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Mon, 05 August 2024
Night curfew in Meghalaya's border with Bangladesh
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23:51 Cheetah cub dies in MP park, second fatality in last two months
A five-month-old cub of African cheetah, Gamini, died at Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh on Monday, an official said.
This is the second fatality of a cheetah cub in the last two months after June 4.
Both the deceased cubs were born to Gamini in March this year and part of her six-cub litter.
The cub's health condition suddenly worsened on Monday morning and emergency treatment was given. But the cub unfortunately died, as per a release issued by APCCF (additional porincipal chief conservator of forest)
Uttam Kumar Sharma, director of lion project.
The latest fatality took the number of the feline death count since the launch of the Cheetah Reintroduction project in September 2022, to 12, including seven adult cheetahs- three females and four males, and five cubs, the official said.
The rest 25 cheetahs are healthy and normal. During monitoring on July 29 evening, one of the cubs of Gamini was seen unable to lift the hind portion of its body.
On further observation, the cub was seen dragging the entire hind portion. She was immediately rescued and brought to the hospital.
The examination found that the cub's vertebral column was fractured, as per the release.-- PTI
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23:05 Man held in Kolkata for sending mail threatening to blow up Bihar CM office
The police on Monday arrested a 51-year-old man from Kolkata on the charge of sending an email threatening to blow up the Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's office in Patna, officials said in Kolkata.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the accused is not linked with any terror group, though he had claimed in the email that he is associated with Al-Qaeda.
The man, who was arrested in Bowbazar area of Kolkata, will be brought to Patna after obtaining transit remand, senior superintendent of police Patna, Rajeev Mishra said.
The accused Mohd Zahid, the owner of a small shop on BB Ganguly Street, hailed from Bihar's Begusarai district. It is not yet clear why he had sent that threat mail on July 16. -- PTI
22:50 Night curfew in Meghalaya's border with Bangladesh
Amid the ongoing crisis in Bangladesh after the resignation of Sheikh Hasina as PM, the Meghalaya government imposed a night curfew in the state along the Indo-Bangladesh border from Monday.
Meghalaya deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong said that in view of the current situation in Bangladesh, the Meghalaya government had decided to impose night curfew along the Indo-Bangladesh border from Monday night.
The curfew had been imposed from 6 pm to 6 am on the international border with Bangladesh within 200 meters of the border line inside Indian territory, upon the advice of the Border Security Force.
Further, Preston had requested the people living on the international border with Bangladesh not to go to the curfew area after 6 pm.
"Today evening I called an urgent meeting on seeing the situation in Bangladesh. State chief secretary, DGP, and IG of BSF were present in the meeting. Today we decide to impose curfews all along the international border with Bangladesh from tonight. This curfew will be implemented only up to 200 meters inside the Indian territory from the zero point or from the international border pillar from 6 pm to 6 am every day until the situation is improved," Prestone Tynsong said. -- ANI
22:21 Bangladesh unrest: Mamata appeals for peace in Bengal, avoid provocation
Amid the ongoing unrest in neighbouring Bangladesh, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday appealed to the people of the state to maintain peace and avoid provocation.
Declining to comment on developments in Bangladesh, the chief minister said it is a matter for the ministry of external affairs to respond.
"I would appeal to all citizens of West Bengal to maintain peace and avoid all forms of provocation," Banerjee told reporters at the West Bengal assembly.
"Whatever decision the Centre takes on this issue, we will abide by it," she said.
Sheikh Hasina on Monday resigned as PM and left the country, several news reports said, amid massive protests against her government that claimed more than 106 lives in the last two days. -- PTI
22:03 Cabinet Committee on Security meets over Bangladesh unrest
Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security on Monday night as the government's top brass was briefed about the situation in Bangladesh.
The meeting came as Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled her country and landed in India on her way to London.
Modi was joined by other members of the CCS, including Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
They were briefed by officials on the situation in the neighbouring country, official sources said.
21:31 Cab driver arrested for molesting woman during morning walk in Bengaluru
A 34-year-old woman was allegedly molested by a cab driver two days ago while she was waiting for a neigbhour to join her for a morning walk.
The accused was arrested on Monday, the police said.
The incident which occurred at around 5 am on August 2 in Konanakunte police station limits of South Bengaluru was caught on CCTV camera of a house on the road, and it went viral on social media platforms, they said.
In the purported video (running 1.06 minutes), the woman is seen waiting in front of a house.
She is suddenly caught hold of by a man from behind.
He grasps her and molests her.
She shouts for help and manages to run away, but he chases her.
He overpowers her as she tries to free herself from his clutches.
But when the woman screams for help, he manages to flee from the spot. Following the CCTV footage, the police traced the victim and asked her to lodge a complaint.
"The woman was waiting in front of the house of her neigbhour in a narrow bylane to go for a morning walk when the incident occurred. An unidentified man allegedly caught hold of her and molested her. When she screamed, he managed to flee from the spot," a senior police officer said. -- PTI
Sheikh Hasina
21:17 No political comeback for Hasina, says son
Bangladesh's ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina will not make a political comeback, her son and former official adviser Sajeeb Wazed Joy said on Monday, asserting that she left the country for her own safety on her family's insistence.
Hasina, 76, resigned and left the country for London earlier in the day amid mass protests against her government.
In an interview to Newshour on the BBC World Service, Joy said there would be no political comeback for his mother.
He said that Hasina had been considering resigning since Sunday and had left the country for her own safety after her family insisted.
Joy said that his mother, who ruled Bangladesh for 15 years, was "so disappointed that after all her hard work, for a minority to rise up against her," according to the report.
Expressing Hasina's disappointment, he said, "She has turned Bangladesh around. When she took over power, it was considered a failing state. It was a poor country. Until today it was considered one of the rising tigers of Asia. She's very disappointed."
The clashes between protesters demanding Hasina's resignation and the ruling Awami League supporters in different parts of Bangladesh on Sunday erupted days after more than 200 people were killed in violent clashes between police and mostly student protesters.
At least 300 people have been killed within a fortnight. -- PTI
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20:56 Dhaka-bound IndiGo flight diverted to Kolkata amid Bangladesh unrest
A Dhaka-bound IndiGo flight from Chennai was diverted to Kolkata following the unrest in Bangladesh and the closure of the airport in its capital on Monday, an official said Kolkata.
The flight landed at Kolkata at 4.56pm and left for Chennai after refuelling.
Kolkata airport received a message from the Dhaka airport in the afternoon that it would be closed till 22.30 pm, according to another official.
Flight 6E 1113 with 81 passengers on board was diverted to the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata due to unrest in Dhaka, an Airports Authorities of India official said.
Air India also decided to cancel all its scheduled operation to and fro the Bangladesh capital.
"In view of the emerging situation in Bangladesh, we have cancelled the scheduled operation of our flights to and from Dhaka with immediate effect. We are continuously monitoring the situation and are extending support to our passengers with confirmed bookings for travel to and from Dhaka with a one-time waiver on rescheduling and cancellation charges," the airline posted on X.
Safety of our guests and crew remains our foremost priority, it added.
Officials at Kolkata airport also said that several Dhaka-bound flights, mostly of airlines of that country, were diverted to Chittagong.
Bangladesh witnessed violent protests against the Sheikh Hasina government in the last two days. -- PTI
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20:43 Jaishankar meets Modi amid Bangladesh turmoil
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday as Bangladesh leader Sheikh Hasina landed at the Hindon airbase near Ghaziabad on her way to London amid turmoil in her country.
Jaishankar is believed to have briefed Modi about the evolving situation in the neighbouring country but there was no official word on the meeting.
Hasina, who resigned earlier in the day as Bangladesh prime minister following massive anti-government protests, arrived in India in a C-130J military transport aircraft of the Bangladesh Air Force. -- PTI
Bangladeshi ex-prime minister Sheikh Hasina/Shrikant Singh/ANI Photo
20:17 Sheikh Hasina to be moved to safe location
National security advisor Ajit Doval and senior military officials met the Bangladeshi ex-prime minister Sheikh Hasina at the Hindon Airbase in Uttar Pradesh, said sources.
Indian Air Force and other security agencies are providing security to her and she is being moved to a safe location, sources added.
Hasina held discussions with Ajit Doval on the present situation in Bangladesh and her future course of action at the Hindon Air Base.
Indian Air Force has put its personnel on alert in every eastern sector, in view of the present developments, said sources. -- ANI
19:49 Indo-Bangla trade 'halted' amid violence in Bangladesh
Indo-Bangladesh trade has 'halted' this afternoon amid unrest in the neighbouring country due to large-scale protests that resulted in Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigning on Monday, according to traders.
On Sunday, the Bangladesh government announced a three-day trade holiday, excluding essential services, through a notification.
West Bengal Exporters Coordination Committee secretary Ujjal Saha said that due to lack of clearance from Bangladeshi customs at their land ports, export and import activities were stalled in all land ports.
"There had been some movement in the morning, but later it stopped," he said.
Trade was disrupted following violent protests against the Sheikh Hasina government in Bangladesh in the last two days.
Hasina resigned on Monday and left the country, several news reports said.
However, there was no official confirmation that she left Dhaka.
"The Bangladesh government has called for a three-day total holiday, except for essential services, and hence the Bangladeshi borders are closed for business," Saha said. -- PTI
19:28 Amoebic brain fever: 3 persons diagnosed in Kerala, precautions advised
Three persons who bathed in a pond in this South Kerala district have been diagnosed with amoebic meningoencephalitis, state health minister Veena George said on Monday.
In a statement, she revealed that a recent death in Thiruvananthapuram was also confirmed to have been from the deadly disease, commonly known as amoebic brain fever.
The three patients diagnosed with the disease are currently undergoing treatment at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College hospital.
According to the minister, all of these patients had come into contact with the virus from the pond where they had bathed.
In light of the confirmed cases of amoebic meningoencephalitis in Thiruvananthapuram, the health department has issued an advisory.
People using water from ponds where animals are bathed or where water hyacinths are present are advised to exercise caution.
The advisory recommended avoiding bathing or washing one's face in contaminated water.
Amoebic meningoencephalitis is a rare and often fatal disease caused by the amoeba Naegleria fowleri. -- PTI
Protesters block an ambulance in Dhaka, Bangladesh/Mohammad Ponir/Reuters Hossain
19:05 Dhaka's Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre attacked
An unruly mob on Monday damaged the Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre and the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum located at the Dhanmondi area in the Bangladesh capital, eyewitnesses said.
The protesters on Monday afternoon set fire to several key locations in Dhaka, including Bangabandhu Bhaban, also known as the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum, at Dhanmondi 32, the Dhaka Tribune newspaper reported.
The museum was dedicated to Hasina's father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman who was assassinated while serving as president in 1975.
The Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre located in the same area was also damaged by the unruly mob, according to eyewitnesses.
The development comes as a massive protest forced Prime Minister Sheikh to resign and leave Bangladesh.
Army chief General Waqar-uz-Zaman announced that an interim government was being formed and urged protesters to end the violence.
The Centre, formally inaugurated in March 2010, promotes bilateral cultural linkages between India and Bangladesh by organising cultural programmes, cultural seminars, workshops and engaging India based Gurus professionals and trainers for Yoga, Hindi, Indian classical Vocal Music and Indian Dances such as Kathak and Manipuri. -- PTI
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18:41 Air India cancels flight services to and from Dhaka
Air India has cancelled the scheduled flight services to and from Dhaka with immediate effect in the wake of the ongoing violence in Bangladesh and subsequent resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Air India tweets, "In view of the emerging situation in Bangladesh, we have cancelled the scheduled operation of our flights to and from Dhaka with immediate effect. We are continuously monitoring the situation and are extending support to our passengers with confirmed bookings for travel to and from Dhaka with a one-time waiver on rescheduling and cancellation charges...Safety of our guests and crew remains our foremost priority. For more information, please call our 24/7 Contact Centre at 011-69329333 / 011-69329999." -- ANI
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18:21 Goods train derails in Rajasthan's Beawar, no casualty
The engine and wagon of a goods train derailed in Beawar district of Rajasthan on Monday, officials said.
In charge of Sendra police station Jagdish Prasad said the engine and wagon of the loaded goods train going to Palanpur from Ajmer got derailed after some stones fell on the track from a hill due to rainfall.
"The track has also been damaged. Railway officials reached the spot and work to restore the track was started," he said, adding that there was no injury to the train driver or guard. -- PTI
18:19 Sheikh Hasina lands at Hindon Air Base in UP
Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has landed at Hindon Air Base in a C-130 transport aircraft, said sources.
The aircraft will be parked near the Indian Air Force's C-17 and C-130J Super Hercules aircraft hangars.
The aircraft movement was monitored by Indian Air Force and security agencies from its entry into Indian airspace to Hindon airbase in Ghaziabad, added sources. -- ANI
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17:50 Kolkata-Dhaka Maitree Express cancelled
The services of Kolkata-Dhaka-Kolkata Maitree Express will remain cancelled on Tuesday, the Eastern Railway said, citing a message from the authorities concerned in Bangladesh.
The services of Maitree Express, which has not been operational since July 19, will remain suspended on August 6, the ER said in a statement. Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned on Monday amid massive protests against her government that claimed more than 100 lives in the last two days.
An interim government is taking over, Bangladesh Army Chief General Waqar-uz-Zaman announced on Monday.
The operations of the bi-weekly Kolkata-Khulna-Kolkata Bandhan Express have also remained cancelled since July 21 following large-scale violent protests. -- PTI
17:22 Hasina travelling in transport plane to UK via India
Update: Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who resigned on Monday following unprecedented anti-government protests, is on her way to London through India, multiple diplomatic sources said.
Hasina is learnt to be travelling in a transport aircraft of the Bangladesh Air Force and it is expected to have a stopover in India. It is not immediately clear whether the military transport aircraft will take her beyond India or she will travel to London in a different plane.
India decided to provide a safe passage through the Indian airspace to Hasina's aircraft following a request from Dhaka, the sources cited above told PTI.
Indian government sources said New Delhi is closely following the fast-paced developments in Dhaka. There is no reaction yet from India on the unfolding developments in Bangladesh.
In Dhaka, Bangladesh Army Chief General Waqar-uz-Zaman said Hasina has resigned and an interim government is taking over the responsibilities. "I'm taking all responsibility (of the country). Please cooperate," he said in a televised address.
Relatives of a man who died in the protests. Pic: Stringer/Reuters
17:20 Sheikh Hasina's party office set afire
Update: Thousands of protesters in Bangladesh on Monday looted and vandalised Sheikh Hasina's official residence in the capital Dhaka, smashed a statue of her father Mujibur Rahman with hammers and set her party's offices on fire as they celebrated her departure as Prime Minister.
Hasina, 76, resigned amid mass protests against her government.
The protests, which started last month initially with a demand to end the quota system that reserved 30% of government jobs for the families of veterans who fought in Bangladesh's war of independence against Pakistan in 1971, later turned into anti-government demonstrations.
Jubilant crowds took to the streets across the country to celebrate their victory after Army Chief General Waqar-uz-Zaman announced her resignation. Her resignation ended her 15 years in power.
Thousands of protesters defied a military curfew and stormed her official residence. However, she was not at her residence.
Video footage showed protesters vandalising and looting Hasina's official residence 'Ganabhaban' in the capital Dhaka. They were seen celebrating on the Ganabhaban premises waving their hands in the air.
Many of them were seen leaving with many belongings of the Ganabhaban. Videos on social media showed protesters climbing a statue of Hasina's father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, a 1971 Liberation War hero, in Dhaka and smashing it with hammers.
Her Awami League's office in Dhanmondi and Dhaka was set on fire by the agitators who chanted anti-government slogans. They also attacked and vandalised the residence of Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal in the capital. Smoke was also seen coming out of the house.
The Army Chief announced her resignation in a dramatic development amid massive protests against her government that claimed more than 100 lives in the last two days. The violence forced authorities to enforce a nationwide curfew for an indefinite period. At least six people were killed in a fresh outbreak of violence on Monday.
The government in the morning ordered a complete internet shutdown as protestors asked the general public to join a "Long March to Dhaka". However, a government agency later gave a verbal order to start broadband internet around 1:15 on Monday.
The police and military were seen on roads as protesters gathered in the capital for Monday's March. The day began with an eerie calm, but it turned violent after supporters of the ruling Awami League descended on the streets to subdue anti-government protests who defied curfew to gather for the "Long March to Dhaka". At least 101 people, including 14 policemen, were killed in clashes on Sunday. PTI
17:14 Kolkata-Dhaka Maitree Express cancelled
The services of Kolkata-Dhaka-Kolkata Maitree Express will remain cancelled on Tuesday, the Eastern Railway said, citing a message from the authorities concerned in Bangladesh.
The services of Maitree Express, which has not been operational since July 19, will remain suspended on August 6, the ER said in a statement. Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned on Monday amid massive protests against her government that claimed more than 100 lives in the last two days.
An interim government is taking over, Bangladesh Army Chief General Waqar-uz-Zaman announced on Monday. The operations of the bi-weekly Kolkata-Khulna-Kolkata Bandhan Express have also remained cancelled since July 21 following large-scale violent protests. PTI
Celebrations on the streets of Dhaka after the PM resigned
17:06 Sheikh Hasina headed to London: Reports
Sheikh Hasina, who resigned as Bangladesh Prime Minister following massive anti-government protests, is known to be on her way to London, people familiar with the matter said on Monday.
Hasina resigned on Monday and left the country, reports from Dhaka said. She is leaving for London, the people cited above said. PTI
17:05 Security beefed up at Bangladesh High Commission in Delhi
The Delhi Police has beefed up security at the Bangladesh High Commission in Chanakyapuri here in the wake of developments in the neighbouring country, an officer said on Monday.
Police have also made tightened security outside the Indira Gandhi International Airport, in case Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina lands in the national capital.
Hasina has resigned and an interim government is taking over, Bangladesh Army Chief General Waqar-uz-Zaman announced on Monday. There were unconfirmed reports that she was headed to a city in India. "More barricades have been placed outside the commission and the number of police personnel deployed there has been increased," a Delhi Police officer said. More than 100 people have been killed in the protests against the
Hasina government in the last two days. The country has been witnessing fierce demonstrations over the controversial quota system that reserves 30 per cent of jobs for the families of veterans who fought the 1971 liberation war. PTI
Mohammad Ponir Hossain/Reuters
16:46 Sheikh Hasina's father's statue toppled in Dhaka
From the BBC: One demonstrator has told the BBC that a statue of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in Ganabhaban -- the prime minister's official residence -- is being demolished by protestors.
He was Sheikh Hasina's father and an independence movement leader.
Sayem Faruk tells the BBC that the scenes are reminiscent of Saddam Hussein's statue being taken down in Iraq in 2003. He says people are attacking the statue.
Some personal cars of ministers abandoned in the area are also being damaged by the crowd, while other people are climbing on top of armoured vehicles, Faruk says.
He adds that army troops on the streets seem relieved by Hasina's departure.
Image: People shake hands with army personnel in Dhaka after Sheikh Hasina resigns.
Mohammad Ponir Hossain/Reuters
16:29 Celebrations ring out in Bangladesh
People celebrate the resignation of Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in Dhaka, Bangladesh, today. Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday resigned and left the country, several news reports said amid massive protests against her government that claimed more than 106 lives in the last two days.
16:19 C-130 plane with Sheikh Hasina heads to Delhi
Indian security agencies are monitoring a C-130 aircraft with call sign AJAX1431 since 10 kms from Indian border with Bangladesh and it is heading towards Delhi. It is believed that Sheikh Hasina and some members of her entourage are on this plane.
The C-130 aircraft is expected to reach around 1700-1715 hours at a runway in India. The Bangladesh Air Force plane has crossed Patna and reached near UP-Bihar border. Top security brass monitoring the situation very closely. All radars active and keeping a close watch on it: Sources to ANI
16:16 Only Rs 138 crore refunded so far out of Rs 25,000 crore to Sahara investors: FM
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday said so far only Rs 138.07 crore has been refunded to investors out of the total of over Rs 25,000 crore under the two Sahara schemes.
Replying to a question in the lower house, Sitharaman said so far, the number of claims, was 19,650.
Of those, based on the eligibility criteria, 17,256 claims could be entertained and that resulted in just Rs 138.07 crore.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said repeated attempts through advertisements for public outreach is not yielding results.
Protestors in Dhaka. Mohammad Ponir Hossain/Reuters
16:08 Jubilant crowds take over streets in Bangladesh
From the BBC: Jubilant crowds have taken to the streets in Bangladesh, celebrating the departure of long-term Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Crowds waved flags as some demonstrators danced on top of a parked tank in the capital Dhaka, AFP news agency reported.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh's Channel24 broadcast footage of ecstatic protesters breaking into Hasina's official residence in Dhaka, with some waving to the camera as they streamed into the compound.
Army chief Waker uz Zaman
16:07 Army takes charge in B'desh, Hasina home looted
Statement coming in from Bangladesh Army chief Waker uz Zaman. "Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has resigned; interim government to take over, says the Army chief.
Bangladesh Army chief says he met political leaders and told them army will take over responsibility for law and order.
Waqar-uz-Zaman says, "I'm taking all responsibility (of the country). Please cooperate." Bangladesh Army chief urges restraint, asks protesters to end violence
Footage that the BBC has sourced shows protesters looting Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's official residence in the capital Dhaka. Some of the demonstrators are seen carrying chairs and what looks like a sofa from the Ganabhaban residence.
15:58 BSF orders 'high alert' along Bangladesh border
The Border Security Force (BSF) on Monday issued a "high alert" across all its formations along the 4,096-km India-Bangladesh border in the wake of the developments in the neighbouring country, officials said.
BSF director general (acting) Daljit Singh Chawdhary and other senior commanders have landed in Kolkata to review the security situation, they said. The force has directed all its field commanders to be "on ground" and "deploy all personnel on border duty immediately", a senior officer told PTI.
The leaves of all the personnel posted along the Bangladesh border were cancelled in the last few weeks after Bangladesh witnessed massive protests and now all units have been asked to "acquire an all alert posture", he said.
The BSF guards the Indian front on the eastern flank of the country that runs along five states. West Bengal shares a total of 2,217 kilometres of border with Bangladesh, along with Tripura (856 km), Meghalaya (443 km), Assam (262 km) and Mizoram (318 km).
Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday resigned and left the country, several news reports said, amid massive protests against her government that claimed more than 106 lives in the last two days.
15:35 Sheikh Hasina leaves in a helicopter for Agartala: BBC
Update: Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday resigned and left the country, several news reports said amid massive protests against her government that claimed more than 106 lives in the last two days.
However, there was no official confirmation about her quitting and leaving Dhaka.
BBC reported that Hasina left on a helicopter for Agartala in Tripura. The Associated Press said she has resigned but gave no other details. However, the Ministry of External Affairs or local officials in Agartala refused to confirm the report.
Tripura Home Secretary P.K. Chakravarty told PTI "we have no such information. With the situation in the country fluid and uncertain, the Bangladeshi army chief was said to address the nation later Monday.
The private Jamuna television news channel reported that Hasina was forced to quit as prime minister after massive protests against her government over a controversial quota system that reserved 30 per cent of government jobs for relatives of veterans who fought in Bangladesh's War of Independence in 1971.
The channel said that Hasina and her younger sister Sheikh Rehana left the country in a helicopter. Hours later, hundreds of protesters stormed the prime minister's official residence. The government earlier ordered a complete internet shutdown as protestors asked the general public to join a "Long March to Dhaka".
However, a government agency gave a verbal order to start broadband internet around 1:15 on Monday.
Hasina, the 76-year-old daughter of Bangladesh founder Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, had been ruling the strategically located South Asian nation since 2009. She was elected for a record fourth consecutive term and fifth overall term in the 12th general election held in January, amid a boycott by the main opposition party Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) of former premier Khaleda Zia and its allies. -- PTI
Sheikh Hasina with LK Advani and Pratibha Advani in June
15:31 Sheikh Hasina flees to India, protestors storm home
Update: Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has left Dhakha in a military chopper amid nationwide violence in the country, local media reported on Monday.
As per latest reports from Bangladesh local media Sheikh Hasina has left for location in India. There is, however, no official confirmation.
Media outlet ProthomAlo said that Hasina's military chopper, took off from her Bangabhaban the official residence of the Bangladesh president with her at 2:30 (local time) today.
Sheikh Hasina was accompanied by her younger sister Sheikh Rehana in the chopper Prothom Alo reported citing sources that claimed that the Bangladesh Prime Minister departed for West Bengal in India by helicopter.
Protesters forced open the gates of Gono Bhaban and entered the premises of the prime minister's residence around 3 pm today, The Daily Star reported.
Thousands of people joined the Anti-Discrimination Students' Movement's "March to Dhaka" programme at the Mirpur 10 roundabout and moved towards Farmgate. Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman's who was made to make a televised address has been pushed back Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) said as cited by Bangladesh publication The Daily Star.
15:11 B'desh PM Sheikh Hasina resigns, leaves country
Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has reportedly resigned and left the country, amid massive protests against her government that has killed more than 106 people since Sunday. However, there was no official confirmation about her quitting and leaving Dhaka.
The private Jamuna television news channel reported that Hasina was forced to quit as prime minister after massive protests against her government over a controversial quota system that reserved 30 per cent of government jobs for relatives of veterans who fought in Bangladesh's War of Independence in 1971.
The army chief is expected to address the nation shortly, according to reports. The government earlier ordered a complete internet shutdown as protestors asked the general public to join a "Long March to Dhaka". However, a government agency gave a verbal order to start broadband internet around 1:15 on Monday.
15:04 Kerala: Burial for unclaimed bodies, 158 body parts
The mass burial of 31 unclaimed dead bodies and 158 body parts recovered after the July 30 landslide at Kerala's Wayanad will be held on Monday at the graves prepared inside a nearby tea estate, state Revenue Minister K Rajan said on Monday.
Rajan said the graves will be marked based on the identification number allotted to each body and the parts according to the DNA samples recovered from the body parts.
The minister, who met the media here, also said that the search operations to find the missing persons will continue.
"The 31 unclaimed bodies will be buried first. then each body part, from which DNA samples have been collected, will be buried in separate graves. The process will begin after the cabinet sub-committee meeting," Rajan said.
He said the search operations concentrating around the Chaliyar River and the nearby areas will be enhanced. The mass burial will take place in graves prepared on a 64-cent piece of land owned by Harrisons Malayalam Ltd here that has been acquired for this purpose.
The service of more cadaver dogs from various parts of the country has been requested, and 15 more dogs are expected to join the search operations today," Rajan said.
He said the number of missing persons came down on Sunday as more bodies were identified. On Saturday, five bodies were buried, and on Sunday eight more were laid to rest in graves prepared on land that had been acquired for the purpose. The burials were carried out amidst prayers and the last rites of all religions. PTI
Around a 100 people were killed yesterday in Bangladesh
14:42 6 more people killed in Dhaka ahead of Long March
At least six people were killed in a fresh outbreak of violence in Bangladesh on Monday as thousands of protesters started gathering for a "Long March to Dhaka", a day after over 100 people died in fierce clashes between the ruling party supporters and demonstrators demanding Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's resignation.
The government in the morning ordered a complete internet shutdown as protestors asked the general public to join a "Long March to Dhaka". However, a government agency gave a verbal order to start broadband internet around 1:15 on Monday, leading Bengali-language newspaper Prothom Alo said quoting sources.
There were no instructions about restoring mobile internet. The police and military were seen on roads as protesters started gathering in the capital.
At least six people were killed during clashes between police and protesters in Jatrabari and Dhaka Medical College areas, The Daily Star newspaper said. Some students from various educational institutions gathered at Dhaka Central Shaheed Minar before and after 10 am to participate in the 'March to Dhaka' programme, prompting the police to fire tear gas shells to disperse them.
All students and parents were requested to return home safely. Bangladesh Army Chief General Waqar-uz-Zaman is expected to address the nation after consulting all political parties. The Army issued a statement asking people to remain patient until the Army chief addresses them.
The clashes broke out Sunday morning when protesters attending the non-cooperation programme under the banner of the Students Against Discrimination with the one-point demand of Hasina's resignation over a job quota system faced opposition from the supporters of the ruling Awami League, Chhatra League, and Jubo League activists.
At least 101 people, including 14 policemen, were killed in clashes on Sunday, leading Bengali-language newspaper Prothom Alo reported.
14:20 US team at Doha 2024 World Aquatics performs to...
Veteran filmmaker Subhash Ghai on Monday said he feels blessed after he came across an old video of the US artistic swimming team performing to the musical theme of his 1999 hit film "Taal".
According to Ghai's X post, the US team performed to the film's score, composed by AR Rahman, at the Doha 2024 World Aquatics Championships in February. The 79-year-old director said it's rare for the music of a Hindi film to become this "iconic".
"RARELY IT HAPPENS WHEN A HINDI FILM THEME MUSIC LIKE TAAL' BECOMES ICONIC. It was seen At world Aquatics DOHA 2024 which inspired USA ARTISTIC SWIMMING TEAM to display their unique performance on music of TAAL. I feel blessed .. thank you all," Ghai wrote as he shared a link to a news story.
The title song of "Taal" was sung by Alka Yagnik and Udit Narayan. The track was penned by Anand Bakshi. The musical romance drama starred Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Akshaye Khanna, and Anil Kapoor. PTI
13:58 I took J-K people into confidence: PM on Art 370
"There was complete clarity in my mind that taking the public in Jammu and Kashmir into confidence was absolutely essential for the execution of the decision," Prime Minister Narendra Modi says about his government's decision to abrogate Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir.
The prime minister's remarks come in the foreword of a new book titled "370: Undoing the Unjust, A New Future for J&K".
"We wanted the decision, whenever it would be taken, to happen with concurrence of the people rather than imposition," he writes in the book, researched and written by non-profit organisation BlueKraft Digital Foundation and published under the Penguin Enterprise imprint.
The book mentions in detail how Modi managed to achieve the goal that he set out for himself. The publishers said the book, which is scheduled to release this month, "chronicles, what is inarguably the greatest constitutional feat in India's history and tells the inside story of how Prime Minister Modi managed the seemingly impossible".
It "delves into multiple blunders at the time of independence that culminated into the unjust regimen of Article 370. It discusses the social, political and economic ramifications of Article 370 since its inception in 1949", a statement by Penguin said on Monday, which marks five years of revocation of Article 370.
"It sheds light on the historical reluctance to challenge this provision and the eventual paradigm shift brought about by its abrogation in 2019. Through careful examination, it discusses how the government resolved legal complexities and safeguarded against security threats to successfully execute the historic decision," the statement said.
Replete with anecdotes, the book recounts the events leading to the abrogation and also chronicles the region's history -- from the ancient to contemporary times. The publishers claimed this is the "first book of its kind on the Modi government where the actual decision-making process has been documented through interactions with top decision makers including Prime Minister Narendra Modi".
13:47 Autorickshaw driver loses Rs 10.6 lakh in job scam
An autorickshaw driver from Maharashtra's Thane district was allegedly cheated of Rs 10.6 lakh by a fraudster who promised to get his son a job in the Railways, police said on Monday.
Based on a complaint, the police have registered a case against one Kiran Bhau Dalvi, a resident of Murbad, for criminal breach of trust, cheating and forgery, an official said.
The accused approached the victim in March 2022, promising to get his son a job in the Railways, and he allegedly provided a promissory note and fabricated letters from the Railways, he said.
Over time, the accused managed to get Rs 10.6 lakh from the complainant but did not provide any information about job status or return the money, the official said.
No arrest has been made in the case so far, and a probe is underway to find out if more accused are involved in the crime, he added. -- PTI
Udhayanidhi Stalin
13:23 Udhayanidhi as deputy CM? Stalin says...
DMK President and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on Monday admitted that clamour within his party has grown stronger to elevate his son and sports minister, Udhayanidhi, as his deputy but indicated the time is yet to come.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of his official programmes in Chennai, Stalin, when asked on demands gaining strength from a cross-section within the party to make Udhayanidhi the deputy CM and whether he would consider it, he said: "The demand has grown stronger; but it has not ripened."
For quite some time, there is expectation within the party that Udhayanidhi will be made the deputy chief minister.
Udhayanidhi, besides being the sports and youth welfare minister also handles the key portfolio of special programme implementation as part of which he inspects, reviews implementation of key projects such as the Chennai Metro Rail Phase-2.
13:02 Wayanad landslide superhero without cape missing
Local lad Prajeesh drove his jeep up through the treacherous hill path twice and returned with many hapless people who were stranded atop after the deadly landslides hit Wayanad's high-range Mundakkai last week.
Just before he could move to safety came a phone call for a third 'mission,' but the ever popular local boy is now missing, his damaged jeep seen at Chooralmala, leading to both fears of the worst and hopes for good news.
Risking his own life, the young man drove the vehicle up the hill for a third time but lost himself midway in the gushing flood water and mud and the barrage of huge boulders that rolled down the mountains.
That was the heartbreaking story of Prajeesh, who had plunged into a rescue mission and saved the precious lives of many people after the news about the devastating landslides broke out in the hamlets here in the wee hours of July 30.
With heavy heart and teary eyes, the people of Chooralmala village now call him their "super hero." Hailing from landslide-hit Chooralmala, Prajeesh was already popular among the villagers for his ever-ready-to-help anyone attitude, local people said.
A villager said that after hearing about the first series of landslides that hit Mundakkai hamlet, Prajeesh drove up the hill twice at his own risk and came back with many individuals who were stranded there.
"After that, he was about to shift to a safer place with his family members. Suddenly, he got another phone call, following which he again drove up the hill...but this time, he did not return," he said.
Prajeesh's damaged jeep was later found down in Chooralmala town, the man said, adding no one has seen him since then. Another villager said Prajeesh had been an inevitable presence in all the activities in the village and a favourite of everyone.
"Whether it is a marriage or funeral, he will be there from beginning to end. Like many other people, he personally helped me also a lot, especially during the marriage of my daughter," he said.
Prajeesh's friends said they warned him not to go to the hill when he began his journey for the third time. But he didn't heed them, saying there were more people trapped in Mundakai and that he wanted to save them. "Prajeesh was the super hero of our land...But we have lost him now," an emotional villager said. PTI
12:44 Coaching deaths: SC issues notice to Centre, Delhi
The Supreme Court on Monday took suo motu cognisance of the deaths of three civil services aspirants in the basement of a coaching centre here and sought responses from the Centre and the Delhi government.
A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan said the recent incident in the national capital was an eye-opener for all.
"These places (coaching centres) have become death chambers. Coaching institutes can operate online unless there is full compliance of the safety norms and basic norms for a dignified life. Coaching centres are playing with the lives of aspirants who come from different parts of the country," the bench said.
On Friday, the Delhi High Court transferred the probe into the deaths of the three students at Rau's IAS Study Circle in Old Rajinder Nagar from the city police to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) "to ensure the public has no doubt over the investigation".
The three who died were Shreya Yadav (25) of Uttar Pradesh, Tanya Soni (25) from Telangana and Nevin Delvin (24) from Kerala. PTI
Representational image
12:20 Chhattisgarh Dy CM's nephew drowns in waterfall
The 20-year-old nephew of Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao drowned in a waterfall in Kabirdham district, police said on Monday. Tushar Sahu drowned in Rani Dahra waterfall under Bodla police station limits during an outing with friends on Sunday evening, Kabirdham Additional Superintendent of Police Vikas Kumar said.
As per preliminary information, he entered the waterfall and fell into the deep water, he said.
A police team was rushed to the spot, and a search was launched to trace Tushar, he said. This morning, divers found the body stuck under a rock in the waters and fished it out, the official said.
Prima facie, it appears that the death was due to drowning, and further investigation is on, he added. Tushar, a resident of Bemetara town in neighbouring Bemetara district, was the son of the deputy chief minister's sister, police said. PTI
11:58 Uddhav heads to Delhi for 3 days, will meet...
Former Maharashtra Chief Minister and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray will visit Delhi on Tuesday for three days.
During his three-day-long visit to the national capital, the Shiv Sena (UBT) chief is likely to meet Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, and other leaders of the INDIA bloc.
On Uddhav Thackeray's to visit Delhi, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Monday said that the former Maharashtra Chief Minister will visit the national capital with Aaditya Thackeray.
"Shivsena Party chief Uddhav Thackeray will be in Delhi from August 6 to August 9. He will be accompanied by Yuvasena chief Aaditya Thackeray ji. He will meet some leaders in Delhi, and in those meetings, he will meet, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge ji, LoP Rahul Gandhi ji, Sonia Gandhi ji, and some other people," Raut said, addressing a press conference.
He further said that Uddhav Thackeray will also meet TMC, AAP, and Samajwadi party leaders in Delhi.
"Our national President will be in Delhi for three days so there will be meetings and discussions on many issues. Some other party MPs of Maharashtra have also expressed their wish to meet him during his Delhi visit, so we will be organising that too. After the successful Lok Sabha Results, the national president is going to Delhi for the time," he added.
11:44 The five biggest declines on the bourses
The Sensex, India's benchmark stock index, opened with a sharp decline on Monday. The index has seen significant declines on several occasions, often in response to global and domestic economic events.
The five biggest intraday falls in the history of the Sensex include the day of election results on June 4 2024 and the other 4 falls occurred during the pandemic.
On June 4, 2024, the most recent and one of the steepest falls occurred when the Sensex plunged to an intraday low of 70,234.43 points. The market opened at 76,285.78 and saw a dramatic drop of 6,051.35 points or a 7.93 per cent decline, before closing at 72,079.05. This sharp decline was driven by the uncertainty created after the election outcome when none of the Indian political parties got the majority in the parliamentary elections.
On March 23, 2020, the Sensex plummeted to an intraday low of 25,880.83 points, reflecting the panic caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The market opened at 27,608.80, experienced a significant drop of 1,727.97 points or 6.23 per cent to intraday low, and closed slightly higher at 25,981.24. This period marked one of the most volatile times in recent market history.
Just a week before it, on March 16, 2020, the Sensex experienced another major drop, falling to an intraday low of 31,276.30 points. The index opened at 33,103.24 and witnessed a decline of 1,826.94 points or 5.51 per cent as the day low, closing at 31,390.07. The ongoing uncertainty due to the pandemic and its economic impact caused severe market reactions.
On March 13, 2020, the Sensex faced a significant intraday fall, reaching a low of 29,388.97 points. The market had opened at 31,214.13 and plunged by 1,825.16 points or a decline of 5.84 per cent, but managed to recover somewhat by the close, ending the day at 34,103.48. The day's volatility was marked by global market sell-offs and fears of a global recession.
A day prior, on March 12, 2020, the Sensex dropped to an intraday low of 32,493.10 points. The index opened at 34,472.50 and saw a fall of 1,979.40 points or 5.74 per cent before closing at 32,778.14. This decline was part of a series of losses as investors reacted to the rapid spread of COVID-19 and its economic repercussions.
11:17 Investors poorer by Rs 9.51 lakh cr as mkts crash
Investors' wealth eroded by Rs 9.51 lakh crore on Monday morning, following a crash in equity markets where the benchmark Sensex tanked over 2,400 points, mirroring a sharp plunge in global peers.
The 30-share BSE benchmark tanked 2,401.49 points to 78,580.46 in early trade. Following the sharp decline in equities, the market capitalisation of BSE-listed firms dropped by Rs 9,51,771.37 crore to Rs 4,47,65,174.76 crore (USD 5.35 trillion) during the morning trade.
"The global market is reeling as bears enter with a cocktail of bad news. The fear of a reverse Yen carry trade, following an interest rate hike in Japan, was the initial catalyst. This was compounded by fears of a recession in the USA after extremely poor jobs data, which spooked market sentiment," said Santosh Meena, Head of Research, Swastika Investmart Ltd.
Indian equity markets are witnessing signs of the first meaningful correction in global markets after an extended bull run, he added.
11:17 Investors poorer by Rs 9.51 lakh cr as mkts crash
Investors' wealth eroded by Rs 9.51 lakh crore on Monday morning, following a crash in equity markets where the benchmark Sensex tanked over 2,400 points, mirroring a sharp plunge in global peers.
The 30-share BSE benchmark tanked 2,401.49 points to 78,580.46 in early trade. Following the sharp decline in equities, the market capitalisation of BSE-listed firms dropped by Rs 9,51,771.37 crore to Rs 4,47,65,174.76 crore (USD 5.35 trillion) during the morning trade.
"The global market is reeling as bears enter with a cocktail of bad news. The fear of a reverse Yen carry trade, following an interest rate hike in Japan, was the initial catalyst. This was compounded by fears of a recession in the USA after extremely poor jobs data, which spooked market sentiment," said Santosh Meena, Head of Research, Swastika Investmart Ltd.
Indian equity markets are witnessing signs of the first meaningful correction in global markets after an extended bull run, he added.
11:03 Shooter Yusuf Dikec has a question for Musk...
Yusuf Dikec, a Turkish silver medalist, who has become a meme for his cool approach to a Olympic win, posts, "Hi Elon, do you think future robots can win medals at the Olympics with their hands in their pockets? How about discussing this in Istanbul, the cultural capital that unites continents? @elonmusk."
His casual attire and seemingly effortless technique during the Paris Olympics have made him the 'cool' figure the internet is raving about, and Elon Musk is not one to miss out on trends. Musk previously shared a meme of Dikec and has now been challenged by the athlete with an intriguing question about his humanoid robots' ability to compete in the Olympics.
An anti-immigration protestor. Pic: Reuters/Hollie Adams
10:35 UK hit by worst riots in years; hotels used to house asylum seekers attacked
As the UK struggles with the greatest social unrest it has seen in years, rioters on Sunday set fire to and broke into hotels designed to house asylum seekers in northern England.
The stabbing deaths of three young girls in Southport, northwest England, earlier this week catalyzed the violence, according to CNN.
To incite anti-Muslim and anti-immigration demonstrations, the far right has exploited and disseminated a surge of misinformation, including unfounded allegations that the assailant was an immigrant.
The suspect was born in Britain, according to police. CNN geolocated footage shows demonstrators attacking and burning two Holiday Inns in northern England on Sunday: one in Rotherham and one in Tamworth, which had previously been criticised by a local lawmaker for hosting asylum seekers.
Local officials said that demonstrators in Tamworth injured one police officer by throwing projectiles, smashing windows, and starting fires.
Meanwhile, police in Rotherham reported that demonstrators broke windows, flung wooden planks, attacked policemen with fire extinguishers and set fire to other objects in an attempt to enter the premises. Assistant Chief Constable Lindsey Butterfield said in a statement that the hotel in Rotherham was at the time "full of terrified residents and staff," according to CNN. The UK's minister of police has stated that far-right rioters who have caused disturbances will be dealt with "nick them quick," but he has also stated that the army is not necessary.
Just weeks after taking office, Keir Starmer's Labour government faces a formidable battle from the violent upheaval, which is the worst since the 2011 riots. In reaction to recent attacks, the UK Home Office declared on Sunday that mosques would receive "greater protection with new emergency security" in the country.
Army personnel help people affected by the cloudburst
10:26 Search, rescue ops underway after cloudburst in Shimla
Relief and rescue operations are currently underway in flood-affected Samej village near Rampur in Shimla district following catastrophic cloudbursts in different areas of Himachal Pradesh.
A catastrophic cloudburst recently struck Himachal Pradesh, causing widespread devastation and destroying different areas of the hill station, including Samej village.
On Monday the Lahual Spiti Police said that due to a flash flood near Zinzing Bar on National Highway 3, the road has been blocked. Restoration is ongoing but all traffic is halted at Sarcha and Sarch till the post is cleared.
Earlier on Sunday, the Kullu-Manali Highway, which was washed away in the cloudburst on August 1, opened only one way for traffic movement.
Kullu Deputy Commissioner Torul S Ravish told ANI, "The National Highway was the most damaged, but it has been restored for a single lane... Nirmand area faced the most loss. There is an update in Bagipul, that two people are missing... Our missing count has gone up to 11 and one body has been recovered. There are 12 people in total. In Bagipul and nearby areas, 20 bridges have been flown away. The Forest Department has done a temporary restoration..."
Earlier on Saturday, Himachal Pradesh minister Vikramaditya Singh said that around 50 people are feared dead in the affected areas and the official number can only be declared after official confirmation and completion of rescue operations.
10:09 Rupee slips to all-time low of 83.80
Rupee opened on a muted note and fell to an all-time low of 83.80 against the US dollar on Monday, as the risk off situation in world markets kept the dollar well bid. Forex traders said the sharp downfall in the domestic unit came on the heels of a significant downturn in the Indian equity markets and significant foreign fund outflows.
09:53 Bloodbath in markets, Sensex falls over 1500 points
Sensex tanks 1500 points to 79,000 in early trade; Nifty tumbles 489.65 points to 24,228.05. The Asian stock markets, Japanese indices registered high losses during the early trading session on Monday.
The Japanese markets are down 20 per cent from their recent all-time highs. The Nikkei 225 index declined more than 1600 points or 4.85 per cent to 34,247.56.
09:36 Protestors launch 'Long March to Dhaka', 100 dead
Bangladesh braced for another tense day as protestors asked the general public to join a "Long March to Dhaka" on Monday, a day after nearly 100 people died in fierce clashes between demonstrators demanding Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's resignation and the ruling party supporters in different parts of the country.
The clashes broke out Sunday morning when protesters attending the non-cooperation programme under the banner of the Students Against Discrimination with the one-point demand of Hasina's resignation over a job quota system faced opposition from the supporters of the ruling Awami League, Chhatra League, and Jubo League activists.
At least 99 people, including 14 policemen, were killed in clashes on Sunday, leading Bengali-language newspaper Prothom Alo reported. The violence forced authorities to cut off mobile internet and enforce a nationwide curfew for an indefinite period.
The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement has rescheduled their "Long March to Dhaka" to be held on Monday, a day earlier than initially planned. The decision was taken during an urgent meeting amid growing concerns in the country, Asif Mahmud, a coordinator of the movement, said in a press release issued on Sunday night.
"In an urgent decision to review the situation, our 'March to Dhaka' program has been changed from August 6 to August 5. In other words, we are calling on students from all over the country to travel to Dhaka tomorrow (Monday), he said. The final battle has come. It is time to make the final signature of this student citizen uprising. Come to Dhaka to be a part of history. Students will create a new Bangladesh," Asif added, asking the general public to join it.
The Awami League's planned mourning procession on Monday has been cancelled due to a curfew. India has advised all its nationals to avoid travelling to Bangladesh until further notice due to ongoing violence.
09:22 Inflation to remain around 5% this fiscal: SBI report
The Consumer Price Inflation in India is expected to remain around 5 per cent in the financial year 2024-25 except for September and October month, according to a research report by SBI.
The report also noted that the inflation outlook in India remains a critical focus for the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Recent data indicates that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rose to 5.08 per cent in June 2024, driven primarily by higher food and beverage prices.
09:09 Monday mayhem as markets bleed over Sahm Rule
In the Asian stock markets, Japanese indices registered high losses during the early trading session on Monday.
The Japanese markets are down 20 per cent from their recent all-time highs. The Nikkei 225 index declined more than 1600 points or 4.85 per cent to 34,247.56.
The markets of Japan faced pressure after the Bank of Japan announced a well-telegraphed rate hike, which led to an unwinding of Yen Carry trades, as the Yen appreciated.
Foreign investors are selling Japanese stocks due to concerns that the U.S. may be heading for a recession, Naka Matsuzawa, chief strategist at Nomura Securities was quoted as saying by Nikkei Asia.
"The fall is not really happening due to Japan-specific reasons," he said. "Markets are still trying to find the bottom.
"According to Nikkei Asia, Matsuzawa does not foresee a global recession and said markets will be volatile until the U.S. Federal Reserve lowers rates. Investors are pricing in a cut by September.
In Taiwan markets the Taiwan Weighted index also declined by more than 6 per cent, and the Singapore market also declined with the index Straits Times declining around 3 per cent.
Globally markets are reacting after on Friday, the Sahm Rule got triggered, as US unemployment reached 4.3 per cent. This is predicting a US recession.
The "Sahm Rule" is a recession indicator created and named after Claudia Sahm, a macroeconomist who worked at the Federal Reserve and the White House Council of Economic Advisers.
"Expect more selling in the markets, but as we saw on June 4th and in July post the Union Budget, the strong domestic liquidity could provide a safety net for the Indian markets, in a worsening global sentiment environment. What is hurting market sentiment is also the triggering of the "Sahm rule", which has a 100 per cent record for predicting a recession" said Ajay Bagga, Banking and Market Expert.
Pic: Umar Ganie
08:57 Heavy security in J-K for anniversary of Art 370 abrogation
Army troops opened fire after noticing the movement of two groups of infiltrators along the Line of Control (LoC) in Akhnoor and Sunderbani sectors of Jammu and Kashmir in the early hours of Monday, officials said.
Though there was no exchange of fire, a massive search operation is underway in both areas to ensure that there is no infiltration from across the border, they said.
Alert Army troops fired after picking up suspicious movement of three to four infiltrators in a forward area in the Battal sector of Akhnoor on the outskirts of Jammu around 1.30 am, the officials said.
The area was illuminated with flares and put under surveillance through drones with reinforcements mobilised to lay a tight cordon.
A search operation was launched at first light, they said.
The Army troops also fired a few rounds on noticing suspicious movement in a forward area in the Sunderbani-Nowshera sector in Rajouri district around 12.30 am.
A search of the area along the LoC is also underway, they added.
Security has been beefed up across Jammu and Kashmir in view of the fifth anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370, which granted a special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, on Monday.
Pic: Anushree Fadnavis/Reuters
08:49 Amit Rohidas to miss India's hockey semi-final
India's key defender and first rusher Amit Rohidas will miss Tuesday's Olympic men's hockey semifinal against Germany after he was handed a one-match suspension following his red card against Great Britain in the quarterfinal.
This means India will have only 15 players available for the key clash, which is big set back for the eight-time Olympic champions.
"Amit Rohidas was suspended for one match for a breach of the FIH Code of Conduct which occurred during the India vs Great Britain match on August 4," a FIH official statement read. "The suspension affects match No. 35 (India's semi-final match against Germany), where Amit Rohidas will not participate and India will play with a squad of 15 players only."
Rohidas was sent off the pitch against Great Britain almost 40 minutes from the final hooter after his stick unintentionally hit a rival player on Sunday.
Representational image only
08:41 9 Kanwariyas electrocuted to death in Bihar
As many as nine Kanwariyas died and several others were injured when their vehicle came in contact with a high-voltage overhead wire in Bihar's Hajipur.
According to the police, eight devotees died on the spot one Kanwariyas died during treatment in the hospital.
Om Prakash, sub-divisional police officer (SDPO), Hajipur said that the height of their vehicle was very high and it touched a high-tension wire.
"The Kanwariyas were going on a DJ-mounted trolley. The DJ-mounted trolley was very high and there was a wire in which it got entangled. DJ trolley came in contact with 11000 high tension wire due to which some devotees died, while some others were injured and are undergoing treatment," Sadar SDPO Hajipur Omprakash told reporters.
The victims, from Sultanpur village, were en route to Pahelaja Ghat in Saran to perform a ritual at Sonpur Baba Haiharnath. Further investigation is underway.
Pic: Mohammad Ponir Hossain/Reuters
08:36 Bangladesh violence: India warns citizens against travel
India on Sunday night strongly advised all its nationals presently residing in Bangladesh to exercise "extreme caution" and restrict their movements in the wake of fresh waves of violence in the neighbouring country.
In its latest advisory, India also asked its citizens not to travel to Bangladesh till further notice.
At least 90 people, including 14 policemen, were killed on Sunday in fierce clashes between security forces personnel and anti-government protesters in different parts of Bangladesh, according to reports from Dhaka.
The protesters are demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
"In view of ongoing developments, Indian nationals are strongly advised against travelling to Bangladesh till further notice," the ministry of external affairs said in the advisory.
"All Indian nationals presently in Bangladesh are advised to exercise extreme caution, restrict their movements and remain in contact with the High Commission of India in Dhaka," it said.
The student protests in Bangladesh started last month against a controversial job quota scheme. The protests now have turned into an anti-government agitation.
On July 25, the MEA said around 6,700 Indian students returned from Bangladesh in view of the situation in that country.
Pune's Mutha river in spate
08:18 Shinde to visit Pune today, orange alert in city
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde will visit flood-affected areas of Pune on Monday, according to the sources. He will meet the district administration and other agencies engaged in disaster relief, the sources added.
The city has been experiencing persistent heavy rain for the past few days.
In response to incessant rainfall in Pune and the release of excess water from the Khadakwasla Dam, the Indian Army carried out relief work in the Ekta Nagar area on Sunday.
Meanwhile, the India meteorological department (IMD) issued an orange alert in Pune on Monday, predicting "heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places in ghat areas. Light to moderate rain in plains".
The weather department also predicted heavy rainfall at isolated places in ghat areas. Light to moderate rainfall in the plains for August 6, while moderate rainfall for August 7.
08:13 Delhi man arrested for pro-Pak posters at home
The Delhi police has detained a man in Rohini following a complaint that he had written slogans supporting Pakistan on a wall of his flat, officials said on Sunday.
"We got information from locals that a man staying at Avantika C-Block area of Rohini wrote some slogans supporting Pakistan on a wall of his flat. Initial investigation suggested that the man is not mentally stable and stays in the flat alone," a senior police officer said.
The officer said that they were investigating if the man had any connection with Pakistan or any group.
The police contacted his family members to find out more about him. Objectionable posters and banners from his room have been seized, said the officer.
Some videos also appeared on social media in which some locals were purportedly showing the posters put up on the wall of his flat.
08:05 Top MP officials transferred after children's death
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Sunday night ordered the removal of the Sagar district collector, superintendent of police and sub-divisional magistrate, an official said.
The transfer orders were issued late at night.
As per the late-night order, Sagar collector Deepak Arya was transferred to the state secretariat in Bhopal as deputy secretary.
Sandeep GR (2013 batch), who is currently working as Chhattarpur collector, is posted as the new collector of Sagar in place of Arya, the official said.
The chief minister also ordered the transfer of Sagar sub-divisional magistrate.
The government transferred Sagar SP Abhishek Tiwari (IPS 2013) as well and posted him as assistant inspector general (AIG) at police headquarters in Bhopal.
Vikas Kumar Sahwal (IPS 2014), currently posted as Raisen SP will now be the new SP of Sagar, the official said.
The CM also ordered the suspension, with immediate effect, of Dr Hariom Bansal posted at the Shahpur primary health center on the charges of negligence.
I have directed that the district collector, SP, and SDM (Sagar) be removed from their positions, the CM said in a tweet late on Sunday night.
Nine children, aged 10 to 15 years, were killed and two injured in the wall collapse incident at a religious programme in Shahpur, Sagar Divisional Commissioner Virendra Singh Rawat said.
A programme of "Parthiv Shivling Nirman" (making Shivling out of clay) was going on under a tent near the dilapidated house, and a wall collapsed and fell on the tent, local BJP MLA and former minister Gopal Bhargava told reporters.
The children got crushed under the tent and debris, he said.
Collector Arya said the children were sitting under a tent near a temple, and the house wall collapsed due to rain. Two children died on the spot, while seven others succumbed on the way to the hospital or on reaching there, he said.
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