As many as 25 flights of Indian airlines received bomb threats on Sunday, causing inconveniences to hundreds of passengers and forcing authorities to move scores of planes to isolation bays at airports concerned for detailed checks.
Over the course of the week, nearly 100 flights received threats sending security agencies into a tizzy. The threats later turned out to be hoaxes.
Six flights each of IndiGo, Vistara, Air India and Akasa Air, and at least one flight of Air India Express received the threats on Sunday, according to PTI’s sources. Against the backdrop of bomb threats, mostly through social media, to airlines, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) held a meeting with representatives of airlines on Saturday.
The civil aviation ministry plans to put in place strict norms to prevent incidents of hoax bomb threats to airlines, including placing the perpetrators in the no-fly list.
Beatroot News: Text-only
Aviation
At least 25 Indian flights got bomb threats on Sunday
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Business
Adani Group to acquire CK Birla group firm Orient Cement at Rs 8,100 crore valuation
Billionaire Gautam Adani-led Adani Group on Tuesday said it will acquire CK Birla group firm Orient Cement at a valuation of Rs 8,100 crore, as part of its expansion drive.
With this acquisition Adani Cement will achieve a capacity of 100 MT (million tonnes) per annum by the end of FY25 and a gain of 2% in the overall market share in the country.
Adani Cement has signed a binding agreement for the acquisition of Orient Cement Ltd (OCL) at an equity value of Rs. 8,100 crore. As per that, its step down unit "Ambuja will acquire 46.8% shares of OCL from its current promoters and certain public shareholders", according to a joint statement.
The acquisition will be fully funded through internal accruals, it added.
The latest acquisition will add 16.6 MTPA capacity to the growth-hungry Adani group firm, which operates through Ambuja Cements in the sector.
With this acquisition Adani Cement will achieve a capacity of 100 MT (million tonnes) per annum by the end of FY25 and a gain of 2% in the overall market share in the country.
Adani Cement has signed a binding agreement for the acquisition of Orient Cement Ltd (OCL) at an equity value of Rs. 8,100 crore. As per that, its step down unit "Ambuja will acquire 46.8% shares of OCL from its current promoters and certain public shareholders", according to a joint statement.
The acquisition will be fully funded through internal accruals, it added.
The latest acquisition will add 16.6 MTPA capacity to the growth-hungry Adani group firm, which operates through Ambuja Cements in the sector.
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City
As Delhi air worsens, GRAP Stage II imposed
Delhiites breathed "very poor" quality air on Monday after 94 days, as the city's average air quality index reached 310, prompting the enforcement of GRAP stage II in the national capital.
With the imposition of the second stage of the Graded Response Action Plan in the city, the use of coal and firewood, including in tandoors at hotels, restaurants, and open eateries, as well as diesel generator sets (except for emergency and essential services), is banned.
GRAP is a set of anti-air pollution measures followed in the national capital and its vicinity according to the severity of the situation. As of early morning Delhi’s AQI was recorded at 214 and the 24-hour average AQI was recorded at 310 at 4 pm on Monday.
It classifies the air quality in the Delhi-NCR under four different stages: Stage I - 'Poor' (AQI 201-300); Stage II - 'Very Poor' (AQI 301-400); Stage III - 'Severe' (AQI 401-450); and Stage IV - 'Severe Plus' (AQI>450).
Out of 36 monitoring stations in the city, 26 are in the red zone, with AQI recorded in the "very poor" category, according to the data on Monday.
With the imposition of the second stage of the Graded Response Action Plan in the city, the use of coal and firewood, including in tandoors at hotels, restaurants, and open eateries, as well as diesel generator sets (except for emergency and essential services), is banned.
GRAP is a set of anti-air pollution measures followed in the national capital and its vicinity according to the severity of the situation. As of early morning Delhi’s AQI was recorded at 214 and the 24-hour average AQI was recorded at 310 at 4 pm on Monday.
It classifies the air quality in the Delhi-NCR under four different stages: Stage I - 'Poor' (AQI 201-300); Stage II - 'Very Poor' (AQI 301-400); Stage III - 'Severe' (AQI 401-450); and Stage IV - 'Severe Plus' (AQI>450).
Out of 36 monitoring stations in the city, 26 are in the red zone, with AQI recorded in the "very poor" category, according to the data on Monday.
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Diplomacy
India sends 30 tonnes of humanitarian aid to Palestine amid Middle East conflict
India has taken a significant step to support Palestine amid the ongoing Middle East conflict, sending an initial shipment of 30 tonnes of humanitarian aid.
The consignment includes essential items such as medicines, surgical supplies, dental products, general medical supplies, and high-energy biscuits.
These supplies will be distributed through the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East. Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, shared the news on X, stating, "India sends humanitarian assistance for the people of Palestine through UNRWA." He added, "The first tranche of assistance, comprising 30 tonnes of medicine and food items, has departed today."
This comes as the World Food Programme recently warned of depleting food supplies in northern Gaza.
The consignment includes essential items such as medicines, surgical supplies, dental products, general medical supplies, and high-energy biscuits.
These supplies will be distributed through the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East. Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, shared the news on X, stating, "India sends humanitarian assistance for the people of Palestine through UNRWA." He added, "The first tranche of assistance, comprising 30 tonnes of medicine and food items, has departed today."
This comes as the World Food Programme recently warned of depleting food supplies in northern Gaza.
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India and China agree to de-escalate border tensions
India on Monday announced it has reached an agreement with China on patrolling along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, in a major breakthrough in ending the over four-year-long military standoff that paves the way for a likely meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Russia this week.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, at a media briefing on Modi's visit to Russia for the BRICS summit, said the agreement was firmed up following negotiations by the two sides over the last several weeks and that it will lead to a resolution of the issues that had arisen in 2020. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said Indian and Chinese soldiers will be able to resume patrolling in the way they had been doing before the border face-off began and the disengagement process with China has been completed.
Prime Minister Modi and President Xi are likely to hold a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in the Russian city of Kazan either today or Wednesday. The ties between the two countries nosedived significantly following the fierce clash in the Galwan Valley in June 2020 that marked the most serious military conflict between the two sides in decades.
The two sides have since disengaged from a number of friction points following a series of military and diplomatic talks in the last couple of years. However, the talks hit hurdles in resolving the situation in Depsang and Demchok. "Over the last several weeks, Indian and Chinese diplomatic and military negotiators have been in close contact with each other in a variety of forums," the foreign secretary said at the media briefing.
"As a result of these discussions, agreement has been reached on patrolling arrangements along the Line of Actual Control in the India-China border areas, leading to disengagement and a resolution of the issues that had arisen in these areas in 2020," he said.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, at a media briefing on Modi's visit to Russia for the BRICS summit, said the agreement was firmed up following negotiations by the two sides over the last several weeks and that it will lead to a resolution of the issues that had arisen in 2020. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said Indian and Chinese soldiers will be able to resume patrolling in the way they had been doing before the border face-off began and the disengagement process with China has been completed.
Prime Minister Modi and President Xi are likely to hold a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in the Russian city of Kazan either today or Wednesday. The ties between the two countries nosedived significantly following the fierce clash in the Galwan Valley in June 2020 that marked the most serious military conflict between the two sides in decades.
The two sides have since disengaged from a number of friction points following a series of military and diplomatic talks in the last couple of years. However, the talks hit hurdles in resolving the situation in Depsang and Demchok. "Over the last several weeks, Indian and Chinese diplomatic and military negotiators have been in close contact with each other in a variety of forums," the foreign secretary said at the media briefing.
"As a result of these discussions, agreement has been reached on patrolling arrangements along the Line of Actual Control in the India-China border areas, leading to disengagement and a resolution of the issues that had arisen in these areas in 2020," he said.
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Election
Maharashtra polls: Amid seat-sharing impasse, Congress leader Thorat meets Sharad Pawar
Congress leader Balasaheb Thorat on Tuesday met NCP (SP) president Sharad Pawar to break the deadlock about seat-sharing among the Maha Vikas Aghadi constituents, especially his party and the Shiv Sena (UBT).
Speaking to reporters, Thorat insisted there was no dispute in the MVA, and discussions were underway for the remaining seats.
The leader of the Congress legislature party said he will also meet Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Tuesday. "We are trying to find a solution," he said.
Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole was not present at the meeting.
Thorat said AICC's Maharashtra in-charge, Ramesh Chennithala, had asked him to meet Pawar and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray. He said discussions will also be held with the NCP (SP) and Shiv Sena (UBT) during the day on releasing the MVA's first list of candidates.
Earlier on Monday, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said that the MVA had reached a consensus on 210 out of 288 Assembly seats, while Patole claimed that discussions had been completed on 96 seats.
Speaking to reporters, Thorat insisted there was no dispute in the MVA, and discussions were underway for the remaining seats.
The leader of the Congress legislature party said he will also meet Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Tuesday. "We are trying to find a solution," he said.
Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole was not present at the meeting.
Thorat said AICC's Maharashtra in-charge, Ramesh Chennithala, had asked him to meet Pawar and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray. He said discussions will also be held with the NCP (SP) and Shiv Sena (UBT) during the day on releasing the MVA's first list of candidates.
Earlier on Monday, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said that the MVA had reached a consensus on 210 out of 288 Assembly seats, while Patole claimed that discussions had been completed on 96 seats.
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'We are pained': Discontentment over candidates' list bug BJP ahead of Jharkhand polls
Discontent was brewing within the Opposition BJP in Jharkhand with several of its leaders, including an incumbent legislator and three former MLAs, switching sides ahead of the Assembly polls, expressing their disappointment over the candidates' list of the party.
Among their grievances was the BJP "ignoring" its own rank and file, and giving nominations to leaders who came from other parties ahead of the elections. Polling for the 81-member Assembly will be held on November 13 and November 20, and the votes will be counted on November 23.
"We are pained. If you see the list, the party has reposed faith in those who joined the BJP from other parties, ignoring its own dedicated workers. Of the 66 candidates declared so far, more than half are those who came from other parties," a BJP leader said. The turncoats who got a BJP nomination were former CM Champai Soren, his son Babulal Soren, Lobin Hembrom, Ganga Narayan, Manju Devi, Geeta Kora, Sita Soren and Ramchandra Chandravanshi, among others.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who is the co-incharge for the assembly polls in Jharkhand, dismissed that there was any major discontentment within the party, maintaining that some resentment after the release of the candidates' list was natural as BJP was a big political party.
Among their grievances was the BJP "ignoring" its own rank and file, and giving nominations to leaders who came from other parties ahead of the elections. Polling for the 81-member Assembly will be held on November 13 and November 20, and the votes will be counted on November 23.
"We are pained. If you see the list, the party has reposed faith in those who joined the BJP from other parties, ignoring its own dedicated workers. Of the 66 candidates declared so far, more than half are those who came from other parties," a BJP leader said. The turncoats who got a BJP nomination were former CM Champai Soren, his son Babulal Soren, Lobin Hembrom, Ganga Narayan, Manju Devi, Geeta Kora, Sita Soren and Ramchandra Chandravanshi, among others.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who is the co-incharge for the assembly polls in Jharkhand, dismissed that there was any major discontentment within the party, maintaining that some resentment after the release of the candidates' list was natural as BJP was a big political party.
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Congress names 21 candidates for Jharkhand Assembly polls
The Congress has released its first list of 21 candidates for the Jharkhand Assembly polls on Monday night, fielding Finance Minister Rameshwar Oraon from the Lohardaga seat reserved for Scheduled Tribes.
Senior Congress leader and the party's in-charge for Tripura, Odisha and Nagaland, Ajoy Kumar, will contest the election from the Jamshedpur East constituency. The former police officer, who has been a Lok Sabha MP from Jamshedpur in the past, is contesting the Assembly polls this time.
Oraon, also a former police officer, is a former Jharkhand Congress chief. Among others, Shipli Neha Tirkey has been fielded from the Mandar (ST) constituency. She is the incumbent MLA from the seat. Her father, Bandhu Tirkey, is the chairman of the Congress's manifesto committee for the Jharkhand polls.
The Congress is in an alliance with the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) in Jharkhand and currently shares power in the eastern state.
The Jharkhand polls will be held in two phases on November 13 and November 20, and the counting of votes will be taken up on November 23.
Senior Congress leader and the party's in-charge for Tripura, Odisha and Nagaland, Ajoy Kumar, will contest the election from the Jamshedpur East constituency. The former police officer, who has been a Lok Sabha MP from Jamshedpur in the past, is contesting the Assembly polls this time.
Oraon, also a former police officer, is a former Jharkhand Congress chief. Among others, Shipli Neha Tirkey has been fielded from the Mandar (ST) constituency. She is the incumbent MLA from the seat. Her father, Bandhu Tirkey, is the chairman of the Congress's manifesto committee for the Jharkhand polls.
The Congress is in an alliance with the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) in Jharkhand and currently shares power in the eastern state.
The Jharkhand polls will be held in two phases on November 13 and November 20, and the counting of votes will be taken up on November 23.
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Election Commission appoints Ajay Kumar Singh as new DGP of poll-bound Jharkhand
The Election Commission on Monday appointed Jharkhand cadre senior-most IPS officer Ajay Kumar Singh as the state DGP, sources said, days after the poll panel removed Anurag Gupta as the acting police chief.
An officer of the 1989 batch of the Indian Police Service, Singh was selected from a panel of three IPS officers whose names were sent by the state government. The names were sent after the poll authority on Saturday ordered the removal of acting DGP Anurag Gupta due to his "history" of election-related misconduct in previous polls.
The state goes to polls in two phases on November 13 and 20.
Gupta, a 1990-batch IPS officer was given charge on July 26 replacing Singh who was then DGP.
An officer of the 1989 batch of the Indian Police Service, Singh was selected from a panel of three IPS officers whose names were sent by the state government. The names were sent after the poll authority on Saturday ordered the removal of acting DGP Anurag Gupta due to his "history" of election-related misconduct in previous polls.
The state goes to polls in two phases on November 13 and 20.
Gupta, a 1990-batch IPS officer was given charge on July 26 replacing Singh who was then DGP.
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Priyanka Gandhi to file nomination for Wayanad bypoll on Wednesday
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will file her nomination for the Wayanad Lok Sabha bypoll on Wednesday, party sources said.
Priyanka Gandhi is the UDF candidate for the Wayanad parliamentary bypoll.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, former party chiefs Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi will be present on the occasion, they said. Congress Chief Ministers, along with prominent national and state leaders, are also likely to be present to show their support, the sources said.
Before filing the nomination, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi will lead a roadshow from Kalpetta New Bus Stand at 11 am. The nomination will be filed before the district collector at 12 noon on October 23, they said.
Priyanka Gandhi is the UDF candidate for the Wayanad parliamentary bypoll.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, former party chiefs Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi will be present on the occasion, they said. Congress Chief Ministers, along with prominent national and state leaders, are also likely to be present to show their support, the sources said.
Before filing the nomination, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi will lead a roadshow from Kalpetta New Bus Stand at 11 am. The nomination will be filed before the district collector at 12 noon on October 23, they said.
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Kamaal Farooqui rejoins Congress ahead of Maharashtra polls
Veteran politician Kamaal Farooqui rejoined the Congress on Monday after nearly two decades, accompanied by his son, Umar Kamaal Farooqui.
Kamaal Farooqui previously served as the chairman of the Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (Minority) and was a member the All India Muslim Personal Law Board.
“The only party that can truly lead and reinstate the spirit of our country is the Congress,” he said.
Kamaal Farooqui previously served as the chairman of the Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (Minority) and was a member the All India Muslim Personal Law Board.
“The only party that can truly lead and reinstate the spirit of our country is the Congress,” he said.
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Omar Abdullah vacates Budgam seat, retains Ganderbal
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah vacated the Budgam Assembly seat on Monday but retained his Ganderbal constituency, as confirmed by pro-tem speaker Mubarak Gul.
Abdullah, 54, won Budgam in the recent elections, defeating People's Democratic Party (PDP) candidate Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi by 18,485 votes. He also secured Ganderbal, a stronghold of the Abdullah family, defeating PDP's Bashir Ahmed Mir by 10,574 votes. Abdullah previously served as the MLA for Ganderbal from 2009 to 2014 during his first term as Chief Minister.
The constituency has been held by his father, Farooq Abdullah, and his grandfather, Sheikh Abdullah, the founder of the National Conference (NC).
With Abdullah's decision to vacate Budgam, the NC's strength in the 95-member Assembly stands at 41.
Abdullah, 54, won Budgam in the recent elections, defeating People's Democratic Party (PDP) candidate Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi by 18,485 votes. He also secured Ganderbal, a stronghold of the Abdullah family, defeating PDP's Bashir Ahmed Mir by 10,574 votes. Abdullah previously served as the MLA for Ganderbal from 2009 to 2014 during his first term as Chief Minister.
The constituency has been held by his father, Farooq Abdullah, and his grandfather, Sheikh Abdullah, the founder of the National Conference (NC).
With Abdullah's decision to vacate Budgam, the NC's strength in the 95-member Assembly stands at 41.
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Suriya Sule fires convenient morality barb at Sena over 'removal' of Gauri Lankesh murder case accused
NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule on Monday claimed the ruling Shiv Sena "removed" an accused in the journalist Gauri Lankesh murder case from the party fold temporarily until elections are over.
Amid backlash, the Shiv Sena led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Sunday stayed the appointment of the accused, Shrikant Pangarkar, to any post in the party in Jalna district.
Pangarkar, who was granted bail by the Karnataka High Court in September, joined the Shiv Sena on Friday in the presence of party leader and former minister Arjun Khotkar, ahead of the Maharashtra assembly polls. A statement from the Shiv Sena on Sunday said that if Pangarkar has been given any party post in Jalna district, the decision has been stayed.
Sule stated that the so-called action of Shiv Sena vis-a-vis Pangarkar was limited to the election period.
"An accused in the Gauri Lankesh murder case was inducted into the party (Shiv Sena) and has been removed. But this would not suffice. The veil of morality has been lifted just for the election time. After polls, such goons will be inducted again," Sule tweeted on X. Lankesh was shot dead outside her home in Bengaluru on September 5, 2017.
A probe by police in Karnataka with assistance from agencies in Maharashtra led to the arrest of several persons.
Pangarkar, a Jalna municipal councillor of the undivided Shiv Sena between 2001 and 2006, was arrested in August 2018. The Karnataka High Court granted him bail on September 4 this year.
Amid backlash, the Shiv Sena led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Sunday stayed the appointment of the accused, Shrikant Pangarkar, to any post in the party in Jalna district.
Pangarkar, who was granted bail by the Karnataka High Court in September, joined the Shiv Sena on Friday in the presence of party leader and former minister Arjun Khotkar, ahead of the Maharashtra assembly polls. A statement from the Shiv Sena on Sunday said that if Pangarkar has been given any party post in Jalna district, the decision has been stayed.
Sule stated that the so-called action of Shiv Sena vis-a-vis Pangarkar was limited to the election period.
"An accused in the Gauri Lankesh murder case was inducted into the party (Shiv Sena) and has been removed. But this would not suffice. The veil of morality has been lifted just for the election time. After polls, such goons will be inducted again," Sule tweeted on X. Lankesh was shot dead outside her home in Bengaluru on September 5, 2017.
A probe by police in Karnataka with assistance from agencies in Maharashtra led to the arrest of several persons.
Pangarkar, a Jalna municipal councillor of the undivided Shiv Sena between 2001 and 2006, was arrested in August 2018. The Karnataka High Court granted him bail on September 4 this year.
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MVA has reached consensus on 210 seats, says Sanjay Raut
The Maha Vikas Aghadi has reached consensus on 210 of the 288 Assembly seats in Maharashtra, which is a "significant achievement", Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said on Monday.
The MVA comprises the Shiv Sena (UBT), the Congress and Sharad Pawar's NCP (SP).
The aim is to ensure the defeat of forces looting Maharashtra, he said in a swipe at the ruling alliance comprising Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena, the BJP and Ajit Pawar-led NCP. "We have arrived at a consensus on 210 seats. It is a significant achievement. We aim to contest polls as a joint force and we will defeat the forces looting Maharashtra," Raut, a Rajya Sabha MP and key strategist for the Shiv Sena (UBT), told reporters.
Raut's comments came amid a flurry of news channel reports that the Uddhav Thackeray-led party may break away from the MVA and contest all 288 seats on its own.
The past few days have seen hectic parleys among the three main opposition parties to finalise a seat-sharing deal, with speculation doing the rounds of the Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT) not being on the same page. The statement from Raut also comes amid speculation of Union Home Minister Amit Shah having a phone conservation with him, hinting at the Shiv Sena (UBT) and BJP, which were allies for decades before going their separate ways in 2019, getting back together.
The two parties had broken of their alliance after the 2019 assembly polls.
The undivided Shiv Sena, at the time, accused the BJP of going back on a promise to share the chief ministerial tenure. The BJP has routinely denied any such agreement. Asked about the phone conversation, Raut said, "The BJP is feeding false news. We know who is doing it. The party fears loss in the assembly polls so is spreading misinformation."
Raut said the BJP engineered a split in the Shiv Sena (in June 2022), brought down Thackeray's MVA government and also ensured the party name and symbol went to the rebel faction led by Eknath Shinde.
"The worst the BJP did was to give the reins of the government to traitors (a term the Uddhav group uses to describe Shinde and rebel MLAs), who have been looting the state for the past couple of years. We (Uddhav faction) have had maximum conflicts with the BJP," Raut further said, underlining the impossibility of a rapprochement.
The MVA comprises the Shiv Sena (UBT), the Congress and Sharad Pawar's NCP (SP).
The aim is to ensure the defeat of forces looting Maharashtra, he said in a swipe at the ruling alliance comprising Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena, the BJP and Ajit Pawar-led NCP. "We have arrived at a consensus on 210 seats. It is a significant achievement. We aim to contest polls as a joint force and we will defeat the forces looting Maharashtra," Raut, a Rajya Sabha MP and key strategist for the Shiv Sena (UBT), told reporters.
Raut's comments came amid a flurry of news channel reports that the Uddhav Thackeray-led party may break away from the MVA and contest all 288 seats on its own.
The past few days have seen hectic parleys among the three main opposition parties to finalise a seat-sharing deal, with speculation doing the rounds of the Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT) not being on the same page. The statement from Raut also comes amid speculation of Union Home Minister Amit Shah having a phone conservation with him, hinting at the Shiv Sena (UBT) and BJP, which were allies for decades before going their separate ways in 2019, getting back together.
The two parties had broken of their alliance after the 2019 assembly polls.
The undivided Shiv Sena, at the time, accused the BJP of going back on a promise to share the chief ministerial tenure. The BJP has routinely denied any such agreement. Asked about the phone conversation, Raut said, "The BJP is feeding false news. We know who is doing it. The party fears loss in the assembly polls so is spreading misinformation."
Raut said the BJP engineered a split in the Shiv Sena (in June 2022), brought down Thackeray's MVA government and also ensured the party name and symbol went to the rebel faction led by Eknath Shinde.
"The worst the BJP did was to give the reins of the government to traitors (a term the Uddhav group uses to describe Shinde and rebel MLAs), who have been looting the state for the past couple of years. We (Uddhav faction) have had maximum conflicts with the BJP," Raut further said, underlining the impossibility of a rapprochement.
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Entertainment
Adar Poonawalla to buy 50% stake in Karan Johar's Dharma Production
Serene Productions, led by Adar Poonawalla, has signed a binding agreement to invest ₹1,000 crore in Karan Johar's Dharma Productions and Dharmatic Entertainment. This investment grants Serene Productions a 50% stake in Dharma, with Johar retaining the other 50%.
Karan Johar will continue to lead the company’s creative vision as executive chairman, while Apoorva Mehta, as CEO, will oversee strategic direction and operational management alongside Johar. “I am delighted to have the opportunity to partner with one of the most iconic production houses in our nation, along with my friend Karan Johar. We hope to build and grow Dharma and scale even greater heights in the years to come,” said Adar Poonawalla while talking about the partnership.
Karan Johar will continue to lead the company’s creative vision as executive chairman, while Apoorva Mehta, as CEO, will oversee strategic direction and operational management alongside Johar. “I am delighted to have the opportunity to partner with one of the most iconic production houses in our nation, along with my friend Karan Johar. We hope to build and grow Dharma and scale even greater heights in the years to come,” said Adar Poonawalla while talking about the partnership.
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International
PM Modi arrives in Kazan for BRICS Summit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Kazan (Russia) on Tuesday to attend the 16th BRICS Summit, where he is likely to hold bilateral meetings, including with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
India values close cooperation within BRICS which has emerged as an important platform for dialogue and discussion on a range of key issues concerning the global developmental agenda, Modi said in a statement before embarking on a two-day visit to the Kazan, about 900 km east of Moscow. Being hosted by Russia, the summit is being seen as an attempt by non-Western powers to project their clout amid the conflict in Ukraine and the escalating situation in West Asia.
Modi is expected to hold a series of bilateral meetings, including with the Russian president and Chinese President Xi Jinping, on the margins of the summit.
India values close cooperation within BRICS which has emerged as an important platform for dialogue and discussion on a range of key issues concerning the global developmental agenda, Modi said in a statement before embarking on a two-day visit to the Kazan, about 900 km east of Moscow. Being hosted by Russia, the summit is being seen as an attempt by non-Western powers to project their clout amid the conflict in Ukraine and the escalating situation in West Asia.
Modi is expected to hold a series of bilateral meetings, including with the Russian president and Chinese President Xi Jinping, on the margins of the summit.
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Hezbollah fires rockets at Israeli military bases ahead of Blinken's ceasefire talks
Hezbollah launched multiple rocket strikes early Tuesday, targeting two key Israeli military bases near Tel Aviv and a naval base west of Haifa, just ahead of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's arrival in Israel for renewed ceasefire negotiations.
The conflict, part of the broader Gaza war and Hezbollah’s escalating confrontation with Israel has intensified in recent weeks following a year of sporadic exchanges along Lebanon's southern border. Hezbollah stated it targeted the Glilot base, used by Israel’s Unit 8200 military Intelligence, and the Nirit area near Tel Aviv, as well as a naval base outside Haifa.
Israeli authorities confirmed air sirens were activated southeast of Tel Aviv, indicating a projectile from Lebanon had landed in an open area. There were no immediate reports of casualties from the attacks.
The conflict, part of the broader Gaza war and Hezbollah’s escalating confrontation with Israel has intensified in recent weeks following a year of sporadic exchanges along Lebanon's southern border. Hezbollah stated it targeted the Glilot base, used by Israel’s Unit 8200 military Intelligence, and the Nirit area near Tel Aviv, as well as a naval base outside Haifa.
Israeli authorities confirmed air sirens were activated southeast of Tel Aviv, indicating a projectile from Lebanon had landed in an open area. There were no immediate reports of casualties from the attacks.
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India is hoping to extradite 26/11 accused Tahawwur Rana before year-end
The Indian government is preparing for the iminent extradition of Canadian-Pakistani citizen Tahawwur Rana, who played a role in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, from the US, according to Indian Express.
According to sources, Rana could be extradited latest by the second half of December. Sources said officials — including those from Central investigative agencies and legal departments of both countries — recently held a meeting in this regard at the US Embassy in Delhi.
“In the meeting, which lasted around three hours, Rana’s extradition was a key point of discussion. The talks focused on what preparations and logistics need to be in place by the Indian government to facilitate the extradition, as well as Rana’s jail arrangements once he arrives,” a source said. Rana was a childhood friend of David Headley. Headley, a US citizen, was arrested in October 2009 by US authorities and sentenced to 35 years in prison for his involvement in the Mumbai attacks.
Headley told prosecutors that in July 2006, he had travelled to Chicago to meet Rana and told him of the mission that the LeT had assigned him. Rana approved Headley’s plan to establish a First World Immigration Services centre in Mumbai and helped him obtain a five-year business visa.
According to sources, Rana could be extradited latest by the second half of December. Sources said officials — including those from Central investigative agencies and legal departments of both countries — recently held a meeting in this regard at the US Embassy in Delhi.
“In the meeting, which lasted around three hours, Rana’s extradition was a key point of discussion. The talks focused on what preparations and logistics need to be in place by the Indian government to facilitate the extradition, as well as Rana’s jail arrangements once he arrives,” a source said. Rana was a childhood friend of David Headley. Headley, a US citizen, was arrested in October 2009 by US authorities and sentenced to 35 years in prison for his involvement in the Mumbai attacks.
Headley told prosecutors that in July 2006, he had travelled to Chicago to meet Rana and told him of the mission that the LeT had assigned him. Rana approved Headley’s plan to establish a First World Immigration Services centre in Mumbai and helped him obtain a five-year business visa.
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No chief to succeed Sinwar; Hamas to be led by committee
Hamas is leaning in on appointing a Doha-based ruling committee rather than a single successor to its chief Yahya Sinwar, who was killed by Israeli troops last week, according to a report in AFP that quotes two Hamas sources.
"The Hamas leadership's approach is not to appoint a successor to the late chief, the martyr Yahya Sinwar, until their next elections" scheduled for March "if conditions permit", a well-informed source from the group told AFP. A five-member committee that was formed in August following the assassination of political chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran "will take over the leadership of the group", the source added. All current members of the committee are based in Qatar.
The committee is reportedly tasked with "governing the movement during the war and exceptional circumstances, as well as its future plans".
Sinwar was named the Gaza chief of the militant group in 2017, before rising to become the overall leader of Hamas after Haniyeh was assassinated in July.
"The Hamas leadership's approach is not to appoint a successor to the late chief, the martyr Yahya Sinwar, until their next elections" scheduled for March "if conditions permit", a well-informed source from the group told AFP. A five-member committee that was formed in August following the assassination of political chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran "will take over the leadership of the group", the source added. All current members of the committee are based in Qatar.
The committee is reportedly tasked with "governing the movement during the war and exceptional circumstances, as well as its future plans".
Sinwar was named the Gaza chief of the militant group in 2017, before rising to become the overall leader of Hamas after Haniyeh was assassinated in July.
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President Muizzu introduces UPI payment service to boost Maldivian economy
Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has taken "necessary steps" to introduce India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in the archipelago nation.
Developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), UPI is an instant real-time payment system for facilitating inter-bank transactions through mobile phones.
Muizzu has set up a consortium to introduce UPI in the country and appointed TradeNet Maldives Corporation Limited as its leading agency, according to a press release by the President's Office. The president also suggested the participation of the country's banks, telecom companies, state-owned companies and fintech companies in the consortium.
"This move is expected to bring significant benefits to the Maldivian economy, including increased financial inclusion, improved efficiency in financial transactions, and enhanced digital infrastructure," the press release added.
Developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), UPI is an instant real-time payment system for facilitating inter-bank transactions through mobile phones.
Muizzu has set up a consortium to introduce UPI in the country and appointed TradeNet Maldives Corporation Limited as its leading agency, according to a press release by the President's Office. The president also suggested the participation of the country's banks, telecom companies, state-owned companies and fintech companies in the consortium.
"This move is expected to bring significant benefits to the Maldivian economy, including increased financial inclusion, improved efficiency in financial transactions, and enhanced digital infrastructure," the press release added.
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Israeli airstrikes target Hezbollah-linked bank branches in Beirut
Israeli airstrikes targeted branches of Al-Qard Al-Hassan, a bank linked to Hezbollah, in Lebanon late last night.
These branches, which serve civilians in Shia Muslim communities where Hezbollah has a strong influence, are often located on the ground floors of residential buildings in busy districts.
The bank has been under U.S. sanctions since 2007, accused of facilitating Hezbollah’s financial activities with Iranian support. The strikes occurred about 20 minutes after the Israeli military issued evacuation orders, hitting areas in southern Beirut, including Hezbollah strongholds. Chaos erupted as residents fled to safer locations, while thick plumes of smoke filled the air.
According to Lebanon’s state news agency, 11 strikes hit Dahieh in Beirut, with additional strikes in the south and Bekaa Valley. One attack took place near the country’s only functioning commercial airport.
These branches, which serve civilians in Shia Muslim communities where Hezbollah has a strong influence, are often located on the ground floors of residential buildings in busy districts.
The bank has been under U.S. sanctions since 2007, accused of facilitating Hezbollah’s financial activities with Iranian support. The strikes occurred about 20 minutes after the Israeli military issued evacuation orders, hitting areas in southern Beirut, including Hezbollah strongholds. Chaos erupted as residents fled to safer locations, while thick plumes of smoke filled the air.
According to Lebanon’s state news agency, 11 strikes hit Dahieh in Beirut, with additional strikes in the south and Bekaa Valley. One attack took place near the country’s only functioning commercial airport.
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Pakistan's Senate passes constitutional amendment Bill
The Pakistan Senate has passed the controversial 26th Constitution Amendment Bill, capping the Chief Justice’s tenure for three years, amid opposition from jailed former prime minister Imran Khan's party.
The Upper House of the Parliament voted 65-4 to approve the 26th Constitutional Amendment Bill with the required two-thirds majority. The government needed the support of 64 members. The Bill, approved by the cabinet earlier in the day with the consensus among the ruling coalition partners, was presented in the Senate by Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar.
"I... wish to introduce a bill further to amend the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the Constitution 26th Amendment Bill, 2024,” Tarar said as he presented the bill in the upper house. "Is it opposed?" asked Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani, to which he received no response from the Senate members.
The Bill included 22 clauses of amendments. The Upper House passed the Bill clause-wise and all clauses got the support of 65 senators.
The magic number was achieved after Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl's five senators and two lawmakers of Balochistan National Party-Mengal voted in favour of the Bill.
The Upper House of the Parliament voted 65-4 to approve the 26th Constitutional Amendment Bill with the required two-thirds majority. The government needed the support of 64 members. The Bill, approved by the cabinet earlier in the day with the consensus among the ruling coalition partners, was presented in the Senate by Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar.
"I... wish to introduce a bill further to amend the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the Constitution 26th Amendment Bill, 2024,” Tarar said as he presented the bill in the upper house. "Is it opposed?" asked Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani, to which he received no response from the Senate members.
The Bill included 22 clauses of amendments. The Upper House passed the Bill clause-wise and all clauses got the support of 65 senators.
The magic number was achieved after Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl's five senators and two lawmakers of Balochistan National Party-Mengal voted in favour of the Bill.
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Trump takes jab at Kamala Harris during McDonald’s fry cook stint in Pennsylvania
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump briefly stepped into the role of a fry cook at a McDonald's in Pennsylvania on Sunday, taking the opportunity to mock his Democratic rival, Kamala Harris.
Trump quipped, “I’ve worked 15 minutes more than Kamala,” referring to Harris' claims of a middle-class background and past work at McDonald’s, which she often highlights in campaign ads and speeches. During his stop at the McDonald's in Feasterville-Trevose, Trump donned an apron and cooked french fries, following instructions from an employee.
The restaurant was closed to the public during his visit, and the people he served had been pre-screened by the US Secret Service and positioned before his arrival.
When asked about why he thinks Harris faked her McDonald claim, Trump responded, “Because she’s Lyin’ Kamala.”
Trump quipped, “I’ve worked 15 minutes more than Kamala,” referring to Harris' claims of a middle-class background and past work at McDonald’s, which she often highlights in campaign ads and speeches. During his stop at the McDonald's in Feasterville-Trevose, Trump donned an apron and cooked french fries, following instructions from an employee.
The restaurant was closed to the public during his visit, and the people he served had been pre-screened by the US Secret Service and positioned before his arrival.
When asked about why he thinks Harris faked her McDonald claim, Trump responded, “Because she’s Lyin’ Kamala.”
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Israel destroying north Gaza through death and displacement: UN
The UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) says it is concerned Israel “may be causing the destruction of the Palestinian population in Gaza’s northernmost governorate through death and displacement”.
The organisation said it is particularly the case around Jabalya, Beit Lahiya and Beit Hanoun, where over 87 Palestinians were killed or are missing after an Israeli attack that levelled an entire residential block. “While the Israeli military has demanded that all civilians leave north Gaza, it has continued to relentlessly bomb and attack the area, especially in and around Jabalya Camp. These attacks have made it extremely dangerous for civilians to flee,” the UN Human Rights Office added, saying it has received reports over the last weeks of Palestinians being targeted while fleeing.
The organisation said it is particularly the case around Jabalya, Beit Lahiya and Beit Hanoun, where over 87 Palestinians were killed or are missing after an Israeli attack that levelled an entire residential block. “While the Israeli military has demanded that all civilians leave north Gaza, it has continued to relentlessly bomb and attack the area, especially in and around Jabalya Camp. These attacks have made it extremely dangerous for civilians to flee,” the UN Human Rights Office added, saying it has received reports over the last weeks of Palestinians being targeted while fleeing.
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India has highest number of persons living in poverty: UN report
A total of 234 million people live below the poverty line in India, making it the highest in the world according to a report released by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI).
It said that 1.1 billion people live in acute poverty worldwide, with 40% living in countries experiencing war, fragility and/or low peacefulness, according to at least one of the three widely used datasets of conflict settings. India is among five countries which account for nearly half, or 48.1% of the 1.1 billion living in poverty. The other four countries are Pakistan (93 million), Ethiopia (86 million), Nigeria (74 million) and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (66 million).
Multidimensional poverty was measured by constructing a deprivation profile for each household and person in it covering 10 indicators of health, education and standard of living.
It said that 1.1 billion people live in acute poverty worldwide, with 40% living in countries experiencing war, fragility and/or low peacefulness, according to at least one of the three widely used datasets of conflict settings. India is among five countries which account for nearly half, or 48.1% of the 1.1 billion living in poverty. The other four countries are Pakistan (93 million), Ethiopia (86 million), Nigeria (74 million) and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (66 million).
Multidimensional poverty was measured by constructing a deprivation profile for each household and person in it covering 10 indicators of health, education and standard of living.
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Legal
Secularism always held to be part of Constitution's basic structure: Supreme Court
The Supreme Court on Monday said secularism has always been held to be part and parcel of the basic structure of the Indian Constitution, and the terms "socialist" and "secular" need not be considered like a western concept.
The words "socialist" and "secular" were inserted into the Preamble to the Constitution under the 42nd constitutional amendment moved by the Indira Gandhi government in 1976.
The amendment changed the description of India in the Preamble from a "sovereign, democratic republic" to a "sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic republic". A bench comprising Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Sanjay Kumar made the remark while hearing a batch of petitions filed by former Rajya Sabha MP Subramanian Swamy, advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain and others, who have challenged the inclusion of the words "socialist" and "secular" in the Preamble to the Constitution.
"This court has, in a number of judgments, held that secularism was always part of the basic structure of the Constitution. If one looks at the right to equality and the word 'fraternity' used in the Constitution, there is a clear indication that secularism has been held as the core feature of the Constitution," the bench said.
The words "socialist" and "secular" were inserted into the Preamble to the Constitution under the 42nd constitutional amendment moved by the Indira Gandhi government in 1976.
The amendment changed the description of India in the Preamble from a "sovereign, democratic republic" to a "sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic republic". A bench comprising Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Sanjay Kumar made the remark while hearing a batch of petitions filed by former Rajya Sabha MP Subramanian Swamy, advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain and others, who have challenged the inclusion of the words "socialist" and "secular" in the Preamble to the Constitution.
"This court has, in a number of judgments, held that secularism was always part of the basic structure of the Constitution. If one looks at the right to equality and the word 'fraternity' used in the Constitution, there is a clear indication that secularism has been held as the core feature of the Constitution," the bench said.
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Supreme Court refuses to stay ongoing Grade-I posts exam in Telangana
The Supreme Court on Monday refused to stay the ongoing examination conducted by the Telangana Public Service Commission (TGPSC) to fill up 563 Grade-I posts in various government departments.
“The examination is to commence at 2 pm… There will be chaos if we stay the exam at this stage,” said a Bench comprising Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, when senior lawyer Kapil Sibal, appearing for a petitioner, pressed for an interim stay. “The exam is to happen today. Students have already entered the exam centres," the Bench noted.
Sibal submitted the aspirants would lose out on the chance to appear in the exam being conducted for the first time in the state.
Group-I mains examination conducted by the TGPSC commenced on Monday and will continue till October 27 for the 563 vacancies. A total of 31,383 candidates have qualified for the mains exam. These exams were being held for the first time since the formation of Telangana and 2011, when it was last held.
The quota policy, being followed by the TGPSC as per a government order (GO), has been challenged in the apex court by one Pogula Rambabu. The top court noted the Telangana High Court was seized of the matter and asked it to decide the matter before the declaration of the results.
Candidates have been protesting against the GO seeking rescheduling of the examinations on the grounds that SCs (scheduled castes), STs (scheduled tribes) and backward classes suffer under its reservation provisions.
“The examination is to commence at 2 pm… There will be chaos if we stay the exam at this stage,” said a Bench comprising Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, when senior lawyer Kapil Sibal, appearing for a petitioner, pressed for an interim stay. “The exam is to happen today. Students have already entered the exam centres," the Bench noted.
Sibal submitted the aspirants would lose out on the chance to appear in the exam being conducted for the first time in the state.
Group-I mains examination conducted by the TGPSC commenced on Monday and will continue till October 27 for the 563 vacancies. A total of 31,383 candidates have qualified for the mains exam. These exams were being held for the first time since the formation of Telangana and 2011, when it was last held.
The quota policy, being followed by the TGPSC as per a government order (GO), has been challenged in the apex court by one Pogula Rambabu. The top court noted the Telangana High Court was seized of the matter and asked it to decide the matter before the declaration of the results.
Candidates have been protesting against the GO seeking rescheduling of the examinations on the grounds that SCs (scheduled castes), STs (scheduled tribes) and backward classes suffer under its reservation provisions.
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Remarks on PM's degree: Arvind Kejriwal faces defamation trial in Gujarat
Former Delhi Chief Minister and AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal is facing criminal proceedings in a defamation case over his alleged remarks over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's educational qualification after the Supreme Court on Monday dismissed his plea to quash the summons.
A Gujarat Metropolitan court had summoned Kejriwal and AAP's Sanjay Singh in the defamation case over their alleged "sarcastic" and "derogatory" statements related to PM Modi's educational degrees. Gujarat University Registrar Piyush Patel had filed the defamation case against the politicians over their alleged comments after the Gujarat High Court set aside an order of the chief information commissioner (CIC) for providing information about Modi's degrees under the Right to Information Act.
A Bench of Justices Hrishikesh Roy and S V N Bhatti noted that a separate Bench of the apex court had junked the plea filed by AAP leader Sanjay Singh on April 8 in the same case, who is a co-accused in the case.
"We must have a consistent approach. Having regard to that view, we would not like to entertain the present plea. The same is dismissed," said the bench. The top court, however, said all contentions were left open to be decided in the trial and it was expressing no opinion on the merits of the case.
Senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi, appearing for Kejriwal, submitted Patel was not an aggrieved party in the matter.
"If at all the statement was defamatory, it is for Modi to file a criminal defamation case and not for the Gujarat University registrar," he said. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the University, said a separate Bench of the apex court had already dismissed Singh's petition on April 8.
Mehta said the degree had been uploaded on the university website and referred to the dismissal of the CIC order by the Gujarat High Court.
Arguing that no case of defamation was made out, Singhvi stated that Kejriwal merely asked why the university was not publishing Modi's degree. The bench, however, rejected Kejriwal's plea.
A Gujarat Metropolitan court had summoned Kejriwal and AAP's Sanjay Singh in the defamation case over their alleged "sarcastic" and "derogatory" statements related to PM Modi's educational degrees. Gujarat University Registrar Piyush Patel had filed the defamation case against the politicians over their alleged comments after the Gujarat High Court set aside an order of the chief information commissioner (CIC) for providing information about Modi's degrees under the Right to Information Act.
A Bench of Justices Hrishikesh Roy and S V N Bhatti noted that a separate Bench of the apex court had junked the plea filed by AAP leader Sanjay Singh on April 8 in the same case, who is a co-accused in the case.
"We must have a consistent approach. Having regard to that view, we would not like to entertain the present plea. The same is dismissed," said the bench. The top court, however, said all contentions were left open to be decided in the trial and it was expressing no opinion on the merits of the case.
Senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi, appearing for Kejriwal, submitted Patel was not an aggrieved party in the matter.
"If at all the statement was defamatory, it is for Modi to file a criminal defamation case and not for the Gujarat University registrar," he said. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the University, said a separate Bench of the apex court had already dismissed Singh's petition on April 8.
Mehta said the degree had been uploaded on the university website and referred to the dismissal of the CIC order by the Gujarat High Court.
Arguing that no case of defamation was made out, Singhvi stated that Kejriwal merely asked why the university was not publishing Modi's degree. The bench, however, rejected Kejriwal's plea.
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Supreme Court restrains Karnataka from declaring results of half-yearly exams of classes 8 to 10
The Supreme Court on Monday pulled up the Karnataka government for "harassing" students by conducting board exams for different classes, and restrained it from declaring results of board examinations of classes 8, 9 and 10 till further orders.
A Bench of Justices Bela M Trivedi and Satish Chandra Sharma directed that if the exam has not been conducted in any district, then it shall not be taken. "Why are you harassing the students? You are the state. You should not behave like this. Don't make it an ego issue. If you are really concerned about the welfare of students, then please open good schools. Don't throttle them,” the Bench told senior advocate Devadatt Kamat, appearing for the Karnataka government.
The Bench said no other state follows this model of education which is being followed by the Karnataka government.
Kamat said that the state government has withdrawn a circular for conducting board examinations for students of classes 5, 8, 9 and 10 in the current academic year in seven rural districts of the state.
A Bench of Justices Bela M Trivedi and Satish Chandra Sharma directed that if the exam has not been conducted in any district, then it shall not be taken. "Why are you harassing the students? You are the state. You should not behave like this. Don't make it an ego issue. If you are really concerned about the welfare of students, then please open good schools. Don't throttle them,” the Bench told senior advocate Devadatt Kamat, appearing for the Karnataka government.
The Bench said no other state follows this model of education which is being followed by the Karnataka government.
Kamat said that the state government has withdrawn a circular for conducting board examinations for students of classes 5, 8, 9 and 10 in the current academic year in seven rural districts of the state.
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Supreme Court grants two weeks more to expert panel to file report on NEET-UG reforms
The Supreme Court on Monday extended by two weeks the time granted to the Centre-appointed seven-member expert panel to file its report on exam reforms after reviewing the National Testing Agency's functioning in holding the NEET-UG.
The top court on August 2 passed its formal order and expanded the remit of the seven-member expert panel.
The NEET-UG is conducted by the NTA for admission in undergraduate medical programmes. The panel is headed by former Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chief K Radhakrishnan, and will review the functioning of the National Testing Agency (NTA) and recommend exam reforms to make the controversy-ridden NEET-UG (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test Undergraduate), transparent and free from malpractices.
The top court had also refused to annul the NEET-UG of 2024, saying there was no sufficient material on record at present to indicate a systemic leak or malpractice compromising the integrity of the examination.
The top court on August 2 passed its formal order and expanded the remit of the seven-member expert panel.
The NEET-UG is conducted by the NTA for admission in undergraduate medical programmes. The panel is headed by former Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chief K Radhakrishnan, and will review the functioning of the National Testing Agency (NTA) and recommend exam reforms to make the controversy-ridden NEET-UG (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test Undergraduate), transparent and free from malpractices.
The top court had also refused to annul the NEET-UG of 2024, saying there was no sufficient material on record at present to indicate a systemic leak or malpractice compromising the integrity of the examination.
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Prayed to God for a solution to Ayodhya dispute: CJI Chandrachud
Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud on Sunday said he had prayed to God for a solution to the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute and asserted God will find a way if one has faith.
"Very often we have cases (to adjudicate) but we don't arrive at a solution. Something similar happened during the Ayodhya (Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute) which was in front of me for three months. I sat before the deity and told him he needs to find a solution," he said.
Asserting that he prays regularly, the CJI said, "Believe me, if you have faith, God will always find a way." On November 9, 2019, a five-judge bench of the Supreme Court headed by then Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi settled a fractious issue that went back more than a century by paving the way for the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya.
The bench also ruled that a mosque will come up on an alternative five-acre plot in Ayodhya itself.
CJI Chandrachud was part of the bench that delivered the historic verdict.
"Very often we have cases (to adjudicate) but we don't arrive at a solution. Something similar happened during the Ayodhya (Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute) which was in front of me for three months. I sat before the deity and told him he needs to find a solution," he said.
Asserting that he prays regularly, the CJI said, "Believe me, if you have faith, God will always find a way." On November 9, 2019, a five-judge bench of the Supreme Court headed by then Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi settled a fractious issue that went back more than a century by paving the way for the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya.
The bench also ruled that a mosque will come up on an alternative five-acre plot in Ayodhya itself.
CJI Chandrachud was part of the bench that delivered the historic verdict.
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Markets
Markets rebound in early trade amid buying in blue-chip stocks
Equity market benchmark indices rebounded in early trade today amid buying in blue-chip stocks and persistent fund inflows by domestic institutional investors.
After falling in the previous trade, the BSE Sensex bounced back and climbed 239.33 points to 81,390.60 in early trade. The NSE Nifty went up by 72.95 points to 24,854.05. From the 30 Sensex pack, UltraTech Cement, Titan, Infosys, ICICI Bank, Power Grid, Tech Mahindra, Nestle and Bajaj Finserv were among the biggest gainers.
Tata Steel, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Tata Motors and NTPC were among the laggards. Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) bought equities worth Rs 3,225.91 crore on Monday, according to exchange data. However, Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) offloaded equities worth Rs 2,261.83 crore
In Asian markets, Shanghai and Hong Kong quoted higher while Seoul and Tokyo were trading lower. The US markets ended on a mixed note on Monday.
Global oil benchmark Brent crude dipped 0.24% to USD 74.11 a barrel.
After falling in the previous trade, the BSE Sensex bounced back and climbed 239.33 points to 81,390.60 in early trade. The NSE Nifty went up by 72.95 points to 24,854.05. From the 30 Sensex pack, UltraTech Cement, Titan, Infosys, ICICI Bank, Power Grid, Tech Mahindra, Nestle and Bajaj Finserv were among the biggest gainers.
Tata Steel, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Tata Motors and NTPC were among the laggards. Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) bought equities worth Rs 3,225.91 crore on Monday, according to exchange data. However, Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) offloaded equities worth Rs 2,261.83 crore
In Asian markets, Shanghai and Hong Kong quoted higher while Seoul and Tokyo were trading lower. The US markets ended on a mixed note on Monday.
Global oil benchmark Brent crude dipped 0.24% to USD 74.11 a barrel.
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Stock markets close lower on sharp fall in Kotak Bank, unabated foreign fund outflows
Equity benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty gave up initial gains and ended lower on Monday tracking a sharp fall in Kotak Mahindra Bank and relentless foreign fund outflows.
The 30-share Sensex declined 73.48 points or 0.09% to settle at 81,151.27. The barometer shot 545 points at the opening but succumbed to selling pressure later and hit a low of 80,811.23. The index gyrated 958.79 points between the day's high and the low level. The NSE Nifty dipped 72.95 points or 0.29% to 24,781.10.
From the 30 Sensex firms, Kotak Mahindra Bank tanked over 4% after the company's quarterly earnings failed to cheer investors.
Bajaj Finserv, IndusInd Bank, Adani Ports, UltraTech Cement, Bajaj Finance, Tata Consultancy Services, Infosys, Bharti Airtel, Hindustan Unilever and JSW Steel were the other big laggards. HDFC Bank climbed nearly 3% after the firm on Saturday reported a 6% increase in September quarter net profit to Rs 17,825.91 crore on a consolidated basis.
On a standalone basis, the largest private sector lender's post-tax net grew to Rs 16,820.97 crore during the reporting period, as against Rs 15,976.11 crore in the year-ago period.
Asian Paints, Mahindra & Mahindra, Reliance Industries, Maruti and Tech Mahindra were also among the gainers.
The 30-share Sensex declined 73.48 points or 0.09% to settle at 81,151.27. The barometer shot 545 points at the opening but succumbed to selling pressure later and hit a low of 80,811.23. The index gyrated 958.79 points between the day's high and the low level. The NSE Nifty dipped 72.95 points or 0.29% to 24,781.10.
From the 30 Sensex firms, Kotak Mahindra Bank tanked over 4% after the company's quarterly earnings failed to cheer investors.
Bajaj Finserv, IndusInd Bank, Adani Ports, UltraTech Cement, Bajaj Finance, Tata Consultancy Services, Infosys, Bharti Airtel, Hindustan Unilever and JSW Steel were the other big laggards. HDFC Bank climbed nearly 3% after the firm on Saturday reported a 6% increase in September quarter net profit to Rs 17,825.91 crore on a consolidated basis.
On a standalone basis, the largest private sector lender's post-tax net grew to Rs 16,820.97 crore during the reporting period, as against Rs 15,976.11 crore in the year-ago period.
Asian Paints, Mahindra & Mahindra, Reliance Industries, Maruti and Tech Mahindra were also among the gainers.
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Markets give up initial gains dragged by sharp fall in Kotak Bank
Equity benchmark indices began the trade on a buoyant note today, helped by buying in blue-chip HDFC Bank, but later gave up all the initial gains amid a sharp fall in Kotak Mahindra Bank and unabated foreign fund outflows.
The BSE Sensex jumped 545.27 points to 81,770.02 in early trade. The NSE Nifty climbed 124.25 points to 24,978.30.
However, soon the benchmark indices succumbed to profit-taking and were trading lower. The BSE benchmark gauge quoted 136.52 points down at 81,060.86 and the Nifty traded 100.70 points lower at 24,753.35. From the 30 Sensex firms, Titan, HDFC Bank, Asian Paints, Axis Bank, Tata Steel and HCL Technologies were among the biggest gainers.
Kotak Mahindra Bank, Bharti Airtel, IndusInd Bank, Mahindra & Mahindra and NTPC were among the laggards.
Kotak Mahindra Bank tanked over 5% after the company's quarterly earnings failed to cheer investors. In Asian markets, Seoul, Tokyo and Shanghai were trading in the positive territory while Hong Kong quoted lower. The US markets ended higher on Friday.
Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) offloaded equities worth Rs 5,485.70 crore on Friday, according to exchange data. However, Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) bought equities worth Rs 5,214.83 crore.
Global oil benchmark Brent crude climbed 0.44% to USD 73.38 a barrel.
The BSE Sensex jumped 545.27 points to 81,770.02 in early trade. The NSE Nifty climbed 124.25 points to 24,978.30.
However, soon the benchmark indices succumbed to profit-taking and were trading lower. The BSE benchmark gauge quoted 136.52 points down at 81,060.86 and the Nifty traded 100.70 points lower at 24,753.35. From the 30 Sensex firms, Titan, HDFC Bank, Asian Paints, Axis Bank, Tata Steel and HCL Technologies were among the biggest gainers.
Kotak Mahindra Bank, Bharti Airtel, IndusInd Bank, Mahindra & Mahindra and NTPC were among the laggards.
Kotak Mahindra Bank tanked over 5% after the company's quarterly earnings failed to cheer investors. In Asian markets, Seoul, Tokyo and Shanghai were trading in the positive territory while Hong Kong quoted lower. The US markets ended higher on Friday.
Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) offloaded equities worth Rs 5,485.70 crore on Friday, according to exchange data. However, Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) bought equities worth Rs 5,214.83 crore.
Global oil benchmark Brent crude climbed 0.44% to USD 73.38 a barrel.
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National
85 Indians discharged from Russian military: Foreign secretary
As many as 85 Indian nationals have been discharged from the Russian military so far and efforts are on to secure the release of 20 more Indians, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said.
The Indian side is expected to take up the issue of discharge of the remaining Indians when Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds a bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday on the margins of the BRICS Summit in the Russian city of Kazan, people familiar with the matter said. Modi had strongly raised the issue of early discharge of the Indian nationals working in the Russian Army during his talks with Putin in Moscow in July.
The Indian side is in "very close touch" with interlocutors in the foreign and defence ministries of Russia on the issue of Indians "who were, illegally or otherwise, contracted into fighting in the Russian Army", Misri said at a media briefing.
The Indian side is expected to take up the issue of discharge of the remaining Indians when Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds a bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday on the margins of the BRICS Summit in the Russian city of Kazan, people familiar with the matter said. Modi had strongly raised the issue of early discharge of the Indian nationals working in the Russian Army during his talks with Putin in Moscow in July.
The Indian side is in "very close touch" with interlocutors in the foreign and defence ministries of Russia on the issue of Indians "who were, illegally or otherwise, contracted into fighting in the Russian Army", Misri said at a media briefing.
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Three CRPF schools get hoax threat email
The CRPF has received a hoax threat e-mail claiming that its three schools in Delhi and Telangana will be targeted by improvised explosives, official sources said Tuesday.
The schools- one each in Rohini and Dwarka of Delhi and one in Medchal near Hyderabad - are safe and functioning normally, the sources said.
The suspicious email was received by the CRPF Monday night. It claimed that the improvised devises may explode on the three premises by 11 am Tuesday. Anti-sabotage checks were carried out and nothing suspicious was found, the sources said.
The threat email comes a day after a blast along the boundary wall of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) school in Prashant Vihar area of Rohini in the national capital.
Security and Intelligence agencies are probing the role of Khalistani supporters in the Sunday morning blast.
The schools- one each in Rohini and Dwarka of Delhi and one in Medchal near Hyderabad - are safe and functioning normally, the sources said.
The suspicious email was received by the CRPF Monday night. It claimed that the improvised devises may explode on the three premises by 11 am Tuesday. Anti-sabotage checks were carried out and nothing suspicious was found, the sources said.
The threat email comes a day after a blast along the boundary wall of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) school in Prashant Vihar area of Rohini in the national capital.
Security and Intelligence agencies are probing the role of Khalistani supporters in the Sunday morning blast.
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Sender of threat message seeking Rs 5 crore from Salman Khan now apologises
The Mumbai traffic police have received an apology from a mobile phone number that was earlier used to send a threat message demanding Rs 5 crore from Bollywood actor Salman Khan, officials said on Tuesday.
The apology message was received on the WhatsApp helpline of the traffic police on Monday, an official said without elaborating.
During the probe, it was confirmed that the apology was sent from the same mobile number which had been used for sending the threat message, he said. The city’s traffic control room on Thursday received the Rs 5 crore threat message on its WhatsApp helpline, police earlier said. The sender had also said the threat should not be taken lightly, they said.
A case was subsequently registered at Worli police station under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for threat and extortion.
The superstar had earlier received death threats from the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. Bishnoi gang members also opened fire outside the actor’s Bandra home in April this year, as per police.
A few months back, the Navi Mumbai police uncovered a plot by the Bishnoi gang to kill Khan.
The apology message was received on the WhatsApp helpline of the traffic police on Monday, an official said without elaborating.
During the probe, it was confirmed that the apology was sent from the same mobile number which had been used for sending the threat message, he said. The city’s traffic control room on Thursday received the Rs 5 crore threat message on its WhatsApp helpline, police earlier said. The sender had also said the threat should not be taken lightly, they said.
A case was subsequently registered at Worli police station under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for threat and extortion.
The superstar had earlier received death threats from the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. Bishnoi gang members also opened fire outside the actor’s Bandra home in April this year, as per police.
A few months back, the Navi Mumbai police uncovered a plot by the Bishnoi gang to kill Khan.
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Meeting between CM and junior doctors over RG Kar impasse ends after two hours
The talks between West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and agitating junior doctors to resolve the impasse stemming from the rape and murder of a medic at RG Kar Medical Hospital was held for nearly two hours on Monday evening.
The two sides discussed various demands of the medics including the prevailing “threat culture” at state-run hospitals. The meeting, held on the 17th day of a fast unto death by a section of protesting doctors, was streamed Live for the first time from the state secretariat Nabanna.
At the meeting, Banerjee repeatedly urged the junior doctors to end their fast, stating that most of their demands had been addressed, while rejecting the one for removing the state health secretary.
The two sides discussed various demands of the medics including the prevailing “threat culture” at state-run hospitals. The meeting, held on the 17th day of a fast unto death by a section of protesting doctors, was streamed Live for the first time from the state secretariat Nabanna.
At the meeting, Banerjee repeatedly urged the junior doctors to end their fast, stating that most of their demands had been addressed, while rejecting the one for removing the state health secretary.
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Work on 10 more nuclear reactors underway in country, parliamentary panel told
The talks between West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and agitating junior doctors to resolve the impasse stemming from the rape and murder of a medic at RG Kar Medical Hospital was held for nearly two hours on Monday evening.
The two sides discussed various demands of the medics including the prevailing “threat culture” at state-run hospitals. The meeting, held on the 17th day of a fast unto death by a section of protesting doctors, was streamed Live for the first time from the state secretariat Nabanna.
At the meeting, Banerjee repeatedly urged the junior doctors to end their fast, stating that most of their demands had been addressed, while rejecting the one for removing the state health secretary.
The two sides discussed various demands of the medics including the prevailing “threat culture” at state-run hospitals. The meeting, held on the 17th day of a fast unto death by a section of protesting doctors, was streamed Live for the first time from the state secretariat Nabanna.
At the meeting, Banerjee repeatedly urged the junior doctors to end their fast, stating that most of their demands had been addressed, while rejecting the one for removing the state health secretary.
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India has credibility to be mediator in Ukraine war: Ex-British PM Cameron
Former British Prime Minister David Cameron on Monday said India has the credibility to play the role of a mediator in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
Cameron's remarks at the 'NDTV World Summit' came a day before Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarks on a visit to Russia for the BRICS Summit. "India has the credibility to be a mediator in the Ukraine war," Cameron said, referring to Modi's visit to the Ukraine recently to meet President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Cameron said any role that can be played to bring this conflict to an end would be welcome. "But, it must be done in a way that recognises Ukraine's sovereignty and independence," he said.
"India might be in a position to mediate but it has to ensure that Russian President Vladimir Putin cannot be allowed to take territory by force," Cameron said.
Cameron's remarks at the 'NDTV World Summit' came a day before Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarks on a visit to Russia for the BRICS Summit. "India has the credibility to be a mediator in the Ukraine war," Cameron said, referring to Modi's visit to the Ukraine recently to meet President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Cameron said any role that can be played to bring this conflict to an end would be welcome. "But, it must be done in a way that recognises Ukraine's sovereignty and independence," he said.
"India might be in a position to mediate but it has to ensure that Russian President Vladimir Putin cannot be allowed to take territory by force," Cameron said.
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Government to take legislative actions to deal with bomb threats to airlines: Civil aviation minister Naidu
In the last one week, nearly 100 flights of Indian airlines received bomb threats.
Against that backdrop, Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu on Monday said the government plans to take legislative actions to deal with instances of bomb threats to airlines, including placing perpetrators of such threats on the no-fly list. At a briefing in the national capital, Naidu said amendments are being planned to aviation security rules as well as the Suppression of Unlawful Acts Against Safety of Civil Aviation Act, 1982.
The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security is continuously in touch with the Ministry of Home Affairs on the situation of bomb threats to flights, he said.
Against that backdrop, Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu on Monday said the government plans to take legislative actions to deal with instances of bomb threats to airlines, including placing perpetrators of such threats on the no-fly list. At a briefing in the national capital, Naidu said amendments are being planned to aviation security rules as well as the Suppression of Unlawful Acts Against Safety of Civil Aviation Act, 1982.
The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security is continuously in touch with the Ministry of Home Affairs on the situation of bomb threats to flights, he said.
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India, China reach agreement on patrolling along LAC in eastern Ladakh
Indian and Chinese negotiators have reached an agreement on patrolling along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said on Monday.
The announcement on the breakthrough comes a day ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's travel to the Russian city of Kazan to attend the BRICS Summit.
Though there is no official announcement, it is expected that Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping will hold a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit. The foreign secretary said the Indian and Chinese negotiators were in touch over the last few weeks to resolve the remaining issues.
It is understood that the agreement pertains to patrolling in Depsang and Demchok areas.
The announcement on the breakthrough comes a day ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's travel to the Russian city of Kazan to attend the BRICS Summit.
Though there is no official announcement, it is expected that Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping will hold a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit. The foreign secretary said the Indian and Chinese negotiators were in touch over the last few weeks to resolve the remaining issues.
It is understood that the agreement pertains to patrolling in Depsang and Demchok areas.
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Massive combing operation launched after Ganderbal terror attack
A day after a deadly terror attack at a tunnel construction site in J&K's Ganderbal left seven people dead, security forces on Monday launched a massive combing operation in the area, with National Investigation Agency (NIA) sleuths scouring the site for evidence.
Army, CRPF and police personnel fanned out in the areas around the construction site to track down the terrorists and their supporters involved in one of the deadliest attacks on non-local labourers in Kashmir, officials said. "So far, no progress has been made in terms of arrests but we are hopeful of developing some leads that will lead us to the terrorists involved in the attack," an official said.
A doctor and six labourers were killed when terrorists struck a tunnel construction site on the Srinagar-Leh national highway in Jammu and Kashmir's Ganderbal district on Sunday. The unidentified terrorists carried out the attack when the labourers and other staff working on the tunnel project at Gund in Ganderbal had returned to their camp late in the evening, the officials said.
They said the terrorists - believed to be at least two - opened indiscriminate fire on the group of labourers that included both locals and non-locals.
While two labourers died on the spot, four others and the doctor succumbed to their injuries subsequently, the officials said, adding that five people are undergoing treatment for injuries.
Army, CRPF and police personnel fanned out in the areas around the construction site to track down the terrorists and their supporters involved in one of the deadliest attacks on non-local labourers in Kashmir, officials said. "So far, no progress has been made in terms of arrests but we are hopeful of developing some leads that will lead us to the terrorists involved in the attack," an official said.
A doctor and six labourers were killed when terrorists struck a tunnel construction site on the Srinagar-Leh national highway in Jammu and Kashmir's Ganderbal district on Sunday. The unidentified terrorists carried out the attack when the labourers and other staff working on the tunnel project at Gund in Ganderbal had returned to their camp late in the evening, the officials said.
They said the terrorists - believed to be at least two - opened indiscriminate fire on the group of labourers that included both locals and non-locals.
While two labourers died on the spot, four others and the doctor succumbed to their injuries subsequently, the officials said, adding that five people are undergoing treatment for injuries.
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Not a shred of evidence shared by Canada with India in Nijjar case: Indian envoy Verma
Canada has not shared a "shred of evidence" with India in the case relating to the killing of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, New Delhi's envoy to Ottawa Sanjay Kumar Verma has said.
In an interview with Canadian broadcaster 'CTV' that was aired on Sunday, he also rejected Ottawa's charge of the Indian government's involvement in targeting certain individuals in Canada. "We needed to see some evidence on the basis of which we can converse with our Canadian counterparts. Unfortunately, not a shred of evidence has been shared with us. Any evidence shared has to be legally acceptable," Verma said.
Asked about the allegations levelled against him by the Canadian authorities, the Indian envoy strongly denied any involvement in the Nijjar case.
Verma said India is a country of rule of law and anything acceptable in the Canadian court of law would also be acceptable in the Indian court of law and therefore evidence will work. "Unfortunately we have not got anything from Canadian officials which can lead us to a better spot," he said.
In the interview while replying to a question, Verma said he condemns Nijjar's murder. "Any murder is wrong and bad. I do condemn and that is what I have said in many interviews. Let's get to the bottom of the issue."
The diplomatic row intensified after the Canadian authorities described Verma and some other Indian diplomats as "persons of interest" in the probe into the killing of Nijjar.
In an interview with Canadian broadcaster 'CTV' that was aired on Sunday, he also rejected Ottawa's charge of the Indian government's involvement in targeting certain individuals in Canada. "We needed to see some evidence on the basis of which we can converse with our Canadian counterparts. Unfortunately, not a shred of evidence has been shared with us. Any evidence shared has to be legally acceptable," Verma said.
Asked about the allegations levelled against him by the Canadian authorities, the Indian envoy strongly denied any involvement in the Nijjar case.
Verma said India is a country of rule of law and anything acceptable in the Canadian court of law would also be acceptable in the Indian court of law and therefore evidence will work. "Unfortunately we have not got anything from Canadian officials which can lead us to a better spot," he said.
In the interview while replying to a question, Verma said he condemns Nijjar's murder. "Any murder is wrong and bad. I do condemn and that is what I have said in many interviews. Let's get to the bottom of the issue."
The diplomatic row intensified after the Canadian authorities described Verma and some other Indian diplomats as "persons of interest" in the probe into the killing of Nijjar.
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14 farmers arrested in Haryana's Kaithal for stubble-burning
As many as 14 farmers were arrested in Haryana's Kaithal district over the past few days for burning stubble in their fields, a police official said on Monday, as pollution levels in the region, including the national capital, soar.
Stubble-burning in Haryana and neighbouring Punjab is often blamed for the rise in pollution levels in Delhi, especially during the post-harvest season of October and November. "During the past few days, 14 farmers were arrested for burning stubble, but they were later released on bail as the offence is bailable," Kaithal's Deputy Superintendent of Police (Headquarters) Birbhan said over the phone.
Cases have been lodged under the provisions of Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act and other relevant provisions of the law for burning stubble, he said.
FIRs were registered recently for stubble-burning in some other districts also, including Panipat and Yamunanagar. Haryana Chief Secretary T V S N Prasad on Sunday directed deputy commissioners to ensure stubble-burning incidents are effectively curtailed.
The Supreme Court on Wednesday pulled up the Punjab and Haryana governments over the non-prosecution of those found guilty of stubble-burning.
It has summoned the chief secretaries of the both states to appear before it on October 23 for an explanation.
Stubble-burning in Haryana and neighbouring Punjab is often blamed for the rise in pollution levels in Delhi, especially during the post-harvest season of October and November. "During the past few days, 14 farmers were arrested for burning stubble, but they were later released on bail as the offence is bailable," Kaithal's Deputy Superintendent of Police (Headquarters) Birbhan said over the phone.
Cases have been lodged under the provisions of Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act and other relevant provisions of the law for burning stubble, he said.
FIRs were registered recently for stubble-burning in some other districts also, including Panipat and Yamunanagar. Haryana Chief Secretary T V S N Prasad on Sunday directed deputy commissioners to ensure stubble-burning incidents are effectively curtailed.
The Supreme Court on Wednesday pulled up the Punjab and Haryana governments over the non-prosecution of those found guilty of stubble-burning.
It has summoned the chief secretaries of the both states to appear before it on October 23 for an explanation.
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No talks should be held with Pakistan till it stops terror attacks: Farooq Abdullah
Former chief minister and National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Monday lashed out at Pakistan for perpetrating terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, saying Islamabad will have to stop terror incidents here if it wants to have friendly relations with India.
Abdullah said there can be no talks between New Delhi and Islamabad till the neighbouring country stops killings in Jammu and Kashmir. "I do not know what action India should take, that is the domain of the Central government. It is a problem for us and we have been going through it for years now. I have been seeing it for 30 years now. I have told them many times to stop it but their thinking is like that only.
"How can there be talks? You kill our innocent people and then you call for talks. First stop the killings," Abdullah said while commenting on the terror attack at a construction site in Ganderbal district on Sunday.
The former Chief Minister said the attack was a painful incident as it led to killing of poor people who had come here for earning a livelihood. Seven persons - one local doctor and six non-local labourers - were killed while five others sustained injuries in the attack.
Abdullah said if the terrorists think they can establish Pakistani writ in Jammu and Kashmir by indulging in such acts, they are mistaken.
Abdullah said there can be no talks between New Delhi and Islamabad till the neighbouring country stops killings in Jammu and Kashmir. "I do not know what action India should take, that is the domain of the Central government. It is a problem for us and we have been going through it for years now. I have been seeing it for 30 years now. I have told them many times to stop it but their thinking is like that only.
"How can there be talks? You kill our innocent people and then you call for talks. First stop the killings," Abdullah said while commenting on the terror attack at a construction site in Ganderbal district on Sunday.
The former Chief Minister said the attack was a painful incident as it led to killing of poor people who had come here for earning a livelihood. Seven persons - one local doctor and six non-local labourers - were killed while five others sustained injuries in the attack.
Abdullah said if the terrorists think they can establish Pakistani writ in Jammu and Kashmir by indulging in such acts, they are mistaken.
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Mamata Banerjee to meet protesting junior doctors
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will meet the protesting junior doctors on Monday evening with their fast-unto-death over the rape and murder of their colleague at the RG Kar hospital entering the 17th day.
The meeting, scheduled to be held in state secretariat Nabanna at 5 pm, comes amid the protesting doctors threatening a state-wide cease-work if their demands are not met. The junior doctors have been on fast-unto-death since October 5, demanding justice for their deceased colleague and calling for systemic changes in the state's healthcare infrastructure.
So far, six doctors on hunger strike have been hospitalised due to deteriorating health, while eight others remain on an indefinite fast.
Banerjee on Saturday spoke to the protesting doctors over the phone and urged them to call off their fast, maintaining that most of their demands had been addressed. She also sought three-four more months to fulfil their other demands.
The meeting, scheduled to be held in state secretariat Nabanna at 5 pm, comes amid the protesting doctors threatening a state-wide cease-work if their demands are not met. The junior doctors have been on fast-unto-death since October 5, demanding justice for their deceased colleague and calling for systemic changes in the state's healthcare infrastructure.
So far, six doctors on hunger strike have been hospitalised due to deteriorating health, while eight others remain on an indefinite fast.
Banerjee on Saturday spoke to the protesting doctors over the phone and urged them to call off their fast, maintaining that most of their demands had been addressed. She also sought three-four more months to fulfil their other demands.
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Delhi Police writes to Telegram to probe Khalistan angle in blast, suspect spotted in CCTV
Delhi Police probing a possible Khalistani link in the blast near a CRPF school on Monday wrote to messaging app Telegram to know the details of a group that claimed responsibility for the explosion, police sources said on Monday.
A strong blast ripped through a wall of the CRPF school in Rohini's Prashant Vihar area on Sunday morning.
No one was hurt in the blast but a signboard, hoardings of nearby shops and window panes of vehicles parked near the spot were damaged in the incident. In its FIR filed on the incident, a copy of which has been accessed by PTI, police has mentioned a "white powder found scattered" at the site and said the explosion was caused by "unknown explosive substance".
Meanwhile, police sources also said they have recovered CCTV footage of a suspect from the night before the incident.
A purported Telegram post circulated on social media, that claimed that the blast was carried out in retaliation to the "targeting" of pro-Khalistan separatists allegedly by Indian agents. The post surfaced on social media late on Sunday evening pointing to the possible involvement of pro-Khalistani separatists behind the blast.
"The police has written to Telegram to the know details of the creator of the group - Justice League Indian - in which the CCTV of the blast was shared with a Khalistan Zindabad watermark on it," a police source said.
A strong blast ripped through a wall of the CRPF school in Rohini's Prashant Vihar area on Sunday morning.
No one was hurt in the blast but a signboard, hoardings of nearby shops and window panes of vehicles parked near the spot were damaged in the incident. In its FIR filed on the incident, a copy of which has been accessed by PTI, police has mentioned a "white powder found scattered" at the site and said the explosion was caused by "unknown explosive substance".
Meanwhile, police sources also said they have recovered CCTV footage of a suspect from the night before the incident.
A purported Telegram post circulated on social media, that claimed that the blast was carried out in retaliation to the "targeting" of pro-Khalistan separatists allegedly by Indian agents. The post surfaced on social media late on Sunday evening pointing to the possible involvement of pro-Khalistani separatists behind the blast.
"The police has written to Telegram to the know details of the creator of the group - Justice League Indian - in which the CCTV of the blast was shared with a Khalistan Zindabad watermark on it," a police source said.
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Doctor among 7 killed in terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir
A doctor and six labourers were killed when terrorists struck a tunnel-construction site on the Srinagar-Leh national highway in Jammu and Kashmir's Ganderbal district on Sunday, officials said.
The unidentified terrorists carried out the attack when the labourers and other staff working on the tunnel project at Gund in Ganderbal had returned to their camp late in the evening, the officials said.
They said the terrorists — believed to be at least two — opened indiscriminate fire on the group of labourers that included both locals and non-locals. While two labourers died on the spot, four others and the doctor succumbed to their injuries subsequently, officials said, adding that five people are undergoing treatment for injuries.
The deceased have been identified as Dr Shahnawaz, Faheem Nazir, Kaleem, Mohammad Hanif, Shashi Abrol, Anil Shukla and Gurmeet Singh.
Security forces have cordoned off the area and launched a search operation to track down the attackers, the officials said.
The unidentified terrorists carried out the attack when the labourers and other staff working on the tunnel project at Gund in Ganderbal had returned to their camp late in the evening, the officials said.
They said the terrorists — believed to be at least two — opened indiscriminate fire on the group of labourers that included both locals and non-locals. While two labourers died on the spot, four others and the doctor succumbed to their injuries subsequently, officials said, adding that five people are undergoing treatment for injuries.
The deceased have been identified as Dr Shahnawaz, Faheem Nazir, Kaleem, Mohammad Hanif, Shashi Abrol, Anil Shukla and Gurmeet Singh.
Security forces have cordoned off the area and launched a search operation to track down the attackers, the officials said.
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Blast reported near CRPF school in Delhi's Rohini; multi-agency probe initiated
A loud explosion near a CRPF school in the Prashant Vihar area in Rohini on Sunday morning sparked a security alert in the national capital. No one was injured in the blast which initial investigation suggests could have been caused by a crude bomb.
Teams from the National Investigation Agency (NIA), National Security Guard (NSG), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Delhi Police cordoned off the area and forensic experts collected samples from the site to ascertain the cause of the explosion which was reported at around 7.50 am. Police said a school wall, nearby shops and a car were damaged. Security has already been stepped up in Delhi due to the festival season.
Plumes of smoke could be seen billowing from the spot in purported videos of the incident. Also, two cars were parked near the explosion site and some two-wheelers passed by seconds before the explosion. Local residents said the explosion was "intense" and there was a foul smell in the area after it. Forensic experts found a suspicious "white powder" at the spot and have sent it to the laboratory for examination. They also collected soil samples from the site.
Delhi Police said it is checking the CCTV footage of the spot and collecting mobile network data to identify people who were present nearby when the explosion happened which is suspected to be a crude bomb.
Teams from the National Investigation Agency (NIA), National Security Guard (NSG), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Delhi Police cordoned off the area and forensic experts collected samples from the site to ascertain the cause of the explosion which was reported at around 7.50 am. Police said a school wall, nearby shops and a car were damaged. Security has already been stepped up in Delhi due to the festival season.
Plumes of smoke could be seen billowing from the spot in purported videos of the incident. Also, two cars were parked near the explosion site and some two-wheelers passed by seconds before the explosion. Local residents said the explosion was "intense" and there was a foul smell in the area after it. Forensic experts found a suspicious "white powder" at the spot and have sent it to the laboratory for examination. They also collected soil samples from the site.
Delhi Police said it is checking the CCTV footage of the spot and collecting mobile network data to identify people who were present nearby when the explosion happened which is suspected to be a crude bomb.
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My father was a lion who stood for justice, I carry his roar: Baba Siddique's son
Legislator Zeeshan Siddique, son of murdered NCP leader Baba Siddique, has said his father's killers have "turned their sight" on him, but he can't be intimidated as he has the blood of a lion in his veins and carries his "roar".
Former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddique was fatally shot, prima facie by three persons, near the office of Zeeshan Siddique in Bandra area of Mumbai on October 12 night. "They silenced my father. But they forget - he was a lion and I carry his roar within me, his fight in my veins. He stood for justice, fought for change and withstood the storms with unwavering courage," Bandra (East) MLA Zeeshan Siddique said in a post on X on Sunday.
"Now, those who brought him down turn their sights on me assuming they've won, to them I declare: The blood of a lion runs in my veins. I am still here, unafraid and unbroken. They took one, but I rise in his place. This fight is far from over. Today, I stand where he stood : ALIVE, RELENTLESS and READY. To my people of Vandre East, I am always with you (sic)," he added. Police have so far arrested 10 persons in connection with the killing of Baba Siddique and are looking for the main shooter and two alleged conspirators.
The motive behind the killing was yet to be ascertained and various angles were being investigated, including the alleged link to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, according to police.
Former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddique was fatally shot, prima facie by three persons, near the office of Zeeshan Siddique in Bandra area of Mumbai on October 12 night. "They silenced my father. But they forget - he was a lion and I carry his roar within me, his fight in my veins. He stood for justice, fought for change and withstood the storms with unwavering courage," Bandra (East) MLA Zeeshan Siddique said in a post on X on Sunday.
"Now, those who brought him down turn their sights on me assuming they've won, to them I declare: The blood of a lion runs in my veins. I am still here, unafraid and unbroken. They took one, but I rise in his place. This fight is far from over. Today, I stand where he stood : ALIVE, RELENTLESS and READY. To my people of Vandre East, I am always with you (sic)," he added. Police have so far arrested 10 persons in connection with the killing of Baba Siddique and are looking for the main shooter and two alleged conspirators.
The motive behind the killing was yet to be ascertained and various angles were being investigated, including the alleged link to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, according to police.
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Sports
Hockey set to be axed from 2026 Glasgow CWG
Hockey is set to be axed from the 2026 Commonwealth Games as the host city of Glasgow looks to cut costs, several media reports stated but both the International Hockey Federation editions (FIH) and the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) remained tight-lipped on the matter.
Hockey has featured in each CWG since making its debut in 1998, but according to reports, the Glasgow Games organisers want to drop it from the schedule along with net ball and road racing to ensure a trimmed programme that would be easy on the budget. Two other major sports — shooting and wrestling — in which India has had medal hauls in the past are also set to be dropped from the 2026 Glasgow CWG roster, which will deal a big blow to the country's hopes.
Hockey's exclusion from the Games would be a major blow for India as their men's team is a three-time silver-winner and two-time bronze-medallist in the sport. The women have won three medals, including a gold in the 2000 edition. Since athletics and swimming have been already approved, the Glasgow organisers will pick eight of the remaining core sports to make the number of sports up to 10.
The remaining core sports are: road cycling, artistic gymnastics, lawn bowls, table tennis, triathlon, freestyle wrestling, badminton, boxing, judo, netball, rugby sevens, squash and weightlifting.
Out of these, organisers have confirmed that there would be no road cycling event as there will be no road-based events. Triathlon (consisting of swimming, cycling and running) is also expected to be dropped.
Hockey has featured in each CWG since making its debut in 1998, but according to reports, the Glasgow Games organisers want to drop it from the schedule along with net ball and road racing to ensure a trimmed programme that would be easy on the budget. Two other major sports — shooting and wrestling — in which India has had medal hauls in the past are also set to be dropped from the 2026 Glasgow CWG roster, which will deal a big blow to the country's hopes.
Hockey's exclusion from the Games would be a major blow for India as their men's team is a three-time silver-winner and two-time bronze-medallist in the sport. The women have won three medals, including a gold in the 2000 edition. Since athletics and swimming have been already approved, the Glasgow organisers will pick eight of the remaining core sports to make the number of sports up to 10.
The remaining core sports are: road cycling, artistic gymnastics, lawn bowls, table tennis, triathlon, freestyle wrestling, badminton, boxing, judo, netball, rugby sevens, squash and weightlifting.
Out of these, organisers have confirmed that there would be no road cycling event as there will be no road-based events. Triathlon (consisting of swimming, cycling and running) is also expected to be dropped.
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We will be back stronger, says Rishabh Pant after Bengaluru defeat
India suffered a rare defeat at home on Sunday when they went down against New Zealand by eight wickets in the first Test. It was New Zealand's first Test win in India in 36 years.
India wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant has said there will always be ups and downs in the game but what is important is to "rise stronger every time" after a setback.
"This game will test your limits, knock you down, lift you up and throw you back again. But those who love it rise stronger every time," wrote Pant on X. The southpaw scored a blazing 99 off 105 balls in India's second innings score of 462.
He applauded the Bengaluru crowd for their support and vowed to come back stronger in the second Test in Pune beginning October 24.
"Thanks to the amazing Bengaluru crowd for the love, support and cheers. We will be back stronger," he wrote.
India wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant has said there will always be ups and downs in the game but what is important is to "rise stronger every time" after a setback.
"This game will test your limits, knock you down, lift you up and throw you back again. But those who love it rise stronger every time," wrote Pant on X. The southpaw scored a blazing 99 off 105 balls in India's second innings score of 462.
He applauded the Bengaluru crowd for their support and vowed to come back stronger in the second Test in Pune beginning October 24.
"Thanks to the amazing Bengaluru crowd for the love, support and cheers. We will be back stronger," he wrote.
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Magnus Carlsen star attraction at next month's Tata Steel Chess India
World No. 1 Norwegian Grandmaster Magnus Carlsen will be the star attraction at the sixth edition of Tata Steel Chess India to be held in Kolkata from November 13 to 17.
It will be Carlsen's second appearance in the tournament. He had earlier participated in 2019 and had clinched the title.
Like previous editions, the tournament will have the 'Open' and women's categories with same the format - rapid and blitz - and will have equal prize money for both sections. A strong Indian contingent, following its golden performance at the Chess Olympiad in Budapest recently, will see the likes of Arjun Erigaisi, R Praggnanandhaa and Vidit Gujrathi among others competing in the prestigious event.
Nihal Sarin and S L Narayanan are the other Indian players who will be in action in the 'Open' category.
India will be represented by Koneru Humpy, R Vaishali, D. Harika, Divya Deshmukh and Vantika Agrawal in the women's category.
It will be Carlsen's second appearance in the tournament. He had earlier participated in 2019 and had clinched the title.
Like previous editions, the tournament will have the 'Open' and women's categories with same the format - rapid and blitz - and will have equal prize money for both sections. A strong Indian contingent, following its golden performance at the Chess Olympiad in Budapest recently, will see the likes of Arjun Erigaisi, R Praggnanandhaa and Vidit Gujrathi among others competing in the prestigious event.
Nihal Sarin and S L Narayanan are the other Indian players who will be in action in the 'Open' category.
India will be represented by Koneru Humpy, R Vaishali, D. Harika, Divya Deshmukh and Vantika Agrawal in the women's category.
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I am pain-free, Australia series still some time away: Mohammed Shami
With his fitness becoming a topic of swirling speculation, seasoned India pacer Mohammed Shami said on Monday that he is completely pain-free and is still not out of the reckoning for the marquee Test tour of Australia starting next month.
Shami bowled full tilt in the nets after India's opening Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru on Sunday.
This was a few days after skipper Rohit Sharma revealed that he had swelling in his knees that has affected his rehabilitation from an ankle injury sustained last year. "I am very happy with how I bowled yesterday. I was bowling from half run-up before that because I didn't want to take too much load. But yesterday, I decided to go full tilt, and I bowled at a 100%," the 34-year-old told reporters on the sidelines of an event where he spoke about his cricketing journey.
"The result was good. I am 100% pain-free. Everyone has been wondering for a long time about whether I will make it for the Australia series but it is still some time away," he said referring to the five-match contest that begins November 22 in Perth.
Rohit had said that he was not in favour of taking an "undercooked" Shami for the crucial series.
Shami bowled full tilt in the nets after India's opening Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru on Sunday.
This was a few days after skipper Rohit Sharma revealed that he had swelling in his knees that has affected his rehabilitation from an ankle injury sustained last year. "I am very happy with how I bowled yesterday. I was bowling from half run-up before that because I didn't want to take too much load. But yesterday, I decided to go full tilt, and I bowled at a 100%," the 34-year-old told reporters on the sidelines of an event where he spoke about his cricketing journey.
"The result was good. I am 100% pain-free. Everyone has been wondering for a long time about whether I will make it for the Australia series but it is still some time away," he said referring to the five-match contest that begins November 22 in Perth.
Rohit had said that he was not in favour of taking an "undercooked" Shami for the crucial series.
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Deepika Kumari bags her fifth silver at Archery World Cup Final
India's premier recurve archer Deepika Kumari won her fifth silver medal at the World Cup Final after losing the summit clash 0-6 to China's Li Jiaman, in Tlaxcala, Mexico.
Returning to the World Cup Final after three years following the birth of her daughter in December 2022, four-time Olympian Deepika was seeded third in the eight-archer field. It was Deepika's ninth appearance at the World Cup Final where she has also bagged a bronze. Dola Banerjee is the only Indian archer to have won a gold in the World Cup Final, having topped the podium in Dubai in 2007.
In the men's recurve section, Dhiraj Bommadevara, despite leading 4-2, could not hold off the challenge from South Korea’s Paris Olympics bronze medallist, Lee Woo Seok in the opening round and made an early exit. The pressure once again seemed to affect the Indian archers, who have often struggled in high-stakes matches.
The five-member Indian contingent, comprising three compound and two recurve archers, thus concluded their season-ending World Cup Final campaign with just one medal.
Returning to the World Cup Final after three years following the birth of her daughter in December 2022, four-time Olympian Deepika was seeded third in the eight-archer field. It was Deepika's ninth appearance at the World Cup Final where she has also bagged a bronze. Dola Banerjee is the only Indian archer to have won a gold in the World Cup Final, having topped the podium in Dubai in 2007.
In the men's recurve section, Dhiraj Bommadevara, despite leading 4-2, could not hold off the challenge from South Korea’s Paris Olympics bronze medallist, Lee Woo Seok in the opening round and made an early exit. The pressure once again seemed to affect the Indian archers, who have often struggled in high-stakes matches.
The five-member Indian contingent, comprising three compound and two recurve archers, thus concluded their season-ending World Cup Final campaign with just one medal.
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New Zealand win maiden Women's T20 World Cup as South Africa falter in final
New Zealand produced a clinical performance in a high-stakes final to beat South Africa by 32 runs and win their maiden Women's T20 World Cup title in Dubai on Sunday.
It turned out to be a historic Sunday for New Zealand cricket as the White Ferns got their hands on the ICC trophy hours after the men recorded their first Test win in India after 36 years. South Africa, playing their second successive final, sent New Zealand in to bat and the Sophie Devine-led side thrived under pressure to post an above par 158 for five at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Brief scores: New Zealand 158/5 in 20 overs (Amelia Kerr 43, Brooke Halliday 38; Nonkululeko Mlaba 2/31). South Africa 126/9 in 20 overs (Laura Wolvaardt 33, Amelia Kerr 3/24).
It turned out to be a historic Sunday for New Zealand cricket as the White Ferns got their hands on the ICC trophy hours after the men recorded their first Test win in India after 36 years. South Africa, playing their second successive final, sent New Zealand in to bat and the Sophie Devine-led side thrived under pressure to post an above par 158 for five at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Brief scores: New Zealand 158/5 in 20 overs (Amelia Kerr 43, Brooke Halliday 38; Nonkululeko Mlaba 2/31). South Africa 126/9 in 20 overs (Laura Wolvaardt 33, Amelia Kerr 3/24).
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State
CPI(M) MLA Mukesh arrested in sexual assault case, released on bail
CPI(M) MLA and actor M Mukesh was formally arrested by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) on Monday in connection with a 2010 sexual assault case in the central Kerala district of Thrissur.
His lawyer confirmed that the MLA was arrested, his medical examination and potency test were carried out and then he was released as he had been granted anticipatory bail in the case by a sessions court on September 24. Two cases have been registered against Mukesh, one by the Wadakkanchery police and the other by the Maradu police and in both he has got anticipatory bail.
According to the police, the complainant in the case at Wadakkanchery is the same female actor on whose complaint an FIR has been lodged against him at Maradu police station.
The actor has claimed that the charges were the result of his refusal to succumb to blackmail attempts by the complainant.
His lawyer confirmed that the MLA was arrested, his medical examination and potency test were carried out and then he was released as he had been granted anticipatory bail in the case by a sessions court on September 24. Two cases have been registered against Mukesh, one by the Wadakkanchery police and the other by the Maradu police and in both he has got anticipatory bail.
According to the police, the complainant in the case at Wadakkanchery is the same female actor on whose complaint an FIR has been lodged against him at Maradu police station.
The actor has claimed that the charges were the result of his refusal to succumb to blackmail attempts by the complainant.
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Congress leader stabbed to death in Telangana
A ruling Congress leader was stabbed to death by an unknown person in Jagtial district in Telangana on Tuesday morning, police said.
According to police, Maru Gangareddy (56), who was travelling on a motorcycle was knocked down by a car at Jabitapur village in Jagtial district. "When he fell down, a person from the car got down and stabbed him to death."
Gangareddy's body was shifted to Government Headquarters hospital in Jagtial. The deceased is said to be a close associate of MLC Jeevan Reddy, the villagers said.
Rivalry between the accused and the deceased led to the murder, the police said.
The accused was absconding and an investigation is underway, they said.
According to police, Maru Gangareddy (56), who was travelling on a motorcycle was knocked down by a car at Jabitapur village in Jagtial district. "When he fell down, a person from the car got down and stabbed him to death."
Gangareddy's body was shifted to Government Headquarters hospital in Jagtial. The deceased is said to be a close associate of MLC Jeevan Reddy, the villagers said.
Rivalry between the accused and the deceased led to the murder, the police said.
The accused was absconding and an investigation is underway, they said.
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Bengal: Agitating junior doctors withdraw hunger strike after meeting with CM Mamata
Agitating junior doctors on Monday evening withdrew their weeks-long hunger strike over the RG Kar incident, hours after a meeting with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
The medics also called off their proposed shutdown in the state's health sector that was scheduled to begin today. "In today's meeting (with the CM), we did get the assurance of some directives, but the body language of the state government was not positive... The common people have wholeheartedly supported us. They, as well as the parents of our deceased sister (RG Kar hospital victim), have been requesting us to call off the hunger strike, keeping in mind our deteriorating health.
"We are therefore withdrawing our 'fast-unto-death' and also Tuesday's total shutdown in the health sector, but this is not a result of today's meeting but because the request came from the common people and the parents of Abhaya," said Debashish Halder, one of the junior medics. However he said that on Saturday, the junior doctors would hold a mass convention on their various demands. The decision was taken following a general body meeting of the doctors.
Earlier in the day, a 17-member delegation of the medics met Banerjee at the state secretariat and discussed various issues, including the prevailing "threat culture" in hospitals, justice for their deceased colleague and systemic changes in the state's healthcare infrastructure. The junior doctors initiated a 'cease-work' on August 9 following the alleged rape and murder of their colleague at RG Kar Hospital, and the hunger strike began on October 5 after nearly 50 days of 'cease-work' in two phases.
The medics also called off their proposed shutdown in the state's health sector that was scheduled to begin today. "In today's meeting (with the CM), we did get the assurance of some directives, but the body language of the state government was not positive... The common people have wholeheartedly supported us. They, as well as the parents of our deceased sister (RG Kar hospital victim), have been requesting us to call off the hunger strike, keeping in mind our deteriorating health.
"We are therefore withdrawing our 'fast-unto-death' and also Tuesday's total shutdown in the health sector, but this is not a result of today's meeting but because the request came from the common people and the parents of Abhaya," said Debashish Halder, one of the junior medics. However he said that on Saturday, the junior doctors would hold a mass convention on their various demands. The decision was taken following a general body meeting of the doctors.
Earlier in the day, a 17-member delegation of the medics met Banerjee at the state secretariat and discussed various issues, including the prevailing "threat culture" in hospitals, justice for their deceased colleague and systemic changes in the state's healthcare infrastructure. The junior doctors initiated a 'cease-work' on August 9 following the alleged rape and murder of their colleague at RG Kar Hospital, and the hunger strike began on October 5 after nearly 50 days of 'cease-work' in two phases.
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Trigger warning: Sexual assault
Kerala Police in Supreme Court seek custodial interrogation of actor Siddique
Trigger warning: Sexual assault
The Supreme Court was informed by the Kerala Police that the interim protection from arrest granted to Malayalam film actor Siddique in a rape case had emboldened him, demoralised and intimidated not only the survivor but also others in the film industry.
"The Supreme Court order granting interim relief to the petitioner has emboldened the accused, leading his fans to celebrate by distributing sweets on the day the bail matter was first heard in the Supreme Court. This celebration, apart from being in poor taste, is a crass and a light-hearted mockery of the seriousness of the legal proceedings that are underway," it said. The police, which filed a status report on October 19, said though the investigation was at an initial stage, there was a "stockpile of evidence" against him.
Emphasising the need for Siddique's custodial interrogation, Kerala police said it was essential to expose his "lie of righteousness before he goes down in history as a hero and gets venerated by subsequent generations as worthy of emulation".
On September 30, the top court granted him interim protection from arrest in the case and directed him to cooperate in the investigation. Siddique, who was booked for offences under sections 376 (rape) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), has claimed in his plea that complainant woman had subjected him to a "prolonged campaign of harassment and false accusations since 2019".
Multiple FIRs have been registered against many high-profile Malayalam film personalities following allegations of sexual harassment against various directors and actors in the wake of the revelations in the Justice K Hema Committee report.
The Supreme Court was informed by the Kerala Police that the interim protection from arrest granted to Malayalam film actor Siddique in a rape case had emboldened him, demoralised and intimidated not only the survivor but also others in the film industry.
"The Supreme Court order granting interim relief to the petitioner has emboldened the accused, leading his fans to celebrate by distributing sweets on the day the bail matter was first heard in the Supreme Court. This celebration, apart from being in poor taste, is a crass and a light-hearted mockery of the seriousness of the legal proceedings that are underway," it said. The police, which filed a status report on October 19, said though the investigation was at an initial stage, there was a "stockpile of evidence" against him.
Emphasising the need for Siddique's custodial interrogation, Kerala police said it was essential to expose his "lie of righteousness before he goes down in history as a hero and gets venerated by subsequent generations as worthy of emulation".
On September 30, the top court granted him interim protection from arrest in the case and directed him to cooperate in the investigation. Siddique, who was booked for offences under sections 376 (rape) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), has claimed in his plea that complainant woman had subjected him to a "prolonged campaign of harassment and false accusations since 2019".
Multiple FIRs have been registered against many high-profile Malayalam film personalities following allegations of sexual harassment against various directors and actors in the wake of the revelations in the Justice K Hema Committee report.
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35 Kashmiri students suspended from Mewar University
The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association has voiced "deep concern" over the suspension of 35 Kashmiri students from Mewar University in Chittorgarh, Rajasthan.
The students were protesting continuously for three days, demanding the university secure necessary approvals for its BSc Nursing course from the Rajasthan Nursing Council (RNC) and Indian Nursing Council. Nasir Khuehami, the national convener of the association, criticised the university’s decision, saying, “Instead of addressing their legitimate concerns and protecting their academic careers, the university opted to suspend the students. This harsh action is unacceptable and a direct attack on the students’ rights to raise their voices for justice.”
A university order issued by the Registrar on Saturday suspended the second-year B.Sc. (Nursing) students for “nuisance and deplorable acts.”
It also barred them from entering the university premises until further notice and instructed them to vacate their hostels.
The students were protesting continuously for three days, demanding the university secure necessary approvals for its BSc Nursing course from the Rajasthan Nursing Council (RNC) and Indian Nursing Council. Nasir Khuehami, the national convener of the association, criticised the university’s decision, saying, “Instead of addressing their legitimate concerns and protecting their academic careers, the university opted to suspend the students. This harsh action is unacceptable and a direct attack on the students’ rights to raise their voices for justice.”
A university order issued by the Registrar on Saturday suspended the second-year B.Sc. (Nursing) students for “nuisance and deplorable acts.”
It also barred them from entering the university premises until further notice and instructed them to vacate their hostels.
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Chhattisgarh’s first airport in northern tribal belt inaugurated
A domestic airport was inaugurated in Chhattisgarh’s Surguja region, bringing the northern tribal belt directly on the air connectivity map.
Earlier, residents of the six districts in the Sarguja region had to travel five to seven hours to reach airports in Bilaspur or Raipur.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated the Maa Mahamaya Airport in Ambikapur, Surguja district on Sunday. Built over 365 acres at a cost of Rs 80 crore, the airport features an airstrip capable of handling 72-seater aircraft and has a capacity to handle five lakh passengers annually.
The airport now offers over 10 lakh people in the region quicker and more cost-effective access to major cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Jabalpur, Raipur, Jagdalpur, and Bilaspur.
Earlier, residents of the six districts in the Sarguja region had to travel five to seven hours to reach airports in Bilaspur or Raipur.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated the Maa Mahamaya Airport in Ambikapur, Surguja district on Sunday. Built over 365 acres at a cost of Rs 80 crore, the airport features an airstrip capable of handling 72-seater aircraft and has a capacity to handle five lakh passengers annually.
The airport now offers over 10 lakh people in the region quicker and more cost-effective access to major cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Jabalpur, Raipur, Jagdalpur, and Bilaspur.
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CM Chandrababu Naidu urges people to have more children in South India
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has called on people living in southern states to have more children, by flagging concerns about an ageing population.
"Though we have a demographic advantage until 2047, signs of ageing problem are starting to appear in south India, including Andhra. Many countries like like Japan, China, and some European nations are struggling with this problem, having a largely elderly population. In south Indian, the problem is compounded by young people migrating to other parts of the country or abroad,” the CM said according to Times of India. He pointed out that the fertility rate in southern states has fallen to an average of 1.6, while nationally it is 2.1. A fertility rate of 1.6 means that a woman, on average, is expected to have 1.6 children in her lifetime.
The Telugu Desam Party leader also announced plans for a legislation to incentivise people in his state to have larger families.
“The state government is thinking of bringing a law that would make only those people with more than two children eligible to contest local body elections,” Naidu said.
"Though we have a demographic advantage until 2047, signs of ageing problem are starting to appear in south India, including Andhra. Many countries like like Japan, China, and some European nations are struggling with this problem, having a largely elderly population. In south Indian, the problem is compounded by young people migrating to other parts of the country or abroad,” the CM said according to Times of India. He pointed out that the fertility rate in southern states has fallen to an average of 1.6, while nationally it is 2.1. A fertility rate of 1.6 means that a woman, on average, is expected to have 1.6 children in her lifetime.
The Telugu Desam Party leader also announced plans for a legislation to incentivise people in his state to have larger families.
“The state government is thinking of bringing a law that would make only those people with more than two children eligible to contest local body elections,” Naidu said.
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People take out 20-km-long protest march demanding justice for RG Kar victim
People from all walks of life participated in an around 20-km-long protest march on Saturday demanding justice for the woman doctor who was raped and murdered at state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.
The protesters, including doctors and members of the civil society, took out the march from Sodepur in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district and it was scheduled to culminate at Esplanade in central Kolkata where junior doctors have been staging a fast-unto-death for the last fortnight. Participants raised slogans demanding justice for the woman doctor who was found raped and murdered in the medical college on August 9.
Some junior doctors have been staging a fast-unto-death in Esplanade area for the last 15 days, demanding justice for the victim and calling for systemic changes in the state's healthcare infrastructure.
The protesters, including doctors and members of the civil society, took out the march from Sodepur in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district and it was scheduled to culminate at Esplanade in central Kolkata where junior doctors have been staging a fast-unto-death for the last fortnight. Participants raised slogans demanding justice for the woman doctor who was found raped and murdered in the medical college on August 9.
Some junior doctors have been staging a fast-unto-death in Esplanade area for the last 15 days, demanding justice for the victim and calling for systemic changes in the state's healthcare infrastructure.
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Weather
Cyclone brewing in Bay of Bengal to bring heavy downpour in south Bengal: Met office
A low-pressure system over the east-central Bay of Bengal is likely to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm and cross Odisha-West Bengal coasts between Puri and Sagar Island on October 24 night with a wind speed of 100-110 kmph, the Met office said on Monday.
The system is likely to cause heavy to very heavy rain in several south Bengal districts from October 23 to 25, it said. The Met said that the low-pressure system is likely to intensify into a depression over the east-central Bay of Bengal by October 22 and then into a cyclonic storm by the next day.
It is likely to cross north Odisha and West Bengal coasts between Puri and Sagar Island during the night of October 24 and early morning of October 25 as a severe cyclonic storm with a wind speed of 100-110 kmph, gusting to 120 kmph, the Met said.
The system is likely to cause heavy to very heavy rain in several south Bengal districts from October 23 to 25, it said. The Met said that the low-pressure system is likely to intensify into a depression over the east-central Bay of Bengal by October 22 and then into a cyclonic storm by the next day.
It is likely to cross north Odisha and West Bengal coasts between Puri and Sagar Island during the night of October 24 and early morning of October 25 as a severe cyclonic storm with a wind speed of 100-110 kmph, gusting to 120 kmph, the Met said.
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❖ - Syndicated news, primarily from PTI
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