Surpassing the all-time high level achieved the previous week, India's forex reserves jumped by another USD 4 billion to USD 670.857 billion for the seven days ended July 19, the Reserve Bank said on Friday.
The overall reserves had jumped by USD 9.699 billion to an all-time high of USD 666.854 billion in the week ended July 12.
For the week ended July 19, foreign currency assets, a major component of the reserves, increased by USD 2.578 billion to USD 588.048 billion, the data released on Friday showed. Expressed in dollar terms, the foreign currency assets include the effect of appreciation or depreciation of non-US units like the euro, pound and yen held in the foreign exchange reserves.
Gold reserves increased by USD 1.329 billion to USD 59.992 billion during the week, the RBI said. The Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) were up by USD 95 million to USD 18.207 billion, the apex bank said.
India's reserve position with the IMF were unchanged at USD 4.610 billion in the reporting week, the apex bank data showed.
Beatroot News: Text-only
Business
India's forex reserves jump USD 4 billion to new high of USD 670.857 billion
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Mankind Pharma to acquire Bharat Serums and Vaccines for Rs 13,630 crore
In one of the biggest deals in the pharmaceutical sector, Mankind Pharma said it will fully acquire Bharat Serums and Vaccines from private equity investor Advent International for around Rs 13,630 crore.
This strategic move marks a significant leap for the drugmaker positioning itself as a leader in the Indian women’s health and fertility drug market alongside access to other high entry barrier products in critical care with established complex R&D tech platforms. With over five decades of leadership in biopharmaceuticals, BSV has developed recombinant and niche biologic products in-house, demonstrating its strong R&D capabilities. It boasts of a robust branded product portfolio across women's health, fertility and critical care, Mankind Pharma said in a statement.
This strategic move marks a significant leap for the drugmaker positioning itself as a leader in the Indian women’s health and fertility drug market alongside access to other high entry barrier products in critical care with established complex R&D tech platforms. With over five decades of leadership in biopharmaceuticals, BSV has developed recombinant and niche biologic products in-house, demonstrating its strong R&D capabilities. It boasts of a robust branded product portfolio across women's health, fertility and critical care, Mankind Pharma said in a statement.
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City
Navi Mumbai: Building collapses in Belapur; two rescued, one feared trapped
This is a developing story
A four-storey building collapsed in Navi Mumbai's Belapur area at around 5 am this morning and two people were rescued, while a search operation is underway to find another person who is feared trapped under the rubble, an NDRF official said.
The incident occurred in Shahbaz village, he said. Further information is awaited.
A four-storey building collapsed in Navi Mumbai's Belapur area at around 5 am this morning and two people were rescued, while a search operation is underway to find another person who is feared trapped under the rubble, an NDRF official said.
The incident occurred in Shahbaz village, he said. Further information is awaited.
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Bengaluru: Chaos at railway station after vigilantes intercept meat shipment
Tension prevailed at the Bengaluru City Railway Station when a consignment of meat weighing about three tonnes loaded in about 150 cartons reached from Jaipur in a train on Friday night, railway sources said.
Puneeth Kerehalli, a cow vigilante, earlier jailed on murder charge, claimed it was dog meat. However, meat dealer Abdul Razzaq, who had ordered the meat, dismissed the charge. The consignment was ordered legally and it is not dog meat but sheep meat, he said. "We have legal documents to prove it. One can see the tail of the animal that was slaughtered. It's sheep and not dog," the meat trader said. He alleged that Kerehalli wanted to make money by levelling false accusations.
Due to the commotion, a large number of people gathered there, and seeing the situation, police were deployed.
The Hindu reports that the police have seized the meat and BBMP health officials have taken samples of the meat for testing.
Puneeth Kerehalli, a cow vigilante, earlier jailed on murder charge, claimed it was dog meat. However, meat dealer Abdul Razzaq, who had ordered the meat, dismissed the charge. The consignment was ordered legally and it is not dog meat but sheep meat, he said. "We have legal documents to prove it. One can see the tail of the animal that was slaughtered. It's sheep and not dog," the meat trader said. He alleged that Kerehalli wanted to make money by levelling false accusations.
Due to the commotion, a large number of people gathered there, and seeing the situation, police were deployed.
The Hindu reports that the police have seized the meat and BBMP health officials have taken samples of the meat for testing.
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Solid waste disposal in Delhi is sorry state of affairs: Supreme Court slams MCD
The Supreme Court on Friday criticised the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, describing the situation regarding the implementation of Solid Waste Management Rules as a "sorry state of affairs."
The Court warned that Delhi’s solid waste disposal crisis—where over 3,000 tons of waste remain untreated daily—could escalate into a public health emergency.
A bench of Justice AS Oka and Justice AG Masih observed that the national capital generated more than 11,000 tons of solid waste per day while the daily capacity of processing plants made available by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) was only 8,073 tons. "We agree with the amicus curiae that this may lead to a public health emergency," the bench said. "This is a sorry state of affairs when it comes to implementation of Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, in the capital city".
The bench directed the secretary of the Union Environment Ministry to convene a meeting of officials of the MCD and the Delhi government to work out an immediate solution to the issue.
The Court warned that Delhi’s solid waste disposal crisis—where over 3,000 tons of waste remain untreated daily—could escalate into a public health emergency.
A bench of Justice AS Oka and Justice AG Masih observed that the national capital generated more than 11,000 tons of solid waste per day while the daily capacity of processing plants made available by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) was only 8,073 tons. "We agree with the amicus curiae that this may lead to a public health emergency," the bench said. "This is a sorry state of affairs when it comes to implementation of Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, in the capital city".
The bench directed the secretary of the Union Environment Ministry to convene a meeting of officials of the MCD and the Delhi government to work out an immediate solution to the issue.
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Rains lash Delhi, waterlogging leads to traffic snarls
Early morning showers in Delhi today caused waterlogging and disrupted traffic movement in several areas of the city, officials said.
The Delhi Traffic Police issued alerts informing commuters about the roads affected due to waterlogging and sewer overflow and asked them to take alternative routes.
Some of the severely affected areas were Mother Teresa Crescent, Nyay Marg near Shivaji Stadium Metro Station, Sir M. Vishweshwaraiah Moti Bagh Metro Station, Shanti Path, Bhikaji Cama Place, and Motibagh Ring Road among others. Traffic was also impacted on both carriageways of Rohtak Road due to sewer overflow and potholes in Mundka.
Minto Road in central Delhi, which is notorious for flooding, was waterlogged early this morning. However, the police later informed on social media that the road had been cleared and was open for traffic.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast, the sky will remain cloudy and more showers are likely to lash the city later in the day. The maximum temperature is expected to settle around 34 degrees Celsius.
The Delhi Traffic Police issued alerts informing commuters about the roads affected due to waterlogging and sewer overflow and asked them to take alternative routes.
Some of the severely affected areas were Mother Teresa Crescent, Nyay Marg near Shivaji Stadium Metro Station, Sir M. Vishweshwaraiah Moti Bagh Metro Station, Shanti Path, Bhikaji Cama Place, and Motibagh Ring Road among others. Traffic was also impacted on both carriageways of Rohtak Road due to sewer overflow and potholes in Mundka.
Minto Road in central Delhi, which is notorious for flooding, was waterlogged early this morning. However, the police later informed on social media that the road had been cleared and was open for traffic.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast, the sky will remain cloudy and more showers are likely to lash the city later in the day. The maximum temperature is expected to settle around 34 degrees Celsius.
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Dogs fight knife-wielding attackers in Ghaziabad house to protect owners
Two pet dogs fought off a knife-wielding group of men who allegedly attacked three members of a family in Ghaziabad inside their house.
The incident happened in the house of Sundar Singh when the group of men allegedly threatened, misbehaved and abused his wife and two daughters, according to an FIR in the matter said.
The two-year-old canines Taru and Buzzo were stray dogs before being adopted by the family of Sundar Singh. One of his daughters takes care of street dogs in Khoda colony. Singh’s neighbour Kirodi Singh, his tenant Kunwar Pal, and his brother had allegedly raised objections over it.
On Tuesday night, when one of the daughters of Singh took the dogs out, Pal and a few others on bikes allegedly attacked her, her sister said, narrating the incident over the phone.
Following the altercation, Kirodi Singh and Pal entered the house with a group of men at 11.30 pm when Sundar Singh’s wife and two daughters were present in the house, according to the FIR. The group of men allegedly carrying knives threatened, misbehaved and abused Sundar’s wife and daughters, the FIR said.
Seeing the danger, the two dogs attacked the men to protect the women and suffered severe knife wounds in their abdomen and head while pushing the men out of the house, it said. The police registered an FIR under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Section 333 (house trespass after preparation for hurt, assault or wrongful restraint), 352 (intentional insult) and 325 (maiming or killing an animal), among others.
Police had called the attackers to the chowki, but they were allowed to leave after a local journalist intervened on their behalf, as per the FIR.
The incident happened in the house of Sundar Singh when the group of men allegedly threatened, misbehaved and abused his wife and two daughters, according to an FIR in the matter said.
The two-year-old canines Taru and Buzzo were stray dogs before being adopted by the family of Sundar Singh. One of his daughters takes care of street dogs in Khoda colony. Singh’s neighbour Kirodi Singh, his tenant Kunwar Pal, and his brother had allegedly raised objections over it.
On Tuesday night, when one of the daughters of Singh took the dogs out, Pal and a few others on bikes allegedly attacked her, her sister said, narrating the incident over the phone.
Following the altercation, Kirodi Singh and Pal entered the house with a group of men at 11.30 pm when Sundar Singh’s wife and two daughters were present in the house, according to the FIR. The group of men allegedly carrying knives threatened, misbehaved and abused Sundar’s wife and daughters, the FIR said.
Seeing the danger, the two dogs attacked the men to protect the women and suffered severe knife wounds in their abdomen and head while pushing the men out of the house, it said. The police registered an FIR under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Section 333 (house trespass after preparation for hurt, assault or wrongful restraint), 352 (intentional insult) and 325 (maiming or killing an animal), among others.
Police had called the attackers to the chowki, but they were allowed to leave after a local journalist intervened on their behalf, as per the FIR.
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Crime
Trigger warning: Death, distressing details
24-year-old stabbed to death in Bengaluru PG by roommate’s ex-boyfriend; accused arrested
Trigger warning: Death, distressing details
Kriti Kumari, a 24-year-old woman from Bihar was stabbed to death a little after 11 pm on Tuesday night, at her PG accommodation in Bengaluru’s Koramangala. According to the police, she worked as a business development associate at a project-based learning platform.
The accused has been identified by the police as her roommate’s ex-boyfriend who has now been arrested from Madhya Pradesh and is being brought to Bengaluru, reports ‘The Indian Express’. He was zeroed in on by the police through the CCTV footage at the PG. The accused, Abhishek hails from Bhopal and is currently unemployed according to the police. He used to date Kumari’s roommate and had allegedly told his girlfriend that he had started working, which she discovered was a lie and prompted her to eventually end the relationship, police said.
According to the police, the accused would visit the PG and argue with his girlfriend, and Kumari would often intervene. Police also said Kumari, who had been staying at the PG since March, had urged her roommate to stop living with the accused and move there. CCTV footage of the murder shows that other residents of the paying guest accommodation heard the commotion but were too scared to come out. They locked their doors until the accused had escaped, after which they alerted the police, according to ‘The News Minute’.
Kriti Kumari, a 24-year-old woman from Bihar was stabbed to death a little after 11 pm on Tuesday night, at her PG accommodation in Bengaluru’s Koramangala. According to the police, she worked as a business development associate at a project-based learning platform.
The accused has been identified by the police as her roommate’s ex-boyfriend who has now been arrested from Madhya Pradesh and is being brought to Bengaluru, reports ‘The Indian Express’. He was zeroed in on by the police through the CCTV footage at the PG. The accused, Abhishek hails from Bhopal and is currently unemployed according to the police. He used to date Kumari’s roommate and had allegedly told his girlfriend that he had started working, which she discovered was a lie and prompted her to eventually end the relationship, police said.
According to the police, the accused would visit the PG and argue with his girlfriend, and Kumari would often intervene. Police also said Kumari, who had been staying at the PG since March, had urged her roommate to stop living with the accused and move there. CCTV footage of the murder shows that other residents of the paying guest accommodation heard the commotion but were too scared to come out. They locked their doors until the accused had escaped, after which they alerted the police, according to ‘The News Minute’.
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Diplomacy
PM Modi may visit Ukraine in August: Media reports
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to visit Ukraine next month, in an apparent balancing act on the Russia-Ukraine war after he faced flak from the US and European nations over his recent embrace of Russian President Vladimir Putin, reports ‘Times of India’.
‘Wion’ cited sources in Delhi’s diplomatic circle to report that the visit, which is still in the works, is expected to take place in the third week of August, most likely on August 23. Earlier this year, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held a telephone conversation with PM Modi and invited him to visit his country.
If finalised, this will be the PM’s first visit to the war-torn country since the start of the Russia-Ukraine war in 2022.
‘Wion’ cited sources in Delhi’s diplomatic circle to report that the visit, which is still in the works, is expected to take place in the third week of August, most likely on August 23. Earlier this year, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held a telephone conversation with PM Modi and invited him to visit his country.
If finalised, this will be the PM’s first visit to the war-torn country since the start of the Russia-Ukraine war in 2022.
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ASEAN cornerstone of India's Act East Policy and its Indo-Pacific vision: EAM Jaishankar
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is the cornerstone of India's Act East Policy and its Indo-Pacific vision, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Friday, as he sought to expand political, economic and security cooperation with the bloc.
Jaishankar is in the Laotian capital to participate in the meetings of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
In his remarks at the opening session of the ASEAN-India Foreign Ministers Meeting, Jaishankar said that the current political, economic, and security cooperation with ASEAN is India's top priority. "For India, ASEAN is the cornerstone of its Act India Policy and its Indo-Pacific vision that was thereafter built on it," he said.
"The current political, economic and security cooperation with ASEAN is of the utmost priority so is the people-to-people linkages, that we are constantly seeking to expand," he said.
Jaishankar is in the Laotian capital to participate in the meetings of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
In his remarks at the opening session of the ASEAN-India Foreign Ministers Meeting, Jaishankar said that the current political, economic, and security cooperation with ASEAN is India's top priority. "For India, ASEAN is the cornerstone of its Act India Policy and its Indo-Pacific vision that was thereafter built on it," he said.
"The current political, economic and security cooperation with ASEAN is of the utmost priority so is the people-to-people linkages, that we are constantly seeking to expand," he said.
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Education
NEET-UG: Number of toppers down to 17 as NTA releases revised results
The number of candidates who have got a perfect score in this year’s undergraduate National Eligibility cum Entrance Test came down from 67 to 17 as the National Testing Agency released revised results on Friday, according to a report in The Hindu.
The latest results were published after the Supreme Court asked the NTA to deduct marks for a Physics question that NTA had said had two ‘correct’ answers. This was the fourth iteration of the results for the competitive entrance exam for admissions to undergraduate medical courses.
In the latest revised results, 17 candidates share the top rank having scored 720 out of 720, down from 67 in the first iteration of results released on June 4. The second version of results was released on July 1 after conducting a retest for 1,563 candidates of whom only 812 opted to appear and the third iteration was issued on July 20 in a format prescribed by the Supreme Court.
The latest results were published after the Supreme Court asked the NTA to deduct marks for a Physics question that NTA had said had two ‘correct’ answers. This was the fourth iteration of the results for the competitive entrance exam for admissions to undergraduate medical courses.
In the latest revised results, 17 candidates share the top rank having scored 720 out of 720, down from 67 in the first iteration of results released on June 4. The second version of results was released on July 1 after conducting a retest for 1,563 candidates of whom only 812 opted to appear and the third iteration was issued on July 20 in a format prescribed by the Supreme Court.
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Election
Sunita Kejriwal to embark on two-day election campaign in Haryana for AAP from Jul 27
Sunita Kejriwal, wife of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, will campaign for the AAP in Ambala, Bhiwani, and Rohtak during a two-day tour of Haryana, the party announced on Friday.
"Sunita Kejriwal will begin a two-day tour of the state from Saturday. She will visit Ambala, Bhiwani and Rohtak," the party said. Last week, Sunita Kejriwal announced the 'Kejriwal ki Guarantee' during a programme in Haryana's Panchkula.
She was an active campaigner for AAP candidates in Delhi, Haryana and Gujarat during the Lok Sabha elections.
Assembly elections in Haryana are due later this year.
"Sunita Kejriwal will begin a two-day tour of the state from Saturday. She will visit Ambala, Bhiwani and Rohtak," the party said. Last week, Sunita Kejriwal announced the 'Kejriwal ki Guarantee' during a programme in Haryana's Panchkula.
She was an active campaigner for AAP candidates in Delhi, Haryana and Gujarat during the Lok Sabha elections.
Assembly elections in Haryana are due later this year.
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Environment
Over 600 tigers died in India in past five years: Government data
A total of 628 tigers died in India during the past five years due to natural causes and other reasons, including poaching, according to government data.
Meanwhile, 349 people were killed in tiger attacks during this period, with Maharashtra alone recording 200 deaths.
According to the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), 96 tigers died in 2019, 106 in 2020, 127 in 2021, 121 in 2022, and 178 in 2023. The number of tiger deaths in 2023 is also the highest since 2012, the data revealed.
Responding to a question in the Rajya Sabha, Union Minister of State for Environment Kirti Vardhan Singh said that 49 people each were killed in tiger attacks in 2019 and 2020, 59 in 2021, 110 in 2022, and 82 in 2023.
Uttar Pradesh recorded 59 human deaths in tiger attacks while Madhya Pradesh reported 27. The number of tigers in India stood at 3,682 - around 75% of the global wild tiger population - in 2022, according to the latest government data.
India launched Project Tiger on April 1, 1973, to promote tiger conservation. Initially, it covered nine tiger reserves spanning 18,278 square kilometres.
Currently, India has 55 tiger reserves covering over 78,735 square kilometres - nearly 2.4% of the country's geographical area - of tiger habitat.
Meanwhile, 349 people were killed in tiger attacks during this period, with Maharashtra alone recording 200 deaths.
According to the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), 96 tigers died in 2019, 106 in 2020, 127 in 2021, 121 in 2022, and 178 in 2023. The number of tiger deaths in 2023 is also the highest since 2012, the data revealed.
Responding to a question in the Rajya Sabha, Union Minister of State for Environment Kirti Vardhan Singh said that 49 people each were killed in tiger attacks in 2019 and 2020, 59 in 2021, 110 in 2022, and 82 in 2023.
Uttar Pradesh recorded 59 human deaths in tiger attacks while Madhya Pradesh reported 27. The number of tigers in India stood at 3,682 - around 75% of the global wild tiger population - in 2022, according to the latest government data.
India launched Project Tiger on April 1, 1973, to promote tiger conservation. Initially, it covered nine tiger reserves spanning 18,278 square kilometres.
Currently, India has 55 tiger reserves covering over 78,735 square kilometres - nearly 2.4% of the country's geographical area - of tiger habitat.
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Health
36% children aged under 5 stunted, 17% underweight: WCD Minister
About 17% children in the age group of 0-5 years are underweight, while 36% are stunted and 6% are wasted, the Women and Child Development Ministry said on Friday.
Stunted, wasted and underweight are key indicators of malnutrition in children aged between 0-5 years. Stunted growth refers to children who are too short for their age, typically resulting from chronic malnutrition.
Wasted refers to children who are too thin for their height, indicating acute malnutrition often due to a recent and severe weight loss. Underweight children have a low weight for their age, encompassing both stunting and wasting, and reflects either chronic or acute malnutrition, or a combination of both.
Replying to a question in the Lok Sabha, Women and Child Development Minister Annapurna Devi said, as per the data of Poshan Tracker for the month of June 2024, around 8.57 crore children under 6 years were measured, out of whom 35% were found to be stunted, only 17% were found to be underweight and only 6 per cent children under 5 years were found to be wasted.
According to the state-wise data shared by her, Uttar Pradesh exhibits the highest stunting rate at 46.36%, closely followed by Lakshadweep at 46.31%. Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh also report alarming stunting rates at 44.59% and 41.61% respectively.
Stunted, wasted and underweight are key indicators of malnutrition in children aged between 0-5 years. Stunted growth refers to children who are too short for their age, typically resulting from chronic malnutrition.
Wasted refers to children who are too thin for their height, indicating acute malnutrition often due to a recent and severe weight loss. Underweight children have a low weight for their age, encompassing both stunting and wasting, and reflects either chronic or acute malnutrition, or a combination of both.
Replying to a question in the Lok Sabha, Women and Child Development Minister Annapurna Devi said, as per the data of Poshan Tracker for the month of June 2024, around 8.57 crore children under 6 years were measured, out of whom 35% were found to be stunted, only 17% were found to be underweight and only 6 per cent children under 5 years were found to be wasted.
According to the state-wise data shared by her, Uttar Pradesh exhibits the highest stunting rate at 46.36%, closely followed by Lakshadweep at 46.31%. Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh also report alarming stunting rates at 44.59% and 41.61% respectively.
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Nipah death: Karnataka government advises its citizens to avoid travelling to Malappuram
The Karnataka government has issued an advisory asking the people of the state to avoid travelling to Malappuram district in neighbouring Kerala where a 14-year-old boy died on July 21 after he became infected with the Nipah virus.
The Commissionerate of Health and Family Welfare, however, said in a statement that as the case reported at Malappuram was one of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) (a Nipah symptom), and further high-risk contacts have been tested negative, the chance of human-to-human transmission seems very less and there is no need to panic at this moment.
It said no cases of Nipah have been reported in Karnataka till date.
The Commissionerate of Health and Family Welfare, however, said in a statement that as the case reported at Malappuram was one of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) (a Nipah symptom), and further high-risk contacts have been tested negative, the chance of human-to-human transmission seems very less and there is no need to panic at this moment.
It said no cases of Nipah have been reported in Karnataka till date.
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International
Ancient site in Palestine gets UNESCO tag amid conflict in Gaza
Amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza, the ancient heritage site of Saint Hilarion Monastery/Tell Umm Amer in Palestine on Friday received the UNESCO tag and was simultaneously put on the List of World Heritage in Danger after an "emergency nomination".
The announcement was made during the ongoing 46th session of the World Heritage Committee (WHC) in Delhi. India is hosting the key UNESCO event for the first time. Israel has been carrying out a massive military offensive in Gaza following the attack by Hamas on Israeli cities on October 7.
India in November had urged both the sides to eschew violence, de-escalate the situation and create conditions for an early resumption of direct peace negotiations towards a two-state solution to the Palestine issue. Friday's inscription has raised hopes about protection of such heritage sites.
"In view of the threats to this heritage site posed by the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip, the World Heritage Committee used the emergency inscription procedure provided for in the World Heritage Convention," the UNESCO in a statement later "Situated on the coastal dunes in Nuseirat Municipality, the ruins of Saint Hilarion Monastery/Tell Umm Amer represent one of the earliest monastic sites in the Middle East, dating back to the 4th century," according to the UNESCO website.
"Founded by Saint Hilarion, the monastery began with solitary hermits and evolved into a coenobitic community. It was the first monastic community in the Holy Land, laying the groundwork for the spread of monastic practices in the region. The monastery occupied a strategic position at the crossroads of major trade and communication routes between Asia and Africa," it said.
The announcement was made during the ongoing 46th session of the World Heritage Committee (WHC) in Delhi. India is hosting the key UNESCO event for the first time. Israel has been carrying out a massive military offensive in Gaza following the attack by Hamas on Israeli cities on October 7.
India in November had urged both the sides to eschew violence, de-escalate the situation and create conditions for an early resumption of direct peace negotiations towards a two-state solution to the Palestine issue. Friday's inscription has raised hopes about protection of such heritage sites.
"In view of the threats to this heritage site posed by the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip, the World Heritage Committee used the emergency inscription procedure provided for in the World Heritage Convention," the UNESCO in a statement later "Situated on the coastal dunes in Nuseirat Municipality, the ruins of Saint Hilarion Monastery/Tell Umm Amer represent one of the earliest monastic sites in the Middle East, dating back to the 4th century," according to the UNESCO website.
"Founded by Saint Hilarion, the monastery began with solitary hermits and evolved into a coenobitic community. It was the first monastic community in the Holy Land, laying the groundwork for the spread of monastic practices in the region. The monastery occupied a strategic position at the crossroads of major trade and communication routes between Asia and Africa," it said.
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Pakistan rejects PM Modi’s Kargil Vijay Diwas speech
Pakistan on Friday rejected Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks at an event marking 25 years of Kargin Vijay Diwas at Drass in Ladakh as “rhetorical statements” and said it cannot deflect international attention from India’s efforts to suppress the Kashmiri people.
India hailed the valour of its soldiers in the Kargil conflict 25 years ago with Prime Minister Modi issuing a stern message to Pakistan, saying it has been trying to stay relevant by using terrorism and proxy wars but all such terror attempts will be crushed with full force. “Bravado and jingoism undermine regional peace, and are totally counter-productive for resolution of long-standing disputes between Pakistan and India, especially the core dispute of Jammu and Kashmir,” the Pakistan’s Foreign Office said in a statement.
India has been maintaining that it desires normal neighbourly relations with Pakistan while insisting that the onus is on Islamabad to create an environment that is free of terror and hostility for such an engagement. India has also told Pakistan that the "Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and the Union Territory of Ladakh have been, are and will always remain integral and inalienable parts of India."
The Foreign Office further stated that Pakistan stands resolute in its intent and ability to safeguard its sovereignty against any aggression. “While Pakistan is ready to counter India’s aggressive actions, it remains committed to promoting peace and stability in the region,” the statement concluded.
India hailed the valour of its soldiers in the Kargil conflict 25 years ago with Prime Minister Modi issuing a stern message to Pakistan, saying it has been trying to stay relevant by using terrorism and proxy wars but all such terror attempts will be crushed with full force. “Bravado and jingoism undermine regional peace, and are totally counter-productive for resolution of long-standing disputes between Pakistan and India, especially the core dispute of Jammu and Kashmir,” the Pakistan’s Foreign Office said in a statement.
India has been maintaining that it desires normal neighbourly relations with Pakistan while insisting that the onus is on Islamabad to create an environment that is free of terror and hostility for such an engagement. India has also told Pakistan that the "Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and the Union Territory of Ladakh have been, are and will always remain integral and inalienable parts of India."
The Foreign Office further stated that Pakistan stands resolute in its intent and ability to safeguard its sovereignty against any aggression. “While Pakistan is ready to counter India’s aggressive actions, it remains committed to promoting peace and stability in the region,” the statement concluded.
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India, US sign first-ever cultural property agreement for retrieval of antique objects
India and the United States on Friday reached their first agreement to prevent illegal trafficking of cultural property and return of antiquarian objects to their place of origin, the Ministry of Culture said.
The US-India Cultural Property Agreement was signed by Union Cultural Secretary Govind Mohan and US envoy Eric Garcetti in the presence of Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on the sidelines of the ongoing 46th session of the World Heritage Committee at Bharat Mandapam.
Interacting with the press later, Shekhawat said it is a general agreement that will allow "smooth repatriation" of historic artefact from the US to India. He added that there are "297 items" that are "lying in the US, ready to be repatriated." India has repatriated 358 antiquities since 1976, out of these 345 have been retrieved since 2014, the minister said.
"The agreement aims to prevent illegal trafficking of cultural property and retrieval of antiquarian objects to their place of origin," the Culture Ministry said in a statement.
The US Embassy in a statement said that with this agreement, India joins the ranks of 29 existing US bilateral cultural property agreement partners.
The US-India Cultural Property Agreement was signed by Union Cultural Secretary Govind Mohan and US envoy Eric Garcetti in the presence of Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on the sidelines of the ongoing 46th session of the World Heritage Committee at Bharat Mandapam.
Interacting with the press later, Shekhawat said it is a general agreement that will allow "smooth repatriation" of historic artefact from the US to India. He added that there are "297 items" that are "lying in the US, ready to be repatriated." India has repatriated 358 antiquities since 1976, out of these 345 have been retrieved since 2014, the minister said.
"The agreement aims to prevent illegal trafficking of cultural property and retrieval of antiquarian objects to their place of origin," the Culture Ministry said in a statement.
The US Embassy in a statement said that with this agreement, India joins the ranks of 29 existing US bilateral cultural property agreement partners.
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‘Boop’, ‘the ick’, 'chef's kiss' new additions to ‘Cambridge Dictionary’
Informal words used as slang, such as ‘boop’ and ‘the ick’, are among more than 3,200 new words and phrases added to the ‘Cambridge Dictionary’ in its latest update this week.
'Boop', which is defined as “a gentle hit or touch on a person's or animal's nose or head, showing that you like them or as a joke”, and 'the ick', which refers to “a sudden feeling that you dislike someone or something or are no longer attracted to someone because of something they do”, are among the slangs to make it to the online edition for 2024 so far. 'Chef’s kiss', or a movement in which you put your fingers and thumb together, kiss them, then pull your hand away from your lips as a way of showing that you think that something or someone is perfect or excellent, is another such informal phrase that has been recognised formally.
“Language is always changing, and this means that the ‘Cambridge Dictionary’ team stays busy researching new words and meanings that enter the English language,” the dictionary said in a statement on Thursday.
“Many new additions come from the fields of science and technology, including 'scicomm' – the activity of explaining scientific work and information to people who are not scientists, or articles, talks, etc. that do this, and deep-sky – existing in or relating to the part of space outside the solar system,” it said. A few other quirky additions include IYKYK, which is the written abbreviation for “if you know you know”. It is used mostly on social media and in text messages to imply a shared joke or shared knowledge with the reader that other people might not understand.
The noun “face journey” has been added to refer to “a series of expressions that appear on someone's face showing different emotions that they are experiencing as a reaction to something”.
'Boop', which is defined as “a gentle hit or touch on a person's or animal's nose or head, showing that you like them or as a joke”, and 'the ick', which refers to “a sudden feeling that you dislike someone or something or are no longer attracted to someone because of something they do”, are among the slangs to make it to the online edition for 2024 so far. 'Chef’s kiss', or a movement in which you put your fingers and thumb together, kiss them, then pull your hand away from your lips as a way of showing that you think that something or someone is perfect or excellent, is another such informal phrase that has been recognised formally.
“Language is always changing, and this means that the ‘Cambridge Dictionary’ team stays busy researching new words and meanings that enter the English language,” the dictionary said in a statement on Thursday.
“Many new additions come from the fields of science and technology, including 'scicomm' – the activity of explaining scientific work and information to people who are not scientists, or articles, talks, etc. that do this, and deep-sky – existing in or relating to the part of space outside the solar system,” it said. A few other quirky additions include IYKYK, which is the written abbreviation for “if you know you know”. It is used mostly on social media and in text messages to imply a shared joke or shared knowledge with the reader that other people might not understand.
The noun “face journey” has been added to refer to “a series of expressions that appear on someone's face showing different emotions that they are experiencing as a reaction to something”.
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Barack and Michelle Obama back Kamala Harris for president
Former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama announced their support for Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential bid on Friday. In a joint statement, the Obamas said, "We agree with President Biden,” adding, “Choosing Kamala was one of the best decisions he’s made. She has the resume to prove it."
“But Kamala has more than a resume. She has the vision, the character, and the strength that this critical moment demands. There is no doubt in our mind that Kamala Harris has exactly what it takes to win this election and deliver for the American people,” the statement said. “At a time when the stakes have never been higher, she gives us all reason to hope,” it added.
The statement came along with a video of the Obamas congratulating Harris on a phone call.
“Michelle and I couldn’t be prouder to endorse you and to do everything we can to get you through this election and into the Oval Office,” the former president told Harris on the call. Harris could be seen thanking the Obamas for their support and expressing gratitude for their old friendship.
“Oh my goodness. Michelle, Barack, this means so much to me. I’m looking forward to doing this with the two of you, Doug and I both. And getting out there, being on the road,” the vice president said.
“I can’t have this phone call without saying to my girl, Kamala, I am proud of you. This is going to be historic,” the former first lady replied to Harris.
“But Kamala has more than a resume. She has the vision, the character, and the strength that this critical moment demands. There is no doubt in our mind that Kamala Harris has exactly what it takes to win this election and deliver for the American people,” the statement said. “At a time when the stakes have never been higher, she gives us all reason to hope,” it added.
The statement came along with a video of the Obamas congratulating Harris on a phone call.
“Michelle and I couldn’t be prouder to endorse you and to do everything we can to get you through this election and into the Oval Office,” the former president told Harris on the call. Harris could be seen thanking the Obamas for their support and expressing gratitude for their old friendship.
“Oh my goodness. Michelle, Barack, this means so much to me. I’m looking forward to doing this with the two of you, Doug and I both. And getting out there, being on the road,” the vice president said.
“I can’t have this phone call without saying to my girl, Kamala, I am proud of you. This is going to be historic,” the former first lady replied to Harris.
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France’s train network hit by arson attacks hours before Olympics
France’s TGV high-speed train network was hit by a series of pre-dawn sabotage attacks, causing major travel disruptions and highlighting security concerns ahead of the Paris Olympics opening ceremony on Friday.
The attacks occurred as France launched an extensive security operation involving tens of thousands of police and soldiers to protect the capital for the Games. The state-owned SNCF reported that signal boxes were damaged on key routes connecting Paris with cities like Lille, Bordeaux, and Strasbourg, while an attack on the Paris-Marseille line was thwarted.
There has been no immediate claim of responsibility. Initial suspicions have pointed to leftist militants or environmental activists, though no evidence has yet emerged. Prime Minister Gabriel Attal refuted these claims. "What we know, what we see, is that this operation was prepared, coordinated, that nerve centres were targeted, which shows a certain knowledge of the network to know where to strike," Attal said.
International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach expressed confidence in the French authorities, stating, “I don’t have concerns,” to the press at the Olympic Village.
The attacks occurred as France launched an extensive security operation involving tens of thousands of police and soldiers to protect the capital for the Games. The state-owned SNCF reported that signal boxes were damaged on key routes connecting Paris with cities like Lille, Bordeaux, and Strasbourg, while an attack on the Paris-Marseille line was thwarted.
There has been no immediate claim of responsibility. Initial suspicions have pointed to leftist militants or environmental activists, though no evidence has yet emerged. Prime Minister Gabriel Attal refuted these claims. "What we know, what we see, is that this operation was prepared, coordinated, that nerve centres were targeted, which shows a certain knowledge of the network to know where to strike," Attal said.
International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach expressed confidence in the French authorities, stating, “I don’t have concerns,” to the press at the Olympic Village.
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China’s plan to increase retirement age sparks public backlash
The Chinese Communist Party’s proposal to increase the retirement age to address the ageing population has sparked widespread public discontent. Currently, the retirement age for male urban workers is 60, while for female workers it is 50 or 55, depending on their occupation.
The recently concluded third plenum of the Communist Party of China (CPC) has unveiled comprehensive reforms to advance the modernisation of the economy, plagued by a deepening demographic crisis, sluggish growth and mounting local government debt. The powerful body also discussed plans to raise the country’s retirement age in a “voluntary and flexible” manner. But the plan, which has been in the works for several years, has generated a backlash in Chinese social media with people expressing their dissatisfaction over the prospect of delayed access to their pensions while younger employees averring that the rise of the retirement age will leave them with fewer jobs if the older workers stay.
People also shared a forecast by the state-run Chinese Academy of Social Sciences in 2019 stating that China’s state pension fund would run dry by 2035 because of its dwindling workforce amid increased concerns.
The recently concluded third plenum of the Communist Party of China (CPC) has unveiled comprehensive reforms to advance the modernisation of the economy, plagued by a deepening demographic crisis, sluggish growth and mounting local government debt. The powerful body also discussed plans to raise the country’s retirement age in a “voluntary and flexible” manner. But the plan, which has been in the works for several years, has generated a backlash in Chinese social media with people expressing their dissatisfaction over the prospect of delayed access to their pensions while younger employees averring that the rise of the retirement age will leave them with fewer jobs if the older workers stay.
People also shared a forecast by the state-run Chinese Academy of Social Sciences in 2019 stating that China’s state pension fund would run dry by 2035 because of its dwindling workforce amid increased concerns.
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Sri Lankan President Wickremesinghe to fight presidential election as independent
Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Friday declared his candidacy for the September presidential election as an independent candidate by depositing money for the upcoming polls.
The election commission announced that presidential polls will be held on September 21, ending months-long speculation over the key contest that will likely determine the future of economic reforms in the cash-strapped country. President's Counsel Ronald Perera placed a cash deposit on Wickremesinghe's behalf, and the nominations for the election will take place on August 15.
Wickremesinghe's candidacy was in doubt due to his lack of a solid party, with his United National Party decimated by the 2020 split. By offering himself as an independent candidate, Wickremesinghe aims to cash in on the economic turnaround he has successfully engineered since the island declared bankruptcy in 2022.
The election commission announced that presidential polls will be held on September 21, ending months-long speculation over the key contest that will likely determine the future of economic reforms in the cash-strapped country. President's Counsel Ronald Perera placed a cash deposit on Wickremesinghe's behalf, and the nominations for the election will take place on August 15.
Wickremesinghe's candidacy was in doubt due to his lack of a solid party, with his United National Party decimated by the 2020 split. By offering himself as an independent candidate, Wickremesinghe aims to cash in on the economic turnaround he has successfully engineered since the island declared bankruptcy in 2022.
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World’s most wanted drug lord and his associate arrested by US authorities
Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada, one of the world’s most influential drug lords and leader of Mexico’s Sinaloa cartel, has been arrested by US federal agents in El Paso, Texas.
The 76-year-old, who co-founded the cartel with Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, now imprisoned in the US, was taken into custody alongside Guzman's son, Joaquin Guzman Lopez, according to the US Justice Department. Zambada had been charged in February with conspiring to produce and distribute fentanyl, a potent drug linked to the US opioid crisis. While the specifics of their arrests are not fully detailed, it appears they entered the US under pretence.
According to the Wall Street Journal, Zambada was deceived into boarding a plane by Guzman Lopez and was led to believe he was inspecting clandestine airfields in Mexico, following an operation by Homeland Security Investigations and the FBI. Lopez surrendered himself and implicated Zambada due to a grudge over his father’s capture.
The 76-year-old, who co-founded the cartel with Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, now imprisoned in the US, was taken into custody alongside Guzman's son, Joaquin Guzman Lopez, according to the US Justice Department. Zambada had been charged in February with conspiring to produce and distribute fentanyl, a potent drug linked to the US opioid crisis. While the specifics of their arrests are not fully detailed, it appears they entered the US under pretence.
According to the Wall Street Journal, Zambada was deceived into boarding a plane by Guzman Lopez and was led to believe he was inspecting clandestine airfields in Mexico, following an operation by Homeland Security Investigations and the FBI. Lopez surrendered himself and implicated Zambada due to a grudge over his father’s capture.
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Barack Obama, wife Michelle endorse Kamala Harris for US president
Former President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle have endorsed Kamala Harris' presidential bid in a one-minute video, captured during a private phone call.
"We called to say Michelle and I couldn't be prouder to endorse you and to do everything we can to get you through this election and into the Oval Office," Obama told Harris "I am proud of you. This is going to be historic," the former first lady told Harris.
Harris expressed her gratitude for the endorsement and their long friendship. "Thank you both. It means so much. And we're gonna have some fun with this too," Harris said.
The campaign claims the video was an actual call, not a reenactment.
"We called to say Michelle and I couldn't be prouder to endorse you and to do everything we can to get you through this election and into the Oval Office," Obama told Harris "I am proud of you. This is going to be historic," the former first lady told Harris.
Harris expressed her gratitude for the endorsement and their long friendship. "Thank you both. It means so much. And we're gonna have some fun with this too," Harris said.
The campaign claims the video was an actual call, not a reenactment.
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France's high-speed train network struck by 'massive attack' as Olympics begin
Hours before the Olympics opening ceremony in Paris, French railway company SNCF reported that its high-speed TGV network had been targeted by "malicious acts" intended to disrupt services.
The SNCF has advised travellers to delay their journeys, as repairs are ongoing and disruptions are expected through the weekend. Trains are being rerouted to their original stations. The SNCF disclosed, "Last night, the SNCF was the victim of several acts of vandalism on the Atlantic, Northern and Eastern high-speed lines. Fires were deliberately set to damage our installations." The disruption has also affected trains to Belgium and London.
To secure the Olympics, France has launched an extensive peacetime security operation, deploying over 45,000 police, 10,000 soldiers, and 2,000 private security agents. The security measures include snipers on rooftops and drones monitoring from the air.
The SNCF has advised travellers to delay their journeys, as repairs are ongoing and disruptions are expected through the weekend. Trains are being rerouted to their original stations. The SNCF disclosed, "Last night, the SNCF was the victim of several acts of vandalism on the Atlantic, Northern and Eastern high-speed lines. Fires were deliberately set to damage our installations." The disruption has also affected trains to Belgium and London.
To secure the Olympics, France has launched an extensive peacetime security operation, deploying over 45,000 police, 10,000 soldiers, and 2,000 private security agents. The security measures include snipers on rooftops and drones monitoring from the air.
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NSA Doval calls for increased BIMSTEC cooperation in counter-terrorism
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Friday called on BIMSTEC nations to strengthen cooperation in counter-terrorism; combating drug trafficking, arms smuggling and organised crime.
Doval, leading the Indian delegation at the 4th annual meeting of the security chiefs of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), delivered India's national statement at the meeting here in Myanmarese capital. "NSA delivered India's national statement at #BIMSTEC meet. He spoke on strengthening cooperation in counter-terrorism; combating drug trafficking, arms smuggling and organised crime; BIMSTEC connectivity; holding 2nd Ports Conclave; and water security of Himalayan river systems," the Embassy of India in Myanmar said in a post on X.
The meeting has been convened to strategise and coordinate initiatives crucial for addressing common security challenges faced by member states.
Doval, leading the Indian delegation at the 4th annual meeting of the security chiefs of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), delivered India's national statement at the meeting here in Myanmarese capital. "NSA delivered India's national statement at #BIMSTEC meet. He spoke on strengthening cooperation in counter-terrorism; combating drug trafficking, arms smuggling and organised crime; BIMSTEC connectivity; holding 2nd Ports Conclave; and water security of Himalayan river systems," the Embassy of India in Myanmar said in a post on X.
The meeting has been convened to strategise and coordinate initiatives crucial for addressing common security challenges faced by member states.
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Philippines braces for worst after oil spill
The Philippine Coast Guard has deployed floating barriers and suction hoses to contain an oil spill from the MT Terra Nova, which capsized on Thursday amid heavy monsoon rains.
The 65-metre-long vessel, carrying nearly 1.5 million litres of industrial fuel, began leaking from its engine rather than its cargo tank.
Authorities are working urgently to prevent the spill, which extends for several kilometres, from reaching Manila. Rear Admiral Armand Balilo, the coast guard spokesperson, stated that they are "preparing for the worst," as the spill could become the most severe in the nation's history. Concerns also include potential impacts on local fisheries and marine life.
The 65-metre-long vessel, carrying nearly 1.5 million litres of industrial fuel, began leaking from its engine rather than its cargo tank.
Authorities are working urgently to prevent the spill, which extends for several kilometres, from reaching Manila. Rear Admiral Armand Balilo, the coast guard spokesperson, stated that they are "preparing for the worst," as the spill could become the most severe in the nation's history. Concerns also include potential impacts on local fisheries and marine life.
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Amid conflict in Gaza, heritage site in Palestine gets UNESCO tag
Amid the ongoing Gaza conflict, heritage site of Saint Hilarion Monastery/Tell Umm Amer in Palestine on Friday received the UNESCO tag and was simultaneously put on the List of World Heritage in Danger. The announcement was made during the ongoing 46th session of the World Heritage Committee in New Delhi.
Saint Hilarion Monastery/Tell Umm Amer in Palestine has been inscribed on World Heritage List and List of World Heritage in Danger, it was announced in the plenary meeting of the session.
Various state parties from Lebanon, Turkiye, and Kazakhstan welcomed the UNESCO inscription of the heritage site in Palestine.
Saint Hilarion Monastery/Tell Umm Amer in Palestine has been inscribed on World Heritage List and List of World Heritage in Danger, it was announced in the plenary meeting of the session.
Various state parties from Lebanon, Turkiye, and Kazakhstan welcomed the UNESCO inscription of the heritage site in Palestine.
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Kamala Harris says she is ready to debate; Donald Trump says wait till Democratic convention
Former US president and Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump on Thursday refused to debate with his Democratic rival and Vice President Kamala Harris until the Democrats formally decide on their nominee, whereas the latter said that she is ready for a debate.
“You have been asking me about the debate and I'll tell you I'm ready to debate Donald Trump. I have agreed to the previously agreed upon September 10 debate,” Harris told reporters at Joint Base Andrews on her return from Houston. “He (Trump) agreed to that previously. Now here he is backpedaling and I’m ready and I think the voters deserve to see the split screen that exists in this race on a debate stage. And so I'm ready to go,” Harris said.
Trump was declared the Republican party nominee at its convention in Milwaukee this month, Harris is all set to be declared the party’s nominee at its convention in Chicago in August. “Given the continued political chaos surrounding Crooked Joe Biden and the Democrat Party, general election debate details cannot be finalized until Democrats formally decide on their nominee,” Trump Campaign Communications Director Steven Cheung said in a late night statement.
“There is a strong sense by many in the Democrat Party - namely Barack Hussein Obama - that Kamala Harris is a Marxist fraud who cannot beat President Trump, and they are still holding out for someone “better.” Therefore, it would be inappropriate to schedule things with Harris because Democrats very well could still change their minds,” Cheung said. Trump and US President Joe Biden, who dropped out of the race over the weekend and was succeeded by Harris, had previously agreed to two debates on June 27 and September 10.
Biden’s disastrous debate in Atlanta on June 27 ultimately led him to quit the race three weeks later. The September 10 debate was previously agreed to be hosted by ABC News. The June 27 debate was hosted by CNN.
Fox News has now proposed a debate between Trump and Harris on September 17 in Pennsylvania.
“You have been asking me about the debate and I'll tell you I'm ready to debate Donald Trump. I have agreed to the previously agreed upon September 10 debate,” Harris told reporters at Joint Base Andrews on her return from Houston. “He (Trump) agreed to that previously. Now here he is backpedaling and I’m ready and I think the voters deserve to see the split screen that exists in this race on a debate stage. And so I'm ready to go,” Harris said.
Trump was declared the Republican party nominee at its convention in Milwaukee this month, Harris is all set to be declared the party’s nominee at its convention in Chicago in August. “Given the continued political chaos surrounding Crooked Joe Biden and the Democrat Party, general election debate details cannot be finalized until Democrats formally decide on their nominee,” Trump Campaign Communications Director Steven Cheung said in a late night statement.
“There is a strong sense by many in the Democrat Party - namely Barack Hussein Obama - that Kamala Harris is a Marxist fraud who cannot beat President Trump, and they are still holding out for someone “better.” Therefore, it would be inappropriate to schedule things with Harris because Democrats very well could still change their minds,” Cheung said. Trump and US President Joe Biden, who dropped out of the race over the weekend and was succeeded by Harris, had previously agreed to two debates on June 27 and September 10.
Biden’s disastrous debate in Atlanta on June 27 ultimately led him to quit the race three weeks later. The September 10 debate was previously agreed to be hosted by ABC News. The June 27 debate was hosted by CNN.
Fox News has now proposed a debate between Trump and Harris on September 17 in Pennsylvania.
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Nepal: Black box of crashed aircraft found, probe committee formed
Nepalese authorities on Thursday recovered the black box of the aircraft that crashed in Kathmandu a day before and handed it over to a probe team formed to inquire into the tragic accident that killed 18 persons, including a child.
A Pokhra-bound Bombardier CRJ-200 aircraft of Saurya Airlines, carrying 19 people, crashed and caught fire shortly after taking off from the Tribhuvan International Airport here on Wednesday, killing 18 people aboard, and seriously injuring the pilot.
The probe team is headed by Ratish Chandra Lal, former director general of the Civil Aviation Authority, and includes four other experts. The team has to submit its probe report along with recommendations within 45 days.
A Pokhra-bound Bombardier CRJ-200 aircraft of Saurya Airlines, carrying 19 people, crashed and caught fire shortly after taking off from the Tribhuvan International Airport here on Wednesday, killing 18 people aboard, and seriously injuring the pilot.
The probe team is headed by Ratish Chandra Lal, former director general of the Civil Aviation Authority, and includes four other experts. The team has to submit its probe report along with recommendations within 45 days.
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Sri Lanka sets September date for presidential election
The presidential election in Sri Lanka is to take place on September 21, the independent elections commission announced.
The announcement ended months-long speculation that the election would be postponed to extend the term of the incumbent Ranil Wickremesinghe.
The election announcement set to end the balance term of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who was ousted mid 2022 in a popular public uprising. Rajapaksa was elected with a record near seven million votes in November 2019 when the last presidential election was held. Tens of thousands who got into the streets in 2022 demanded Rajapaksa to step down for his failure to tackle the island’s gravest economic crisis since 1948.
Rajapaksa was forced to flee the country on July 9, 2022 and incumbent Ranil Wickremesinghe who was the crisis Prime Minister was elected through parliament to succeed Rajapaksa.
Wickremesinghe undertook the difficult task of reviving the bankrupt economy by tapping a bail-out facility from the IMF.
The announcement ended months-long speculation that the election would be postponed to extend the term of the incumbent Ranil Wickremesinghe.
The election announcement set to end the balance term of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who was ousted mid 2022 in a popular public uprising. Rajapaksa was elected with a record near seven million votes in November 2019 when the last presidential election was held. Tens of thousands who got into the streets in 2022 demanded Rajapaksa to step down for his failure to tackle the island’s gravest economic crisis since 1948.
Rajapaksa was forced to flee the country on July 9, 2022 and incumbent Ranil Wickremesinghe who was the crisis Prime Minister was elected through parliament to succeed Rajapaksa.
Wickremesinghe undertook the difficult task of reviving the bankrupt economy by tapping a bail-out facility from the IMF.
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Israel has a right to defend itself but how it does so matters: Kamala Harris after meeting Netanyahu
Israel has a right to defend itself, but how it does so matters, US Vice-President Kamala Harris said after her meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu highlighting the human suffering in Gaza, including the death of far too many innocent civilians.
“I've said it many times, but it bears repeating. Israel has a right to defend itself, and how it does so matters. Hamas is a brutal terrorist organization. On October 7, Hamas triggered this war when it massacred 1,200 innocent people, including 44 Americans. Hamas has committed horrific acts of sexual violence and took 250 hostages. There are American citizens who remain captive in Gaza,” Harris told reporters immediately after meeting Netanyahu in the White House complex. During her meeting with Netanyahu, Harris said that she expressed her serious concern about the scale of human suffering in Gaza, including the death of far too many innocent civilians.
“I made clear my serious concern about the dire humanitarian situation there. With over two million people facing high levels of food insecurity, and half a million people facing catastrophic levels of acute food insecurity. What has happened in Gaza over the past nine months is devastating,” she said. “The images of dead children and desperate, hungry people fleeing for safety, sometimes displaced for the second, third, or fourth time. We cannot look away in the face of these tragedies. We cannot allow ourselves to become numb to the suffering, and I will not be silent,” Harris said.
Harris said there is a deal on the table for a ceasefire and a hostage deal. The first phase of the deal would bring about a full ceasefire, including a withdrawal of the Israeli military from population centres in Gaza. In the second phase, the Israeli military would withdraw from Gaza entirely and it would lead to a permanent end to the hostilities. “I just told Prime Minister Netanyahu, it is time to get this deal done. So to everyone who has been calling for a ceasefire and to everyone who yearns for peace, I see you and I hear you,” Harris added.
“I've said it many times, but it bears repeating. Israel has a right to defend itself, and how it does so matters. Hamas is a brutal terrorist organization. On October 7, Hamas triggered this war when it massacred 1,200 innocent people, including 44 Americans. Hamas has committed horrific acts of sexual violence and took 250 hostages. There are American citizens who remain captive in Gaza,” Harris told reporters immediately after meeting Netanyahu in the White House complex. During her meeting with Netanyahu, Harris said that she expressed her serious concern about the scale of human suffering in Gaza, including the death of far too many innocent civilians.
“I made clear my serious concern about the dire humanitarian situation there. With over two million people facing high levels of food insecurity, and half a million people facing catastrophic levels of acute food insecurity. What has happened in Gaza over the past nine months is devastating,” she said. “The images of dead children and desperate, hungry people fleeing for safety, sometimes displaced for the second, third, or fourth time. We cannot look away in the face of these tragedies. We cannot allow ourselves to become numb to the suffering, and I will not be silent,” Harris said.
Harris said there is a deal on the table for a ceasefire and a hostage deal. The first phase of the deal would bring about a full ceasefire, including a withdrawal of the Israeli military from population centres in Gaza. In the second phase, the Israeli military would withdraw from Gaza entirely and it would lead to a permanent end to the hostilities. “I just told Prime Minister Netanyahu, it is time to get this deal done. So to everyone who has been calling for a ceasefire and to everyone who yearns for peace, I see you and I hear you,” Harris added.
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White House describes sexist and racist attacks on Harris as ‘disgusting’
The White House described as “disgusting” the increasing sexist and racist attacks on Vice-President Kamala Harris which have intensified after she became the presumptive presidential nominee of the Democratic party.
“I think it's desperate. I think it's disgusting and I think it's a dog whistle. We should not forget that she is the Vice-President of the United States. She should get that respect. She’s been doing this job with the president for almost four years,” White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters at her daily news conference. “She's a former Senator and has been a critical partner in getting the economy restarted and making sure that — that we deal with the pandemic. And to hear that is, frankly, disgusting,” Jean-Pierre said when asked about the increase in racist and sexist attacks against Harris, who is of both India and African origin.
It increased to such a level that the House Speaker Mike Johnson had to ask his Republican lawmakers to avoid such an attack. “When you have the speaker of the House, obviously he's a Republican, and this is something that you all have reported, set up a meeting to tell Republican leaders to stop being racist, to stop being misogynist, to stop being sexist, I think that says a lot that they have to be told to not do that,’ Jean-Pierre added.
According to ‘Politico’, “House Republican leaders told lawmakers to focus on criticising Vice-President Kamala Harris’ record without reference to her race and gender, following caustic remarks from some Republicans attacking her on the basis of identity.”
“I think it's desperate. I think it's disgusting and I think it's a dog whistle. We should not forget that she is the Vice-President of the United States. She should get that respect. She’s been doing this job with the president for almost four years,” White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters at her daily news conference. “She's a former Senator and has been a critical partner in getting the economy restarted and making sure that — that we deal with the pandemic. And to hear that is, frankly, disgusting,” Jean-Pierre said when asked about the increase in racist and sexist attacks against Harris, who is of both India and African origin.
It increased to such a level that the House Speaker Mike Johnson had to ask his Republican lawmakers to avoid such an attack. “When you have the speaker of the House, obviously he's a Republican, and this is something that you all have reported, set up a meeting to tell Republican leaders to stop being racist, to stop being misogynist, to stop being sexist, I think that says a lot that they have to be told to not do that,’ Jean-Pierre added.
According to ‘Politico’, “House Republican leaders told lawmakers to focus on criticising Vice-President Kamala Harris’ record without reference to her race and gender, following caustic remarks from some Republicans attacking her on the basis of identity.”
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Legal
Woman’s consent reigns supreme in termination of pregnancy: Allahabad High Court
While dealing with the case of a 15-year-old rape survivor who was 32 weeks pregnant, the Allahabad High Court observed that it was a woman’s decision whether to continue with her pregnancy or go ahead with its medical termination.
This court added that a woman’s decision in whether or not to go ahead with the termination of her pregnancy is a decision that is to be taken by no one but herself. “This is primarily based on the widely acknowledged idea of bodily autonomy. Here, her consent reigns supreme,” the Court held. “If she decides to go ahead with the pregnancy and put the child up for adoption, then the duty lies on the state to ensure that it is carried out as privately as possible and also to ensure that the child, being a citizen of this land, is not stripped of the fundamental rights that are enshrined in the Constitution,” the court added.
This court added that a woman’s decision in whether or not to go ahead with the termination of her pregnancy is a decision that is to be taken by no one but herself. “This is primarily based on the widely acknowledged idea of bodily autonomy. Here, her consent reigns supreme,” the Court held. “If she decides to go ahead with the pregnancy and put the child up for adoption, then the duty lies on the state to ensure that it is carried out as privately as possible and also to ensure that the child, being a citizen of this land, is not stripped of the fundamental rights that are enshrined in the Constitution,” the court added.
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Supreme Court to examine illegal money lending business by people with "Shylockian attitude"
The Supreme Court has decided to examine and lay down law to check unlicensed money lending business in India for rescuing hapless borrowers who are driven into a debt trap by moneylenders having "Shylockian attitude".
Shylock was a fictional moneylender in William Shakesphere's play "The Merchant of Venice".
A bench of Justices CT Ravikumar and Sanjay Kumar, while adjudicating a cheque bounce dispute involving Bollywood film producer and director Raj Kumar Santoshi, who allegedly borrowed money from a man named Prashant Malik to produce film "Saragarhi", said it has taken note of a "growing menace to the society". The bench said, "We are coming across cases where such so-called friendly advances are in crores (of rupees). We are mainly peeved and pained by instances where ordinary laymen take such loans and are at last driven to streets or driven to commit suicide, on account of lenders entertaining Shylockian attitudes."
Santoshi, in his plea filed by advocate Durga Dutt, has claimed when he was preparing for making "Saragarhi", Malik, who knew him, had approached him with an offer to invest Rs 2 crore in the film.
Shylock was a fictional moneylender in William Shakesphere's play "The Merchant of Venice".
A bench of Justices CT Ravikumar and Sanjay Kumar, while adjudicating a cheque bounce dispute involving Bollywood film producer and director Raj Kumar Santoshi, who allegedly borrowed money from a man named Prashant Malik to produce film "Saragarhi", said it has taken note of a "growing menace to the society". The bench said, "We are coming across cases where such so-called friendly advances are in crores (of rupees). We are mainly peeved and pained by instances where ordinary laymen take such loans and are at last driven to streets or driven to commit suicide, on account of lenders entertaining Shylockian attitudes."
Santoshi, in his plea filed by advocate Durga Dutt, has claimed when he was preparing for making "Saragarhi", Malik, who knew him, had approached him with an offer to invest Rs 2 crore in the film.
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Kerala High Court quashes POCSO case as accused and victim are married with two children
The Kerala High Court has annulled the proceedings of a Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act case, citing "humanitarian consideration" despite such cases typically being non-settled under the law.
The court noted that the accused, who has married the victim, is now living with her and their two children. The case, filed in February 2021 with the Ernakulam Rural Police, involved allegations that the accused kidnapped and raped the 17-year-old victim. The victim’s mother was also charged for failing to report her daughter's pregnancy following the assault. The court acknowledged that the accused and the victim are now married and have two children.
“In such cases, the tough nut standing in the way of settlement shall be crushed with humanitarian consideration as the hammer, so as to ensure the peaceful family living of the parties, and most importantly, to ensure the well-being of the children born to them,” the Bench of Justice A Badharudeen said on July 22, acting on a petition filed by the accused.
The court noted that the accused, who has married the victim, is now living with her and their two children. The case, filed in February 2021 with the Ernakulam Rural Police, involved allegations that the accused kidnapped and raped the 17-year-old victim. The victim’s mother was also charged for failing to report her daughter's pregnancy following the assault. The court acknowledged that the accused and the victim are now married and have two children.
“In such cases, the tough nut standing in the way of settlement shall be crushed with humanitarian consideration as the hammer, so as to ensure the peaceful family living of the parties, and most importantly, to ensure the well-being of the children born to them,” the Bench of Justice A Badharudeen said on July 22, acting on a petition filed by the accused.
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SC terms verdict of Delhi HC single judge in arbitral award row between SpiceJet & Maran ‘atrocious
The Supreme Court on Friday got irked over a lengthy judgement penned by a single judge bench of the Delhi High Court in a case related to an arbitral award involving media baron Kalanithi Maran and SpiceJet, saying there was no “application of mind”.
Suggesting that the case be now transferred to another judge by the Delhi High Court, the top court said the judgement "has to be carefully articulated" and "the judge must apply mind to grounds of challenge and then deduce if interference is warranted". The strong observations against the single judge bench came from a bench headed by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud during the hearing of an appeal by Kalanithi Maran and Kal Airways against a Delhi High Court order setting aside an arbitral award asking the SpiceJet to refund Rs 579 crore plus interest to the media baron and his firm.
The bench, also comprising justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, did not allow the submission of senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi, appearing for Maran and his firm, that the legal aspects of the dispute be considered.
"Come to the single judge order first...all that we can say about the single judge is filling up 250 pages is not writing a judgment under section 34 (of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act) "This is atrocious. Just a number of the Supreme Court judgements (is cited) saying (scope of ) interference is limited. Let us not make any observations about this single judge. Where has he even applied his mind?" the CJI observed.
Section 34 of the Act deals with applications for setting aside arbitral awards.
"(By) Reading the single judge (bench) order, it does not seem there is any application of mind. The Delhi High Court should now assign the case to a judge other than the single judge who was assigned the case," the CJI said. The bench refused to entertain a plea of Maran, who also owns the Sun Group that runs television channels and several publications, and Kal Airways against the Delhi HC order that had set aside an arbitral award asking the low-cost carrier to refund monies plus interest to the media baron and his firm.
A single judge bench of the Delhi High Court had on July 31, 2023 upheld the arbitral award asking Spicejet promoter Ajay Singh to refund Rs 579 crore plus interest to Maran and his company Kal Airways.
Suggesting that the case be now transferred to another judge by the Delhi High Court, the top court said the judgement "has to be carefully articulated" and "the judge must apply mind to grounds of challenge and then deduce if interference is warranted". The strong observations against the single judge bench came from a bench headed by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud during the hearing of an appeal by Kalanithi Maran and Kal Airways against a Delhi High Court order setting aside an arbitral award asking the SpiceJet to refund Rs 579 crore plus interest to the media baron and his firm.
The bench, also comprising justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, did not allow the submission of senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi, appearing for Maran and his firm, that the legal aspects of the dispute be considered.
"Come to the single judge order first...all that we can say about the single judge is filling up 250 pages is not writing a judgment under section 34 (of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act) "This is atrocious. Just a number of the Supreme Court judgements (is cited) saying (scope of ) interference is limited. Let us not make any observations about this single judge. Where has he even applied his mind?" the CJI observed.
Section 34 of the Act deals with applications for setting aside arbitral awards.
"(By) Reading the single judge (bench) order, it does not seem there is any application of mind. The Delhi High Court should now assign the case to a judge other than the single judge who was assigned the case," the CJI said. The bench refused to entertain a plea of Maran, who also owns the Sun Group that runs television channels and several publications, and Kal Airways against the Delhi HC order that had set aside an arbitral award asking the low-cost carrier to refund monies plus interest to the media baron and his firm.
A single judge bench of the Delhi High Court had on July 31, 2023 upheld the arbitral award asking Spicejet promoter Ajay Singh to refund Rs 579 crore plus interest to Maran and his company Kal Airways.
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Rahul Gandhi appears in UP court, calls defamation case against him 'cheap publicity'
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday appeared in an MP-MLA court in Sultanpur for a defamation case against him, dismissing it as an attempt to gain "cheap publicity." Gandhi’s lawyer, Kashi Prasad Shukla, stated that the Congress MP, addressing Special Judge Shubham Verma, denied making any statements that could be considered defamatory.
Local BJP leader Vijay Mishra filed the complaint on August 4, 2018, against Rahul Gandhi for his alleged objectionable comments against Amit Shah at a press conference in Bengaluru in May of that year during the Karnataka elections. The complainant referred to Gandhi's comment that the BJP claims to believe in honest and clean politics but has a party president who is an "accused" in a murder case. Shah was BJP president when Gandhi made the comment.
Advocate Santosh Kumar Pandey, representing Mishra, said Gandhi has recorded his statement before the judge and evidence will be presented on August 12.
Local BJP leader Vijay Mishra filed the complaint on August 4, 2018, against Rahul Gandhi for his alleged objectionable comments against Amit Shah at a press conference in Bengaluru in May of that year during the Karnataka elections. The complainant referred to Gandhi's comment that the BJP claims to believe in honest and clean politics but has a party president who is an "accused" in a murder case. Shah was BJP president when Gandhi made the comment.
Advocate Santosh Kumar Pandey, representing Mishra, said Gandhi has recorded his statement before the judge and evidence will be presented on August 12.
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Kanwar Yatra: SC extends interim stay on directives issued by UP, U’khand, MP on eateries
The Supreme Court on Friday directed the continuation of its July 22 interim order staying the directives issued by the BJP-ruled Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Madhya Pradesh, asking eateries along the Kanwar Yatra routes to display the names of their owners, staff and other details.
A bench of Justices Hrishikesh Roy and S V N Bhatti said it won’t issue any clarification on the July 22 order as "We have said what needed to be said in our July 22 order. Can't force anyone to disclose names."
The bench asked the Madhya Pradesh and Uttarakhand governments to file their response to the pleas challenging their respective directives. It allowed the petitioners to file their responses to the replies of the state governments and posted the matter on August 5.
In its reply, the Uttar Pradesh government defended its directive requiring eateries along the Kanwar Yatra route to display the names of their owners and staff, saying the idea was to bring in transparency, avoid "potential confusion" and ensure a peaceful yatra.
On July 22, the apex court ordered an interim stay on the directives issued by the BJP-ruled Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Madhya Pradesh governments.
A bench of Justices Hrishikesh Roy and S V N Bhatti said it won’t issue any clarification on the July 22 order as "We have said what needed to be said in our July 22 order. Can't force anyone to disclose names."
The bench asked the Madhya Pradesh and Uttarakhand governments to file their response to the pleas challenging their respective directives. It allowed the petitioners to file their responses to the replies of the state governments and posted the matter on August 5.
In its reply, the Uttar Pradesh government defended its directive requiring eateries along the Kanwar Yatra route to display the names of their owners and staff, saying the idea was to bring in transparency, avoid "potential confusion" and ensure a peaceful yatra.
On July 22, the apex court ordered an interim stay on the directives issued by the BJP-ruled Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Madhya Pradesh governments.
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Bombay HC rejects bail pleas of five accused in Elgar Parishad case
The Bombay High Court on Friday rejected pleas for default bail or bail on technical grounds filed by five accused, including advocate Surendra Gadling, in the Elgar Parishad Maoist links case.
A division bench of Justices Ajay Gadkari and Shyam Chandak rejected the applications filed by Gadling, Shoma Sen, Mahesh Raut, Sudhir Dhawade and Rona Wilson. The detailed order is awaited.
Gadling originally filed an application for default bail in 2018 in the sessions court when the Pune police were investigating the case. The application termed the 90-day extension granted by the sessions court to the police for filing a chargesheet as "illegal", and hence, the accused were entitled to bail under the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC).
In his petition before the high court, Gadling claimed the special court did not consider the fact that the Pune court had "no jurisdiction to extend the time for completion of the investigation". Sixteen persons were arrested in the case, including Jesuit priest Stan Swamy, who died at a private hospital while in judicial custody.
The case relates to alleged inflammatory speeches delivered at the Elgar Parishad conclave held in Pune on December 31, 2017, which the police claimed triggered violence the next day near the Koregaon-Bhima war memorial in Pune district.
The Pune police also claimed Maoists backed the conclave. The probe was later transferred to the NIA.
A division bench of Justices Ajay Gadkari and Shyam Chandak rejected the applications filed by Gadling, Shoma Sen, Mahesh Raut, Sudhir Dhawade and Rona Wilson. The detailed order is awaited.
Gadling originally filed an application for default bail in 2018 in the sessions court when the Pune police were investigating the case. The application termed the 90-day extension granted by the sessions court to the police for filing a chargesheet as "illegal", and hence, the accused were entitled to bail under the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC).
In his petition before the high court, Gadling claimed the special court did not consider the fact that the Pune court had "no jurisdiction to extend the time for completion of the investigation". Sixteen persons were arrested in the case, including Jesuit priest Stan Swamy, who died at a private hospital while in judicial custody.
The case relates to alleged inflammatory speeches delivered at the Elgar Parishad conclave held in Pune on December 31, 2017, which the police claimed triggered violence the next day near the Koregaon-Bhima war memorial in Pune district.
The Pune police also claimed Maoists backed the conclave. The probe was later transferred to the NIA.
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Delhi excise case: Manish Sisodia and K Kavitha's judicial custody extended to July 31
A Delhi court on Friday extended the judicial custody of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Manish Sisodia and Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader K Kavitha until July 31 in the excise policy case, according to ANI.
Both are being held in connection with a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) corruption probe related to the alleged Delhi excise policy scam. The leaders appeared via video conference from Tihar Jail. ANI reported that the CBI has recently filed a supplementary charge against Kavitha.
K Kavitha, daughter of former Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao, was initially arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on March 15 for a money laundering case linked to the excise policy, and subsequently by the CBI on April 11.
Both are being held in connection with a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) corruption probe related to the alleged Delhi excise policy scam. The leaders appeared via video conference from Tihar Jail. ANI reported that the CBI has recently filed a supplementary charge against Kavitha.
K Kavitha, daughter of former Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao, was initially arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on March 15 for a money laundering case linked to the excise policy, and subsequently by the CBI on April 11.
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Over 5 crore cases pending in courts; max 1.18 crore pending in UP's lower courts
India has over five crore pending cases in courts across the country, with over 1.18 core cases in subordinate courts of Uttar Pradesh, according to the government's written reply in the Lok Sabha.
Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal said while 84,045 cases are pending in the Supreme Court, 60,11,678 were pending in the various high courts. District and subordinate courts are the biggest contributors, with 4,53,51,913 cases pending with them, according to the minister. Factors contributing to the pendency include the availability of physical infrastructure, supporting court staff, complexity of facts, evidence nature, and cooperation among stakeholders. Proper application of rules and procedures is also crucial, he said.
Delays in case disposal include a lack of prescribed time frames, frequent adjournments, and inadequate arrangements for monitoring and tracking cases, he added.
Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal said while 84,045 cases are pending in the Supreme Court, 60,11,678 were pending in the various high courts. District and subordinate courts are the biggest contributors, with 4,53,51,913 cases pending with them, according to the minister. Factors contributing to the pendency include the availability of physical infrastructure, supporting court staff, complexity of facts, evidence nature, and cooperation among stakeholders. Proper application of rules and procedures is also crucial, he said.
Delays in case disposal include a lack of prescribed time frames, frequent adjournments, and inadequate arrangements for monitoring and tracking cases, he added.
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SC seeks replies from Centre, secretaries of WB, Kerala Governors against denial of assent to Bills
The Supreme Court on Friday sought responses from the Centre and the secretaries to the Governors of West Bengal and Kerala on separate pleas of the two state governments against denial of the assent to Bills and referring those for the consideration of the President.
A Bench of Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud, Justice J B Paridwala and Justice Manoj Misra issued notices to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and the secretaries to both the Governors. Senior advocate K K Venugopal, appearing for Kerala, said they were challenging the Governor’s decision to refer Bills for consideration by the President.
Similarly, senior advocates Abhishek Singhvi and Jaideep Gupta, appearing for West Bengal, said every time the matter was listed in the Supreme Court, the office of the Governor referred Bills to the President.
A Bench of Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud, Justice J B Paridwala and Justice Manoj Misra issued notices to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and the secretaries to both the Governors. Senior advocate K K Venugopal, appearing for Kerala, said they were challenging the Governor’s decision to refer Bills for consideration by the President.
Similarly, senior advocates Abhishek Singhvi and Jaideep Gupta, appearing for West Bengal, said every time the matter was listed in the Supreme Court, the office of the Governor referred Bills to the President.
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Rahul Gandhi to appear before Uttar Pradesh court in defamation case
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to appear before the MP-MLA court in Uttar Pradesh’s Sultanpur today for a hearing in a defamation case.
Congress district president Abhishek Singh Rana said on Thursday that Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, will land at Lucknow airport this morning and then proceed towards Sultanpur. Local BJP leader Vijay Mishra filed a defamation case on August 4, 2018, against Gandhi for making alleged objectionable remarks against the then BJP president and current Home Minister Amit Shah.
The court granted bail to Gandhi in this case on February 20. However, Special Magistrate Shubham Verma has summoned Gandhi to record his statement today.
Congress district president Abhishek Singh Rana said on Thursday that Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, will land at Lucknow airport this morning and then proceed towards Sultanpur. Local BJP leader Vijay Mishra filed a defamation case on August 4, 2018, against Gandhi for making alleged objectionable remarks against the then BJP president and current Home Minister Amit Shah.
The court granted bail to Gandhi in this case on February 20. However, Special Magistrate Shubham Verma has summoned Gandhi to record his statement today.
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High Court grants two additional meetings to Arvind Kejriwal with lawyers every week in jail
The Delhi High Court has permitted Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to hold two additional virtual meetings with his lawyers every week in jail, saying special situations call for special remedies.
Kejriwal, lodged in judicial custody in the alleged excise scam, was hitherto entitled to two meetings with his lawyers a week, in accordance with prison rules.
Justice Neena Bansal Krishna granted the relief to Kejriwal in recognition of his fundamental right to a fair trial and effective legal representation. The AAP leader’s counsel had submitted he was facing around 35 cases across the country, and for a fair trial, he required two additional meetings with his lawyers via video conference.
The plea was vehemently opposed by the counsel for the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Tihar jail authorities.
Kejriwal, lodged in judicial custody in the alleged excise scam, was hitherto entitled to two meetings with his lawyers a week, in accordance with prison rules.
Justice Neena Bansal Krishna granted the relief to Kejriwal in recognition of his fundamental right to a fair trial and effective legal representation. The AAP leader’s counsel had submitted he was facing around 35 cases across the country, and for a fair trial, he required two additional meetings with his lawyers via video conference.
The plea was vehemently opposed by the counsel for the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Tihar jail authorities.
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High Court tells Delhi Development Authority to fence Yamuna floodplain after removing encroachment
The Delhi High Court has asked the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to fence the floodplain of the Yamuna river after removing encroachments from there to ensure no illegal construction takes place in the future.
A Bench headed by Acting Chief Justice Manmohan, which had earlier directed the removal of all encroachments and illegal constructions on the river bank, passed the order while dealing with a petition seeking the demolition of an allegedly illegally built dargah and graveyard near the Signature Bridge. The court asked the DDA to consider the petitioner’s representation concerning the alleged encroachment within six weeks but turned down a prayer to direct the constitution and deployment of a special force to deal with illegal construction on the river's flood plain.
The court said the authorities should instead employ technology to monitor any upcoming illegal construction.
“It (special force) will lead to further corruption. They need to be more vigilant and use technology,” the Bench, also comprising Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, said.
A Bench headed by Acting Chief Justice Manmohan, which had earlier directed the removal of all encroachments and illegal constructions on the river bank, passed the order while dealing with a petition seeking the demolition of an allegedly illegally built dargah and graveyard near the Signature Bridge. The court asked the DDA to consider the petitioner’s representation concerning the alleged encroachment within six weeks but turned down a prayer to direct the constitution and deployment of a special force to deal with illegal construction on the river's flood plain.
The court said the authorities should instead employ technology to monitor any upcoming illegal construction.
“It (special force) will lead to further corruption. They need to be more vigilant and use technology,” the Bench, also comprising Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, said.
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NGT stays Rs 1 crore fine on Reliance Industries over installation of vapour recovery system
The National Green Tribunal has stayed the Central Pollution Control Board’s direction imposing Rs 1 crore fine on Reliance Industries Ltd for not installing vapour recovery systems at the company’s fuel stations and storage terminals across the National Capital Region.
A vapour recovery system (VRS) is a device that captures displaced vapours emerging from inside a vehicle’s fuel tank when petrol or diesel is filled into it.
In October 2018, the tribunal had directed oil marketing companies (OMCs) to install the device. A Bench of judicial member Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi and expert member A Senthil Vel was hearing an appeal by Reliance Industries against the CPCB direction dated June 13 to pay environmental compensation of Rs 1 crore within 15 days for allegedly failing to meet the timeline prescribed by the tribunal for installing VRS.
In an order passed on July 19, the NGT noted the submissions of the company’s senior advocate that Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. (IOCL), Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) had appealed against the tribunal’s order in the Supreme Court, which later extended the timeline. According to the company’s counsel, a show cause notice was not issued before directing the payment of environmental compensation and the direction was liable to be set aside as it was violative of the principle of parity (with the public sector OMCs) and the principle of natural justice.
A vapour recovery system (VRS) is a device that captures displaced vapours emerging from inside a vehicle’s fuel tank when petrol or diesel is filled into it.
In October 2018, the tribunal had directed oil marketing companies (OMCs) to install the device. A Bench of judicial member Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi and expert member A Senthil Vel was hearing an appeal by Reliance Industries against the CPCB direction dated June 13 to pay environmental compensation of Rs 1 crore within 15 days for allegedly failing to meet the timeline prescribed by the tribunal for installing VRS.
In an order passed on July 19, the NGT noted the submissions of the company’s senior advocate that Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. (IOCL), Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) had appealed against the tribunal’s order in the Supreme Court, which later extended the timeline. According to the company’s counsel, a show cause notice was not issued before directing the payment of environmental compensation and the direction was liable to be set aside as it was violative of the principle of parity (with the public sector OMCs) and the principle of natural justice.
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Ban lifted on government employees joining RSS: Took Centre five decades to realise mistake, says High Court
The Madhya Pradesh High Court has said it took the Union government nearly five decades to realise that an “internationally renowned” organisation like Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh was wrongly placed in the list of organisations banned for government employees.
The HC’s remark came while a bench of Justices Sushruta Arvind Dharmadhikari and Gajendra Singh disposed of the writ petition of retired Central government employee Purushottam Gupta.
Gupta had filed a petition in the High Court on September 19 last year challenging the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules as well as the office memorandums of the Centre that were preventing the participation of government employees in the activities of the Sangh. “The court laments the fact that it took almost five decades for the Central government to realise its mistake; to acknowledge that an internationally renowned organisation like RSS was wrongly placed amongst the banned organisations of the country and that its removal therefrom is quintessential,” the Bench said.
The Bench directed the Union government's Department of Personnel and Training and the Ministry of Home Affairs to publicly display on the home page of their official website the July 9 office memorandum through which the ban on government employees from joining Sangh activities was lifted.
The HC’s remark came while a bench of Justices Sushruta Arvind Dharmadhikari and Gajendra Singh disposed of the writ petition of retired Central government employee Purushottam Gupta.
Gupta had filed a petition in the High Court on September 19 last year challenging the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules as well as the office memorandums of the Centre that were preventing the participation of government employees in the activities of the Sangh. “The court laments the fact that it took almost five decades for the Central government to realise its mistake; to acknowledge that an internationally renowned organisation like RSS was wrongly placed amongst the banned organisations of the country and that its removal therefrom is quintessential,” the Bench said.
The Bench directed the Union government's Department of Personnel and Training and the Ministry of Home Affairs to publicly display on the home page of their official website the July 9 office memorandum through which the ban on government employees from joining Sangh activities was lifted.
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High Court refuses interim stay on Netflix series ‘Tribhuvan Mishra CA Topper’
The Delhi High Court has refused to impose an interim stay on the release of Netflix series ‘Tribhuvan Mishra CA Topper’, saying it appeared to be in the genre of comedy and cannot be perceived as derogatory to the profession of chartered accountancy.
The High Court issued notice to Netflix and others on a plea by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) and four Chartered Accountants (CA) contending that depiction of the profession in such a “scandalous” manner is bound to defame the profession and the toppers in the examination which is conducted by the institute. After watching the trailer of the web series, Justice Navin Chawla said he does not find any prima facie case in favour of the plaintiffs for the grant of an ad-interim injunction in their favour at this stage.
“The artistic expression, even in the form of a commercial speech, cannot be curtailed based on an oversensitive approach,” the judge said.
The plaintiffs are aggrieved by the release of the trailer of the serial. The trailer announced the release of the series on Netflix on July 18. They claimed that the trailer showed the profession of chartered accountancy in an “extremely vulgar and derogatory” sense.
The High Court issued notice to Netflix and others on a plea by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) and four Chartered Accountants (CA) contending that depiction of the profession in such a “scandalous” manner is bound to defame the profession and the toppers in the examination which is conducted by the institute. After watching the trailer of the web series, Justice Navin Chawla said he does not find any prima facie case in favour of the plaintiffs for the grant of an ad-interim injunction in their favour at this stage.
“The artistic expression, even in the form of a commercial speech, cannot be curtailed based on an oversensitive approach,” the judge said.
The plaintiffs are aggrieved by the release of the trailer of the serial. The trailer announced the release of the series on Netflix on July 18. They claimed that the trailer showed the profession of chartered accountancy in an “extremely vulgar and derogatory” sense.
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Markets
Sensex rebounds 1,293 pts, Nifty races to record high on value buying in bluechips
Benchmark Sensex rebounded by 1,293 points while Nifty shot up to a record high on Friday, cutting short the five-day losing streak on heavy value buying at lower levels and a rally in blue-chips like Infosys, Airtel and Reliance Industries.
The 30-share BSE Sensex jumped 1,292.92 points or 1.62% to settle at 81,332.72. During the day, it soared 1,387.38 points or 1.73% to 81,427.18. The NSE Nifty surged 428.75 points or 1.76% to settle at an all-time closing high of 24,834.85. As many as 47 of Nifty constituents closed in green while three ended lower.
Sensex and Nifty had been on a decline since Friday last. Sensex tumbled 1,303.66 points or 1.60%, while the Nifty declined 394.75 points or 1.59% in five straight days of losses to Thursday.
All the Sensex shares except for Nestle closed in green on Friday. Bharti Airtel was the biggest gainer, rising by over 4.51%. Adani Ports, Sun Pharma, Tata Steel, HCL Technologies, Infosys, JSW Steel and Mahindra & Mahindra were the other big gainers.
Nestle was the only loser, closing lower by 0.07%.
In the broader market, the BSE midcap gauge soared 2.12% and smallcap index rallied 1%. All the indices ended higher, with telecommunication jumping 3.36%, metal (3.19%), teck (2.76%), auto (2.35%), commodities (2.26%) and healthcare (2.10%).
The 30-share BSE Sensex jumped 1,292.92 points or 1.62% to settle at 81,332.72. During the day, it soared 1,387.38 points or 1.73% to 81,427.18. The NSE Nifty surged 428.75 points or 1.76% to settle at an all-time closing high of 24,834.85. As many as 47 of Nifty constituents closed in green while three ended lower.
Sensex and Nifty had been on a decline since Friday last. Sensex tumbled 1,303.66 points or 1.60%, while the Nifty declined 394.75 points or 1.59% in five straight days of losses to Thursday.
All the Sensex shares except for Nestle closed in green on Friday. Bharti Airtel was the biggest gainer, rising by over 4.51%. Adani Ports, Sun Pharma, Tata Steel, HCL Technologies, Infosys, JSW Steel and Mahindra & Mahindra were the other big gainers.
Nestle was the only loser, closing lower by 0.07%.
In the broader market, the BSE midcap gauge soared 2.12% and smallcap index rallied 1%. All the indices ended higher, with telecommunication jumping 3.36%, metal (3.19%), teck (2.76%), auto (2.35%), commodities (2.26%) and healthcare (2.10%).
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Markets rebound in early trade after five days of slump
Equity market benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty rebounded in early trade on Friday after staying on the back foot for the past five straight sessions, helped by value buying at lower levels and the rally in blue-chips Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services and Reliance Industries.
The 30-share BSE Sensex climbed 235.23 points to 80,275.03 in early trade. The NSE Nifty went up 86.6 points to 24,492.70.
From the Sensex pack, Bharti Airtel, Tata Steel, Infosys, JSW Steel, Bajaj Finance, HCL Technologies, Tata Consultancy Services and Reliance Industries were the biggest gainers. Tech Mahindra, HDFC Bank, Nestle and Maruti were among the laggards. The unique feature of the bull market in India is its ability to climb all walls of worry. The market dismissed all concerns relating to elections, the Budget and the correction in the mother market US. The buy on dips strategy which has played out well in this rally continues to hold good, said V K Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist, Geojit Financial Services.
In Asian markets, Seoul, Tokyo, and Hong Kong were trading higher while Shanghai quoted lower.
The US markets ended mostly lower on Thursday. Global oil benchmark Brent crude climbed 0.19 per cent to USD 82.53 a barrel.
The 30-share BSE Sensex climbed 235.23 points to 80,275.03 in early trade. The NSE Nifty went up 86.6 points to 24,492.70.
From the Sensex pack, Bharti Airtel, Tata Steel, Infosys, JSW Steel, Bajaj Finance, HCL Technologies, Tata Consultancy Services and Reliance Industries were the biggest gainers. Tech Mahindra, HDFC Bank, Nestle and Maruti were among the laggards. The unique feature of the bull market in India is its ability to climb all walls of worry. The market dismissed all concerns relating to elections, the Budget and the correction in the mother market US. The buy on dips strategy which has played out well in this rally continues to hold good, said V K Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist, Geojit Financial Services.
In Asian markets, Seoul, Tokyo, and Hong Kong were trading higher while Shanghai quoted lower.
The US markets ended mostly lower on Thursday. Global oil benchmark Brent crude climbed 0.19 per cent to USD 82.53 a barrel.
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National
Nitish Kumar skips Niti Aayog meeting
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar did not attend the Niti Aayog meeting in New Delhi on Saturday, officials said.
The state was represented at the meeting by deputy chief ministers Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha, they said. The cause for Kumar's absence from the crucial meeting could not be known immediately.
"This is not the first time that the CM is not attending the Nitish Aayog meeting. The CM did not attend the meeting earlier as well, and Bihar was represented by the then deputy CM. This time also both the Dy CMs went to attend the meeting," JD(U) spokesperson Neeraj Kumar told PTI. "Besides, there are four Union ministers from Bihar who are members of the Aayog and they will be present in the meeting. There is nothing to say on this," he added.
The ninth governing council meeting of the Aayog discussed the 'Vikshit Bharat@2047' document with an aim to make India a developed nation.
The council, the apex body of Niti Aayog, includes all CMs, Lt Governors of Union territories and several Union ministers. PM Modi is the chairman of Niti Aayog.
The state was represented at the meeting by deputy chief ministers Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha, they said. The cause for Kumar's absence from the crucial meeting could not be known immediately.
"This is not the first time that the CM is not attending the Nitish Aayog meeting. The CM did not attend the meeting earlier as well, and Bihar was represented by the then deputy CM. This time also both the Dy CMs went to attend the meeting," JD(U) spokesperson Neeraj Kumar told PTI. "Besides, there are four Union ministers from Bihar who are members of the Aayog and they will be present in the meeting. There is nothing to say on this," he added.
The ninth governing council meeting of the Aayog discussed the 'Vikshit Bharat@2047' document with an aim to make India a developed nation.
The council, the apex body of Niti Aayog, includes all CMs, Lt Governors of Union territories and several Union ministers. PM Modi is the chairman of Niti Aayog.
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Soldier killed, captain among 4 injured as Army foils attack along LoC in J&K
An Army personnel was killed and four others, including a captain, were injured as the Indian Army on Saturday foiled an attack by Pakistan's Border Action Team (BAT) in Kamakari sector of Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara district, PTI’s military sources said.
A Pakistani intruder was also killed in the exchange of fire, they added.
The BAT generally comprises special forces personnel of the Pakistan Army and terrorists. Two intruders managed to return to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) amid the intense gunfight that lasted for hours, the sources added.
They said the group of three intruders hurled a grenade and opened fire on a forward post near the Kumkadi post in Trehgam sector of the north Kashmir district. The troops retaliated, triggering a gunfight between the two sides adding that five soldiers were injured in the encounter and one of them later succumbed to his injuries. Early reports had initially said three people were injured, but the number was later updated.
The condition of one of the injured soldiers was stated to be "critical", the sources said.
A Pakistani intruder was also killed in the exchange of fire, they added.
The BAT generally comprises special forces personnel of the Pakistan Army and terrorists. Two intruders managed to return to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) amid the intense gunfight that lasted for hours, the sources added.
They said the group of three intruders hurled a grenade and opened fire on a forward post near the Kumkadi post in Trehgam sector of the north Kashmir district. The troops retaliated, triggering a gunfight between the two sides adding that five soldiers were injured in the encounter and one of them later succumbed to his injuries. Early reports had initially said three people were injured, but the number was later updated.
The condition of one of the injured soldiers was stated to be "critical", the sources said.
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Froth in Yamuna: Delhi approaches Centre, seeks instructions to Haryana, UP
Taking note of froth in the heavily polluted Yamuna river in Delhi, the AAP government on Friday asked the Centre to instruct Haryana and UP to ensure industries there do not release untreated residue in the river.
The government is concerned about the sudden rise in pollution level in Yamuna and has put in "urgent measures" to control the situation, ruling AAP said in a statement. "This problem has occurred all of a sudden due excessive industrial waste being released from UP and Haryana that is entering Delhi through river Yamuna," it claimed.
The Centre should immediately put in place measures to ensure that industries operating in the two states do not release their residue in Yamuna without proper treatment, AAP said.
Yamuna is Delhi's lifeline and unlike other states the people living in the city entirely depend on the river for their day to day sustenance, it said.
The government is concerned about the sudden rise in pollution level in Yamuna and has put in "urgent measures" to control the situation, ruling AAP said in a statement. "This problem has occurred all of a sudden due excessive industrial waste being released from UP and Haryana that is entering Delhi through river Yamuna," it claimed.
The Centre should immediately put in place measures to ensure that industries operating in the two states do not release their residue in Yamuna without proper treatment, AAP said.
Yamuna is Delhi's lifeline and unlike other states the people living in the city entirely depend on the river for their day to day sustenance, it said.
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28 bonded Nepalese labourers rescued from India: Nepal government
Nepal’s Ministry for Women, Children, and Senior Citizens on Friday announced the rescue of 28 Nepalese men who were being exploited as bonded labourers in India.
The men, aged between 24 and 60, were freed from hazardous conditions in Jammu and Kashmir. The rescue operation was carried out by a ministry team with assistance from the Indian NGO 'Keen India,' according to the ministry's statement.
The men, seven from Dhanusha and 21 from Siraha were taken to Kashmir five months ago in the pretext of providing them jobs with attractive salaries in road construction work. The incident came to light when Saroj Ray, a social worker from Sarlahi, learned of the situation from two Nepalese workers who had managed to escape from the workplace.
The Foreign Ministry, Nepali Embassy in New Delhi and ‘Keen India’ were then informed, the Kathmandu Post newspaper quoted Ray as saying.
The workers were given Rs 7,000 as advance payment by agents to win their trust, said Nabin Joshi, ‘Keen India’ President.
The men, aged between 24 and 60, were freed from hazardous conditions in Jammu and Kashmir. The rescue operation was carried out by a ministry team with assistance from the Indian NGO 'Keen India,' according to the ministry's statement.
The men, seven from Dhanusha and 21 from Siraha were taken to Kashmir five months ago in the pretext of providing them jobs with attractive salaries in road construction work. The incident came to light when Saroj Ray, a social worker from Sarlahi, learned of the situation from two Nepalese workers who had managed to escape from the workplace.
The Foreign Ministry, Nepali Embassy in New Delhi and ‘Keen India’ were then informed, the Kathmandu Post newspaper quoted Ray as saying.
The workers were given Rs 7,000 as advance payment by agents to win their trust, said Nabin Joshi, ‘Keen India’ President.
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Over 2 months after Porsche crash, Pune police file chargesheet; teen's parents among 7 named
Police have filed a chargesheet against seven accused in the Porsche car accident case, including the parents of a minor boy who was allegedly behind the wheel, in a Pune court, more than two months after the fatal crash, an official said on Friday.
The 900-page chargesheet, submitted on Thursday, has excluded the 17-year-old boy, whose case is being handled separately by the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB).
The high-end car allegedly driven by the minor under the influence of alcohol knocked down two motorbike-borne IT professionals, one of them a woman, in Pune's Kalyani Nagar area in the wee hours of May 19, killing them. The boy's father is a prominent builder. "We have filed a 900-page chargesheet against seven accused, including the parents of the minor, two doctors and a staffer from Sassoon General Hospital and two middlemen, in a Pune court on Thursday," said Shalesh Balkawade, Additional Commissioner of Police (Crime).
The boy's parents and two Sassoon General Hospital doctors — Ajay Taware, then-HOD of the forensic medicine department and Dr Shrihari Halnor — and one Atul Ghatkamble, a staffer at the Maharashtra government-run medical facility, are accused of swapping the blood samples of the minor with those of his mother after the crash. Two other accused — Ashpak Makandar and Amar Gaikwad — acted as middlemen between the father and the doctors to facilitate financial transactions to swap the blood samples, according to the chargesheet.
The voluminous police document contains statements of 50 witnesses.
Last month, the police had submitted the final report to the JJB detailing all evidence against the 17-year-old boy in the car crash case.
The 900-page chargesheet, submitted on Thursday, has excluded the 17-year-old boy, whose case is being handled separately by the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB).
The high-end car allegedly driven by the minor under the influence of alcohol knocked down two motorbike-borne IT professionals, one of them a woman, in Pune's Kalyani Nagar area in the wee hours of May 19, killing them. The boy's father is a prominent builder. "We have filed a 900-page chargesheet against seven accused, including the parents of the minor, two doctors and a staffer from Sassoon General Hospital and two middlemen, in a Pune court on Thursday," said Shalesh Balkawade, Additional Commissioner of Police (Crime).
The boy's parents and two Sassoon General Hospital doctors — Ajay Taware, then-HOD of the forensic medicine department and Dr Shrihari Halnor — and one Atul Ghatkamble, a staffer at the Maharashtra government-run medical facility, are accused of swapping the blood samples of the minor with those of his mother after the crash. Two other accused — Ashpak Makandar and Amar Gaikwad — acted as middlemen between the father and the doctors to facilitate financial transactions to swap the blood samples, according to the chargesheet.
The voluminous police document contains statements of 50 witnesses.
Last month, the police had submitted the final report to the JJB detailing all evidence against the 17-year-old boy in the car crash case.
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WhatsApp not planning to shut services in India: Vaishnaw tells RS
WhatsApp and its parent company Meta has not informed the government of any plans to shut down its services in India, I&B Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw told the Rajya Sabha on Friday.
"Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has shared that WhatsApp or Meta has not informed the government about any such plans," Vaishnaw told the Rajya Sabha in a written reply. Congress member Vivek Tankha had asked whether WhatsApp was planning to shut its services in India due to the government's directives to share user details.
Earlier this year, WhatsApp had told the Delhi High Court that it will stop functioning in India if it was compelled by the government to break encryption of messages.
WhatsApp and its parent company Meta had challenged the newly amended IT Rules contending that they violate the right to privacy and were unconstitutional. Responding to Tankha's question on curbs on social media platforms, Vaishnaw said the central government issues directions under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000 in the interest of the sovereignty or integrity of India, defence of India, security of the state, friendly relations with foreign states or public order or for preventing incitement to the commission of any cognisable offence relating to above in respect of the information on a computer resource.
"Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has shared that WhatsApp or Meta has not informed the government about any such plans," Vaishnaw told the Rajya Sabha in a written reply. Congress member Vivek Tankha had asked whether WhatsApp was planning to shut its services in India due to the government's directives to share user details.
Earlier this year, WhatsApp had told the Delhi High Court that it will stop functioning in India if it was compelled by the government to break encryption of messages.
WhatsApp and its parent company Meta had challenged the newly amended IT Rules contending that they violate the right to privacy and were unconstitutional. Responding to Tankha's question on curbs on social media platforms, Vaishnaw said the central government issues directions under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000 in the interest of the sovereignty or integrity of India, defence of India, security of the state, friendly relations with foreign states or public order or for preventing incitement to the commission of any cognisable offence relating to above in respect of the information on a computer resource.
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Salman residence firing: NBW issued against Lawrence Bishnoi's brother
A special court in Mumbai on Friday issued a non-bailable warrant (NBW) against jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi's brother, Anmol Bishnoi, in the case related to the firing outside Bollywood actor Salman Khan's Bandra residence.
A warrant was also issued against Rohit Godera, an alleged member of the Bishnoi gang.
Godera and Anmol, along with Lawrence Bishnoi, have been shown as absconding accused in the charge-sheet filed by Mumbai police earlier this month in connection with the April 14 firing incident. Lawrence Bishnoi is currently lodged in the Sabarmati central prison in Ahmedabad. Anmol and Godera are believed to be in Canada, as per the police.
Allowing the prosecution's application, special judge for Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) cases B D Shelke issued a standing non-bailable warrant against Anmol and Godera.
Six people have been arrested in the case. Vicky Gupta and Sagar Pal allegedly fired shots outside Galaxy Apartments, Salman's residence, in the early hours of April 14.
The two along with Sonukumar Bishnoi, Mohd Rafiq Choudhary and Harpal Singh are currently in judicial custody. Anujkumar Thapan, another accused, allegedly committed suicide in police custody.
A warrant was also issued against Rohit Godera, an alleged member of the Bishnoi gang.
Godera and Anmol, along with Lawrence Bishnoi, have been shown as absconding accused in the charge-sheet filed by Mumbai police earlier this month in connection with the April 14 firing incident. Lawrence Bishnoi is currently lodged in the Sabarmati central prison in Ahmedabad. Anmol and Godera are believed to be in Canada, as per the police.
Allowing the prosecution's application, special judge for Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) cases B D Shelke issued a standing non-bailable warrant against Anmol and Godera.
Six people have been arrested in the case. Vicky Gupta and Sagar Pal allegedly fired shots outside Galaxy Apartments, Salman's residence, in the early hours of April 14.
The two along with Sonukumar Bishnoi, Mohd Rafiq Choudhary and Harpal Singh are currently in judicial custody. Anujkumar Thapan, another accused, allegedly committed suicide in police custody.
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Pak has not learnt any lessons from history: PM Modi on Kargil Vijay Diwas
Pakistan has not learnt any lessons from history and continues to wage a proxy war in the garb of terrorism to stay relevant, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday, asserting that the evil designs of the enemy will not be allowed to succeed.
On the occasion of the 25th Kargil Vijay Diwas, the prime minister paid homage to the bravehearts who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty,
He also attended a 'shraddhanjali samaroh' and heard the 'Gaurav Gatha', briefing on Kargil War by non-commissioned officers and visited Amar Sansmaran, and Hut of Remembrance here. He also visited the Veer Bhoomi. The prime minister slammed Pakistan, saying it has always faced defeat in the past. "Pakistan has not learnt anything from its past and has continued to wage war in the garb of terrorism and proxy wars to stay relevant," he said. The remarks come in the backdrop of surge in terror incidents in Jammu region.
Modi, however, asserted that the nefarious intentions of terrorists will never be fulfilled. "Our bravehearts will crush all terror attempts," he added.
Paying tributes to the soldiers, Modi said the sacrifices made by the soldiers are immortal.
"Kargil Vijay Diwas reminds us that the sacrifices made for the nation are immortal. Even though months, years, decades and centuries pass by, the lives laid down to protect the nation's borders cannot be erased. The nation is forever indebted and deeply grateful to the mighty superheroes of our armed forces," Modi added. Modi said India was making all efforts to maintain peace with its neighbour, but Pakistan showed its true colours.
"However, falsehood and terror were brought down to their knees by truth," he added.
"Today, I am speaking from a place where masters of terror can hear my voice directly. I want to tell patrons of terrorism that their nefarious designs will never succeed," he said, adding, "our bravehearts will crush terrorism and the enemy will be given a befitting response."
On the occasion of the 25th Kargil Vijay Diwas, the prime minister paid homage to the bravehearts who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty,
He also attended a 'shraddhanjali samaroh' and heard the 'Gaurav Gatha', briefing on Kargil War by non-commissioned officers and visited Amar Sansmaran, and Hut of Remembrance here. He also visited the Veer Bhoomi. The prime minister slammed Pakistan, saying it has always faced defeat in the past. "Pakistan has not learnt anything from its past and has continued to wage war in the garb of terrorism and proxy wars to stay relevant," he said. The remarks come in the backdrop of surge in terror incidents in Jammu region.
Modi, however, asserted that the nefarious intentions of terrorists will never be fulfilled. "Our bravehearts will crush all terror attempts," he added.
Paying tributes to the soldiers, Modi said the sacrifices made by the soldiers are immortal.
"Kargil Vijay Diwas reminds us that the sacrifices made for the nation are immortal. Even though months, years, decades and centuries pass by, the lives laid down to protect the nation's borders cannot be erased. The nation is forever indebted and deeply grateful to the mighty superheroes of our armed forces," Modi added. Modi said India was making all efforts to maintain peace with its neighbour, but Pakistan showed its true colours.
"However, falsehood and terror were brought down to their knees by truth," he added.
"Today, I am speaking from a place where masters of terror can hear my voice directly. I want to tell patrons of terrorism that their nefarious designs will never succeed," he said, adding, "our bravehearts will crush terrorism and the enemy will be given a befitting response."
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Modi defends the Agnipath scheme, says it is intended to revitalise the armed forces
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday defended the Agnipath scheme as a crucial reform for the Army, criticising the opposition for politicising the recruitment process designed to maintain a youthful average age in the armed forces.
Speaking on Kargil Vijay Diwas, Modi accused some of exploiting this sensitive national security issue for political gain. He dismissed allegations that the scheme was introduced merely to cut pension costs. "The aim of Agnipath is to make the forces young...The aim of Agnipath is to keep the armies continuously fit for war," he said.
"Unfortunately, such a sensitive issue related to national security has been made a subject of politics by some people. Some people are playing politics of lies for their personal interests even on this reform of the army," he said. The prime minister said the Agnipath scheme is an example of necessary reforms done by the army.
"For decades, there have been discussions in Parliament and various committees on making the armed forces younger. The average age of Indian soldiers being higher than the global average has been a matter of concern," he added.
Speaking on Kargil Vijay Diwas, Modi accused some of exploiting this sensitive national security issue for political gain. He dismissed allegations that the scheme was introduced merely to cut pension costs. "The aim of Agnipath is to make the forces young...The aim of Agnipath is to keep the armies continuously fit for war," he said.
"Unfortunately, such a sensitive issue related to national security has been made a subject of politics by some people. Some people are playing politics of lies for their personal interests even on this reform of the army," he said. The prime minister said the Agnipath scheme is an example of necessary reforms done by the army.
"For decades, there have been discussions in Parliament and various committees on making the armed forces younger. The average age of Indian soldiers being higher than the global average has been a matter of concern," he added.
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MEA cautions states against interfering in foreign affairs after Kerala’s ‘external cooperation’ appointment
Following Kerala's appointment of senior IAS officer K. Vasuki to oversee 'external cooperation,' the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a reminder on Thursday to state governments about respecting constitutional boundaries.
MEA Official Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasised that under the Constitution, specifically the 7th Schedule, Union List, item 10, foreign affairs are solely within the Union Government's jurisdiction. Jaiswal’s remarks came in response to Kerala's July 15 decision to appoint Vasuki as “secretary in charge of external cooperation,” a role that drew criticism since foreign affairs typically fall under central government control.
While states are significant stakeholders in foreign and security matters, the central government ultimately shapes foreign policy. The BJP in Kerala criticised the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government for this appointment, which focuses on issues such as the diaspora and foreign investment pertinent to the state.
However, Jaiswal underscored that foreign policy formulation is beyond state administration's scope, affirming, “It is not a Concurrent subject and definitely not a State subject. Our position is that State governments should not intrude into matters that are beyond their Constitutional jurisdiction.”
MEA Official Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasised that under the Constitution, specifically the 7th Schedule, Union List, item 10, foreign affairs are solely within the Union Government's jurisdiction. Jaiswal’s remarks came in response to Kerala's July 15 decision to appoint Vasuki as “secretary in charge of external cooperation,” a role that drew criticism since foreign affairs typically fall under central government control.
While states are significant stakeholders in foreign and security matters, the central government ultimately shapes foreign policy. The BJP in Kerala criticised the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government for this appointment, which focuses on issues such as the diaspora and foreign investment pertinent to the state.
However, Jaiswal underscored that foreign policy formulation is beyond state administration's scope, affirming, “It is not a Concurrent subject and definitely not a State subject. Our position is that State governments should not intrude into matters that are beyond their Constitutional jurisdiction.”
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No panel formed for extending benefits to cover citizens above 70 under Ayushman Bharat: Govt
Union Minister of State for Health Prataprao Jadhav stated that no expert committee has been established to extend health benefits to citizens aged 70 and above under Ayushman Bharat.
He also clarified that there was no proposal to expand the scheme beyond existing beneficiaries based on premium contributions.
The Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana provides health insurance cover of Rs 5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation to 55 crore individuals, equivalent to 12.34 crore families. Initially, 10.74 crore beneficiary families were identified based on the 2011 socio-economic caste census.
In January 2022, the beneficiary base was expanded to 12.34 crore families, and states and Union Territories were given the flexibility to use other digitised databases of similar socio-economic conditions for identification.
He also clarified that there was no proposal to expand the scheme beyond existing beneficiaries based on premium contributions.
The Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana provides health insurance cover of Rs 5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation to 55 crore individuals, equivalent to 12.34 crore families. Initially, 10.74 crore beneficiary families were identified based on the 2011 socio-economic caste census.
In January 2022, the beneficiary base was expanded to 12.34 crore families, and states and Union Territories were given the flexibility to use other digitised databases of similar socio-economic conditions for identification.
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Explore possibility to table Shah Commission report: Jagdeep Dhankhar
Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar on Friday asked the government to explore the possibility of placing an authentic copy of the Shah Commission report on Emergency excesses on the table of the House, as it had investigated the "darkest period of democracy".
The Shah Commission report relates to atrocities committed during the Emergency imposed in 1975.
During the Zero Hour, Dhankhar asked the government to take note of the issue raised by Deepak Prakash, a BJP MP from Jharkhand, regarding the matter relating to the Shah Commission report. "The government must examine the possibility of having the authentic report (of Shah Commission) and place it on the table of the House for the benefit of the members and public at large," he said.
The Shah Commission was set up to investigate the 'darkest period of democracy' and the report relates to atrocities committed during the Emergency imposed in 1975, he noted.
Earlier raising the issue, Prakash said, the Shah Commission, which was set up in 1977, conducted 100 sittings and evaluated 48,000 documents. (Swipe) The final report was presented on August 6, 1978. This report was published in three volumes. "Indira Gandhi led government came in 1980. This report was destroyed. But one copy of the Shah Commission report is available in the National Library of Australia. This report will reveal the real facts of the Emergency," he said. He demanded that the Shah Commission report should be made public.
The Shah Commission report relates to atrocities committed during the Emergency imposed in 1975.
During the Zero Hour, Dhankhar asked the government to take note of the issue raised by Deepak Prakash, a BJP MP from Jharkhand, regarding the matter relating to the Shah Commission report. "The government must examine the possibility of having the authentic report (of Shah Commission) and place it on the table of the House for the benefit of the members and public at large," he said.
The Shah Commission was set up to investigate the 'darkest period of democracy' and the report relates to atrocities committed during the Emergency imposed in 1975, he noted.
Earlier raising the issue, Prakash said, the Shah Commission, which was set up in 1977, conducted 100 sittings and evaluated 48,000 documents. (Swipe) The final report was presented on August 6, 1978. This report was published in three volumes. "Indira Gandhi led government came in 1980. This report was destroyed. But one copy of the Shah Commission report is available in the National Library of Australia. This report will reveal the real facts of the Emergency," he said. He demanded that the Shah Commission report should be made public.
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Kejriwal being treated as 'political prisoner', efforts being made to scare him: AAP
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is being treated as a "political prisoner", AAP alleged on Friday as it stressed that the party supremo's sugar levels had declined to 50 nearly 34 times between June 3 and July 7.
Addressing a press conference, AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sandeep Pathak alleged that Kejriwal was a victim of a "conspiracy".
"Kejriwal is a political prisoner. Everyone knows how dictatorships have treated political prisoners. Efforts are being made to scare him so that he does not raise his voice," he said. Pathak said Kejriwal, who has had severe diabetes for 30 years, was suffering from hypoglycemia, calling it "hazardous" for his health.
"His sugar levels declined 34 times while in judicial custody between June 3 and July 7. This is a serious issue. He is not an ordinary person. He is an elected chief minister," he said.
Pathak said AAP spoke to its I.N.D.I.A bloc allies over the matter and added that they would hold a rally on July 30. "It is not a matter of any person or a party. It is a matter of the system in the country. Who will join politics and form a party if such things happen?" he asked.
"This matter was discussed by the I.N.D.I.A bloc constituents and consensus emerged that it was not a matter of just Kejriwal and that the country could not be left to fend for itself against a dictatorship," Pathak said.
Addressing a press conference, AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sandeep Pathak alleged that Kejriwal was a victim of a "conspiracy".
"Kejriwal is a political prisoner. Everyone knows how dictatorships have treated political prisoners. Efforts are being made to scare him so that he does not raise his voice," he said. Pathak said Kejriwal, who has had severe diabetes for 30 years, was suffering from hypoglycemia, calling it "hazardous" for his health.
"His sugar levels declined 34 times while in judicial custody between June 3 and July 7. This is a serious issue. He is not an ordinary person. He is an elected chief minister," he said.
Pathak said AAP spoke to its I.N.D.I.A bloc allies over the matter and added that they would hold a rally on July 30. "It is not a matter of any person or a party. It is a matter of the system in the country. Who will join politics and form a party if such things happen?" he asked.
"This matter was discussed by the I.N.D.I.A bloc constituents and consensus emerged that it was not a matter of just Kejriwal and that the country could not be left to fend for itself against a dictatorship," Pathak said.
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Mamata to attend NITI Aayog meet to 'register protest'
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee confirmed on Friday that she would participate in the central think-tank NITI Aayog meeting scheduled on July 27 in Delhi, clearing the air over the speculated uncertainty on whether she, too, would skip the meet like most other CMs of the INDIA bloc.
Addressing reporters at the Kolkata airport before leaving for Delhi, Banerjee said she would join the meeting and register her protest against a "discriminatory budget" and the "conspiracy to divide Bengal and other opposition-ruled states." "I was asked to send my written speech seven days ahead of the meeting which I have done. That was before the Union Budget was tabled.
"If I get an opportunity to deliver my speech at the meeting and record my protest against the discrimination and political bias against the opposition-ruled states besides the conspiracy that is being hatched to divide Bengal and its neighbouring states, I will do so. Else, I will walk out of the meeting," the chief minister said.
Addressing reporters at the Kolkata airport before leaving for Delhi, Banerjee said she would join the meeting and register her protest against a "discriminatory budget" and the "conspiracy to divide Bengal and other opposition-ruled states." "I was asked to send my written speech seven days ahead of the meeting which I have done. That was before the Union Budget was tabled.
"If I get an opportunity to deliver my speech at the meeting and record my protest against the discrimination and political bias against the opposition-ruled states besides the conspiracy that is being hatched to divide Bengal and its neighbouring states, I will do so. Else, I will walk out of the meeting," the chief minister said.
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Shutting down vaccine PSUs will erode capabilities further: Congress
The Congress on Friday hit out at the government over the Bharat Immunologicals and Biologicals Corporation Limited (BIBCOL) reportedly facing a "grim future", and said shutting down vaccine PSUs will only erode the country's capabilities further.
Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh shared a media report claiming that the BIBCOL factory in Uttar Pradesh's Bulandshahr has not produced a single vaccine since December 2022. "Bharat Immunologicals and Biologicals Corporation (BIBCOL) was set up in the late 1980s, at the personal initiative of Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, to make India self-sufficient in the production of oral polio vaccines," Ramesh said in a post on X.
He said that BIBCOL now faces a "grim future in the era of the non-biological PM" and that workers have not been paid for a year. "Proposals to revive it to produce Covaxin, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, did not take flight due to the lack of administrative will despite the sanctioning of funds," he claimed.
He also claimed that PM Modi had even visited Bulandshahr for his election campaign without saying a word about reviving the plant.
Shutting down our vaccine PSUs will only erode our capabilities further, Ramesh added.
Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh shared a media report claiming that the BIBCOL factory in Uttar Pradesh's Bulandshahr has not produced a single vaccine since December 2022. "Bharat Immunologicals and Biologicals Corporation (BIBCOL) was set up in the late 1980s, at the personal initiative of Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, to make India self-sufficient in the production of oral polio vaccines," Ramesh said in a post on X.
He said that BIBCOL now faces a "grim future in the era of the non-biological PM" and that workers have not been paid for a year. "Proposals to revive it to produce Covaxin, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, did not take flight due to the lack of administrative will despite the sanctioning of funds," he claimed.
He also claimed that PM Modi had even visited Bulandshahr for his election campaign without saying a word about reviving the plant.
Shutting down our vaccine PSUs will only erode our capabilities further, Ramesh added.
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Pakistan has not learnt any lessons from history: PM Modi on Kargil Vijay Diwas
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday that Pakistan has not learnt any lessons from history and has faced defeat whenever it carried out any misadventure.
Paying tributes to soldiers in Drass (Kargil) on Kargil Vijay Diwas, he said the nation honours the gallant efforts and sacrifices of the armed forces. “In Kargil, we not only won the war, we gave a wonderful example of truth, restraint and strength,” he said at a ceremony.
“Our bravehearts will crush terrorism and the enemy will be given a befitting response,” he asserted while holding that Pakistan is trying to remain relevant through terror and proxy war.
Paying tributes to soldiers in Drass (Kargil) on Kargil Vijay Diwas, he said the nation honours the gallant efforts and sacrifices of the armed forces. “In Kargil, we not only won the war, we gave a wonderful example of truth, restraint and strength,” he said at a ceremony.
“Our bravehearts will crush terrorism and the enemy will be given a befitting response,” he asserted while holding that Pakistan is trying to remain relevant through terror and proxy war.
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Mound-burial system of Ahom dynasty in Assam included in UNESCO World Heritage List
The mound-burial system of the Ahom dynasty in Assam - ‘Moidams’ - was on Friday included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, making it the first cultural property from the North-East to get the coveted tag.
The decision was taken during the ongoing 46th session of the World Heritage Committee (WHC) being held in India.
The unique burial mounds, represented by pyramid-like structures known as ‘Moidams’, were used by the Tai-Ahom dynasty that ruled Assam for around 600 years.
The decision was taken during the ongoing 46th session of the World Heritage Committee (WHC) being held in India.
The unique burial mounds, represented by pyramid-like structures known as ‘Moidams’, were used by the Tai-Ahom dynasty that ruled Assam for around 600 years.
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PM Modi conducts ‘first blast’ of Shinkun La tunnel
Prime Minister Narendra Modi carried out the “first blast” for the construction of a tunnel that aims to provide all-weather connectivity between Himachal Pradesh and the Union Territory of Ladakh.
The ‘first blast’ marks the start of construction of the Shinkun La tunnel, remotely from Ladakh’s Drass.
The project consists of a 4.1-kilometre twin-tube tunnel, to be constructed at an altitude of around 15,800 feet on the Nimu-Padum-Darcha Road, to provide all-weather connectivity to Leh. “Once completed, it will be the highest tunnel in the world. The Shinkun La tunnel will not only ensure swift and efficient movement of our armed forces and equipment but also foster economic and social development in Ladakh,” a spokesperson said.
The ‘first blast’ marks the start of construction of the Shinkun La tunnel, remotely from Ladakh’s Drass.
The project consists of a 4.1-kilometre twin-tube tunnel, to be constructed at an altitude of around 15,800 feet on the Nimu-Padum-Darcha Road, to provide all-weather connectivity to Leh. “Once completed, it will be the highest tunnel in the world. The Shinkun La tunnel will not only ensure swift and efficient movement of our armed forces and equipment but also foster economic and social development in Ladakh,” a spokesperson said.
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PM Modi pays homage to Kargil war martyrs in Drass
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday paid homage to the Kargil war martyrs in Drass (Kargil) to mark the 25th anniversary of India’s victory over Pakistan in the 1999 war.
The Prime Minister laid a floral wreath at the Drass War Memorial to pay tributes to officers and soldiers of the armed forces who made the supreme sacrifice in service of the nation.
On July 26, 1999, the Indian Army announced the successful culmination of ‘Operation Vijay’, declaring victory after a nearly three-month-long battle on the icy heights of Kargil in Ladakh. The day is observed as ‘Kargil Vijay Diwas’ to commemorate India’s victory over Pakistan in the war.
The Prime Minister laid a floral wreath at the Drass War Memorial to pay tributes to officers and soldiers of the armed forces who made the supreme sacrifice in service of the nation.
On July 26, 1999, the Indian Army announced the successful culmination of ‘Operation Vijay’, declaring victory after a nearly three-month-long battle on the icy heights of Kargil in Ladakh. The day is observed as ‘Kargil Vijay Diwas’ to commemorate India’s victory over Pakistan in the war.
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25 years on, Vir Chakra awardee still in touch with Tiger Hill martyr’s family
Every year for the last 25 years, a Kargil war braveheart has been visiting the home of his buddy who fell to Pakistani bullets during the battle to recapture Tiger Hill.
For Vir Chakra recipient Colonel Sachin Nimbalkar, this has become a ritual and fulfilment of a promise he made to himself in the biting cold of the hill in 1999.
An officer said Colonel Nimbalkar last met the parents of the soldier on July 4 this year. Incidentally, it was on the night of July 4 during the Kargil war, that the 18 Grenadiers team was tasked with recapturing the Tiger Hill top. To evict the Pakistani troops from the hill, the Indian soldiers launched an attack and reached the Hill Top using ropes and other accessories.
On the Hill Top, they were engaged in an intense gun battle with the enemy, during which Grenadier Udayman Singh received a fatal gunshot and succumbed to his injuries on July 5.
Later, as the others were busy celebrating India’s victory, Colonel Nimbalkar, then a young Captain, who led his troops to victory in the battle of Tiger Hill, remembered his fallen buddy, with whom he had taken part in many encounters against terrorists and had forged a strong bond of trust and camaraderie. He decided that no matter where he was in the years to come, he will make it a point to visit the family of Grenadier Udayman at least once a year to share their sorrow of losing the 19-year-old son.
It has been 25 years since the army officer, then 24, took the vow and has kept it. He has been on foreign postings, field areas and military courses, but has always found time to visit the soldier’s family.
Grenadier Udayman Singh is survived by his parents and two sisters. The parents live at Shama Chak village near Jammu. They are farmers and also run a gas agency. Colonel Nimbalkar has also been instrumental in arranging the weddings of the soldier’s two sisters, the officer said.
The 18 Grenadiers had launched the operation to recapture Tiger Hill under the cover of bad weather and darkness. “Captain Sachin Annarao Nimbalkar displayed inspirational leadership, ferocity, unparalleled courage and bravery in the face of the enemy, which led to the capture of the Tiger Hill,” reads his Vir Chakra citation.
The citation notes that 12 enemy soldiers were killed in the “brilliant” operation and a large cache arms and ammunition recovered.
For Vir Chakra recipient Colonel Sachin Nimbalkar, this has become a ritual and fulfilment of a promise he made to himself in the biting cold of the hill in 1999.
An officer said Colonel Nimbalkar last met the parents of the soldier on July 4 this year. Incidentally, it was on the night of July 4 during the Kargil war, that the 18 Grenadiers team was tasked with recapturing the Tiger Hill top. To evict the Pakistani troops from the hill, the Indian soldiers launched an attack and reached the Hill Top using ropes and other accessories.
On the Hill Top, they were engaged in an intense gun battle with the enemy, during which Grenadier Udayman Singh received a fatal gunshot and succumbed to his injuries on July 5.
Later, as the others were busy celebrating India’s victory, Colonel Nimbalkar, then a young Captain, who led his troops to victory in the battle of Tiger Hill, remembered his fallen buddy, with whom he had taken part in many encounters against terrorists and had forged a strong bond of trust and camaraderie. He decided that no matter where he was in the years to come, he will make it a point to visit the family of Grenadier Udayman at least once a year to share their sorrow of losing the 19-year-old son.
It has been 25 years since the army officer, then 24, took the vow and has kept it. He has been on foreign postings, field areas and military courses, but has always found time to visit the soldier’s family.
Grenadier Udayman Singh is survived by his parents and two sisters. The parents live at Shama Chak village near Jammu. They are farmers and also run a gas agency. Colonel Nimbalkar has also been instrumental in arranging the weddings of the soldier’s two sisters, the officer said.
The 18 Grenadiers had launched the operation to recapture Tiger Hill under the cover of bad weather and darkness. “Captain Sachin Annarao Nimbalkar displayed inspirational leadership, ferocity, unparalleled courage and bravery in the face of the enemy, which led to the capture of the Tiger Hill,” reads his Vir Chakra citation.
The citation notes that 12 enemy soldiers were killed in the “brilliant” operation and a large cache arms and ammunition recovered.
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Landslide, tree fall on Goa-Karnataka border disrupts rail traffic on South Western line
The movement of five trains were affected on the South Western Railway due to a landslide between Dudhsagar and Sonaulim sections on the Goa-Karnataka border shortly after Thursday midnight, an official said today.
The track was also closed after a tree fell between Londa and Tinaighat (Karnataka side of the border) affecting the overhead power supply.
South Western Railway’s Chief Public Relations Officer Dr Manjunath Kanamadi said that both incidents were reported at 12:55 am today, and the train traffic resumed around 6 am after clearing the debris and the fallen tree.
The track was also closed after a tree fell between Londa and Tinaighat (Karnataka side of the border) affecting the overhead power supply.
South Western Railway’s Chief Public Relations Officer Dr Manjunath Kanamadi said that both incidents were reported at 12:55 am today, and the train traffic resumed around 6 am after clearing the debris and the fallen tree.
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Devendra Fadnavis pressured me to incriminate Thackerays: Anil Deshmukh
Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) leader Anil Deshmukh has claimed that in 2021, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis pressured him to file false affidavits against four Maha Vikas Aghadi leaders in an attempt to topple the coalition state government at the time, according to Times of India.
“I was promised freedom from ED and CBI investigators in return…The offer came from Fadnavis’ intermediary, and I personally spoke to him on phone. I will disclose every detail at an appropriate time,” Deshmukh said. “Fadnavis’s aide visited me multiple times, facilitating phone conversations between us. Once Fadnavis told me he was sending documents for review. I was told if accusing Ajit Pawar wasn’t possible, I should speak out against the Thackerays and Anil Parab (Shiv Sena).”
He told The Hindu that had he agreed, “[Uddhav] Thackeray, the then Finance Minister Ajit Pawar, the then Tourism Minister Aaditya Thackeray and the then Transport Minister Anil Parab would have been in trouble.
”The case against Deshmukh, a former state home minister, is related to accusations made by former Mumbai Police Commissioner Param Bir Singh alleging Deshmukh had asked some officers to extort Rs 100 crore every month from bars and restaurants in the city.
Singh had written about the allegations to Uddhav Thackeray in March 2021 as he was the Chief Minister at the time.
“I was promised freedom from ED and CBI investigators in return…The offer came from Fadnavis’ intermediary, and I personally spoke to him on phone. I will disclose every detail at an appropriate time,” Deshmukh said. “Fadnavis’s aide visited me multiple times, facilitating phone conversations between us. Once Fadnavis told me he was sending documents for review. I was told if accusing Ajit Pawar wasn’t possible, I should speak out against the Thackerays and Anil Parab (Shiv Sena).”
He told The Hindu that had he agreed, “[Uddhav] Thackeray, the then Finance Minister Ajit Pawar, the then Tourism Minister Aaditya Thackeray and the then Transport Minister Anil Parab would have been in trouble.
”The case against Deshmukh, a former state home minister, is related to accusations made by former Mumbai Police Commissioner Param Bir Singh alleging Deshmukh had asked some officers to extort Rs 100 crore every month from bars and restaurants in the city.
Singh had written about the allegations to Uddhav Thackeray in March 2021 as he was the Chief Minister at the time.
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PM Modi to visit Kargil today on 25th Kargil Vijay Diwas
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the Kargil War Memorial and pay homage to the bravehearts who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty, his office said.
“On the occasion of the 25th Kargil Vijay Diwas on 26th July 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the Kargil War Memorial at around 9:20 am and pay homage to the bravehearts,” the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said in a statement.
“We will mark the 25th Kargil Vijay Diwas. It is a day to pay homage to all those who protect our nation. Work will also commence for the Shinkun La Tunnel Project. This project is important to improve connectivity to Leh, especially during bad weather,” PM Modi said on X. The Shinkun La Tunnel Project consists of a 4.1-km-long twin-tube tunnel which will be constructed at an altitude of around 15,800 feet on the Nimu-Padum-Darcha road to provide all-weather connectivity to Leh, the statement said.
Once completed, it will be the highest tunnel in the world. The Shinkun La tunnel will not only ensure swift and efficient movement of the armed forces and equipment but also foster economic and social development in Ladakh.
“On the occasion of the 25th Kargil Vijay Diwas on 26th July 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the Kargil War Memorial at around 9:20 am and pay homage to the bravehearts,” the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said in a statement.
“We will mark the 25th Kargil Vijay Diwas. It is a day to pay homage to all those who protect our nation. Work will also commence for the Shinkun La Tunnel Project. This project is important to improve connectivity to Leh, especially during bad weather,” PM Modi said on X. The Shinkun La Tunnel Project consists of a 4.1-km-long twin-tube tunnel which will be constructed at an altitude of around 15,800 feet on the Nimu-Padum-Darcha road to provide all-weather connectivity to Leh, the statement said.
Once completed, it will be the highest tunnel in the world. The Shinkun La tunnel will not only ensure swift and efficient movement of the armed forces and equipment but also foster economic and social development in Ladakh.
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Parliament
Private member bill to make governors bound by advice of Council of Ministers rejected in RS
A private member bill seeking to make Governors constitutionally bound by the advice of the Council of Ministers of states was defeated in the Rajya Sabha on Friday, with treasury benches voting against the Bill brought by Kerala CPI (M) member John Brittas.
The two sides clashed at the stage of introduction of the Bill, with the Opposition MPs saying Governors in non-BJP ruled states were acting against the elected governments.
Deputy Chairman Harivansh put the motion for the introduction of the Bill to voice vote and declared it defeated. Brittas, however, insisted on a division. The motion was rejected with 56 members opposing it and 21 in favour of the introduction.
Brittas sought to introduce The Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (amendment of article 158) in the afternoon session of the Upper House.
Introducing the bill, he said the legislation seeks to ensure the "constitutional responsibility of Governors towards the Council of Ministers in carrying out their functions by confining their roles strictly within the bounds of the constitutional provisions".
The two sides clashed at the stage of introduction of the Bill, with the Opposition MPs saying Governors in non-BJP ruled states were acting against the elected governments.
Deputy Chairman Harivansh put the motion for the introduction of the Bill to voice vote and declared it defeated. Brittas, however, insisted on a division. The motion was rejected with 56 members opposing it and 21 in favour of the introduction.
Brittas sought to introduce The Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (amendment of article 158) in the afternoon session of the Upper House.
Introducing the bill, he said the legislation seeks to ensure the "constitutional responsibility of Governors towards the Council of Ministers in carrying out their functions by confining their roles strictly within the bounds of the constitutional provisions".
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Over 2,500 people died in five years in human-elephant conflicts: Government data
Human-elephant conflicts resulted in 2,853 human deaths during the past five years, with the number of fatalities reaching a five-year high of 628 in 2023, according to government data.
Responding to a question in the Rajya Sabha, Union Minister of State for Environment Kirti Vardhan Singh said “elephants caused” 587 human deaths in 2019, 471 in 2020, 557 in 2021, 610 in 2022 and 628 in 2023. The data revealed that Odisha recorded 624 such deaths during this period, followed by Jharkhand with 474, West Bengal with 436, Assam with 383, Chhattisgarh with 303, Tamil Nadu with 256, Karnataka with 160 and Kerala with 124.
Responding to a question in the Rajya Sabha, Union Minister of State for Environment Kirti Vardhan Singh said “elephants caused” 587 human deaths in 2019, 471 in 2020, 557 in 2021, 610 in 2022 and 628 in 2023. The data revealed that Odisha recorded 624 such deaths during this period, followed by Jharkhand with 474, West Bengal with 436, Assam with 383, Chhattisgarh with 303, Tamil Nadu with 256, Karnataka with 160 and Kerala with 124.
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Lok Sabha adjourns briefly amid uproar on different issues
The Lok Sabha was briefly adjourned on Friday amid uproar by the opposition and the treasury benches over remarks to divide West Bengal and an alleged scam involving a minister in the Karnataka government.
Trinamool Congress (TMC) member Kalyan Banerjee tried to raise the issue of the division of West Bengal, as mentioned by Union Minister Sukanata Majumdar and BJP leader Nishikant Dubey. Speaker Om Birla did not allow Banerjee to raise the matter, contending that Majumdar's comments were not made in the House and Dubey's remarks were part of the Zero Hour mention.
BJP leader PC Mohan tried to raise the Valmiki Corporation scam, allegedly involving a minister in the Karnataka government led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.The speaker also disallowed Mohan from raising the issue. TMC members trooped to the Well of the House, raising slogans that they would not allow any conspiracy to bifurcate West Bengal to succeed.
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi and senior BJP leader Anurag Thakur were also on their feet, raising slogans against the Karnataka government.
As the uproar continued, the speaker adjourned the proceedings till 12:30 pm.
Trinamool Congress (TMC) member Kalyan Banerjee tried to raise the issue of the division of West Bengal, as mentioned by Union Minister Sukanata Majumdar and BJP leader Nishikant Dubey. Speaker Om Birla did not allow Banerjee to raise the matter, contending that Majumdar's comments were not made in the House and Dubey's remarks were part of the Zero Hour mention.
BJP leader PC Mohan tried to raise the Valmiki Corporation scam, allegedly involving a minister in the Karnataka government led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.The speaker also disallowed Mohan from raising the issue. TMC members trooped to the Well of the House, raising slogans that they would not allow any conspiracy to bifurcate West Bengal to succeed.
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi and senior BJP leader Anurag Thakur were also on their feet, raising slogans against the Karnataka government.
As the uproar continued, the speaker adjourned the proceedings till 12:30 pm.
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Government party in nearly seven lakh court cases
The Central government is a party in nearly seven lakh court cases with the ministries of defence and finance topping the list, Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal said on Thursday.
Meghwal told the Rajya Sabha that a total of 6,98,904 cases are pending in courts in which Union ministries and departments are a party.
He said the data regarding litigation involving the Union of India is dynamic and keeps changing.
As per the data shared by the government, 17,779 such litigations in which the Centre is a party are pending in the Supreme Court and 2,53,073 in various High Courts.
Similarly, 2,75,181 such matters are pending with various tribunals.
The minister said the finance ministry is involved in 1,89,289 cases while the defence ministry in 95,467 cases. The railway ministry is a party in 1,14,557 cases.
Meghwal told the Rajya Sabha that a total of 6,98,904 cases are pending in courts in which Union ministries and departments are a party.
He said the data regarding litigation involving the Union of India is dynamic and keeps changing.
As per the data shared by the government, 17,779 such litigations in which the Centre is a party are pending in the Supreme Court and 2,53,073 in various High Courts.
Similarly, 2,75,181 such matters are pending with various tribunals.
The minister said the finance ministry is involved in 1,89,289 cases while the defence ministry in 95,467 cases. The railway ministry is a party in 1,14,557 cases.
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Politics
Tamil Nadu CM Stalin lashes out at Centre, calls union budget a 'revenge' against country
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin launched a sharp attack against the ruling BJP at the Centre over the 2024-25 Union Budget, calling it a 'revenge' taken by the saffron party against the country and warned it will face more electoral defeats since it was committing "mistake after mistake."
Explaining his decision to boycott the NITI Aayog meeting scheduled in New Delhi under the Chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi today, Stalin said he was 'compelled' to speak in the people's forum, seeking justice due to the "discriminatory attitude" towards Tamil Nadu reflected in the budget. The state's pleas for disaster relief to the tune of Rs 37,000 crore and Chennai Metro Rail's second phase were not heeded to, he said in a statement. The BJP runs "the government with political motive", he added.
"The budget presented on July 23 is evidence of this. In the recently held parliamentary elections, the people of various states defeated the anti-people BJP. The Budget presented by Union Finance Minister (Nirmala Sitharaman) seems like a vengeful act against the States and people who boycotted the BJP. Instead of preparing a budget for the welfare of all Indians, she has prepared a budget to take revenge against those who voted for the I.N.D.I.A bloc," he alleged.
Explaining his decision to boycott the NITI Aayog meeting scheduled in New Delhi under the Chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi today, Stalin said he was 'compelled' to speak in the people's forum, seeking justice due to the "discriminatory attitude" towards Tamil Nadu reflected in the budget. The state's pleas for disaster relief to the tune of Rs 37,000 crore and Chennai Metro Rail's second phase were not heeded to, he said in a statement. The BJP runs "the government with political motive", he added.
"The budget presented on July 23 is evidence of this. In the recently held parliamentary elections, the people of various states defeated the anti-people BJP. The Budget presented by Union Finance Minister (Nirmala Sitharaman) seems like a vengeful act against the States and people who boycotted the BJP. Instead of preparing a budget for the welfare of all Indians, she has prepared a budget to take revenge against those who voted for the I.N.D.I.A bloc," he alleged.
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RJD MLC Sunil Kumar Singh expelled from Bihar Legislative Council
Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Sunil Kumar Singh was expelled from the Bihar Legislative Council on Friday, following an incident of unruly behaviour in the House earlier this year.
The motion for Singh's expulsion was passed by voice vote, a day after the Ethics Committee submitted its report to acting chairman Awadhesh Narain Singh. Singh, a close aide of RJD president Lalu Prasad and his family, was charged with raising slogans against Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on February 13. Another RJD Member of the Legislative Council, Mohd Qari Sohaib, was suspended for two days after engaging in disruptive behaviour on the same day.
Singh's suspension will take effect when the House reconvenes.
The motion for Singh's expulsion was passed by voice vote, a day after the Ethics Committee submitted its report to acting chairman Awadhesh Narain Singh. Singh, a close aide of RJD president Lalu Prasad and his family, was charged with raising slogans against Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on February 13. Another RJD Member of the Legislative Council, Mohd Qari Sohaib, was suspended for two days after engaging in disruptive behaviour on the same day.
Singh's suspension will take effect when the House reconvenes.
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Kerala Chief Minister not to attend Niti Aayog meeting
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will not be attending the Niti Aayog meeting to be held in the national capital on Saturday, according to government sources.
Vijayan had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressing his inability to attend the meeting and seeking permission for state Finance Minister K B Balagopal to go in his stead, the sources said on Friday.
The Chief Minister had written the letter much before the Union Budget 2024-25 was announced, the sources said. The Niti Aayog’s ninth governing council meeting will be held on Saturday in the national capital under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Modi.
The reason behind Vijayan’s inability to attend the meeting is not clear.
Vijayan had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressing his inability to attend the meeting and seeking permission for state Finance Minister K B Balagopal to go in his stead, the sources said on Friday.
The Chief Minister had written the letter much before the Union Budget 2024-25 was announced, the sources said. The Niti Aayog’s ninth governing council meeting will be held on Saturday in the national capital under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Modi.
The reason behind Vijayan’s inability to attend the meeting is not clear.
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K C Tyagi urges PM Modi to provide monthly pension to anti-Emergency activists
Days after the government announced the commemoration of the Emergency's anniversary as ‘Samvidhan Hatya Diwas’, JD(U) leader K C Tyagi demanded that anti-Emergency activists jailed during the period be recognised and financially supported.
In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said that the official notification only pays tribute to deceased leaders but does not provide justice to those who are alive.
He said the anti-Emergency activists should be officially recognised and paid a monthly pension of Rs 50,000. Many states, including Bihar and other Hindi-speaking states, financially recognise them, but the activists in South and North-East India have been deprived of any benefits, he added.
Tyagi said at least one member of their families should be given a job and they should be provided health insurance facilities too.
In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said that the official notification only pays tribute to deceased leaders but does not provide justice to those who are alive.
He said the anti-Emergency activists should be officially recognised and paid a monthly pension of Rs 50,000. Many states, including Bihar and other Hindi-speaking states, financially recognise them, but the activists in South and North-East India have been deprived of any benefits, he added.
Tyagi said at least one member of their families should be given a job and they should be provided health insurance facilities too.
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Space
India's first fully robotic telescope in Ladakh spots building-sized asteroid
The GROWTH-India telescope at the Indian Astronomical Observatory in Ladakh captured images of a building-sized asteroid as it made its closest approach to Earth, according to the Times of India. The asteroid's rapid movement caused background stars to appear as streaks of light.
Astrophysicist Varun Bhalerao from the Space Technology and Astrophysics Research (STAR) lab at IIT Bombay shared the image on social media platform X. "Last night, the GROWTH-India Telescope caught this 116m, building-sized asteroid on its closest approach to earth! We tracked the rapid motion of the asteroid as it zipped across the sky at just 10x lunar distance. The rapid motion makes background stars look like streaks," he noted.
The GROWTH-India telescope is India’s first fully robotic optical research telescope, located at 4,500 metres in Ladakh, one of the world’s highest astronomical observatories.
Astrophysicist Varun Bhalerao from the Space Technology and Astrophysics Research (STAR) lab at IIT Bombay shared the image on social media platform X. "Last night, the GROWTH-India Telescope caught this 116m, building-sized asteroid on its closest approach to earth! We tracked the rapid motion of the asteroid as it zipped across the sky at just 10x lunar distance. The rapid motion makes background stars look like streaks," he noted.
The GROWTH-India telescope is India’s first fully robotic optical research telescope, located at 4,500 metres in Ladakh, one of the world’s highest astronomical observatories.
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Sports
The Paris Games 2024 are officially open after a grand opening ceremony
The city of Paris turned into a colossal amphitheatre, and the iconic river Seine served as a track for the athletes' parade as France showcased its cultural diversity, spirit of revolution, impeccable craftsmanship and architectural heritage in a riveting opening ceremony for the 33rd Olympic Games on Friday.
The spectacle started with a dreamy break from tradition as 'Parade of Nations' kicked off the proceedings in which athletes from 205 countries and one refugee team sailed down the Seine on boats despite heavy rain, in the run-up to and during the ceremony, threatening to play spoilsport. French President Emmanuel Macron declared the Games open, marking the formal beginning of competitions for the next 16 days.
After keeping it a secret till the end of the ceremony that lasted four hours, French judo great Teddy Riner and sprint legend Marie-Jose Perec jointly lit the Olympic cauldron, symbolic of the most gender-neutral Games. The cauldron was attached to a giant hot-air balloon, which lifted off into the Paris night. The highlight of the unconventional and daring opening ceremony was without doubt the athletes' march on the Seine river.
The sequence of arrivals followed the French alphabetical order. The first to arrive was the Greek contingent, for being the spiritual home of the Games, followed by the Refugee team. France, as host country, came last to a boisterous cheer from the home crowd. The Indian contingent was led by two flag-bearers — two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu and table tennis legend A Sharath Kamal and was 84th on the call sheet. The women in the contingent were draped in sarees, while the men sported the traditional 'kurta-pyjama' in the colours of the national flag.
A total of 78 Indian athletes and officials participated in the ceremony.
The spectacle started with a dreamy break from tradition as 'Parade of Nations' kicked off the proceedings in which athletes from 205 countries and one refugee team sailed down the Seine on boats despite heavy rain, in the run-up to and during the ceremony, threatening to play spoilsport. French President Emmanuel Macron declared the Games open, marking the formal beginning of competitions for the next 16 days.
After keeping it a secret till the end of the ceremony that lasted four hours, French judo great Teddy Riner and sprint legend Marie-Jose Perec jointly lit the Olympic cauldron, symbolic of the most gender-neutral Games. The cauldron was attached to a giant hot-air balloon, which lifted off into the Paris night. The highlight of the unconventional and daring opening ceremony was without doubt the athletes' march on the Seine river.
The sequence of arrivals followed the French alphabetical order. The first to arrive was the Greek contingent, for being the spiritual home of the Games, followed by the Refugee team. France, as host country, came last to a boisterous cheer from the home crowd. The Indian contingent was led by two flag-bearers — two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu and table tennis legend A Sharath Kamal and was 84th on the call sheet. The women in the contingent were draped in sarees, while the men sported the traditional 'kurta-pyjama' in the colours of the national flag.
A total of 78 Indian athletes and officials participated in the ceremony.
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Olympics: Dhiraj, Ankita shine as Indian archers secure direct QF berths
Led by the in-form Dhiraj Bommadevara and Ankita Bhakat, India’s campaign at the Paris Olympics began on a positive note as the country’s archers secured a direct entry into the quarterfinals of both the men’s and women’s team events after finishing third and fourth respectively in the ranking round on Thursday.
Debutants Dhiraj and Ankita’s spectacular show in the qualifications helped India finish in the top four, giving them favourable draws to clinch an elusive Olympic medal in archery.
The top four in the team standings directly advance to the quarterfinals, while those ending between 5th and 12th play the Round of 16 fixtures. The Indian men’s team is seeded third, which means they will not feature in the same pool as the invincible Koreans in the next round. Now, both the Indian teams need just two wins for securing the Olympics medals.
Dhiraj, the world cup bronze-medallist, who defeated Tokyo Olympics silver winner Mauro Nespoli in Antalya, lived up to the expectations by finishing fourth in the individual round.
The duo of Ankita and Dhiraj, who was the star of the day with an excellent performance in the second half of his competition, will be seeded fifth in the mixed team round of 16 event. India’s mixed team finished at the fifth position with 1347 points. Dhiraj got 681 while Ankita scored 666 earlier in the day.
The mixed team score is determined by summing the best individual score from the women’s and men's individual event.
The Indian men’s team made it to the quarter-finals by finishing third in the ranking round with 2013 points. Dhiraj shone with a fourth-spot finish in individual section with 681 points. Appearing in his fourth Olympics, Tarundeep Rai ended 14th with 674 points while Pravin Jadhav finished 39th with 658 points.
Korea’s Woojin Kim and Je Deok Kim bagged the top two positions with scores of 688 and 682 respectively. Germany’s Florian Unruh was third with 681.
Earlier in the day, Games debutant Ankita left behind seasoned campaigners like Deepika Kumari to emerge as the best-placed Indian archer at 11th in the women’s individual qualifications as the country secured a quarterfinal spot by finishing fourth. The 26-year-old Ankita was the top-ranked Indian woman, followed by Bhajan Kaur (22nd with 559 points) and Deepika (23rd with 658 points).
India grabbed the fourth spot by scoring 1983 points. South Korea topped the standings with 2046 points. China finished runners-up while Mexico grabbed the third spot.
India will face the winner of the contest between France and Netherlands in the quarterfinals. If they clear the quarters, India could be headed for a semifinal showdown with heavyweights Korea.
The Korean women’s team has been invincible in the Olympics, winning a ninth straight medal in Tokyo three years ago.
In the individual section, Korea’s Lim Sihyeon smashed a world record score of 694 to top the standings, while her compatriot Suhyeon Nam scored 688 points to finish second. China's Yang Xiaolei was third with 673. Ankita, who hails from Bengal and represents Tata Academy, was the surprise package on the day from the Indian perspective, even as four-time Olympian Deepika faltered to return her worst ever qualification result at the Games.
Halfway through the men’s qualification round, India were placed sixth in the team event, with Rai on 14th, Dhiraj on 24th and Jadhav on 37th place respectively.
After that, India made a remarkable recovery and jumped to the third spot after set seven. The team then improved its position further by moving to second place after set nine. However, India dropped back to third after set 10 as South Korea maintained their hold of the top spot.
India will face either Turkey or Colombia in the men’s quarterfinals.
Debutants Dhiraj and Ankita’s spectacular show in the qualifications helped India finish in the top four, giving them favourable draws to clinch an elusive Olympic medal in archery.
The top four in the team standings directly advance to the quarterfinals, while those ending between 5th and 12th play the Round of 16 fixtures. The Indian men’s team is seeded third, which means they will not feature in the same pool as the invincible Koreans in the next round. Now, both the Indian teams need just two wins for securing the Olympics medals.
Dhiraj, the world cup bronze-medallist, who defeated Tokyo Olympics silver winner Mauro Nespoli in Antalya, lived up to the expectations by finishing fourth in the individual round.
The duo of Ankita and Dhiraj, who was the star of the day with an excellent performance in the second half of his competition, will be seeded fifth in the mixed team round of 16 event. India’s mixed team finished at the fifth position with 1347 points. Dhiraj got 681 while Ankita scored 666 earlier in the day.
The mixed team score is determined by summing the best individual score from the women’s and men's individual event.
The Indian men’s team made it to the quarter-finals by finishing third in the ranking round with 2013 points. Dhiraj shone with a fourth-spot finish in individual section with 681 points. Appearing in his fourth Olympics, Tarundeep Rai ended 14th with 674 points while Pravin Jadhav finished 39th with 658 points.
Korea’s Woojin Kim and Je Deok Kim bagged the top two positions with scores of 688 and 682 respectively. Germany’s Florian Unruh was third with 681.
Earlier in the day, Games debutant Ankita left behind seasoned campaigners like Deepika Kumari to emerge as the best-placed Indian archer at 11th in the women’s individual qualifications as the country secured a quarterfinal spot by finishing fourth. The 26-year-old Ankita was the top-ranked Indian woman, followed by Bhajan Kaur (22nd with 559 points) and Deepika (23rd with 658 points).
India grabbed the fourth spot by scoring 1983 points. South Korea topped the standings with 2046 points. China finished runners-up while Mexico grabbed the third spot.
India will face the winner of the contest between France and Netherlands in the quarterfinals. If they clear the quarters, India could be headed for a semifinal showdown with heavyweights Korea.
The Korean women’s team has been invincible in the Olympics, winning a ninth straight medal in Tokyo three years ago.
In the individual section, Korea’s Lim Sihyeon smashed a world record score of 694 to top the standings, while her compatriot Suhyeon Nam scored 688 points to finish second. China's Yang Xiaolei was third with 673. Ankita, who hails from Bengal and represents Tata Academy, was the surprise package on the day from the Indian perspective, even as four-time Olympian Deepika faltered to return her worst ever qualification result at the Games.
Halfway through the men’s qualification round, India were placed sixth in the team event, with Rai on 14th, Dhiraj on 24th and Jadhav on 37th place respectively.
After that, India made a remarkable recovery and jumped to the third spot after set seven. The team then improved its position further by moving to second place after set nine. However, India dropped back to third after set 10 as South Korea maintained their hold of the top spot.
India will face either Turkey or Colombia in the men’s quarterfinals.
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Smriti, Renuka shine as India wallop Bangladesh by 10 wickets, enter Women's Asia Cup final
Pacer Renuka Singh's three-wicket burst followed by Smriti Mandhana's brisk unbeaten fifty underlined India's ruthless performance as the defending champions walloped Bangladesh by 10 wickets and marched into their record-extending ninth women’s Asia Cup final, here on Friday.
India will face the winner of the second semifinal between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, in the title clash on Sunday.
Shafali (26 not out, 28b, 2x4) and Mandhana (55 not out, 39b, 9x4, 1x6) were on song from the word go, as India overhauled the target of 81 without breaking a sweat. India ended up at 83 for no loss in 11 overs. Mandhana and Shafali's knocks were filled with trademark shots around the ground as India motored to 46 for no loss in the Power Play. India trotted to a victory that was a long-forgone conclusion once Bangladesh were limited 80 for eight.
Renuka (3/10) upfront and left-arm spinner Radha Yadav in the middle overs (3/14) rattled Bangladesh with excellent spells. Bangladesh hardly recovered from the deep wounds inflicted by Renuka in the first six overs.
Brief scores: Bangladesh 80 for 8 in 20 overs (Nigar Sultana 32; Renuka Singh Thakur 3/10, Radha Yadav 3/14) lost to by 10 wickets to India 83 for no loss in 11 overs (Smriti Mandhana 55 not out, Shafali Verma 26 not out.)
India will face the winner of the second semifinal between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, in the title clash on Sunday.
Shafali (26 not out, 28b, 2x4) and Mandhana (55 not out, 39b, 9x4, 1x6) were on song from the word go, as India overhauled the target of 81 without breaking a sweat. India ended up at 83 for no loss in 11 overs. Mandhana and Shafali's knocks were filled with trademark shots around the ground as India motored to 46 for no loss in the Power Play. India trotted to a victory that was a long-forgone conclusion once Bangladesh were limited 80 for eight.
Renuka (3/10) upfront and left-arm spinner Radha Yadav in the middle overs (3/14) rattled Bangladesh with excellent spells. Bangladesh hardly recovered from the deep wounds inflicted by Renuka in the first six overs.
Brief scores: Bangladesh 80 for 8 in 20 overs (Nigar Sultana 32; Renuka Singh Thakur 3/10, Radha Yadav 3/14) lost to by 10 wickets to India 83 for no loss in 11 overs (Smriti Mandhana 55 not out, Shafali Verma 26 not out.)
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I enjoy leadership, says T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav
Newly-appointed Indian T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav says he has enjoyed being a leader on the field despite not dawning the captain’s hat, adding that he leant the tricks of the trade from different skippers over the years.
Suryakumar was appointed as India’s T20 captain last week ahead of Hardik Pandya after Rohit Sharma’s retirement from the format.
Suryakumar’s first assignment will be the three-match T20 series against hosts Sri Lanka starting in Pallekele (Sri Lanka) on Saturday. “I have always enjoyed being a leader on the field even though I was not the captain. I have always learnt a lot of things from different captains. It’s a good feeling and a great responsibility,” the swashbuckling middle-order batter told ‘BCCI.TV’.
Indian cricket is set to embark on a new era under Suryakumar and new head coach Gautam Gambhir.
Both Suryakumar and Gambhir share a strong bond since Kolkata Knight Riders days as they played together in 2014 for the franchise. And Suryakumar, known for his aggressive batting and innovative shots, described his relationship with Gambhir as both special and strong.
“This relationship is special because in 2014 I played under him in KKR. It was special because from there only I got opportunities. The relationship is still strong. He (Gambhir) knows how I work, what is my mindset when I come to practice sessions. I also know how he tries to work as a coach. It’s all about the lovely relationship we have and very excited to see how it goes forward,” the Mumbai batter said.
Suryakumar was appointed as India’s T20 captain last week ahead of Hardik Pandya after Rohit Sharma’s retirement from the format.
Suryakumar’s first assignment will be the three-match T20 series against hosts Sri Lanka starting in Pallekele (Sri Lanka) on Saturday. “I have always enjoyed being a leader on the field even though I was not the captain. I have always learnt a lot of things from different captains. It’s a good feeling and a great responsibility,” the swashbuckling middle-order batter told ‘BCCI.TV’.
Indian cricket is set to embark on a new era under Suryakumar and new head coach Gautam Gambhir.
Both Suryakumar and Gambhir share a strong bond since Kolkata Knight Riders days as they played together in 2014 for the franchise. And Suryakumar, known for his aggressive batting and innovative shots, described his relationship with Gambhir as both special and strong.
“This relationship is special because in 2014 I played under him in KKR. It was special because from there only I got opportunities. The relationship is still strong. He (Gambhir) knows how I work, what is my mindset when I come to practice sessions. I also know how he tries to work as a coach. It’s all about the lovely relationship we have and very excited to see how it goes forward,” the Mumbai batter said.
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The booming business of trading Olympic pins
For an elite athlete, nothing comes close to the high of winning an Olympic medal. But the lesser mortals, including fans and volunteers, chase the simpler joys of life during the two-week-long Summer Games and at the top of their wishlist is trading Olympic pins.
Some trade pins for money, others do it for the love of the exercise that has become an integral part of Olympic tradition.
Pin collecting and trading goes as far back as 1896 when the first modern Olympics were held. Therefore, it is not a surprise that Olympic pin traders are working overtime across venues of the Paris Games, which officially begin with an unprecedented opening ceremony on the river Seine on Friday evening.
The seasoned ones have camped themselves outside the Athletes Games Village, which is usually the hub of pin-trading activity with sportspersons, fans and volunteers looking to exchange their desired pieces of metal.
Among them are USA’s Brad Frank, who has been trading pins since the 1996 Atlanta Olympics and sells them on E-Bay but not when he is attending the Games, so he claims. Giving him stiff competition are Ross Baxter from Canada and Yorick Spieker from Germany. Unlike Frank, 86-year-old Baxter and Spieker are not in the trading business for money.
Pin trading can be addictive and the pains that the likes of Frank, Baxter and Spieke take to enhance their collection is a testament to that.
“This is my 11th Olympics since Atlanta (including Summer and Winter games). I love to meet people from all over the world and experience the Olympic spirit,” said Frank. Frank was a teacher for 30 years until he found his calling in pin trading.
“My friend got 7,00,000 pins from the USA Olympic Committee in 1996. He told me to come and start trading and I have been trading pins ever since,” added Frank, who has had the honour of trading pins with Olympic legend Michael Phelps.
Also stationed at the Games Village entrance is Baxter, who made his trading debut in hometown of Calgary during the Winter Games in 1988 “I took to pin trading after I got one from a member of the Taiwanese team during the Calgary Games. That is how I started and I have covered 14 Olympics since then. Unlike Americans, I don’t do it for the money, I just love the exercise,” said Baxter, who wants to add more pins to his collection that runs into thousands.
The octogenarian proudly flaunts the only pin he has from India, which was given to him by a Doordarshan employee in the 1988 Seoul Olympics.
“I would love to have more from India. Do you have one?” he asks politely. For Spieker from Germany, trading pins is all about passion. He traded his first pin as a 17-year-old student in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics and he has attended most of the Olympics since then. When he is not trading, he heads a team of salesmen back home.
“I would never do this for the money, I already have enough,” summed up Spieker.
Some trade pins for money, others do it for the love of the exercise that has become an integral part of Olympic tradition.
Pin collecting and trading goes as far back as 1896 when the first modern Olympics were held. Therefore, it is not a surprise that Olympic pin traders are working overtime across venues of the Paris Games, which officially begin with an unprecedented opening ceremony on the river Seine on Friday evening.
The seasoned ones have camped themselves outside the Athletes Games Village, which is usually the hub of pin-trading activity with sportspersons, fans and volunteers looking to exchange their desired pieces of metal.
Among them are USA’s Brad Frank, who has been trading pins since the 1996 Atlanta Olympics and sells them on E-Bay but not when he is attending the Games, so he claims. Giving him stiff competition are Ross Baxter from Canada and Yorick Spieker from Germany. Unlike Frank, 86-year-old Baxter and Spieker are not in the trading business for money.
Pin trading can be addictive and the pains that the likes of Frank, Baxter and Spieke take to enhance their collection is a testament to that.
“This is my 11th Olympics since Atlanta (including Summer and Winter games). I love to meet people from all over the world and experience the Olympic spirit,” said Frank. Frank was a teacher for 30 years until he found his calling in pin trading.
“My friend got 7,00,000 pins from the USA Olympic Committee in 1996. He told me to come and start trading and I have been trading pins ever since,” added Frank, who has had the honour of trading pins with Olympic legend Michael Phelps.
Also stationed at the Games Village entrance is Baxter, who made his trading debut in hometown of Calgary during the Winter Games in 1988 “I took to pin trading after I got one from a member of the Taiwanese team during the Calgary Games. That is how I started and I have covered 14 Olympics since then. Unlike Americans, I don’t do it for the money, I just love the exercise,” said Baxter, who wants to add more pins to his collection that runs into thousands.
The octogenarian proudly flaunts the only pin he has from India, which was given to him by a Doordarshan employee in the 1988 Seoul Olympics.
“I would love to have more from India. Do you have one?” he asks politely. For Spieker from Germany, trading pins is all about passion. He traded his first pin as a 17-year-old student in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics and he has attended most of the Olympics since then. When he is not trading, he heads a team of salesmen back home.
“I would never do this for the money, I already have enough,” summed up Spieker.
Yesterday | Search on Google News | Link
Indians eye double-digit medal haul as Paris Olympics set for grand start
Long read
Some would be carrying a huge burden of expectations, some others would look to spring a surprise and a few more would be eyeing the perfect closure to their glittering careers as the 117-strong Indian contingent aims for a better-than-before performance in the Olympic Games, starting today.
India returned from Tokyo with seven medals, and it is only natural that a double-digit performance is now desired in Paris. Except for wrestlers, who have waded through a highly controversial build-up, athletes in all disciplines have had no complaints about their preparations.
Whether it was training abroad or getting the best of facilities to sharpen their skills, there was planning in place.
But will the hard work, the strategies and the unbridled support translate into medals? It will be a Heculean task to match the Tokyo figures of seven medals, given that except for reigning Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra, not many are top contenders in their respective disciplines.
More than half of the 117-member contingent is from three sports - athletics (29), shooting (21) and hockey (19). Of these 69 athletes, 40 are debutants.
In other sports too, there are debutants like tennis player N Sriram Balaji and wrestler Reetika Hooda. They are not exactly inexperienced, but largely, India's campaign will be driven by the athletes, who will be competing on a stage this grand for the first time. Then there are the seasoned ones who would be expected to raise their game suitably.
Two-time medallist shuttler P V Sindhu, tennis player Rohan Bopanna, legendary table tennis player Sharath Kamal and hockey goalkeeper PR Sreejesh are certainly playing their last Olympics.
The hockey team has endured patchy form in the build-up to the Games, the boxers and wrestlers are lacking in real competition time. The shooters too have notched up mixed results heading into the Olympics. The track and field athletes, especially Avinash Sable, have done well of late, but compared to their global rivals, their performances don't seem enough to put them in the bracket of medal hopefuls.
For instance, steeplechaser Sable has been consistently bettering his national record. His best stands at 8:09.94 but there are seven international runners who have achieved better timing than that in the run-up to the Games.
Given this, Even making the finals will be considered a huge achievement. India’s hopes for podium finishes largely hinge on Neeraj, despite concerns around his adductor niggle, and the in-form badminton duo of Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy.
Only Sindhu (2016 Rio and 2012 Tokyo) and wrestler Sushil Kumar (2008 Beijing, 2012 London) have managed to win two consecutive medals.
Rankireddy and Chirag have grown into one of India's most formidable men's doubles teams and they are being seen as certain medal winners. Talking about Sindhu, she is not in the best of form and has also got a tough draw but if she can come through the initial rounds, the vast experience could help her make the medal round.
The men’s hockey team has been inconsistent. It lost all five games in Australia recently after a mixed run in the Pro League. It was a far cry from the Asian Games in Hangzhou where the team emerged champion.
It’s been a quiet build-up for the 21-member shooting contingent, the biggest ever, compared to London and Tokyo where stars such as Manu Bhaker and Saurabh Chaudhary had raised medal hopes with their exceptional performances in the run-up to the Games. Even Divyansh Panwar and Elavenil Valarivan were hailed as future superstars but all of them have flattered to deceive.
There is hardly any spotlight on shooters but still Sift Kaur Samra (50m three position), Sandeep Singh (10m air rifle) and Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar (men's 50 m rifle) have it in them to end the 12-year wait for a medal.
Gagan Narang, who is now India's Chef de Mission, was the last Indian shooter to climb the podium when he won the 10m air rifle bronze in the 2012 London Games. The sport has delivered a medal for India in the last four editions. The hopes of winning four to five medals were raised for the Paris Games but the protest against the Wrestling Federation of India brought the sport to a standstill.
There was no national camp, and no competition for a long time. The qualified wrestlers have trained on their own at the centres of their choice -- both in India and abroad.
Fitness status of many is not known, but going into the Games, Anshu Malik, Antim Panghal and Aman Sehrawat are considered India's best bets. Reetika Hooda, the U-23 world champion, will be a dark dorse. The archers and TT players have qualified for the Games on the basis of their rankings. While it is a huge achievement for TT players, the same can't be said about the archers.
They have promised a lot in the past too but have not been able to deliver. The recent episode of their coach being denied the Games accreditation means the campaign has started on a negative note.
Weightlifter Mirabai Chanu, the Tokyo Games silver-medallist, has struggled with injury and form of late and is perhaps not in the best frame of mind. There are question marks if she will be able to repeat her success. Experienced boxer Nikhat Zareen and Nishant Dev will be watched keenly as their latest results have been encouraging. So far, India have won 35 medals at the Olympics with shooter Abhinav Bindra (2008) and Neeraj Chopra (2021) being the only two individual gold medal winners.
Some would be carrying a huge burden of expectations, some others would look to spring a surprise and a few more would be eyeing the perfect closure to their glittering careers as the 117-strong Indian contingent aims for a better-than-before performance in the Olympic Games, starting today.
India returned from Tokyo with seven medals, and it is only natural that a double-digit performance is now desired in Paris. Except for wrestlers, who have waded through a highly controversial build-up, athletes in all disciplines have had no complaints about their preparations.
Whether it was training abroad or getting the best of facilities to sharpen their skills, there was planning in place.
But will the hard work, the strategies and the unbridled support translate into medals? It will be a Heculean task to match the Tokyo figures of seven medals, given that except for reigning Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra, not many are top contenders in their respective disciplines.
More than half of the 117-member contingent is from three sports - athletics (29), shooting (21) and hockey (19). Of these 69 athletes, 40 are debutants.
In other sports too, there are debutants like tennis player N Sriram Balaji and wrestler Reetika Hooda. They are not exactly inexperienced, but largely, India's campaign will be driven by the athletes, who will be competing on a stage this grand for the first time. Then there are the seasoned ones who would be expected to raise their game suitably.
Two-time medallist shuttler P V Sindhu, tennis player Rohan Bopanna, legendary table tennis player Sharath Kamal and hockey goalkeeper PR Sreejesh are certainly playing their last Olympics.
The hockey team has endured patchy form in the build-up to the Games, the boxers and wrestlers are lacking in real competition time. The shooters too have notched up mixed results heading into the Olympics. The track and field athletes, especially Avinash Sable, have done well of late, but compared to their global rivals, their performances don't seem enough to put them in the bracket of medal hopefuls.
For instance, steeplechaser Sable has been consistently bettering his national record. His best stands at 8:09.94 but there are seven international runners who have achieved better timing than that in the run-up to the Games.
Given this, Even making the finals will be considered a huge achievement. India’s hopes for podium finishes largely hinge on Neeraj, despite concerns around his adductor niggle, and the in-form badminton duo of Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy.
Only Sindhu (2016 Rio and 2012 Tokyo) and wrestler Sushil Kumar (2008 Beijing, 2012 London) have managed to win two consecutive medals.
Rankireddy and Chirag have grown into one of India's most formidable men's doubles teams and they are being seen as certain medal winners. Talking about Sindhu, she is not in the best of form and has also got a tough draw but if she can come through the initial rounds, the vast experience could help her make the medal round.
The men’s hockey team has been inconsistent. It lost all five games in Australia recently after a mixed run in the Pro League. It was a far cry from the Asian Games in Hangzhou where the team emerged champion.
It’s been a quiet build-up for the 21-member shooting contingent, the biggest ever, compared to London and Tokyo where stars such as Manu Bhaker and Saurabh Chaudhary had raised medal hopes with their exceptional performances in the run-up to the Games. Even Divyansh Panwar and Elavenil Valarivan were hailed as future superstars but all of them have flattered to deceive.
There is hardly any spotlight on shooters but still Sift Kaur Samra (50m three position), Sandeep Singh (10m air rifle) and Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar (men's 50 m rifle) have it in them to end the 12-year wait for a medal.
Gagan Narang, who is now India's Chef de Mission, was the last Indian shooter to climb the podium when he won the 10m air rifle bronze in the 2012 London Games. The sport has delivered a medal for India in the last four editions. The hopes of winning four to five medals were raised for the Paris Games but the protest against the Wrestling Federation of India brought the sport to a standstill.
There was no national camp, and no competition for a long time. The qualified wrestlers have trained on their own at the centres of their choice -- both in India and abroad.
Fitness status of many is not known, but going into the Games, Anshu Malik, Antim Panghal and Aman Sehrawat are considered India's best bets. Reetika Hooda, the U-23 world champion, will be a dark dorse. The archers and TT players have qualified for the Games on the basis of their rankings. While it is a huge achievement for TT players, the same can't be said about the archers.
They have promised a lot in the past too but have not been able to deliver. The recent episode of their coach being denied the Games accreditation means the campaign has started on a negative note.
Weightlifter Mirabai Chanu, the Tokyo Games silver-medallist, has struggled with injury and form of late and is perhaps not in the best frame of mind. There are question marks if she will be able to repeat her success. Experienced boxer Nikhat Zareen and Nishant Dev will be watched keenly as their latest results have been encouraging. So far, India have won 35 medals at the Olympics with shooter Abhinav Bindra (2008) and Neeraj Chopra (2021) being the only two individual gold medal winners.
Yesterday | Search on Google News | Link
State
Centre's scheme for use of drones in farming finds only one taker in Goa: Assembly told
The Goa state government has only received one taker of the Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanisation (SMAM) scheme promoting the use of drones in farming, the state government has told the legislative assembly.
In a written reply tabled in the House on Friday, state Agriculture Minister Ravi Naik told independent MLA Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco that till now only Don Bosco Loutolim Society, Loutolim in Salcete taluka was using a drone for farming, which it purchased by availing subsidy from the agriculture department. Naik said that financial assistance of 40% at the base price of drones and related components up to a maximum of Rs 4 lakh under the centrally-sponsored scheme is provided.
In a written reply tabled in the House on Friday, state Agriculture Minister Ravi Naik told independent MLA Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco that till now only Don Bosco Loutolim Society, Loutolim in Salcete taluka was using a drone for farming, which it purchased by availing subsidy from the agriculture department. Naik said that financial assistance of 40% at the base price of drones and related components up to a maximum of Rs 4 lakh under the centrally-sponsored scheme is provided.
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Haryana government accepts demands, striking doctors return to duty
Government doctors in Haryana ended their indefinite strike today following assurances from the state government that their demands would be accepted, the chief of the association leading the shutdown said. The doctors have since resumed their duties after the strike was called off.
The shutdown was lifted following a meeting between representatives of the protesting doctors and Amit Aggarwal -- additional principal secretary to the Haryana chief minister -- late on Friday, Haryana Civil Medical Services Association president Dr Rajesh Khyalia said. The government has accepted the doctors' demands and assured to notify those before August 15, he added.
The doctors are demanding a career progression scheme that ensures parity with their central government peers, reduction in the bond amount for admission to postgraduate courses from Rs 1 crore to Rs 50 lakh and formation of a specialist cadre for them.
Around 3,000 government doctors had gone on an indefinite strike on Thursday to press the state government to accept their demands. The strike hit medical services in state-run hospitals of Haryana.
The shutdown was lifted following a meeting between representatives of the protesting doctors and Amit Aggarwal -- additional principal secretary to the Haryana chief minister -- late on Friday, Haryana Civil Medical Services Association president Dr Rajesh Khyalia said. The government has accepted the doctors' demands and assured to notify those before August 15, he added.
The doctors are demanding a career progression scheme that ensures parity with their central government peers, reduction in the bond amount for admission to postgraduate courses from Rs 1 crore to Rs 50 lakh and formation of a specialist cadre for them.
Around 3,000 government doctors had gone on an indefinite strike on Thursday to press the state government to accept their demands. The strike hit medical services in state-run hospitals of Haryana.
Today | Search on Google News | Link
Meghalaya: Pro-ILP activists arrested for trying to prevent tourists from visiting Dawki, Sohra
At least 10 pro-ILP activists were arrested after they tried to prevent tourists from visiting Sohra and Dawki in Meghalaya's East Khasi Hills district, police said.
Tourist inflow to Sohra and Dawki was briefly affected on Friday when the pro-ILP activists belonging to Hynniewtrep National Youth Front (HNYF) tried to prevent some tourists coming from Assam from visiting these places. "The district authorities have beefed up security arrangements for tourists intending to travel to Sohra and Dawki and security personnel have been deployed at specific locations along the route to prevent any disruption in tourists' visits," Superintendent of Police Sylvester Nongtynger told PTI.
Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong condemned the incident, saying, "It was very unfortunate. People are visiting Meghalaya to enjoy nature. We will not let such things happen again." The Hynniewtrep National Youth Front seeks implementation of the Inner Line Permit in the state.
HNYF president Sadon Blah said the group has called for such an action to force the government to implement a policy restricting the movement of tourist vehicles coming from outside the state.
Tourist inflow to Sohra and Dawki was briefly affected on Friday when the pro-ILP activists belonging to Hynniewtrep National Youth Front (HNYF) tried to prevent some tourists coming from Assam from visiting these places. "The district authorities have beefed up security arrangements for tourists intending to travel to Sohra and Dawki and security personnel have been deployed at specific locations along the route to prevent any disruption in tourists' visits," Superintendent of Police Sylvester Nongtynger told PTI.
Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong condemned the incident, saying, "It was very unfortunate. People are visiting Meghalaya to enjoy nature. We will not let such things happen again." The Hynniewtrep National Youth Front seeks implementation of the Inner Line Permit in the state.
HNYF president Sadon Blah said the group has called for such an action to force the government to implement a policy restricting the movement of tourist vehicles coming from outside the state.
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Shortage of 18 judges in 10 courts across Goa: Minister tells assembly
Goa Law Minister Aleixo Sequeira has told the legislative assembly that there is a shortage of 18 judges in 10 different courts, including district courts, across the state.
In a written reply tabled in the House on Friday, the minister shared the details about the vacancies in the courts. The strength of additional judges has been calculated for the state based on the 'Unit System' in accordance with the interim report of the National Court Management System (NCMS) Committee as per the directions of the Supreme Court.
Sequeira said that as per Article 229 of the Constitution, the entire process of filling up the post of judicial officer (in Goa) is done by the Bombay High Court. He added that the process to fill the vacancies of the judges was underway.
In a written reply tabled in the House on Friday, the minister shared the details about the vacancies in the courts. The strength of additional judges has been calculated for the state based on the 'Unit System' in accordance with the interim report of the National Court Management System (NCMS) Committee as per the directions of the Supreme Court.
Sequeira said that as per Article 229 of the Constitution, the entire process of filling up the post of judicial officer (in Goa) is done by the Bombay High Court. He added that the process to fill the vacancies of the judges was underway.
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Agniveers to be given weightage in UP Police, PAC force: UP CM Yogi Adityanath
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said on Friday that the Agniveers who return after serving the country will be given weightage in UP Police and PAC force.
Adityanath said this while speaking to reporters at his official residence on Friday evening before leaving for NITI Aayog meeting in Delhi.
"The country will get trained and disciplined young soldiers in the form of Agniveers," he said. The UP chief minister said the youth today are getting recruited in Agnipath Yojana with enthusiasm. After this, arrangements are being made to accommodate them in paramilitary and civil police.
"The UP government has also said as the Agniveer scheme progresses and when these youth return after their service, we will provide facility and weightage for their adjustment in UP Police and PAC (Provincial Armed Constabulary) force. We will get trained and disciplined youth as Agniveers. Our government is fully committed to this," Adityanath said.
Adityanath said this while speaking to reporters at his official residence on Friday evening before leaving for NITI Aayog meeting in Delhi.
"The country will get trained and disciplined young soldiers in the form of Agniveers," he said. The UP chief minister said the youth today are getting recruited in Agnipath Yojana with enthusiasm. After this, arrangements are being made to accommodate them in paramilitary and civil police.
"The UP government has also said as the Agniveer scheme progresses and when these youth return after their service, we will provide facility and weightage for their adjustment in UP Police and PAC (Provincial Armed Constabulary) force. We will get trained and disciplined youth as Agniveers. Our government is fully committed to this," Adityanath said.
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Drugs worth Rs 42.38 crore seized in Mizoram; 3 Tripura residents arrested, say police
The Special Narcotics Police Station of Mizoram on Friday seized 14.082 kg of methamphetamine and 2.804 kg of heroin, valued at Rs. 42.38 crore, in Khawzawl district, officials reported.
The operation, carried out on Wednesday, led to the arrest of three Tripura residents, who were presented in court on Friday.
A Mizoram CID narcotics team intercepted a vehicle on the outskirts of Dulte village, leading to the seizure of the drugs, according to an official. Inspector-General of Police (Law & Order) Lalbiakthanga Khiangte confirmed the recovery of 191 soap cases of suspected heroin and 14.082 kg of methamphetamine from hidden compartments in the vehicle.
The arrested suspects are MD Iman Hossain (23), Rippan Hossain (37), and Niranjan Karmakar (40).
The operation, carried out on Wednesday, led to the arrest of three Tripura residents, who were presented in court on Friday.
A Mizoram CID narcotics team intercepted a vehicle on the outskirts of Dulte village, leading to the seizure of the drugs, according to an official. Inspector-General of Police (Law & Order) Lalbiakthanga Khiangte confirmed the recovery of 191 soap cases of suspected heroin and 14.082 kg of methamphetamine from hidden compartments in the vehicle.
The arrested suspects are MD Iman Hossain (23), Rippan Hossain (37), and Niranjan Karmakar (40).
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Haridwar: Cloth sheets hung to cover mosques, mazar on kanwar route, later removed
Facades of two mosques and a mazar along the kanwar yatra route in Uttarakhand's Haridwar city were on Friday covered with large sheets of white cloth to "prevent trouble" but were removed by the evening after objections from various quarters.
The sheets were hung on bamboo scaffoldings in front of two mosques and a mazar, all in the Jwalapur area.
The mosque's maulana and the mazar's caretakers said they were not aware of any administrative order in this regard and claimed this was for the first time that such a step had been taken during the yatra. Though the Haridwar senior superintendent of police and district magistrate were not available for comment, Cabinet Minister Satpal Maharaj told reporters that it was done to maintain peace. "Any such thing is done only to prevent trouble," he said.
"It is not such a big thing. We also cover buildings when they are under construction," he said.
The sheets of cloth were removed by the district administration by the evening following objections, including by locals and politicians. "We received orders from the railway police post to remove the curtains. That is why we have come to remove these," said Danish Ali, appointed as a special police officer (SPO) by the administration for the yatra's management.
Congress leader and former minister Naeem Qureshi said he has never seen such a thing in his life.
"We Muslims always welcome Shiv bhakts (devotees) for the kanwar fair and arrange refreshments for them at various places. This has been an example of harmony between Hindus and Muslims in Haridwar, and there has never been a tradition of curtains," he said.
The sheets were hung on bamboo scaffoldings in front of two mosques and a mazar, all in the Jwalapur area.
The mosque's maulana and the mazar's caretakers said they were not aware of any administrative order in this regard and claimed this was for the first time that such a step had been taken during the yatra. Though the Haridwar senior superintendent of police and district magistrate were not available for comment, Cabinet Minister Satpal Maharaj told reporters that it was done to maintain peace. "Any such thing is done only to prevent trouble," he said.
"It is not such a big thing. We also cover buildings when they are under construction," he said.
The sheets of cloth were removed by the district administration by the evening following objections, including by locals and politicians. "We received orders from the railway police post to remove the curtains. That is why we have come to remove these," said Danish Ali, appointed as a special police officer (SPO) by the administration for the yatra's management.
Congress leader and former minister Naeem Qureshi said he has never seen such a thing in his life.
"We Muslims always welcome Shiv bhakts (devotees) for the kanwar fair and arrange refreshments for them at various places. This has been an example of harmony between Hindus and Muslims in Haridwar, and there has never been a tradition of curtains," he said.
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Former Gondia MLA Kuthe returns to Shiv Sena (UBT)
A month after quitting the Bharatiya Janata Party, former Gondia MLA Rameshkumar Kuthe on Friday returned to the Shiv Sena (UBT) with his supporters.
Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray reinducted Kuthe and his younger brother Rajkumar Kuthe in the party at a function at Thackeray's residence `Matoshree' in Mumbai, a party source said. Rameshkumar Kuthe, an OBC leader who had won from Gondia assembly constituency in 1995 and 1999, quit the Shiv Sena and joined the BJP in 2018, but resigned from the saffron party last month citing dissatisfactory treatment.
His return to the Sena (UBT) is expected to give a boost to the party in the district ahead of the Maharashtra assembly elections.
Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray reinducted Kuthe and his younger brother Rajkumar Kuthe in the party at a function at Thackeray's residence `Matoshree' in Mumbai, a party source said. Rameshkumar Kuthe, an OBC leader who had won from Gondia assembly constituency in 1995 and 1999, quit the Shiv Sena and joined the BJP in 2018, but resigned from the saffron party last month citing dissatisfactory treatment.
His return to the Sena (UBT) is expected to give a boost to the party in the district ahead of the Maharashtra assembly elections.
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Sexual assault: Truth will come out in 15 to 20 days, says JD(S) MLC Suraj Revanna
JD(S) Member of the Legislative Council Suraj Revanna, who is facing charges of sexually assaulting some men and is out on bail, said on Friday that in 15 to 20 days all those who were part of the conspiracy against him and his family will be exposed.
He said he has not done anything wrong and that the truth will come out soon.
“We have not done anything wrong. That’s why we all are so confident. All the questions will be answered. Time alone will give the answer,” Suraj Revanna, grandson of former prime minister H D Deve Gowda, told reporters after praying to Goddess Chamundeshwari here in Mysuru. He said, “I would also like to tell you that the truth cannot be hidden for long. All those who have taken part in this conspiracy, they will come out (be exposed). Just wait for 15 to 20 days.”
Suraj Revanna was released on bail just two days ago in the sexual assault case. He was arrested based on a complaint by a JD(S) worker who alleged that the MLC sexually assaulted him.
Suraj's younger brother Prajwal Revanna, who is also facing allegations of sexual assault on several women, is in jail.
He said he has not done anything wrong and that the truth will come out soon.
“We have not done anything wrong. That’s why we all are so confident. All the questions will be answered. Time alone will give the answer,” Suraj Revanna, grandson of former prime minister H D Deve Gowda, told reporters after praying to Goddess Chamundeshwari here in Mysuru. He said, “I would also like to tell you that the truth cannot be hidden for long. All those who have taken part in this conspiracy, they will come out (be exposed). Just wait for 15 to 20 days.”
Suraj Revanna was released on bail just two days ago in the sexual assault case. He was arrested based on a complaint by a JD(S) worker who alleged that the MLC sexually assaulted him.
Suraj's younger brother Prajwal Revanna, who is also facing allegations of sexual assault on several women, is in jail.
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Manipur Chief Minister to attend Niti Aayog meeting in Delhi
Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh will be attending the NITI Aayog meeting in New Delhi on Saturday.
"My visit to Delhi is for the NITI Aayog meeting, which will be chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Following this, there will be a chief ministers' conclave where the PM will be present," Singh said before his departure to the national capital on Thursday.
"I will address the current situation in the state and seek solutions to the ongoing crisis. I am optimistic that positive outcomes will result," Singh said.
"My visit to Delhi is for the NITI Aayog meeting, which will be chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Following this, there will be a chief ministers' conclave where the PM will be present," Singh said before his departure to the national capital on Thursday.
"I will address the current situation in the state and seek solutions to the ongoing crisis. I am optimistic that positive outcomes will result," Singh said.
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Haryana government doctors' indefinite strike enters second day
The indefinite strike called by an association representing government doctors in Haryana that hit services in state-run hospitals entered its second day on Friday.
The Haryana Civil Medical Services Association (HCMSA) launched the strike to protest the non-fulfilment of their several demands, including a career progression scheme. Marathon talks between the association and the government on Thursday failed to make much headway.
"The indefinite strike by government doctors continues. Hunger strike by four doctors is also going on simultaneously," HCMSA president Dr Rajesh Khyalia said on Friday. He said around 3,000 doctors joined the indefinite strike on Thursday. It hit services in state-run hospitals and long queues were outside OPDs.
On Thursday, some patients said they were being treated by interns or retired doctors. Seeking to resolve the issue, the government had on Wednesday invited the doctors' body for talks here.
State government representatives, including Rajesh Khullar, chief principal secretary to the chief minister, held talks with the doctors' body on Thursday afternoon which was followed by another round of talks with the ACS (health). The doctors' demands include the formation of a specialist cadre for them and a career progression scheme that ensures parity with their central government peers.
According to the association, the doctors have to submit two bonds of Rs 1 crore each for admission to postgraduate courses. It has demanded that the amount be reduced.
The other demand raised by the association is to stop the direct recruitment of senior medical officers.
The Haryana Civil Medical Services Association (HCMSA) launched the strike to protest the non-fulfilment of their several demands, including a career progression scheme. Marathon talks between the association and the government on Thursday failed to make much headway.
"The indefinite strike by government doctors continues. Hunger strike by four doctors is also going on simultaneously," HCMSA president Dr Rajesh Khyalia said on Friday. He said around 3,000 doctors joined the indefinite strike on Thursday. It hit services in state-run hospitals and long queues were outside OPDs.
On Thursday, some patients said they were being treated by interns or retired doctors. Seeking to resolve the issue, the government had on Wednesday invited the doctors' body for talks here.
State government representatives, including Rajesh Khullar, chief principal secretary to the chief minister, held talks with the doctors' body on Thursday afternoon which was followed by another round of talks with the ACS (health). The doctors' demands include the formation of a specialist cadre for them and a career progression scheme that ensures parity with their central government peers.
According to the association, the doctors have to submit two bonds of Rs 1 crore each for admission to postgraduate courses. It has demanded that the amount be reduced.
The other demand raised by the association is to stop the direct recruitment of senior medical officers.
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More than 2,000 people relocated as Panchaganga river flows above danger mark in Kolhapur
Over 2,000 people have been relocated from inundated areas in western Maharashtra's Kolhapur district due to the Panchaganga river flowing above the danger mark.
The water level of the Panchaganga river at Rajaram Wier was 45.2 feet, well above the 43-foot danger mark.
Kolhapur collector Amol Yedge said the district administration has started relocating people from affected areas of Sutarwada and Kumbharwada in the city. The administration has also relocated people from Chikhli and Ambewadi in Karveer tehsil and some villages in Hatkalangane, Shirol, and Ichalkarangi tehsils.
The India Meteorological Department issued an orange alert for the district, but rains have stopped in the city. According to the district administration, six gates of the Radhanagari dam were opened, and the discharge was at 10068 cusecs.
At least 11 state highways and 37 main roads in the district were shut for vehicular traffic due to inundation, and 96 barrages were submerged.
The water level of the Panchaganga river at Rajaram Wier was 45.2 feet, well above the 43-foot danger mark.
Kolhapur collector Amol Yedge said the district administration has started relocating people from affected areas of Sutarwada and Kumbharwada in the city. The administration has also relocated people from Chikhli and Ambewadi in Karveer tehsil and some villages in Hatkalangane, Shirol, and Ichalkarangi tehsils.
The India Meteorological Department issued an orange alert for the district, but rains have stopped in the city. According to the district administration, six gates of the Radhanagari dam were opened, and the discharge was at 10068 cusecs.
At least 11 state highways and 37 main roads in the district were shut for vehicular traffic due to inundation, and 96 barrages were submerged.
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Tripura HC demands report on rising HIV/AIDS cases and details on state initiatives
In response to a surge in HIV-positive and AIDS cases in Tripura, the High Court issued a notice on Wednesday to the state government, demanding a report within two weeks on the measures taken to address the issue.
The Court initiated the case following a letter from Justice T Amarnath Goud, Executive Chairman of the Legal Services Authority, to Chief Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh. The letter highlighted a troubling increase in HIV/AIDS cases and related deaths among students, supported by district-wise statistics. “The case was heard in the Division Bench of honourable Chief Justice and Justice Arindam Lodh. They have taken cognizance of the matter and have fixed a date for submitting a report. A short date has been given as it is a burning issue and requires attention of the state and stakeholders. So, an urgent report has been sought by the court,” Government counsel Kohinoor Narayan Bhattacharya noted.
Tripura reports approximately 1,500 new HIV/AIDS cases annually, according to the Tripura State AIDS Control Society (TSACS).
The Court initiated the case following a letter from Justice T Amarnath Goud, Executive Chairman of the Legal Services Authority, to Chief Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh. The letter highlighted a troubling increase in HIV/AIDS cases and related deaths among students, supported by district-wise statistics. “The case was heard in the Division Bench of honourable Chief Justice and Justice Arindam Lodh. They have taken cognizance of the matter and have fixed a date for submitting a report. A short date has been given as it is a burning issue and requires attention of the state and stakeholders. So, an urgent report has been sought by the court,” Government counsel Kohinoor Narayan Bhattacharya noted.
Tripura reports approximately 1,500 new HIV/AIDS cases annually, according to the Tripura State AIDS Control Society (TSACS).
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Telangana CM not to attend NITI Aayog meeting
Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy will not be attending the NITI Aayog meeting to be held in Delhi on July 27 in protest against the Centre allegedly hurting the state's rights and not releasing funds due to it, official sources said on Friday.
The state government is boycotting the NITI Aayog meeting as part of its protest and hoped that Modi would issue a statement during the ongoing session of Parliament on the assurances made to Telangana in the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014 and on the requests made by the state and amend the budget accordingly, Reddy had stated in the Legislative Assembly on July 24.
The state government is boycotting the NITI Aayog meeting as part of its protest and hoped that Modi would issue a statement during the ongoing session of Parliament on the assurances made to Telangana in the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014 and on the requests made by the state and amend the budget accordingly, Reddy had stated in the Legislative Assembly on July 24.
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Goa govt to amend law to ensure private companies give priority to locals in jobs: CM Sawant
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Friday informed the legislative assembly that the state's Employment Exchanges Act will be amended to ensure that private companies give priority to local candidates in their recruitment.
At present, the state government cannot force the private industries to hire local candidates, he said. The employment exchange currently sponsors the local candidates during the recruitment drives conducted by the private industries.
"But we cannot force any industry to hire the (local) candidates...It depends on the skill, qualifications and the attitude of the candidate," Sawant said. He assured the House that the government will amend the Employment Exchanges (Compulsory Notification of Vacancies) Act, 1959 after taking the industries into confidence.
"We will amend the law making it mandatory for the industries to inform the government if they are recruiting 10 or more staffers. Earlier, they had to inform only when the recruitment was for 25 and more candidates," he said.
"If we do this (amend), you will see that maximum local youths are employed," he said.
At present, the state government cannot force the private industries to hire local candidates, he said. The employment exchange currently sponsors the local candidates during the recruitment drives conducted by the private industries.
"But we cannot force any industry to hire the (local) candidates...It depends on the skill, qualifications and the attitude of the candidate," Sawant said. He assured the House that the government will amend the Employment Exchanges (Compulsory Notification of Vacancies) Act, 1959 after taking the industries into confidence.
"We will amend the law making it mandatory for the industries to inform the government if they are recruiting 10 or more staffers. Earlier, they had to inform only when the recruitment was for 25 and more candidates," he said.
"If we do this (amend), you will see that maximum local youths are employed," he said.
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Trigger Warning: Suicide
CRPF jawan dies by suicide in Jharkhand's Chatra
Trigger Warning: Suicide
A CRPF jawan allegedly shot himself dead in Jharkhand's Chatra district, police said on Friday.
The jawan was identified as Ashish Kumar Singh, a resident of Uttar Pradesh and was posted in the Shila outpost. Around 11.30 pm on Thursday, Singh allegedly shot himself dead, Officer-in-Charge of Simaria police station Mayank Kumar said.
The body has been sent to Sadar Hospital, Chatra for postmortem examination and further investigation was on, the police officer added. If you are aware of anyone facing mental health issues, please help. Here are some helpline numbers of suicide-prevention organisations.
Vandrevala Foundation for Mental Health: 9999666555 or help@vandrevalafoundation.com
TISS iCall: 022-25521111 (Monday-Saturday: 8 am to 10 pm)
A CRPF jawan allegedly shot himself dead in Jharkhand's Chatra district, police said on Friday.
The jawan was identified as Ashish Kumar Singh, a resident of Uttar Pradesh and was posted in the Shila outpost. Around 11.30 pm on Thursday, Singh allegedly shot himself dead, Officer-in-Charge of Simaria police station Mayank Kumar said.
The body has been sent to Sadar Hospital, Chatra for postmortem examination and further investigation was on, the police officer added. If you are aware of anyone facing mental health issues, please help. Here are some helpline numbers of suicide-prevention organisations.
Vandrevala Foundation for Mental Health: 9999666555 or help@vandrevalafoundation.com
TISS iCall: 022-25521111 (Monday-Saturday: 8 am to 10 pm)
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Rahul Gandhi appears in Uttar Pradesh court in defamation case
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi appeared before the MP-MLA court in Sultanpur (UP) on Friday for a hearing in a defamation case.
The court fixed August 12 as the next date of hearing in the matter when the statement of the petitioner will be recorded.
Court sources said Gandhi need not appear in the court again on that date. Congress district president Abhishek Singh Rana confirmed that Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, appeared in the court.
Local Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Vijay Mishra filed a defamation case on August 4, 2018, against Gandhi for making alleged objectionable remarks against the then BJP president and current Home Minister Amit Shah.
The court granted bail to Gandhi in this case on February 20.
The court fixed August 12 as the next date of hearing in the matter when the statement of the petitioner will be recorded.
Court sources said Gandhi need not appear in the court again on that date. Congress district president Abhishek Singh Rana confirmed that Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, appeared in the court.
Local Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Vijay Mishra filed a defamation case on August 4, 2018, against Gandhi for making alleged objectionable remarks against the then BJP president and current Home Minister Amit Shah.
The court granted bail to Gandhi in this case on February 20.
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Thane police book 'X' user for posting derogatory memes about Fadnavis
A case has been registered against a user of the micro-blogging site 'X' for allegedly creating and posting derogatory memes about Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, police said on Friday.
Based on a complaint, a case was registered on Thursday at Khadakpada police station in Thane district under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for promoting enmity between different groups and public mischief, an official said. As per the complaint, the 'X' handle, @gajabhauX, allegedly morphed photographs of Fadnavis and created and shared derogatory memes since July 20, he said.
The complainant claimed the posts created a sense of dissatisfaction and insecurity among people, the official said, adding that a probe is on and no arrest has been made.
Based on a complaint, a case was registered on Thursday at Khadakpada police station in Thane district under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for promoting enmity between different groups and public mischief, an official said. As per the complaint, the 'X' handle, @gajabhauX, allegedly morphed photographs of Fadnavis and created and shared derogatory memes since July 20, he said.
The complainant claimed the posts created a sense of dissatisfaction and insecurity among people, the official said, adding that a probe is on and no arrest has been made.
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Two kanwariyas killed, two injured in accident in Uttar Pradesh
Two kanwariyas were killed and two injured in an accident in the Afzalgarh area of Bijnor district in Uttar Pradesh, police said on Friday.
Circle Officer (Afzalgarh) Anjani Kumar said the accident occurred on Friday when a group of 30 kanwariyas were on their way to Haridwar in Uttarakhand from Bareilly on their two-wheelers.
During the journey, one of the two-wheelers collided with an unidentified vehicle and then hit another two-wheeler of the group, Kumar said.
Circle Officer (Afzalgarh) Anjani Kumar said the accident occurred on Friday when a group of 30 kanwariyas were on their way to Haridwar in Uttarakhand from Bareilly on their two-wheelers.
During the journey, one of the two-wheelers collided with an unidentified vehicle and then hit another two-wheeler of the group, Kumar said.
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Uttarakhand: Balganga floods parts of Tehri Garhwal after overnight rain; roads, bridges damaged
Heavy overnight rain flooded the Balganga river in the Boodha Kedar area of Uttarakhand's Tehri Garhwal district on Friday with the river water gushing into homes, inundating fields and damaging roads and bridges.
Heavy overnight rain flooded the Balganga river in the Boodha Kedar area of Uttarakhand's Tehri Garhwal district on Friday with the river water gushing into homes, inundating fields and damaging roads and bridges. Some shops in villages were also damaged. Despite the flood, no casualties were reported as people moved to safer locations, he said.
A revenue police team rushed to the affected area, and the extent of damage is being estimated. People were advised to maintain distance from the river, he added.
Heavy overnight rain flooded the Balganga river in the Boodha Kedar area of Uttarakhand's Tehri Garhwal district on Friday with the river water gushing into homes, inundating fields and damaging roads and bridges. Some shops in villages were also damaged. Despite the flood, no casualties were reported as people moved to safer locations, he said.
A revenue police team rushed to the affected area, and the extent of damage is being estimated. People were advised to maintain distance from the river, he added.
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Rescue operation underway for tugboat crew off Alibag coast
As many as eight of the 14 crew members from a tugboat that went adrift in the Arabian Sea off Maharashtra’s Alibag coast have been rescued so far, a police official said on Friday.
The rescue operation of the crew from the small carrier operated by JSW Group was launched with the help of the Coast Guard, he said.
A chopper of the Coast Guard has been engaged in the operation, which was started around 9 am and eight crew members of the tugboat have been rescued so far, said Somnath Gharge, Raigad Superintendent of Police. The remaining six crew members are also being evacuated, he said. The Coast Guard chopper picked up the eight crew members from the tugboat and dropped them at Alibag beach, he said, adding that all the crew members were safe.
“A small carrier vessel operated by JSW got caught in the stormy weather today between Jaigarh and Salav as it drifted due to strong winds and low visibility,” JSW Group had said in a statement on Thursday.
Police had said that the tugboat was near the Kolaba fort off the Alibag coast in Raigad district when it drifted after its engine stopped functioning.
The rescue operation of the crew from the small carrier operated by JSW Group was launched with the help of the Coast Guard, he said.
A chopper of the Coast Guard has been engaged in the operation, which was started around 9 am and eight crew members of the tugboat have been rescued so far, said Somnath Gharge, Raigad Superintendent of Police. The remaining six crew members are also being evacuated, he said. The Coast Guard chopper picked up the eight crew members from the tugboat and dropped them at Alibag beach, he said, adding that all the crew members were safe.
“A small carrier vessel operated by JSW got caught in the stormy weather today between Jaigarh and Salav as it drifted due to strong winds and low visibility,” JSW Group had said in a statement on Thursday.
Police had said that the tugboat was near the Kolaba fort off the Alibag coast in Raigad district when it drifted after its engine stopped functioning.
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Onion banks to start in several areas to give relief to cultivators, says CM Shinde
The Maharashtra government will start onion banks in several places to provide relief to farmers cultivating the perishable kitchen staple, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said.
The project will start from Rahuri in Ahmednagar, while facilities will come up immediately in Nashik, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Solapur, where onion production is high, the CM said.
Chairing a review meeting of the project, the CM said storage of onions will be done using solar energy, which will allow farmers to wait till they get good prices for the crop. “The onion bank will start through Hindustan Agro. Premises of the state-run Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) and Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation will be used for the purpose. Onions banks are also proposed at 10 places along the Samruddhi Expressway,” the CM said.
Shinde also directed authorities to develop a value chain in the onion bank area keeping in mind the interest of farmers.
The project will start from Rahuri in Ahmednagar, while facilities will come up immediately in Nashik, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Solapur, where onion production is high, the CM said.
Chairing a review meeting of the project, the CM said storage of onions will be done using solar energy, which will allow farmers to wait till they get good prices for the crop. “The onion bank will start through Hindustan Agro. Premises of the state-run Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) and Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation will be used for the purpose. Onions banks are also proposed at 10 places along the Samruddhi Expressway,” the CM said.
Shinde also directed authorities to develop a value chain in the onion bank area keeping in mind the interest of farmers.
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No compulsion to employ certain percentage of locals in industrial units: Goa minister
There is no compulsion of reservations for local residents in Goa’s industrial policy, though certain incentives are given based on local employment, state industries minister Mauvin Godinho has said.
In a written reply in the Assembly to a question by BJP MLA Sankalp Amonkar, he said, as per Goa Industrial Growth and Investment Promotion Policy 2022, incentives are given, with provision for increased benefits to those businesses that employ over 60% locals. “There is no compulsion as of now (to hire a certain percentage of locals) but incentives are given based on local employment. In Goa Logistics and Warehousing Policy too emphasis is given on employment for locals while giving incentives for the logistic sector,” he said.
The Directorate of Industries, Trade and Commerce is encouraging units to employ more Goans, he said, adding there is no proposal under consideration of the government to make local employment compulsory in private industries.
In a written reply in the Assembly to a question by BJP MLA Sankalp Amonkar, he said, as per Goa Industrial Growth and Investment Promotion Policy 2022, incentives are given, with provision for increased benefits to those businesses that employ over 60% locals. “There is no compulsion as of now (to hire a certain percentage of locals) but incentives are given based on local employment. In Goa Logistics and Warehousing Policy too emphasis is given on employment for locals while giving incentives for the logistic sector,” he said.
The Directorate of Industries, Trade and Commerce is encouraging units to employ more Goans, he said, adding there is no proposal under consideration of the government to make local employment compulsory in private industries.
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Dustbins or garbage bags made mandatory in vehicles entering Uttarakhand
The Uttarakhand government has issued instructions to strictly enforce the rule of mandatory installation of dustbins and garbage bags in vehicles entering the state “to maintain its natural cleanliness”.
Before issuing trip cards to vehicles, it should be ensured that they have a dustbin or garbage bag installed, Chief Secretary Radha Raturi said.
Vehicles entering the state should be checked and fined if they do not comply with this mandatory rule, the chief secretary said. The State Transport Department recently wrote to the Transport Commissioners of Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Chandigarh, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, informing them that it is mandatory for vehicles coming to the state during the Chardham Yatra to have dustbins and garbage bags installed to prevent travellers from littering roads.
Tour operators, travel agencies, drivers and the general public should be informed about this rule, the chief secretary added.
Before issuing trip cards to vehicles, it should be ensured that they have a dustbin or garbage bag installed, Chief Secretary Radha Raturi said.
Vehicles entering the state should be checked and fined if they do not comply with this mandatory rule, the chief secretary said. The State Transport Department recently wrote to the Transport Commissioners of Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Chandigarh, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, informing them that it is mandatory for vehicles coming to the state during the Chardham Yatra to have dustbins and garbage bags installed to prevent travellers from littering roads.
Tour operators, travel agencies, drivers and the general public should be informed about this rule, the chief secretary added.
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Weather
IMD issues yellow alert for Mumbai weekend as rainfall activities decrease
As rainfall decreases in Mumbai, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a yellow alert for July 26, 27, and 28, indicating moderate to heavy rainfall. This follows a red alert previously in effect until 8.30 am on Friday.
Recent IMD data reveals significant rainfall: Santacruz observatory recorded 93 mm, Colaba received 57 mm, and the BMC’s Automatic Weather System reported averages of 92 mm in the western suburbs, 81 mm in Mumbai, and 80 mm in the eastern suburbs. Weather officials anticipate continued rainfall through the weekend.
Recent IMD data reveals significant rainfall: Santacruz observatory recorded 93 mm, Colaba received 57 mm, and the BMC’s Automatic Weather System reported averages of 92 mm in the western suburbs, 81 mm in Mumbai, and 80 mm in the eastern suburbs. Weather officials anticipate continued rainfall through the weekend.
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Schools, anganwadi centres in Dehradun to remain closed today amid heavy rain alert
All schools and Anganwadi centres in Dehradun will remain closed today in view of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) issuing an ‘orange’ alert for heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning in the district, a senior official said on Thursday.
The decision was taken to prevent any untoward incidents, District Magistrate Sonika said in an official order.
The decision was taken to prevent any untoward incidents, District Magistrate Sonika said in an official order.
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❖ - Syndicated news, primarily from PTI
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