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Fri, 23 August 2024
Indian Army drone falls into Pakistani territory
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23:44 Indian Army drone falls into Pakistani territory
A mini tactical drone of the Indian Army inadvertently crossed over to the Pakistani side of the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir following a technical glitch, officials on Friday said.
The Pakistani troops recovered the unmanned aerial vehicle, according to reports.
The Army sent a message on the hotline to the Pakistani army to return the drone.
"At 9.25 am , a mini UAV on a training mission well within Indian territory lost control due to technical malfunction and drifted into the Nikial sector of Pakistan opposite our Bhimber Gali sector," said an official.
"As per media inputs, Pakistani troops have recovered the same. A hotline message has been sent to the Pakistan Army to return the said UAV," he said.
The UAV was on a test training sortie in the hinterland in Bhimber Gali area, according to officials. -- PTI
23:18 Modi leaves Ukraine after 7-hr whirlwind visit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday departed after a whirlwind visit to the Ukrainian capital in Kyiv as he held 'productive talks' with President Volodymr Zelenskyy with an assurance of contributing personally to ending its raging war with Russia.
'My visit to Ukraine was historic. I came to this great nation with the aim of deepening India-Ukraine friendship. I had productive talks with President @ZelenskyyUa. India firmly believes that peace must always prevail. I thank the Government and people of Ukraine for their hospitality,' Modi posted on X after a busy day full of meetings and other events.
Modi's maiden trip to Kyiv amid Ukraine's fresh military offensive into Russian territory was the first-ever visit to Ukraine by an Indian prime minister since Ukraine became independent in 1991.
During his bilateral meeting, Prime Minister Modi told President Zelenskyy that both Ukraine and Russia should sit together without wasting time to find ways to end the ongoing war and that India was on the side of peace since the beginning of the conflict.
In his talks with Zelenskyy in Kyiv that took place under the shadow of the raging war, Modi said India is ever ready to play an 'active role' in every effort to restore peace in Ukraine and he would even like to contribute personally in ending the conflict.
During separate events, Modi presented four BHISHM (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita and Maitri) Cubes to the Ukrainian government; visited the multimedia Martyrologist Exposition on children at the National Museum of History of Ukraine here to pay his respects, and paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at his statue in the 'Oasis of Peace' park.
Modi also interacted with Ukrainian students who are learning the Hindi language at the School of Oriental Studies in Kyiv.
He appreciated the scholarship of the students and their contribution to promoting mutual understanding between the people of the two countries.
Modi also commended their efforts to bring Indian culture and history closer to the Ukrainian people.
Earlier, when Modi arrived here from Poland onboard a 'Rail Force One' under tight security, in the second and final leg of his two-nation trip, the Indian community in Ukraine accorded him a warm welcome. -- PTI
'My visit to Ukraine was historic. I came to this great nation with the aim of deepening India-Ukraine friendship. I had productive talks with President @ZelenskyyUa. India firmly believes that peace must always prevail. I thank the Government and people of Ukraine for their hospitality,' Modi posted on X after a busy day full of meetings and other events.
Modi's maiden trip to Kyiv amid Ukraine's fresh military offensive into Russian territory was the first-ever visit to Ukraine by an Indian prime minister since Ukraine became independent in 1991.
During his bilateral meeting, Prime Minister Modi told President Zelenskyy that both Ukraine and Russia should sit together without wasting time to find ways to end the ongoing war and that India was on the side of peace since the beginning of the conflict.
In his talks with Zelenskyy in Kyiv that took place under the shadow of the raging war, Modi said India is ever ready to play an 'active role' in every effort to restore peace in Ukraine and he would even like to contribute personally in ending the conflict.
During separate events, Modi presented four BHISHM (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita and Maitri) Cubes to the Ukrainian government; visited the multimedia Martyrologist Exposition on children at the National Museum of History of Ukraine here to pay his respects, and paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at his statue in the 'Oasis of Peace' park.
Modi also interacted with Ukrainian students who are learning the Hindi language at the School of Oriental Studies in Kyiv.
He appreciated the scholarship of the students and their contribution to promoting mutual understanding between the people of the two countries.
Modi also commended their efforts to bring Indian culture and history closer to the Ukrainian people.
Earlier, when Modi arrived here from Poland onboard a 'Rail Force One' under tight security, in the second and final leg of his two-nation trip, the Indian community in Ukraine accorded him a warm welcome. -- PTI
23:15 No trace of missing aircraft, search op by Navy continues
The trainer aircraft that went missing after taking off from Jharkhand's Jamshedpur on August 20 is yet to be found, as search operations are on for it in a dam for the fourth day on Friday, officials said.
Bodies of the trainee pilot and his instructor, who were on board the two-seater aircraft, were found in the Chandil dam on Thursday.
"The missing Cessna-152 aircraft is still traceless," Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Chandil Subhra Rani told PTI.
An Indian Navy team, that began its search on Thursday, continued the operation on Friday but without success.
On the first day, the local authorities and the forest department searched for the aircraft, while an NDRF team was assigned the task on August 21.
Following a request by the Seraikela-Kharswan district authorities, a Navy team came from Visakhapatnam and started looking for the missing aircraft, owned by Alchemist Aviation Pvt Ltd, under the water of Chandil dam's reservoir.
The company's General Manager Rabi Bhushan Pathak said the Navy personnel have marked a specific area in the dam to conduct the search operation but there has been no success so far.
Officials said the bodies of trainee pilot Shubhrodeep Dutta and pilot-in-command Captain Jeet Satru Anand were handed over to their families after a post-mortem examination was conducted.
Dutta was a resident of Adityapur near Jamshedpur.
Pathak said the body of Captain Satru was taken to Patna by family members for last rites there.
The aircraft went missing shortly after taking off from the Sonari aerodrome on Tuesday. Villagers had claimed that the aircraft crashed into the water body.
Alchemist Aviation in a statement said it was too early to comment about the reasons for the crash.
'The aircraft had 80 litres of fuel in it with an endurance of 4 hours 30 minutes, and the flying time was scheduled to be 1 hour,' it said.
The plane lost contact with the Jamshedpur Air Traffic Control Tower (ATC) around 11.10 am on Tuesday. -- PTI
22:29 Heavy rain alert for Mumbai over next 4-5 days
Mumbai and many other parts of Maharashtra are expected to receive heavy rainfall over the next four to five days, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Friday said.
The Met office issued an orange alert forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall in Palghar, Thane, Mumbai, Raigad and Ratnagiri districts of Konkan from August 24 onwards.
It also issued orange alert for Pune and Satara districts of western Maharashtra and Amravati, Bhandara, Chandrapur and Gondia districts of Vidarbha for Saturday.
An orange alert warns of heavy rainfall exceeding 64.5 mm in 24 hours, potentially disrupting normal life and causing flooding in low-lying areas.
Yellow alert predicting thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and light-to-moderate rainfall with gusty winds of 30-40 kmph speed was issued for Saturday in several districts barring a few in western Maharashtra and Marathwada.
The IMD has issued orange alert for some districts of Konkan and western Maharashtra on August 25 and 26 as well.
A low-pressure area over northern parts of West Bengal and adjoining areas of northeast Jharkhand and another over east central Arabian sea off Maharashtra coast will bring rain to most parts of Maharashtra in the next 48 hours, an IMD scientist told PTI.
21:37 Reporter asks about Modi's hug, Jaishankar says...
When Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv on Friday, he first shook hands and immediately gave him a warm hug.
The hug to the top leader of the war-torn country came barely six weeks after Modi had similarly hugged the leader of Ukraine's arch enemy Russia, President Vladimir Putin.
During a media briefing after the Modi-Zelenskyy talks, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar was asked about the 'embrace' in a question meant to seek comments on apparent linkages with Modi's meetings with Putin earlier and Zelenskyy now.
"In our part of the world, when people meet people, they are given to embracing each other, it may not be part of your culture but I can assure you it is part of ours. In fact, today, I think, I saw, Prime Minister (Modi) also embrace President Zelenskyy," Jaishankar replied to a specific question by a Western reporter which mentioned in as many words about Modi's embrace of Putin a few weeks ago.
"And I have seen him do it with a number of other leaders in a number of other places. So, I think, we have a slight ... cultural gap here in terms of what these courtesies mean," Jaishankar added.
Much to the chagrin of the Western powers that be, Modi met Putin in July and spoke about how a solution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict is not possible on the battlefield and how peace efforts do not succeed in the midst of bombs and bullets.
On Friday, India maintained that Ukraine and Russia need to engage with each other to find a solution to the ongoing conflict between them as Modi held wide-ranging talks with Zelenskyy under the shadow of the raging war.
After Modi met with Putin, the Western media was full of news with headlines such as 'Modi's Embrace of Putin Irks Biden Team Pushing Support for Kyiv' while the BBC in one of its reports said, "Photos from Moscow showed a beaming Mr Modi hugging the Russian president."
Incidentally, Zelenskyy had criticised Modi for meeting Putin -- coincided with the NATO summit in Washington -- describing it as a 'huge disappointment'.
Earlier, Modi had met Zelenskyy on the margins of the G7 Summit in June in Italy. -- PTI
The hug to the top leader of the war-torn country came barely six weeks after Modi had similarly hugged the leader of Ukraine's arch enemy Russia, President Vladimir Putin.
During a media briefing after the Modi-Zelenskyy talks, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar was asked about the 'embrace' in a question meant to seek comments on apparent linkages with Modi's meetings with Putin earlier and Zelenskyy now.
"In our part of the world, when people meet people, they are given to embracing each other, it may not be part of your culture but I can assure you it is part of ours. In fact, today, I think, I saw, Prime Minister (Modi) also embrace President Zelenskyy," Jaishankar replied to a specific question by a Western reporter which mentioned in as many words about Modi's embrace of Putin a few weeks ago.
"And I have seen him do it with a number of other leaders in a number of other places. So, I think, we have a slight ... cultural gap here in terms of what these courtesies mean," Jaishankar added.
Much to the chagrin of the Western powers that be, Modi met Putin in July and spoke about how a solution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict is not possible on the battlefield and how peace efforts do not succeed in the midst of bombs and bullets.
On Friday, India maintained that Ukraine and Russia need to engage with each other to find a solution to the ongoing conflict between them as Modi held wide-ranging talks with Zelenskyy under the shadow of the raging war.
After Modi met with Putin, the Western media was full of news with headlines such as 'Modi's Embrace of Putin Irks Biden Team Pushing Support for Kyiv' while the BBC in one of its reports said, "Photos from Moscow showed a beaming Mr Modi hugging the Russian president."
Incidentally, Zelenskyy had criticised Modi for meeting Putin -- coincided with the NATO summit in Washington -- describing it as a 'huge disappointment'.
Earlier, Modi had met Zelenskyy on the margins of the G7 Summit in June in Italy. -- PTI
20:56 BSE Sensex: Top gainers today
From the Sensex pack, Tata Motors, Sun Pharmaceutical, Bharti Airtel, Bajaj Finserv, ICICI Bank, Mahindra & Mahindra and JSW Steel were the gainers.
Tech Mahindra, HCL Technologies, Asian Paints, Titan, Infosys, State Bank of India, Tata Consultancy Services and HDFC Bank were the laggards.
20:56 BSE Sensex ends at 81,086.21 today
um. Rising for the fourth straight session, the 30-share BSE Sensex ended 33.02 points or 0.04 per cent higher at 81,086.21.
In early trade, the benchmark declined 169.93 points or 0.20 per cent to a low of 80,883.26.
Later, it bounced back 178.3 points or 0.21 per cent to hit a high of 81,231.49 but gave up gains towards the end. -- PTI
20:53 Which state got how much rain
State-wise distribution of monsoon rainfall till August 23, 2024.
20:35 Called off bandh, but disagree with HC: Uddhav
Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray chief Uddhav Thackeray on Friday expressed disagreement with a Bombay high court order restraining political parties from calling a bandh, but asserted the opposition bloc Maha Vikas Aghadi has withdrawn its proposed shutdown in Maharashtra on Saturday over a sexual abuse case in a school.
Addressing a press conference, Thackeray said the MVA has called off the August 24 (Saturday) bandh after the HC order, but leaders and workers from opposition parties will protest against the Mahayuti government with black bands tied around their mouth across the state.
The former CM, whose party is a constituent of the MVA, said he will also join the protest.
"We don't agree with the high court order on bandh," Thackeray maintained. -- PTI
Addressing a press conference, Thackeray said the MVA has called off the August 24 (Saturday) bandh after the HC order, but leaders and workers from opposition parties will protest against the Mahayuti government with black bands tied around their mouth across the state.
The former CM, whose party is a constituent of the MVA, said he will also join the protest.
"We don't agree with the high court order on bandh," Thackeray maintained. -- PTI
20:22 Opposition calls off Maha bandh after HC order, but...
Opposition leaders and workers will hold peaceful demonstrations and tie black bands around their mouth on Saturday as a mark of protest against the Mahayuti government in Maharashtra over a sexual abuse incident in a school, the Congress said on Friday after a Bombay high court ruling on bandh in the state.
Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole on Friday said Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) leaders and workers will protest against the Bharatiya Janata Party-Shiv Sena-Nationalist Congress Party government with black flags and black band tied around their mouth at different locations in the state. -- PTI
19:26 Maha bandh: Police issues notices to MVA leaders
Mumbai police on Friday said it had issued notices to leaders and activists of the Maha Vikas Aghadi in connection with the August 24 Maharashtra bandh call given by the opposition alliance, a senior official said.
The opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance had called for a shut-down across the state on Saturday to protest against the sexual assault of two kindergarten girls at a school in Badlapur in Thane district.
The MVA comprises the Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray, the Congress and the Sharad Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar.
As part of measures to ensure the city does not witness any untoward incident, these notices have been issued to leaders and activists of the MVA, the official said.
The notices urge leaders and activists to observe the shutdown peacefully and asserts they would be held responsible for damage to public property and disturbance to public peace, the official informed.
'Notices have been issued to all active leaders and activists of the MVA and we will take strict action against anyone who violates court orders. Security arrangements are in place across the city to maintain law and order,' the official said.
He pointed out that prohibitory orders issued by police are already in force between August 18 and September 1 in the metropolis.
These orders prohibit the assembly or five or more persons at one place and also ban holding of processions etc, he said.
The Bombay high court on Friday restrained political parties and individuals from proceeding with the Maharashtra bandh scheduled for August 24 or on any future date.
"Until further orders all concerned (political parties and/or individual) are restrained from proceeding with the call for bandh on August 24 and also on any other further date," a division bench of Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya and Justice Amit Borkar said.
The court passed the order on two petitions filed on Friday through advocates Subhash Jha and Gunaratan Sadavarte challenging the shutdown call and seeking the court to restrain the same.
The bench relied on a July 2004 judgment passed by the HC in which it held that the enforcement of a bandh or a hartal would amount to unconstitutional act. -- PTI
18:52 ISRO releases Chandrayaan-3 scientific data for global researchers
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Friday threw open its scientific data gathered from the Chandrayaan-3 mission for researchers across the world for analyses to mark the first anniversary of India landing a spacecraft on the Moon.
The space agency has granted access to over 55 gigabytes of data from the five payloads -- three on the Vikram lander and two on the Pragyan rover -- that created history on August 23 last year by making a soft landing near the unexplored south pole region of the Moon.
"This data is not going to be confined with those scientists who have created those instruments, but it will be made available to all the researchers of the country and the world for furthering the outcome of this," ISRO Chairman S Somanath said at the National Space Day celebrations here.
The Chandrayaan-3 data sets are available on Policy-based data Retieval, Analytics, Dissemination and Notification System (PRADAN) portal of the Indian Space Science Data Centre (ISSDC) -- www.pradan.issdc.gov.in.
The Pragyan rover conducted in-situ chemical analyses of the lunar surface, contributing to a better understanding of the Moon's origin and evolution. This information is crucial for future lunar exploration and potential resource utilisation.
Scientists from Ahmedabad's Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) after studying the data from Chandrayaan-3 provided evidence to confirm the Lunar Magma Ocean Hypothesis that the Moon evolved from a giant ocean of magma which later cooled down.
President Droupadi Murmu made it a point to laud the findings of India's space scientists which were published in science journal 'Nature' in her speech on the National Space Day.
The president said ISRO had made remarkable achievements in the space sector as well as made invaluable contributions to the country's social and economic development. -- PTI
The space agency has granted access to over 55 gigabytes of data from the five payloads -- three on the Vikram lander and two on the Pragyan rover -- that created history on August 23 last year by making a soft landing near the unexplored south pole region of the Moon.
"This data is not going to be confined with those scientists who have created those instruments, but it will be made available to all the researchers of the country and the world for furthering the outcome of this," ISRO Chairman S Somanath said at the National Space Day celebrations here.
The Chandrayaan-3 data sets are available on Policy-based data Retieval, Analytics, Dissemination and Notification System (PRADAN) portal of the Indian Space Science Data Centre (ISSDC) -- www.pradan.issdc.gov.in.
The Pragyan rover conducted in-situ chemical analyses of the lunar surface, contributing to a better understanding of the Moon's origin and evolution. This information is crucial for future lunar exploration and potential resource utilisation.
Scientists from Ahmedabad's Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) after studying the data from Chandrayaan-3 provided evidence to confirm the Lunar Magma Ocean Hypothesis that the Moon evolved from a giant ocean of magma which later cooled down.
President Droupadi Murmu made it a point to laud the findings of India's space scientists which were published in science journal 'Nature' in her speech on the National Space Day.
The president said ISRO had made remarkable achievements in the space sector as well as made invaluable contributions to the country's social and economic development. -- PTI
18:15 Withdraw Maha bandh, appeals Pawar after HC order
JUST IN: Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar chief Sharad Pawar appeals for withdrawal of August 24 Maharashtra bandh call in view of high court order.
Earlier, the Bombay HC restrained any political party or person from calling for Maharashtra bandh tomorrow.
The opposition grouping Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), comprising the Congress, the Sena-UBT and the NCP-SP, had called for a Maharashtra bandh tomorrow to protest against the Badlapur incident. -- PTI
The opposition grouping Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), comprising the Congress, the Sena-UBT and the NCP-SP, had called for a Maharashtra bandh tomorrow to protest against the Badlapur incident. -- PTI
17:54 Man gives instant triple talaq to wife for lauding Modi, held
Police have booked a man and seven members of his family for allegedly pronouncing triple talaq to her after she praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UP Chief Minister for the development of Ayodhya.
Earlier, he had also beaten her and hurled hot 'dal' at her, Maryam alleged in her complaint to police in Bahraich where her parents live.
The family of the husband, who lives in Ayodhya, allegedly also tried to strangle her on the day the man pronounced instant triple talaq.
"I am a resident of Mohalla Sarai, Thana Jarwal Road in Bahraich. On December 13, 2023, I was married to Arshad, son of Islam, a resident of Mohalla Delhi Darwaza of Kotwali Nagar, Ayodhya. My father got me married with the consent of both the parties and by spending more than his means," the woman is heard saying in a video clip that has surfaced online.
"After the marriage, when I went out in the city, I liked the roads of Ayodhya Dham, the beautification, the development and the atmosphere there. On this, I praised Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in front of my husband," she said in the video.
Following this, Maryam's husband, Arshad, got angry and sent her to her maternal home in Bahraich. After some relatives intervened, she returned to Ayodhya to live with her husband, Jarwal Road Police Station Incharge Inspector (SHO) Brijraj Prasad said.
However, Arshand hurled abuses at the chief minister and the prime minister and gave her triple talaq by uttering 'talaq, talaq, talaq', SHO said.
Maryam further alleged that her mother-in-law, younger sister-in-law and brothers-in-law tried to strangle her. Her husband also beat her on the day he pronounced triple talaq to her.
Based on her complaint, eight people, including the woman's husband Arshad, mother-in-law Raisha, father-in-law Islam, sister-in-law Kulsum, brother-in-law Faran and Shafaq, sister-in-law Simran, were booked in the case, police said.
A case has been registered under assault, abuse, threat and Dowry Prohibition Act and Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, he added. -- PTI
Earlier, he had also beaten her and hurled hot 'dal' at her, Maryam alleged in her complaint to police in Bahraich where her parents live.
The family of the husband, who lives in Ayodhya, allegedly also tried to strangle her on the day the man pronounced instant triple talaq.
"I am a resident of Mohalla Sarai, Thana Jarwal Road in Bahraich. On December 13, 2023, I was married to Arshad, son of Islam, a resident of Mohalla Delhi Darwaza of Kotwali Nagar, Ayodhya. My father got me married with the consent of both the parties and by spending more than his means," the woman is heard saying in a video clip that has surfaced online.
"After the marriage, when I went out in the city, I liked the roads of Ayodhya Dham, the beautification, the development and the atmosphere there. On this, I praised Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in front of my husband," she said in the video.
Following this, Maryam's husband, Arshad, got angry and sent her to her maternal home in Bahraich. After some relatives intervened, she returned to Ayodhya to live with her husband, Jarwal Road Police Station Incharge Inspector (SHO) Brijraj Prasad said.
However, Arshand hurled abuses at the chief minister and the prime minister and gave her triple talaq by uttering 'talaq, talaq, talaq', SHO said.
Maryam further alleged that her mother-in-law, younger sister-in-law and brothers-in-law tried to strangle her. Her husband also beat her on the day he pronounced triple talaq to her.
Based on her complaint, eight people, including the woman's husband Arshad, mother-in-law Raisha, father-in-law Islam, sister-in-law Kulsum, brother-in-law Faran and Shafaq, sister-in-law Simran, were booked in the case, police said.
A case has been registered under assault, abuse, threat and Dowry Prohibition Act and Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, he added. -- PTI
17:45 Sidda, DKS in Delhi to discuss MUDA 'scam' with high command
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar arrived in the national capital on Friday for crucial meetings with top Congress leaders.
Sources indicate that the primary focus of these discussions will be to formulate a strategy ahead of next week's high court hearing on the controversial Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) 'scam' case.
The MUDA 'scam' has been a thorn in Siddaramaiah's side, with allegations of illegal land dealings involving the chief minister and his wife Parvathi flying thick and fast.
At the heart of the controversy are claims that Parvathi received 14 plots in exchange for 3.16 acres of land, which was allegedly acquired illegally by MUDA.
Adding to political pressure, Karnataka Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot has recently sanctioned investigations under the Prevention of Corruption Act, intensifying scrutiny of the chief minister.
Sources privy to the matter suggest that the Delhi meetings will also address pending corruption cases against the state Bharatiya Janata Party leaders.
The Congress leadership is expected to devise a counter strategy to exert pressure on the governor.
Accompanying Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar are several key state ministers, including Home Minister G Parameshwar, Social Welfare Minister H C Mahadevappa and Minority and Housing Minister B Z Zameer Ahmed Khan, MLC K Govindaraju and Power Minister K J George. -- PTI
16:38 14 pax who died in Nepal bus accident from Jalgaon
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday said that the passengers onboard the bus that fell 150 metres into a river in central Nepal were from Jalgaon district in the state as per preliminary information, and efforts are on to bring them back.
In a post on 'X', Fadnavis condoled the deaths of 14 passengers and said the state government has communicated with the Indian embassy in Nepal.
"The passengers are from Jalgaon. The district collector is in touch with the Maharajganj collector in Uttar Pradesh to bring back the victims and survivors," he said.
At least 14 people were killed and 16 others injured after an Indian tourist bus veered off a highway and fell 150 metres into the Marsyangdi river in central Nepal, authorities said. The bus from Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh was heading towards Nepal's capital, Kathmandu, from the resort town of Pokhara when it drove off the highway in Aaina Pahara in the Tanahun district. There were 43 people, including the driver and the co-driver, in the bus with the registration number UP 53 FT 7623.
Maharashtra Relief and Rehabilitation Minister Anil Patil said the state government is in touch with the relief commissioner of Uttar Pradesh and the Indian embassy in Kathmandu to bring back the victims and survivors of the accident.
Talking to PTI, Patil said, "It is reported that most passengers are from Jalgaon district. We are trying to confirm. We are in touch with the relief commissioner of Uttar Pradesh and the Indian embassy in Nepal and have told them that the district collector will ensure the return of the victims and survivors," he said.
Uttar Pradesh Relief Commissioner GS Naveen Kumar, in a press statement, said, "As per media reports and further confirmed from the MEA Nepal Division, today at about 11.30 am, a bus with registration number - UP 53 FD 7623 carrying approx 41 passengers from Maharashtra, including the driver and one assistant, fell around 150 metres into river Marshyandi in Ambukhereni region in the Tanahu District of Nepal.
The statement added, "The UP government has sent SDM Maharajganj to the incident site. The MEA is coordinating the search and rescue operations with local authorities."
As per MyRepublica, a news portal, the passengers onboard the bus were part of a group of 104 Indian pilgrims who arrived in Nepal from Maharashtra in three buses two days ago for a 10-day tour. PTI
16:13 HC restrains parties from calling Maharashtra bandh
The Bombay High Court restrains any political party or person from calling for Maharashtra Bandh tomorrow.
The opposition grouping Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), comprising Congress, Sena (UBT) and NCP (SP), has called for a Maharashtra Bandh tomorrow to protest against the Badlapur incident.
Sharad Pawar and Uddhav Thackeray have urged all sections of society to take part in the bandh.
Thousands of people had hit the streets and spilled onto railway tracks in Badlapur on Tuesday to protest the alleged sexual assault on two four-year-old girls by a male attendant at a local school.
16:03 Praying for peace in Ukraine?
Earlier today PM Modi paid tributes at the Gandhi statue in Kyiv. "Paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Kyiv. The ideals of Bapu are universal and give hope to millions. May we all follow the path he showed to humanity," Modi posted on X.
15:59 Modi's big, tight hug for Zelenskyy ahead of talks
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday greeted Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Ukrainian capital city Kyiv with his trademark hug.
Both leaders honoured the Memory of Children at the Martyrologist Exposition at the Ukraine National Museum in Kyiv.
After paying floral tributes at the Mahatma Gandhi memorial, Prime Minister Modi met with Zelenskyy ahead of their bilateral talks.
Modi's visit marks the first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the country.
The Gandhi statue, symbolising the enduring legacy of Mahatma Gandhi and his principles of peace and non-violence. The bronze statue of the Mahatma at AV Fomin Botanical Garden was unveiled in 2020 on the occasion of the 151st birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
The Memory of Children honours the children whose lives were taken by the full-scale Russian invasion.
Later in the day at the Mariinskyi palace venue both leaders will hold a restricted meeting to discuss key issues.
High-level delegation meetings will follow, where important discussions on bilateral cooperation are expected. Document exchanges will take place to formalize agreements and collaborations between the two nations.
15:35 CBI to take over RG Kar money probe
The Calcutta High Court on Friday ordered the transfer of investigation into alleged financial irregularities at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital from a state-constituted Special Investigation Team (SIT) to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
The decision followed a petition by former deputy superintendent of the medical establishment, Akhtar Ali, who sought an investigation by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) into alleged financial misconduct during the tenure of the college's former principal, Sandip Ghosh. Justice Rajarshi Bharadwaj directed the CBI to provide a progress report on the investigation within three weeks.
The matter is scheduled for a follow-up hearing on September 17, when the court will review the report. The West Bengal government had established the SIT on August 20 to investigate the alleged financial irregularities at the medical college and hospital. PTI
Will India extradite Sheikh Hasina?
15:04 Hasina's passport cancelled, risks extradition
Bangladesh's interim government has revoked ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina's diplomatic passport along with all members of the former Cabinet, over two weeks after she resigned and fled to India following a student-led uprising against her government.
A statement by the Security Services Division of the Home Affairs Ministry on Thursday said diplomatic passports received by the former prime minister, ex-PM's advisors, ex-cabinet members and all members of the recently dissolved Jatiya Sangsad (Parliament) and their spouses would be revoked immediately, the official BSS news agency reported.
President Mohammed Shahabuddin in August dissolved the 12th Parliament after Hasina, 76, fled the country. Currently, an interim government led by Nobel Peace laureate Muhammad Yunus is running the country. Diplomatic passports of the officials would also be revoked immediately upon termination of their tenure or appointment, it said. The release said ordinary passports may be issued in their favour based on the reports of at least two investigating agencies, it added.
Hasina fled to India after being forced to resign in the face of a student-led mass uprising on August 5.
According to the Indian visa policy, Bangladeshi citizens holding diplomatic or official passports are eligible for visa-free entry and a stay of up to 45 days, The Daily Star newspaper said.
As of Thursday, Hasina has already spent 18 days in India. Hasina does not hold any passport other than the diplomatic passport issued in her name, the paper said quoting government sources. The cancellation of her diplomatic passport and its associated visa privileges may put her at risk of extradition. The extradition of Hasina, who is facing 51 cases, including 42 for murder, falls within the legal framework of the extradition treaty signed between Bangladesh and India, the BSS report said.
According to the treaty signed in 2013 and amended in 2016, "extradition may be refused if the offence for which it is requested is an offence of a political character."
It also says that certain offences -- like murder -- "shall not be regarded as offences of a political character" for the purposes of the treaty. However, one of the grounds for refusal of extradition is if the charges being pressed have not been "made in good faith, in the interest of justice", the report said. PTI
14:51 How many cases of mpox in India? K'taka govt says...
Karnataka Medical Education Minister Sharan Prakash Patil on Friday asked people not to worry about the mpox outbreak reported in some African countries as no infection has been detected in India till now.
The minister said free testing facilities have been arranged at the Victoria Hospital. Mpox infections are generally self-limiting, lasting between two and four weeks, and its patients usually recover with supportive medical care and management.
It is transmitted through prolonged and close contact with an infected patient. We held a departmental meeting today on preparedness for mpox. As of now, there is nothing to worry about, as no cases have been reported here, Patil told reporters after a meeting with the officials in Bengaluru.
"The central government has issued guidelines. At Victoria Hospital, we have arranged free testing facilities," he added.
The minister said the people of Karnataka need not worry as the state government has made all preparations to deal with the infection. The central government has also set up screening at international airports, Patil added. PTI
14:41 Atrocities against females increasing in Maha: Pawar
NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar on Friday said that the incidents of atrocities against young girls and women are rising in Maharashtra, suggesting that the home department should be alert to keep a check on such crimes.
Referring to the Badlapur incident, Pawar said it was shocking that such a crime happened in a school. Then there was also public reaction (protest) to this alleged crime outside, he told reporters in Pune.
There was a need to take strict action against such an act and everybody demanded the same. The state government should remain alert to keep a check on such incidents. The home department should take stringent action wherever required, said Pawar. After the alleged sexual assault of two kindergarten girls at a school in Badlapur town of Thane district, Pawar said, many more similar crimes were reported across the state.
"Be it small girls or women, many such atrocities are being reported. Unfortunately, the numbers are increasing day by day in the state and people are reacting to them to express their anguish. A one-day bandh is being organised on Saturday," he said.
The opposition grouping Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), comprising Congress, Sena (UBT) and NCP (SP), has called for a Maharashtra Bandh' on August 24 (Saturday) to protest against the Badlapur incident. Pawar urged all sections of society to take part in the bandh.
Thousands of people had hit the streets and spilled onto railway tracks in Badlapur on Tuesday to protest the alleged sexual assault on two four-year-old girls by a male attendant at a local school. PTI
14:10 Uddhav: Withdraw Badlapur cases or else...
Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Friday demanded the withdrawal of cases against those who had protested in Badlapur against the alleged sexual abuse of two kindergarten girls, warning that the opposition would have to hit the streets if it is not done.
Addressing a news conference, Thackeray said the August 24 Maharashtra Bandh' called by the opposition bloc Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) is not political but against perversion and urged people cutting across caste and religion to participate in it.
He claimed the bandh would be observed on behalf of the people of the state. Slamming the Eknath Shinde government's action over the Badlapur protest, Thackeray said, "Arrests are still taking place in Badlapur. The cases against the protesters must be withdrawn or else we have to hit the streets."
A massive protest rocked Badlapur town in Thane district on Tuesday after thousands of people hit the streets and spilled onto railway tracks to protest the alleged sexual assault of two four-year-old girls by a male attendant at a local school.
At least 25 police personnel were injured in the incidents of stone-pelting at the railway station and other parts of Badlapur during the protest. Police have arrested 72 persons in connection with the violence during the stir. The accused was arrested on August 17.
He has been sent to police custody till August 26. Thackeray said the bandh should be strictly followed till 2 pm, ensuring that emergency services remain operational. He said people are entitled to express their anger not just during elections. When all roads are shut, justice is sought in the court of people, he said.
The bandh is to make the government realise that the system should discharge its duties diligently. The former chief minister said even the Bombay High Court, which has taken suo motu cognisance of the alleged sexual assault of the young girls in Badlapur, has slammed the government.
During a hearing on the matter on Thursday, the HC said, "Unless there is a strong public outburst, the machinery won't move." PTI
13:56 Rain lashes parts of Delhi, IMD issues 'yellow' alert for day
An overcast sky blanketed the national capital as rain lashed several parts of the city during the early afternoon on Friday, with the weather department predicting more showers during the day.
The city has been placed under a 'yellow' alert, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.
The IMD uses colour codes in weather warnings "for bringing out the severity of the weather phenomena expected". The key idea is to forewarn relevant officials and the disaster management authority "about the impact of the weather expected so as to keep them ready for necessary action related to disaster risk reduction".
'Green' alert means no advisory is required, 'yellow' indicates be aware as the conditions will worsen, causing disruptions to daily life.
'Orange' denotes prepare for likely power outages and potential disruptions to transport, rail, road, and air, and 'red' means take action as an extremely bad weather condition is expected to disrupt transportation and power supply and could pose a risk to life.
Delhi has recorded a minimum temperature of 26.5 degrees Celsius, the IMD said.
The humidity level was recorded at 85 per cent, with the maximum temperature expected to be recorded at 35 degrees Celsius. -- PTI
13:36 Assam: Minor gangraped while returning from tuition
Massive protests were witnessed in Assam after a 14-year-old girl was allegedly raped by three persons in Nagaon district, police said on Friday.
The incident took place in Dhing area when the girl was returning home from her tuition on Thursday evening.
The minor was found in an unconscious state by the roadside and rescued by locals, who informed the police. She has been admitted to a hospital for treatment.
Two persons have been detained for interrogation and a search is underway for others, a police officer said.
Meanwhile, people from all sections of the society hit the streets on Friday morning demanding the arrest of the culprits.
Shopkeepers downed the shutters of their business establishments and social and political organisations demanded stringent action against the culprits and security for women and girls.
Tension prevailed in the area as Director General of Police G P Singh rushed to Dhing. -- PTI
The bus was en route to Pokhara, a pretty hillstation
12:56 Indian bus plunges into Nepal river; 11 killed
At least 11 people were killed after an Indian-registered passenger bus plunged into the Marsyangdi River in central Nepal on Friday, according to a media report.
The accident took place at Aaina Pahara in Tanahun district, Myrepublica.com reported.
A team of 45 Armed Police Force personnel led by Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Madhav Paudel from the Armed Police Force Nepal Disaster Management Training School has already reached the accident site and is carrying out the rescue operation.
According to the preliminary reports, some 10 to 11 dead bodies have been recovered.
File pic
12:26 UP school balcony collapses, 40 children injured
At least 40 children were injured, five of them seriously, after a portion of the first-floor balcony of their school in Barabanki collapsed on Friday, police said. The children are being treated at the district hospital.
The condition of five students is stated to be "critical", Barabanki Superintendent of Police (SP) Dinesh Kumar Singh said. Singh said the incident took place at the Awadh Academy School, a private institution, when a large number of children gathered on the first-floor balcony while going down to attend the morning assembly.
The 40 injured children were rushed to the Jahangirabad Primary Health Centre, around 300 metres from the school, and after they were given first aid, they were referred to the district hospital, police said. Many of the students were pulled out from under the debris of the collapsed balcony, they said. At the hospital, the children are being treated for injuries to their face, neck, hands and legs. PTI
12:24 Anil Ambani siphoned funds, Sebi fines him Rs 25 cr
Update: Markets regulator Sebi has barred industrialist Anil Ambani, 24 other entities, including former key officials of Reliance Home Finance from the securities market for five years for diversion of funds from the company. Sebi has imposed a penalty of Rs 25 crore on Ambani and restrained him from being associated with the securities market including as a director or Key Managerial Personnel (KMP) in any listed company, or any intermediary registered with the market regulator, for a period of 5 years. Also, the regulator barred Reliance Home Finance from the securities market for six months and slapped a fine of Rs 6 lakh on it.
In its 222-page final order, Sebi found that Anil Ambani, with the help of RHFL's key managerial personnel, had orchestrated a fraudulent scheme to siphon-off funds from RHFL by disguising them as loans to entities linked to him. Although the Board of Directors of RHFL had issued strong directives to stop such lending practices and reviewed corporate loans regularly, the company's management ignored these orders.
This suggests a significant failure of governance, driven by certain key managerial personnel under the influence of Anil Ambani. Given these circumstances, the company RHFL itself should not be held equally responsible as the individuals involved in the fraud. Further, the remaining entities have played the role of being either recipients of illegally obtained loans or conduits to enable illegal diversion of monies from RHFL, the regulator noted.
Sebi said its findings have established the "existence of a fraudulent scheme, orchestrated by Noticee No. 2 (Anil Ambani) and administered by the KMPs of RHFL, to siphon off funds from the public listed company (RHFL) by structuring them as 'loans' to credit unworthy conduit borrowers, and in turn, to onward borrowers, all of whom have been found to be 'promoter linked entities' i.e. entities associated/ linked with Noticee 2 (Anil Ambani)".
Ambani used his position as 'chairperson of the ADA group' and his significant indirect shareholding in the holding company of RHFL to orchestrate the fraud. Sebi, in its order on Thursday, noted the cavalier approach of the company's management and promoter in approving loans worth hundreds of crores to companies that had little to no assets, cash flow, net worth, or revenue.
11:58 Modi should listen to criticism
The prime minister and his Cabinet will be compelled to do what governments in other democracies must: Listen to criticism from citizens and tolerate it and even learn from it. In doing so, perhaps they can also get a laugh out of the material, as many of us so often do, notes Aakar Patel.
Read the column here.
11:51 Sebi bans Anil Ambani from securities mkt, fines him
SEBI bans Industrialist Anil Ambani, 24 other entities, including former officials of Reliance Home Finance from the securities market for 5 years for diversion of funds, imposes fine of Rs 25 cr on Anil Ambani. Details awaited.
11:44 Coaching class deaths: No bail for 4 co-owners
A Delhi court on Friday rejected the bail applications of four jailed co-owners of a coaching centre basement where three civil services aspirants drowned last month.
Principal District and Sessions Judge Anju Bajaj Chandna said, "Investigation is at initial stage. I am not inclined to give bail."
A detailed order of the court is awaited. On August 17, the court had reserved the order after hearing the arguments of the lawyers of the CBI and the basement's four joint owners -- Parvinder Singh, Tajinder Singh, Harvinder Singh and Sarbjit Singh.
The Delhi High Court recently transferred the probe into the deaths in the basement of the coaching centre building in Old Rajinder Nagar from police to the CBI "to ensure the public has no doubt over the investigation". PTI
PM Modi's convoy in Kyiv
10:56 PM Modi arrives in Ukraine from Poland
Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaches Kyiv from Poland to begin his one-day visit to Ukraine. This is the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Ukraine since its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. Modi will hold wide-ranging talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during the visit that is focused on exploring ways to find a negotiated settlement to the ongoing conflict in the country.
The prime minister's visit to Kyiv comes amid Ukraine's fresh military offensive into Russian territory.
Modi is arriving in Kyiv from Poland onboard a 'Rail Force One' under tight security, in the second and final leg of his two-nation trip, and comes nearly six weeks after his trip to Moscow. The schedule of the prime minister in the Ukrainian capital is being kept under wraps considering security protocols.
10:52 To get info on me: Sharad Pawar on Z+ security
NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar has said that the Z plus security cover accorded to him could be an arrangement to get authentic information about him as Maharashtra assembly polls are around the corner.
The Centre on Wednesday accorded Z plus the highest category of armed VIP security cover to Pawar, official sources had said. Asked about the security upgrade for him, the 83-year-old politician told the media in Navi Mumbai on Thursday that he wasn't aware of the reason behind the move.
"A home ministry official told me that the government has decided to give three persons Z plus security and I was one of them. I asked who the other two were. I was told RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and Union home minister Amit Shah," said Pawar. "Maybe since elections are approaching, this can be an arrangement to get authentic information (about me)," he quipped.
A team of 55 armed personnel from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has been earmarked as part of Pawar's Z plus security cover.
A threat assessment review by central agencies had recommended a strong security cover for Pawar, official sources had said earlier. The VIP security cover categorisations begin from the highest Z+ followed by Z, Y+, Y and X. Sharad Pawar's NCP (SP) is a part of the opposition bloc Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), also comprising the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) and Congress, that performed impressively in the held Lok Sabha polls winning 30 of the 48 seats in the state.
The ruling Mahayuti coalition of BJP, Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and NCP headed by Ajit Pawar had to contend with only 17 seats. Elections to the 288-member Maharashtra assembly are likely to be held in October-November. -- PTI
10:44 Indian students in Kyiv excited to see Modi
Indian students await the arrival of PM Narendra Modi's arrival in Kyiv, Ukraine. An Indian student says, "We are excited about PM Modi's arrival here. The government of India has been helping Indian students here since the time of Operation Ganga. We are very excited to meet PM Modi."
"Here we have an opportunity to see him and also talk to him if possible," says another student.
Trump and Kim Jong-Un in 2018
10:39 Won't cozy up to tyrant Kim like Trump did: Kamala
Kamala Harris has said that, if elected the commander-in-chief of the US, she will ensure that the country always has the strongest and most lethal fighting force in the world, Israel has the ability to defend itself and Ukraine and NATO allies are not abandoned.
Harris, 59, made these remarks as she formally accepted the Democratic Party's presidential nomination to take on Republican rival and former president Donald Trump in the November 5 election.
In her address to the Democratic National Convention on Thursday, she said that she would never hesitate to take whatever action is necessary to defend American forces and the country's interests against Iran and Iran-backed terrorists.
"And I will not cosy up to tyrants and dictators like Kim-Jong-Un, who are rooting for Trump. Because they know he is easy to manipulate with flattery and favours. They know Trump won't hold autocrats accountable because he wants to be an autocrat," Harris said.
"As President, I will never waver in defence of America's security and ideals. Because, in the enduring struggle between democracy and tyranny, I know where I stand and where the United States of America belongs," she said. Harris said as Vice President, she has confronted threats to security, negotiated with foreign leaders, strengthened alliances, and engaged with brave troops overseas. As Commander-in-Chief, I will ensure America always has the strongest, most lethal fighting force in the world. I will fulfil our sacred obligation to care for our troops and their families," she said.
"And I will always honour, and never disparage, their service and their sacrifice," she said. Trump, on the other hand, threatened to abandon NATO. He encouraged Russian President Vladimir Putin to invade America's allies, she said. Trump said Russia could do whatever the hell they want," she alleged.
Harris said five days before Russia attacked Ukraine, she met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to warn him about Russia's plan to invade. "I helped mobilise a global response over 50 countries to defend against Putin's aggression. And as President, I will stand strong with Ukraine and our NATO allies,' she said.
10:06 Nifty, Sensex rise despite Asian markets decline
Indian markets continued their upward movement on Friday, with both major indices opening with marginal gains. The Nifty 50 index began the day with an increase of 0.14 per cent, or 33.60 points, reaching 24,845.10 points.
Similarly, the BSE Sensex opened with a rise of 0.14 per cent, or 112.46 points, at 81,165.65 points. "We expect a mildly positive day for the Indian markets, with positions being reduced in the second half. as Powell's speech will be at night for Indian markets. FIIs turned net buyers on Thursday, only the 3rd day in August that this happened. Markets are waiting for the Jackson Hole speech event to pass before resuming their march upwards," said Ajay Bagga, Banking and Market Expert.
In the Nifty 50 list on the NSE, 32 stocks saw gains at the opening, while 10 stocks declined, and 8 remained unchanged. However, sectoral indices on the NSE displayed a mixed performance.
The Nifty Bank, Nifty Financial Services, Nifty IT, and Nifty Private Bank indices faced pressure, resulting in declines during the opening session. On the other hand, sectors such as Nifty Auto, Nifty FMCG, Nifty Media, and Nifty Metal registered gains.
Among the top gainers at the opening on the NSE were Bajaj Auto, Tata Motors, Apollo Hospitals, Reliance, and Hindalco. Conversely, the top losers included LTI Mindtree, Infosys, Asian Paints, IndusInd Bank, and NTPC at the time of filing this report.
10:02 Kamala: US, not China will win in 21st century
Kamala Harris on foreign policey: Ukraine: She has committed to supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression. She has met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at least six times and announced $1.5 billion for energy assistance, humanitarian needs, and other aid for the war-torn country last month.
Gaza-Israel: Democratic Party National Convention addressed the Israel-Hamas war and that she along with President Joe Biden was working to end the crisis in Gaza.
Stating that she will always ensure Israel has ability to defend itself, Harris said that now is the time to get a ceasefire deal done and added that the "devastating" bloodshed in Gaza is "heartbreaking."
"What has happened in Gaza over the past 10 months is devastating. So many innocent lives lost. Desperate, hungry people fleeing for safety over and over again. The scale of suffering is heartbreaking," Harris said.
China: I will ensure America, not China, wins the competition for 21st century.
09:29 Kamala ka hamla: Trump is a convicted felon
Kamala Harris has vowed to be "president for all Americans" and asked them to reject political divisions, warning of "extremely serious" consequences of putting her Republican rival Donald Trump back in White House.
Vice President Harris, who is of Indian and African heritage, on Thursday night accepted her party's nomination at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, becoming the second woman to do so for the Democratic Party.
The 59-year-old leader walked on stage to thunderous applause and a standing ovation from the audience. Chants of Yes You Can! erupted before her remarks. Taking the stage at the United Center in Chicago to accept her nomination, Harris said she is no stranger to unlikely journeys.
"On behalf of the people, on behalf of every American, regardless of party, race, gender or the language your grandmother speaks, on behalf of my mother and everyone who has ever set out on their own unlikely journey on behalf of Americans, like the people I grew up with, people who work hard, chase their dreams and look out for one another, on behalf of everyone whose story could only be written in the greatest nation on earth, I accept your nomination the United States," she said.
She remembered her mother Shyamala Gopalan and said that she misses her every day, especially when she is on the verge of breaking the highest glass ceiling of the United States.
She said the November 5 election is the most important in America's history. "Our nation with this election has a precious, fleeting opportunity to move past the bitterness, cynicism, and divisive battles of the past. A chance to chart a new way forward. Not as members of any one party or faction, but as Americans," she said in her 40-minute speech.
Vice President Harris outlined her plans for a new way forward if she's elected to be the 47th president of the United States. She laid out the consequences of electing former President Donald Trump to a second term.
"In many ways, Donald Trump is an unserious man, but the consequences of putting Donald Trump back in the White House are extremely serious," she warned. She spoke about the chaos and calamity of his years in the Oval Office and also pointed to him questioning election results in 2020 when he lost his reelection bid. Donald Trump tried to throw away your votes.
"When he failed, he sent an armed mob to the United States Capitol where they assaulted law enforcement officers. When politicians in his own party begged him to call off the mob and send help, he did the opposite. He fanned the flames," she said.
Harris also highlighted that Trump was convicted on 34 felony counts in a hush money case and that a federal jury in his civil defamation trial found that the former president had sexually abused writer E Jean Carroll.
He was found guilty of fraud by a jury of everyday Americans, and separately found liable for committing sexual abuse, she said. She said she would ensure America strengthens and not abdicate its global leadership. She also said she would ensure "America, not China, wins the competition for the 21st century". She also extended support to Ukraine and NATO allies. -- PTI
09:11 Talking about ME? Trump dissects Kamala's speech
Former President Donald Trump reacted to Vice President Kamala Harris' speech Thursday at the Democratic National Convention in real-time on Truth Social. "IS SHE TALKING ABOUT ME?' Trump posted.
The former president posted in rapid succession, criticizing Harris' speech, saying, "A lot of talk about childhood,' and "Too many 'Thank yous,' too rapidly said."
Trump repeatedly questioned why Harris hadn't already accomplished the policy proposals she's put forward as part of her reelection campaign while serving as vice president.
"She said, 'Chart a new way forward,' but she's had three and a half years, and has done nothing but HARM!' Trump wrote. He also pushed back on Harris' characterization of Project 2025, which he has repeatedly tried to distance himself from. "LYING AGAIN ABOUT PROJECT 2025, WHICH SHE KNOWS, AND SO DO ALL DEMOCRATS, THAT I HAVE ABSOLUTELY NOTHING TO DO WITH!" Trump posted.
-- CNN.com
08:35 Promise to be president for all Americans: Kamala
Promising that she will be a president who unites the people of the country, Vice President Kamala Harris on Thursday said that the upcoming presidential election is a chance to chart a new way forward, not as members of any one party or faction, but as Americans.
Harris, 59, is the first ever Indian-American and Black woman to be nominated as presidential candidate of the either Democratic or Republican parties.
"With this election, our nation has a precious, fleeting opportunity to move past the bitterness, cynicism, and divisive battles of the past. A chance to chart a new way forward. Not as members of any one party or faction, but as Americans," Harris said in the excerpts of her nomination acceptance speech Thursday night.
"I know there are people of various political views watching tonight. And I want you to know: I promise to be a president for all Americans...," she said.
"I will be a president who unites us around our highest aspirations. A president who leads -- and listens. Who is realistic. Practical. And has common sense. And always fights for the American people. From the courthouse to the White House, that has been my life's work," Harris said.
Recalling an incident when she was in high school, Harris said she started to notice something about her best friend Wanda. "She was sad at school. And there were times she didn't want to go home," said the vice president.
"So, one day, I asked if everything was alright. And she confided in me that she was being sexually abused by her step-father. And I immediately told her she had to come stay with us. And she did," she said.
"That is one of the reasons I became a prosecutor. To protect people like Wanda," Harris said. -- PTI
08:23 Kamala remembers her mother as she accepts nomination
Kamala Harris has remembered her mother Shyamala Gopalan and said that she misses her every day, especially when she is on the verge of breaking the highest glass ceiling of the United States.
Vice President Harris, who is of Indian and African heritage, on Thursday night accepted the nomination at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, becoming the second woman to do so for the Democratic Party.
"America, the path that led me here in recent weeks was no doubt unexpected. But I'm no stranger to unlikely journeys," Harris, 59, said.
"My mother Shyamala Harris had one of her own. I miss her every day -- especially now. And I know she's looking down tonight, and smiling," she said.
Harris said her mother was 19 when she crossed the world alone, travelling from India to California with an unshakeable dream to be the scientist who would cure breast cancer.
"... It was mostly my mother who raised us. Before she could finally afford to buy a home, she rented a small apartment in the East Bay. In the Bay, you either live in the hills or the flatlands. We lived in the flats -- a beautiful working-class neighbourhood of firefighters, nurses, and construction workers, all of whom tended their lawns with pride," said Harris.
Shyamala Gopalan migrated to the US at the age of 19 to pursue higher studies. -- PTI
00:20 ASI survey of Gyanvapi wazukhana 'not permissible': HC told
An ASI survey of the Gyanvapi mosque wazukhana is not permissible as there is a Supreme Court order that the area should be preserved, the mosque management committee has told the Allahabad high court.
The Anjuman Intezamia Committee Thursday filed a counter-affidavit before the Allahabad HC in the matter seeking a survey of the wazukhana (or ablution area) by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
It has been stated in the counter-affidavit that the matter relating to wazukhana and 'Shiv Linga' is already pending before the Supreme Court and there is a stay order operating that the area be preserved, and the responsibility for its safety and security has been handed over to the District Magistrate, Varanasi.
'Hence, any further action is not permissible. Instead, the petitioner should approach the apex court to seek clarification of its 2022 order,' the counter-affidavit said.
'In this backdrop, the District Judge, Varanasi has rightly rejected the application of Hindu side on October 21, 2023 seeking an ASI survey of the wazukhana area except for the Shiva Linga inside the Gyanvapi mosque, as the matter is covered by the apex court's interim orders arising out of the same suit,' added the affidavit.
Taking the affidavit on record, Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal granted two weeks' time to the petitioner counsel to file a rejoinder affidavit and fixed September 9 as the next date of hearing.
In the present civil revision, petitioner Rakhi Singh has challenged the Varanasi district judge's order dated October 21, 2023, whereby he had refused to direct the ASI to undertake a survey of the wazukhana area except for the Shiva Linga inside the Gyanvapi mosque.
Rakhi Singh is one of plaintiffs in Shringar Gauri worshipping suit pending before the Varanasi court.
In her revision, Rakhi Singh has pleaded that the survey of the Wazukhana area is necessary in the interest of justice. It shall benefit the plaintiffs and defendants alike and help the court arrive at a just decision in the suit.
Earlier, petitioner's counsel had argued that the ASI survey of the wazukhana area is necessary so that the religious character of the entire property could be determined.
It was also argued that it is possible to survey the wazukhana area (except for the 'Shiva Linga') using non-invasive methods as directed by the Supreme Court.
The ASI has already conducted a scientific survey of the Gyanvapi complex in Varanasi and submitted its report to the District Judge.
The ASI had conducted a survey in accordance with the July 21, 2023 order of the Varanasi District Judge to determine if the mosque was constructed over a pre-existing structure of a Hindu temple. -- PTI
The Anjuman Intezamia Committee Thursday filed a counter-affidavit before the Allahabad HC in the matter seeking a survey of the wazukhana (or ablution area) by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
It has been stated in the counter-affidavit that the matter relating to wazukhana and 'Shiv Linga' is already pending before the Supreme Court and there is a stay order operating that the area be preserved, and the responsibility for its safety and security has been handed over to the District Magistrate, Varanasi.
'Hence, any further action is not permissible. Instead, the petitioner should approach the apex court to seek clarification of its 2022 order,' the counter-affidavit said.
'In this backdrop, the District Judge, Varanasi has rightly rejected the application of Hindu side on October 21, 2023 seeking an ASI survey of the wazukhana area except for the Shiva Linga inside the Gyanvapi mosque, as the matter is covered by the apex court's interim orders arising out of the same suit,' added the affidavit.
Taking the affidavit on record, Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal granted two weeks' time to the petitioner counsel to file a rejoinder affidavit and fixed September 9 as the next date of hearing.
In the present civil revision, petitioner Rakhi Singh has challenged the Varanasi district judge's order dated October 21, 2023, whereby he had refused to direct the ASI to undertake a survey of the wazukhana area except for the Shiva Linga inside the Gyanvapi mosque.
Rakhi Singh is one of plaintiffs in Shringar Gauri worshipping suit pending before the Varanasi court.
In her revision, Rakhi Singh has pleaded that the survey of the Wazukhana area is necessary in the interest of justice. It shall benefit the plaintiffs and defendants alike and help the court arrive at a just decision in the suit.
Earlier, petitioner's counsel had argued that the ASI survey of the wazukhana area is necessary so that the religious character of the entire property could be determined.
It was also argued that it is possible to survey the wazukhana area (except for the 'Shiva Linga') using non-invasive methods as directed by the Supreme Court.
The ASI has already conducted a scientific survey of the Gyanvapi complex in Varanasi and submitted its report to the District Judge.
The ASI had conducted a survey in accordance with the July 21, 2023 order of the Varanasi District Judge to determine if the mosque was constructed over a pre-existing structure of a Hindu temple. -- PTI
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