India

rahul-gandhi-calls-for-immediate-arrest-of-gautam-adani-us-bribe-fraud-charges

Thu Nov 21 13:51:30 IST 2024

With the US fraud and bribery indictment of Gautam Adani, India’s opposition leader Rahul Gandhi called for the immediate arrest of the Ahmedad-based Adani Group’s chairman on Thursday.

Gandhi, at a press conference hours after the SEC announcement of the US indictment charging Adani and eight others in a Rs 2,100-crore bribery scheme, said that the billionaire broke Indian and American laws.

The top man at the Indian National Congress (INC) party also alleged that as long as PM Narendra Modi and Adani are together, they are safe in India. “I can guarantee that Adani won’t be arrested or investigated in India because the Modi government was protecting him,” Gandhi levelled allegations at PM Modi.

Gandhi also called for the immediate removal of SEBI chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch from her post, accusing her of protecting Adani.

Gandhi added that he planned to raise the issue at the Winter session of Parliament commencing next week. He also said that the opposition’s demand for a Joint Parliamentary Committee probe is still in play.

Shares of Adani Green Energy, which was named in the US indictment, fell 17 per cent by 1pm IST in the NSE. Other Adani group companies also fell between 15 per cent and 20 per cent, pulling major market indices down during the day.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) hit back at the INC over its attack on Gautam Adani and Adani's alleged ties to the ruling coalition. BJP leaders said that all the states mentioned in the US indictment against Adani Green Energy were ruled by opposition parties at that time. Amit Malviya, BJP's IT head, also cast his doubts on the timing of the indictment, that came just before the start of winter session of the Parliament and Trump's second term.

Adani’s plan to reduce debt burden in shambles

The US action already hurt Adani Group’s global financial instruments, including its dollar-denominated bonds that plunged on the announcement charges. Investors, such as GQG Partners, said they were monitoring the situation to review their exposure to the Adani companies.

Adani Group, of late, has been trying to cut its debt burden. Earlier last year, the conglomerate paid around Rs 7,374 crore in share-backed financing and pledged to remove all similar loans by March-end of the same year.

It was later followed by a billion-dollar fundraising placement by Adani Energy Solutions in August of this year, and USD 500 million was raised by selling shares in Adani Enterprises last month.

The USD 1.5 billion that Adani looked to raise through bond issuances under Adani Green Energy and Adani Energy Solutions now looks doubtful, since the group announced the suspension of the USD 600 million bond offering in light of the indictment.

The SEC did not shy away in its complaints filed in the US District Court in the East District of New York. “Defendants had been personally and intimately involved in paying or promising bribes worth hundreds of millions of dollars to secure undue influence with Indian state government officials and procure contracts between Indian state governments and SECI that benefitted Adani Green,” read one of the official SEC complaints filed with the US Department of Justice. The defendants here were Gautam Adani, founder and controlling shareholder of Adani Green Energy, and Sagar Adani, the company’s executive director and nephew to Gautam Adani.

even-2611-mumbai-attacks-terrorist-ajmal-kasab-got-fair-trial-sc-on-cbi-challenging-yasin-maliks-appearance-in-jammu-court

Thu Nov 21 13:29:16 IST 2024

The Supreme Court on Thursday remarked a makeshift courtroom could be set in prison to facilitate terror convict Yasin Malik’s cross-examination in two terror cases as the Central Bureau of Investigation challenged a Jammu Court’s order calling for his physical presence.

Malik is currently imprisoned in Tihar prison and the central agency is opposing Malik’s appearance in Jammu Special Court citing security reasons. Hearing CBI’s plea challenging Jammu Court’s order, a bench comprising Justices Abhay S. Oka and Augustine George Masih directed authorities to find out the number of witnesses in the case.

"In our country, a fair trial was given even to Ajmal Kasab... A courtroom can be set up in jail and it can be done there, just find out how many witnesses. Even witnesses will need security. We need to see how the judge will be posted in jail only for this court," Bar and Bench reported quoting the bench.

The Jammu Special Court has ordered the physical appearance of Malik for his cross-examination in two cases – the 1989 kidnapping of Rubaiya Sayeed, daughter of former Jammu and Kashmir CM Mehbooba Mufti and the killing of four Indian Air Force personnel on the outskirts of Srinagar in 1990.

The bench asked how cross-examination in a case can be conducted through video conferencing when the central agency informed the apex court that they did not wish to take Malik to Jammu and Kashmir for trial. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta argued that the government cannot go by books in such cases and if Malik is adamant that he will appear personally, then the trial can be shifted to Delhi.

after-himachal-delhi-court-attaches-rajasthans-bikaner-house-to-settle-over-rs-50-lakh-due-to-private-firm

Thu Nov 21 11:09:49 IST 2024

A Delhi Court has attached the Bikaner House in the national capital, owned by the Nokha Municipal Council in Rajasthan, to settle dues of Rs 50.31 lakh it owes to a private firm. The Court directed that a representative of the Council should appear before it during the next hearing.

The Patiala House Court has attached the Bikaner House owned by the municipal council after the Nokha civic body failed to settle arbitral award of Rs 50.31 lakh in favour of private company Enviro Infra Engineers Private Limited. District Judge Vidya Prakash ordered the attachment after the Nokha body failed to honour the arbitrary settlement ordered in 2020.

"Keeping in view the fact that the Judgement Debtor (Nokha Municipality Council) had failed to comply with the direction for furnishing an affidavit of their assets despite grant of repeated opportunities, the Court, while agreeing with the submissions made on behalf of Decree Holder (DH), finds it a fit case for issuance of warrants of attachment against immovable property of JD namely Bikaner House, New Delhi," the judge ordered, PTI reported.

The Patiala Court also restrained the Nokha Council from transferring or charging the property by sale, gift or otherwise. The Court will hear the case next on November 29.

The Delhi Court’s move comes after the Himachal Pradesh High Court recently attached the state government’s Himachal House in Delhi, to settle its arbitrary dues of Rs 150 crore to a private firm. The Himachal Pradesh government said it will challenge the order legally.

The High Court also directed the Himachal’s power secretary to conduct a fact-finding inquiry to identify the officers responsible for the lapse in payment and sought a report.

stop-online-sale-of-fire-crackers-delhi-police-tells-e-commerce-sites

Wed Nov 20 22:03:19 IST 2024

The Delhi Police has directed e-commerce websites and social media platforms to suspend the online sale of fire crackers in the national capital even as the air quality index recorded a marginal improvement on Wednesday.

The direction issued by the Crime Branch wing has asked these websites to activate location-based restrictions to prevent any sales or deliveries of fire crackers. They also have to publish a clear notice informing the customers about the prohibition of firecracker, sales and deliveries in Delhi.

The e-commerce sites have been further directed to inform their delivery partners not to accept, transport or deliver any consignments containing firecrackers in Delhi.

The Delhi government had last month imposed a blanket ban on the manufacture, storage and bursting of firecrackers in Delhi till January 1, 2025.

WFH for 50% govt staff

The Delhi government on Wednesday announced Work From Home for half of its staff and those of the MCD as the city continues to reel under high level of pollution.

Environment Minister Gopal Rai urged private offices, industries and businesses to take similar steps to help mitigate the crisis.

Offices providing emergency and vital services will operate with full capacity.

The order will be in force until Stage-IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is lifted.

The air quality index remained in the ‘severe’ category on Wednesday though it came down to 419 from 460 the previous day.

According to the Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi, the AQI is expected to remain in the "severe" category on Thursday and Friday and improve to the "very poor" category on Saturday.

kallakurichi-hooch-tragedy-madras-high-court-transfers-the-probe-to-cbi

Wed Nov 20 19:26:36 IST 2024

In a major setback to the ruling DMK government in Tamil Nadu, the Madras High Court on Wednesday transferred the Kallakurichi hooch tragedy probe to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The case relating to the incident that claimed the lives of 68 people is currently being probed by the Crime Branch Criminal Investigation Division (CBCID) of the Tamil Nadu police.

Hearing petitions filed by the opposition political parties including the AIADMK, PMK, DMDK and the BJP, a division bench comprising justices D Krishnakumar and P B Balaji passed the orders on Wednesday and transferred the investigation to the CBI. The opposition parties in their petitions had urged for a CBI investigation in the case, stating that a probe by the Tamil Nadu police may not yield justice to the families of the victims.

The bench contended that the case be transferred to the CBI given the seriousness of the issue as 68 lives have been lost due to the consumption of illicit liquor. In his observation, Justice Balaji said that the sake of illicit liquor happened right under the nose of the police and the authorities did not act even after they had information.

The Kallakurichi hooch tragedy was one of the major setbacks for the DMK soon after it won all 39 constituencies in the Lok Sabha poll. The government initially did not know the seriousness of the issue and said that the death was not due to spurious liquor. Later when the death toll began to climb, the government swung into action and switched to damage control mode.

The district collector was transferred and the SP was placed under suspension. The government brought amendments to the existing law to allow stringent punishment for those who brew and sell spurious liquor. Huge barrels of liquor stored at the Kalvarayan hills near Kallakurichi were confiscated by the police after several rounds of search operations.

maharashtra-jharkhand-assembly-elections-exit-polls-today-when-and-where-to-watch

Wed Nov 20 13:37:50 IST 2024

The exit poll predictions of Maharastra and Jharkhand Assembly Elections will be out after the voting ends in both states. According to the Election Commission of India guidelines, the exit poll predictions can be published only after 6:30 pm.

One prominent poll predictor is Pradeep Gupta, who will release his firm Axis My India's predictions around 6:30 pm. The results will be streamed on the firm's YouTube channel.

Another firm C-Voter will release its predictions through the YouTube channel of the respective TV channel and the YouTube channel of TheRedMike.

Maharashtra

Voting began at 7 am in 288 seats across the state where the ruling BJP-led Mahayuti alliance is fighting Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) combine. The votes will be counted on November 23. Over 9.7 crore voters will be choosing from among the 4,136 candidates in the fray.

In the Mahayuti alliance, the BJP is contesting 149 seats, Shiv Sena is in the fray in 81 seats, and the Ajit Pawar-led NCP has fielded candidates in 59 constituencies. In the opposition's MVA combine, the Congress has fielded 101 candidates, Shiv Sena (UBT) 95, and NCP (SP) has put up 86 candidates.

Jharkhand

The second phase of Jharkhand Assembly elections will see voting in 38 Assembly seats, where 528 candidates will seek a mandate. The prominent names in the fray in the second phase include Chief Minister and JMM leader Hemant Soren, his wife Kalpana Soren and Leader of Opposition Amar Kumar Bauri of the BJP.

In Jharkhand, the NDA takes on the INDIA bloc, a coalition led by JMM and Congress.

cpim-minister-saji-cherian-in-trouble-as-kerala-hc-orders-further-probe-into-constitution-remark-row

Thu Nov 21 12:08:58 IST 2024

The Kerala High Court has ordered further probe against Kerala Culture and Fisheries Minister Saji Cherian for his alleged controversial remarks against Indian Constitution. The minister, who had to resign from the post in 2022 following the controversy, was reinstated in the Pinarayi Vijayan cabinet later.

Hearing a plea challenging a lower court’s order in the case, Kerala High Court Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas dismissed the police’s probe report submitted in the case and ordered further investigation. The High Court directed the crime branch of Kerala police to conduct further probe into the matter.

"This Court has already found that a further investigation is required and since the accused is a Minister of the State this Court is of the view that an investigation by the Station House Officer will not suffice. Further investigation, hence, ought to be conducted by the State Crime Branch,” Bar and Bench reported quoting the bench.

Addressing a party meeting in 2022, the Kerala minister allegedly said the Constitution of the country "condones exploitation" and is written in a way helping to "plunder" the people of the country. However, the minister claimed his words were “distorted” by media.

A FIR was registered against the minister by Pathanamthitta police and Cherian resigned in July 2022. A Magistrate Court had accepted police’s probe report in the case and gave a clean chit to the minister.

Ordering further investigation on Thursday, the High Court directed the state police chief to issue orders for the transfer of the case immediately. The bench said an officer of integrity should lead the investigation and the probe should be completed without undue delay.

Following the High Court’s order, the Opposition demanded the minister’s resignation. Opposition leader V.D. Satheeshan said Minister Cherian should resign immediately and face the probe. Satheeshan charged the left leader’s words were from RSS ideologue M.S. Golwalkar’s ‘Vichardhara’.

However, reacting on the High Court’s orders, Saji Cherian told reporters that he would not resign. He said the High Court arrived at this judgment without hearing his arguments.

canadian-media-report-says-pm-modi-knew-of-plot-to-kill-nijjar-mea-hits-back

Wed Nov 20 23:15:01 IST 2024

A leading Canadian newspaper on Wednesday reported that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was aware of the alleged plot to kill Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

Nijjar, a Canadian citizen, was gunned down in Surrey, British Columbia, in June last year. The Justin Trudeau government had alleged potential involvement of Indian agents in the incident, sparking a diplomatic face-off between the two countries.

New Delhi has strenuously denied any complicity in Nijjar’s murder.

An unnamed Canadian national security official told the Globe and Mail that the Canadians are convinced that the plot to kill Nijjar was led by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Prime Minister Modi, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval were all informed about it, he further said.

Though the Canadian authorities had earlier linked Shah to the alleged plot, this is the first time an accusation has been made against Modi, Jaishankar and Doval in this regard.

“The official said the (Canadian) assessment is that it would be unthinkable that three senior political figures in India would not have discussed the targeted killings with Mr. Modi before proceeding,” the report said.

India hit back at the newspaper report, saying such “smear campaigns” would further damage the already strained ties between the two countries.

“We do not normally comment on media reports. However, such ludicrous statements made to a newspaper purportedly by a Canadian government source should be dismissed with the contempt they deserve,” the External Affairs Ministry said in a statement.

India-Canada relations nosedived after Justin Trudeau said last year that there was credible intelligence linking Indian government agents to the killing of Nijjar.

The diplomatic tension escalated further last month after Canada alleged the involvement of the Indian high commissioner in the incident, drawing a sharp reaction from New Delhi.

India expelled six Canadian diplomats and announced withdrawing its high commissioner from Canada after dismissing Ottawa's allegations.

will-the-maratha-votes-influence-maharashtras-results-what-exit-polls-said-about-the-jarange-patil-effect

Thu Nov 21 11:46:18 IST 2024

With a day left for the Maharashtra Assembly election results to come out, exit polls are mostly in favour of the ruling Mahayuti alliance. Six out of the 10 exit polls predict that the ruling Shiv Sena-BJP-NCP combine will retain power while the remaining predict either a hung Assembly.

In this context, many speculate that the Maratha votes might be crucial, considering that the group that makes up 28 per cent of Maharashtra's population, did not vote in favour of the Mahayuti in the Lok Sabha elections.

The agitation led by Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange-Patil seeking reservation for the Marathas under the OBC category snowballed into a major movement, influencing where the Maratha votes went. Jarange is said to have considerable influence in all the 43 assembly seats of Marathwada and some districts of Western Maharashtra. The ruling alliance did not shy away from courting Jarange in the months leading to the elections.

Also read: Exit polls predict an edge to BJP-led Mahayuti in Maharashtra; close fight in Jharkhand

But Jarange Patil has made his distaste for BJP, particularly Deputy Chief Minister and BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis, clear. He solidly backed the Maha Vikas Aghadi in Lok Sabha elections, which worked in the opposition's favour, and will likely have done so in the Assembly elections too.

Though Jarange Patil has not named any party to vote for, his earlier stance calling for the defeat of those responsible for not giving reservation to Marathas is widely viewed as a pro-MVA stance.

According to the exit polls by Hyderabad-based SAS Group, Mahavikas Aghadi can win 147 to 155 seats while Mahayuti can get 127 to 135. This survey predicts that Mahayuti will win only 17-18 seats in Marathwada region, while MVA will win 27-28 seats.

The fact that the Marathwada region recorded an average voter turnout of 60.63 per cent was recorded till 5 pm on Wednesday in all eight districts proves that the region may have voted for the MVA.

However, six other exit polls predict an edge for Mahayuti, hinting that Maratha votes did not make much of a difference. Thanks to the BJP's strategy of consolidating OBC votes from Mali, Dhangar, and Vanjari communities, the ruling coalition may counter the dominance of the Maratha community.

need-to-focus-on-cooperation-rather-that-conflict-rajnath-singh-meets-chinese-defence-minister

Wed Nov 20 22:34:17 IST 2024

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met his Chinese counterpart Admiral Dong Jun on the sidelines of the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus at Vientiane, Lao PDR.

This was the first meeting between the two defence ministers after the disengagement of troops in Demchok and Depsang in eastern Ladakh.

Singh highlighted the fact that amicable relations between India and China—the two largest nations in the world—would have positive implications for global peace and prosperity.

“We need to focus on cooperation rather than conflict,” he said noting that the two countries are and will continue to remain neighbours.

“Shri Rajnath Singh called for reflecting on the lessons learnt from the unfortunate border clashes of 2020, take measures to prevent recurrence of such events and safeguard peace and tranquility along the India-China border,” the defence ministry said in a statement.

It said the minister emphasised and looked forward to greater trust and confidence building between the two sides through de-escalation.

During the meeting, both Singh and Jun agreed to work together towards a roadmap for rebuilding mutual trust and understanding.

The defence minister arrived at Vientiane on a three-day visit to attend the 11th ADMM-Plus on November 21 and address the forum on regional and international security issues.

Earlier on Tuesday, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Chinese foreign minister H.E. Wang Yi held talks in Rio de Janeiro on the sidelines of the G20 Summit. The two leaders also reviewed progress in the disengagement of troops in eastern Ladakh.

According to an MEA statement, the two foreign ministers discussed resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra pilgrimage and direct flights between India and China.

manipur-prohibitory-orders-to-be-relaxed-in-imphal-valley-schools-colleges-to-remain-shut

Wed Nov 20 21:24:33 IST 2024

Schools and colleges in the Imphal Valley districts of Manipur will remain closed till November 23, authorities said on Wednesday even as an uneasy calm prevailed in the region after a fresh wave of violence.

The educational institutions in Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Bishnupur and Kakching were closed on November 16 following the protests triggered by the violent clashes in Jiribam district.

Both state-run and private schools and colleges will remain closed till November 23, the notification said.

Prohibitory orders to be relaxed

Meanwhile, in separate notifications, the authorities said the prohibitory orders issued in the Imphal Valley districts will be relaxed for five hours every morning to enable people to buy essential items.

The relaxation will be allowed from 5 am to 10 am.

"Due to improvement in law and orders in the district, there is a need to relax the restriction on movement to facilitate public to purchase essential items, including medicines and food items," said the similar-worded notifications issued by each district administration.

The relaxation, however, will not apply to any gathering, large scale movement of people or any sit-in protests.

Mobile internet suspension extended

The state government has extended the suspension of mobile internet for three more days in seven districts.

Both broadband and mobile internet services were suspended in Imphal West, Imphal East, Kakching, Bishnupur, Thoubal, Churachandpur and Kangpokpi on November 16 to prevent the spreading of content that might create law and order problems.

However, the suspension of broadband services was lifted on Tuesday.

punjab-s-akali-politics-explained-what-next-for-sad-and-sukhbir-singh-badal

Wed Nov 20 19:22:42 IST 2024

Former Punjab chief minister Sukhbir Singh Badal’s resignation as Akali Dal president has brought back focus on the country’s second-oldest political party. It’s been two months since Badal was excommunicated from the community for his decisions during his government’s tenure that were perceived to be against the Sikh ethos. As Badal was still awaiting punishment from the highest temporal seat of Sikhs, Akal Takht, he requested for early resolution. He then resigned from the post.

Owing to this crisis, the Akali Dal didn’t contest the by-polls in the state. Badal’s resignation means that a new party chief will be elected soon. The Akali rebels who were instrumental in complaints against Badal for going against the Panthic agenda want the leadership of the party.

READ HERE | Akal Takht's 'tankhaiya' and Sukhbir Singh Badal: The story so far as Akali Dal president resigns

As Badal continues to stay away from politics as he awaits punishment from the Akal Thakt before he is accepted back, two prominent Hindu faces of the party, NK Sharma and Anil Joshi have also quit the party this week. They resigned after Badal’s resignation and reportedly said that they do not feel comfortable in the party which may now take a more Panthic line.

Many observers feel the Badals still hold sway over the Akali politics and party despite the current crisis. The current imbroglio, however, may force the Punjab’s regional party to reorient its politics and messaging to stay relevant.

Akali Dal’s role in harmonising the communities in the border state is crucial so that the hard-line voices do not gain currency as it has happened with the election of two Lok sabha MPs with pro-Khalistan views.

The churn within Sikh politics also saw Harpal Singh Duma, the chief of Damdami Taksal, a seminary known for its radical views, which was also helmed by Bhindranwale at one time, support BJP in Maharashtra. He held a press conference urging the Sikhs in the state to support the BJP in polls. Dhumma’s act caught many in Punjab by surprise. Some Akali leaders accused the BJP of interfering in the Sikh affairs.

The state politics, particularly for the Akalis May continue to be on the boil, but its resolution is what most are waiting to happen.

exit-polls-predict-an-edge-to-bjp-led-mahayuti-in-maharashtra

Wed Nov 20 20:12:54 IST 2024

As voting ended for the 288-member Maharashtra Assembly elections on Wednesday, most of the exit polls have predicted an edge to the Bharatiya Janata Party-led ruling Mahayuti alliance.

The ABP-Matrize exit poll has predicted 150-170 seats for the ruling front which also comprises Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar’s Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). According to the pollster, the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi—an alliance of Congress, NCP(SP) and Shiv Sena (UBT)—is likely to get 110-130 seats. The other parties in the fray may get 8-10 seats.

The majority mark in the house is 145.

The Republic TV-PMARQ has predicted a tight contest though it puts the Mahayuti’s tally at 137-157 against the MVA’s 126-147 seats. As per the poll, the ruling alliance is likely to get a vote share of 42 per cent against the opposition bloc’s 41 per cent. The pollster has predicted 2-8 seats for others.

Maharashtra records 58% voter turnout till 5pm; 68% polling in 2nd phase of Jharkhand polls

The Chanakya Strategies has predicted a clear majority for the ruling alliance and pegs it at 152-160. The MVA, on the other hand, is likely to bag 130-138 seats and the others 6-8 seats.

The ‘Peoples Pulse’ has projected Mahayuti scoring a decisive victory by getting 175-195 seats. It says the opposition alliance is poised to get only 85-112 seats while others may win 7-12 seats.

According to the Poll Diary prediction, the Mahayuti is likely to win 122-186 seats while the opposition front may bag 69-121 seats.

Tension prevails in Baramati; Yugendra's mother alleges death threats to her son’s cadres

Voting ended for the high-stakes elections at 6 pm on Wednesday and the results will be declared on November 23. According to poll officials, the state witnessed 58 per cent voter turnout till 5 pm.

Close contest in Jharkhand

In Jharkhand, where the second phase of polling was held on Wednesday, the exit polls have predicted a slight majority for the BJP-led NDA while some of the pollsters have given an edge to the ruling INDIA bloc.

While the JMM-Congress alliance is vying to retain power, the BJP is hoping to make considerable inroads and form government in the tribal dominated state.

The majority mark in the 81-member house is 41.

The ABP-Matrize exit poll has predicted 47 seats for the NDA and 30 seats for the INDIA bloc. The others may get four seats.

The ‘Peoples Pulse’ has projected the NDA scoring 44-53 seats. The ruling alliance may bag 25-37 seats while the others are likely to win 5-9 seats.

However, according to Axis My India projection, the NDA is likely to get only 25 seats while the INDIA bloc is poised to win 53 seats. Three seats may go to others.

The JVC’s Exit Poll has also predicted a close contest. As per this pollster, the JMM-Congress alliance is likely to bag 30-40 seats while the BJP-led bloc may win 40-44 seats.

getting-information-from-intelligence-agencies-governor-cv-ananda-bose-on-beldanga-tensions

Tue Nov 19 22:27:14 IST 2024

Governor C.V. Ananda Bose, after requesting a report from the West Bengal government on measures taken to maintain law and order following alleged communal tensions in Murshidabad district’s Beldanga, stated on Tuesday that he is also receiving updates from intelligence agencies and hearing representations from various individuals.

Reportedly, communal tensions flared in Beldanga last Saturday on the occasion of Kartik Puja. Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita was imposed in the area for 24 hours. Additionally, internet services were also suspended. So far, the police have arrested 17 individuals in connection with the violence.

ALSO READ | West Bengal: Prohibitory orders imposed after clashes erupt in Murshidabad, internet suspended

“What is happening there is very sensitive,” said Governor Bose during a media interaction at the Raj Bhavan on the completion of two years as the constitutional head of West Bengal. “I have already asked for information from the government on what the government is doing. I am also getting information from intelligence agencies.”

Describing himself as the ‘ground-zero governor’, he said the peace room in Raj Bhavan has given people the confidence to reach out to him via phone calls and e-mails with complaints of violence and atrocities. Governor Bose claimed people could also come directly to Raj Bhavan to meet him.

“During the panchayat election violence, I visited hospitals where victims were admitted. I went to homes where there was a casualty,” he said. “I am open to suggestions by the public. They can consider the governor’s office as a place where they can come confidently with their complaints.”

Governor Bose noted that maintaining law and order falls under the purview of the state government, and he ensures that complaints he receives are brought to the state’s attention. On the other hand, he also highlighted that Article 167 of the Indian Constitution empowers him to seek information from the Chief Minister regarding the state’s administration and legislative proposals.

According to the article, the Chief Minister is required to provide any information requested by the Governor. However, Governor Bose called the West Bengal government irregular in this regard, stating that he rarely receives reports and only gets them occasionally “when I try to put my foot down”.

Overall, he described his relationship with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee as good, and he hopes to make it even better by overcoming the "dark clouds" that overshadowed their “sweet” relationship during his second year as governor.

delhi-court-to-hear-engineer-rashids-regular-bail-plea-on-nov-20

Tue Nov 19 18:55:37 IST 2024

The hearing on the bail plea of the Member of Parliament (MP) from Baramulla in north Kashmir and the leader of the Awami Itehad Party (AIP), scheduled for Tuesday, has been postponed by one day.

The AIP has urged the central government to release Rashid because of the upcoming Parliament session scheduled for November 25.

The party said that Rashid should be allowed to advocate for the people of his constituency and region in Parliament.

ALSO READ | Delhi court defers hearing on Engineer Rashid's bail plea till Nov 19

Rashid has been detained in Tihar Jail since August 2019 after being arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in connection with a terror funding case. He made history by winning the 2024 Lok Sabha elections for the Baramulla constituency while still in jail.

His sons, Abrar Rashid and Asrar Rashid, launched an emotional campaign urging voters to support their father for his release.

AIP chief spokesperson Inam Un Nabi said Tuesday’s hearing has been deferred for Wednesday.

“It has been deferred until tomorrow." He added that the people of north Kashmir want their AIP leader to represent them in Parliament,’’ he said. “Engineer Rashid made history in 2024 by winning while still in Tihar Jail.”

He said the government of India must respect this democratic mandate by ensuring his release before the Parliament session begins.

“His participation in Parliament would enhance discussions and provide a vital platform to address the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.

He said that as a grassroots leader advocating for human rights and justice, Rashid's continued incarceration sends a negative message and undermines the democratic principles of the nation.

The AIP has called on civil society, political leaders, and human rights organisations to support their demand for Rashid’s release.

With the Parliament session approaching, attention now turns to whether the central government will respond to the request.

jammu-and-kashmir-govt-to-increase-ration-quota-offer-12-gas-cylinders-annually

Wed Nov 20 22:29:51 IST 2024

The Jammu and Kashmir government will soon enhance the ration quota and provide 12 gas cylinders annually to households as a New Year gift.

The announcement was made by Cabinet Minister Satish Sharma while speaking to reporters on Wednesday. “We have ensured all necessary arrangements for winter to ensure a smooth supply of essentials across the region,” he said.

He said that restoring Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood is a top priority. “Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has personally met with top leaders in New Delhi to press for statehood restoration," Sharma said. "I believe Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also interested in restoring statehood. Once that is achieved, other pending issues will be addressed.”

He requested 11 months to address the "gaps and deficiencies" created over the past 11 years.

Regarding winter preparedness, Sharma stated that much has been done but admitted there are still areas that need improvement.

“Our officers are capable, but some deficiencies persist. These will be addressed soon,” he said.

He assured the public that essential supplies like food and fuel have been stockpiled in key locations to avoid shortages during the harsh winter. “We are prepared, but we must remain vigilant to tackle any unforeseen challenges,” he added.

This announcement comes as the National Conference (NC) government, led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, completes its first month in office. In this short time, the government has already fulfilled several promises.

With the proposed increase in the monthly ration quota, deserving households will also receive 12 subsidized gas cylinders annually, addressing both food security and rising fuel costs. The academic calendar has been revised to better suit the region’s seasonal and administrative needs, reducing disruptions caused by the harsh winters. Additionally, the age eligibility for combined competitive exams has been increased, providing aspirants with more opportunities to compete.

As part of its winter preparedness, the government has strategically stockpiled essential commodities in remote and snow-prone areas, ensuring that residents are not left without food or fuel during the winter. Furthermore, government offices have been shifted to Jammu for the winter months, facilitating smoother governance during severe weather in Kashmir—a practice that had been abandoned by the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha-led administration.

These initiatives reflect the government’s focus on addressing immediate concerns while setting the stage for pursuing the restoration of statehood.

maharashtra-sees-over-58-voter-turnout-68-polling-in-second-phase-of-jharkhand-polls

Wed Nov 20 18:58:25 IST 2024

Voting ended for the high-stakes Maharashtra and Jharkhand Assembly elections on Wednesday and the results will now be declared on November 23.

The 288-member Maharashtra assembly went to polls in a single phase while Jharkhand saw a two-phase polling with 38 of the 81 seats going to polls on Wednesday. In the first phase, elections were held in 43 seats in the tribal-dominated state on November 13.

The voter turnout in Maharashtra stood at 58.22 per cent at 5 pm, according to election commission officials. Jharkhand, during the second phase of polling, recorded a 67.59 per cent turnout till 5 pm.

In Jharkhand, Jamtara recorded the highest turnout at 76.16 per cent, followed by Pakur with 75.88 per cent, and Deoghar with 72.46 per cent. The state capital, Ranchi, recorded a turnout of 72.01 per cent.

In Maharashtra, the elections are on knife-edge with the ruling Mahayuti alliance of BJP, Shiv Sena and NCP is vying to retain power, while the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi that comprises the Congress, NCP(SP) and Shiv Sena (UBT) hoping for a strong comeback.

It’s a prestige battle for the rival factions of both the NCP and the Shiv Sena as the state goes to assembly polls for the first time after their parties suffered a vertical split.

In the ruling alliance, the BJP has fielded candidates in 149 seats, Shiv Sena in 81 and NCP in 59. In the MVA combine, he Congress has fielded 101 candidates, Shiv Sena (UBT) 95, and NCP (SP) has put up 86 candidates.

Other smaller parties, including the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and the All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM), are also in the fray.

In Jharkhand, the fight is largely between the ruling JMM-Congress alliance and the opposition NDA led by BJP.

west-bengal-recruitment-scam-calcutta-hc-gives-split-verdict-on-former-education-ministers-bail-plea

Wed Nov 20 15:34:22 IST 2024

A two-judge bench of the Calcutta High Court on Wednesday delivered a split verdict on the bail plea of former West Bengal education minister Partha Chatterjee, who was arrested by the ED and the CBI as part of their investigations into several cases linked to the alleged teacher recruitment scam.

Justice Arijit Banerjee granted bail to Partha Chatterjee in the CBI case concerning the alleged West Bengal School Service Commission (SSC) recruitment scam. However, Justice Apurba Sinha Ray disagreed. The matter will now be referred to the Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court, who will assign it to a larger bench.

The division bench also ruled on the bail pleas of eight others involved in the same case. Four were granted bail, while Justice Ray denied the others. However, Chatterjee, whose bail plea hearings concluded on October 7, would have remained behind the bars even if he had been granted bail on Wednesday.

Before the CBI took him into custody, Partha Chatterjee and his associate Arpita Mukherjee were first arrested by the ED on July 22, 2022, in connection with the alleged SSC recruitment scam. During their investigation, the ED seized over Rs 49.80 crore in cash, gold valued at approximately Rs 70 crore, and foreign currency worth about Rs 5.6 crore from properties linked to Mukherjee.

The 72-year-old former education minister’s bail prayer in this case was rejected by the Calcutta High Court earlier this year. Currently, the matter is sub-judice at the Supreme Court of India. Meanwhile, he has also been arrested by the CBI in a case related to an alleged recruitment scam in West Bengal Board of Primary Education (WBPE).

On Wednesday, the High Court granted bail to Kuntal Ghosh, an expelled youth leader of the Trinamool Congress, in an ED case related to the alleged primary recruitment scam. However, he will remain in custody as he has also been arrested by the CBI.

puppets-of-govt-vs-victim-card-bjp-samajwadi-party-trade-charges-on-day-of-bypolls

Wed Nov 20 18:00:56 IST 2024

Through the day of polling in assembly byelections in nine seats in Uttar Pradesh, the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Samajwadi Party traded charges accusing each other of vitiating the election.

SP leader and MP Akhilesh Yadav took to X to accuse officials and police personnel of becoming puppets of the government. Among Yadav’s demands from the government was that the approach roads to polling booths not be closed; people’s identity cards not be forcibly taken away; time not be wasted when people go for voting and that, if need be, polling time be increased so that more people could exercise their franchise.

Yadav also named certain police officials who he said were working for the government. He said that while the electoral results would be in favour of the INDI alliance, the courts would not spare those officials who were acting on behalf of the government.

ALSO READ: Stakes are high for both BJP and Samajwadi Party

BJP state president Bhupendra Chaudhary accused the Samajwadi Party of trying to turn the election bloody. He said that the party knew that the ground beneath its feet was shifting and so, had given a free reign to the anti-social elements in it. Chaudhary also said that the ‘black deeds’ of those who wore red caps (the Samajwadi party colour) were evident.

ALSO READ: Not an easy task for Yogi's BJP

He said that the party had started to play the ‘victim card’ because it was aware of how the byelection results would pan out.

Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak who is to address a press conference later in the evening, accused the ‘goondas’ of the Samajwadi Party of threatening voters.

ALSO READ: 3/4th of BJP bypoll candidates in UP have criminal cases; BSP, SP have most crorepatis

Pathak also repeated the speculation that a dalit girl who voted for the BJP had been killed in Karhal (Mainpuri) - the seat vacated by Yadav. Though the girl’s family has alleged that she was killed for her political preference, it has not been confirmed by the police.

Pathak has also accused Samajwadi Party workers of donning burqas and thus disguising themselves as voters to cast their ballots fraudulently.

maharashtra-polls-tension-prevails-in-baramati-yugendras-mother-alleges-death-threats-to-her-sons-cadres

Wed Nov 20 17:33:20 IST 2024

It’s a prestige battle for the rival factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in Baramati where sitting MLA and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar is taking on his nephew Yugendra Pawar.

While the war of words, blame games and mudslinging marked the high-octane campaign, tension prevailed in the constituency on the voting day after Yugendra’s mother Sharmila Pawar on Wednesday alleged intimidation and malpractices by workers of Ajit Pawar’s party.

Yogendra is the son of Ajit Pawar’s brother and a grandnephew of NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar.

"When I received the information, I reached the spot and saw that some voter slips bearing the symbol of their (NCP) party were being circulated and our people were being intimidated and given death threats," Sharmila alleged.

She further said that a complaint will be filed with the Election Commission in this regard.

Kiran Gujar, representing Ajit Pawar’s faction in Baramati, said Sharmila Pawar is not an election official and she had no right to interfere at polling stations. He also dismissed allegation that the NCP had distributed slips bearing party symbol.

“If there are irregularities, why does the election officer of the polling station not take objection? It shows that when the system is working fairly, you are trying to defame the system," he was quoted as saying by PTI.

Ajit Pawar has been representing Baramati in the state assembly since 1991.

In the Lok Sabha polls held earlier this year, Ajit Pawar fielded his wife Sunetra Pawar from Baramati parliamentary seat against sitting MP Supriya Sule, the daughter of Sharad Pawar.

Sule defeated Sunetra Pawar comfortably and since then Ajit Pawar has often said fielding his wife against his cousin was a mistake.

muslims-come-out-in-numbers-to-protest-waqf-amendment-bill-in-kolkata

Tue Nov 19 17:49:26 IST 2024

Different Muslim organisations came together in Kolkata on Tuesday to oppose the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024. Introduced in Parliament earlier this year, the bill seeks to amend the Waqf Act of 1995, with the goal of streamlining the works of the Waqf Board and improving the management of Waqf properties.

Hundreds of protesters, led by organisations such as All India Muslim Personal Law Board, All Bengal Imam Muazzin Association, and Joint Forum For WAQF Protection, among others, gathered at RR Road near Shaheed Minar in Esplanade to demand the revocation of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024.

Also read | Waqf bill: Face-off between BJP and opposition MPs continues in JPC

They claimed the proposed amendment was a direct attack on their faith and urged the central government not to pass it. “We will come out with greater strength in upcoming days and send a message to the fascist government in Delhi that we will not allow this bill,” one of the organisers of Tuesday’s rally said.

Criticising opposition MPs for repeatedly walking out of JPC meetings on the Waqf Amendment Bill, protesters warned secular MPs against further walkouts, saying such actions could lead to permanent removal from Parliament. They also threatened to paralyse Kolkata, urging the West Bengal government to pass a resolution opposing the bill.

Notably, the Trinamool Congress (TMC), the ruling party in West Bengal, has opposed the amendment so far. Along with MPs and other INDIA bloc parties, TMC parliamentarians have let their dissent known during the JPC meetings.

Trinamool MP Kalyan Banerjee, who was suspended from the JPC due to “unruly behaviour”, accused the JPC chairman Jagadambika Pal of “high-handedness” and “arbitrary action” on the Waqf Amendment Bill.

Banerjee also alleged that Pal was deliberately rushing the discussions on Waqf in the meetings. He further accused the chairman of fabricating opinions by collecting testimony from individuals who have no direct involvement with Waqf matters.

Three-fourth-bjp-bypoll-candidates-uttar-pradesh-criminal-cases-bsp-sp-most-crorepatis

Wed Nov 20 11:37:38 IST 2024

Three fourth of the Bharatiya Janata Party candidates who will test their fates at the ballot boxes in Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday have criminal cases registered against them. This is the highest of any party which is fighting eight seats in the by-elections.

BJP’s ally Rashtriya Lok Dal, which is fighting the ninth seat, has also fielded a candidate with a criminal case to his name.

Nine seats in Uttar Pradesh will go to the bypolls on Wednesday. Except one seat, all seats have their incumbent MLAs getting elected to the Lok Sabha recently. The Sishamau candidate is in prison and thus necessitated the election in the seat.

The Samajwadi Party has 44 per cent criminal candidates while the Bahujan Samaj Party has 22 per cent.

Another notable trend is that the parties that have contesting a single seat have picked a candidate with registered criminal cases. This includes the Sarvjan Sukhay Party, Pichhra Samaj Party, Sarva Samaj Janata Party, Sabhi Jan Party and the Peace Party.

Around 48 per cent candidates are crorepatis, with the BSP and the Samajwadi Party leading the tally.

The richest candidate in this election is Shuchismita Maurya of the BJP who is contesting from Mirzapur and has assets worth over Rs 50 crore. She is also the candidate with the highest liability of over Rs six crore. The next two places are occupied by Samajwadi Party candidates Sumbul Rana from Muzaffarnagar with assets worth over Rs 40 crore and Singh Raj Jatav from Ghaziabad whose net worth exceeds Rs 28 crore.

The three canidates with the lowest net worth are independents. Rupesh Chandra from Ghaziabad has just Rs 18,000 to his name.

The most common qualification of candidates is graduate or equivalent with 54 per cent candidates reporting it in their affidavits. The most common age group of those contesting is 41 to 60 years. A miniscule 13 per cent of those in the fray are women.

will-congress-be-inducted-into-jandk-cabinet

Wed Nov 20 11:59:49 IST 2024

Congress leader and MLA from Dooru, Ghulam Ahmed Mir, has said that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah will decide whether to include a Congress member in the cabinet.

The Congress and National Conference fought the elections together and won majority in the 90-member assembly. Congress does not have a ministerial position in the government.

ALSO READ: 'People have favoured NC-Congress alliance': Omar Abdullah | FULL INTERVIEW

However, Mir stressed that this does not change the fact that it is a coalition government.

“Although we do not have any representative in the government, yet it is a reality that this regime is a coalition government," he said. "We fought elections jointly. Numbers do not matter. All stakeholders are equally important in the government."

When asked why Congress had not been given a ministerial position, he said it was the chief minister’s decision. “It is the prerogative of the chief minister, but we are very much part and parcel of this government,” he said. At the same time, he admitted that the chances of Congress getting a berth in the current cabinet are slim.

ALSO READ: Omar Abdullah's cabinet: A step to bridge regional divide between Jammu and Kashmir

He pointed out that the council of ministers in the Union Territory is limited to a “Nine-Plus-One” structure, meaning there are restrictions on how many ministers can be included.

Mir said the situation could change once Jammu and Kashmir becomes a state again. With statehood, the number of ministerial positions would increase, giving the Congress a better chance. “After J&K gets statehood, the strength of ministers would be increased,” he said.

He also referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s earlier promise that statehood would be restored after the delimitation exercise and assembly elections. “The prime minister stated on record that the delimitation exercise would be followed by the conduct of assembly elections and restoration of statehood,” he said, urging Modi to act now that elections are over.

He also supported a resolution passed in Jammu and Kashmir assembly calling for special status. “The resolution represents the aspirations and wishes of the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.

bitcoin-scam-supriya-sule-cries-fake-audio-as-bjp-poses-5-questions-to-her

Wed Nov 20 13:03:43 IST 2024

NCP (SCP) leader Supriya Sule has lashed out at the BJP and NCP leader and deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar over the Bitcoin audio scam, stating the audio clip purportedly featuring her voice was fake. She also filed a complaint with the Election Commission and the Maharashtra Police.

Sule's reaction comes after the BJP released an audio clip purportedly featuring Supriya Sule MP and Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole wherein she claimed to be trading Bitcoin to fund NCP (SP)'s campaign during the Maharastra Assembly Elections.

After the audio clip leaked, BJP leader Sudhanshu Trivedi held a press conference wherein he accused Sule of encashing Bitcoins to fund the party's campaign and questioned how fair and free the conduct was.

Trivedi also sought an inquiry into the use of "foreign currency to influence the Maharashtra assembly elections." He also posed the following five questions to Sule:

1. Have you traded in bitcoins?

2. Has the dealer contacted Gaurav Mehta and Amitabh Gupta?

3. Is this WhatsApp chat yours?

4. If this chat is yours, who are you talking about?

5. Are the voices in these call recordings yours?

BJP leader Sambit Patra added that the scam came to light as Gaurav Mehta, a person involved in cryptocurrency trade and an alleged link to this case, decided to go public because he feared danger to his life after he encashed the Bitcoins to help opposition leaders.

Patra alleged that the matter had its roots in a cryptocurrency fraud in 2018, and a former IPS officer Ravindranath Patil, who had joined the private sector and was tapped as an expert to help the investigation, ended up getting arrested for misappropriating a cryptocurrency wallet.

He claimed that the suspected crypto currency fraud occurred years back and the opposition alliance used the money in previous elections as well. "It appears that the money involved so far in this scam is Rs 235 crore," he added.

Sule's cousin and NCP chief Ajit Pawar too pitched in, stating that he recognised Sule’s voice in the purported audio clips. "From the tone in the audio clips, I can identify the voices. One of them is my sister, and the other is someone I have worked with extensively. An inquiry will be conducted, and the truth will emerge," Ajit Pawar said during an interaction with the media.

Sule's reaction

Supriya Sule rejected the allegations, stating that the claims were BJP's "familiar tactics of spreading false information to manipulate the righteous voters."

Reacting to reporters after casting her vote, Sule said the first thing she did after hearing about the clip was to contact the Commissioner of Pune. "I immediately complained to cybercrime that these voice notes and messages were lies and fake. I have called my lawyers and have sent a criminal defamation notice to Sudhanshu Trivedi. I am ready to answer whatever questions he has regarding this," Sule told reporters.

She added: "Yesterday, the BJP posed five questions too. My answer is 'No' to their allegations. It is not my voice in that audio clip. Anyone can check. I am not at all linked to this matter."

What Patole said

Patole too rejected claims that it was his voice in the clip. Promising legal action against the BJP, he said the party was dragging him in its allegations to influence the state polls.

"The voice in the clip being circulated is not mine. Even (Prime Minister) Narendra Modi recognises my voice," Patole said, adding that he was a farmer and had nothing to do with Bitcoin.

star-studded-voting-day-mumbai-sachin-tendulkar-tamannaah-bhatia-akshay-kumar

Wed Nov 20 11:11:15 IST 2024

As Maharashtra went to polls on Wednesday, Bollywood stars were among the early voters in Mumbai. Cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, actors Tamannaah Bhatia, Akshay Kumar, Rajkummar Rao and filmmaker Farhan Akhtar were among the celebrities who cast their votes in the morning.

Maharashtra will see polling across its 288 assembly seats on Wednesday. There are 9.7 crore voters in the state and 4,136 candidates are contesting in the elections.

Tendulkar cast his vote along with wife Anjali and daughter Sara. The trio posed for photos as they showed their inked fingers at the cameras.

Talking to media, Sachin said, "I have been an icon of the ECI for quite some time now. The message I am giving is to turn up and vote. It is our responsibility," hoping that people will come to vote.

Tamannaah Bhatia after casting her ballot said it is everyone's responsibility to cast their votes. "Everyone is excited to vote. While I was travelling to the voting centre, I could see many people heading to their respective voting centres," she added.

Actor Akshay Kumar also showed his inked fingers to the media, said everyone should come out and cast votes. He said the arrangements for senior citizens are executed well and cleanliness is maintained.

Actor Rajkummar Rao, while casting his ballot, said everyone should step out and vote. "It is very important (to vote). Everyone, please step out and vote. This is the voting day, it is very important," he said.

Star couple Riteish Deshmukh and Genelia D'Souza cast their votes. Deshmukh said both his brothers, Amit and Dhiraj Deshmukh, will win and the Maha Vikas Aghadi will form government in Maharashtra.

Genelia said everyone has the right vote and people should exercise their right. "It is an important day today, you can make a big difference," she said.

Farhan Akhtar, sister Zoya Akhtar and Kabir Khan were among filmmakers who voted in the morning.

John Abraham, Urmila Matondkar and Ali Fazal were also among early voters. Taking to X, Matondkar posted a photo showing her inked finger and wrote, "Please vote... For yourself, your children, your society and your Maharashtra".

Asking voters in Bandra to cast their ballots, Pooja Bhatt wrote on Instagram, “Go vote Mumbai. Go vote Bandra. Your vote matters.”

jaishankar-wang-yi-discuss-resuming-india-china-direct-flight-mansarovar-yatra

Tue Nov 19 23:11:37 IST 2024

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Chinese foreign minister H.E. Wang Yi held talks in Rio de Janeiro on the sidelines of the G20 Summit on Tuesday.

The two leaders reviewed progress in the disengagement of troops in Demchok and Depsang in eastern Ladakh. It was agreed in their discussion that a meeting of the Special Representatives and of the Foreign Secretary-Vice Minister mechanism will take place soon.

Both Jaishankar and Wang discussed resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra pilgrimage, data sharing on trans-border rivers, direct flights between India and China and media exchanges, the MEA said in a statement.

Jaishankar noted that India and China have both differences and convergences on the global situation and international issues. “We have worked constructively in the BRICS and the SCO framework. Our cooperation in the G20 has also been evident,” he said.

The EAM further underscored that India is strongly committed to a multipolar world, including a multipolar Asia. “We are against unilateral approaches to establish dominance. India does not view its relationships through the prism of other nations.”

Wang, meanwhile, said both India and China should implement the important consensus reached by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping at their summit in Russia.

He said the successful meeting between Xi and Modi and the restart of China-India relations are in line with the fundamental interests of the two peoples, the expectations of Global South countries and the right direction of history.

In their meeting, both Modi and Xi had endorsed the India-China agreement on patrolling and disengagement along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and issued directions to revive various bilateral dialogue mechanisms, signalling attempts to normalise ties that were hit by a deadly military clash in 2020.

himachal-hc-attaches-delhis-himachal-bhawan-to-recover-states-dues-to-private-power-firm

Tue Nov 19 16:28:08 IST 2024

In an embarrassment for the Himachal Pradesh government, the Himachal Pradesh High Court has attached the Himachal Bhawan in Delhi to recover the state government dues of Rs 150 crore to a private power firm. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said he is yet to see the full order and they will challenge it legally.

On Monday, hearing a petition by Seli Hydropower Electrical Company, a private firm involved in the hydropower electric project on the Chenab river in Lahaul and Spiti district, the High Court ordered the attachment of Himachal Bhawan to recover the dues. Pronouncing the verdict, a single-judge bench of Justice Ajay Mohan Goel said the company may take appropriate steps for the auction of Himachal Bhawan located in central Delhi.

The case pertains to the 340 MW Seli hydropower electric project on the Chenab river in Lahaul and Spiti district. The state government awarded the project to Seli Hydro Electric Power Company Limited / Moser Baer and issued the Letter of Allotment (LOA) on February 28, 2009 following which the firm deposited the upfront premium of Rs 64 crore. However, the project did not materialise. The state government cancelled the LOA and ordered forfeiture of the upfront premium.

The private firm challenged the decision before an arbitrator and it ruled in the favour of Seli. The arbitrator ordered the government to deposit the upfront premium with interest. After the state government failed to comply with the order, the company moved the High Court under Article 226.

The High Court observed there was merit in the petitioner's contention that the project had become technically and financially unviable and its prayer for withdrawing from it deserved to be allowed, PTI reported. The HC also upheld the decision of the arbitrator and directed the government to deposit the upfront premium with interest with the Registry. Due to the delay in payment, the amount has accumulated to Rs 150 crore including interest.

The High Court also directed the state power secretary to conduct a fact-finding inquiry to identify the officers responsible for the lapse and sought its report within 15 days, before the next hearing on December 6.

maharashtra-assembly-elections-polling-begins-in-all-seats-ajit-pawar-mohan-bhagwat-among-early-voters

Wed Nov 20 08:40:57 IST 2024

Voting to the 288 seats in Maharashtra Assembly began on Wednesday at 7 am, a high-stakes election that will see the ruling Mahayuti alliance led by the BJP take on the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) combine.

As many as 4,132 candidates are in the fray. In Mahayuti, the BJP has the highest number of candidates at 149, Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde) has candidates in 81 seats while Ajit Pawar-led NCP has fielded candidates in 59 constituencies. In the opposition's MVA combine, the Congress has fielded 101 candidates, Shiv Sena (UBT) 95, and NCP (SP) has put up 86 candidates.

Other parties in the fray include Bahujan Samaj Party which fielded 237 candidates and the All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM), which has 17 candidates.

Both Mahayuti and MVA alliances ran a mammoth campaign ahead of the campaign, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister Amit Shah leading the campaigning for the former. Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi and Sharad Pawar crisscrossed the state meeting voters for the MVA, as the Opposition hopes to repeat their performance in the Lok Sabha elections to bounce back to power.

Early voters

Among those who cast their votes early were Deputy Chief Minister and NCP leader Ajit Pawar, a candidate from Baramati Assembly constituency and RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat.

Ajit Pawar faces his nephew Yugendra Pawar, a political debutant, in the constituency. Yugendra is the son of Ajit Pawar's younger brother. However, Ajit expressed optimism about his win after casting his vote.

"Even during Lok Sabha elections, members of our family contested against each other. I have tried to meet every voter in Baramati and am hopeful that the people will make me victorious. I am sure that the voters will think about the numerous allegations against the MVA," Ajit told voters.

NCP (SCP) MP Supriya Sule was also one of the early voters.

While Mohan Bhagwat cast his vote at a polling station in Nagpur, Governor C P Radhakrishnan was seen exercising his franchise at the polling booth at Raj Bhavan in Mumbai, under the Colaba Assembly Constituency. RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das was also seen arriving at the polling booth

Actor Rajkummar Rao and director Kabir Khan were also among those who arrived at the booth before 8 am to cast their votes. "It is very important (to vote). Everyone, please step out and vote," Rao said.

assembly-polls-results-to-set-the-tone-of-parliaments-winter-session0

Tue Nov 19 20:56:26 IST 2024

Controversies have been rife ever since the election campaign began in the Palakkad assembly constituency. On the day of silent campaigning, a CPI(M) newspaper advertisement, anything but subtle, ignited a fresh row.

The advertisement appeared in four newspapers, including the local editions of Malayalam dailies Siraj and Suprabhatham. Notably, Siraj is the mouthpiece of the Samastha AP faction, while Suprabhatham is controlled by the EK Samastha faction, both catering primarily to Muslim readers. Interestingly, the ad did not feature in any edition of the CPI(M)’s official mouthpiece, Deshabhimani.

The advertisement prominently showcased the image of Congress defector and LDF candidate Dr P. Sarin, claiming a "Sarin Wave" in the Palakkad constituency. However, it also included old statements and Facebook posts by Sandeep Warrier, who recently defected from the BJP to the Congress.

Previously, LDF leaders had welcomed Warrier’s shift to the Left Front, fueling speculation that the firebrand leader was transitioning from saffron to red. However, Warrier ultimately aligned himself with the Congress, a move that surprised many. The advertisement criticized Warrier, labeling him a ‘vishanaavu’ (venomous tongue), while accusing Congress of sidelining a secular leader like Sarin, but at the same time welcoming someone from what the ad described as a sectarian ideology.

Amid the controversy, State Excise Minister M.B. Rajesh refuted Congress's claims that the advertisement was exclusively published in Siraj and Suprabhatham. He attributed the choice of newspapers to cost considerations and questioned the logic of associating a newspaper's identity with a particular religion.

The advertisement was reportedly released by the LDF without obtaining prior approval from the Media Certification and Monitoring Committee. The UDF considers this ad as a follow up step to the controversial remarks made by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and other LDF leaders questioning the secular credentials of IUML President Panakkad Syed Sadikali Shihab Thangal. They interpret these actions as deliberate attempts to eat into their minority support base.

Leader of the Opposition, V.D. Satheesan, accused the CPI(M) of using divisive tactics. He compared the ad campaign to the circulation of ‘kafir’ screenshots during the Vadakara Lok Sabha elections, alleging it was a deliberate attempt to split minority votes in Palakkad to the BJP's advantage.

Satheesan further suggested that the LDF had resigned itself to a likely third-place finish in Palakkad and was resorting to questionable strategies. With Muslims comprising around 22.5 per cent of the constituency's population, the UDF is counting on a united minority vote to secure a victory over the BJP. However, indications suggest that a split in minority votes could ultimately benefit the BJP.

assembly-polls-results-to-set-the-tone-of-parliaments-winter-session

Tue Nov 19 20:32:35 IST 2024

The winter session of parliament will begin on November 25 with dense smog hung over the national capital. The issue is likely to feature inside the house as the national capital region has been dealing with the health hazard due to pollution.

The government has even called an all party meeting November 24 to decide on the agenda of the house.

The session will start a day after the results of assembly elections in Maharashtra and Jharkhand, and crucial bypolls in several states will be declared. The results will set the tone of the session as winning side will enter the debates with confidence. If the results favour the ruling NDA, which means it has continued with its winning streak after Haryana, the treasury benches will applaud Prime Minister Narendra Modi's contribution.

The adverse results will provide the opposition with increased fire power. The possible addition of Priyanka Gandhi from Wayanad is likely to reflect in the house. How her entry plays out in terms of Opposition strategy and dynamic with the treasury benches will be keenly watched.

The winter session is important as the government could bring important legislative agenda in the house. The joint parliamentary committee is likely to submit its report on the the Waqf Bill to the house, after which the government may bring an amended bill. This legislation is set to provoke an intense discussion in the house as the Opposition parties are opposed to it. Whether the government introduces the one nation, one election bill in the house is yet to be seen. The government has earlier said that it will initiate nationwide discussion on the issue.

Two key events will also take place during the winter session—the 75th anniversary of the Constitution and the anniversary of the parliament attack. A special function will be held to mark the 75 years of the Constitution.

Among the other issues which may find resonance in the house is the India-Canada relations—which are impacting the students—and the attacks on temples in that country. The parliament may witness a slanging match as to who is responsible for the pollution in Delhi as the Opposition would lay the blame at the Centre, while the central government will accuse AAP ruled Punjab and Delhi of not being able to tackle the issue due to farm fires.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has also sparked off a debate as he took to X saying that Delhi was inhabitable due to pollution. “Should Delhi even remain the nation's capital?" the Congress leader said.

russian-president-vladimir-putin-to-visit-india-soon

Tue Nov 19 19:53:31 IST 2024

Russian President Vladimir Putin is likely to visit India soon as part of the plan made by the two countries for reciprocal annual visits by their leaders

Though the two sides are looking at the possibility of the visit nothing has been confirmed yet, diplomatic sources said.

During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Moscow, he had invited President Vladimir Putin to visit India.

He also visited Kazan in Russia last month to attend the BRICS summit.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov in a video interaction with senior journalists in Delhi referred to the strong bilateral relationship between India and Russia. Peskov added that Putin will soon visit India but did not give any specific timeline.

"We are looking forward to the visit. The dates will be mutually worked out soon," Peskov said.

On being asked about US President Joe Biden's decision to let Ukraine strike targets inside Russia with US's long-range missiles, Peskov said Russia's military capabilities are incomparable to those of Ukraine. It is unlikely that any missile will help Ukraine.

"Biden administration stands for war, not for peace."

"The authority in the White House takes a decision to use their weapons against the Russian Federation, and this is a striking example of the new environment surrounding our country," Peskov said.

Putin had signed a revised nuclear doctrine declaring that a conventional attack on Russia by any nation that is supported by nuclear power would be considered a joint attack on his country.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova mocked the ATACMS, calling it incapable of stopping Russia from attaining its goals. However, no matter how much Zelenskyy and his henchmen hope and pray for it, there is no 'wonder-weapon' capable of affecting the course of the special military operation," Zakharova said.

renukaswamy-murder-case-bengaluru-police-to-challenge-actor-darshans-bail-in-sc

Tue Nov 19 14:59:13 IST 2024

The Bengaluru police is considering challenging bail granted on medical grounds to Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa in the Renukaswamy murder case. The Kannada superstar was granted bail by the Karnataka High Court recently to undergo spine surgery.

Bengaluru Police Commissioner B. Dayananda said they will challenge bail granted to Darshan soon at the apex court. "The process is on and at the earliest we will file an appeal in the Supreme Court," the police commissioner told reporters on Tuesday.

The 47-year-old actor was released on bail from Ballari prison on October 30 after the Karnataka High Court granted him bail for six weeks to undergo the surgery. The actor approached the High Court after the trial court denied him bail.

Darshan, who was initially lodged in Bengaluru prison was later shifted to Ballari after visuals emerged of the actor receiving special treatment in prison. A video also emerged showing the actor interacting with a fan over a video call. The Karnataka government transferred Darshan to Ballari and suspended prison officials over the issue.

The Kannada superstar was arrested on June 11 for allegedly murdering his fan Renukaswamy along with his accomplices. Darshan was angered by Renukaswamy’s alleged derogatory messages to actor and friend Pavithra Gowda. Another accused in the case, Raghavendra, who is part of Darshan's fan club in Chitradurga, told Renukaswamy that Darshan wanted to meet him, and allegedly brought him to a shed in R.R. Nagar, where he was allegedly tortured and murdered. According to police, Pavithra is the primary accused in the case and she instigated others.

Renukaswamy's body was recovered on June 9 and it was found near a stormwater drain in Sumanahalli. The autopsy report revealed he died due to shock and haemorrhage caused by multiple blunt injuries.

on-the-eve-of-maharashtra-polls-cash-for-scandal-hits-bjp-mva-demands-probe

Tue Nov 19 19:08:12 IST 2024

A day before Maharashtra goes to assembly elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party has found itself in a spot after an FIR was filed against its general secretary Vinod Tawde for allegedly distributing money to voters in Palghar.

The Tuling police in Nalasopara East registered the FIR after the Election Commission took note of a complaint filed by Bahujan Vikas Aghadi (BVA) chief Hitendra Thakur.

Tawde and the BJP dismissed the charges as baseless and termed it as a desperate attempt by the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi ahead of the polling.

The FIR was filed against Tawde under sections of the Representation of People’s Act. The BJP, however, claimed that the FIR was not related to cash-for-vote charge but was registered for MCC violations.

Police, meanwhile, raided a hotel in Nalasopara and seized cash and certain documents following complaints that BJP leaders were distributing money to influence voters.

"On the upper floors, BJP members were present, while BVA workers were present on lower floors. Some amount of money and a few diaries have been recovered," said Vasai Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone II) Pournima Chougule.

Thakur said some BJP leaders informed him that Tawde had come to the hotel to disburse Rs 5 crore to influence voters. “I thought a national leader like him would not stoop to such a trivial task. But I saw him here. I urge the Election Commission to take action against him and the BJP,” he said.

The BVA leader also alleged that the hotel where Tawde was staying in had turned off the CCTV recording.

"The hotel administration seems to be in cahoots with Tawde and the BJP. They only activated their CCTV after we requested it. He was distributing money to manipulate voters," he said.

Earlier in the day, high drama unfolded in front of the hotel with the BVA workers led by Thakur staging a demonstration.

The incident has sparked off a political storm with the opposition demanding a comprehensive investigation by the Election Commission.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut suggested a conspiracy against Tawde by some BJP leaders. "No matter how much the BJP tries to hide, whatever happened in Nallasopara-Virar, it happened before the camera,” he said.

Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole accused the BJP of using money power to manipulate the electoral process. He said the BJP was misusing government machinery and indulging in corrupt practices to buy votes, fearing a defeat in the assembly elections.

"The Election Commission must ensure a fair and transparent election process. However, the series of events over the past month, including biased actions against opposition leaders, have raised concerns. Bags of opposition leaders have been checked under suspicious circumstances, and they've been prevented from flying in helicopters or airplanes, but no such scrutiny has been applied to the ruling party,” Patole said.

congress-leaders-dislike-jai-shri-ram-chant-did-not-visit-ayodhya-says-mp-cm-mohan-yadav-campaigning-for-maharashtra-assembly-polls

Mon Nov 18 21:12:44 IST 2024

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav lauded the Bharatiya Janata Party’s initiatives for women while campaigning in Mumbai for the assembly polls on Monday and asserted the saffron party-led alliance will win the election.

Talking about the Ladli Behna Yojana, under which eligible women get Rs 1,500 monthly, Yadav said that it symbolised the spirit of the Sanatan dharma which worshipped feminine power. Of the 200 countries in the world, Yadav said only India was referred to as 'Mother'. “Of all the planets, only the Earth was referred to as Mother," he said further expanding it to include the invocation of Hindu Gods with the name of the Goddess coming first.

On the last day of campaigning for the assembly polls, the Madhya Pradesh CM addressed public meetings in Kalina, Dharavi, Sain Koliwada and Ghatkopar. Taking on the Congress, Yadav said that the BJP was the only party in which an ordinary worker could reach the highest post. In contrast, for the Congress, it was family first and all the top posts were occupied by members of one family.

He also accused Congress leaders of not visiting the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, saying that they even disliked the chants of ‘Jai Shri Ram’. He said that the Congress was scared that if it chanted the name of Ram, then there would also be talk about the Krishna temple in Mathura. “But those who are of no use to Ram are of no use to anyone”, Yadav said.

He spoke of his own government’s initiative of celebrating all Hindu festivals, including Govardhan pooja and Geeta Jayanti, and the opposition of the Congress to these. He expressed hope that while the entire country was turning to the lotus (BJP’s symbol), Maharashtra too would not be left behind. The lotus, Yadav said, would bloom in Maharashtra and as it was the flower offered to Goddesses Lakshmi; “Deepawali would be celebrated with a BJP win in the state,” the CM said.

manipur-violence-irom-sharmila-demands-cm-biren-singhs-resignation

Tue Nov 19 17:53:42 IST 2024

As Manipur remains on the edge following fresh wave of violence in several districts, rights activist Irom Sharmila has urged Chief Minister N. Biren Singh to take moral responsibility of the unrest and resign.

In an interview to news agency PTI, Sharmila also criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not visiting the state since the violence broke out in May 2023, while asserting that the direct intervention of Modi is required to resolve the crisis in the northeastern state.

"The approach of the Centre is not right. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting every state, but he has not gone to Manipur. He is the democratically elected leader of the country. It has been nearly eighteen months since the violence started, yet he has not visited. Only direct intervention by Prime Minister Modi can help resolve the crisis," Sharmila said.

Manipur govt sets up committee to probe into Jiribam firing

The activist, who had conducted a 16-year-long hunger strike against the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act in Manipur, claimed that re-imposition of the “draconian” rule in certain areas could escalate the unrest further.

"AFSPA can never be a solution. It is a draconian law. It has been in Manipur for so long, yet it hasn't stopped the violence. The Centre must recognise that the northeast is part of India not just in words but in practice. The reimposition of AFSPA would further aggravate the situation," she said in the interview.

RSS condemns Manipur violence, asks governments to resolve conflict fast

Amid escalating tension, the Union Home Ministry on November 14 reimposed AFSPA in six police station areas across five districts of Manipur to contain activities of insurgent groups.

Sharmila further blamed the “wrong policies” of the state government for the current situation in the state.

"The wrong policies of the state government have pushed Manipur into this unprecedented crisis. The chief minister must immediately step down for failing to restore peace since May last year. The BJP must ask him to resign. He has failed the people of Manipur,” she said.

Centre to send 50 more CAPF companies to Manipur this week

karnataka-bogus-bpl-cleanup-row-cm-defends-the-move-bjp-alleges-govt-reducing-beneficiaries-because-of-lack-of-funds

Mon Nov 18 19:28:06 IST 2024

The Karnataka government’s efforts to weed out “bogus” BPL cards have caused panic among the people. While the opposition parties allege that paucity of funds due to the five guarantee schemes has compelled the ruling Congress to cancel the BPL cards, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah defended the move saying only the BPL cards of “ineligible” and “bogus” beneficiaries had been cancelled.

Karnataka, which claims to be one of the progressive states that contributes a large chunk of taxes to the central tax pool, has nearly 80 per cent of its population (of 6.5 crore) below the poverty line, going by the number of BPL cardholder families (4.5 crore) in the state.

“The Congress government is incurring huge costs due to the guarantee schemes. So, it has planned to cut down the BPL beneficiaries and has already cancelled 11 lakh BPL cards in the state,” alleged former minister and BJP MLA Sunil Kumar.

At many places, people who visited the ration shops run by the public distribution system to collect the monthly quota of free rice, were in for a shock as they were denied the food grains stating their BPL cards had been converted to APL cards. Some beneficiaries complained that their BPL cards had been wrongfully cancelled, while some said they were ready to give up the benefits under the guarantee scheme but needed the BPL card for other official purposes like availing subsidies in education, healthcare etc.

Food and Civil Supplies Minister K.H. Muniyappa, who held a review meeting last week, said the officials had noticed gross misuse of BPL cards by bogus beneficiaries and hence he had decided to weed out the “ineligible” persons.

“We will only convert these BPL cards (of ineligible beneficiaries) to APL cards. Karnataka has a staggering 4.5 crore BPL cardholders against the total population of 6.5 crore. Politics apart, we should know that 80 per cent of the state’s population has BPL cards. In other South Indian states, less than 50 per cent of the state’s population has BPL cards. Many in the state have availed BPL cards though they are not eligible for it. We are transferring the ineligible BPL cardholders to APL beneficiaries list,” said Muniyappa, adding that there was no dearth of funds for Anna Bhaghya scheme, which incurs a cost of Rs 650 crore every month and the scheme had an annual allocation of Rs 8,000 crore.

ALSO READ: Karnataka: BJP demands action against CM Siddaramaiah, Deputy CM Shivakumar for poll code violation

It may be recalled that the Congress government, which came to power in May 2023 had announced Anna Bhagya scheme (free rice scheme) as one of its five poll guarantees and decided to provide ten kilos of rice to each BPL card beneficiary. However, it failed to procure enough rice from the Centre and decided to give Rs 170 per BPL card beneficiary along with the five kilos of rice each being provided by the Centre.

Siddaramaiah, who was annoyed with the opposition’s allegations, demanded to know which BJP-ruled state was providing free rice to BPL families. “Do taxpayers or government employees need a BPL card? We are only trying to cancel the BPL cards of those who are not genuine beneficiaries,” said the CM.

Meanwhile, Muniyappa clarified that the department would resume providing foodgrains to APL cardholders at subsidised rates after the PDS card revision is completed. The state has around 25.62 lakh APL cardholders at present and less than two lakh avail the subsidised foodgrains.

Interestingly, the previous BJP governments too had tried to “clean up” the bogus PDS cards to curb the misuse of BPL cards. However, the operation was discontinued following backlash from the people and vested interest groups.

Union minister Prahlad Joshi stated that the Centre had been spending Rs 2.11 lakh crore under the Food Security Act. “The Centre is providing free foodgrains to 50 per cent of urban and 75 per cent of rural population under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Ann Yojana. The state government which promised to provide 10 kilos of rice is giving only five kilos. It is cutting corners in the guarantee scheme and the schemes are not reaching all the beneficiaries,” said Joshi.

Meanwhile, a paper co-authored by Infosys char professor at ICRIER Ashok Gulati stated that nearly 28 per cent of foodgrains —20 million tonnes of rice and wheat—supplied by Food Corporation of India and state governments was not reaching the intended beneficiaries and the estimated loss to the exchequer was Rs 69,000 crore. So, plugging the leakage (through siphoning) in PDS, grain loss due to poor storage and weeding out bogus beneficiaries, especially the affording classes, could help make poverty alleviation more efficient and less of a burden on the exchequer.

who-was-vikram-gowda-the-karnataka-naxal-leader-gunned-down-by-anf

Tue Nov 19 15:00:01 IST 2024

Karnataka’s most wanted Naxal leader Vikram Gowda (44) was gunned down by the Anti-Naxal Force (ANF) in Seethabail (Hebri), Udupi district, on November 18, past midnight.

The ANF had started combing the Hebri region (Kabbinale forests) based on a tip-off about the movement of a five-member Maoist team in a nearby village to buy daily essentials. When the police came face-to-face with the Naxals, the latter opened fire and Gowda was killed in an exchange fire, while four others managed to flee.

Gowda, a native of Nadpalu village in Hebri, entered the Naxal movement during the Kudremukh National Park agitation and other labour agitations in early 2000s. Gowda was the incumbent head of the Netravati wing of the Karnataka side of Western Ghats and had around 20 cases of subversive activities against him in Udupi and Chikmagalur districts. He had evaded arrest at least three times and was opposed to the Karnataka government’s ‘surrender policy’. However, the dwindling local support and enhanced combing operations in Naxal-infested states like Jharkhand, Chattisgarh, Odisha and Andhra-Telangana, had forced the Karnataka members to seek refuge in their home state.

In November first week, the ANF intensified the combing operation in Malnad and coastal Karnataka districts following reports of a Naxal group visiting a house near Koppa (Chikmagalur). The Naxals had left behind three guns in the house and rumours of some Naxals, who were starved of food and local support, wanting to surrender had activated the ANF teams.

Home Minister G. Parameshwara confirmed that the ANF had shot dead Gowda, who was wanted in many cases. “Vikram Gowda has died in an exchange of gun fire in Hebri, while four others have fled,” he said.

Gowda was married to a fellow revolutionary Savitri, a native of Kalasa in Chikmagalur and later divorced. Savitri alias Rejitha, who was operating as commander of the Kabini Dalam of the CPI(M) based in Wayanad-Kozhikode region was arrested along with senior Maoist leader B.G. Krishnamurthy ‘BGK’ from Sulthan Bathery in Wayanad by the Anti-Terror Squad of the Kerala police in November 2021.

Vikram had succeeded BGK, who had replaced Nelagudi Padmanabha as the leader of Naxals in Karnataka, after he fell ill. However, the Naxal movement in Karnataka started with Nelagudi’s predecessor—Saketh Rajan, a celebrated naxal leader who was gunned down in an early morning encounter by the police in Menasinahadya in Chikmagalur in 2005.

Who was Saketh Rajan?

Saketh, who was born to a Tamil Brahmin family in Mysore, pursued postgraduation in journalism from Indian Institute of Mass Communication Delhi, and became one of the first generation of Naxalites from Karnataka, who also authored “Making History” (two volumes) about the movement.

In 1995, Saketh was handpicked by CPI(ML) leadership to lead the movement in Karnataka (and came to be known as “Prem” – the state secretary) which was limited to ‘experiments’ in Bidar and Raichur. Saketh had married a fellow revolutionary Rajeshwari, who got killed in an encounter near Visakhapatnam in 2001. Saketh moved to Malnad where Adivasis were protesting against eviction from Kudremukh in Western Ghats, which was soon to have a national park. Saketh identified himself as “Pandu”, and caught the youth’s attention through his speeches. In June 2004, a team of journalists trekked into the forest to broker peace between Naxals and the state government. Journalist-activist Gauri Lankesh (who was gunned down in 2017 outside her Bengaluru residence) was part of the team that made a futile bid at reconciliation. The following year, Saketh was killed in an encounter.

Karnataka's rehabilitation package for surrendered Naxals

At least 14 Naxals have surrendered since 2010 and have availed the state’s rehabilitation package. Karnataka was removed from the list of Naxal-infested states in the country in 2010, though Naxal sightings were being reported. In 2019, the police claimed that the Naxal activities had dwindled in the state as there was no sighting or a single pamphlet asking people to boycott elections. The top Naxal leaders – BGK, his wife Hosagadde Prabha, Mumdgaru Lata, Vikram Gowda, Vanajakshi and others had reportedly moved to Wayanad in Kerala, they added.

Recently, the police gathered information about some Maoists observing February 5 as “Lal Salaam” (Red Salute) day in Rajan’s memory. After two decades of lull, the naxal movement and activities were reported in parts of Chikmagalur, Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Kodagu. With Gowda’s death, there are only seven underground Naxals remaining in the state, the police said.

no-separate-central-legislation-required-to-address-crime-against-medicos-recommends-ntf-appointed-by-sc-in-kolkata-rape-murder-case

Mon Nov 18 18:48:21 IST 2024

The National Task Force, set up by the Supreme Court to formulate safety protocols for medical professionals, has recommended against framing a separate central law for medicos’ safety. The NTF made the recommendation in a report submitted as part of an affidavit filed by the Centre in the apex court.

Earlier, the task force submitted an interim report at the apex court, suggesting measures to prevent physical and sexual violence against medical professionals. As per NTF’s report, it has found laws enacted by various states and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 had provisions to initiate action on criminal acts against doctors and other health care professionals.

In its report, submitted as part of an affidavit filed by the Centre in the Supreme Court, the NTF observed that 24 states have already enacted laws to address violence against health care professionals while two states recently tabled bills on this regard. The task force observed that in states where there is no separate legislation, the BNS should be enforced immediately in cases of criminal acts against medicos.

“It has been observed that state laws have adequate provisions to address day-to-day minor offences and serious offences can be addressed by BNS. A separate central law to deal with offences against health care professionals is, therefore, not required," PTI reported quoting the report of NTF.

The NTF has recommended short-term, medium and long-term measures for the protection of medical professionals at health care establishments. It said proper investigation must be ensured in criminal cases registered on acts against medicos to deter offenders.

The task force said a security committee should be formed in hospitals and adequate awareness must be given to women staff on ‘Sexual Harassment electronic- Box’. It also stressed the constitution of Internal Complaints Committee at hospitals.

The Supreme Court, which is hearing a suo motu case on the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, constituted the NTF comprising senior medical professionals and government officials to formulate safety protocols for medical professionals at hospitals. The 10-member team led by Surgeon Vice Admiral R.K. Sarian was advised by the apex court to formulate actionable protocols for preventing violence against medical professionals and for ensuring better working conditions for them.

as-campaigns-for-key-elections-get-over-it-is-prestige-battle-for-at-least-5-cms

Mon Nov 18 22:44:20 IST 2024

The intense campaign for the largest round of polls after the Lok Sabha elections ended on a polarising note. During the current round, the assembly polls in Maharashtra and Jharkhand are being held apart from the bypolls in several states which are crucial for the incumbent chief ministers.

The outcome of these polls will reflect on the image of five chief ministers: Eknath Shinde, Maharashtra and Hemant Soren, Jharkhand; in the case of bypolls, high-stakes battle is being fought by Yogi Adityanath, Uttar Pradesh; Bhagwant Mann, Punjab and Bhajan Lal Sharma, Rajasthan.

The BJP started its campaign on a high note after victory in Haryana. The party which faced anti-incumbency along with its alliance partners in Maharashtra gained momentum as it tasted success in faraway Haryana. “We managed to recover a lot in the state after Haryana,” said a senior BJP leader. In Jharkhand, the Bharatiya Janata Party hopes it will do well against the Soren government.

The opposition INDIA bloc is putting up a strong fight. But hiccups in their campaign were noticed in the poll-bound states. Congress released its manifesto for Jharkhand, just a day ahead of the polling, during the no-campaign period. The run-up to the campaign was also marked by tussle over the candidate selection and seat distribution.

These polls will also be remembered as new slogans made their entry during the poll campaign. From Yogi Adityanath’s polarising Batenge toh Katenge slogan to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ek hain toh safe hain added zing to the ruling party’s campaign. The outcome of these polls will give an indication over the longevity of these new slogans which have the potential to set the narrative.

In Jharkhand, the BJP attacked the Soren government for allowing infiltration by the illegal Bangladeshi migrants who were changing the demography of the tribal-dominated state. The BJP hopes that it will help them win over the tribal vote bank as the residents versus the outsiders debate has resonance among the people.

If the BJP goes on to win both the states, then it would have comprehensively changed the previous sentiment over the setback suffered by the party during the Lok Sabha campaign.

There is a high amount of pressure on Congress also as it has to show numbers on the result day to signal it is in the fight. After a surprise loss in Haryana, groundworkers’ morale was shaken. Whether the grand old party has recovered from the loss will be known on November 23. If the INDIA bloc manages to do well, then the Congress will get more firepower at the national level.

While focus remains on the assembly polls, the bypolls in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Rajasthan are a prestige battle for the parties, particularly their chief ministers. Predictably, the CMs have spent extra time in the campaign to win these bypolls.

Another significant element of these bypolls was the elections for the Wayanad Lok Sabha, a seat vacated by Rahul Gandhi. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is making her debut during these polls. If she goes on to win as it is widely perceived, her presence in the Lok Sabha is likely to enliven the debate in the house. Being a good speaker, she would add energy to opposition’s voice.

Seen in totality, this round of polls will be billed as a reflection of Modi’s appeal. A good show would certainly make the BJP confident for even the next polls in Delhi and Bihar in 2025.

tirupati-temple-board-to-axe-non-hindu-employees-to-use-ai-to-cut-darshan-time

Tue Nov 19 12:25:14 IST 2024

The newly constituted board of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams has decided to remove non-Hindus working with the administration and would surrender them to the Andhra Pradesh government, for appropriate action. The board has also decided to use artificial intelligence to cut down waiting time for darshan at the Tirupati Balaji temple.

Addressing presspersons, B.R. Naidu, the new chairman of the board said, “TTD will assess the total number of non-Hindus working in the temple administration in various capacities and surrender them to the government. We shall write to the state government to take an appropriate decision about the non-Hindus working in Tirumala. The TTD is a Hindu religious institution and the board felt that it should not employ non-Hindus to work in the temple,” Hindustan Times reported.

Naidu said they would write to the state government to either absorb them in other departments or offer them voluntary retirement. According to a report in 2018, about 44 employees of other faiths are working with TTD.

The famous temple was in the centre of a huge row over adulteration in its laddu prasadam recently. TTD board has decided to constitute a committee to monitor the quality of ghee used to prepare the prasadam.

Among other key decisions take by the board, it has decided to use AI to cut down darshan time for devotees from about 30 hours to 2-3 hours. The board has also decided to bar individuals from making political statements on temple premises and warned of stringent action against them.

The temple and TTD were midst of controversy recently after Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu charged ghee adulterated with animal fat was used for preparing laddu prasadam at the temple during the previous Jaganmohan Reddy regime.

aqi-over-1000-delhi-gasps-for-breath-in-toxic-smog-as-aap-seeks-permission-for-artificial-rain

Tue Nov 19 17:41:46 IST 2024

The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi soared to alarming levels in some areas, crossing 1000, as toxic smog cover enveloping the city threw life off track. The AQI at Jahangirpuri and Alipur were 1036 and 1091, respectively, according to AQI.in.

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) pegged the AQI of the national capital at 488 in the 'severe plus' category on Tuesday morning. At least five stations in the capital reported an AQI of 500 while Swiss group IQAir ranked New Delhi as the world's most polluted city with air quality at a "hazardous" 489.

PM Modi should intervene

The ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene. Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Tuesday also accused the Centre of not acting on the state's requests to allow artificial rain. Rai added that he will write again to Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav in this regard.

Calling it a moral responsibility of the Prime Minister, Rai said: "If the central government cannot act, then their (environment) minister should resign."

"The Delhi government is prepared to work alongside the central government, but the Centre must take the lead by convening a meeting involving experts from IIT Kanpur who have conducted extensive research on artificial rain. This requires permission and collaboration from various central departments," he said.

Rai said the GRAP should be implemented across north India and accused BJP-led states of violating the rules. "GRAP-IV will remain in force if pollution persists, we will not give any relaxation, the minister said.

Trains, flights delayed

Eight flights were diverted while 22 trains were reported delayed. Railways added in a statement that at least nine trains have been rescheduled as a result of smog. Videos from New Delhi Railway Station also show a layer of haze covering the area.

Visuals from various parts of the city, including Bhikaji Cama Palace, also showed a thick layer of smog, hindering visibility.

SC allows virtual hearing

Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna on Tuesday said all judges have been asked to allow virtual hearings wherever possible. His order came as Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) president Kapil Sibal sought immediate measures to deal with the worsening pollution.

"We have told all the judges to allow virtual hearings wherever possible, the CJI said, though he did not allow the submissions that the top court should go online. He said lawyers have the option to appear online.

"The way we are functioning today, if anybody wants to be online, they can go online," the CJI said.

former-maharashtra-minister-anil-deshmukh-seriously-injured-afte

Mon Nov 18 23:31:25 IST 2024

Former Maharashtra home minister Anil Deshmukh was injured after stones were hurled at his car by some unidentified people in Nagpur on Monday evening.

The Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar) leader was returning to Katol after attending a poll meeting in Narkhed when his car was attacked near Belphata on the Jalalkheda Road at 8 pm.

According to reports, a stone shattered the car’s window and struck Deshmukh on his head. He suffered serious injuries and was immediately rushed to the Katol Civil Hospital, police said.

A video of the incident showed blood dripping from the former minister’s head and blood stains all over his white kurta.

"An investigation has begun. Police are trying to identify those responsible for the attack," Nagpur Rural Superintendent of Police Harssh Poddar said.

The incident occurred on the last day of campaigning for the November 20 Maharashtra assembly elections. Deshmukh's son Salil Deshmukh is contesting from Katol assembly constituency on the NCP (SP) ticket against BJP's Charansingh Thakur.

The NCP(SP) condemned the incident and termed it as an example for the deteriorating law and order situation in the state.

The Congress also condemned the attack and said the culprits should be arrested soon. The party also sought the intervention of the Election Commission.

"Law and order in the state has deteriorated and for fair and transparent elections, the Election Commission should intervene immediately and take steps to ensure that law and order remains smooth," said senior Congress leader Balasaheb Thorat.

karnataka-allocation-of-2750-acres-of-govt-land-for-muslim-burial-grounds-stirs-row

Mon Nov 18 21:35:32 IST 2024

The ruling Congress in Karnataka is accused of appeasement politics over its decision to allot 2,750 acres of government land for Muslim burial grounds. The Siddaramaiah government which is already facing the heat over the state Wakf Board issuing notices allegedly to reclaim the lands belonging to farmers, temples, schools, legislators and private individuals in the state, finds itself in a tight spot as pro-Hindu groups have dubbed the move as “unfair” and “minority appeasement”.

Last April, then deputy chief secretary had directed the revenue secretary to examine the 328 proposals seeking land for ‘khabrastan’ and allocate 2,750 acres of government land or private land (after acquisition) across the districts of Bengaluru, Kalaburagi, Raichur, Dakshina Kannada, Hassan and Udupi.

During the review meeting of the state level task force on Wakf properties, the revenue department was directed to modify the khata (land record) of 21,767 properties to “wakf” and update the same in the “Bhoomi” app.

Karnataka: Warring BJP factions announce separate rallies against Waqf

Meanwhile, the pro-Hindu activists have demanded to know why the long pending demand to regularise the Hindu temple lands has fallen on deaf ears. Over 34,000 temples (C-category) built on government land have sought transfer of ownership rights of the land to the temple administration.

“The Congress government is giving preferential treatment to minorities for the sake of votes. Why can’t the Wakf board which owns more than 1.2 lakh acres provide land for the Muslim burial grounds?,” said Sharan Pumpwell, a pro-Hindu activist.

Furore over Waqf reclamation efforts in Karnataka; BJP corners Siddaramaiah

According to Wakf minister Zameer Ahmed Khan, the state Wakf board owns 1.20 lakh acres of land, but only 23,000 acres are free of encroachment. The minister who conducted Wakf adalats and directed the officials to issue notices to ”reclaim” the encroached Wakf lands, earned the wrath of not only the aggrieved landowners and the opposition parties, but also his partymen as the Wakf Board has issued notices to farmers, temples, schools, government buildings, lands owned by politicians and also historical monuments.

The farmers in north Karnataka districts have set the November 25 deadline to rectify the land records that have been modified as “Wakf properties”. The BJP and the JDS are preparing to launch a massive agitation across the state, and plan to raise the issue in the winter session of the Legislature that begins on December 9 at Belagavi.

JPC chief meets farmers impacted by Wakf notices in Karnataka; Congress dubs it a 'political stunt'

andhra-pradesh-kgbv-teacher-cut-hair-of-several-girls-for-arriving-late-for-assembly-sparks-row

Mon Nov 18 19:47:42 IST 2024

A controversy has erupted in Andhra Pradesh after a school principal cut the hair of several female students for reporting late for an assembly. The girls alleged that they were asked to stand in the sun by the principal before trimming their hair short. The students were threatened of consequences if they spoke about the punishment to anybody, news reports alleged.

The incident happened at Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya (KGBV) of GM Kothuru village in G Madugula mandal of Andhra's Alluri Sitharama Raju district. The incident happened on November 12, Friday, but was only reported on Monday. The KGBV is a residential institution for students from weaker sections of society.

There was a special ‘Karthika Pournami’ assembly at the school on Friday and around 15 girls reached 10- to 15 minutes late, The Hindu said in a report. Unimpressed, they were asked to stand in the sun during the prayers before proceeding to the second part of the punishment during the lunch break. The hair of many of the girls was cut short despite their protests, The Hindu said. Some of them scrambled to different parts of the campus to escape the unjustified punishment. It was then the principal reportedly threatened them with severe consequences if they told anybody about the development, the daily added.

After the incident kicked up a row locally, the District Education Officer (DEO) reached the Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya and handed a show-cause notice. The State Education Department will conduct a detailed enquiry into the incident, the DEO told the press. The local MLA also visited the school later the day.

Meanwhile, another report claimed that the teacher admitted to having cut the girls's hair as a disciplinary measure.

palakkad-bypolls-congress-bjp-cpim-keep-fingers-crossed-as-knife-edge-campaign-ends

Mon Nov 18 20:57:59 IST 2024

Palakkad, often dubbed Kerala’s “hottest” district, lived up to its reputation earlier this year when it became the epicentre of the state’s first officially recognized heatwave. The IMD even issued an orange alert as temperatures soared. With the announcement of by-polls, the Palakkad assembly constituency has faced another kind of heatwave—a political one—with the three major fronts locked in a fierce fight filled with allegations and counter-allegations. And today, as the public campaign for the by-polls—postponed by the EC due to the Kalpathi Chariot Festival—concludes, communal equations have emerged as a key factor in the calculations of various fronts.

Palakkad is one of those unique constituencies in Kerala where one could see a strong triangular fight. With 1.21 lakh voters, the constituency includes the Palakkad Municipality and the villages of Pirayiri, Mathoor, and Kannadi. More than 80 per cent of the electorate is urban. The constituency has a significant share of Muslim votes—Around 22.5 per cent of total voters.

Notably, the BJP dominates the municipal area, ruling the municipality with 28 of the 52 council seats under the NDA. In contrast, the rural belts favor the UDF and the LDF. The BJP, which finished second in the last two assembly elections, sees this by-poll as an opportunity to reopen its account in Kerala assembly. The by-election was triggered after Congress leader Shafi Parambil, who twice represented Palakkad, was elected as the MP for Vadakara in the general elections.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is chanelling her motherly instincts to win Wayanad

Internal strife has notably marred the campaigns of all three fronts. Following the announcement of Youth Congress state president Rahul Mankoottathil as the Congress candidate, around nine leaders defected from the Congress. Among them, P. Sarin, who headed the Congress’s digital media cell, emerged as the LDF-backed independent candidate.

During the campaign phase, there were moments when Sarin and the CPI(M) leadership in Palakkad seemed to adopt conflicting positions. Additionally, an excerpt from the allegedly leaked autobiography of E.P. Jayarajan—later dismissed by him as a fabricated narrative—raised questions about whether the party leadership itself was divided on granting Sarin the seat.

In the BJP, internal disputes delayed the announcement of their candidate. Adding to the turmoil, firebrand leader Sandeep Warrier—a prominent BJP face in television debates—sparked further unrest during the advanced phase of the campaign. Warrier’s departure, marked by his fiery criticism of the BJP as a “party that sells hate”, shocked many. Initially rumoured to be joining the CPI(M) or CPI, he instead joined the Congress, sending ripples across the political landscape.

Questions galore as Wayanad Lok Sabha bypoll witnesses low voter turnout

The Congress candidate, Rahul Mankoottathil, faced accusations of being an "outsider". A slew of additional allegations was also raised against the Congress by the BJP and CPI(M), including the "blue trolley bag controversy", with claims that Mankoottathil was using unaccounted money brought in a blue trolley bag for the election. But the controversy backfired. Towards the end of the campaign, the LDF and the BJP intensified their attacks, alleging that the Congress was receiving support from radical Islamists and the SDPI, the political wing of the now-banned PFI.

While campaigning for P. Sarin, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan made a controversial comment, suggesting that Panakkad Thangal, supremo of Congress ally Indian Union Muslim League, was behaving like an affiliate of Jamaat-e-Islami. Meanwhile, MP A.A. Rahim alleged that the SDPI was campaigning for the UDF in mosques. BJP state president K. Surendran echoed this claim, asserting that the SDPI was campaigning in mosques for the UDF and alleging that the LDF was also receiving support from the People's Democratic Party (PDP), founded by Abdul Nasir Maudany.

E.P. Jayarajan's autobiography 'leak': CPI(M) leader alleges conspiracy, demands probe

Mankoottathil repeatedly faced media pressure to clarify whether he would reject SDPI support outright. On the campaign’s final day, Surendran escalated his rhetoric, claiming the Congress was being “hijacked” by a “special section of people”, a veiled reference aimed at consolidating Hindu votes in the constituency, which consists of around 80 castes and subcastes.

The CPI(M), meanwhile, continues its post-general election strategy of positioning itself as a bulwark against communalism from both majority and minority communities. And, LDF leader’s sharp criticism of Congress and IUML leaders suggests that unlike last time, LDF-leaning votes may not transfer to the UDF. And, if the BJP secures a victory in Palakkad, it could once again ignite accusations of “deal politics”.

baba-siddique-murder-lawrence-bishnois-brother-anmol-bishnoi-arrested-in-us

Mon Nov 18 20:22:33 IST 2024

Gangster Lawrence Bishnoi’s younger brother Anmol Bishnoi, who is wanted in India in several high-profile cases, has been arrested in the US, reports claimed on Monday.

His arrest came days after Mumbai Police Crime Branch began the process for his extradition, following a non-bailable arrest warrant issued by a Maharashtra court.

According to an NDTV report, the 50-year-old was arrested earlier today.

Anmol is a suspect in the firing incident outside Bollywood actor Salman Khan’s residence in April. He is also accused of being instrumental in the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala in 2022.

Moosewala was killed just eight months after Anmol was released on bail from Jodhpur prison, where he was serving jail term for his alleged involvement in multiple criminal cases.

Probe agencies have also linked him to the killing of former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddique last month with the investigators claiming that he had provided both logistical and financial support for the attack. Officials also alleged that Anmol was in contact with the three gunmen via Snapchat despite being abroad.

He is currently facing 18 criminal cases in India and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has announced a bounty of Rs 10 lakh for him. Authorities say he is involved in planning attacks on various Bollywood celebrities.

Anmol went missing after Moosewala’s death and was believed to have escaped India on a fake passport. However, it was not clear which country he took shelter in, with some reports suggesting that he was managing the Bishnoi gang’s affairs from Canada.

Some reports even suggested that Anmol was spotted in Kenya last year and he has since then changed his location multiple times.

Lawrence Bishnoi is currently lodged in a jail in Sabarmati in Gujarat.

Both the Bishnoi brothers had been named in an FIR registered by the NIA in August 2022 for being part of a conspiracy to "raise funds, recruit youth to carry out terrorist acts in the Union Territory of Delhi and other parts of the country" besides "targeted killings of prominent persons".

kashmir-launches-major-traffic-crackdown-after-tengpora-accident

Mon Nov 18 17:32:23 IST 2024

In response to recent road accidents in Srinagar, particularly the tragic Tengpora incident that claimed the lives of two young children, traffic authorities have ramped up efforts to improve road safety across the region.

Swinging into action, the Regional Transport Office (RTO) in Kashmir checked a total of 2,338 vehicles, including school buses, delivery trucks, and personal cars.

It was found that 586 drivers broke various traffic rules, ranging from not wearing helmets or seat belts to overcrowding vehicles and lacking valid fitness or insurance papers.

Officials seized 11 vehicles and collected fines totalling ₹7.98 lakh. The highest fines were recorded in Srinagar, amounting to ₹2.22 lakh, followed by Kulgam and Ganderbal.

RTO Kashmir's Syed Shahnawaz Bukhari stressed the need to contribute to making the roads safer. He called on teachers, community leaders, and religious figures to help raise awareness about road safety. He stated that creating safer roads requires shared responsibility among all citizens.

In response to the Tengpora accident, the Srinagar Traffic Police initiated action by stepping up enforcement measures over three days.

The police seized over 300 vehicles for various violations, which included underage driving. They focused on issues such as driving without a license, failure to wear seat belts and improper parking.

Ravinder Pal Singh, the SSP Traffic for Rural Kashmir, instructed his officers to concentrate their enforcement efforts in rural areas.

On November 16, 2024, a specific traffic drive resulted in 1,144 fines for violations such as speeding and reckless driving. Singh made it clear that they will not tolerate underage driving and are conducting counselling sessions to educate the community about the dangers of allowing minors to drive.

The crackdown has highlighted that ensuring road safety is a shared responsibility among parents, authorities, and the community at large.

latest-news-politics-uttar-pradesh-bypolls-2024-not-an-easy-task-for-yogi-s-bjp

Mon Nov 18 17:12:01 IST 2024

The November 20 byelection to nine seats in Uttar Pradesh is a direct contest between the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Samajwadi Party as the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), despite fighting on all seats, has been almost absent from the campaign trail.

The Samajwadi Party’s success in the Lok Sabha election has forced the BJP to field more candidates from the Other Backward Castes. This includes Anujesh Singh from Karhal, Dharmraj Nishad from Katehri; Deepak Patel from Phulpur and Suchissmita Maurya from Majhawan.

The Samajwadi Party has fielded Muslim candidates in four out of the nine seats, Dalit candidates in two seats and OBCs in the remaining three.

The BSP’s caste equations are also on point with two Muslims, two Brahmins, one Dalit and four OBC candidates. But Mayawati's party at best will play to split votes with no real hope of winning any of them.

One of the most interesting contests will be in Phulpur (Prayagraj) where the BJP is eyeing the Patel-Maurya caste combine to vote for its candidate. The Samajwadi Party’s Mustafa Siddiqui on the other hand is eyeing the sizeable Yadav-Muslim vote bank. Phulpur has a traditional Congress support base hence the BJP has its task cut out.

Sihsamau should see a tilt towards the Samajwadi Party as the Solanki family has a prolonged connection with the voters. Party choice Naseem Solanki is playing the sympathy card by telling the voters that she has been forced to step out of home because her husband has been wrongfully imprisoned.

In Kundarki, BJP’s Ramveer Singh faces an uphill battle against three time MLA Haji Rizwan. Here Chandrashekhar’s Aazad Samaj Party has fielded Chandbabu and this might divide the Turk vote and be a headache for the Samajwadi Party.

The BJP and RLD alliance has fielded a non-Muslim candidate for the Meerapur seat. Here. SP's Sumbul Rana will face a division of vote since the BSP, AIMIM and the Aazad Samaj Party have all fielded Muslim candidates. Jayant Chaudhary’s personal prestige will be tested on the seat.

The Majhawan contest has been made interesting by the faceoff between two women. The BSP had muddied the waters for the BJP by giving the ticket to a Brahmin candidate.

In Karhal, the win of the Samajwadi party seems a foregone conclusion because of the sentiment associated with Akhilesh Yadav who has vacated the seat.

In Khair, the BSP’s Dalit candidate could play a spoiler for the opposition- just as it will in Ghaziabad.

The by-polls in UP will not only decide how strongly the party still holds sway, but will also decide how much the party will have to depend on its allies if it does not do well.

maharashtra-lost-approx-rs-7-lakh-crore-worth-investments-to-gujarat-under-mahayuti-govt-rahul-gandhi

Mon Nov 18 19:21:38 IST 2024

Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Monday claimed that projects worth Rs 7 lakh crore, which could have generated nearly five lakh jobs for Maharashtra youth had gone out of the state, and mostly to Gujarat during the past two-and-half years rule of the saffron alliance government in the state.

Gandhi was addressing a press conference in Mumbai where he accused the Bharatiya Janata Party and its partners of handing over Mumbai to the Adani group through projects like Dharavi redevelopment. “Maharashtra election is an election between two ideologies. Their ideology favours a couple of billionaire industrialists and our ideology favours poor and unemployed commoners. Unemployment and inflation are main issues and they are trying to divert the attention by making statements that will divide people,” Gandhi said.

He also alleged the Dharavi redevelopment is a way to give an estimated Rs1 lakh crore to one of the most favoured industries group of Prime Minister Modi. Gandhi also showed two posters – one showing Adani and Modi and the second one showing a map of Dharavi.

Gandhi then said that MVA will conduct a caste census in Maharashtra like the congress governments are doing in Karnataka and Telangana.

delhi-chokes-under-severe-pollution-low-visibility-procedures-imposed-in-airport

Mon Nov 18 13:48:08 IST 2024

The air pollution in the national capital plunged further in the hours leading to Monday morning, prompting authorities to impose measures under Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).

On Sunday at 7 pm, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi reached 457 by 7 pm.

The Delhi government has suspended in-person classes for all except for students of classes 10 and 12. There is also a ban on trucks from entering Delhi, except for those carrying essential items or using clean fuel (LNG/CNG/BS-VI diesel/electric). Non-essential light commercial vehicles registered outside Delhi will also be prohibited, except for electric vehicles and CNG and BS-VI diesel ones.

Also read: GRAP-IV curbs to be imposed in Delhi from Monday as air quality turns ‘severe+’

Delhi also witnessed the season's lowest daytime temperature on Sunday as mercury dipped to 27.2 degrees Celsius -- the lowest daytime temperature of the season.

The weather department has issued an Orange Alert for Monday. "Dense to very dense fog is likely over Delhi-NCR during the morning hours of Monday," the India Meteorological Department said.

The maximum and minimum temperatures are expected to settle at 27 and 17 degrees Celsius, it said.

Airport advisory

Low visibility procedures are in place at the Delhi International Airport. However, flight operations are normal so far.

Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) said on Sunday night that low visibility procedures are in place at the airport. "Low visibility procedures are in progress at Delhi airport. All flight operations are normal at present," Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) said in a post on X.

It also advised passengers to contact the airlines concerned for updated flight information.

Indigo too has issued an advisory that flights may be delayed due to fog affecting visibility. "#6ETravelAdvisory: Fog is currently affecting visibility in Delhi, which may result in slow moving traffic and delays in flight schedules," IndiGo said in a post on X at 11.44 pm.

DIAL handles around 1,400 flight movements daily.

Polluted Yamuna

Toxic foam was seen on the Yamuna River in Kalindi Kunj on Monday morning too, with residents nearby complaining of breathing difficulties. A resident Ramashish Paswan told ANI that the air pollution)causes burning in the eyes, breathing difficulties, cough and cold. "Pollution is very high here. Water is polluted too. We are habituated now. But someone new won't be able to stay here, they would fall ill immediately," he added.