Category: India

Punjabi superstar Diljit Dosanjh paid his tribute to iconic industrialist Ratan Tata, who died on Wednesday. Diljit was performing in Germany when he learned about Ratan Tata’s death. In a video surfaced online from the concert, Diljit stopped the concert to honour Ratan Tata’s legacy and shared the valuable lessons he learnt from the Indian icon. Diljit confessed he never had the opportunity to meet him but shared that he left a mark on his life.

“You all know about Ratan Tata. He has passed away. This is my small tribute to him. Today, I feel it is important to take his name because his life — he has always worked hard. Whatever I have heard and read of him, I have never seen him speak anything wrong about anyone,” Diljit said in Punjabi.

“He has always worked hard in his life, did good work, was helpful. This is life, this is how one should be. If there is one thing we can learn from his life, it is that we should work hard, think positive, be helpful and live life to its fullest,” the actor-singer added.

Check out the video below:

Ratan Tata passed away on Wednesday night, October 9. He was admitted to Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital on Monday after suffering a sudden drop in blood pressure and was in critical condition in the ICU. The news of his death was shared on late Wednesday night. Known for his visionary ideas that helped propelled Tata Group reach new heights and philanthropy work, Ratan Tata was a beloved icon of India.

Source: https://www.news18.com/movies/ratan-tata-no-more-diljit-dosanjh-stops-germany-concert-to-pay-tribute-says-ive-never-watch-9081199.html

Tata’s mortal remains will be kept at the National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA) in south Mumbai from 10 am to 4 pm on Thursday for people to pay their respects.

Maharashtra Government has declared a day of mourning in the state on Thursday to pay tributes to industrialist Ratan Tata, the Chief Minister’s Office said.Tata, who is credited with transforming the Tata Group into a globally renowned conglomerate, died at age 86 in a Mumbai hospital on Wednesday.

A statement quoting Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said the national tricolour on government offices in Maharashtra will be flown at half-mast on October 10 as a sign of mourning.

There will be no entertainment events on Thursday, the statement said.

Tata’s mortal remains will be kept at the National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA) in south Mumbai from 10 am to 4 pm on Thursday for people to pay their respects. His last rites will be performed in Worli area of Mumbai later in the day.

Source: https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/ratan-tata-passes-away-maharashtra-govt-declares-day-of-mourning-today-to-pay-tribute-to-industrialist

The black-necked cranes that breed in the Himalayas are listed in Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, thereby giving them the highest degree of protection.

The endangered black-necked cranes have been sighted high in the Himalayan wetlands at Hanle in Ladakh at about 4,500 meters altitude. These migratory birds that breed in the Himalayas are listed in Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, thereby giving them the highest degree of protection.
NDTV’s Pallava Bagla, who is in Ladakh chasing stars and galaxies, had the rare sighting of black-necked cranes. They are also the state bird of Ladakh.

The local population in the Changthang region of Ladakh is mostly Buddhists, and they venerate these birds, which also are part of the paintings in old monasteries.

Black-necked cranes pair for life and usually rear 1-2 chicks a year. They are approximately 135 centimetres high and have a wing span of 62-64 centimetres. Their grey-coloured body is topped with a black neck and has a red patch above the eye.

They are usually seen in pairs with chicks or in small groups feeding in the wetlands of the River Indus in Ladakh.

In India, very small populations of black-necked cranes can be found in Ladakh, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh. Globally, they have been sighted in Bhutan, China and Nepal.

As per the survey conducted by the Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, in 2016-2017 in the Ladakh region, the population size of these birds was around 66-69 individuals.

In Arunachal Pradesh, a small population of approximately 11 individuals arrives during the winter months.

The black-necked crane breeding sites are protected under the Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary. Interestingly, the same sanctuary also offers a worthy home to the Indian Astronomical Observatory, which houses the 2-meter class Himalayan Chandra Telescope and is a globally renowned site for astronomy and astrophysics.

Dogs Are “Serious” Threat To Black-Necked Cranes

Black-necked cranes face a “serious” threat from free-ranging dogs, Dr Kishor Rithe, the Director of the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) told NDTV. He said that they are monitoring the population of these birds at Nyoma, Yaya Tsi, Tsokar and Puga in Ladakh.

Source: https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/rare-black-necked-cranes-sighted-in-ladakh-6749117

The NC-Congress-Left alliance won 49 of J&K’s 90 elected Assembly seats, with the BJP claiming 29 and the PDP of Mehbooba Mufti managing only three seats, 25 fewer than it did a decade ago under her father, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed.

Jammu and Kashmir will not benefit from an “antagonistic relationship” with the BJP-led central government, National Conference leader Omar Abdullah told NDTV Tuesday evening, shortly after his party and the Congress won the 2024 J&K Assembly election – the first in a decade.
Mr Abdullah – who will become Chief Minister for a second time, having already received the support of his father and party patriarch Farooq Abdullah – also called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to fulfil his promise and restore statehood stripped five years ago after the scrapping of Article 370.

Restoration of statehood was a key poll plank for the NC-Congress alliance.

“An Honourable PM”
“The PM is an honourable man… he promised the people of J&K statehood and I hope he lives up to that,” Mr Abdullah told NDTV, playing down a suggestion this could be delayed since the BJP – as it had hoped to after the Prime Minister’s announcement on statehood – did not win this election.

“Nowhere has the BJP ever said – first there will be our government and then statehood. The PM never said that. People of J&K have spoken and I hope the Prime Minister will now be magnanimous and restore statehood at the earliest,” he said, referring also to a Supreme Court ruling.

“We don’t call him ‘honourable’ Prime Minister for nothing,” Mr Abdullah said.

Mr Abdullah also said the election result is a rejection of the scrapping of Article 370.

In December last year the court, while setting the Election Commission a September 30 deadline to conduct this election, also said steps should be taken to restore statehood at the earliest.

And in June this year Mr Modi, speaking days after being sworn in for a third successive term, said, “That day is not far… when Jammu and Kashmir can decide its own future as a state.”

He repeated that promise at an election rally in Srinagar, saying, “We promised in Parliament that we will restore J&K’s statehood and the BJP will fulfil this commitment.”

Centre-J&K Relationship
On the incoming J&K government’s relationship with New Delhi, Mr Abdullah said the union territory is at a crucial stage in its economic and social development, and called on the centre’s support.

“I believe the new (J&K) government must have a healthy working relationship with the union government. I hope they (the BJP) realises J&K is at a very crucial stage and does not play politics.”

Mr Abdullah acknowledged the need to rebuild the relationship between the BJP and J&K, particularly the Kashmir region that voted overwhelmingly against the saffron party. He also red-flagged the difficult relationship with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, whose expected nomination of five members to the J&K Assembly drew scathing criticism from the NC and other parties.

He also called on Mr Sinha to play his part in the repair of ties.

“There is a need for some relationship building… there is currently no relation between the incumbent and the Governor. J&K will not benefit if the LG decides to be antagonistic…”

Consequent to that discussion, Mr Abdullah also highlighted a key challenge for the new government – “to give a sense of the ownership to voters from Jammu… who did not vote for the NC-Congress”.

“I believe, when statehood is restored, the government must also move to restore the legislative council. We must give representation to all,” he said, including Kashmiri Pandits in his appeal.

“Reason To Smile”
On the overall result – the NC won 42 seats – Mr Abdullah declared, “There is ample reason to smile. We have done well… better than we expected…” and congratulated party leaders and workers.

“I am grateful for every seat we have… yes, we could be greedy and say ‘we want 10 more… 15 more. But we got these number of seats and we are thankful for each,” he said.

Mr Abdullah also hit out, again, at exit pollsters who predicted a hung Assembly.

Omar Abdullah also had reason to smile for his own election results; he contested and won the Budgam and Ganderbal Assembly seats, each by significant margins. This comes after a setback in the Lok Sabha election, in which he lost Baramulla – by over two lakh votes – to ‘engineer’ Rashid.

“Baramulla was an aberration and I have proven it. This wasn’t an easy campaign… for me, personally, it was a difficult election as it came on the back of a defeat,” he said.

“People Have Expectations”
Looking forward, Mr Abdullah said, “The burden of expectations is something we have come to realise over the course of years. The people have expectations and we have to deliver.”

“Some things – the reference was to restoration of statehood – we will start work on immediately.”

There are people who may have voted for the National Conference for the first time, he also pointed out, emphasising, “It is our responsibility to live up to their expectations.”

Will He Be Chief Minister?
Earlier today NC boss Farooq Abdullah declared “Omar Abdullah banega Chief Minister”.

Speaking to NDTV Omar Abdullah played down any assumption of that sort, saying the legislative party would take that decision and said, ‘doctor saab’, referring to his father, was “very kind”.

Source: https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/j-k-assembly-election-result-omar-abdullah-ndtv-interview-pm-an-honourable-man-hope-he-omar-abdullahs-key-ask-after-j-k-win-6745271

While the sitting MLA of Jannayak Janta Party (JJP) Amarjit Dhanda posed a threat to her, another rival party INLD, had fielded Surinder Lather, who has a large number of Jats of Lather gotra in the constituency.

Star wrestler and Congress candidate Vinesh Phogat won her debut electoral battle from Julana seat with a narrow margin of about 6,000 votes in the Haryana assembly election on Tuesday.

Vinesh, the first Indian woman wrestler to have reached the Olympics final at Paris –  the stage where she was disqualified after being found overweight by about 100 grams in the 50-kg category; though she had announced her retirement from the game, she joined Congress on September 6 last and was given a ticket by Congress to fight from Julana seat. She was locked in a multi-corner seat Julana in Jind district – the state’s Jat heartland. Julana is Vinesh’s “sasural’’ as her husband Somvir Rathee belongs here while she hails from village Balali in Charkhi Dadri district.

Hers was the most-watched fight as she faced Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidate Kavita Dalal, who herself is a former WWE wrestler and who claims substantial support from about six villages having Jats with Dalal `gotra’. While the sitting MLA of Jannayak Janta Party (JJP) Amarjit Dhanda posed a threat to her, another rival party INLD, had fielded Surinder Lather, who has a large number of Jats of Lather gotra in the constituency. BJP’s Capt Yogesh Bairagi, a non-Jat candidate backed by OBC and SC as well as Brahmins also gave her a daunting challenge. She defeated Bairagi by a margin of about 6,000.

Reacting to the ‘mass resignation’, TMC leader Kunal Ghosh said, “The government is very responsible and tolerant. The doctors are engaging in a politics of blackmail and harassing patients. The government will do what it has to do.”

Around 50 senior doctors and faculty members of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata resigned on Tuesday in solidarity with their junior colleagues, who are on a hunger strike protesting the rape and murder of a trainee doctor on the institution’s premises in August this year, the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) said.

Reacting to the ‘mass resignation’, TMC leader Kunal Ghosh said, “The government is very responsible and tolerant. The doctors are engaging in a politics of blackmail and harassing patients. The government will do what it has to do.”

Ghosh added, “The mass petition that the doctors are signing is illegal. They should submit individual resignations; why should they resign from their duty? They should resign from their job.”

As per reports, around 2 a.m., following the storm, many attendees began to leave the event, but the organisers and the singer encouraged them to stay, assuring them that the situation was under control.

In a tragic incident, two women lost their lives and at least 15 others were injured after a pole supporting a pandal collapsed during a Navratri jagran (religious event) on Rahon Road late Saturday night. The tragedy unfolded when a sudden windstorm caused the pillars holding up the stage to fall, trapping several attendees. The incident was captured on camera, and the video, now viral on social media, shows the chaotic moment when the light frames fell, crushing people beneath them.

The religious event was being held near Govind Godham on Hambra Road, in the Dwarika Enclave area of Ludhiana. While two women were rushed to the hospital where they succumbed to their injuries during treatment, many others, including children, were injured. Several of the injured have since been discharged after receiving primary medical care, but some remain hospitalised. Authorities are actively investigating the cause of the incident.

According to reports, the iron pillars collapsed as a result of a sudden and powerful windstorm that struck just before midnight. In the viral video, a female singer can be seen performing a devotional song when the stage’s iron pillars suddenly give way, causing widespread panic and chaos.

Eyewitnesses report that around 2 a.m., following the storm, many attendees began to leave the event, but the organisers and the singer encouraged them to stay, assuring them that the situation was under control. However, the windstorm intensified again, and the pillars fell on the crowd.

Source: https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/punjab-2-women-die-15-injured-after-light-frames-fell-on-jagaran-attendees-in-ludhiana-video-surfaces

As many as 11 seats in Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections 2024 saw victory margins as wide as 20,000 votes and eight of these seats were bagged by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which stood second in the terms of the overall J&K election result.

Following the counting of votes on Tuesday, the National Conference won 42 seats in the 90-seat Assembly, while the BJP won 29. The Congress, which had a poll pact with the National Conference, won six seats and the PDP won just three. One seat each went to the Jammu & Kashmir People’s Conference, the Aam Aadmi Party and the CPM. In addition, seven Independents also made it to the Assembly.

Among the 11 seats with margins in excess of 20,000 votes, two witnessed margins wider than 30,000 votes — Nagrota and Samba — both of which were bagged by the BJP, shows an analysis of the Election Commission data. Victory margin is defined as the difference of votes between the winning candidate and the first runner-up.

The widest victory margin across seats in Jammu and Kashmir was scored by BJP’s Devender Singh Rana, brother of Union minister Jitendra Singh, who won by 30,472 votes in Nagrota. His main opponent was Joginder Singh from the National Conference. Rana bagged 48,113 votes against Singh’s 17,641. Interestingly, Rana was also the richest candidate from the Jammu region with assets worth Rs 126 crore.

The second-highest victory margin was reported by BJP’s Surjeet Singh Slathia who won from Samba with 43,182 votes against Independent Ravinder Singh’s 12,873 votes, a victory margin of 30,309 votes.

The third-highest victory margin went in the favour of Congress leader Ghulam Ahmad Mir who won South Kashmir’s Dooru seat by a margin of 29,728 votes, defeating PDP candidate Mohammad Ashraf Malik.

Other seats won by the BJP where the victory margin was more than 20,000 votes are Jammu North, Akhnoor, Marh, Jammu West, Billawar, and Udhampur West.

Of the 11 seats with 20,000-plus margin, two were bagged by National Conference – Poonch Haveli and Sopore. Irshad Rasool Kar won the Sopore seat by a margin of 20,356 votes and Aijaz Ahmad Jan reported a victory margin of 20,879 votes in Poonch-Haveli.

Former chief minister Omar Abdullah, vice-president of the National Conference and son of party president Farooq Abdullah, won the Budgam seat against PDP’s Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi by a margin of 18,485 votes.

Source: https://www.news18.com/elections/jk-election-results-of-the-11-seats-that-saw-victory-margins-wider-than-20000-votes-bjp-won-8-9079721.html

Three personnel of the Indian Air Force (IAF) who took part in the anniversary parade fainted on the ground at IAF station Tambaram here on Tuesday, apparently due to exhaustion, a senior official said.

They were part of the contingent that had gathered on the parade ground for a march past, as part of the IAF’s 92nd anniversary celebrations.

The three personnel swooned shortly after they assembled and were about to click the heels and march.

The personnel were immediately taken on a stretcher and provided first aid. Their condition is stable, the official said.

No sooner the personnel swooned, with the rifles they held falling to the ground along with them, other IAF personnel on standby rushed to carry them on a stretcher for treatment.

Source: https://www.news18.com/india/iaf-anniversary-parade-three-personnel-faint-amid-celebrations-swift-response-ensures-safety-9079020.html

The peaceful conclusion of the participative electoral process in Jammu and Kashmir is a triumph of the democratic spirit and a testament to the resilience of the people of the Union Territory, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar said on Tuesday.

The will of the people of Jammu and Kashmir has been conveyed as the historic legislative Assembly elections draw to a close, he said.

”Their gesture of embracing democracy strengthens its foundations and it is now over to them again to chart a democratic journey to ever greater heights,” Kumar said.

Assembly elections were held in Jammu and Kashmir after a decade and were the first since provisions of Article 370 of the Constitution were abrogated and the erstwhile state divided into two Union Territories of J-K and Ladakh in 2019.

Source: https://www.news18.com/elections/peaceful-conclusion-of-poll-process-in-jk-triumph-of-democratic-spirit-says-cec-rajiv-kumar-9079540.html

The Haryana assembly election results are unexpected and the Congress cannot accept them, the party said in a press conference on Tuesday, hours after the BJP snatched victory from the Grand Old Party despite initial trends indicating a comfortable win for the latter.

Addressing a press conference, senior party leaders Jairam Ramesh and Pawan Khera blamed EVMs — a usual Congress grouse — and said the party had lost on seats “where it had no chance of losing”.

“We are getting constant complaints [from Haryana]. We were being told that EVMs that had 99 per cent battery were leading to our loss, while we won when voters voted on machines that had 60-70 per cent batteries.”

Ramesh said: “Ye tantra ki jeet hai aur loktantra ki haar. We have been constantly complaining to the Election Commission since afternoon. We will give our complaints to EC. Serious questions have been raised by our candidates and this result is against the will of the people of Haryana. Under such circumstances, we cannot accept the results.”

Earlier in the day, former Haryana chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda trained his guns on the Election Commission, blaming the poll body for not updating the results of many constituencies that the Congress was supposedly winning on their website.

Addressing reporters amid the BJP’s stunning comeback in the state after initial trends indicated a victory for Congress, Hooda said: “We are getting a majority. A wrong perception is being created. We are winning many seats but they [EC] are not updating. We are winning several constituencies like Adampur, Jhajjar, and Rohtak. I would like appeal to counting agents to stay firm at the counting centres.”

He added: “We are getting to know that Congress is leading in 10 seats but EC has stopped counting and is not updating the numbers in those constituencies.”

The Congress on Tuesday filed a formal complaint with the Election Commission of India (ECI) about a delay in publishing the results of the Haryana assembly election, with Ramesh calling the tactics “mind games”. The charge came after a dramatic turnaround in which the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) clawed back to take a comfortable lead in the state after initial trends showed Congress leading.

The crux of the Congress argument was that the trends on the ECI website were way behind the actual counting and that the local administration could be under pressure.

“Like the Lok Sabha elections, in Haryana, we are again witnessing slowing down of uploading up-to-date trends on the ECI website. Is the BJP trying to build pressure on administration by sharing outdated and misleading trends,” Congress leader Jairam Ramesh posted on X.

Source: https://www.news18.com/elections/congress-questions-eci-over-slow-upload-of-haryana-election-results-2024-jairam-ramesh-bjp-latest-news-9078197.html

Two jawans of the Territorial Army were abducted in Jammu and Kashmir, news agency ANI quoted sources as saying. According to the report, the two jawans were abducted in the forest area of Anantnag.

However, one of the jawans later managed to come back.

A search operation was launched in the area to search for the missing jawan.

On October 5, two terrorists were killed as security forces foiled an infiltration bid along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kupwara, news agency PTI quoted the Indian Army as saying.

“Two terrorists have been eliminated by the security forces in the ongoing operation,” the Army’s Srinagar-based Chinar Corps said.

Source: https://www.news18.com/india/jammu-kashmir-anantnag-army-jawans-abducted-search-operation-launched-territorial-jawans-news-9079697.html

Senior Minister Satish Jarkiholi affirmed that Siddaramaiah will remain Chief Minister of Karnataka, dismissing speculations.

Speaking to reporters here, Jarkiholi, who is at the forefront of behind-the-scenes political activities within the Congress amid demands for Siddaramaiah’s resignation by the opposition following charges against him in the MUDA case, however, said the party’s central leadership can respond to questions whether he will hold the post for a full term of five years.

“I can only say that he will be there. Siddaramaiah will be there as Chief Minister,” the Public Works Minister, an ST leader with considerable standing in northern Karnataka, said. “Whether he will be there as CM for three years or five years doesn’t come at my level. I can only say Siddaramaiah will be there as CM and we are with him.”

On the possibility of Shivakumar, who is also State Congress chief, taking over as CM in the event of a change of guard, he said: “High command has not discussed with us about D K Shivakumar (being made CM)…you ask him. I can only say Siddaramaiah will continue as CM.”

There was stiff competition between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar, a powerful leader from the politically influential Vokkaliga community, for the Chief Minister’s post after the declaration of Assembly election results in May last year, and the Congress had managed to convince the latter and made him the Deputy Chief Minister. There were some reports at the time that a compromise had been reached based on a “rotational chief minister formula,” according to which Shivakumar will become CM after two-and-half years but they have not been officially confirmed by the party.

Amid demand by opposition parties for Siddaramaiah to quit, Jarkiholi on Sunday met Home Minister G Parameshwara, a senior leader from the SC community, in Tumakuru, after last week’s meeting with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge in Delhi, leading to intense speculations in political circles over leadership change. There was also a closed-door meeting earlier between Jarkiholi, Parameshwara and Social Welfare Minister Dr H C Mahadevappa, who is also from SC community.

Amid calls for a Dalit/ST CM within a section of the party that has surfaced time and again, Parameshwara, Jarkiholi and Mahadevappa are seen as front-runners for the CM’s post if the situation arises. Jarkiholi, however, ruled out any change in CM, stating that there is no such situation in the state. When the CM post is not vacant, how can he be in the race for the post?

“We have a CM and he will continue. Myself, other ministers, our party and high command have said it several times, so any discussion on it is irrelevant,” he said. “We have confidence in the CM’s leadership.” On meetings between him and Jarkiholi, and Mahadevappa becoming a point of discussion in political circles, Parameshwara said: “It is good if there are discussions. Like ‘Chai pe Charcha’, we had a discussion over coffee.”

“Just because two of us meet over a coffee and because of that if one is made a CM, many such discussions would take place and a lot of coffee will get consumed,” he told reporters in a lighter vein in Bengaluru. “…nothing will happen if we discuss, high command is there. Also such a situation (for CM change) has not arisen, let’s discuss and place a demand when the situation arises.”

“The CM has said it several times that there is no need for him to resign and he won’t, and we too have also said the same thing,” Parameshwara said. “There is no need for the CM to resign, it has been repeatedly told.” Meanwhile, taking a dig at “developments” within the Congress, Leader of opposition in the Assembly R Ahoka said there is a “running race” in the ruling party for the CM post. He said “breakfast and dinner meetings” are on among ministers to replace the CM. “…don’t know how long the government will continue. There are rumours within the Congress that the CM may resign in 10-15 days, so leaders are counting MLAs in their support (for CM post),” the BJP leader said.

Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/bengaluru-news/siddaramaiah-will-remain-as-cm-says-senior-karnataka-minister-satish-jarkiholi-101728387290541.html

The Uttarakhand UCC web portal will be integrated into other government websites to enable it to pick up data on marriages, deaths, birth and divorces.

New Delhi: Based on the law passed by the state assembly, Uttarakhand will soon have a single-window digital web portal for the registration of marriages, live-in relationships, wills and succession instruments.

The provisions are part of the rules drafted by the UCC implementation committee headed by former bureaucrat Shatrughan Singh who held its final meeting in Dehradun.

“We have recommended means and methods wherein someone sitting at home is able to draft and even change one’s will and succession online,” Manu Gaur, a member of the UCC rules drafting committee told

The Uttarakhand UCC web portal will be integrated into other government websites to enable it to pick up data on marriages, deaths, birth and divorces.

Source: https://www.deccanherald.com/india/uttarakhand/uttarakhand-to-have-portal-for-marriage-live-in-registrations-3223457

The CBI has filed a chargesheet in the RG Kar Medical sexual assault and murder case, naming Sanjay Roy as the main accused. Forensic evidence, witness statements, and CCTV footage form the backbone of the charges, with further investigation ongoing.

DNA Evidence Links Accused to Crime

Sources revealed that Sanjay Roy, who was allegedly in an inebriated state during the incident, was arrested by Kolkata Police on 10th August at 10 am. Forensic evidence has played a crucial role in the case, with blood and tissue samples found under the victim’s nails matching Roy’s DNA. These samples were sent to AIIMS Delhi and the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) for analysis.

Charges and Punishments Under Law

The CBI has charged Sanjay Roy under several sections of the law, including:

– Section 64: Punishment for rape, with a minimum sentence of ten years, extending to life imprisonment.

– Section 66: Punishment for causing the death of a woman or leaving her in a vegetative state during the offence, with a minimum of 20 years of rigorous imprisonment, life imprisonment, or death penalty.

– Section 103(1): Punishment for murder, which can result in death or life imprisonment, along with a possible fine.

Timeline of the Crime

The crime occurred during the night of 8th-9th August when the victim, a junior doctor, was with her colleagues in a seminar hall at RG Kar Medical College. CCTV footage and call data records (CDR) analysis revealed Roy’s movements inside the hospital. He was seen entering the medical college at 3:42 AM on 9th August, parking his bike near the main gate. By 3:48 AM, he was seen entering the emergency building, and at 4:03 AM, he appeared on the third-floor corridor, near the scene of the crime. Roy was last seen leaving the hospital at 4:37 AM on his bike.

Source: https://www.timesnownews.com/kolkata/kolkata-rape-case-blood-matches-sanjay-roy-dna-he-was-intoxicated-cbi-big-revelation-in-1st-chargesheet-in-rg-kar-rape-murder-case-article-114017175

India will provide over ₹6,300 crore to the Maldives amid a foreign exchange crisis, aiming to strengthen bilateral ties and launch a trade agreement.

New Delhi India on Monday agreed to provide financial support of more than ₹6,300 crore to the Maldives to tide over a foreign exchange crisis as the two sides discussed a potential trade deal, with Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu holding talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a reset of bilateral relations.

The two sides unveiled a new vision document for a comprehensive economic and maritime security partnership, including significant steps to bolster the maritime surveillance capabilities of the Maldives through the supply of Indian radar systems and other equipment, and to ramp up cooperation in trade, digitalisation and finance.

Addressing a joint media interaction with Muizzu following their talks, Modi noted that India is the “closest neighbour and a steadfast friend” of the Maldives, and will continue to extend assistance in areas ranging from development cooperation to defence and infrastructure development.

“This year, the SBI (State Bank of India) has rolled over treasury bills worth $100 million for the Maldives. Today, according to the need of the Maldives, a currency swap agreement of $400 million and ₹3,000 crore ( ₹30 billion) has been concluded,” Modi said, speaking in Hindi.

“To strengthen our economic ties, we have decided to initiate discussions on a free trade agreement. We will also work on trade settlements in local currencies…We will continue to provide all possible support for the progress and prosperity of the people of the Maldives,” he added.

Muizzu, who came to power on the back of an “India Out” election campaign last year and took several steps to move his country closer to Beijing and to reduce its dependence on New Delhi, acknowledged India as a key partner for socioeconomic and infrastructure development that “has stood by the Maldives during our times of need”.

He added, “The Maldives will remain a true friend, committed to our shared vision of peace and development in our countries and our region.”

The currency swap arrangement, Muizzu said, will be “instrumental in addressing the foreign exchange issues we are facing right now”. There was also a shared commitment to “remain engaged on further measures that will bolster the Maldives’ economic resilience and stability”, he said without giving details.

Foreign secretary Vikram Misri told a media briefing that the Maldivian side made “a number of other points and requests” regarding financial assistance that will be examined by New Delhi.

The outcomes from the bilateral meeting marked a significant turnaround from a particularly acrimonious phase in the relationship between New Delhi and Male. Ties fell to an all-time low after Muizzu demanded India withdraw more than 80 Indian military personnel deployed in the archipelago to operate three aircraft and then took steps to bolster defence and military cooperation with Turkey and China.

However, there were signs of a thaw when Muizzu was among seven regional leaders invited to Modi’s swearing-in in June. By then, India had replaced the military personnel with civilian experts and work had also continued on several India-funded development projects. Back-to-back visits by the foreign ministers of the two sides also helped smooth over irritants, and two Maldivian deputy ministers, who created a controversy with online posts seen as derogatory to Modi, resigned last month.

The currency swap arrangement has two elements – the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) is eligible for financing support from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) worth $400 million under the dollar/euro swap window, and ₹30 billion under the INR swap window, the RBI said in a statement.

The agreement will be valid till June 2027 to provide a backstop line of funding for short-term foreign exchange liquidity requirements or short-term balance of payments stress till longer-term arrangements are made.

In May and September, SBI rolled over its subscription to Maldivian treasury bills worth a total of $100 million so that the country would not default on its Islamic bond payments.

Following their talks, Modi and Muizzu jointly launched India’s RuPay Card in the Maldives to boost tourism and economic cooperation and inaugurated the new runway of Hanimaadhoo international airport that was built with an Indian line of credit of $132 million. The Indian side also handed over 700 out of 4,000 housing units being developed with Indian aid to overcome a housing shortage.

The vision for comprehensive economic and maritime security partnership noted that the Maldives, with its vast exclusive economic zone, is exposed to maritime challenges such as piracy, illegal and unregulated fishing, drug trafficking and terrorism. The two sides agreed that India, as a “trusted and dependable partner”, will work with the Maldives in sharing expertise, augmenting capabilities and undertaking joint cooperative measures.

The Ekatha harbour project of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), being implemented with India’s assistance, will contribute towards enhancing MNDF’s operational capabilities. India will provide the Maldives with defence platforms and assets, as well radar systems and other equipment, to enhance the MNDF’s surveillance and monitoring capabilities.

The Indian side also agreed to repair and refit, on gratis basis, a naval patrol vessel that was provided to the Maldivian Coast Guard some years ago.

India will support the Maldives on hydrographic matters, and both sides will strengthen cooperation in disaster response and risk mitigation. India will also help the Maldives in information sharing by supporting the development of infrastructure and training and sharing of best practices, while the Maldivian defence ministry building in Malé, constructed with Indian aid, will augment modern infrastructure capacity.

The two sides signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for cooperation between India’s Rashtriya Raksha University and the Maldives’ National College of Policing and Law Enforcement, and another for cooperation between India’s Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Maldives Anti-Corruption Commission to prevent and combat corruption. They also renewed two MoUs for training of Maldivian judicial officers and for cooperation in sports.

Modi noted during the media interaction that India has always acted as the “first-responder” for the Maldives. “Be it essential commodities for the people of the Maldives, providing drinking water during natural disasters, delivering vaccines during the Covid pandemic, India has consistently upheld its responsibilities as a neighbour,” he said.

Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-to-provide-rs-6-3k-cr-aid-package-to-maldives-101728327552773.html

Five died and nearly 100 were hospitalized at an IAF air show in Chennai as extreme heat and poor planning led to chaos and dehydration.

A million-and-a-half people packed into a beach under the unfettered sun in the suffocating October heat for several hours with no access to drinking water – a perfect storm of unseemly weather and administrative lapses coalesced in Chennai on Sunday, when five people died and nearly 100 were hospitalised following the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) air show at the Marina Beach.

“It was estimated that 15 lakh people would attend and arrangements were made accordingly. 40 ambulances were readied for medical assistance and emergency response at the site,” health minister M Subramanian said on Monday, seeming to insist that the state administration had taken adequate steps before the event.

Apart from paramedical staff at the site, “A total of 100 beds and 65 doctors at the Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital were prepared for any emergency. Around 7500 police personnel were deployed.”

The victims were identified as V Karthikeyan, D John, Srinivasan, Mani and Dinesh, all residents of Chennai.

The muggy Chennai weather catalysed the crisis.

The India Meteorological Department’s (IMD) Meenambakkam weather station, around 7km away, recorded a maximum temperature of 34.3°C, a degree over normal and a relative humidity of 80%, with the two combining for a steep wet-bulb value of 31.26°C — a level at which prolonged exposure to the heat, such as attendees at the IAF event were subject to, can be fatal.

A higher wet bulb temperature makes it difficult for people to remain outside, let alone work outdoors and experts say readings above 30°C can trigger heat strokes and severe dehydration.

Several people who attended the air show underscored that the arrangements were inadequate and were a key trigger for the tragedy.

Chandramohan, a software engineer who attended the event, said there was no water supply at the function despite the hot and humid weather, adding that he saw people faint due to the heat and dehydration.

“Of everything, the worst was the exit after the event. Roads were choked…Buses got stuck too,” he said.

People began trickling into the venue at 7am, though the air show was slated to take place from 11am to 1pm. As a result, visitors were squeezed onto the crowded beach and subject to the hot sea breeze under the blazing sun for more than six hours.

Karthikeyan’s wife said they reached the venue with their daughter around 10.30am. But, since it was already crowded, they didn’t step onto the beach and waited on the road, she said

After the event, at 1.30pm, Karthikeyan asked the two to wait while he brought his two-wheeler from the parking lot.

“But he didn’t return for two hours. I kept trying his phone for two hours, but couldn’t reach him. Then, a stranger took the call and said he had vomited and fainted near Napier bridge (at the northern fringe of the Marina Beach),” she said.

“I asked a police officer for help and he took us there. My husband was not responding. His shirt was caked in vomit and his eyes were only partially open,” she said.

Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/air-show-victims-kin-blame-lack-of-amenities-heat-for-deaths-101728324606639.html

The fresh cases of dengue and malaria have brought up the year’s count to 779 and 425 cases of dengue and malaria respectively since January 1, 2024.

The capital city reported 61 new active dengue cases and 4 new malaria cases in the past 24 hours, in the capital city in the last 24 hours, according to information shared by the office of chief medical officer on Sunday. Furthermore, during a field visit by the city malaria unit over the weekend, 12 houses were identified on Sunday and 14 on Saturday as being at risk for larva breeding, and notices will be issued to them soon.

During a field visit by the city malaria unit over the weekend, 12 houses were identified on Sunday and 14 on Saturday as being at risk for larva breeding, and notices will be issued to them soon (FOR REPRESENTATION)
The fresh cases of dengue and malaria have brought up the year’s count to 779 and 425 cases of dengue and malaria respectively since January 1, 2024.

Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/lucknow-news/lucknow-reports-surge-in-dengue-malaria-cases-61-and-4-new-cases-reported-101728238181518.html

Both states have 90 seats each, making 46 the majority mark. But in Jammu and Kashmir, the Lieutenant Governor’s power to nominate five more members to the assembly has raised concern

New Delhi: Early rounds of counting of votes in Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir point to good news for the Congress and its ally National Conference in Jammu and Kashmir, and a close contest in Haryana

Here are the top 10 points in this story:

Protesting junior doctors from Bengal will be joined by colleagues from Delhi’s All India Institute of Medical Sciences, who said they will hold a candlelight protest at the city’s JLN Auditorium on Wednesday evening.

Junior doctors protesting August’s rape and murder at Kolkata’s RG Kar Hospital are on a fast-unto-death, setting up another potential face-off with Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Six people are on a hunger strike and this will continue for an “indefinite period (till) we get justice”, they said last night.
They will be joined this week by colleagues from Delhi’s All India Institute of Medical Sciences, who said they will hold a candlelight protest at the city’s JLN Auditorium on Wednesday evening.

Speaking to NDTV Monday morning, a doctor from AIIMS acknowledged his colleagues and he have a duty to their patients and the public and so could not strike indefinitely, but said, “The country has seen junior doctors of Bengal striking for 50 days. The demands have been clear since Day 1 – justice.”

“But we are seeing questions over the investigation (being led by the Central Bureau of Investigation) and it is so slow…” he said, also launching a fierce criticism of Ms Banerjee.

“Mamata Banerjee is not listening… she is just diverting the topic. Transferring some officails and not changing the ground reality. So how will doctors have a sense of security at the workplace?” he asked, also hitting out at the ‘threat culture’ red-flagged by Bengal doctors.

“It is high time that this ‘threat culture’ should end… not just in Kolkata but anywhere in India. If this is prevalent in any section of scoiety it should end,” he told NDTV, stating that resident doctors from AIIMS would hold a silent march and a candelight protest for their colleagues.

Doctors’ protests against the Bengal administration – over demands that include justice for their colleague, improved workplace safety and security, and a reshuffle of state officials to root out a “threat culture” – renewed last week with a sit-in protest in the heart of Kolkata.

The doctors indicated also the rest would fufill their responsibilities to the public by attending to patients but not eat anything. The state will be held responsible for their condition, they said.

On Friday the doctors had withdrawn a second ‘ceasework’ movement, which had, again, crippled healthcare services at state-run medical colleges and hospitals.

Source: https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/rg-kar-rape-murder-case-news-bengal-doctors-protest-aiims-delhi-aiims-doctors-to-join-bengal-colleagues-to-protest-rg-kar-horror-6733750

With the inauguration of the phase one of the Colaba-Bandra-Seepz Metro-3, all eyes are now on the second phase which will connect the suburbs to South Mumbai.

The first phase of the aqua line, from Aarey Colony to Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC), was thrown open to public on Monday. According to reports, phase two – BKC to Cuffe Parade – is nearing completion and is expected to be fully functional by March 2025.

As Mumbai’s first entirely underground Metro line, the project is a monumental engineering achievement. Once operational, it will significantly transform the city’s public transportation system, easing traffic congestion and cutting down travel time across the metropolitan region.

87% WORK COMPLETED

Ashwini Bhide, Managing Director of Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL), said, “Phase II from BKC to Cuffe Parade is expected to start in March 2025. The second phase will have 17 stations. The overall progress of phase II is 87%. The major challenges faced while construction of this phase include tunnelling in complicated geology and below old, dilapidated buildings around congested neighbourhood and in close vicinity of heritage buildings. Also, certain limits for vibrations had to be maintained and continuously monitored while tunnelling to ensure the safety of such buildings. Our team has successfully addressed complex tunnelling challenges, prioritising heritage building safety and vibration control through advanced technology and expert collaboration.”

Source: https://www.news18.com/india/mumbai-metro-3-second-phase-on-track-aarey-bkc-services-begin-bkc-to-cuffe-parade-link-may-be-ready-by-2025-9076938.html

Regarding candidates, the party has sought suggestions from three levels of workers — Mandal level, booth level and MPs. The list of three was then drawn up, taking into account the results of an internal survey.

The BJP is ready with a list of three candidates for each assembly constituency in Jharkhand, where elections are due by the year-end, sources have told NDTV. The final list will take shape at a meeting with party chief JP Nadda, expected to be held shortly.
The BJP is contesting the election with allies Janata Dal United of Nitish Kumar and Chirag Paswan’s Lok Janshakti Party. Sources said two of the state’s 81 assembly seats to go to JDU and one to LJP. Nine seats are also likely to be given to All Jharkhand Students’ Union, which is the BJP’s local ally.

Regarding candidates, the party has sought suggestions from three levels of workers — Mandal level, booth level and MPs. The list of three was then drawn up, taking into account the results of an internal survey.

Sources said the party has focused on only one criterion — winnability – during candidate selection.

Also the party, which has been vocal about dynastic politics, will not shy away from giving tickets to family members of senior leaders, sources said.

In a mark of optimism, the BJP will field candidates on all 28 tribal dominated seats, sources said. All candidates will be drawn from the tribal community. The decision flies in the face of the Lok Sabha election results earlier this year, when the party had lost from all five tribal-dominated seats of the state. Candidates of the ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha and its ally Congress had won from Khunti, Singhbhum, Lohardaga, Rajmahal, and Dumka.

In 2019, the BJP had won from Khunti, Lohardanga and Dumka, dispelling the perception about its unpopularity among tribals and Dalits.

This time, the party is banking on Champai Soren, the senior leader of JMM who crossed over to the BJP after being asked to step down from the Chief Minister post once Chief Minister Hemant Soren, arrested in an alleged corruption case, got bail.

Source: https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/bjp-to-finalise-jharkhand-candidates-list-at-meeting-with-jp-nadda-today-sources-6736213

Gujarat CM said that 23 years ago, PM Modi took oath as the Chief Minister of Gujarat and initiated a new era of development in Gujarat as well as in India.

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel along with other cabinet ministers on Monday (October 7) took the ‘Bharat Vikas Pledge’ in Gandhinagar to mark 23 years of Prime Minister Narendra Modi taking oath as Guajarat Chief Minister for the first time.

Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel said that 23 years ago, PM Modi took oath as the Chief Minister of Gujarat and “initiated a new era of development in Gujarat as well as in India.”

“23 years ago, today, PM Modi took oath as the Chief Minister of Gujarat and thus, begun a new era of development in Gujarat as well as in India. PM Modi changed the trajectory of the state’s development journey by taking oath as the 14th Chief Minister of Gujarat on 7 October 2001,” tweets Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel.

On Sunday (October 7), the Gujarat government announced that it would celebrate the “development journey that began on October 7, 2001, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi took the oath as the 14th Chief Minister of Gujarat.” The Gujarat state government announced that a Vikas Saptah (Development Week) will be celebrated every year throughout the state from October 7 to October 15, 2024.

Exit polls have predicted that the National Conference-Congress alliance has an edge in Jammu and Kashmir.

Ahead of the counting of votes in Jammu and Kashmir, J-K BJP chief and candidate from Nowshera Assembly, Ravinder Raina on Tuesday exuded confidence in BJP’s victory in the Union Territory and said that the party will win 30-35 seats.

The counting of votes for assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir is scheduled to commence at 8 am on Tuesday.

After performing the havan, a BJP candidate from Nowshera Assembly said, “We are confident that BJP and its supporting parties will win the elections with full majority…We will win 30-35 seats.”

Former Deputy CM and BJP leader Kavinder Gupta asserted that the BJP would emerge as the largest party in the Union Territory and would win the elections.

“The BJP has taken people in J-K on the path to development, they have taken away from stone pelting. They have been freed of separatism, terrorism, corruption, and dynasties. So, the manner in which we have headed from bullet to ballot, from terrorism to tourism, people have voted for the BJP and it will emerge as the largest party and we will form the party,” Gupta told ANI.

On exit polls, he said that results will be in the favour of the BJP.

“There are differences between the numbers in exit polls and our numbers. We have been among the people…We know the opinion of people…Results will be in the favour of BJP,” he added.

Meanwhile, Vikram Randhawa, a BJP candidate from the Bahu Assembly constituency visited Bawe Wali Mata Mahakali Mandir in Jammu.

Ahead of the counting of the votes, the security has been heightened at various counting centres in Jammu, Rajouri, Srinagar and Ramban.

The J-K assembly election for 90 constituencies was held over three phases on September 18, September 25 and October 1, respectively.

In Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Electoral Officer PK Pole said CCTVs have been set up in each counting hall for record creation.

“Counting will begin at 7.30 am for postal ballots and 8 am for EVMs. Polls were held peacefully and no candidate or political party faced any kind of difficulty. Violence-free public participation was witnessed,” Pole told ANI.

Source: https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/jammu-kashmir-assembly-election-results-2024-state-bjp-chief-ravinder-raina-confident-of-party-winning-30-35-seats

American Water Works — a supplier of drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people — on Monday said hackers had breached its computer networks and systems, prompting it to pause billing to customers.

The Camden, New Jersey-based utility became aware of the unauthorized activity on Thursday, and took protective steps, including shutting down certain systems, American Water Works stated in a regulatory filing. The company does not believe its facilities or operations were impacted by the cybersecurity incident, but is “currently unable to predict the full impact,” it stated.

“In an effort to protect our customers’ data and to prevent any further harm to our environment, we disconnected or deactivated certain systems. There will be no late charges for customers while these systems are unavailable,” an American Water spokesperson told CBS News in an email. The company is “working around the clock to investigate the nature and scope of the incident,” the spokesperson added.

The company said it has notified law enforcement and is cooperating with with them.

According to its website, American Water is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the U.S., and provides drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people in 14 states and on 18 military installations. It manages more than 500 water and wastewater systems in about 1,700 communities in California, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia.

Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/security-hack-breach-american-water-works/

‘DefConnect 4.0’ will be held at the Manekshaw Centre in Delhi Cantonment, and will be a significant step towards advancing indigenous innovation and celebrating the growing defence ecosystem of the country, the defence ministry said.

New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is slated to inaugurate an event on Monday that will bring together armed forces, defence PSUs, innovators and policymakers to discuss ways to advance indigenous innovation.

‘DefConnect 4.0’ will be held at the Manekshaw Centre in Delhi Cantonment, and will be a significant step towards advancing indigenous innovation and celebrating the growing defence ecosystem of the country, the defence ministry said in a statement.

The event is being organised by Innovations for Defence Excellence – Defence Innovation Organisation (iDEX-DIO), under the ministry’s Department of Defence Production.

DefConnect 4.0 marks a milestone in India’s defence innovation journey, bringing together the armed forces, Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), industry leaders, innovators, start-ups and MSMEs, academia, incubators, investors and policymakers, the statement said.

It will feature an exciting technology showcase, presenting iDEX innovators with a unique opportunity to exhibit their cutting-edge technologies, advanced capabilities and ground-breaking products.

Source: https://www.deccanherald.com/india/delhi/rajnath-singh-to-inaugurate-defconnect-40-event-in-delhi-3221803

Among other findings, the Court held that the right to life and personal liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution of India also includes a right to overcome one’s caste barriers.

The Supreme Court recently sent out a clarion call to end caste discrimination in Indian jails and do away with caste-based stereotypes in jail manuals when it came to the division of labour in prison barracks [Sukanya Shantha vs Union of India and ors].

In a judgment delivered on October 3, a Bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud with Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra made it clear that caste-based discrimination in prisons would not be tolerated.

The Court even registered a suo motu case to monitor the issue.

It warned States that they would be held liable if any caste discrimination is found in prisons.

Here are ten key observations from the verdict:

Bigg Boss 18 Contestant Alice Kaushik Opens Up About Father’s Suicide And Mother’s Death-

In Bigg Boss 18, Alice Kaushik emotionally shared her painful life experiences. She opened up about her father’s suicide when she was young, an incident that left a lasting impact on her. After her father’s death, her mother remarried, but Alice didn’t live with her. Despite the separation, her mother’s presence offered her comfort. However, her world was shattered when her mother also passed away, leaving her feeling alone. Alice reflected on how returning home after shoots to an empty house magnifies her loneliness.

Alice’s revelations moved many viewers and the host, Salman Khan, who expressed his support and encouraged her to stay strong. The conversation shed light on the emotional baggage she carries, making her a relatable figure to those who have faced similar hardships. Alice highlighted the challenges of managing grief while maintaining a professional life. She talked about how her acting career has been both a source of escape and a way to cope with her past. Despite her pain, she expressed a determination to keep pushing forward.

Alice’s journey on Bigg Boss also provides a platform to address mental health, a subject that resonates with many. Her story is a testament to her strength and perseverance, showing that despite profound losses, she continues to pursue her passion and navigate the complexities of life.

Source: https://www.spotboye.com/television/television-news/bigg-boss-18-contestant-alice-kaushik-opens-up-about-father-s-suicide-and-mother-s-death-read-to-know/67035037e4bfc703345e79e4

The IAF neutralised a high-altitude balloon threat at over 55,000 feet along the eastern front.

The balloon, although smaller than the infamous Chinese surveillance balloon shot down by the United States earlier this year, was equipped with a payload designed to simulate a potential threat. The IAF swiftly engaged the balloon using an inventory missile, underscoring its growing capability to tackle high-altitude objects, often utilized for surveillance purposes.

This operation comes on the heels of heightened global attention towards airborne threats following the U.S. military’s action in February 2023, where an F-22 Raptor fighter jet shot down a suspected Chinese spy balloon. In response to such incidents, the IAF has been actively enhancing its readiness and tactics to counter unconventional aerial challenges. Discussions and consultations with the U.S. Air Force have been ongoing, reflecting a collaborative approach towards bolstering aerial security.

Source: https://www.timesnownews.com/india/indian-air-force-demonstrates-capability-to-neutralise-high-altitude-balloon-threats-article-113992568 

The ties between India and the Maldives came under severe strain since Muizzu, known for his pro-China leanings, took charge of the top office in November.

In a post on X on Sunday, Jaishankar said, “Pleased to call on President @MMuizzu today at the start of his State Visit to India. Appreciate his commitment to enhance India-Maldives relationship. Confident that his talks with PM @narendramodi tomorrow will give a new impetus to our friendly ties.”

Along with the post, the external affairs minister also shared some pictures of their meeting.

The ties between India and the Maldives came under severe strain since Muizzu, known for his pro-China leanings, took charge of the top office in November.

Source: https://www.timesnownews.com/india/confident-that-modi-muizzu-talks-will-give-new-impetus-to-india-maldives-ties-eam-s-jaishankar-article-113992465 

A male passenger who was feeling ill was de-planed at Copenhagen (Denmark) and taken to a local hospital for medical attention. Later, the flight departed for London, the airline official said.

An Air India flight from Delhi to London was diverted to Copenhagen on Sunday due to a medical emergency, according to an airline official.
A male passenger who was feeling ill was de-planed at Copenhagen (Denmark) and taken to a local hospital for medical attention. Later, the flight departed for London, the airline official said.

Source: https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/delhi-london-air-india-flight-diverted-to-denmark-over-medical-emergency-6731032

Arvind Kejriwal accused the BJP’s “double engine” governments of failing across the states, predicting their ouster from Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir.

AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday challenged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to provide free electricity in the NDA-ruled states before the Delhi Assembly elections, promising to campaign for the saffron party if he fulfills this demand.
Addressing a public gathering at ‘Janta Ki Adalat’, Mr Kejriwal accused the BJP’s “double engine” governments of failing across the states, predicting their ouster from Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir.

He termed the “double engine” model as “double loot and double corruption”.

“I challenge PM Modi to provide free electricity in all 22 BJP-ruled states before the Delhi Assembly elections in February. If he does, I will campaign for the BJP,” Mr Kejriwal asserted.

“The exit polls show the BJP’s double engine governments will soon collapse in Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir,” he added.

Source: https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/arvind-kejriwal-challenges-pm-modi-says-he-will-campaign-for-bjp-if-6728128

At least five spectators were killed and nearly 100 were hospitalised due to dehydration at the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) airshow at Chennai’s Marina Beach on Sunday. The airshow, intended to be a thrilling display of the Indian Air Force’s aerial prowess, turned tragic as high temperatures and overcrowding overwhelmed attendees.

According to the Tamil Nadu Health Department, 93 attendees were hospitalised due to heatstroke and dehydration. Most of them were discharged after receiving necessary medical aid.

A senior city police official told news agency PTI that one person died on the beachfront and four others in the vicinity. He also said that all five were among the thousands who had gathered along the several-kilometre-long shoreline to witness the air show.

Enthusiastic families gathered on the sands of Marina Beach, many holding umbrellas to shield themselves from the blazing sun, as early as 8 am, to secure a good spot. The airshow began at 11 am and continued until 1 pm. Around 15 lakh people had gathered at the beach to watch the highly-anticipated airshow of 2024.

The train, a shuttle service from Raebareli, was stopped as a precautionary measure, and the soil was quickly cleared, allowing rail traffic to resume shortly thereafter.

In a shocking incident from Uttar Pradesh, a passenger train was halted near Raghuraj Singh station on Sunday after the loco pilot spotted a pile of soil dumped on the rail tracks. The train, a shuttle service from Raebareli, was stopped as a precautionary measure, and the soil was quickly cleared, allowing rail traffic to resume shortly thereafter, SHO Devendra Bhadoria informed news agency PTI.

Visuals of the incident have surfaced on the internet showing the heap of soil on the tracks with a crowd around it. Some can be seen engaged in efforts to clear the tracks. A train can be seen halted near the site just a few metres away.

Possible Reason Behind Soil On Track

Locals in the area reported that road construction work is ongoing, with dumpers transporting soil during the night. On the evening of the incident, a dumper driver unloaded a pile of soil directly onto the railway tracks before fleeing the scene. Bhadoria confirmed that an investigation into the matter is currently underway to identify the driver responsible for the potentially dangerous act.

IndiGo reported technical glitches due to which operations were impacted from around 11.30 am to 4.30 pm across India.

Thousands of IndiGo passengers were made to wait for hours for baggage drop-ins and check-ins after the airline experienced a temporary “system outage” leading to long queues at various airports across the country. Departures of domestic flights were also delayed in various cities causing massive chaos at the airports.

“We are currently experiencing a temporary system slowdown across our network, affecting our website and booking system. As a result, customers may face increased wait times, including slower check-ins and longer queues at the airport,” IndiGo said in a statement.

The airline also said customers may face increased wait times, including slower check-ins and longer queues at the airport.

Here are the 10 key points on the IndiGo system slowdown

1. IndiGo reported technical glitches due to which operations were impacted from around 11.30 am to 4.30 pm across India. This forced the officials to issue boarding passes manually.
2. Temporary system slowdown affected its website and booking services making passengers wait for longer hours and delays at check-in counters.
3. The flight to Varanasi via Bengaluru, which was scheduled to leave Cial at 5.05 pm, departed only at 6.12 pm, TOI reported.
4. IndiGo said its teams were available to assist people at airports and that efforts were on to restore normalcy as soon as possible.
5. The flight to Mumbai departed at 6.25 pm instead of the scheduled time of 5.30 pm, the publication stated.
6. Over 2,000 daily flights, including international routes, were affected by the IndiGo technical glitch. The slowdown significantly impacted many passengers in Maharashtra and beyond
7. The technical glitch of IndiGo systems caused massive chaos at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda Airport.
8. The delay in flight operations led to massive chaos at several airports soon after the issue was reported began at11 am, leaving several passengers stranded.
9. Numerous affected travelers expressed their grievances and called on the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to intervene.

Looks like railway station: Frustrated passengers react

Several social media users took to X, formerly Twitter, to express their frustration over hours-long delays in departure causing chaos and inconvenience at the airports.

Flyers also reported that several items of baggage were lost in the process and said “Airports started to look like railway stations.”

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/indigo-outage-sparks-chaos-baggages-lost-flights-delayed-for-hours-10-points-101728148050187.html

The fire started in a shop on the ground floor that housed electrical items and spread to the upper floor, where the family resided.

At least seven members of a family, including two children, died after a short circuit allegedly caused a fire in a two-storey building in Mumbai today, officials said.

The incident took place at around 5 am in Chembur’s Sidharth Colony.

The fire started in a shop on the ground floor that housed electrical items and spread to the upper floor, where the family resided, officials said.

The victims have been identified as Paris Gupta, 7, Narendra Gupta, 10, Manju Prem Gupta, 30, Anita Gupta, 39, Prem Gupta, 30, Vidhi Gupta, and Geeta Gupta.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/mumbai-news/mumbai-fire-5-members-of-mumbai-family-die-after-short-circuit-causes-massive-fire-6726679#pfrom=home-ndtv_topscroll

With exit polls predicting a Congress win in Haryana, the focus has moved to who would be the next Chief Minister

With exit polls predicting a Congress win in Haryana, the focus has moved to who would be the next Chief Minister.
Health warning: exit polls often get it wrong.

Former Chief Minister and Congress leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda said if it comes to deciding the next Chief Minister, that’s a call the “high command” would take.

Former Chief Minister and Congress leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda

New Delhi: With exit polls predicting a Congress win in Haryana, the focus has moved to who would be the next Chief Minister.
Health warning: exit polls often get it wrong.

Former Chief Minister and Congress leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda said if it comes to deciding the next Chief Minister, that’s a call the “high command” would take.

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There are 90 seats in the Haryana assembly, so the halfway mark is 46. Most exit polls predicted the Congress would likely win between 44 and 61 seats.

Asked about senior leaders Kumari Selja and Randeep Surjewala also airing their chief ministerial ambitions, Hooda said,

“We are expecting to win many more seats. Under the BJP, law and order has become worse, corruption has increased, and sports have not been spared too,” Mr Hooda told NDTV today.

On a question to a buzz about some Congress leaders working on a cabinet formation plan, Mr Hooda said, “The high command will decide. These are hypothetical questions.”

Senior leaders Kumari Selja and Randeep Surjewala have also made their chief ministerial ambitions known. On whether Ms Selja would become the next Chief Minister, Mr Hooda said, “This is democracy. Everybody should aspire. You can also aspire. But the MLAs will decide, the high command will decide.”

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/kumari-selja-as-haryana-chief-minister-congresss-bhupinder-hooda-says-6723542#pfrom=home-ndtv_topscroll

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who is scheduled to visit Pakistan to attend a conclave of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in mid-October, on Saturday ruled out the possibility of a bilateral meeting between the two countries, saying that his visit would not cover any official talks. Jaishankar also said he would “behave well”.

“The visit will be for a multilateral event. I’m not going there to discuss India-Pakistan relations. I’m going there to be a good member of the SCO. But, you know, since I’m a courteous and civil person, I will behave myself accordingly,” EAM Jaishankar said.

The External Affairs Minister also slammed Pakistan for the stalled progress of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).

“At the moment, SAARC is not moving forward, we haven’t had a meeting of SAARC for a very simple reason – there is one member of SAARC who is practising cross-border terrorism at least against one more member of SAARC, maybe more,” Jaishankar said, referring to Pakistan’s cross-border terror activities against India.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/eam-s-jaishankar-says-no-bilateral-talks-with-pakistan-s-jaishankar-pakistan-visit-sco-summit-9074528.html

Times Now accessed the report submitted by the special investigation team (SIT) on the Tirupati laddu controversy. The report rvealed that adulterated ghee did not originate from AR Dairy

Tirupati: In the biggest newsbreak in the Tirupati Laddu controversy, Times Now accessed the report submitted by the special investigation team (SIT). In the report, it has been revealed that trucks with ghee did not originate from AR Dairy. Sources told Times Now that vehicles carrying adulterated ghee originated from Vaishnavi Dairy in Tirupati.

In report also revealed that Vaisnavi Dairy did not produce this ghee, but it procured it from Bhole Baba Organic Dairy Pvt Ltd in Uttarakhand.

Findings Of The Special Investigation Team’s Report:

1. Trucks received from AR Dairy didn’t originate there
2. Vehicles originated from Vaishnavi dairy (in Tirupati)
3. Trucks originated from Tirupati(Vaishnavi Dairy) & traveled to Dindigul (AR Dairy)
4. From Dindigul (T.N) trucks reportedly round-tripped to TTD
5. Even Vaishnavi Dairy did not produce this ghee
6. Vaishnavi Dairy (in A.P) procured ghee from Bhole Baba Organic Dairy Pvt Ltd (In U’khand)
7. Bhole Baba Pvt Ltd dairy and Vaishnavi dairy share the same directors.

Report By Previous TTD Board:

Meanwhile, Times Now also accessed the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) report. As per this report by the previous TTD board, AR Dairy’s capacity to produce cow ghee was only 16 tons a month and could produce only nearly 100 tons per 6 months. The dairy which can only produce 16 tons a month and 100 tons for six months was awarded a contract to supply 1000 tons in six months by TTD.

Notably, Karunakar Reddy was the TTD Chairman who is also the uncle of former Andhra Pradesh CM YS Jagan. It took 10 days for the tanker to reach TTD from AR Dairy. The dairy was awarded a contract worth of Rs 31.9 crore to supply 10,00,000 litres of cow ghee while its capacity is only 100 tons for a period of six months.

Supreme Court On Laddu Controversy:

The Supreme Court on Friday ordered an investigation to be conducted by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by the Director of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The decision comes in light of the need to address the sentiments of millions of devotees connected to the sacred offering.

The court has mandated that the SIT will include members from the CBI, central government, state police, and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to ensure a comprehensive and impartial investigation. Justices B R Gavai and K V Viswanathan emphasised, “We won’t allow the Supreme Court to be used for political drama,” dismissing all petitions while making it clear that the new SIT will replace the state-level investigation team previously established in Andhra Pradesh.

TDP And YRSCP Lock Horns Over The COntroversy:

Former Andhra Pradesh CM YS Jagan Reddy cancelled his visit to the temple. He accused the ruling TDP government of trying to obstruct his visit. In a statement, Jagan Mohan Reddy said, “The demon rule is continuing in the state. The government is trying to obstruct my upcoming visit to the Tirumala temple. Police have issued notices to YSRCP leaders across the state regarding the temple visit. The notice states that the visit to the Tirumala temple is not permitted, and the program organized by YSRCP does not have the necessary approval. Consequently, leaders are not allowed to participate in that programme.”

However, hitting back at Reddy, Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu, “Former CM Jagan Mohan Reddy claimed the government obstructed his visit to Tirumala. He emphasised that those who believe in Lord Venkateswara are welcome to worship and visit Tirumala. TTD has its own traditions and principles that should be respected by everyone, regardless of their religion. No one has said that Reddy should not go to the temple. Due to recent controversies, Hindu sentiments have been hurt, and devotees are reportedly organising protests. If he visits Tirumala, these groups have indicated they will mobilize as well. Police are on duty to maintain peace and order. Why is he spreading false information on this issue? Every religion has traditions and principles that deserve respect.”

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/tirupati-laddu-row-inside-scoop-on-route-and-origin-of-adulterated-ghee-exclusive-article-113970723

On Friday, 31 Naxalites were killed by security forces in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar division. It is believed to be the biggest anti-Naxal operation in the state.

In a major breakthrough for security forces in Chhattisgarh, 31 Naxalites were neutralised in the Bastar region on Friday. As per the Chhattisgarh Police, Out of the 185 Naxalites killed in 2024, around 97 were neutralised in the state’s Abujhmad area.

Naxalites gunned down on Friday were reportedly belonged to People’s Liberation Guerilla Army (PLGA) company No. 6, Platoon 16 and east Bastar division of Naxalites. On Friday, the bodies of 28 slain Naxalites were recovered, while on Saturday, security forces found three more bodies taking the total death toll to 31.

Inspector General of Police (Bastar range) On Friday’s Encouter:

Bodies of three more Naxalites were recovered this morning from the dense forest where the encounter took place on Friday,” Inspector General of Police (Bastar range) Sundarraj P told PTI.

“With this, the toll of Naxalites in the encounter rose to 31. The identity of the Naxalites is yet to be ascertained, but prima facie it appears that they belonged to PLGA (People’s Liberation Guerilla Army) Company No. 6, Platoon 16 of Maoists and east Bastar division of Maoists,” he added.

Friday’s operation is considered the biggest anti-Naxal operation in Chattisgarh so far. Earlier this year in April, 29 Naxalites were neutralised during the encounter in Chhattisgarh’s Kanker district ahead of the Lok Sabha Elections.

Over 40 anti-naxal operations were carried out this year as part of ‘Maad Bachao Abhiyan-Save Maad from Naxalism’, reported The Indian Express. Meanwhile, since April, six major anti-Naxal operations were undertaken and a total of 63 Naxals were killed.

On Friday, the gunfight broke out between security forces and Naxalites around 1 am in a forest between Nendur and Thulthuli villages on Dantewada and Narayanpur inter-district border, where a joint team of District Reserve Guard (DRG) and Special Task Force (STF) was out on an anti-Naxal operation. The intermittent firing lasted for a long time and the security forces continued search operations in the area. A jawan of the state police’s DRG sustained injuries in a blast.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/97-naxalites-killed-in-abujhmad-this-year-with-31-neutralised-yesterday-why-this-region-holds-importance-article-113964961

On February 15, a Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court had unanimously quashed the Electoral Bonds Scheme. The said judgment has now been upheld.

The Supreme Court has rejected the review petition challenging its February 15 judgment by which the electoral bonds scheme was struck down [Mathews J Nedumpara & Anr v. Association for Democratic Reforms and Ors]

A Constitution Bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud and Justices Sanjiv Khanna, BR Gavai, JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra dismissed the review petition filed by advocate Mathews J Nedumpara.

“Application for listing the review petitions in open Court is dismissed. Delay condoned. Having perused the review petitions, there is no error apparent on the face of the record. No case for review under Order XLVII Rule 1 of the Supreme Court Rules 2013. The review petitions are, therefore, dismissed,” the Court said.

On February 15, the top court had unanimously quashed the Electoral Bonds Scheme.

The electoral bonds scheme allowed donors to anonymously send funds to a political party after buying bearer bonds from the State Bank of India (SBI).

An electoral bond was an instrument in the nature of a promissory note or bearer bond which could be purchased by any individual, company, firm or association of persons provided the person or body is a citizen of India or incorporated or established in India.

The bonds, which were in multiple denominations, were issued specifically for the purpose of contributing funds to political parties in its existing scheme.

Electoral bonds were introduced through the Finance Act, 2017, which in turn amended three other statutes – the RBI Act, the Income Tax Act and the Representation of People Act – to enable the introduction of such bonds.

The 2017 Finance Act introduced a system by which electoral bonds could be issued by any scheduled bank for the purpose of electoral funding. The Finance Act was passed as a money bill, which meant that it did not require the assent of the Rajya Sabha.

Various petitions were filed before the top court challenging at least five amendments made to different statutes through the Finance Act, 2017 on the ground that they have opened doors to unlimited, unchecked funding of political parties.

The petitions also raised the ground that the Finance Act could not have been passed as a money bill.

The Court on February 15 quashed the scheme as well as amendments made to the Income Tax Act and the Representation of People Act, which had made the donations anonymous.

The Court also directed the State Bank of India (SBI) to submit details of political parties that have received contributions through electoral bonds from April 12, 2019, to the Election Commission of India (ECI).

The Court held that the Electoral Bonds scheme, due to its anonymous nature, was violative of the right to information and thus hits the right to free speech and expression under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution.

Subsequently, a review petition was filed against verdict.

In their plea, the review petitioners argued that in striking down the scheme, the top court acted as an appellate authority over the parliament by substituting its wisdom on a matter which falls within the exclusive domain of legislative and executive policy.

It was further contended that public opinion could be sharply divided on the issue and that a large majority of citizens could probably be in support of the scheme.

Source : https://www.barandbench.com/news/supreme-court-rejects-review-petition-judgment-striking-down-electoral-bonds

Justice Urmila Joshi Phalke made the observation while granting bail to a man accused of carrying commercial quantity of ganja (marijuana).

Ganja only refers to the fruiting or flowering heads of the cannabis plant and not its seeds or leaves, observed the Bombay High Court’s Nagpur bench recently while granting bail to a man booked under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS Act).

A single Bench of Justice Urmila Joshi Phalke noted that the definition of ‘ganja’ under the NDPS Act is restricted and does not include the seeds and leaves of the ganja plant.

“The definition of term ‘ganja’ defines and clarifies that ‘ganja’ is the flowering or fruiting tops of the cannabis plant excluding the seeds and leaves when not accompanied by the tops”, the Court noted.

The Court proceeded to grant bail to one, Mohammad Jakir Nawab Ali, who had been accused of carrying a commercial quantity of cannabis.

The observation regarding what constitutes ganja under the NDPS Act assumed importance since the police, in this case, had failed to properly segregate the seized contraband before weighing it, raising doubts about whether it was a commercial quantity (more than 20 kilograms) of ganja that was seized.

Ali (the accused/ bail applicant) was arrested on December 7, 2021, following a police raid based on a tip-off about the transportation of contraband.

Officers from the local Crime Branch intercepted a white Maruti Swift car driven by Ali near Tunki Shivar. During the search, police seized approximately 50 kilograms of what was labelled as ganja from the back seat.

However, during his bail hearing, Ali’s counsel raised critical issues regarding the police investigation. The defense counsel contended that the seized materials primarily consisted of leaves, seeds, stems, and stalks—parts of the cannabis plant that do not meet the NDPS Act’s definition of ganja unless accompanied by flowering or fruiting tops.

The Court agreed that there were questions casting doubt on the validity of the charges (of carrying a commercial quantity of a drug) against Ali.

“As seen from the FIR and the investigation papers, the quantity of 50 kg of ganja was seized from the vehicle. However, the inventory certificate as well as the recitals of the FIR and the panchnama show that the seized articles were leaves, seeds, stems, and stalks,” the Court observed.

The court further observed,

“Admittedly, none of the investigating papers shows that either these materials were segregated and thereafter weighed. The above state of affairs would make it clear that there is nothing on record to prima facie show that before carrying weight of the seized plant of ganja, the investigating officer had segregated the seeds or the other parts of the plant in order to ascertain the exact quantity of ganja.”

The Bench opined that it was difficult to ascertain whether the quantity of contraband seized by the police could be said to be a commercial quantity.

Ali’s counsel also raised concerns about delays in the trial, arguing that his right to a speedy trial was being violated.

The Court acknowledged this point, referencing a recent Supreme Court decision in Ankur Chaudhary vs. State of Madhya Pradesh, which highlighted that an inordinate delay in trial would violated an accused person’s right to a speedy trial under Article 21 of the Constitution of India.

In light of these arguments, the Court ruled that Ali had made a sufficient case for bail.

“Thus, after perusal of the investigating papers, prima facie, the material complied with the charge-sheet, it is difficult to accept that the alleged prohibited substance is within the definition of ganja under the NDPS Act. Since the only flowering or fruiting tops of cannabis plants are classified as ganja, in the absence of the said substance being seized from the applicant, prima facie involvement of the applicant is difficult to hold,” the Court said.

Source : https://www.barandbench.com/news/ganja-ndps-act-flowering-heads-cannabis-not-seeds-leaves-bombay-high-court

The farmhouse currently houses the Gurugram Zonal office of India’s anti-money laundering agency. The property is stated to be worth ₹120 crores.

The Union Bank of India since 2017 has been fighting to takeover a mortgaged property – a farmhouse in Delhi. However, it is now up against a formidable opponent – which is not the loan defaulter but the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

Source : https://www.barandbench.com/news/ten-highlights-supreme-court-verdict-caste-discrimination-jails

The election has also locked in the EVMs the fate of several high-profile candidates and political bigwigs including care-taker CM Nayab Saini, former Congress CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda, star wrestler Vinesh Phogat and the dynasts of several political clans.

Haryana recorded over 65% voter turnout in the 90-member state assembly election amid sporadic clashes between the supporters of rival candidates in different parts of the state, on Saturday.

While the ruling BJP is eyeing to retain power for the third consecutive term, the main opposition Congress hopes to stage a comeback after 10 years. Also in the fray were Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) which has alliance with BSP, and the Jannayak Janta Party (JJP) which has stitched an alliance with Azad Samaj Party alliance, besides several rebels fighting as independent candidates having potential to upset the poll maths.

While the prime minister Narendra Modi led the BJP campaign and himself held four rallies in the state along with party chief J P Nadda, several Union ministers including Rajnath Singh and CMs of different states, including Yogi Adityanath, the Congress’ top leaders including Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi and party chief Mallikarjun Kharge, held several rallies in the state.

The election has also locked in the EVMs the fate of several high-profile candidates and political bigwigs including care-taker CM Nayab Saini, former Congress CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda, star wrestler Vinesh Phogat and the dynasts of several political clans.

However, the polling saw sporadic clashes and incidents of stone pelting over the allegations of bogus voting and booth capturing at some places in the state during the polling.

According to reports from Nuh district, the supporters of Congress nominee Mohd Ilyas and the independent candidate Rahis Khan clashed and resorted to stone-pelting at each other at Punhana town of the district leaving several persons injured.

There were also reports about the group clashes at village Khwaja Kalan over the allegations about bogus voting by different groups.

At Chandeni village, also in Nuh, the supporters of Congress leader Aftab Ahmed and INLD candidate Tahir Hussain clashed and reportedly pelted stones at each other. Reports about supporters of some candidates clashing with police also came from Tauru town in Nuh.

BJP CANDIDATE `HECKLED’ IN JULANA

The BJP candidate in Julana, Capt Yogesh Bairagi, was allegedly heckled when he visited a polling booth from where he had received complaints about alleged booth capturing by rival a candidate. Julana is the most-watched seat in Haryana as it is from here that ace wrestler Vinesh Phogat is contesting as a Congress candidate.

MEHAM MLA ASSAULTED

The sitting MLA from Meham seat (Rohtak district), who is again contesting as an independent candidate was allegedly assaulted and his clothes torn by the supporters of Congress leader Anand Singh Dangi at Madina village. Kundu also lodged a complaint against Dangi and his supporters with police.

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/haryana-records-over-65-voter-turnout-amid-sporadic-clashes

The incident was caught on camera and the video of the incident is doing rounds on social media. It can be seen in the video that the man is sitting in the GST office in his undergarment.

In a bizarre incident, a businessman staged protest in the GST office in Ghaziabad in Bollywood style on Saturday. The businessman reached the GST office, stripped semi-naked and protested inside the office in front of the officers. The incident was caught on camera and the video of the incident is doing rounds on social media. It can be seen in the video that the man is sitting in the GST office in his undergarment.

The incident reportedly occurred in the State GST office located at Mohan Nagar check-post in Ghaziabad when the businessman reached the office and accused the GST officers asking for bribe and also harassment for not giving the amount of Rs 2 lakh. There are reports that an investigation has been initiated in connection with the matter.

The video of the incident is going viral on social media and it can be seen in the video that the GST officers are sitting inside the cabin and the businessman creates a scene after an argument with the officers. He said, “Aap mere se paisa nahi maang sakte, aap besharmipana kar rahe hai” (You can’t ask me for money, You are acting shamelessly).

The businessman has been identified as Akshay Jain who removed his clothes and said, “They want two lakh rupees. I don’t have the money. I will sit here semi-naked inside the office and stage a protest.” The GST officers said that he was pressuring them, to which the businessman responded, “Send me to jail. I am not involved in any fraud, yet you are putting undue pressure on me. You are imposing unjust penalties on a businessman who has not done tax evasion of a single rupee.”

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/video-businessman-strips-semi-naked-stages-protest-at-gst-office-in-ghaziabad-over-bribery-allegation

Earlier today, IndiGo said that it is facing a temporary system slowdown across its network, which is affecting its website and bookings, however, it assured their customers of “best possible” assistance and support.

Hours after facing system slowdown across the country, IndiGo Airlines said on Saturday that their airport services have eased out “effectively,” while full normalcy may take a little time.

The travel advisory reads, “Our airport systems are up and running, and our airport services have eased out effectively. However, we kindly ask for your understanding as we work to restore our other applications. While it may take a little time to achieve full normalcy, we look forward to providing you with a smooth experience soon. Thank you for your understanding and patience.”

Wow, @IndiGo6E systems are down since morning and airports have turned into a nightmare for passengers.

Hours after facing system slowdown across the country, IndiGo Airlines said on Saturday that their airport services have eased out “effectively,” while full normalcy may take a little time.

The travel advisory reads, “Our airport systems are up and running, and our airport services have eased out effectively. However, we kindly ask for your understanding as we work to restore our other applications. While it may take a little time to achieve full normalcy, we look forward to providing you with a smooth experience soon. Thank you for your understanding and patience.”

Earlier today, IndiGo said that it is facing a temporary system slowdown across its network, which is affecting its website and bookings, however, it assured their customers of “best possible” assistance and support. The outage has resulted in increased wait times, including slower check-ins and longer queues at the airport.

In a social media post on X, the IndiGo wrote, “We are currently experiencing a temporary system slowdown across our network, affecting our website and booking system. As a result, customers may face increased wait times, including slower check-ins and longer queues at the airport. Our airport team is available and fully dedicated to assisting everyone and ensuring a smooth journey. Be assured, we are working diligently to restore stability and normalcy as quickly as possible. We regret the inconvenience caused and appreciate your understanding and patience during this time.

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/full-normalcy-will-take-time-indigo-eases-airport-services-after-system-slowdown

‘I appeal to all voters to be a part of this sacred festival of democracy and create a new voting record,’ Modi said in a post on X, wishing young voters who are using their franchise for the first time.

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday requested the voters of Haryana to cast their ballots in record numbers for the polls to the 90-member state Assembly.

“I appeal to all voters to be a part of this sacred festival of democracy and create a new voting record,” Modi said in a post on X, wishing young voters who are using their franchise for the first time.

The electoral fate of Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, Bhupinder Singh Hooda and Vinesh Phogat of the Congress, besides the JJP’s Dushyant Chautala and 1,027 other candidates will be decided in the polls on Saturday.

Source: https://www.deccanherald.com/elections/haryana/haryana-assembly-elections-2024-pm-modi-urges-for-record-voting-3220601

The junior doctors are also demanding an immediate inquiry into alleged corruption and lawlessness within the West Bengal Medical Council (WBMC) and the West Bengal Health Recruitment Board (WBHRB).

Kolkata: Despite calling off their ‘total cease work’ on Friday evening, agitating junior doctors continued their sit-in in central Kolkata throughout the night alleging that police lathi-charged a few of them during a rally to press for justice for the deceased woman doctor of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.

The junior doctors called off their ‘total cease work’ at state-run medical colleges and hospitals around 8:30 pm on Friday, but threatened to launch a hunger strike till death if their demands were not met by the West Bengal government within 24 hours.

“When you are fighting for a significant cause, you cannot expect things to be easy. We anticipated better treatment from the state government. The lathi charge and the verbal abuse from police were both unnecessary, and we demand an apology,” Debasish Halder, a representative of the protesting junior medics, told PTI. “We will not vacate this place until that is provided,” he added.

Medics from RG Kar Medical College, alongside their peers from various hospitals, joined the protest.

“It’s time for the state to respond and show that they are genuinely eager to resolve this issue. The clock is ticking for them,” added Aniket Mahato, another junior medic.

The ongoing demonstration caused significant disruptions to traffic, with a heavy police presence surrounding the protest site at Dorina Crossing.

The protesters emphasised that securing justice for the deceased woman medic remains their foremost priority.

Among their nine demands, they are calling for the immediate removal of state Health Secretary N S Nigam, as well as accountability for the alleged administrative incompetence and corruption within the health department.

Source: https://www.deccanherald.com/india/west-bengal/west-bengal-junior-doctors-continue-sit-in-wait-for-state-to-fulfill-their-demands-3220614

A Division Bench of Justice AK Jayasankaran Nambiar and Justice Syam Kumar VM noted that neighboring States like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka have received allocations from disaster relief funds.

The Kerala High Court on Friday expressed concern over the delay by the Central government in disbursing funds from National Disaster Relief Fund and the Prime Minister Relief Fund to Kerala in the aftermath of the Wayanad landslides in the State [Suo Motu v State of Kerala & ors].

A Division Bench of Justice AK Jayasankaran Nambiar and Justice Syam Kumar VM noted that neighboring States like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka have received allocations from disaster relief funds.

“Disbursal of funds should be considered by the National disaster management authority as also by the Central government and authorities that control disbursal from PM relief funds,” the Bench stated.

The observation came after Amicus Curiae Ranjith Thampan (lawyer assisting the court) had highlighted that despite severe damage and loss from the landslides, Kerala had not received any relief funds yet.

Additional Solicitor General, appearing on behalf of the Central government, sought time to respond to the suggestions made by the amicus.

Therefore, the Court directed the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the Central government to provide a detailed response by October 18.

“Disbursal of funds to be considered by the National disaster management authority as also by the Central government and authorities that control disbursal from PM relief funds. Additional Solicitor General appearing on behalf of the central government has sought time till October 18, 2024 to respond to the suggestions made by amicus curiae in his earlier reports. We expect the response on the aspects highlighted by the said date,” the Court said in its order.

The Court was hearing a suo motu case initiated by it to address disaster management and prevention in the the State in the wake of the Wayanad landslides.

The Wayanad landslides which happened in the early hours of July 30 this year had devastated the villages of Mundakkai and Chooralmala in the Wayanad district, causing 420 fatalities with over 100 missing.

Source: https://www.barandbench.com/news/wayanad-landslides-kerala-high-court-asks-centre-why-relief-funds-havent-disbursed

Chief of Air staff Air Chief Marshal AP Singh said that IAF had already did what Israel is doing against Hezbollah. Air Chief Marshal Singh made these comments when asked about whether the IAF had the capability to eliminate someone equivalent to Hezbollah chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrullah.

“We already have, in Balakot,” he said, when asked about whether the IAF had the capability to eliminate someone equivalent to Nasrullah.

What seemed to concern the air chief, who took over a few days ago, was falling squadron strength— now down to 30. He hoped that Hindustan Aeronautics would deliver the different versions of the Tejas aircraft on time. He acknowledged that HAL was preparing a second line in Nasik and hoped that it will be able to produce 24 Tejas fighters a year. Also, there may be a requirement for the private sector to step in. Otherwise, some alternatives have to be looked at.

Source: https://www.timesnownews.com/india/air-chief-marshal-ap-singh-was-asked-if-india-could-attack-its-enemies-like-israel-his-response-article-113948024

In one of the largest operations against Maoists in Chhattisgarh, at least 28 Naxalites were killed in an encounter with security personnel in the Bastar region on Friday.

The gunfight began around 1 pm in the forest between Thulthuli and Nendur villages in Abhujmaad, located on the Narayanpur-Dantewada inter-district border, when a joint team of security personnel was out on anti-Naxal operation, Inspector General of Police (Bastar Range) Sundarraj P told news agency PTI.

The IGP further said that personnel from the state police’s District Reserve Guard (DRG) and Special Task Force (STF) were involved in the operation.

Additionally, a cache of weapons, including an AK-47 and a self-loading rifle (SLR), was recovered from the encounter site.

Following the latest encounter, security forces have now killed at least 185 Maoists in various gun battles across the Bastar region, which includes seven districts such as Dantewada and Narayanpur, this year, according to the police.

On April 16, 29 Naxalites, including some higher-ranking cadres, were killed in a confrontation with security personnel in Kanker district.

‘Great success achieved’: Chhattisgarh CM

Soon after reports of the maoist killings emerged, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai commended the security forces for their efforts.

The chief minister has also called for a high-level meeting of senior police officers at his residence in Raipur on Friday evening.

“This great success achieved by the soldiers is commendable. I salute their courage and indomitable bravery,” Deo wrote in a post on X.

External affairs minister S Jaishankar will travel to Pakistan to attend a conclave of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in mid-October, the government announced on Friday. The last Indian external affairs minister to visit Pakistan was Sushma Swaraj when she travelled to Islamabad in December 2015 to attend a conference on Afghanistan.

CNN-News18 has accessed exclusive details of the visit with Pakistan hosting the SCO Council of Heads of Government (CHG) meeting on October 15 and 16.

Top government sources said that Jaishankar’s visit is important and will be similar to when Pakistan’s then foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari came to Goa for an SCO conclave in 2023.

“No bilateral talks are on the cards right now but future possibilities can’t be ruled out,” said a source. “Finishing terrorism is the only way both countries can walk and talk. There will be no talks on Kashmir in case any talks happen.”

The decision to send Jaishankar amid strained ties with Pakistan is seen as a display of India’s commitment to the SCO which has been playing a key role in boosting regional security cooperation.

Source: https://www.news18.com/india/jaishankars-pakistan-visit-for-sco-meet-akin-to-bilawals-for-2023-goa-conclave-govt-sources-exclusive-9073920.html

Manu Bhaker stressed on the need for everybody to vote after casting hers for the first time.

Indian Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker has cast her vote in Jhajjar in the ongoing Haryana elections as she stressed on the need for everyone to do it and choose who they think is best to represent their country. The youngster said she was excited to vote for the first time and is glad to have had it completed.

The 22-year-old has been the talk of the town since winning two bronze medals in the Paris Olympics this year. Bhaker won a bronze in the women’s 10m Air Pistol event and created history by becoming the first Indian female shooter to clinch an Olympic medal. Later, she won bronze in the mixed team 10m Air Pistol event alongside Sarabjot Singh.

Speaking to ANI, she stated:

“I think it’s the responsibility of every youth in this country and whoever they think is the best candidate, they should cast their vote. I feel us taking small steps will carry us to bigger goals. As far as development is concerned, it’s up to us who we choose and that person goes further and achieves whatever everyone wants. It’s the first time I got an opportunity to vote, so I was excited. I’m glad it’s done.”

Jammu and Kashmir: The army said the search operation is underway.

The army said on Saturday morning that two terrorists had been eliminated by security forces in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kupwara under “Operation GUGALDHAR”.

“Two terrorists have been eliminated by the security forces in the ongoing Operation GUGALDHAR. War-like stores have been recovered. A search of the area is underway and an operation is in progress,” the army said in a statement.

The army further said the troops spotted suspicious activity and challenged the terrorists, leading to an exchange of fire.

“On 04 Oct 2024, based on intelligence about an infiltration attempt, a joint operation by the Indian Army and J&K Police was launched at Gugaldhar, Kupwara. Alert troops spotted suspicious activity and challenged, leading to an exchange of firing with terrorists. Vigilant troops carried out effective fire. The operation is in progress,” the army added.

The army said earlier today that security forces foiled an infiltration bid along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kupwara district.

The operation is still on and is being led by a joint team of the Jammu and Kashmir police and the army.

Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-2-terrorists-killed-by-security-forces-in-kupwara-101728099620674.html

Digital arrests are a new method of cyber fraud in which fraudsters make audio or video calls, pose as law enforcement officers and confine victims to their homes to scam them.

An employee of an institute under the Department of Atomic Energy was duped of ₹ 71 lakh by fraudsters using the “digital arrest” modus operandi, a police official said in Indore in Madhya Pradesh on Friday.
Digital arrests are a new method of cyber fraud in which fraudsters make audio or video calls, pose as law enforcement officers and confine victims to their homes to scam them.

“A member of the gang called the victim, working as scientific assistant at Raja Ramanna Advanced Technology Center (RRCAT), on September 1 and introduced himself as a Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) officer. This fake TRAI officer claimed illegal advertisements and text messages related to women harassment were sent to people through a SIM card issued in his name from Delhi,” said Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Rajesh Dandotia.

Source: https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/scientist-duped-of-rs-71-lakh-after-digital-arrest-by-fraudsters-in-madhya-pradesh-cops-6718350

Chandan Verma, accused of murdering four of a family in Uttar Pradesh’s Amethi on October 3, was in an illicit affair with the deceased’s wife, and was shot and injured in his leg by a team of police on Saturday morning. Chandan was admitted to a hospital where he is undergoing treatment.

In a statement, the police said Chandan was arrested on October 4. He snatched a police weapon and fired on the police team in an attempt to escape arrest. Chandan was injured in a retaliatory police shootout, they said.

Pinki Haryan, once a child beggar, is now a qualified doctor raring to serve the destitute and give them a better life.

Shimla: As a child, Pinki Haryan, along with her parents, begged on the streets and scavenged for food in garbage dumps in Mcleodganj. Twenty years and a Chinese medical degree later, she is now burning the midnight oil to clear an exam that will make her eligible to practice medicine in India.

It was in 2004 when Lobsang Jamyang, a Tibetan refugee monk and the director of Dharamshala-based charitable trust, spotted Haryan begging. Days later, he visited the slum cluster at Charan Khud and recognised the girl.

Then began the uphill task of convincing her parents, especially her father Kashmiri Lal, to let her pursue education. After hours of persuasion, Lal agreed.

Haryan got admission into the Dayanand Public School at Dharamshala and was among the first batch of students at a hostel for destitute children set up by the charitable trust in 2004.

Ajay Srivastava, president of NGO Umang Foundation, who has been associated with Jamyang for the last 19 years, said initially, Haryan missed her home and parents but kept her focus on studies, which she realised was her ticket out of poverty.

Soon enough, the results were proof of her dedication.

She passed the senior secondary examination and also cleared the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Undergraduate). The NEET is an all-India entrance exam for admission to undergraduate medical courses, Srivastava said.

However, the doors of private medical colleges remained shut for her due to the exorbitant fees. With the help of the Tong-Len Charitable Trust in the United Kingdom, she got admission to a prestigious medical college in China in 2018 and has returned to Dharamshala recently after completing her MBBS course, Srivastava said.

After a wait of 20 years, Haryan is a qualified doctor raring to serve the destitute and give them a better life.

“Poverty was the biggest struggle since childhood. It was painful to see my family in distress. As I got into school, I had an ambition to become successful in life,” Haryan told PTI.

Source: https://www.deccanherald.com/india/himachal-pradesh/from-seeking-alms-to-prescribing-balms-journey-of-a-child-beggar-from-himachal-who-became-doctor-3219155

“Pandey was quizzed several times for both rape and murder incident as well as financial regularities incident, but he could not give satisfactory replies for which he is arrested,” said the CBI sources.

The CBI on Thursday evening arrested Trinamool Congress (TMC) youth wing leader Ashish Pandey over ‘financial irregularities’ in RG Kar hospital.

Notably, Pandey was a close aide of former RG Kar principal Sandip Ghosh.

According to CBI sources, after being produced to court on Friday, the central sleuths will pray for Pandey’s remand.

“Pandey was quizzed several times for both rape and murder incident as well as financial regularities incident, but he could not give satisfactory replies for which he is arrested,” said the CBI sources.

The protesting junior medics welcoming the move said that Pandey was ‘head of treat culture in RG Kar hospital.

The truck driver lost control of the vehicle and hit the tractor trolley from behind.

Ten people were killed and three injured when a truck collided with a tractor trolley in this Uttar Pradesh district in the early hours of Friday, police said.

The incident took place around 1 am on G T Road, between Kachhawan and Mirzamurad on the Mirzapur-Varanasi border, Superintendent of Police (Mirzapur) Abhinandan said.

“The tractor trolley, carrying 13 labourers who were returning from construction work in Bhadohi district, was hit from behind by the truck that had gone out of the driver’s control,” the SP said.

On being alerted, the SP and other senior officers rushed to the scene to oversee the rescue operations.

CBI claimed Ashish Pande is also a member of Trinamool Congress and is associated with its student wing. There has been no response from Trinamool.

A doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Hospital and an alleged confidant of its former principal Sandip Ghosh, Ashish Pande, has been arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation in connection with the corruption case it is investigating alongside the horrific rape-murder of a young doctor that had shocked the country. Officials of the Central agency claimed Ashish Pande is also a member of Trinamool Congress and is associated with its student wing. There, however, has been no confirmation or comment on the matter from the Trinamool Congress.
He will be produced in court Friday.

This is the fifth arrest in the corruption case.

Earlier, the agency had arrested Sandip Ghosh and three others — his bodyguard Afsar Ali, Suman Hazra and Biplab Sinha, vendors supplying medical equipment to the hospital when Ghosh was the principal.

Ashish Pandey, who is also employed at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, is reportedly associated with the Trinamool Congress Students’ Wing – TMCP. He was allegedly the TMCP unit president of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.

Trinamool Congress Chhatra Parishad (students’ unit) state president and party spokesperson Trinankur Bhattacharya told news agency Press Trust of India: “We are yet to hear details about the case. But as of now, we can say that the law will take its own course and we have faith in the justice system.”

Ashish Pandey was earlier mentioned in the list of 59 people at the hospital who were issued show-cause notices by the hospital administration and asked to appear before an inquiry committee set up after the rape and murder of the second year post-graduate student.

Ashish Pandey had to be rescued by security personnel after he was heckled and pushed by the protesting junior doctors when he went to the hospital to appear before the inquiry committee looking into complaints of harassment and intimidation on campus.

Leader of Opposition in the Bengal assembly Suvendu Adhikari asserted that Pandey was a “strongman of the TMC, who was part of the propagator of the threat culture in state-run medical colleges”.

“With his arrest and interrogation, CBI will be able to reach to the bottom of this culture at medical colleges and find out all those involved,” Mr Adhikari was quoted as saying by PTI.

Source: https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/trinamool-leader-arrested-in-rg-kar-hospital-corruption-case-cbi-6710004

The fake bank scam involved illegal appointments, fake training sessions, and elaborate setups to defraud both unemployed individuals and local villagers.

Various cases of fraud in bank transactions, cheating through fake documents, and other financial scams have been discovered in recent years. However, a recent incident in Chhattisgarh stands out as one of the most audacious schemes ever recorded. Like a plot straight out of a movie, criminals meticulously planned and executed a massive banking fraud, creating a fake branch of the State Bank of India (SBI). The scam involved illegal appointments, fake training sessions, and elaborate setups to defraud both unemployed individuals and local villagers.
Around 250 kilometers from the state capital Raipur, in a quiet village named Chhapora in the Sakti district, six unsuspecting individuals were recruited for what they believed were legitimate jobs at the country’s largest bank, SBI.

The branch, which opened just 10 days ago, featured all the elements of a real bank – new furniture, professional papers, and functioning bank counters.

The villagers, unaware of the ongoing scam, began visiting the “bank” to open accounts and conduct transactions. The newly hired employees were also thrilled to secure jobs at a reputed bank.

Everything appeared normal until top police and SBI officials showed up for an interrogation at the bank on September 27 after the manager of the nearby Dabra branch raised suspicions. It was discovered that the “branch” in Chhapora was a fraud, and the appointments handed out were fake.

“The manager of the Dabra branch informed us of his suspicion regarding a fake bank operating in Chhapora. Upon investigation, it was confirmed that the bank was fake, and several employees had been appointed with counterfeit documents,” senior police official Rajesh Patel said.

He said that they have so far identified four people involved in the scam, including Rekha Sahu, Mandir Das, and Pankaj, who posed as the manager of the fake SBI branch.

Mr Patel said the accused seem to be connected.

Employees Received Offer Letters

The fake branch hired employees with offer letters that looked real, and job titles such as managers, marketing officers, cashiers, and computer operators.

The fraudster also provided training to all the recruits.

These jobs, however, came with a price tag, with the employees paying between ₹ 2 lakh and ₹ 6 lakh rupees to secure their positions.

Special Cell cops arrested Jitendra Pal Singh, also known as Jassi, from the airport in Punjab’s Amritsar as he was trying to flee to the United Kingdom.

Delhi Police made a fifth arrest Thursday following the seizure of over 500kg of cocaine this week – the largest ever recorded in the national capital and one valued at around ₹ 5,000 crore.
Special Cell cops arrested Jitendra Pal Singh, also known as Jassi, from the airport in Punjab’s Amritsar as he was trying to flee to the United Kingdom, indicating a link between organised crime in that country and a pan-India network smuggling illegal drugs into this country.

The cops were alerted to Singh’s attempted escape – he has been living in the UK for the past 17 years as a ‘permanent resident’ – as they had issued a LOC, or look out circular, against him.

Singh, 40, is an Indian citizen who had flown in from London to supervise the cartel’s operations in India. He was trying to return to the UK after cops seized the drugs and arrested four people.

The authorities believe this particular drug syndicate – which operates out of Delhi and Mumbai in India – also has links to Dubai. The name of an Indian citizen – Virendra Basoya, who now lives in the West Asian country – has been flagged during Delhi Police’s interrogation of suspects.

The Dubai Link

Basoya – who cops believe could be one of the masterminds, if not the kingpin, behind this drug smuggling network – was arrested in an earlier unrelated case, but secured bail.

Last year police from Maharashtra’s Pune raided locations in Delhi and seized drugs worth ₹ 3,000 crore, including ‘meow meow’, the street name for the synthetic stimulant mephedrone.

Before amendments made in 2021, the Income Tax Act allowed reassessments to be initiated up to six years prior if income exceeding ₹1 lakh had escaped assessment. The new provisions shortened this period to three years if the escaped income was below ₹50 lakh, while allowing reopening for up to 10 years for larger amounts

In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court upheld the validity of nearly 90,000 income tax reassessment notices issued to individuals and businesses after April 1, 2021.

These notices, spanning assessment years 2013-14 to 2017-18, had been challenged in over 9,000 writ petitions across various high courts, where many decisions had favored taxpayers. The Supreme Court’s decision marks a major win for the Income Tax Department.

A bench led by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, along with Justices J.B. Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, delivered the judgment in response to 727 appeals filed by the Income Tax Department. The Court’s ruling centered on whether the department could reopen assessments under the pre-amended provisions of the Income Tax Act after April 1, 2021.

How much tax do I have to pay? Calculate now

Before amendments made in 2021, the Income Tax Act allowed reassessments to be initiated up to six years prior if income exceeding ₹1 lakh had escaped assessment. The new provisions shortened this period to three years if the escaped income was below ₹50 lakh, while allowing reopening for up to 10 years for larger amounts. A key addition in the 2021 amendment was Section 148A, which mandated that taxpayers receive a show-cause notice before reassessment, ensuring they had the right to respond.

The Supreme Court on Thursday (October 3) restrained the Tamil Nadu police from taking any further action against the Isha Yoga Centre run by spiritual leader Sadhguru at Coimbatore.

A three-judge bench presided by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud passed the stay order after the foundation approached the Supreme Court against a Madras High Court order directing the Tamil Nadu government to submit details of all criminal cases registered against them.

The Supreme Court transferred to itself the petition pending before the Madras High Court and further asked the Police to submit the status report to it. The matter will be next heard on October 18.

The Coimbatore Rural Police on Tuesday stormed into the Isha Foundation’s ashram with 150 personnel to conduct the investigation. It came a day after the Madras High Court sought a report on all criminal cases registered against the Foundation and ordered a probe.

The Supreme Court will hear at 10.30 AM today a batch of petitions seeking a Court-monitored investigation into the allegations that adulterated ghee was used to prepare the laddus which are offered as the parasadam at the Tirupati temple.

A bench comprising Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan will hear the matters.

On the previous hearing date (September 30), the Court had criticised the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu for making public allegations about the Tirupati laddu even before the investigation into the matter was completed. The Court said that it was a matter affecting the sentiments of crores of devotees and hence, the Chief Minister ought to have been more prudent in making public comments. The Court also observed that there was no conclusive proof yet that animal fat was used to make the laddus, as the lab report prima facie indicated that the impurities were detected in the ghee samples which were rejected.

Source: https://www.livelaw.in/top-stories/tirupati-temple-laddu-case-live-updates-from-supreme-court-hearing-271533

The WHO has listed the Alinity m MPXV assay for mpox testing under its Emergency Use Listing, enhancing global diagnostic capacity amid rising outbreaks. This real-time PCR test allows for quick detection of the monkeypox virus from skin lesion swabs, aiming to improve timely treatment and control.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has listed the first mpox in vitro diagnostic (IVD) under its Emergency Use Listing (EUL) procedure, marking a significant advancement in enhancing global access to mpox testing.

In an official statement, WHO said that the emergency use approval for the Alinity m MPXV assay, produced by Abbott Molecular Inc., pivotal in expanding diagnostic capacity in countries facing mpox outbreaks, where the need for quick and accurate testing has risen sharply.

Stubble burning in the neighbouring states of Haryana and Punjab before the onset of winter has reportedly caused severe air pollution in Delhi NCR. It has emerged as one of the major contributors for Delhi’s poor air quality.

The Supreme Court on Thursday slammed the Commission for Air Quality Management for making “no effort” to implement its direction to stop stubble burning.

“CAQM has not launched a single prosecution against incidents of stubble burning,” the apex court declared.

This comes after the top court called the commission a “silent spectator” in its last hearing on September 27.

Stubble burning in the neighbouring states of Haryana and Punjab before the onset of winter has reportedly caused severe air pollution in Delhi NCR. It has emerged as one of the major contributors for Delhi’s poor air quality.

Source: https://www.deccanherald.com/india/supreme-court-slams-commission-for-air-quality-management-for-making-no-effort-to-implement-its-direction-to-stop-stubble-burning-3217916

The incident comes less than two months after the Kolkata horror in which a doctor on night shift was raped and murdered at a state-run hospital

A 55-year-old doctor was shot dead at a private nursing home in Delhi’s Jaitpur last night, less than two months after the rape-murder of a 31-year-old doctor in Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.
According to the staff at Nima Hospital, two teenagers reached the hospital late at night. One of them asked for a change of dressing for his injured toe. The night before, the teenager was treated at the hospital. After the dressing was done, the teenagers said they wanted a prescription and went to the cabin of Dr Javed Akhtar, a practitioner of Unani Medicine.

Minutes later, nursing staff Gajala Parveen and Md Kamil heard a gunshot. They rushed to the doctor’s cabin and found him bleeding from his head.

The hospital staff has told police that the suspects could be 16 or 17 years old.

Police have said it appears to be a case of targeted killing and the assailants’ visit the previous night could have been for a recce.

Police are now scanning the footage of CCTV cameras inside the hospital to identify the suspects.

The incident comes less than two months after the Kolkata horror in which a doctor on night shift was raped and murdered at a state-run hospital. The Kolkata incident sparked nationwide protests by doctors demanding the safety of healthcare staff on duty.

In the aftermath of the Kolkata rape-murder and the doctors’ protest, the Supreme Court has set up a National Task Force to recommend steps to ensure doctors’ safety on duty.

The Delhi hospital shooting, meanwhile, has given the ruling Aam Aadmi Party fresh ammunition to target the Centre and Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena over the law and order situation in the national capital. Delhi Police reports to the Centre and not the Delhi government.

“Delhi has become crime capital – Gangsters operating with ease, extortion calls and firings and daily murders. Central Govt & @LtGovDelhi have failed in their basic work for Delhi,” Delhi minister and AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj said.

The chopper took off from Oxford County Golf Course helipad near Pune and was heading to Juhu in Mumbai when it crashed, killing two ex-Air Force pilots and an engineer.

Two former Air Force pilots and an engineer were killed after a helicopter belonging to a private aviation company crashed and caught fire near Pune city on Wednesday morning, police said. The chopper, belonging to Delhi-based Heritage Aviation, had been hired by the Nationalist Congress Party, said its Maharashtra unit chief and MP Sunil Tatkare. He had flown in the helicopter only a day before, and was supposed to travel by it again on Wednesday, he told the news agency PTI.
The chopper took off from Oxford County Golf Course helipad near Pune and was heading to Juhu in Mumbai when it crashed at 7.40 am, police said.

The crash took place near a hilly terrain in Bavdhan area, close to the golf course and some 25 km from Pune city, police said.

The victims were identified as pilot Paramjeet Singh (62), co-pilot G K Pillai (57), both retired from the Indian Air Force; and aircraft maintenance engineer Pritam Kumar Bhardwaj (53), police said.

An official from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said the incident took place at 7.40 am. It was an Agusta 109 helicopter belonging to Heritage Aviation, he confirmed.

After the crash, the chopper caught fire, police said, adding that fire tenders and water tankers were rushed to the spot.

The helicopter had taken off from the helipad of Oxford County Golf Course around 7.30 am, Pimpri Chinchwad Joint Commissioner of Police Shashikant Mahavarkar said.

Primary information suggested fog led to the accident but a detailed investigation will ascertain the exact cause, he added.

Source: https://www.ndtv.com/pune-news/pune-helicopter-crash-ncps-sunil-tatkare-ajit-pawar-camp-mp-was-set-to-fly-on-helicopter-that-crashed-in-pune-6704240

Shardiya Navratri is a vibrant and sacred Hindu festival that spans nine nights, celebrating the divine feminine energy embodied by Goddess Durga. Observed in the lunar month of Ashwin, this festival is marked by fervent worship, elaborate rituals, and cultural performances.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday extended greetings to fellow Indians on the first day of Navratri, wishing everyone an “auspicious” festival.

“I wish all my countrymen a very Happy Navratri. May this holy festival dedicated to Shakti Vandana prove to be auspicious for everyone. Jai Mata Di!” PM Modi wrote in a post on X.

“On the first day of Navratri, I pray to Maa Shailputri with folded hands! May everyone be blessed by her grace. This prayer to the Goddess is for all of you,” he wrote on X.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah Conveys His Wishes

On Tuesday, sirens continued to sound in Israel as Iran launched a missile attack. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that Iran would face consequences for its missile attack on Israel.

: As tensions are likely to escalate in Middle East following Iran’s missile attack on Israel, India issued advisory for its citizens asking them to exercise caution and stay close to shelters. As per the Indian embassy, there are about 18,000 Indian citizens in Israel, primarily caregivers employed by Israeli elders to take care of them, diamond traders, I.T. professionals and students.

Indian Embassy in Tel Aviv asked Indian nationals to remain vigilant and adhere to safety protocols issued by the local authorities. “Please exercise caution, avoid unnecessary travel within the country and stay close to safety shelters. The Embassy is closely monitoring the situation and remains in regular touch with the Israeli authorities to ensure the safety of all our nationals,” the embassy said.

The embassy has also issued helpline numbers for the Indian nationals staying in the conflict-hit country. “In case of any emergency, please contact the 24/7 helpline of the Embassy:Telephone:A. +972-547520711B. +972-543278392Email: consi.telaviv@mea.gov.in.Those Indian nationals who have yet to register with the Embassy are requested to do so at the following link: https://forms.gle/ftp3DEXgJwH8XVRdA,” the Indian Embassy posted on X.

Iran Rains Missiles On Israel 

On Tuesday, sirens continued to sound in Israel as Iran launched a missile attack. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed the missile assault was a response to the recent Israeli killings of militant leaders and aggression against the Iran-backed armed group Hezbollah in Lebanon, as well as in Gaza, as per Reuters.

Source: https://www.timesnownews.com/india/india-asks-its-citizens-to-exercise-caution-as-iran-rains-missiles-on-israel-article-113866291

According to officials based in Paris and New Delhi, President Macron believes that India can play a positive role in ending the Ukraine war.

National Security Adviser Ajit Doval apprised French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday evening about Indian conversations with both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on how to end the war in Eastern Europe, people familiar with the matter said on Tuesday.

Doval was expected to leave Paris on Tuesday after holding a strategic dialogue with Macron’s diplomatic adviser Emmanuel Bonne and meeting French defence minister Sebastian Lecormu and foreign minister Jean Noel Barrot.

It is understood that Doval had a fruitful meeting with the French President where both had a good discussion over geopolitics with the Ukraine war and the Israeli war against Hamas in Gaza and against Hezbollah in Lebanon.

According to officials based in Paris and New Delhi, President Macron believes that India can play a positive role in ending the Ukraine war as Prime Minister Narendra Modi has the trust of both President Putin and President Zelensky after discussing the issue with them in a number of meetings and phone calls.

Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/ajit-doval-briefs-frances-macron-on-indian-efforts-to-stop-ukraine-war-101727834292996.html

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday alleged his family was being targeted and that a false case was filed against him and his family, in connection with the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) case. The Chief Minister’s statement came hours after he, in an X post, announced that his wife, Parvathi, has returned the 14 compensatory sites that were given to her in the Mysuru upmarket area.

“My family is being targeted,” Siddaramaiah told reporters today.

“Let the investigations in the case continue. On what grounds has the Enforcement Directorate (ED) filed a case of money laundering,” he asked, adding, “A false case was filed against me and my family.”

Siddaramaiah also said he was “hurt by the allegations”, even as his wife has returned the land to MUDA.

Addressing questions on his resignation, the Chief Minister said, “Why should I resign when the Opposition does not have proof against me.”

PM Modi said that India is ready to share its expertise with Jamaica in a range of areas, be it digital public infrastructure, biofuel, innovation and health.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday held wide-ranging talks with Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness and said that India is a “trusted partner” in the Caribbean nation’s development journey.

After the talks, PM Modi said that India is ready to share its expertise with Jamaica in a range of areas, be it digital public infrastructure, biofuel, innovation and health.

He also announced that the road in front of the Jamaican high commission in New Delhi will be renamed ‘Jamaica Marg’.

PM Modi also made a reference to Olympic gold medalist Usain Bolt, who hails from Jamaica, remarking that ties between the two countries will grow faster than the ace sprinter.

He added that sports play a very strong and important role in boosting ties and noted that both India and Jamaica are “cricket-loving” countries.

“As cricket-loving countries, sports play a very strong and important role in our relations. The people of India have a special affection for cricketers. We also discussed deepening our cooperation in sports. I am confident that the outcome of today’s discussions will accelerate our relations even faster than Usain Bolt and we will continue to reach new heights,” PM Modi said.

The Prime Minister also lauded the Indian community residing in Jamaica, saying that the people of Indian-origin who consider Jamaica as their home are a “living example of our cultural heritage.”

‘Partner in Jamaica’s journey’

PM Modi said that India and Jamaica are unanimous that reform of all global institutions, including the UN Security Council, is necessary.

The remarks assume significance since countries like UK and France recently backed India’s bid for a permanent membership in UNSC.

PM Modi further said that in the defence sphere, India will move forward on imparting training and capacity building of Jamaica’s armed forces.

He identified organised crime, drug trafficking, terrorism as common challenges facing both nations.

Source: https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/india/pm-modis-usain-bolt-reference-as-he-hails-india-jamaica-ties-12833115.html

The BJP has given former prison official Sunil Sangwan – who has granted Rahim parole six times – a ticket for this Haryana Assembly election; he will contest the Dadri seat.

The Congress’ Haryana unit has red-flagged rumours rape convict and Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, who is supposed to be serving a 20-year jail sentence, will be granted parole – for the 10th time in the past two years – days before an Assembly election in the state.
The Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee has written to the Chief Election Commissioner over “breaking news (that) parole will be granted”, and to urge the top poll body that his release from jail at this time would constitute a violation of the Model Code of Conduct in place during elections.

Rahim’s release has also been red-flagged by the son of a journalist who was murdered – for which he and three others were convicted. The son said freeing Rahim now “violates democratic values and fair elections”, since he could “influence voting by sending messages to benefit a particular party.

He is known to have a mass following in Punjab and Uttar Pradesh, as well as Haryana, which is ruled by the BJP and votes Saturday in an election seen as being a close fight with the Congress.

On Monday it was reported Rahim had sought parole for 20 days, citing the death anniversary of his father, Maghar Singh, on October 5 – the same day as voting for the Haryana election. In his request he said he would stay in Uttar Pradesh’s Baghpat – less than 150 km from Haryana – if released.

However, since the Model Code is in place in Haryana – and he is in a jail Rohtak district – the request was forwarded to the state election office, which sought reasons for his release.

Chief Electoral Officer Pankaj Agarwal later said his office told the Haryana government – run by the Bharatiya Janata Party – that Rahim’s release “may be considered… subject to correctness of facts”.

He also said the final decision will be taken by Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and not his office, which has set three conditions for a potential release. These are: he cannot enter Haryana; he cannot engage in political activities; and cannot participate in election-related activities, even via social media.

The Congress and civil society activists have pointed out that parole for Rahim, who was convicted of raping two followers and jailed in 2017, tends to come just before an election.

If released, this will be the second time Ram Rahim gets parole before this Haryana election; in August he was granted a 21-day furlough to participate in a programme hosted by his sect.

He also received a 40-day parole in October 2020, before the previous Haryana election.

Earlier releases include a 50-day parole in January, weeks before the Lok Sabha election.

He was also released thrice in 2023 – for 21 days in November (before the Rajasthan election), and 30 days in July and 40 days in June (before panchayat elections in Haryana).

There were also three releases in 2022, including for 40 days in October before a Haryana Assembly bypoll. He was also released for 21 days in February, days before the Punjab election.

He also received a 40-day parole in October 2020, before the previous Haryana election.

Source: https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/ram-rahim-parole-haryana-election-congress-dera-sacha-sauda-chief-ram-rahim-parole-breaking-news-congress-red-flag-before-haryana-poll-6692407

The new house of the AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal has already been finalized.

AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal is set to vacate his Civil Lines residence this week and will be relocating with his family to a residential unit in the New Delhi area, according to sources within the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). The new house has already been finalized.

Meanwhile, climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and around 150 Ladakhis remained detained throughout Tuesday night and were not released, according to police officials. Wangchuk and about 120 supporters were marching towards Delhi to demand a sixth schedule status for their Union Territory — the march, ‘Delhi Chalo Padyatra,’ started from Leh a month ago. Delhi Chief Minister Atishi was stopped by police outside the Bawana Police Station on Tuesday while trying to meet detained climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, the Aam Aadmi Party has said.

In other news, the Delhi Jal Board on Monday announced that residents in several areas will experience disruptions in water supply due to major repair work in the city. The affected areas include Varun Niketan, Raja Garden, Ramesh Nagar, Khyala (Command area of Khyala BPS, PH-I), Rani Bagh, Moti Nagar, Sharda Puri, Tagore Garden, Tihar Village, Tilak Nagar, Rajouri Garden, Hari Nagar and adjoining areas, Vishnu Garden, Subhash Nagar, J.J. Colony Khyala, Ravi Nagar, and Chand Nagar. Residents may face either no water supply or low water pressure until Wednesday. Further updates will be provided as they become available.

Delhi High Court rejects NIA’s preliminary objection to maintainability of plea challenging arrest of UNLF (P) cadres
The Delhi High Court on Tuesday rejected the preliminary objection raised by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) regarding the maintainability of the petition filed by three cadres of the United National Liberation Front (P) challenging their arrest and remand orders for waging war against the state in the backdrop of Manipur’s ethnic violence.

The high court also held that in matters concerning personal liberty, it is “never just or proper to reject a plea based on a pedantic, hyper-technical” approach.

Based on a July 19, 2023, FIR, NIA arrested the self-styled army chief of the organisation Thokchom Shyamjai Singh, its intelligence officer Laimayum Anand Sharma, and a driver Salam Ibomcha Meitei on March 13. The three are facing charges under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for criminal conspiracy and waging war against the state, as well as for offences under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/delhi-news-live-updates-9597363/

The Andhra government has also announced introduction of a new category of low-priced liquor, costing ₹99 or less, to provide affordable options while maintaining quality standards and curb demand for illicit liquor

The Andhra Pradesh government on Tuesday issued orders notifying the new liquor policy for the next two years, withdrawing the retail liquor business from the government and entrusting it with private dealers.

The previous YSR Congress party government led by Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy had taken over the retail liquor sale from the private dealers and operated the business through AP State Beverages Corporation in the last five years. This policy came to an end on September 30.

A shortlist of the biggest headlines, recommended stories, and a special collection of news items that you should check out.

United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with external affairs minister S Jaishankar in Washington DC on Tuesday and said India and the US are working together to address regional and global challenges. S Jaishankar is on his first visit to the US since Prime Minister Narendra Modi assumed power for the third time at the Centre.

Civil society members in Kolkata hit the streets on Tuesday night across different parts of the city to demand justice for the deceased postgraduate woman doctor who was allegedly raped and murdered inside RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9. Thousands of women protested along the streets at Shyambazar, Jadavpur, Kestopur, Netajinagar and Haridevpur to demand safety and security of women and strict punishment for those behind the brutal crime.

Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/morning-briefing-s-jaishankar-meets-antony-blinken-in-us-protests-resume-across-kolkata-and-more-101727839122169.html

A helicopter crashed in Maharashtra’s Pune on Wednesday morning. Three people onboard the chopper were killed in the incident, the police said.

According to news agency PTI, the helicopter crashed near a hilly terrain in Bavdhan, a residential suburb in the city, while it was en route to Juhu in Mumbai.

The incident happened at nearly 7.35 am today, soon after the chopper took off from the Oxford Golf Course helipad in Pune, Shashikant Mahavarkar, Joint Commissioner of Police, Pimpri Chinchwad told reporters. He also said the weather was foggy at the time of the incident.

The helicopter belonged to a Delhi-based private aviation firm, PTI reported.

She claimed that the current flood in the state was ‘man-made’ as the deluge was ‘triggered’ by the release of ‘excessive’ water from DVC barrages in a short period after heavy rain in the neighbouring states.

Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday stressed the need to provide aid to flood-affected people during the Durga puja as the residents of several districts in the state are being severely hit by the deluge.

She claimed that the current flood in the state was “man-made” as the deluge was “triggered” by the release of “excessive” water from DVC barrages in a short period after heavy rain in the neighbouring states.

“We have to bring a smile to the faces of the flood-hit people of the northern and southern districts. We have to provide relief to them while we are celebrating Durga puja. We have to be on the side of people in Malda’s Ratua, half of which is underwater, and several other areas of north Bengal.

“We have to be vigilant about the situation in Kandi, Suti and Farakka till the day of Mahalaya – the time of high tides,” Banerjee said while addressing a Durga puja programme organised by Sreebhumi Sporting Club in the northern part of Kolkata.

Source: https://www.deccanherald.com/india/west-bengal/mamata-stresses-need-to-provide-relief-to-flood-hit-people-in-bengal-during-durga-puja-festivities-3215932

The Court also held that a husband can raise the plea of adultery by wife to oppose the petition for grant of interim maintenance and litigation expenses.

The Punjab and Haryana High Court recently held that the evidence taken from social media by a husband regarding wife’s adultery cannot be ignored while deciding the wife’s plea for interim maintenance.

Justice Sumeet Goel reasoned that a family court is well within its jurisdiction to look into any evidence which in its judicial discretion may be essential for adjudicating the case before it.

“The material pertaining to social media etc., produced by the husband, in order to prove adultery of wife, can be looked into by the Court at the stage of adjudication of interim maintenance and expense of proceeding (litigation expenses),” the Court ruled.

This would be irrespective of the fact whether or not such material fulfils the provisions of Indian Evidence Act and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, the Court clarified.

“Interpretation of law ought to be in accordance with the veritable tenets of justice, equity and good conscience & must not be shackled by obsolete interpretations(s) that have lost their relevance in the present era. Evidentiary material emanating from social media timelines and profiles can also be relied upon by rival parties to substantial their case,” the Court said.

Justice Goel added that the current social life is extensively and openly engaged on social media platforms and apps like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and WhatsApp.

The social network footprints including photographs, textual exchanges can be well-mapped for evidentiary purposes and courts can take judicial notice of the same, the single-judge said.

The Court was hearing a revision petition filed a husband against the family court’s order directing him to pay an interim maintenance of ₹3,000 to his wife per month and one time litigation expenses of ₹10,000.

The counsel representing the husband alleged that she was living in adultery and thus was not entitled to interim maintenance under Section 125 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.

He referred to certain photographs to claim that she was either married or living in with some other man. A copy of a petition filed by the wife was also produced to show that she herself had claimed to be living with that man.

However, the counsel representing the wife argued that the plea of adultery cannot be raised at the stage of interim maintenance. It was also contended that the husband had no cogent evidence to prove the claim of adultery.

In a post on X, PM Modi said the revered Bapu’s life and ideals based on truth, harmony and equality would always be an inspiration for the country’s people. Modi also paid tribute to India’s second prime minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, who was also born on this day.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, the most iconic figure of India’s freedom movement, on his birth anniversary.

In a post on X, Modi said the revered Bapu’s life and ideals based on truth, harmony and equality would always be an inspiration for the country’s people.

Gandhi, hailed as the father of the nation, steadfastly followed the principles of truth and non-violence, inspiring generations of politicians and activists around the world.

PM Modi Pays Tribute To Lal Bahadur Shastri

“The same figure has been reduced to 89 in 2023-24. Out of this 40 derailments had occurred on the main line while 49 occurred in the yards. The average derailment per day comes to around 0.24 per day” added official.

Despite several derailment incidents reported in recent months, ministry of railways claim that the overall number of derailments has decreased compared to the period of the Congress government.

“Because of the consistent efforts taken by Indian Railways over the last 10 years the number of accidents have significantly reduced” said an official of Indian Railway on Monday .

“From 2004 to 14 in every year 445 derailments had occurred. Out of them 171 were on the main line and 274 happened in the yards. This comes to approximately 1.2 derailments per day” he said.

On September 29, Jigani Police got a tip-off about the Pakistani nationals residing in the Rajapura village near Anagha Layout. Two of their relatives were arrested by the Chennai Police in the case of obtaining passports by giving fake documents.

Bengaluru: The investigation into the arrest of the Pakistani nationals in Bengaluru has revealed shocking facts. An official said that all four arrested persons including two women hailed from Pakistani cities of Karachi and Lahore.

“They had managed to obtain Indian passports and indulged in the activity of spreading religion. All accused had taken the identity of Hindus in Bengaluru,” he said

About The People Involved

The arrested are identified as Rashidh Ali Siddakki aka Shankar Sharma, a resident of Karachi in Pakistan; Ayesha aka Asha Rani, a resident of Lahore in Pakistan; Hanif Mohammad aka Rambabu Sharma, a resident of Lahore; Rubina aka Rani Sharma, a resident of Lahore in Pakistan.

As per the official sources, the price of a 19 kg commercial LPG gas cylinder has been increased by Rs 48.50, marking a significant rise for businesses and establishments that rely on these cylinders.

The oil marketing companies on Tuesday announced a hike in the prices of commercial LPG gas cylinders, effective from today (October 1st), according to the sources.

As per the official sources, the price of a 19 kg commercial LPG gas cylinder has been increased by Rs 48.50, marking a significant rise for businesses and establishments that rely on these cylinders. Due to the increase in LPG cylinder prices, a 19 kg LPG cylinder now costs Rs 1,740 in Delhi compared to Rs 1,691.50 earlier.

Along with the 19 kg variant, the prices of 5 kg Free Trade LPG cylinders have also been increased by Rs 12.

This price revision will directly impact restaurants, hotels, and other commercial establishments that utilise these cylinders for daily operations.

Last month, also on 1st September, the oil marketing companies increased the rate of 19 kg commercial LPG gas cylinders by Rs 39. After the hike, the retail sales price of a 19 kg commercial LPG cylinder in Delhi was Rs 1,691.50.

Source: https://www.freepressjournal.in/business/commercial-lpg-cylinder-prices-hiked-by-4850

The Court also expressed serious doubts about why Vasudev had given his daughter in marriage and made her settle well in life but was encouraging other women to renounce their material life.

The bodies were found by a joint team comprising personnel from the Dogra Scouts of the Indian Army and Tiranga Mountain Rescue.

The bodies were found by a joint team comprising personnel from the Dogra Scouts of the Indian Army and Tiranga Mountain Rescue.

“In an extraordinary development, the ongoing search and rescue mission to recover the remains of personnel from the AN-12 aircraft, which crashed on Rohtang Pass in 1968, has achieved significant breakthroughs,” said an official.

Wreckage Found After Decades

The wreckage was first discovered in 2003 by mountaineers from the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering, sparking multiple expeditions over the years by the Indian Army, especially the Dogra Scouts which have been at the forefront of search missions in 2005, 2006, 2013, and 2019.

Only five bodies of the victims were recovered by 2019 in view of the treacherous conditions and unforgiving terrain of the crash site, according to officials.

The Chandra Bhaga Mountain Expedition has now recovered four more bodies, bringing renewed hope to the families of the victims and the nation. The three out of four bodies are of Malkhan Singh, Sepoy Narayan Singh and Craftsman Thomas Charan, the officials said.

Mayank Chaudhary, Superintendent of Police of the Lahaul-Spiti district, confirmed on Monday evening to ANI that information about the discovery had been received through a satellite phone from the Army expedition team. This team was conducting a mountaineering expedition in the remote and challenging region of CB-13 (Chandrabhaga-13 Peak), near Batal in Lahaul-Spiti.

Source: https://www.timesnownews.com/india/56-years-after-air-force-plane-crash-over-rohtang-pass-mortal-remains-of-4-soldiers-found-article-113832271

The Supreme Court on Monday sought response from the Delhi government and BJP leader Rajiv Babbar on a plea of Delhi Chief Minister Atishi and AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal challenging the high court order refusing to quash a defamation case against them.

A bench of Justices Hrishikesh Roy and SVN Bhatti issued a notice in the matter and stayed the proceedings in the trial court.

Senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi, appearing for Atishi and Kejriwal, submitted that the defamation case has been filed by Babbar, as authorised representative of BJP Delhi.

”BJP, neither central nor Delhi, has not filed any complaint. Babbar is not the person I have allegedly defamed,” he submitted.

Senior advocate Sonia Mathur, appearing for Babbar, stated that the BJP leader has filed the case on behalf of the party.

Both Atishi and Kejriwal has challenged the September 2 order of the Delhi High Court, which had refused to quash the proceedings against them and other AAP leaders over their remarks about alleged deletion of names of voters, saying the imputations prima facie lowered the reputation of the BJP.

A BJP functionary from Indore district on Monday urged organisers to make people sip “gaumutra” (cow urine) before letting them in garba pandals during Navratri festival as a Hindu can never refuse this precondition.

The Congress questioned the BJP leader’s call, terming it a new tactic of polarisation by the saffron party.

The 2024 southwest monsoon season officially ended on Monday, with India recording 934.8 mm rainfall, 108 per cent of the long-period average and the highest since 2020, according to India Meteorological Department data.

Central India received 19 per cent more rainfall than the long-period average for the region, the southern peninsula recorded 14 per cent more than normal, and northwest India saw 7 per cent more than usual.

East and northeast India registered 14 per cent less rainfall than normal, the data showed.

The country experienced a rainfall deficit of 11 per cent in June, followed by an excess of 9 per cent in July, 15.7 per cent in August, and 10.6 per cent in September.

Only three meteorological subdivisions recorded deficient rainfall this monsoon season.

India’s geographical area is divided into 36 meteorological subdivisions. Twenty-one subdivisions recorded normal rainfall, 10 saw excess rainfall, and two experienced large excess rainfall.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will mark the completion of 10 years of the Swachh Bharat Mission launch by participating in the Swachh Bharat Diwas programme on October 2, during which he will launch and lay foundation stones for several projects related to sanitation and cleanliness worth more than Rs 9,600 crore.

The Swachh Bharat Diwas programme will showcase India’s decade-long sanitation achievements and those in the recently-concluded ”Swachhata Hi Seva” campaign.

”Marking the completion of 10 years of the launch of one of the most significant mass movements for cleanliness — the Swachh Bharat Mission — Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will participate in Swachh Bharat Diwas 2024 programme on the occasion of 155th Gandhi Jayanti on 2nd October at around 10 AM in Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi,” a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said.

The projects to be launched include those worth more than Rs 6,800 crore aimed at enhancing urban water and sewage systems under AMRUT and AMRUT 2.0, 10 projects worth over Rs 1,550 crore focused on improving water quality and waste management in Ganga basin areas under the National Mission for Clean Ganga and 15 compressed biogas (CBG) plant projects worth more than Rs 1,332 crore under the GOBARdhan scheme.

The Swachh Bharat Diwas programme will also set the stage for the next phase of this national endeavour, the statement said.

It will also see nationwide participation from local government bodies, women’s groups, youth organisations and community leaders, ensuring that the spirit of ”Sampoorna Swachhata” reaches every corner of the country.

The theme for ”Swachhata Hi Seva 2024” — ”Swabhav Swachhata, Sanskaar Swachhata” — has once again united the country in its commitment to cleanliness, public health and environmental sustainability, the statement said.

Source: https://www.news18.com/india/pm-modi-to-launch-sanitation-cleanliness-projects-worth-over-rs-9600-crore-on-oct-2-9069583.html

Kolkata rape-murder: The doctors, who called off their weeks-long strike on September 19, said the government hasn’t fulfilled their demands.

After Supreme Court censured Chandrababu Naidu’s statement on animal fat in Tirupati prasadam, TDP doubled down on the CM’s allegations.

New Financial Rules: Let’s take a look at the key financial changes that will come into effect from October 1, 2024.

Several key changes to income taxes will come into effect on October 1. As outlined in the Union Budget 2024, modifications were made to the Aadhaar card, Pan Card, Securities Transaction Tax (STT), TDS rates, and the Direct Tax Vivad Se Vishwas Scheme 2024. These proposed adjustments have now been passed in the Finance Bill.

Let’s take a look at the key financial changes that will come into effect from October 1, 2024:

• Securities Transaction Tax (STT): The 2024 budget increased the STT on Futures and Options (F&O) of securities to 0.02% and 0.1%, respectively. Additionally, income received from share buybacks will now be taxed at the beneficiary level. These changes passed in the Finance Bill, will be implemented from October 1, 2024.
• Aadhaar: To prevent PAN misuse and duplication, starting October 1, provisions allowing the use of an Aadhaar Enrollment ID in place of an Aadhaar number, as well as Aadhaar details in ITRs and PAN applications, will no longer apply.
• Share Buybacks: From October 1, share buybacks will be taxed at the shareholder level, similar to dividends. This will increase the tax burden on investors, as the acquisition cost of shares will now be factored in when calculating capital gains or losses.
• TDS on Floating Rate Bonds: Starting October 1, 2024, a 10% tax deducted at source (TDS) will apply to specific central and state government bonds, including floating rate bonds. However, TDS will only apply if the income exceeds ₹ 10,000 in a year.

Source: https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/you-wont-need-aadhaar-to-apply-for-pan-card-from-today-all-about-this-and-other-rule-changes-from-oct-1-6689749

A bench led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud said it cannot allow such a talent to be wasted

Atul Kumar was all smiles as he walked out of the Supreme Court this afternoon. A short while back, a bench led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud used its extraordinary powers to ask IIT Dhanbad to admit Atul Kumar to its electrical engineering course.
The 18-year-old Dalit youth from Uttar Pradesh’s Muzaffarnagar cracked the difficult entrance exam to the country’s most coveted engineering course this year. He is from a family below poverty line and his father, a daily-wage labourer, could not arrange the ₹ 17,500 admission fee in time to block the seat.

Atul then ran from pillar to post to save the hard-earned seat. He approached the National Commission for Scheduled Castes, but the panel said it cannot help. Atul also went to the Jharkhand State Legal Services Authority because he had taken the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) at a centre in Jharkhand. The legal services body suggested he approach the Madras High Court because IIT Madras had conducted JEE this time. The high court then asked him to approach the Supreme Court where he got relief.

“I have been provided with the seat. I am very happy. The court said my seat could not be snatched away solely due to a financial problem. The train that had derailed is back on track now,” he said with a smile. Atul said he was hopeful of getting help from the top court. Asked what lies ahead, he replied, “I will work hard and become an electrical engineer from IIT-Dhanbad.”

Earlier, the Chief Justice-led bench said it cannot allow such a talent to be wasted. “He went to Jharkhand Legal Services Authority. Then he is (sent) to Chennai legal services and then to the high court. He is a Dalit boy, he is being made to run from pillar to post,” the bench said.

The petitioner’s counsel said Atul’s father earns ₹ 450 daily. “The task of arranging 17,500 is a big deal. He collected money from villagers.”

Source: https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/supreme-court-train-back-on-track-dalit-student-after-top-court-asks-iit-to-admit-him-6684065