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Asian
Squash: India lose to Pakistan in men’s team event
In a thrilling squash match, the men’s team from Pakistan emerged victorious over India with a score of 2-1. The game between Mahesh Mangaonkar and Nasir Iqbal was particularly intense. After India’s Abhay Singh lost 3-1 to Zaman Noor, Sourav Ghosal made a remarkable comeback for India by winning his game 3-0.
However, despite his best efforts, Mangaonkar was defeated 3-1 by Iqbal. The match concluded with a hard-fought tie-breaker, resulting in a win for Pakistan.
However, despite his best efforts, Mangaonkar was defeated 3-1 by Iqbal. The match concluded with a hard-fought tie-breaker, resulting in a win for Pakistan.
India at 7th place in medal tally despite rich haul of medals in shooting
Sift Kaur Samra of India clinched gold in the women’s 50m Rifle 3-P individual event at the 2023 Asian Games, marking India’s fifth gold medal at the event in Hangzhou.
Ashi Chouksey added to India’s tally by securing a bronze in the same event, bringing the total number of shooting medals for India to eight. India’s ninth shooting medal and overall 19th medal was confirmed when Angad Vir Singh Bajwa, Gurjoat Siingh Khangura, and Anant Jeet Singh Naruka won bronze in the men’s shotgun skeet team event with a score of 355. The 20th medal was secured by Vishnu Saravanan who won bronze in men’s dinghy ILCA7 in sailing.
Esha Singh added to India’s medal haul by winning silver in the 25m women’s pistol individual event, marking the 10th shooting medal and 21st overall for India. Anant Naruka contributed to the tally by securing silver in the men’s shotgun skeet final, his second medal of the day.
The women’s team brought home the fourth gold and 16th overall medal for India by winning the 25m pistol event. Another Indian women’s team clinched silver in the 50m Rifle 3 Positions, bringing India’s total medal count to 15. India slipped to seventh place in the medals tally after Thailand secured five gold medals, moving them into sixth position. China continued to dominate with a total of 74 golds out of 138 medals (as of 7 pm IST)
India’s current medal tally stands at five gold, seven silver, and ten bronze, totaling 22 medals.
Ashi Chouksey added to India’s tally by securing a bronze in the same event, bringing the total number of shooting medals for India to eight. India’s ninth shooting medal and overall 19th medal was confirmed when Angad Vir Singh Bajwa, Gurjoat Siingh Khangura, and Anant Jeet Singh Naruka won bronze in the men’s shotgun skeet team event with a score of 355. The 20th medal was secured by Vishnu Saravanan who won bronze in men’s dinghy ILCA7 in sailing.
Esha Singh added to India’s medal haul by winning silver in the 25m women’s pistol individual event, marking the 10th shooting medal and 21st overall for India. Anant Naruka contributed to the tally by securing silver in the men’s shotgun skeet final, his second medal of the day.
The women’s team brought home the fourth gold and 16th overall medal for India by winning the 25m pistol event. Another Indian women’s team clinched silver in the 50m Rifle 3 Positions, bringing India’s total medal count to 15. India slipped to seventh place in the medals tally after Thailand secured five gold medals, moving them into sixth position. China continued to dominate with a total of 74 golds out of 138 medals (as of 7 pm IST)
India’s current medal tally stands at five gold, seven silver, and ten bronze, totaling 22 medals.
Table Tennis: Sathiyan-Batra, Harmeet-Sreeja qualify for mixed doubles pre-quarters
Indian table tennis players G Sathiyan and Manika Batra advanced to the pre-quarterfinals of the mixed doubles event at the Asian Games, following a victory over Thailand’s Napat Thanmathikom and Suthasini Sawettabut. The Indian duo won the match 10-12, 11-8, 11-3, 11-8.
In another match, Harmeet Desai and Sreeja Akula also progressed to the last 16 stage by defeating Macau’s Chi Cheng Cheong and Hui Li Seak with scores of 12-10, 11-7, 11-7. In the men’s doubles event, Manav Thakkar and Manush Shah of India had a close match against Thailand’s Napat Thanmathikom and Sitisak Nuchchart but emerged victorious with scores of 11-8, 8-11, 11-6, 7-11, 12-10.
In another match, Harmeet Desai and Sreeja Akula also progressed to the last 16 stage by defeating Macau’s Chi Cheng Cheong and Hui Li Seak with scores of 12-10, 11-7, 11-7. In the men’s doubles event, Manav Thakkar and Manush Shah of India had a close match against Thailand’s Napat Thanmathikom and Sitisak Nuchchart but emerged victorious with scores of 11-8, 8-11, 11-6, 7-11, 12-10.
Chess: India fails in individual events
A loss in the final round denied Vidit Gujrathi a medal, resulting in Indian chess players missing out on podium finishes in the individual events of the Asian Games.
Grandmasters Gujrathi and Arjun Erigaisi, both with 5.5 points, finished in fifth and sixth places respectively. Former bronze medallist D Harika secured fourth place with 6 points, while 2006 champion Koneru Humpy finished seventh. Gujrathi, who had 5.5 points after eight rounds, was defeated by Uzbekistan’s GM Javokhir Sindarov, dashing his hopes for a medal. Erigaisi, despite his inconsistent performance, concluded with a victory over Bangladesh’s Enamul Hossain.
In the women’s event, a match between Harika and Humpy in the eighth round ended in a draw. Despite defeating the eventual winner Jiner Zhu from China in the final round, Harika fell short of securing a medal. Humpy managed only a draw against Kazakhstan’s Bibissara Assaubayeva in her final round. The men’s gold was claimed by China’s Wei Yi with 7.5 points, followed by Abdusattorov with 7 points and Sindarov with 6.5 points.
In the women’s event, Jiner Zhu took the top prize with 7 points, followed by Uzbekistan’s Umida Omonova and Hou Yifan, both with 6.5 points.
Grandmasters Gujrathi and Arjun Erigaisi, both with 5.5 points, finished in fifth and sixth places respectively. Former bronze medallist D Harika secured fourth place with 6 points, while 2006 champion Koneru Humpy finished seventh. Gujrathi, who had 5.5 points after eight rounds, was defeated by Uzbekistan’s GM Javokhir Sindarov, dashing his hopes for a medal. Erigaisi, despite his inconsistent performance, concluded with a victory over Bangladesh’s Enamul Hossain.
In the women’s event, a match between Harika and Humpy in the eighth round ended in a draw. Despite defeating the eventual winner Jiner Zhu from China in the final round, Harika fell short of securing a medal. Humpy managed only a draw against Kazakhstan’s Bibissara Assaubayeva in her final round. The men’s gold was claimed by China’s Wei Yi with 7.5 points, followed by Abdusattorov with 7 points and Sindarov with 6.5 points.
In the women’s event, Jiner Zhu took the top prize with 7 points, followed by Uzbekistan’s Umida Omonova and Hou Yifan, both with 6.5 points.
Cricket: Nepal's batsmen set three T20I world records against Mongolia
In an extraordinary display of cricket at the Asian Games, the Nepal team set three new world records, including the first-ever 300-plus total in T20Is.
Kushal Malla, a 19-year-old left-handed batter, set a new T20I century record, accomplishing it in only 34 balls. This surpasses the previous joint record held by David Miller and Rohit Sharma, achieved in 35 balls. Malla’s unbeaten knock of 137, which included 12 sixes and eight fours, propelled Nepal to a record-breaking T20I score of 314 for 3 against Mongolia.
Dipendra Singh Airee, batting at No. 5, achieved a fifty in just nine balls, breaking Yuvraj Singh's 16-year-old record. Yuvraj had scored his fifty in 12 balls during a World T20 match against England on September 19, 2007.
The previous highest innings total in a T20I was held by Afghanistan who scored 278 for 3 against Ireland on February 23, 2019.
Kushal Malla, a 19-year-old left-handed batter, set a new T20I century record, accomplishing it in only 34 balls. This surpasses the previous joint record held by David Miller and Rohit Sharma, achieved in 35 balls. Malla’s unbeaten knock of 137, which included 12 sixes and eight fours, propelled Nepal to a record-breaking T20I score of 314 for 3 against Mongolia.
Dipendra Singh Airee, batting at No. 5, achieved a fifty in just nine balls, breaking Yuvraj Singh's 16-year-old record. Yuvraj had scored his fifty in 12 balls during a World T20 match against England on September 19, 2007.
The previous highest innings total in a T20I was held by Afghanistan who scored 278 for 3 against Ireland on February 23, 2019.
Wushu: Roshibina advances to finals assures India of medal
India's Roshibina Devi secured a 2-0 win over Vietnam’s Thi Thu Thuy Nguyen in the Women's 60kg category, securing another medal for India.
She will face China's Xiaowei Wu in the final tomorrow.
She will face China's Xiaowei Wu in the final tomorrow.
Tennis: Indian men doubles pair through to semi-final, assured of medal
The Indian men’s pair of Ramkumar Ramanathan and Saketh Myneni are through to the semi-final of the doubles event. The number 2 seed beat the Chinese pair of Wu & Zhang in the quarterfinal 6-1, 7-6 (8). With this win, India is assured of a medal in Tennis.
Earlier Sumit Nagal in men’s singles and Ankita Raina in women’s singles, lost their matches. Ankita lost to Japan’s Haruka Kaji 6-3, 4-6, 4-6 in the quarterfinal and Sumit Nagal lost to the Chinese top seed Zhizhin Zhang in three sets 7-6, 1-6, 2-6.
Earlier Sumit Nagal in men’s singles and Ankita Raina in women’s singles, lost their matches. Ankita lost to Japan’s Haruka Kaji 6-3, 4-6, 4-6 in the quarterfinal and Sumit Nagal lost to the Chinese top seed Zhizhin Zhang in three sets 7-6, 1-6, 2-6.
Boxing: Nikhat Zareen advances to the quarterfinals
Indian Boxer Nikhat Zareen won her bout 5-0 in a unanimous decision in her women's 50kg Round of 16 match against Korea's Chorong Bak.
The world champion has now advanced to the quarter-finals.
The world champion has now advanced to the quarter-finals.
Basketball: Indian men secure quarterfinal place in basketball 3x3
The Indian men’s 3x3 basketball team continued its winning streak, progressing to the quarterfinal with a dominating win over Macao in a Pool C game at the Asian Games on Wednesday.
Sahaij Pratap Singh Sekhon scored a maximum of 10 points in the match and helped India beat Macao 21-12.
Macao’s only positive in the match was Hou In Ho, who scored five points in the match. India had previously defeated Malaysia by 20-16 on the first day of the event.
Sahaij Pratap Singh Sekhon scored a maximum of 10 points in the match and helped India beat Macao 21-12.
Macao’s only positive in the match was Hou In Ho, who scored five points in the match. India had previously defeated Malaysia by 20-16 on the first day of the event.
Shooting: Anant Jeet Singh secures a silver medal in men’s skeet
After India secured a bronze in the group event of men's skeet, Anant Jeet Singh Naruka won the silver medal in the men's skeet event. This is India’s 11th overall medal in shooting.
60-year-old Abdullah Al-Rashidi from Kuwait claimed the gold with a perfect score of 60, matching the world record set by India's Angad Vir Singh in 2018. Anant Jeet fell behind by two points after shooting 58/60.
60-year-old Abdullah Al-Rashidi from Kuwait claimed the gold with a perfect score of 60, matching the world record set by India's Angad Vir Singh in 2018. Anant Jeet fell behind by two points after shooting 58/60.
Shooting: Esha Singh wins silver in women's individual 25m pistol
Indian shooter Esha Singh won silver in the women's individual 25m pistol event today (Wednesday), while Manu Bhaker failed to reach the podium.
Esha finished second with a score of 34, while China's Rui Liu won the gold medal with a game-high score of 38. Jiin Yang won the bronze medal with a score of 29.
This is India's tenth medal in shooting, surpassing the previous year's tally of nine medals.
Esha finished second with a score of 34, while China's Rui Liu won the gold medal with a game-high score of 38. Jiin Yang won the bronze medal with a score of 29.
This is India's tenth medal in shooting, surpassing the previous year's tally of nine medals.
Shooting: India bags the bronze medal in men’s skeet event
The Indian team of Angad Vir Singh Bajwa, Gurjoat Khangura and Anant Jeet Singh Naruka added another medal to India’s tally after securing the third position in men’s skeet on Wednesday.
The trio shot a total of 355 to settle for the bronze medal as India continued their dominance at the range. Hosts China won the gold medal while Qatar claimed the silver.
The Indian women's team, however, crashed out of the shotgun skeet event by finishing in the fourth position behind Kazakhstan, China and Thailand.
The trio shot a total of 355 to settle for the bronze medal as India continued their dominance at the range. Hosts China won the gold medal while Qatar claimed the silver.
The Indian women's team, however, crashed out of the shotgun skeet event by finishing in the fourth position behind Kazakhstan, China and Thailand.
Sailing: Vishnu Sarvanan wins bronze in men’s dinghy ILCA-7 event
Vishnu Sarvanan secured India a bronze medal in men's dinghy ILCA-7 event on Wednesday, marking this the third win in the sport after Neha Thakur's silver and Eabad Ali's bronze on Tuesday.
The seasoned sailor, who competed at the Tokyo Olympics, had a net score of 34 to clinch the bronze in a gruelling 11-race competition.
Sarvanan, in fact, missed the silver medal by just one point, as South Korea's Jeemin HA took the second spot with 33 points. Singapore's Jun Han Ryan Lo claimed the gold with a net score of 26.
The seasoned sailor, who competed at the Tokyo Olympics, had a net score of 34 to clinch the bronze in a gruelling 11-race competition.
Sarvanan, in fact, missed the silver medal by just one point, as South Korea's Jeemin HA took the second spot with 33 points. Singapore's Jun Han Ryan Lo claimed the gold with a net score of 26.
Squash: Indian teams extend their winning run
Indian squash players maintained their strong performance at the Asian Games, securing decisive victories in both the men’s and women’s team events.
Both teams triumphed with identical 3-0 margins, with the women’s team overpowering Nepal and the men’s team defeating Kuwait. In the women’s event, 15-year-old Anahat Singh started off strong, defeating Krishna Thapa 11-7, 11-1, 11-2. This was followed by Joshna Chinappa’s victory over Bipana Bhlon with a score of 11-4, 11-2, 11-2.
Dipika Pallikal then secured a comfortable win against Swasthani Shrestha with a score of 11-1, 11-3, 11-2, concluding the Pool B contest. The Indian women’s team had previously defeated Pakistan 3-0 in their opening pool match on Tuesday. In the men’s event, Abhay Singh led the charge against Kuwait in Pool A, defeating Ali Alramezi 11-7, 11-6, 11-6.
Veteran player Saurav Ghosal was trailing two games to one when his opponent Abdullah Almezayen had to retire due to an injury, giving India a 2-0 lead. Mahesh Mangaonkar then defeated Falah Mohammad 11-7, 11-,1, 11-2 in the final match to seal the victory. The Indian women’s team is set to face Macau later in the day, while the men’s team will compete against arch-rivals Pakistan.
The top two teams from Pool A and Pool B will advance to the semifinals. The Indian men’s team had previously defeated Singapore and Qatar 3-0 in their opening matches on Tuesday.
Both teams triumphed with identical 3-0 margins, with the women’s team overpowering Nepal and the men’s team defeating Kuwait. In the women’s event, 15-year-old Anahat Singh started off strong, defeating Krishna Thapa 11-7, 11-1, 11-2. This was followed by Joshna Chinappa’s victory over Bipana Bhlon with a score of 11-4, 11-2, 11-2.
Dipika Pallikal then secured a comfortable win against Swasthani Shrestha with a score of 11-1, 11-3, 11-2, concluding the Pool B contest. The Indian women’s team had previously defeated Pakistan 3-0 in their opening pool match on Tuesday. In the men’s event, Abhay Singh led the charge against Kuwait in Pool A, defeating Ali Alramezi 11-7, 11-6, 11-6.
Veteran player Saurav Ghosal was trailing two games to one when his opponent Abdullah Almezayen had to retire due to an injury, giving India a 2-0 lead. Mahesh Mangaonkar then defeated Falah Mohammad 11-7, 11-,1, 11-2 in the final match to seal the victory. The Indian women’s team is set to face Macau later in the day, while the men’s team will compete against arch-rivals Pakistan.
The top two teams from Pool A and Pool B will advance to the semifinals. The Indian men’s team had previously defeated Singapore and Qatar 3-0 in their opening matches on Tuesday.
Shooting: India wins gold and bronze medal in individual 50 m rifle 3 position event
Indian shooters won a gold and a bronze medal in the individual women's 50m rifle 3 position event. This is the second gold today in shooting events.
Sift Kaur Samra won the gold in the event with 469.6 points. Ashi Chouksey, who was in second place, however, shot 8.9 for a total of 451.9 points, to miss the silver, which went to China who shot a total of 462.3 points. Ashi Chouksey won her third medal at the Asian games.
Sift Kaur Samra won the gold in the event with 469.6 points. Ashi Chouksey, who was in second place, however, shot 8.9 for a total of 451.9 points, to miss the silver, which went to China who shot a total of 462.3 points. Ashi Chouksey won her third medal at the Asian games.
Shooting: India wins gold in women’s 25m pistol team event
The Indian trio of Manu Bhaker, Esha Singh and Rhythm Sangwan won the gold medal in the women’s 25m pistol team event with a score of 1759 this morning. China took the silver with 1756 while Republic of Korea won bronze with 1742.
This marks India’s fourth gold medal in the Asian Games so far.
This marks India’s fourth gold medal in the Asian Games so far.
Aviation
Dubai-bound flight diverted to Kannur due to fire warning light in cargo hold
A Dubai-bound Air India Express flight from Karipur International Airport was diverted to Kannur on Wednesday around an hour after take-off as the pilot noticed a fire warning light in the aircraft’s cargo hold.
The flight - IX 345 - with 176 people, including the crew, onboard landed safely at Kannur around 11 am and all the passengers are fine, the source said.
Air India Express said the warning light was a false alarm.
The flight - IX 345 - with 176 people, including the crew, onboard landed safely at Kannur around 11 am and all the passengers are fine, the source said.
Air India Express said the warning light was a false alarm.
Business
Adani Ports to buy back another USD 195 mn of bonds
Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) will prepay USD 195 million of debt due in 2024 as the conglomerate helmed by Gautam Adani looks to boost investors’ confidence post being targeted by a US short-seller.
In a stock exchange filing, APSEZ said it will buy back USD 195 million of bonds due in 2024 using its cash reserves.
Out of the USD 520 million principal outstanding, USD 325 million will be left after the buyback, it said.
In a stock exchange filing, APSEZ said it will buy back USD 195 million of bonds due in 2024 using its cash reserves.
Out of the USD 520 million principal outstanding, USD 325 million will be left after the buyback, it said.
Diplomacy
India-China relations in 'abnormal state' since Galwan Valley clash: Jaishankar
India-China relations remain "abnormal" since the 2020 Galwan Valley clash, Foreign Minister S Jaishankar stated adding that this issue may persist for an extended period. He also highlighted the lack of credible explanations from Beijing regarding troop deployments along the LAC.
If the two biggest countries of the world have that degree of tension between them, "it has consequences for everybody else", Jaishankar asserted during a conversation at the Council on Foreign Relations to a question about India-China relations. "You know, one of the pleasures of dealing with China is that they never quite tell you why they do things. So you often end up trying to figure it out. And it's always, there's a certain ambiguity out there," Jaishankar, who was India's Ambassador to China from 2009 to 2013, said.
India has consistently asserted that the situation in eastern Ladakh's border is not normal. Peace and tranquillity along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) are essential for normalising overall bilateral relations.
If the two biggest countries of the world have that degree of tension between them, "it has consequences for everybody else", Jaishankar asserted during a conversation at the Council on Foreign Relations to a question about India-China relations. "You know, one of the pleasures of dealing with China is that they never quite tell you why they do things. So you often end up trying to figure it out. And it's always, there's a certain ambiguity out there," Jaishankar, who was India's Ambassador to China from 2009 to 2013, said.
India has consistently asserted that the situation in eastern Ladakh's border is not normal. Peace and tranquillity along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) are essential for normalising overall bilateral relations.
Education
JU ragging : Arrested students not to enter campus till acquitted of charges
The 13 arrested in connection with the death of the Jadavpur University fresher allegedly due to ragging and sexual molestation at the hostel will not be allowed to either enter its premises or the campus, according to a decision by the varsity’s executive council.
They have also been barred from taking part in academic activities till they are exonerated in the case, a university official said on Wednesday. The arrested include four students of the prestigious institute and the prohibition on them will hold good even if they are on bail or parole, he said.
The executive council meeting, however, rescinded its initial decision to bar entry to the boys’ hostel of over 30 seniors accused of aiding and abetting the crime, the official told PTI.
The decisions were taken on Tuesday night based on the recommendations of the internal inquiry committee report, submitted about a month ago.
They have also been barred from taking part in academic activities till they are exonerated in the case, a university official said on Wednesday. The arrested include four students of the prestigious institute and the prohibition on them will hold good even if they are on bail or parole, he said.
The executive council meeting, however, rescinded its initial decision to bar entry to the boys’ hostel of over 30 seniors accused of aiding and abetting the crime, the official told PTI.
The decisions were taken on Tuesday night based on the recommendations of the internal inquiry committee report, submitted about a month ago.
Entertainment
Oscars 2024: Malayalam film 2018 is India's official entry
Multi-starrer Malayalam survival drama "2018-Everyone is a Hero," based on the Kerala floods that year, has been selected as India's official entry for the Academy Awards 2024, the Film Federation of India said on Wednesday.
Girish Kasaravalli, an acclaimed filmmaker and chairperson of the selection committee said that after a lengthy discussion, the 16-member panel unanimously chose the Malayalam film to represent the country. The Jude Anthany Joseph-directed film highlights Indian ethos, situation and people, he said, adding that it not only represents India but also the calamity that's happening around the world.
He stated that the film excels in cinematography and technical aspects, highlighting climate change and development. As many as 22 films, including The Kerala Story (Hindi), Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani (Hindi), Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway (Hindi), Balagam (Telugu),Vaalvi (Marathi), Baaplyok (Marathi) and August 16, 1947 (Tamil) were considered for nomination
Girish Kasaravalli, an acclaimed filmmaker and chairperson of the selection committee said that after a lengthy discussion, the 16-member panel unanimously chose the Malayalam film to represent the country. The Jude Anthany Joseph-directed film highlights Indian ethos, situation and people, he said, adding that it not only represents India but also the calamity that's happening around the world.
He stated that the film excels in cinematography and technical aspects, highlighting climate change and development. As many as 22 films, including The Kerala Story (Hindi), Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani (Hindi), Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway (Hindi), Balagam (Telugu),Vaalvi (Marathi), Baaplyok (Marathi) and August 16, 1947 (Tamil) were considered for nomination
Asha Bhosle, VVS Laxman and other celebs fall prey to fake news about Jyothi Yarraji's Asian Games win
Renowned playback singer Asha Bhosle used the platform X on Tuesday to post a video of hurdler Jyothi Yarraji and mistakenly claim she had won India’s third gold medal at the ongoing Asian Games in Hangzhou.
Despite the women's 100m hurdles event scheduled for September 30, several celebrities, including Gautam Gambhir and VVS Laxman, were misled by the inaccurate tweet and began congratulating the 24-year-old hurdler from Andhra Pradesh. The video in question is from July 14 when Yarraji secured the gold medal in the Asian Athletics Championships. This victory marked her first-ever top podium finish in a major international event.
Reliance Foundation Youth Sports who handle the sprinter clarified on X that Yarraji is still on her way to Hangzhou along with her coach as of Tuesday, adding, “We’re sure she’ll be delighted with all the wishes and we encourage you to join us in manifesting another medal-winning performance at the Asian Games soon!”
Despite the women's 100m hurdles event scheduled for September 30, several celebrities, including Gautam Gambhir and VVS Laxman, were misled by the inaccurate tweet and began congratulating the 24-year-old hurdler from Andhra Pradesh. The video in question is from July 14 when Yarraji secured the gold medal in the Asian Athletics Championships. This victory marked her first-ever top podium finish in a major international event.
Reliance Foundation Youth Sports who handle the sprinter clarified on X that Yarraji is still on her way to Hangzhou along with her coach as of Tuesday, adding, “We’re sure she’ll be delighted with all the wishes and we encourage you to join us in manifesting another medal-winning performance at the Asian Games soon!”
Emmy Awards 2023: Shefali Shah, Vir Das and Jim Sarbh nominated
Actors Shefali Shah, Jim Sarbh and Vir Das have been nominated for the 2023 International Emmy Awards, the International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences announced on Tuesday.
While Shah and Sarbh received nominations in acting categories for their shows Delhi Crime and Rocket Boys, respectively, Das landed a nod for his Netflix comedy special Landing. Shah, is nominated in the best performance by an actress category where she will compete with Connie Nielsen for Danish series Drommeren, Billie Piper for British show I Hate Suzie Too and Karla Souza for Mexican series La Caida.
Sarbh will compete for the best performance by an actor against Gustavo Bassani of Iosi, El Espia Arrepentido (Argentina), British actor Martin Freeman for The Responder and Jonas Karlsson for Swedish series Nattryttarna. Das' stand-up special Landing is nominated in the comedy category. The other nominees are Derry Girls season three from the UK, El Encargado from Argentina and French show Le Flambeau season two.
The ceremony will also see film producer Ektaa R Kapoor being honoured with the Directorate Award for her "trailblazing career and impact on the Indian television landscape".
While Shah and Sarbh received nominations in acting categories for their shows Delhi Crime and Rocket Boys, respectively, Das landed a nod for his Netflix comedy special Landing. Shah, is nominated in the best performance by an actress category where she will compete with Connie Nielsen for Danish series Drommeren, Billie Piper for British show I Hate Suzie Too and Karla Souza for Mexican series La Caida.
Sarbh will compete for the best performance by an actor against Gustavo Bassani of Iosi, El Espia Arrepentido (Argentina), British actor Martin Freeman for The Responder and Jonas Karlsson for Swedish series Nattryttarna. Das' stand-up special Landing is nominated in the comedy category. The other nominees are Derry Girls season three from the UK, El Encargado from Argentina and French show Le Flambeau season two.
The ceremony will also see film producer Ektaa R Kapoor being honoured with the Directorate Award for her "trailblazing career and impact on the Indian television landscape".
Environment
India may import cheetahs from northern Africa
India is considering importing cheetahs from northern Africa due to concerns that some of these big cats from Namibia and South Africa have developed a winter coat in Indian summer, officials said on Wednesday.
According to officials, one of the biggest challenges faced in the first year of managing cheetahs in India was the unexpected development of winter coats by some cheetahs during the Indian summer and monsoon, in anticipation of the African winter (June to September) The winter coat, combined with high humidity and temperatures, caused itching, prompting the animals to scratch their necks on tree trunks or the ground.
This led to bruises and exposed skin, where flies laid their eggs, resulting in maggot infestations and, ultimately, bacterial infections and septicemia, leading to the death of three cheetahs, the official explained. “Cheetahs in northern and northeastern Africa, which is in the northern hemisphere, might be better suited to Indian conditions. This idea is being deliberated, but we are yet to examine the status of the cheetahs in this part of Africa. We need to look at their populations, health conditions, breeding cycle, etc,” an official associated with the cheetah project said on condition of anonymity.
According to officials, one of the biggest challenges faced in the first year of managing cheetahs in India was the unexpected development of winter coats by some cheetahs during the Indian summer and monsoon, in anticipation of the African winter (June to September) The winter coat, combined with high humidity and temperatures, caused itching, prompting the animals to scratch their necks on tree trunks or the ground.
This led to bruises and exposed skin, where flies laid their eggs, resulting in maggot infestations and, ultimately, bacterial infections and septicemia, leading to the death of three cheetahs, the official explained. “Cheetahs in northern and northeastern Africa, which is in the northern hemisphere, might be better suited to Indian conditions. This idea is being deliberated, but we are yet to examine the status of the cheetahs in this part of Africa. We need to look at their populations, health conditions, breeding cycle, etc,” an official associated with the cheetah project said on condition of anonymity.
Health
Health Minister asks officials to gear up as dengue cases rise
Against the backdrop of recent rise in dengue cases across the country, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Wednesday directed the officials to be fully geared up and strengthen prevention, containment and management measures for the vector-borne disease.
Underlining the challenge posed by the increasing number of dengue cases, Mandaviya stressed the need to be prepared against the viral infection, the Health Ministry said in a statement. The Union Health Minister also stated that adequate fund is provided by the central government to the states under Programme Implementation Plan for several activities such as surveillance, laboratory diagnosis, cases management and capacity building among others to prevent and control dengue.
Underlining the challenge posed by the increasing number of dengue cases, Mandaviya stressed the need to be prepared against the viral infection, the Health Ministry said in a statement. The Union Health Minister also stated that adequate fund is provided by the central government to the states under Programme Implementation Plan for several activities such as surveillance, laboratory diagnosis, cases management and capacity building among others to prevent and control dengue.
International
US President Joe Biden joins protesting auto workers in Michigan
United States President Joe Biden joined striking auto workers in Michigan on Tuesday, marking a historic first for a sitting US president.
Wearing a baseball cap with the United Auto Workers (UAW) union logo, Biden assured workers that he was on their side.
The strike, which is set to continue before Republican Donald Trump visits Michigan on Wednesday, has turned into a bitter early confrontation between the two top candidates for the upcoming election. Biden told workers that the "Big Three" automakers, Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis, were "doing incredibly well, and guess what, you should be doing incredibly well too…You deserve the significant raise you need and other benefits.”
The UAW's chief, Shawn Fain, greeted Biden on the tarmac and accompanied him to the picket line. This move is seen as a chance for Biden to woo working-class workers and union members, despite concerns about his poll ratings, age, and economy.
Wearing a baseball cap with the United Auto Workers (UAW) union logo, Biden assured workers that he was on their side.
The strike, which is set to continue before Republican Donald Trump visits Michigan on Wednesday, has turned into a bitter early confrontation between the two top candidates for the upcoming election. Biden told workers that the "Big Three" automakers, Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis, were "doing incredibly well, and guess what, you should be doing incredibly well too…You deserve the significant raise you need and other benefits.”
The UAW's chief, Shawn Fain, greeted Biden on the tarmac and accompanied him to the picket line. This move is seen as a chance for Biden to woo working-class workers and union members, despite concerns about his poll ratings, age, and economy.
Caretaker PM admits military influence to continue in Pakistan’s polity
Acknowledging the inevitable role of the army in Pakistan, caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar has admitted that the country’s military will continue its hold in politics unless civic delivery institutions are strengthened in the country.
The powerful Army, which has ruled coup-prone Pakistan for more than half of its 75-plus years of existence, has hitherto wielded considerable power in matters of security and foreign policy. Kakar was speaking during an interview with the news channel TRT World, a Turkish public broadcaster, when he spoke about the Pakistani military’s major role in politics.
“Pragmatically, realistically and honestly ... affirmative, yes,” was his answer when the interviewer asked if the disciplined military would continue to stay for a foreseeable future in Pakistan’s polity.
Kakar was replying to a question about the “undue influence, whether suspected or real, of the military establishment of Pakistan” and its role.
The powerful Army, which has ruled coup-prone Pakistan for more than half of its 75-plus years of existence, has hitherto wielded considerable power in matters of security and foreign policy. Kakar was speaking during an interview with the news channel TRT World, a Turkish public broadcaster, when he spoke about the Pakistani military’s major role in politics.
“Pragmatically, realistically and honestly ... affirmative, yes,” was his answer when the interviewer asked if the disciplined military would continue to stay for a foreseeable future in Pakistan’s polity.
Kakar was replying to a question about the “undue influence, whether suspected or real, of the military establishment of Pakistan” and its role.
North Korea to expel US soldier Travis King who entered in July
North Korea has decided to expel American soldier Travis King who has allegedly confessed that he illegally intruded in the country, Reuters reported, quoting state media KCNA.
In the final investigation report regarding his July border crossing, it was stated that King had harboured resentment due to inhumane treatment and racial discrimination within the US army. Pyongyang in its earlier findings had stated that Travis King was seeking refuge in North Korea or elsewhere in the world due to the same reasons.
However, when or where he will be expelled has not been shared.
Travis King entered North Korea in July during a tour of the southern side of an inter-Korean truce village.
In the final investigation report regarding his July border crossing, it was stated that King had harboured resentment due to inhumane treatment and racial discrimination within the US army. Pyongyang in its earlier findings had stated that Travis King was seeking refuge in North Korea or elsewhere in the world due to the same reasons.
However, when or where he will be expelled has not been shared.
Travis King entered North Korea in July during a tour of the southern side of an inter-Korean truce village.
Consulting firm McKinsey to pay $230 million in latest US opioid settlements
Consulting firm McKinsey & Co has agreed to pay $230 million to resolve lawsuits by U.S. local governments and school districts.
Nearly 6,45,000 people died in the US from overdoses involving opioids, both prescription and illicit, from 1999 to 2021.
The lawsuits accused McKinsey of contributing to the deadly drug crisis by helping drug manufacturers including Purdue Pharma design deceptive marketing plans and boost sales of painkillers. McKinsey has not admitted wrongdoing. In a statement, the firm said it continued to believe its past work was lawful. It also noted it had committed in 2019 to no longer advise clients on any opioid-related business.
The settlements, which require a judge’s approval, were disclosed in papers filed on Tuesday in federal court in San Francisco. The money is on top of $641.5 million that McKinsey already paid to resolve claims by state attorneys-general.
McKinsey will pay $207 million to resolve claims by counties and municipalities, and another $23 million to resolve claims by public school districts. McKinsey had previously said it had agreed to resolve the cases but had not disclosed for how much.
Nearly 6,45,000 people died in the US from overdoses involving opioids, both prescription and illicit, from 1999 to 2021.
The lawsuits accused McKinsey of contributing to the deadly drug crisis by helping drug manufacturers including Purdue Pharma design deceptive marketing plans and boost sales of painkillers. McKinsey has not admitted wrongdoing. In a statement, the firm said it continued to believe its past work was lawful. It also noted it had committed in 2019 to no longer advise clients on any opioid-related business.
The settlements, which require a judge’s approval, were disclosed in papers filed on Tuesday in federal court in San Francisco. The money is on top of $641.5 million that McKinsey already paid to resolve claims by state attorneys-general.
McKinsey will pay $207 million to resolve claims by counties and municipalities, and another $23 million to resolve claims by public school districts. McKinsey had previously said it had agreed to resolve the cases but had not disclosed for how much.
Chinese vessel enters the Indian Ocean without proper permission
Amid mixed signals from the Ranil Wickremesinghe government regarding permission to dock at Colombo port, the Chinese vessel Shi Yan 6 has entered the Indian Ocean and is en route to Sri Lanka.
Since 2019, a total of 48 Chinese scientific research vessels have been operating in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), primarily in the Bay of Bengal, southward to the Arabian Sea, and towards the Persian Gulf. Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Ali Sabry stated on Monday that Colombo had not granted permission for the Chinese vessel Shi Yan 6 due to concerns raised by India regarding security.
He, however, added that negotiations were ongoing, and if the vessel adhered to Sri Lanka's standard operating procedures, there would be no issues.
Since 2019, a total of 48 Chinese scientific research vessels have been operating in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), primarily in the Bay of Bengal, southward to the Arabian Sea, and towards the Persian Gulf. Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Ali Sabry stated on Monday that Colombo had not granted permission for the Chinese vessel Shi Yan 6 due to concerns raised by India regarding security.
He, however, added that negotiations were ongoing, and if the vessel adhered to Sri Lanka's standard operating procedures, there would be no issues.
Trigger warning: Murder
26-year-old tech CEO found dead in the US
Trigger warning: Murder
Pava LaPere, a 26-year-old tech chief executive officer (CEO), was found dead in Baltimore, located in the United States, on Monday morning. The investigating police reported signs of blunt-force trauma to her head.
Officers reportedly responded to a call for service at an apartment complex, in Baltimore, and discovered LaPere dead in the apartment. 32-year-old Jason Dean Billingsley is being suspected for the murder.
LaPere had co-founded EcoMap Technologies, a data curation company. She was also featured in Forbes' 30-under-30 list.
Pava LaPere, a 26-year-old tech chief executive officer (CEO), was found dead in Baltimore, located in the United States, on Monday morning. The investigating police reported signs of blunt-force trauma to her head.
Officers reportedly responded to a call for service at an apartment complex, in Baltimore, and discovered LaPere dead in the apartment. 32-year-old Jason Dean Billingsley is being suspected for the murder.
LaPere had co-founded EcoMap Technologies, a data curation company. She was also featured in Forbes' 30-under-30 list.
UN criticises France’s hijab ban in Olympic 2024
The United Nations’ human rights office has slammed France’s decision that disallows French athletes from wearing hijab at the Paris Olympics in 2024.
Maria Hurtado, spokeswoman for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said, “According to international human rights standards, restrictions of expressions of religions or beliefs such as attire choices are only acceptable under really specific circumstances that address legitimate concerns for public safety, public order or public health or morals in a necessary and proportionate fashion.” Hurtado stated that discriminatory practices against a group can have harmful consequences.
French Sports Minister Amélie Oudéa-Castéra argued for a ban on hijab saying “a strict regime of secularism, applied rigorously in the field of sport.”
Maria Hurtado, spokeswoman for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said, “According to international human rights standards, restrictions of expressions of religions or beliefs such as attire choices are only acceptable under really specific circumstances that address legitimate concerns for public safety, public order or public health or morals in a necessary and proportionate fashion.” Hurtado stated that discriminatory practices against a group can have harmful consequences.
French Sports Minister Amélie Oudéa-Castéra argued for a ban on hijab saying “a strict regime of secularism, applied rigorously in the field of sport.”
New York Judge rules Trump liable for fraud in civil lawsuit
A New York Judge, in a summary judgement, has ruled that Donald Trump inflated his wealth by hundreds of millions and misrepresented it to banks and insurers on more than one occasion.
The judge noted in the civil lawsuit filed by Attorney General Latitia James that the documents contained fraudulent valuations that Trump and other co-accused had used in business.
The ruling resolves key claims against him and accelerates proceedings in the non-jury trial starting on 2 October to settle six remaining claims. James has accused Donald Trump, his two adult sons, and the Trump Organisation of falsifying business records and financial statements between 2011 and 2021 in order to get better terms on bank loans and insurance deals and evade tax.
She is seeking $250m in penalties and a ban on Trump conducting business in the state of New York.
The judge noted in the civil lawsuit filed by Attorney General Latitia James that the documents contained fraudulent valuations that Trump and other co-accused had used in business.
The ruling resolves key claims against him and accelerates proceedings in the non-jury trial starting on 2 October to settle six remaining claims. James has accused Donald Trump, his two adult sons, and the Trump Organisation of falsifying business records and financial statements between 2011 and 2021 in order to get better terms on bank loans and insurance deals and evade tax.
She is seeking $250m in penalties and a ban on Trump conducting business in the state of New York.
Cheetahs may be flown in from new countries
Authorities involved in the country’s audacious Project Cheetah are considering options of importing the next batch of big cats from countries beyond South Africa and Namibia, which is where the first two lots of animals were brought from, according to a report by The Hindu.
A final decision on the proposal is still awaited, however experts are rethinking their approach after six adult cheetahs and three cubs have died in the first year of the project. A major factor was reportedly the animals’ biological susceptibility to infection because of their “winter coats” that were there even during the summer and monsoon months in India. It is understood that this caused the deaths of at least two of the animals.
The location for the new batch of Cheetahs will also move from the Kuno National Park to the Gandhi Sagar Park in Madhya Pradesh, but this is not likely to happen for many months, according to an official.
“[T]hough an excellent park with natural savannah grass — still needs quite a lot of preparation. We have to ensure that the next set of cheetahs that come in have access to adequate prey,” the official told The Hindu.
A final decision on the proposal is still awaited, however experts are rethinking their approach after six adult cheetahs and three cubs have died in the first year of the project. A major factor was reportedly the animals’ biological susceptibility to infection because of their “winter coats” that were there even during the summer and monsoon months in India. It is understood that this caused the deaths of at least two of the animals.
The location for the new batch of Cheetahs will also move from the Kuno National Park to the Gandhi Sagar Park in Madhya Pradesh, but this is not likely to happen for many months, according to an official.
“[T]hough an excellent park with natural savannah grass — still needs quite a lot of preparation. We have to ensure that the next set of cheetahs that come in have access to adequate prey,” the official told The Hindu.
X has most disinformation among social networks: EU
A European Commission study has found that in terms of disinformation, X, formerly Twitter, has the biggest proportion while Youtube has the smallest.The study carried out by Trust Lab, a disinformation monitoring start-up, studied 6,000 unique social media posts across Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, X, and YouTube analysing content in Spain, Poland and Slovakia that were particularly susceptible to disinformation risk.
The study concluded that X had the largest proportion of sensitive content fabricated with disinformation. The European Union wants to bring its voluntary code of practice on disinformation that was signed by social networks including X in 2018 within the purview of the Digital Services Act.
The Act regulates the conduct of large tech platforms and noncompliance could lead to fines of up to six percent of global turnover.
The study concluded that X had the largest proportion of sensitive content fabricated with disinformation. The European Union wants to bring its voluntary code of practice on disinformation that was signed by social networks including X in 2018 within the purview of the Digital Services Act.
The Act regulates the conduct of large tech platforms and noncompliance could lead to fines of up to six percent of global turnover.
Legal
Cauvery water row: Karnataka to challenge panel's directive in Supreme Court
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said on Wednesday that the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee’s direction to Karnataka to release water to Tamil Nadu will be challenged before the Supreme Court.
The panel had directed Karnataka to release water at the rate of 3,000 cubic feet per second (cusecs) to the neighbouring state from September 28 to October 15. Siddaramaiah said he had spoken to the state’s legal team, which opined that it should be challenged in the apex court.
According to Karnataka officials, due to the failure of the south-west monsoon (from June to September), there is no sufficient storage in the four reservoirs. The State is facing such a grave situation and it is finding it extremely difficult even to cater to the drinking water requirements, let alone supply for irrigation, officials added.
The rainfall received in Karnataka in August and September is the lowest in the last 123 years, they said.
The panel had directed Karnataka to release water at the rate of 3,000 cubic feet per second (cusecs) to the neighbouring state from September 28 to October 15. Siddaramaiah said he had spoken to the state’s legal team, which opined that it should be challenged in the apex court.
According to Karnataka officials, due to the failure of the south-west monsoon (from June to September), there is no sufficient storage in the four reservoirs. The State is facing such a grave situation and it is finding it extremely difficult even to cater to the drinking water requirements, let alone supply for irrigation, officials added.
The rainfall received in Karnataka in August and September is the lowest in the last 123 years, they said.
Markets
Stock markets bounce back on strong Asian and European equities
Equity indices Sensex and Nifty recovered from early losses to close higher on Wednesday, driven by purchases in Reliance Industries, Larsen & Toubro, and ITC, as well as positive trends in Asian and European markets.
The BSE Sensex, comprising 30 shares, increased by 173.22 points or 0.26% to close at 66,118.69. Despite opening lower and dropping to a morning low of 65,549.96, the index rebounded due to buying in Reliance, L&T, Infosys, and Maruti. It later peaked at 66,172.27, up 226.8 points or 0.34%.
The Nifty rose by 51.75 points or 0.26% to close at 19,716.45, fluctuating between a low of 19,554 and a high of 19,730.70 during the day. Among the Sensex companies, Larsen & Toubro, ITC, Sun Pharma, Maruti, Reliance Industries, Axis Bank, IndusInd Bank and Hindustan Unilever were the primary gainers.
Asian markets in Seoul, Tokyo, Shanghai and Hong Kong closed in the green while European markets mostly traded positively. The US markets closed lower on Tuesday.
The global oil benchmark Brent crude rose by 0.98% to USD 94.88 per barrel.
The BSE Sensex, comprising 30 shares, increased by 173.22 points or 0.26% to close at 66,118.69. Despite opening lower and dropping to a morning low of 65,549.96, the index rebounded due to buying in Reliance, L&T, Infosys, and Maruti. It later peaked at 66,172.27, up 226.8 points or 0.34%.
The Nifty rose by 51.75 points or 0.26% to close at 19,716.45, fluctuating between a low of 19,554 and a high of 19,730.70 during the day. Among the Sensex companies, Larsen & Toubro, ITC, Sun Pharma, Maruti, Reliance Industries, Axis Bank, IndusInd Bank and Hindustan Unilever were the primary gainers.
Asian markets in Seoul, Tokyo, Shanghai and Hong Kong closed in the green while European markets mostly traded positively. The US markets closed lower on Tuesday.
The global oil benchmark Brent crude rose by 0.98% to USD 94.88 per barrel.
Early trade sees stock markets decline due to foreign fund outflows and US downturn
Equity indices opened lower today (Wednesday), influenced by weak trends in the US markets and ongoing foreign fund outflows. The BSE Sensex dropped by 202.34 points to 65,743.13, while the Nifty fell by 60.55 points to 19,604.15.
Bajaj Finance, Tech Mahindra, Tata Steel, HDFC Bank, Titan, and ICICI Bank experienced significant losses. On the other hand, Sun Pharma, IndusInd Bank, Larsen & Toubro, and UltraTech Cement saw gains. Asian markets presented a mixed picture with Seoul and Tokyo in the red while Shanghai and Hong Kong were in the green. US markets closed lower on Tuesday.
The global oil benchmark Brent crude rose by 0.99% to USD 94.89 per barrel. Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) sold equities worth Rs 693.47 crore on Tuesday as per exchange data.
Bajaj Finance, Tech Mahindra, Tata Steel, HDFC Bank, Titan, and ICICI Bank experienced significant losses. On the other hand, Sun Pharma, IndusInd Bank, Larsen & Toubro, and UltraTech Cement saw gains. Asian markets presented a mixed picture with Seoul and Tokyo in the red while Shanghai and Hong Kong were in the green. US markets closed lower on Tuesday.
The global oil benchmark Brent crude rose by 0.99% to USD 94.89 per barrel. Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) sold equities worth Rs 693.47 crore on Tuesday as per exchange data.
National
Kejriwal bungalow row: CBI starts PE, AAP claims witch-hunt
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has initiated a preliminary enquiry into alleged “irregularities and misconduct” in the construction of a new official residence for Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, according to officials.
The Aam Aadmi Party, which is currently in power in Delhi, has denied any wrongdoing and accused the BJP of attempting to “destroy AAP”. The CBI’s enquiry is against unidentified public servants of the Delhi government. A preliminary enquiry is the initial step to determine if there is sufficient evidence to proceed with a formal FIR. The CBI’s anti-corruption branch has requested records from the Public Works Department related to the approval and recommendation of its officials for alterations, tender documents, contractor bids, approval of building plans, and requests for superior specifications such as a modular kitchen, marble flooring, and other ornamental work. The AAP claims that this development is part of the BJP’s efforts to hinder the work of the Arvind Kejriwal-led party for the people. The party alleges that this is why Satyendar Jain and Manish Sisodia, who they claim are the country’s best health and education ministers, were incarcerated.
The AAP accuses the BJP of using all its power to destroy them, stating that they are the only party that seeks votes based on their work in health and education.
The Aam Aadmi Party, which is currently in power in Delhi, has denied any wrongdoing and accused the BJP of attempting to “destroy AAP”. The CBI’s enquiry is against unidentified public servants of the Delhi government. A preliminary enquiry is the initial step to determine if there is sufficient evidence to proceed with a formal FIR. The CBI’s anti-corruption branch has requested records from the Public Works Department related to the approval and recommendation of its officials for alterations, tender documents, contractor bids, approval of building plans, and requests for superior specifications such as a modular kitchen, marble flooring, and other ornamental work. The AAP claims that this development is part of the BJP’s efforts to hinder the work of the Arvind Kejriwal-led party for the people. The party alleges that this is why Satyendar Jain and Manish Sisodia, who they claim are the country’s best health and education ministers, were incarcerated.
The AAP accuses the BJP of using all its power to destroy them, stating that they are the only party that seeks votes based on their work in health and education.
CBI team led by special director to probe into killing of missing youths
A team of CBI officials, led by the agency’s Special Director Ajay Bhatnagar, will investigate the “kidnapping and killing” of two students who went missing in the northeastern state on July 6, sources said.
The decision was taken within hours of the case being handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) by the Manipur government. The team led by Bhatnagar, the second-in-command in the federal agency, will also have Joint Director Ghanshyam Upadhyay, who is camping in Imphal, sources said.
The team will comprise officers who have expertise in special crime, crime scene recreation, interrogation and technical surveillance. It will also have experts from the CBI’s elite Central Forensic Science Laboratory, the sources said. Earlier in the day, many students were injured after security forces fired several rounds of tear gas shells to disperse a stone-pelting mob in Imphal’s Moirangkhom, about 200 metres from the Chief Minister’s secretariat.
This comes a day after a clash between RAF personnel and locals left 45 protesters, mostly students, injured.
The decision was taken within hours of the case being handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) by the Manipur government. The team led by Bhatnagar, the second-in-command in the federal agency, will also have Joint Director Ghanshyam Upadhyay, who is camping in Imphal, sources said.
The team will comprise officers who have expertise in special crime, crime scene recreation, interrogation and technical surveillance. It will also have experts from the CBI’s elite Central Forensic Science Laboratory, the sources said. Earlier in the day, many students were injured after security forces fired several rounds of tear gas shells to disperse a stone-pelting mob in Imphal’s Moirangkhom, about 200 metres from the Chief Minister’s secretariat.
This comes a day after a clash between RAF personnel and locals left 45 protesters, mostly students, injured.
AFSPA extended in Manipur hills for six months
The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act or AFSPA was extended by another six months in Manipur on Wednesday barring 19 police stations falling under the Imphal Valley and an area that shares its boundary with neighbouring Assam.
Security officials have been advocating bringing the entire state under AFSPA so that they could easily ensure that the presence of terror groups within the Valley is reduced or eliminated, sources said. Significantly, the areas that have been kept out of the purview of AFSPA are dominated by the majority Meitei community which includes Jiribam, adjacent to Silchar valley of Assam.
With the extension of AFSPA, the Army and Assam Rifles cannot operate inside the areas under the 19 police stations without the consent of the state police.
Security officials have been advocating bringing the entire state under AFSPA so that they could easily ensure that the presence of terror groups within the Valley is reduced or eliminated, sources said. Significantly, the areas that have been kept out of the purview of AFSPA are dominated by the majority Meitei community which includes Jiribam, adjacent to Silchar valley of Assam.
With the extension of AFSPA, the Army and Assam Rifles cannot operate inside the areas under the 19 police stations without the consent of the state police.
Several detained after NIA crackdown on terror-gangster-smuggler nexus
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted a multi-state crackdown on a network of terrorists, gangsters, and drug smugglers, detaining several suspects.
The operation targeted those involved in supplying weapons, financing, and providing logistics to various gangs linked with drug smugglers and terror groups based in Pakistan, the UAE, Canada, Portugal, and other countries. The raids were related to cases against associates of listed terrorist Arsh Dalla and several feared gangsters. During the raids, pistols, ammunition, numerous digital devices, and incriminating material were seized.
The operation was carried out at 53 locations across Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and Chandigarh. This is the seventh series of such crackdowns by the NIA since August 2022. The cases involve conspiracies of targeted killings, terror funding of pro-Khalistan outfits, and extortion by gangsters.
The operation targeted those involved in supplying weapons, financing, and providing logistics to various gangs linked with drug smugglers and terror groups based in Pakistan, the UAE, Canada, Portugal, and other countries. The raids were related to cases against associates of listed terrorist Arsh Dalla and several feared gangsters. During the raids, pistols, ammunition, numerous digital devices, and incriminating material were seized.
The operation was carried out at 53 locations across Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and Chandigarh. This is the seventh series of such crackdowns by the NIA since August 2022. The cases involve conspiracies of targeted killings, terror funding of pro-Khalistan outfits, and extortion by gangsters.
Trigger Warning: Rape, Disturbing Details
12-year-old rape survivor found bleeding on Ujjain street
Trigger Warning: Rape, Disturbing Details
A girl, around 12 years of age, was found bleeding on a street in Ujjain city of Madhya Pradesh. The medical examination confirmed that she had been raped, police said on Wednesday.
A special investigation team has been formed to probe the matter and a suspect has been detained, said home minister Narottam Mishra.
The girl, who is being treated in a hospital in Indore, is out of danger, he said. The girl, found on September 25, probably hails from neighbouring Uttar Pradesh, but her identity is yet to be established as she is not able to tell her name and address properly, Superintendent of Police Sachin Sharma said.
A case was registered at the Mahakal police station and an investigation into the incident is underway, he added.
A special investigation team has been formed to probe the matter and to check the CCTV footage so that those behind the crime can be arrested at the earliest, he said.
A girl, around 12 years of age, was found bleeding on a street in Ujjain city of Madhya Pradesh. The medical examination confirmed that she had been raped, police said on Wednesday.
A special investigation team has been formed to probe the matter and a suspect has been detained, said home minister Narottam Mishra.
The girl, who is being treated in a hospital in Indore, is out of danger, he said. The girl, found on September 25, probably hails from neighbouring Uttar Pradesh, but her identity is yet to be established as she is not able to tell her name and address properly, Superintendent of Police Sachin Sharma said.
A case was registered at the Mahakal police station and an investigation into the incident is underway, he added.
A special investigation team has been formed to probe the matter and to check the CCTV footage so that those behind the crime can be arrested at the earliest, he said.
Govt compulsorily retires IAS officer who cleared Delhi stadium for dog walk
Rinku Dugga, an IAS officer from the 1994-batch AGMUT (Arunachal Pradesh-Goa-Mizoram and Union Territory) cadre, who was serving as Principal Secretary, Indigenous Affairs in Arunachal Pradesh, has been mandatorily retired by the government, according to sources.
Dugga and her husband Sanjeev Khirwar, also a 1994-batch IAS officer currently posted in Ladakh, were transferred from Delhi last year following a newspaper report alleging that they had cleared a stadium of athletes to walk their dog. The compulsory retirement of Dugga was enforced under the Fundamental Rules (FR) 56(j), Rule 48 of Central Civil Services (CCS) Pension Rules, 1972, after a review of her service record.
The government reserves the right to retire any government servant if it deems it to be in the public interest.
Dugga and her husband Sanjeev Khirwar, also a 1994-batch IAS officer currently posted in Ladakh, were transferred from Delhi last year following a newspaper report alleging that they had cleared a stadium of athletes to walk their dog. The compulsory retirement of Dugga was enforced under the Fundamental Rules (FR) 56(j), Rule 48 of Central Civil Services (CCS) Pension Rules, 1972, after a review of her service record.
The government reserves the right to retire any government servant if it deems it to be in the public interest.
After Interpol alert, Mumbai police save man from ending life
The Mumbai police traced a 28-year-old man in the city and saved him from ending his life following an alert from Interpol that he was searching about the ‘best way to commit suicide’ on Google, an official said on Wednesday.
The man, who hails from Rajasthan, was rescued on Tuesday from suburban Malvani after the police traced his location on the basis of his mobile number shared by Interpol, he said. “The rescue operation was conducted by Unit-11 of the Mumbai police's crime branch,” the police official said.
“During the probe, the police found that he was under pressure as he was not able to secure the release of his mother from jail in Mumbai since her arrest in a criminal case two years ago. Also, he has been jobless for the last six months," police said. He searched ‘Suicide best way’ on Google several times, which caught the attention of Interpol officials, who sent an email about it to the Mumbai police along with his mobile phone number.
He was asked to go to his relatives’ place in the city after being counseled by professional counselors, the police official added.
The man, who hails from Rajasthan, was rescued on Tuesday from suburban Malvani after the police traced his location on the basis of his mobile number shared by Interpol, he said. “The rescue operation was conducted by Unit-11 of the Mumbai police's crime branch,” the police official said.
“During the probe, the police found that he was under pressure as he was not able to secure the release of his mother from jail in Mumbai since her arrest in a criminal case two years ago. Also, he has been jobless for the last six months," police said. He searched ‘Suicide best way’ on Google several times, which caught the attention of Interpol officials, who sent an email about it to the Mumbai police along with his mobile phone number.
He was asked to go to his relatives’ place in the city after being counseled by professional counselors, the police official added.
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India asks Canada for specific information about the Nijjar killing, Schools closed in Manipur and internet suspended again, and India considering importing more Cheetahs. Take a listen to our podcast daily news.
Politics
Congress takes a dig at INDIA alliance partner Mamata Banerjee’s foreign trip
Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, leader of Congress in Lok Sabha, has hit out at West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for her recent investment tour to Spain.
The Congress party and Trinamool Congress, which is led by Mamata Banerjee, are part of the recently launched Opposition bloc, INDIA. However, the parties continue to be opponents in West Bengal. Talking to reporters, the senior Congress leader said, “Sometimes you need a change of air for good health. The hotel the Chief Minister stayed in Spain cost Rs 3 lakh a day.
“There is no dearth in facilities for the Chief Minister even though Bengal hardly has any industry or job opportunities,” he said.
Mamata Banerjee returned from a 12-day trip to Spain and UAE recently.
The Congress party and Trinamool Congress, which is led by Mamata Banerjee, are part of the recently launched Opposition bloc, INDIA. However, the parties continue to be opponents in West Bengal. Talking to reporters, the senior Congress leader said, “Sometimes you need a change of air for good health. The hotel the Chief Minister stayed in Spain cost Rs 3 lakh a day.
“There is no dearth in facilities for the Chief Minister even though Bengal hardly has any industry or job opportunities,” he said.
Mamata Banerjee returned from a 12-day trip to Spain and UAE recently.
ISKCON denies allegations by Maneka Gandhi in video
The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) expressed “surprise” after a video of BJP MP Maneka Gandhi levelling severe accusations against it surfaced online on Tuesday night.
In the video, Maneka Gandhi can be seen calling the organisation the “biggest cheat” in the country. She even alleged that the ISKCON sells cows from their gaushalas to butchers, a charge vehemently denied by the organisation. “The biggest cheat in India today is ISKCON. They establish gaushalas for which they get unlimited benefits from the government to run them. They get huge land...everything. I just visited their Anantpur Gaushala. Not a single dry cow is present. All are dairies. There is not a single calf. It means all of them were sold. ISKCON is selling all its cows to the butcher,” Maneka Gandhi said in the video. In a denial posted on X, ISKCON said, “A video of Maneka Gandhi has come to our notice wherein unsubstantiated and false information regarding ISKCON and its cow care standards have been presented. (sic)
“ISKCON has pioneered cow protection in many parts of the world where beef is a staple diet. Many of the cows presently served in ISKCON’s gaushalas were brought to us after being abandoned, injured or rescued from being slaughtered.”
“Smt. Gandhi is a well-known animal rights activist and well-wisher of ISKCON hence we are surprised by these statements,” the statement added.
In the video, Maneka Gandhi can be seen calling the organisation the “biggest cheat” in the country. She even alleged that the ISKCON sells cows from their gaushalas to butchers, a charge vehemently denied by the organisation. “The biggest cheat in India today is ISKCON. They establish gaushalas for which they get unlimited benefits from the government to run them. They get huge land...everything. I just visited their Anantpur Gaushala. Not a single dry cow is present. All are dairies. There is not a single calf. It means all of them were sold. ISKCON is selling all its cows to the butcher,” Maneka Gandhi said in the video. In a denial posted on X, ISKCON said, “A video of Maneka Gandhi has come to our notice wherein unsubstantiated and false information regarding ISKCON and its cow care standards have been presented. (sic)
“ISKCON has pioneered cow protection in many parts of the world where beef is a staple diet. Many of the cows presently served in ISKCON’s gaushalas were brought to us after being abandoned, injured or rescued from being slaughtered.”
“Smt. Gandhi is a well-known animal rights activist and well-wisher of ISKCON hence we are surprised by these statements,” the statement added.
"ISKCON biggest cheat, sells cows to butchers": BJP MP Maneka Gandhi
BJP MP Maneka Gandhi made a severe remark on the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) on Tuesday night in a video that has gone viral on the internet.
Gandhi, who is an animal rights activist, called the organisation the “biggest cheat” in the country and alleged that the ISKCON sells cows from their gaushalas to butchers. “The biggest cheat in India today is ISKCON. They establish gaushalas for which they get unlimited benefits from the government to run them. They get huge land...everything. I just visited their Anantput Gaushala. Not a single dry cow is present. All are dairies. There is not a single calf. It means all of them were sold. ISKCON is selling all its cows to the butcher,” Maneka Gandhi said in the video.
Gandhi, who is an animal rights activist, called the organisation the “biggest cheat” in the country and alleged that the ISKCON sells cows from their gaushalas to butchers. “The biggest cheat in India today is ISKCON. They establish gaushalas for which they get unlimited benefits from the government to run them. They get huge land...everything. I just visited their Anantput Gaushala. Not a single dry cow is present. All are dairies. There is not a single calf. It means all of them were sold. ISKCON is selling all its cows to the butcher,” Maneka Gandhi said in the video.
Sports
3rd ODI: Australia sets a target of 353 runs against India at Rajkot
Australia elected to bat first after winning the toss. Openers David Warner and Mitchell Marsh gave a solid start to the innings going at around 10 runs per over.
Warner scored his third fifty of the series but was out after scoring 56 off just 34 balls. Marsh and Steven Smith added 137 runs for the second wicket, Marsh was out four short of his century. Smith 74 (61) and Labuschagne 72 (58) were other notable contributors as the visitors made 352 runs for the loss of seven wickets at the end of 50 overs.
Jaspreet Bumrah took 3 for 81 in his 10 overs, while Kuldeep Yadav took 2 wickets conceding 48 runs in his 6 overs.
Warner scored his third fifty of the series but was out after scoring 56 off just 34 balls. Marsh and Steven Smith added 137 runs for the second wicket, Marsh was out four short of his century. Smith 74 (61) and Labuschagne 72 (58) were other notable contributors as the visitors made 352 runs for the loss of seven wickets at the end of 50 overs.
Jaspreet Bumrah took 3 for 81 in his 10 overs, while Kuldeep Yadav took 2 wickets conceding 48 runs in his 6 overs.
Ind vs Aus ODI: Australia opts to bat in the last match of the ODI series
Australian captain Pat Cummins opted to bat after winning the toss against India in the final ODI of the India versus Australia series at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Rajkot.
Captain Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Kuldeep Yadav return to the squad for the third ODI, while Shubman Gill, Shardul Thakur, Mohammad Shami, and Hardik Pandya will not be available for this match.
Captain Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Kuldeep Yadav return to the squad for the third ODI, while Shubman Gill, Shardul Thakur, Mohammad Shami, and Hardik Pandya will not be available for this match.
Southee cleared for World Cup after thumb surgery
Fast bowler Tim Southee continues to recover from the surgery on his right thumb and has been cleared to join the New Zealand squad for the ODI World Cup in India.
Accordingly, the 34-year-old will fly for India on Saturday. New Zealand is hopeful that Southee will recover in time for the side’s opening game in the mega-event on October 5 in Ahmedabad. However, Kyle Jamieson has also been added to the squad as Southee’s cover. The lanky pacer was with the side that beat Bangladesh 2-0 in a recently concluded three-match ODI series but was not selected in the 15-member World Cup squad and won’t be available for the warm-up games.
Meanwhile, Black Caps skipper Kane Williamson is also recovering from ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) injury he had suffered during the IPL earlier this year and may not be available for New Zealand’s opening game.
Accordingly, the 34-year-old will fly for India on Saturday. New Zealand is hopeful that Southee will recover in time for the side’s opening game in the mega-event on October 5 in Ahmedabad. However, Kyle Jamieson has also been added to the squad as Southee’s cover. The lanky pacer was with the side that beat Bangladesh 2-0 in a recently concluded three-match ODI series but was not selected in the 15-member World Cup squad and won’t be available for the warm-up games.
Meanwhile, Black Caps skipper Kane Williamson is also recovering from ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) injury he had suffered during the IPL earlier this year and may not be available for New Zealand’s opening game.
India team wins silver in women's 50m rifle 3 position event
Indian shooters won a silver medal in the women's 50m rifle 3 position event at the Asian Games today. The trio of Ashi Chouksey, Manini Koushik and Sift Kaur Samra shot a total of 1,764 points in the qualification to finish second on the podium.
China, who is hosting the Asian Games, won the gold medal with an aggregate score of 1,773, while South Korea bagged the bronze with a total score of 1,756.
Two of the three shooters, Samra and Chauksey qualified for the finals as well, finishing second and sixth, respectively. Kaushik finished 18th and bowed out of the individual event.
China, who is hosting the Asian Games, won the gold medal with an aggregate score of 1,773, while South Korea bagged the bronze with a total score of 1,756.
Two of the three shooters, Samra and Chauksey qualified for the finals as well, finishing second and sixth, respectively. Kaushik finished 18th and bowed out of the individual event.
State
Maharashtra govt declares Eid-e-Milad holiday on Friday
The Maharashtra government has declared September 29 as the Eid-e-Milad holiday at the request of Muslim leaders.
The announcement means two consecutive state holidays on Thursday and Friday followed by the weekend and the national holiday on October 2, marking Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary. This year, Anant Chaturdashi or the final day of the Ganesh festival falls on September 28, the same day as Eid-e-Milad, which is celebrated as the birthday of Prophet Muhammad.
As processions are taken out on the occasions of Anant Chaturdashi and Eid-e-Milad in Mumbai and other places, a delegation of All India Khilafat has requested Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to find a solution to it, a statement said. “The delegation has requested that a holiday be declared on Friday, September 29, so that the police can make arrangements for the processions on both days (September 28 and 29).
The state government has decided to announce a government holiday on Friday as well,” Shinde said in the statement. Mumbai Police are deploying over 19,000 personnel, including officers, to thwart any untoward incident when processions will be taken out to immerse idols of Lord Ganesha.
Similar security arrangements will be in force for Eid-e-Milad, which will be marked by organising processions on Friday.
The announcement means two consecutive state holidays on Thursday and Friday followed by the weekend and the national holiday on October 2, marking Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary. This year, Anant Chaturdashi or the final day of the Ganesh festival falls on September 28, the same day as Eid-e-Milad, which is celebrated as the birthday of Prophet Muhammad.
As processions are taken out on the occasions of Anant Chaturdashi and Eid-e-Milad in Mumbai and other places, a delegation of All India Khilafat has requested Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to find a solution to it, a statement said. “The delegation has requested that a holiday be declared on Friday, September 29, so that the police can make arrangements for the processions on both days (September 28 and 29).
The state government has decided to announce a government holiday on Friday as well,” Shinde said in the statement. Mumbai Police are deploying over 19,000 personnel, including officers, to thwart any untoward incident when processions will be taken out to immerse idols of Lord Ganesha.
Similar security arrangements will be in force for Eid-e-Milad, which will be marked by organising processions on Friday.
Shiv Sena issues notice to Sena (UBT) MPs for their absence during voting on women's reservation bill
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, has sent a notice to four Lok Sabha MPs from the Uddhav Thackeray faction, saying that they defied the party whip by remaining absent during the discussion and voting on the women's reservation bill last week.
Although the Shiv Sena split following Shinde's rebellion last year, the four MPs loyal to the Sena (UBT) are still Shiv Sena members in Parliament. Shiv Sena's leader of the legislative party Rahul Shewale stated in a notice to Vinayak Raut, Rajan Vichare, Omraje Nimbalkar, and Sanjay Jadhav that the four MPs broke the party whip despite a directive to vote in favour of the bill Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023. The party issued a whip on September 14.
"Your absence from Parliament during the special session itself shows your seriousness in matters pertaining to national interest," said the notice issued on Tuesday.
Although the Shiv Sena split following Shinde's rebellion last year, the four MPs loyal to the Sena (UBT) are still Shiv Sena members in Parliament. Shiv Sena's leader of the legislative party Rahul Shewale stated in a notice to Vinayak Raut, Rajan Vichare, Omraje Nimbalkar, and Sanjay Jadhav that the four MPs broke the party whip despite a directive to vote in favour of the bill Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023. The party issued a whip on September 14.
"Your absence from Parliament during the special session itself shows your seriousness in matters pertaining to national interest," said the notice issued on Tuesday.
Kerala govt lifts Nipah related restrictions in Kozhikode
The Kerala government has withdrawn all containment zones and other restrictions placed in northern Kozhikode district as no new Nipah virus cases have been recorded since September 16.
District Collector A Geetha said in a Facebook post on Tuesday that all schools in containment zones would reopen on Wednesday and regular classes would resume. However, the collector urged people to continue their vigil against the virus infection, maintain social distancing and ensure the use of masks and sanitizer. Since September 14, all institutions in the district had been closed, and online classes were being held. The district administration has advised students to wear masks and carry hand sanitizers.
Six people were confirmed infected, with two deaths. The first death occurred on August 30 and was the index case, from whom others caught the infection.
As of September 24, 915 people are under observation, but none are in the high-risk category. Health authorities have tested 377 samples and received 363 negative results.
District Collector A Geetha said in a Facebook post on Tuesday that all schools in containment zones would reopen on Wednesday and regular classes would resume. However, the collector urged people to continue their vigil against the virus infection, maintain social distancing and ensure the use of masks and sanitizer. Since September 14, all institutions in the district had been closed, and online classes were being held. The district administration has advised students to wear masks and carry hand sanitizers.
Six people were confirmed infected, with two deaths. The first death occurred on August 30 and was the index case, from whom others caught the infection.
As of September 24, 915 people are under observation, but none are in the high-risk category. Health authorities have tested 377 samples and received 363 negative results.
Jharkhand CM writes to PM Modi, seeks recognition of Sarna religious code for tribals
Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday, requesting recognition of the Sarna' religious code for tribals. He stated that the state's tribal population has dropped from 38% to 26% in the previous eight decades.
Earlier, the Jharkhand Assembly had unanimously passed a resolution for the inclusion of Sarna' as a separate religion in the census. The tribal community is raising the demand for a Tribal/Sarna Religious Code to protect their traditional religious existence, Soren said in the letter.
"At present, when the demand for Uniform Civil Code is being raised by some organisations, positive initiative on this demand of Tribal/Sarna community is absolutely necessary for their protection," he added.
Earlier, the Jharkhand Assembly had unanimously passed a resolution for the inclusion of Sarna' as a separate religion in the census. The tribal community is raising the demand for a Tribal/Sarna Religious Code to protect their traditional religious existence, Soren said in the letter.
"At present, when the demand for Uniform Civil Code is being raised by some organisations, positive initiative on this demand of Tribal/Sarna community is absolutely necessary for their protection," he added.
Clash erupts near Assam-Meghalaya interstate border
A clash occurred in Lapangap village, a disputed area between Meghalaya's West Jaintia Hills district and Assam's West Karbi Anglong district, involving locals using bows, arrows, and catapults. No injuries were reported.
The situation was brought under control after police teams from both states visited the scene and reassured the locals. The situation remained calm but tense on Wednesday morning, as police forces prevented villagers from congregating at the scene. “We are coordinating with our counterparts in Assam’s West Karbi Anglong district to keep the situation under control,” a senior official of the West Jaintia Hills district said.
The situation was brought under control after police teams from both states visited the scene and reassured the locals. The situation remained calm but tense on Wednesday morning, as police forces prevented villagers from congregating at the scene. “We are coordinating with our counterparts in Assam’s West Karbi Anglong district to keep the situation under control,” a senior official of the West Jaintia Hills district said.
Train goes off track and lands on platform in Mathura, UP, injuring one person
A local train unexpectedly veered onto a platform at Mathura Junction Railway Station, resulting in minor injuries to a woman, as reported by an official on Wednesday. The incident has prompted the Railways to initiate a high-level investigation.
The train, an electric multiple unit (EMU) from Shakurbasti, arrived at platform 2A at 10.50 pm on Tuesday. After all passengers and crew had exited the train, it inexplicably moved down the track and onto the platform before coming to a halt. Himanshu Shekhar Upadhyay, Chief Public Relations Officer of North Central Railways, confirmed that a high-level inquiry would be launched to investigate this unusual occurrence. Meanwhile, train operations on all platforms except 2A have resumed as normal.
The incident had initially disrupted train traffic due to a malfunction in the overhead equipment (OHE), according to officials.
The train, an electric multiple unit (EMU) from Shakurbasti, arrived at platform 2A at 10.50 pm on Tuesday. After all passengers and crew had exited the train, it inexplicably moved down the track and onto the platform before coming to a halt. Himanshu Shekhar Upadhyay, Chief Public Relations Officer of North Central Railways, confirmed that a high-level inquiry would be launched to investigate this unusual occurrence. Meanwhile, train operations on all platforms except 2A have resumed as normal.
The incident had initially disrupted train traffic due to a malfunction in the overhead equipment (OHE), according to officials.
Situation calm but tense in Imphal after students' clash with RAF
The situation remained calm but tense in Imphal's Singjamei area, this morning, after a clash between students and Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel broke out on Tuesday night. The clash left 45 protesters injured.
Locals, mostly students, were protesting the killings of two students, who went missing on July 6. This led RAF personnel to lob tear gas shells and fire rubber bullets at the agitators and baton-charge them. Following the clashes, the state government re-imposed a ban on internet mobile services till October 1 to prevent the spread of misinformation and rumours.
The state government declared a holiday for schools from September 27 to 29, and also relaxed curfew restrictions from 5 am to 9 pm in Imphal East and Imphal West district today. "However, the relaxation shall not include any gathering/sit-in protests/rally without obtaining approval from the competent authority," an official notification stated. But students of some Imphal-based institutions vowed to congregate at their schools, which could lead to more protests later in the day.
Manipur has been witnessing ethnic violence between the Meitei and the Kuki community since May. So far, more than 175 people have been killed and several hundreds injured.
Locals, mostly students, were protesting the killings of two students, who went missing on July 6. This led RAF personnel to lob tear gas shells and fire rubber bullets at the agitators and baton-charge them. Following the clashes, the state government re-imposed a ban on internet mobile services till October 1 to prevent the spread of misinformation and rumours.
The state government declared a holiday for schools from September 27 to 29, and also relaxed curfew restrictions from 5 am to 9 pm in Imphal East and Imphal West district today. "However, the relaxation shall not include any gathering/sit-in protests/rally without obtaining approval from the competent authority," an official notification stated. But students of some Imphal-based institutions vowed to congregate at their schools, which could lead to more protests later in the day.
Manipur has been witnessing ethnic violence between the Meitei and the Kuki community since May. So far, more than 175 people have been killed and several hundreds injured.