actor Sahil Khan in connection with the Mahadev betting app case, a police official here said.
The actor was apprehended from Jagdalpur in Chhattisgarh on Saturday after the Bombay High Court rejected his pre-arrest bail plea, he said.
He was subsequently brought to Mumbai and placed under arrest, the official said. Khan was recently questioned by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed in connection with the case. The actor, known for films like ‘Style’ and ‘Excuse Me’, has become a fitness expert.
The Mumbai police had earlier arrested one person in connection with the case, the official said. Khan is the second person to be arrested by the city police in the case, he said. The SIT has been conducting a probe into the alleged illegal transactions between certain financial and real estate firms in the state and the promoters of the controversial Mahadev betting app.
The size of the scam is about Rs 15,000 crore, as per the first information report (FIR) registered by the Matunga police here in the case. An investigation is underway against Khan and 31 other individuals. The probe involves examining their bank accounts, mobile phones, laptops, and all technical equipment, according to the police.
While the Enforcement Directorate (ED) is investigating the money laundering angle in the Mahadev betting app case, Mumbai police have registered a separate case against 32 persons. Notably, Chhattisgarh’s Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB)/Economic Offence Wing (EOW) on April 24 said it has arrested two persons — from New Delhi and Goa — in connection with the alleged illegal operations of the Mahadev online gaming and betting application that purportedly involved senior politicians and bureaucrats from that state.
The ED has separately arrested nine persons so far as part of its probe in the money laundering-linked case.
The actor was apprehended from Jagdalpur in Chhattisgarh on Saturday after the Bombay High Court rejected his pre-arrest bail plea, he said.
He was subsequently brought to Mumbai and placed under arrest, the official said. Khan was recently questioned by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed in connection with the case. The actor, known for films like ‘Style’ and ‘Excuse Me’, has become a fitness expert.
The Mumbai police had earlier arrested one person in connection with the case, the official said. Khan is the second person to be arrested by the city police in the case, he said. The SIT has been conducting a probe into the alleged illegal transactions between certain financial and real estate firms in the state and the promoters of the controversial Mahadev betting app.
The size of the scam is about Rs 15,000 crore, as per the first information report (FIR) registered by the Matunga police here in the case. An investigation is underway against Khan and 31 other individuals. The probe involves examining their bank accounts, mobile phones, laptops, and all technical equipment, according to the police.
While the Enforcement Directorate (ED) is investigating the money laundering angle in the Mahadev betting app case, Mumbai police have registered a separate case against 32 persons. Notably, Chhattisgarh’s Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB)/Economic Offence Wing (EOW) on April 24 said it has arrested two persons — from New Delhi and Goa — in connection with the alleged illegal operations of the Mahadev online gaming and betting application that purportedly involved senior politicians and bureaucrats from that state.
The ED has separately arrested nine persons so far as part of its probe in the money laundering-linked case.
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Politics
AAP claims Kejriwal's wife Sunita denied permission to meet Delhi CM in jail
The AAP claimed the Tihar jail administration has denied permission to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's wife Sunita to meet him on Monday.
Tihar jail official sources said that the permission has been given to Delhi minister Atishi who had applied last week to meet Kejriwal on April 29, while Sunita's application was received earlier in the day. "Sunita has been meeting Kejriwal and there is no question of denying permission to her. We have to follow protocols and preparations have already been made for Atishi's meeting," said a Tihar jail source.
However, AAP sources rejected Tihar jail administration's claim.
Tihar jail official sources said that the permission has been given to Delhi minister Atishi who had applied last week to meet Kejriwal on April 29, while Sunita's application was received earlier in the day. "Sunita has been meeting Kejriwal and there is no question of denying permission to her. We have to follow protocols and preparations have already been made for Atishi's meeting," said a Tihar jail source.
However, AAP sources rejected Tihar jail administration's claim.
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Congress will disappear from Earth like dinosaurs: Rajnath
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday took a sharp jibe at Congress' "plight", saying the party will disappear from the Earth like dinosaurs. Addressing a poll rally, he suggested children might not be able to tell about Congress ten years from now.
"From the atmosphere prevailing in the country, I think Congress will be finished this time (in elections)," Singh said. Campaigning for BJP candidate Nimuben Bambhaniya, Singh also attacked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his purported remarks on erstwhile kings.
"They (erstwhile royals) did not usurp people's land but rather offered their princely states for their merger with independent India," Singh said.
He said force had to be used for only three states- Junagadh, Hyderabad and Bhopal- for their merger (with the Union of India).
"From the atmosphere prevailing in the country, I think Congress will be finished this time (in elections)," Singh said. Campaigning for BJP candidate Nimuben Bambhaniya, Singh also attacked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his purported remarks on erstwhile kings.
"They (erstwhile royals) did not usurp people's land but rather offered their princely states for their merger with independent India," Singh said.
He said force had to be used for only three states- Junagadh, Hyderabad and Bhopal- for their merger (with the Union of India).
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Sports
Shooter Maheshwari locks 21st Paris Olympic quota place with silver medal in Doha
Shooter Maheshwari Chauhan on Sunday sealed India's 21st quota place for the Paris Olympics by winning a silver medal in the women's skeet event on the concluding day of the ISSF Final Olympic Qualification Championship Shotgun in Doha.
Maheshwari, competing in her maiden ISSF Final, lost 3-4 to Chile's Francisca Crovetto Chadid in a shoot-off for gold, after both were tied at 54 hits in the 60-shot final. It is India's second Paris quota place in the women's skeet.
"I am thrilled. There has been a lot of hard work over the years to get here. I am a bit bummed about the shoot-off, but overall, it has been very satisfying," said Maheshwari after the final.
Maheshwari, competing in her maiden ISSF Final, lost 3-4 to Chile's Francisca Crovetto Chadid in a shoot-off for gold, after both were tied at 54 hits in the 60-shot final. It is India's second Paris quota place in the women's skeet.
"I am thrilled. There has been a lot of hard work over the years to get here. I am a bit bummed about the shoot-off, but overall, it has been very satisfying," said Maheshwari after the final.
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Mohun Bagan down Odisha FC to advance into ISL final, eye historic double
Mohun Bagan kept themselves in the hunt for an unprecedented double in the ISL by storming into the final with a 3-2 aggregate win over Odisha FC in Kolkata on Sunday.
Having lost the first leg of the semifinal 1-2 at Bhubaneswar, Mohun Bagan began on a dominant note and struck through Jason Cummings in the 22nd minute to bring it level for the Mariners on aggregate. After a flurry of attacks went abegging thanks to a resolute display by Amrinder Singh under the bar, Mohun Bagan finally struck the winning goal by comeback man Sahal Abdul Samad who came off the bench to strike from Manvir Singh's assist in the 90+3rd minute.
The goal came just when the match was meandering towards extra-time as the 62,000-plus capacity crowd at the Salt Lake Stadium erupted in joy with chants of 'Joy Mohun Bagan' reverberating in the stands. The victory came two weeks after Mohun Bagan won their maiden League Winners Shield at the same venue by defeating Mumbai City FC 2-1 to top the top-tier competition.
No team in the history of ISL has completed a double and Mohun Bagan will look to achieve the rare feat by taking on the winners of Mumbai City and FC Goa in the summit clash slated here on Saturday.
Mumbai City are ahead 3-2 before their return leg semifinal on Monday.
Having lost the first leg of the semifinal 1-2 at Bhubaneswar, Mohun Bagan began on a dominant note and struck through Jason Cummings in the 22nd minute to bring it level for the Mariners on aggregate. After a flurry of attacks went abegging thanks to a resolute display by Amrinder Singh under the bar, Mohun Bagan finally struck the winning goal by comeback man Sahal Abdul Samad who came off the bench to strike from Manvir Singh's assist in the 90+3rd minute.
The goal came just when the match was meandering towards extra-time as the 62,000-plus capacity crowd at the Salt Lake Stadium erupted in joy with chants of 'Joy Mohun Bagan' reverberating in the stands. The victory came two weeks after Mohun Bagan won their maiden League Winners Shield at the same venue by defeating Mumbai City FC 2-1 to top the top-tier competition.
No team in the history of ISL has completed a double and Mohun Bagan will look to achieve the rare feat by taking on the winners of Mumbai City and FC Goa in the summit clash slated here on Saturday.
Mumbai City are ahead 3-2 before their return leg semifinal on Monday.
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Chennai Super Kings script 78-run win over Sunrisers Hyderabad
Skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad's 98 was complemented by a clinical bowling display, led by pacer Tushar Deshpande, as Chennai Super Kings defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad by 78 runs in the Indian Premier League in Chennai on Sunday.
Invited to bat, Gaikwad's valiant 54-ball knock was the driving force which propelled CSK to an imposing 212 for three. He was ably supported by Daryl Mitchell, who returned to form with a crucial 32-ball 52 before Shivam Dube's 20-ball 39 not out took CSK past the 200 mark. In response, SRH's ultra-cautious batting approach backfired again as they couldn't recover from Deshpande's (4/27 in 3 overs) three-wicket burst with the new ball and the middle-overs squeeze to be all out for 134 in 18.5 overs as CSK snapped their two-game losing streak.
Following the win, CSK moved to the third spot with 10 points, same as Kolkata Knight Riders, Lucknow Super Giants and Delhi Capitals. SRH, who are also on 10 points, slipped to fourth after their fourth loss.
Invited to bat, Gaikwad's valiant 54-ball knock was the driving force which propelled CSK to an imposing 212 for three. He was ably supported by Daryl Mitchell, who returned to form with a crucial 32-ball 52 before Shivam Dube's 20-ball 39 not out took CSK past the 200 mark. In response, SRH's ultra-cautious batting approach backfired again as they couldn't recover from Deshpande's (4/27 in 3 overs) three-wicket burst with the new ball and the middle-overs squeeze to be all out for 134 in 18.5 overs as CSK snapped their two-game losing streak.
Following the win, CSK moved to the third spot with 10 points, same as Kolkata Knight Riders, Lucknow Super Giants and Delhi Capitals. SRH, who are also on 10 points, slipped to fourth after their fourth loss.
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Pakistan appoint Kirsten as ODI, T20I head coach, Gillespie in Test
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Sunday appointed World Cup-winning Gary Kirsten as their head coach for ODIs and T20Is, while former Australian pacer Jason Gillespie will take over that role in Test cricket.
Along with them, former Pakistan all-rounder Azhar Mahmood was appointed as the assistant coach of the team across the formats. "The appointment of (Gary) Kirsten and (Jason) Gillispie who are high-profile coaches shows how much value is given to the Pakistan cricket team and how much potential foreign coaches see in our players," PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi said during a media conference.
"We want to give the team the best facilities and that is why we have gone for Kirsten and Gillispie," he added. Kirsten is expected to take over from Pakistan's tour of England from May 22 which will feature four T20Is and from there the team will travel for the T20 World Cup in June.
Pakistan have been on the search for a full-time head coach since the end of the 50-over World Cup last year where they failed to enter the knockout stages. After their shambolic effort in the marquee event held in India, Pakistan had sacked the entire set of coaching staff – head coach Grant Bradburn, team director Mickey Arthur, bowling coach Morne Morkel and batting coach Andrew Puttick.
Premier batter Babar Azam was also removed from captaincy post the ICC showpiece with Pakistan opting to appoint pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi as their white-ball leader and Shan Masood doing that duty in Tests.
Along with them, former Pakistan all-rounder Azhar Mahmood was appointed as the assistant coach of the team across the formats. "The appointment of (Gary) Kirsten and (Jason) Gillispie who are high-profile coaches shows how much value is given to the Pakistan cricket team and how much potential foreign coaches see in our players," PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi said during a media conference.
"We want to give the team the best facilities and that is why we have gone for Kirsten and Gillispie," he added. Kirsten is expected to take over from Pakistan's tour of England from May 22 which will feature four T20Is and from there the team will travel for the T20 World Cup in June.
Pakistan have been on the search for a full-time head coach since the end of the 50-over World Cup last year where they failed to enter the knockout stages. After their shambolic effort in the marquee event held in India, Pakistan had sacked the entire set of coaching staff – head coach Grant Bradburn, team director Mickey Arthur, bowling coach Morne Morkel and batting coach Andrew Puttick.
Premier batter Babar Azam was also removed from captaincy post the ICC showpiece with Pakistan opting to appoint pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi as their white-ball leader and Shan Masood doing that duty in Tests.
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Batters have evolved quicker than bowlers in IPL: Klusener
Lucknow Super Giants assistant coach Lance Klusener placed the quicker evolution of batters as the reason behind the frequent tall team totals in the ongoing Indian Premier League. The teams have been going past 200 and even 250 quite effortlessly in this IPL, and the former South African all-rounder opined that the modest performance by bowlers at death overs too has helped batters to add quick runs. (Swipe) “Just looking at the bowling performances throughout the competition, for me, they have been quite disappointing. There hasn't been a lot of good bowling,” Klusener told the media after LSG’s seven-wicket loss to Rajasthan Royals in Lucknow on Saturday. “There’s been a lot of ordinary bowling and batsmen are just so good these days, they're taking advantage. Maybe the batsmen have evolved a lot quicker than the bowlers in this competition. (Swipe) “I haven't seen a lot of good death bowling in the competition and that's why teams have been able to take advantage. Sure, surfaces have been flat. I haven't seen a lot of swing either,” he added. Klusener observed that the bowlers are opting for several variations at death but they have not been using the wide yorkers enough. (Swipe) “It's easy to overcomplicate. If you run in and execute even four out of six yorkers...we don't see that anymore. We don't see that skill,” he said. “We’re going to slower balls and a whole lot of other variations. That pure death bowling of yorkers, whether it's wide or straight, that's a skill that we don't see very often these days,” he added.
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Samson, Rahul put their hands up for WC selection: Smith
The classy fifties made by Sanju Samson and KL Rahul in the IPL has intensified the race for the second wicketkeeper’s slot in the Indian team for the upcoming T20 World Cup, reckoned former South African captain Graeme Smith.
The Indian squad for the marquee event in June is set to be announced soon and Rishabh Pant is set to be drafted in as the first-choice wicketkeeper-batter. “They (Rahul and Samson) needed to build a partnership. Rahul did it with (Deepak) Hooda and Sanju did it beautifully with Dhruv Jurel. The difference was that Sanju finished the game, while KL got out at a key phase. But it was brilliant to see both excellent players put their hands up for World Cup selection,” said Smith in JioCinema.
Rahul made a 48-ball 76 for Lucknow Super Giants, but Samson trumped that effort with an unbeaten 71 off 33 balls as Rajasthan Royals cruised to a seven-wicket victory.
The Indian squad for the marquee event in June is set to be announced soon and Rishabh Pant is set to be drafted in as the first-choice wicketkeeper-batter. “They (Rahul and Samson) needed to build a partnership. Rahul did it with (Deepak) Hooda and Sanju did it beautifully with Dhruv Jurel. The difference was that Sanju finished the game, while KL got out at a key phase. But it was brilliant to see both excellent players put their hands up for World Cup selection,” said Smith in JioCinema.
Rahul made a 48-ball 76 for Lucknow Super Giants, but Samson trumped that effort with an unbeaten 71 off 33 balls as Rajasthan Royals cruised to a seven-wicket victory.
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Senthilkumar enters Batch Open squash final
National champion Velavan Senthilkumar brushed aside Hong Kong’s Andes Ling to enter the final of the Batch Open squash tournament in Paris.
Senthilkumar, who is ranked 58 in the world, won his semifinal match 11-2, 11-1, 11-6 in 22 minutes on Saturday night. The Indian will face Frenchman Melvil Scianimanico for the title.
Senthilkumar had earlier defeated Jakub Solnicky of the Czech Republic in his quarterfinal match 11-5, 11-6, 11-2 in 37 minutes in the USD 12,000 PSA Challenger Tour event.
Senthilkumar, who is ranked 58 in the world, won his semifinal match 11-2, 11-1, 11-6 in 22 minutes on Saturday night. The Indian will face Frenchman Melvil Scianimanico for the title.
Senthilkumar had earlier defeated Jakub Solnicky of the Czech Republic in his quarterfinal match 11-5, 11-6, 11-2 in 37 minutes in the USD 12,000 PSA Challenger Tour event.
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IPL: Rajasthan Royals takes royal stride towards play-off, beat Lucknow Super Giants by 7 wickets
Sanju Samson scored five runs less than his opposite number KL Rahul but his unbeaten 71 off 33 balls had five times more impact compared to Rahul's relatively sedate 48-ball-76 as Rajasthan Royals took a giant leap towards IPL play-offs by comfortably beating Lucknow Super Giants by seven wickets in Lucknow on Saturday.
While Rahul still is favourite to become Rishabh Pant's understudy as the second glovesman at the T20 World Cup, Samson did hit four classy sixes, including the winning one in a chase of 197, to keep himself in the discussion for that US bound flight. Samson and Jurel came together after the Royals had stumbled from a brisk start to hand the advantage to the home side, putting on a robust stand of 121 runs in just 62 balls stand for the unconquered fourth wicket to take their side over the line.
Chasing a tricky 197 with LSG deploying seven bowlers including two leg-spinners, Rajasthan finished at 199 for three to win with an over to spare. On his part, the young Jurel finally discovered his mojo to put behind a barren run, smacking five fours and two sixes to make a sturdy 52 not out off 34 balls.
The win took top-placed Rajasthan to 16 points — six clear from the second-best Kolkata Knight Riders — and a step closer to become the first team to reach the playoffs in the 17th edition. The play-offs cut-off this year is likely to be 18 points if one goes by the current mid-table muddle.
LSG remained in fourth spot with 10 points in the bag.
Brief Score: Rajasthan Royals 199 for 3 (Samson 71*, Jurel 52*) beat Lucknow Super Giants 196 for 5 (Rahul 76, Hooda 50, Sandeep 2-31) by seven wickets
While Rahul still is favourite to become Rishabh Pant's understudy as the second glovesman at the T20 World Cup, Samson did hit four classy sixes, including the winning one in a chase of 197, to keep himself in the discussion for that US bound flight. Samson and Jurel came together after the Royals had stumbled from a brisk start to hand the advantage to the home side, putting on a robust stand of 121 runs in just 62 balls stand for the unconquered fourth wicket to take their side over the line.
Chasing a tricky 197 with LSG deploying seven bowlers including two leg-spinners, Rajasthan finished at 199 for three to win with an over to spare. On his part, the young Jurel finally discovered his mojo to put behind a barren run, smacking five fours and two sixes to make a sturdy 52 not out off 34 balls.
The win took top-placed Rajasthan to 16 points — six clear from the second-best Kolkata Knight Riders — and a step closer to become the first team to reach the playoffs in the 17th edition. The play-offs cut-off this year is likely to be 18 points if one goes by the current mid-table muddle.
LSG remained in fourth spot with 10 points in the bag.
Brief Score: Rajasthan Royals 199 for 3 (Samson 71*, Jurel 52*) beat Lucknow Super Giants 196 for 5 (Rahul 76, Hooda 50, Sandeep 2-31) by seven wickets
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Archery WC: Indian men's team upset Olympic champions Korea to bag historic gold after 14 years
Indian men's recurve team of Dhiraj Bommadevara, Tarundeep Rai and Pravin Jadhav shocked reigning Olympic champions South Korea in a historic win to land an Archery World Cup gold medal after 14 years in Shanghai on Sunday.
This is Indian men's recurve team's maiden triumph over the archery powerhouse in a World Cup final, and it will boost their chances of securing a berth in the upcoming Paris Olympics. The trio of Dhiraj, Tarundeep and Pravin showed ice-cool composure to get the better of the mighty Koreans without dropping a set.
The 40-year-old Army man Tarundeep was also a part of the gold medal-winning team in Shanghai World Cup Stage 4 in August 2010. Then the recurve team comprising Rahul Banerjee, Tarundeep and Jayanta defeated Japan.
In a battle between the top-two seeds of the competition, India won 5-1 (57-57, 57-55, 55-53), taking their gold medal count to five in the season-opening Stage 1 World Cup. The success also rubbed on the mixed team of Ankita Bhakat and Dhiraj who trounced Alejandra Valencia and Matias Grande of Mexico 6-0 (35-31, 38-35, 39-37) to win bronze.
Overall, India have five gold, one silver and a bronze so far, while former world No. 1 Deepika Kumari is in the hunt for another medal, playing her women's recurve individual semifinal later in the day. In the men's team final, India were up against their nemesis South Korea, who featured two members of the Tokyo Olympics gold medal winning team in Kim Woojin and Kim Je Deok. Lee Woo Seok was the third member.
But the Indian troika put up a brave front and drilled in three 10s that included two X (closer to the centre) and three 9s to match their rivals (57-all) in the opening set. It put the pressure back on the Koreans who slipped twice into the 8-ring, while the Indian shot four perfect 10s including three Xs from six arrows to take the second set 57-55 and take 3-1 lead.
In the next set, the Koreans faltered and managed just 53 as the Indians held their nerves to close out the game with a 55 en route to clinch a first men's team World Cup gold since 2010. Before this victory, the women's team had previously beaten the Koreans twice in the 2013 World Cup — Medellin Stage 3 in July and Wroclaw Stage 4 in August.
"The nerves always kick in when Korea is in the final. But now, no one can doubt our ability to defeat them," declared former Commonwealth Games gold medalist Rahul Banerjee, a member of the Shanghai 2010 triumph.
"They have been showing perfect rhythm right from the qualifying round and it's definitely one of the biggest wins in archery. They will now have to hold on to this momentum till Paris," he added.
This is Indian men's recurve team's maiden triumph over the archery powerhouse in a World Cup final, and it will boost their chances of securing a berth in the upcoming Paris Olympics. The trio of Dhiraj, Tarundeep and Pravin showed ice-cool composure to get the better of the mighty Koreans without dropping a set.
The 40-year-old Army man Tarundeep was also a part of the gold medal-winning team in Shanghai World Cup Stage 4 in August 2010. Then the recurve team comprising Rahul Banerjee, Tarundeep and Jayanta defeated Japan.
In a battle between the top-two seeds of the competition, India won 5-1 (57-57, 57-55, 55-53), taking their gold medal count to five in the season-opening Stage 1 World Cup. The success also rubbed on the mixed team of Ankita Bhakat and Dhiraj who trounced Alejandra Valencia and Matias Grande of Mexico 6-0 (35-31, 38-35, 39-37) to win bronze.
Overall, India have five gold, one silver and a bronze so far, while former world No. 1 Deepika Kumari is in the hunt for another medal, playing her women's recurve individual semifinal later in the day. In the men's team final, India were up against their nemesis South Korea, who featured two members of the Tokyo Olympics gold medal winning team in Kim Woojin and Kim Je Deok. Lee Woo Seok was the third member.
But the Indian troika put up a brave front and drilled in three 10s that included two X (closer to the centre) and three 9s to match their rivals (57-all) in the opening set. It put the pressure back on the Koreans who slipped twice into the 8-ring, while the Indian shot four perfect 10s including three Xs from six arrows to take the second set 57-55 and take 3-1 lead.
In the next set, the Koreans faltered and managed just 53 as the Indians held their nerves to close out the game with a 55 en route to clinch a first men's team World Cup gold since 2010. Before this victory, the women's team had previously beaten the Koreans twice in the 2013 World Cup — Medellin Stage 3 in July and Wroclaw Stage 4 in August.
"The nerves always kick in when Korea is in the final. But now, no one can doubt our ability to defeat them," declared former Commonwealth Games gold medalist Rahul Banerjee, a member of the Shanghai 2010 triumph.
"They have been showing perfect rhythm right from the qualifying round and it's definitely one of the biggest wins in archery. They will now have to hold on to this momentum till Paris," he added.
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State
Uttarakhand: eight fresh forest fires in 24 hours, IAF continues firefighting
The firefighting operation in Uttarakhand's forests with the help of an Indian Air Force (IAF) helicopter continued for the second day on Sunday with the blaze being brought under control in several areas, officials said.
The state reported eight fresh forest fires in the last 24 hours, gutting 11.75 hectares, compared to the 23 such incidents damaging 34.175 hectares from Friday evening to Saturday evening, the forest department said in its daily bulletin. Since November 1, 2023, Uttarakhand has so far recorded 606 forest fires in which 735.815 hectares of forest land were gutted, the bulletin said.
No major fire broke out in the forests over the past 24 hours, Kumaon's Chief Conservator of Forest Prasanna Kumar Patro said. In the Kumaon region, fires are raging at two to three places in Nainital district and at one place each in Champawat, Almora, Pithoragarh and Bageshwar, Patro said.
The fire in the forests of Ladiyakata and Pines area on Nainital-Bhowali road has been extinguished with the help of the IAF helicopter that was deployed on Saturday, he said.
The state reported eight fresh forest fires in the last 24 hours, gutting 11.75 hectares, compared to the 23 such incidents damaging 34.175 hectares from Friday evening to Saturday evening, the forest department said in its daily bulletin. Since November 1, 2023, Uttarakhand has so far recorded 606 forest fires in which 735.815 hectares of forest land were gutted, the bulletin said.
No major fire broke out in the forests over the past 24 hours, Kumaon's Chief Conservator of Forest Prasanna Kumar Patro said. In the Kumaon region, fires are raging at two to three places in Nainital district and at one place each in Champawat, Almora, Pithoragarh and Bageshwar, Patro said.
The fire in the forests of Ladiyakata and Pines area on Nainital-Bhowali road has been extinguished with the help of the IAF helicopter that was deployed on Saturday, he said.
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Mosque cleric beaten to death by masked men in Rajasthan's Ajmer
A group of three masked men allegedly beat to death a 30-year-old cleric of a mosque in Rajasthan's Ajmer, police said on Sunday.
A case has been lodged in the matter and efforts are on to identify and nab the accused, they said.
According to the police, the incident took place around 2 am on Saturday when the accused allegedly entered the mosque located in Kanchan Nagar under the Ramganj police station limits and attacked the cleric, Mohammad Tahir, with sticks. Tahir died on the spot. Six children were also present inside the mosque when the incident occurred, the police said.
The trio allegedly threatened the children not to disclose the matter and took away their mobile phones so that they could not inform anyone or call for help, they said.
After the accused fled, the children came out of the mosque and told people about the incident, they added. Tahir used to teach children in the mosque, according to the police. SHO Ramganj Ravindra Singh said Tahir's body was handed over to his family members after they arrived in Ajmer from Uttar Pradesh.
A case has been registered over the matter against unidentified persons under Section 302 (murder) of the Indian Penal Code, the SHO said. He said so far no arrest has been made in this connection and efforts are on to identify and arrest the accused.
A case has been lodged in the matter and efforts are on to identify and nab the accused, they said.
According to the police, the incident took place around 2 am on Saturday when the accused allegedly entered the mosque located in Kanchan Nagar under the Ramganj police station limits and attacked the cleric, Mohammad Tahir, with sticks. Tahir died on the spot. Six children were also present inside the mosque when the incident occurred, the police said.
The trio allegedly threatened the children not to disclose the matter and took away their mobile phones so that they could not inform anyone or call for help, they said.
After the accused fled, the children came out of the mosque and told people about the incident, they added. Tahir used to teach children in the mosque, according to the police. SHO Ramganj Ravindra Singh said Tahir's body was handed over to his family members after they arrived in Ajmer from Uttar Pradesh.
A case has been registered over the matter against unidentified persons under Section 302 (murder) of the Indian Penal Code, the SHO said. He said so far no arrest has been made in this connection and efforts are on to identify and arrest the accused.
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Sandeshkhali: West Bengal govt moves SC against HC order directing CBI probe
The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear on Monday a plea by the West Bengal government challenging the Calcutta High Court order which directed a CBI probe into allegations of crimes against women and land grabbing in Sandeshkhali.
A bench of Justices B R Gavai and Sandeep Mehta is likely to hear the matter.
In its plea before the top court, the state government said the high court's April 10, 2024 order demoralised the entire state machinery, including the police force. "The high court in a very generic order directed the State to provide the required support to the CBI without any guidelines, which amounts to usurping the powers of the state police to investigate any cognisable offence in the Sandeshkhali area, even if the same is not related to the allegations levelled by the PIL petitioners," the plea said.
The CBI is already investigating the case of attack on Enforcement Directorate officials in Sandeshkhali and has registered three FIRs related to incidents on January 5. Stating that the investigation will be monitored by the court, the high court directed the CBI to file a comprehensive report on the alleged illegal conversion of agricultural land into water bodies for pisciculture after conducting a thorough inspection of revenue records and physical inspection of land alleged to have been converted.
The high court also directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to investigate allegations of crimes against women and land grabbing in Sandeshkhali and submit a comprehensive report to it on the next date of hearing. The high court bench had directed that the matter will be heard again on May 2, the date on which the CBI was asked to file the report.
ED officials were attacked on January 5 by a mob when they went to Sandeshkhali to search the premises of now-suspended Trinamool Congress leader Shahjahan Sheikh in connection with a ration distribution scam case.
A bench of Justices B R Gavai and Sandeep Mehta is likely to hear the matter.
In its plea before the top court, the state government said the high court's April 10, 2024 order demoralised the entire state machinery, including the police force. "The high court in a very generic order directed the State to provide the required support to the CBI without any guidelines, which amounts to usurping the powers of the state police to investigate any cognisable offence in the Sandeshkhali area, even if the same is not related to the allegations levelled by the PIL petitioners," the plea said.
The CBI is already investigating the case of attack on Enforcement Directorate officials in Sandeshkhali and has registered three FIRs related to incidents on January 5. Stating that the investigation will be monitored by the court, the high court directed the CBI to file a comprehensive report on the alleged illegal conversion of agricultural land into water bodies for pisciculture after conducting a thorough inspection of revenue records and physical inspection of land alleged to have been converted.
The high court also directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to investigate allegations of crimes against women and land grabbing in Sandeshkhali and submit a comprehensive report to it on the next date of hearing. The high court bench had directed that the matter will be heard again on May 2, the date on which the CBI was asked to file the report.
ED officials were attacked on January 5 by a mob when they went to Sandeshkhali to search the premises of now-suspended Trinamool Congress leader Shahjahan Sheikh in connection with a ration distribution scam case.
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One killed, three injured in gunfight between village volunteers in Manipur
One person was killed and three others injured in a gunfight between village volunteers of two warring communities in ethnic strife-torn Manipur's Kangpokpi district on Sunday, police said.
Dozens of gunmen had attacked Koutruk in Imphal West district on Sunday morning from elevated hilltops of neighbouring Kangpokpi district prompting village volunteers deployed in the fringe village to retaliate, the police said. Exchange of fire gradually spread to adjacent villages of Kadangband and Senjam Chirang, they said.
Koutruk village has been witness to intense gunfights between village volunteers of two warring communities since ethnic violence broke out on May 3 last year. It has been identified as one of the most vulnerable areas for gun attacks. More than 200 people have been killed and thousands rendered homeless in ethnic strife between Imphal Valley-based Meiteis and adjoining hills-based Kukis since May 3 last year.
Meanwhile, denouncing the killing, the Kangpokpi district-based Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU) has called for a 12-hour shutdown in the district from noon of April 28.
Dozens of gunmen had attacked Koutruk in Imphal West district on Sunday morning from elevated hilltops of neighbouring Kangpokpi district prompting village volunteers deployed in the fringe village to retaliate, the police said. Exchange of fire gradually spread to adjacent villages of Kadangband and Senjam Chirang, they said.
Koutruk village has been witness to intense gunfights between village volunteers of two warring communities since ethnic violence broke out on May 3 last year. It has been identified as one of the most vulnerable areas for gun attacks. More than 200 people have been killed and thousands rendered homeless in ethnic strife between Imphal Valley-based Meiteis and adjoining hills-based Kukis since May 3 last year.
Meanwhile, denouncing the killing, the Kangpokpi district-based Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU) has called for a 12-hour shutdown in the district from noon of April 28.
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Trigger warning: Disturbing details
Three puppies crushed to death by car in Palghar; case registered
Trigger warning: Disturbing details
Three stray puppies were crushed to death by a car in a housing complex in Maharashtra's Palghar district, police said on Sunday.
Based on a complaint, the police have registered a case against the unidentified car driver under section 429 (whoever commits mischief by killing, poisoning, maiming or rendering useless cattle, etc.) of the Indian Penal Code and provision of the Cruelty to Animals Act, an official said. The incident occurred at a housing complex in Padmavati Nagar in Virar on Thursday night, he said.
The puppies were sleeping in the premises of the building when a car crushed them to death and sped away, the official said, adding that a probe has been initiated into the matter.
Three stray puppies were crushed to death by a car in a housing complex in Maharashtra's Palghar district, police said on Sunday.
Based on a complaint, the police have registered a case against the unidentified car driver under section 429 (whoever commits mischief by killing, poisoning, maiming or rendering useless cattle, etc.) of the Indian Penal Code and provision of the Cruelty to Animals Act, an official said. The incident occurred at a housing complex in Padmavati Nagar in Virar on Thursday night, he said.
The puppies were sleeping in the premises of the building when a car crushed them to death and sped away, the official said, adding that a probe has been initiated into the matter.
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Manipur security advisor issues stern warning to group responsible for killing two CRPF personnel
Manipur government security advisor Kuldiep Singh on Saturday issued a warning to the group responsible for the attack on a security force camp in Bishnupur district, resulting in the deaths of two CRPF personnel and injuries to two others.
Singh warned that those responsible will face severe consequences and is mobilising resources and agencies to identify and apprehend the perpetrators.
The militants fired at the IRBn (India Reserve Battalion) camp at Naranseina in Moirang police station area, resulting in four injuries. "Starting today, we have instructed all security forces, including Assam Rifles and the army, to intensify operations. We are formulating strategies for day-to-day operations. We will leave no stone unturned in our investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice," Singh added.
The deceased were identified as sub-inspector N Sarkar, a native of Assam's Kokrajhar district, and head constable Arup Saini of Bankura district in West Bengal, police said.
The injured were inspector Jadav Das and constable Aftab Das, police said, adding that they sustained splinter wounds.
Singh warned that those responsible will face severe consequences and is mobilising resources and agencies to identify and apprehend the perpetrators.
The militants fired at the IRBn (India Reserve Battalion) camp at Naranseina in Moirang police station area, resulting in four injuries. "Starting today, we have instructed all security forces, including Assam Rifles and the army, to intensify operations. We are formulating strategies for day-to-day operations. We will leave no stone unturned in our investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice," Singh added.
The deceased were identified as sub-inspector N Sarkar, a native of Assam's Kokrajhar district, and head constable Arup Saini of Bankura district in West Bengal, police said.
The injured were inspector Jadav Das and constable Aftab Das, police said, adding that they sustained splinter wounds.
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Weather
Weather agencies issue maximum temperature warning in Kerala
Amid the severe heat in Kerala, the meteorological department on Sunday issued a maximum temperature warning for 12 districts over the next five days.
In Kollam, Palakkad, and Thrissur districts, there's a possibility of a heat wave in certain areas, according to the IMD and the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority. "Maximum temperatures are very likely to be around 41°C in Palakkad district, around 40°C in Kollam & Thrissur districts, around 38°C in Kottayam, Pathanamthitta, Kozhikode & Kannur districts, and around 37°C in Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Malappuram & Kasaragod districts, and around 36°C in Thiruvananthapuram district (3 to 5°C above normal) during 28th April to 2nd May 2024," the weather agencies said. These districts are expected to experience hot and humid weather conditions, excluding hilly areas, from April 28th to May 2nd, due to elevated temperatures and humidity levels, they added.
Additionally, there is a likelihood of heat wave conditions occurring in one or two locations within Kollam, Palakkad, and Thrissur districts specifically on April 28th and 29th, the agencies added.
In Kollam, Palakkad, and Thrissur districts, there's a possibility of a heat wave in certain areas, according to the IMD and the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority. "Maximum temperatures are very likely to be around 41°C in Palakkad district, around 40°C in Kollam & Thrissur districts, around 38°C in Kottayam, Pathanamthitta, Kozhikode & Kannur districts, and around 37°C in Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Malappuram & Kasaragod districts, and around 36°C in Thiruvananthapuram district (3 to 5°C above normal) during 28th April to 2nd May 2024," the weather agencies said. These districts are expected to experience hot and humid weather conditions, excluding hilly areas, from April 28th to May 2nd, due to elevated temperatures and humidity levels, they added.
Additionally, there is a likelihood of heat wave conditions occurring in one or two locations within Kollam, Palakkad, and Thrissur districts specifically on April 28th and 29th, the agencies added.
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❖ - Syndicated news, primarily from PTI
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