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Thu, 05 December 2024
India, China agree to maintain peace along LAC
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23:38 Co-founder of British Indian Medical Association wins 2024 Diana Award
A London-based student who co-founded the British Indian Medical Association to address the critical need for mentorship and support among Indian-origin medical students was on Thursday named among the winners of this year's Diana Award.
Harroop Singh Bola, 23, has been recognised for going above and beyond in his daily life to create and sustain positive change.
Established in memory of Diana, Princess of Wales, the award is backed by her sons -- William, the Prince of Wales, and Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex -- as an accolade for a young changemaker in the field of social action and humanitarian efforts.
"It is both a profound honour and a valuable opportunity to be recognised with the Diana Award for our efforts in addressing and bridging inequalities within the British Indian medical community," said Bola.
"This recognition underscores the importance of inspiring others to become changemakers and future leaders in healthcare," he said.
Bola overcame significant personal challenges as a first-generation medical student at Imperial College London to create a thriving community when he co-founded BIMA in 2020.
Now in his final year at the leading university, he attracted praise for demonstrating exceptional leadership by heading four committees, collaborating with the General Medical Council and championing increased British Indian representation in healthcare. PTI
23:12 India, China agree to maintain peace along LAC
In their first diplomatic talks under a key dialogue mechanism since withdrawing troops from two face-off points, India and China on Thursday reflected on the lessons learnt from the eastern Ladakh border row in order to prevent such face-offs in future.
At the meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China border affairs in New Delhi, the two sides agreed to maintain peace and tranquillity in border areas in line with bilateral pacts and protocols.
The two sides also prepared for the next meeting of the Special Representatives on the boundary question.
"The two sides positively affirmed the implementation of the most recent disengagement agreement which completed the resolution of the issues that emerged in 2020," the ministry of external affairs said.
The eastern Ladakh military standoff between India and China began in May 2020 and a deadly clash at the Galwan Valley in June that year resulted in a severe strain in ties between the two neighbours.
The face-off effectively ended following completion of the disengagement process from the last two friction points of Demchok and Depsang under an agreement finalised on October 21.
Two days after the pact was firmed up, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks on the sidelines of the Brics Summit in the Russian city of Kazan. -- PTI
File image
22:49 Mobile internet ban extended till Dec 7 in nine districts of Manipur
The Manipur government on Thursday extended the suspension of mobile internet for two days in nine districts of the state till December 7.
An order issued by the home department said the suspension was extended in Imphal West, Imphal East, Kakching, Bishnupur, Thoubal, Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, Pherzawl and Jiribam till 5.15 pm of December 7.
"The state government after reviewing the prevailing law and order situation and its correlation with the general operation of internet services has decided to continue suspension of mobile internet and mobile data services, including VSATs and VPN services...," it said.
Internet services have been temporarily suspended since November 16, after violence broke out in the state following the recovery of the bodies of three women and three children in Jiri and Barak rivers in Manipur and Assam, respectively.
The Manipur government had conditionally lifted the suspension on broadband services on November 19, considering the hardships faced by common people, healthcare facilities, educational institutions and other offices. -- PTI
Former Khalistani terrorist Narain Singh Chaura (second from left)/ANI Photo
22:33 Sukhbir Badal attacker Chaura sent to 3-day police remand
A court in Amritsar on Thursday sent former Khalistani terrorist Narain Singh Chaura, who opened fire at Shiromani Akali Dal leader Sukhbir Singh Badal outside the Golden Temple on Wednesday, to three-day police remand, officials said.
Chaura (68), whose bid on the Akali leader's life was foiled by alert Punjab cop present on the spot in plainclothes, was produced in the court amid tight security on Thursday.
The Punjab police demanded seven-day remand for Chaura, but the court granted three days, a defence counsel told reporters in Amritsar.
Chaura will be produced before the court again on December 8.
The counsel said Chaura has been booked under Section 109 (attempt to murder) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and relevant sections of the Arms Act.
While seeking remand, the police said it wanted to find out from where Chaura procured the weapon used in the crime.
The police also said it wanted to ascertain the motive behind the attack.
Chaura on Wednesday opened fire from a close range at Badal, who was performing the duty of 'sewadar' at the main gate of the Sikh shrine as a religious penance, but missed as he was overpowered by plainclothes policemen.
The audacious attack was captured on camera by mediapersons camped outside the Golden Temple to cover Badal serving his penance for the "mistakes" committed by the Akali government in Punjab from 2007 to 2017. -- PTI
22:10 Will help Fadnavis as he helped me: Shinde
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Thursday said he will extend all possible cooperation to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and will work as a team.
Addressing a news conference, Shinde described his tenure as chief minister as very successful. He also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for firmly backing the Mahayuti government in the last two-and-half years.
Shinde said the Mahayuti not just secured a majority but the poll results did not give the opposition even enough numbers to have a leader of opposition in the assembly.
Shinde said when he was the chief minister, Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, both his deputies, extended cooperation to him and they worked as a team.
"The way Devendra ji and Ajit Dada (Pawar) helped and cooperated with me (when he was the CM), I will extend all possible cooperation and backing to the chief minister. We will work as a team," Shinde told reporters.
Playing on the acronyms CM (chief minister) and DCM (deputy chief minister), Shinde said he worked as 'common man' and will now be 'dedicated to the common man' 24 x 7.
The deputy chief minister said in the first cabinet meeting after the swearing-in ceremony officials have been instructed to disburse the next instalment of the Ladki Bahin scheme to beneficiaries.
Under the scheme, women with an annual family income of less than Rs 2.5 lakh are given Rs 1,500 as monthly aid.
Shinde rubbished all talk of him being upset over not being made chief minister.
When he led a revolt (against then chief minister Uddhav Thackeray) in 2022, 39 Shiv Sena MLAs were with him, Shinde pointed out.
Today, the party has 57 MLAs and asserted the people of the state have given their seal of approval on which is the real Shiv Sena. -- PTI
IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi being greeted by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde during an oath-taking ceremony, in Mumbai on Thursday. Photograph: ANI Photo
21:47 Raj Thackeray skips swearing in of 'friend' Fadnavis, says...
Fadnavis was sworn in as the chief minister of Maharashtra along with his two deputies Eknath Shinde and Devendra Fadnavis at a grand function attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier in the evening.
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena president Raj Thackeray on Thursday hoped the Mahayuti government makes use of its 'unbelievable' mandate in the right way for the 'state, the Marathi people, language and culture'.
In a post on X, Thackeray extended good wishes to his 'friend' Devendra Fadnavis. He said Fadnavis should have got the opportunity in 2019 and 2022.
In 2019 (post assembly polls) and 2022 (after fall of Maha Vikas Aghadi government), Fadnavis could not become the chief minister despite the BJP having the highest number of seats.
'This time, the people have given an unbelievable mandate to the Mahayuti, more so to the leadership of Devendra Fadnavis. I hope this is rightly used for the state, the Marathi people, the language and culture,' Thackeray said.
Thackeray said his party will support any good initiative of the government for the next five years.
"But if we feel the government is going wrong, or taking people for granted, then even if it is not possible in the legislative assembly right now, outside we will surely make the government aware of its mistakes," Thackeray said.
The MNS chief also extended his wishes to Shinde and Pawar.
Thackeray was invited for the swearing in ceremony at Azad Maidan but was unable to attend. -- PTI
21:01 Modi lauds Fadnavis, Shinde, Ajit Pawar
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday lauded the new government in Maharashtra as a blend of experience and dynamism and said it is due to the collective efforts of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and his two deputies that the Mahayuti alliance got a historic mandate.
In a post on X, Modi congratulated Fadnavis and two deputy chief ministers, Eknath Shinde of the Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar of the Nationalist Congress Party, on taking oath.
"This team is a blend of experience and dynamism and it is due to this team's collective efforts that the Mahayuti has got a historic mandate in Maharashtra. This team will do everything possible to fulfil the aspirations of the people of the state and to ensure there is good governance," he said.
Modi assured all possible support from the Centre in furthering development in Maharashtra.
The prime minister, several cabinet ministers, chief ministers and deputy CMs of the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance-ruled states attended the oath-taking ceremony in Mumbai earlier in the evening.
In the November 20 elections to the 288-member Maharashtra assembly, the BJP bagged 132 seats, the highest among all constituents of the Mahayuti alliance.
Shinde's Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar's NCP also performed well, bagging 57 and 41 seats, respectively. -- PTI
20:24 Fadnavis's first decision as Maha CM is...
Signing his first file after taking charge of office, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday approved a proposal to provide financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh for a patient awaiting bone marrow transplant.
Pune-based Chandrakant Kurhade's wife had sought help from the chief minister's relief fund for her husband's treatment.
The chief minister put his signature on the file before he chaired the first cabinet meeting.
Fadnavis and deputy chief ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar took oath of office and secrecy at a ceremony at Azad Maidan earlier in the evening. -- PTI
19:57 Fadnavis takes charge as CM, holds cabinet meeting
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and his deputies Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar took charge of their new official responsibilities at the state secretariat `Mantralaya' in Mumbai after taking oath of office on Thursday evening.
Fadnavis, 54, is the 20th chief minister (not counting multiple terms) since the Maharashtra state was formed in 1960. The three leaders of the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance were sworn in at a grand ceremony at Azad Maidan, attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, chief ministers of several states, Union ministers, industry leaders and film stars, among others.
On reaching Mantralaya, the three leaders were given a traditional welcome by the staff. Fadnavis and his deputies then offered floral tributes to the portraits of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Jijabai, B R Ambedkar and Mahatma Phule. Chief secretary Sujata Saunik was also present on this occasion.
Fadnavis, Shinde and Pawar then chaired the first cabinet meeting of the new government and interacted with senior officials. This is Fadnavis's third term as chief minister.
A scene from the film
19:27 Allu Arjun booked for woman's death at premiere
Telugu actor Allu Arjun, others booked in connection with woman's death at premiere show of film 'Pushpa 2', says news agency PTI.
Allu Arjun will be charged for the stampede that erupted outside a Hyderabad theatre and left one woman dead on Wednesday, after he arrived without prior intimation for the premiere show of his movie "Pushpa 2: The Rule", police said on Thursday.
Besides the actor, the management of Sandhya Theatre will also be charged for not making any "additional provisions regarding security to manage the crowd".
19:22 Maharashtra's chief ministers
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday took the oath of office as Chief Minister of Maharashtra in a ceremony held at Mumbai's Azad Maidan. Governor CP Radhakrishnan administered the oath to Fadnavis. The ceremony witnessed the presence of prominent leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Chief Ministers from various states, such as Yogi Adityanath (Uttar Pradesh), Nitish Kumar (Bihar), Vishnu Deo Sai (Chhattisgarh), Pramod Sawant (Goa), Bhupendra Patel (Gujarat), and Pushkar Singh Dhami (Uttarakhand), were also in attendance.
Ashok Chavan
19:18 'When PM comes for swearing-in it means...'
After Maharashtra govt takes oath, BJP leader Ashok Chavan says, "You can well understand what it means when the PM comes here. Today, Maharashtra has got a stable government and now moving forward on the path of progress. The oath ceremony of the MLAs will take place on 7th, 8th and 9th December. I think it is a good beginning."
Shiv Sena Chief Eknath Shinde and Nationalist Congress Party Chief Ajit Pawar took oath as Deputy Chief Ministers of Maharashtra on Thursday. Governor CP Radhakrishnan administered the oath to Shinde and Pawar at a ceremony held at Mumbai's Azad Maidan.
Bharatiya Janata Party leader Devendra Fadnavis has been sworn in as the Chief Minister of the new Mahayuti government. Notably, Fadnavis served as Maharashtra CM from 2014-19 and as Deputy CM under the recent Mahayuti government.
19:12 Fadnavis, deputies pay tributes to Ambedkar
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy CMs Eknath Shinde, Ajit Pawar pay tributes to Dr BR Ambedkar at Mantralaya in Mumbai.
19:08 Glad Shinde took oath: Narayan Rane
BJP MP Narayan Rane says, "I congratulate them (Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy CMs Eknath Shinde, Ajit Pawar) and wish them all the best. It is a good thing that he (Shinde) has taken oath as Deputy Chief Minister, I wish him all the best."
18:58 Bahut, bahut badhai, say celebs, VVIPS to CM
"Bahut, bahut badhai," says actor Vicky Kaushal after the swearing-in of Devendra Fadnavis as Maharashtra CM. On the right of the picture is industrialist Kumarmangalam Birla.
18:55 You can see the atmosphere for yourself: Bhujbal
After the oath ceremony, NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal says, "It is very good, you can see the atmosphere here for yourself. People from all over the state came, many leaders came to the function."
Pic: Satish Bodas
18:52 No Ladki Bahin benefits but they still came
Ranjana Lagade (in red sari), Saraswati Kawle (in blue sari) have come from Lal Dongar, Chembur East. Both the women said they did not receive even one installment of Ladki Bahin because they were told by officials who came for the survey that those above 65 years of age are not eligible for the scheme.
18:49 Maharashtra CM, deputies pay tribute to Shivaji
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis along with his Deputy CMs Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar pay floral tributes to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Dr BR Ambedkar at Mantralaya.
18:44 Kahan gaye posters?
Interestingly, no big hoardings of the VVIPs who were on stage could be seen en route from Mantralaya to Azad Maidan.
Huge, huge crowds at the venue. Pic: Satish Bodas
18:37 Gold chain robbed, iPad lost
A high-ranking official in DCM Eknath Shinde's staff, on condition of anonymity, tells Satish Bodas/Rediff.com that his 20 gram gold chain was snatched during the swearing-in ceremony and he was on his way to file a police complaint. While the thief got away with the gold chain, a rudraksh mala with Hanuman and Ganesh pendants attached fell in his shirt. The official also said that an MLA lost his iPad in the melee.
18:32 Devendraji will continue to serve people: Amruta
After the oath ceremony, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis's wife, Amruta Fadnavis says, "I am happy. Devendraji has taken oath as CM for the third time today. He has served the people and will continue to do so in future too."
Fadnavis, the political stalwart who rose from humble beginnings to become a key figure in Maharashtra politics, was on Thursday evening sworn in as chief minister -- a position he has held twice before.
"Mi Punha Ye-in (I will be back)," he had famously said at the end of his first tenure in the top post in 2019. His detractors mocked him over the resolution when he had to sit in the opposition subsequently; but the BJP leader had the last laugh. The 54-year-old leader, whose career has been marked by a blend of resilience and strategic manoeuvring, would lead the state for the third time following a decisive showing of the BJP in the November 20 assembly polls.
Pic: Sahil Salvi
18:19 Stars, netas, legends, locals converge in Mumbai
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union ministers Amit Shah, Nitin Gadkari and Rajnath Singh, chief ministers of NDA-ruled states and prominent personalities from industry and Bollywood on Thursday attended the swearing-in of Devendra Fadnavis as Maharashtra Chief Minister in Mumbai.
BJP leader Fadnavis took oath as the chief minister of the state for the third time in a grand and spectacular ceremony held this evening at the sprawling Azad Maidan in south Mumbai.
Shiv Sena president Eknath Shinde and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Ajit Pawar were sworn-in as the deputy chief ministers. The chief ministers of several NDA-ruled states, including Yogi Adityanath (Uttar Pradesh), Nitish Kumar (Bihar), Pushkar Singh Dhami (Uttarakhand), Nayab Singh Saini (Haryana), Bhupendra Patel (Gujarat) and Pramod Sawant (Goa) also attended the ceremony. BJP president J P Nadda, Union ministers Nirmala Sitharaman, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Jyotiraditya Scindia and Ramdas Athawale, were also present at the event.
Industrialists Mukesh Ambani and Kumarmangalam Birla and Bollywood stars Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Ranbir Kapoor, Madhuri Dixit-Nene, Sanjay Dutt and cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar were also among the attendees.
The formation of the new government comes after two weeks of intense negotiations among the Mahayuti allies - BJP, Shiv Sena and NCP - following the November 20 assembly polls and results on November 23.
Pic: Prasanna D Zore
18:10 Just 21 and super enthu
Trisha Maruti and Pranjal Gadekar, both 21, came for the experience and they clearly can't stop smiling. The Maharashtra CM has used his mother's and father's name as part of his name -- Devendra Sarita Gangadharrao Fadnavis -- and the girls say that everybody should now add their mother's name.
Pic: Prasanna D Zore
18:05 All roads led to Azad Maidan today
These men are BJP supporters from Chalisgaon, Jalgaon. As we said earlier, people from across the state have come to Mumbai for this day and a ceremony that actually took just 10 minutes. But it's the ambience that makes the difference -- like watching a match at a stadium. "We came for the experience. The youth should also experience this, says Pranjal, a student at the Institute of Forensic Science.
18:00 Meet and greets after the ceremony
The PM bows twice before the people of Maharashtra but doesn't speak to them. After all, it's Devendra Fadnavis' big day. The swearing-in was done in 10 minutes, says Prasanna D Zore/Rediff.com.
After the ceremony, the PM stopped to greet AP CM Chandrababu Naidu and Goa CM Pramod Sawant.
17:52 What did they tell each other?
PM Modi and Maharashtra Dy CM share a laugh shortly after the swearing-in.
17:50 Finally, Shinde smiles
PM Narendra Modi congratulates Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde on taking oath as Maharashtra Deputy CM. Finally, a hint of a smile from Shinde as the PM pats him on his hand. Shinde is due to meet Amit Shah shortly after the ceremony.
17:45 Shinde takes oath as Maha Dy CM
Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde takes oath as Deputy CM of Maharashtra. Much ado about that oath. Scroll down to see why.
17:44 From far and wide they came to Mumbai
Azad Maidan is packed with Mahayuti supporters who have come from different corners of Maharashtra. And there are bigger crowds waiting outside, says Prasanna D Zore/Rediff.com
17:39 Devendra Fadnavis takes oath as Maharashtra CM
Devendra Fadnavis takes oath as Chief Minister of Maharashtra.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP national president JP Nadda, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, UP CM Yogi Adityanath and CMs & Deputy CMs of NDA-ruled states, Union Ministers, NDA leaders present at the swearing-in ceremony.
17:39 Modi-Modi-Modi chants fill Azad Maidan
PM Modi, Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan, CM designate Devendra Fadnavis and all other leaders and attendees rise to the National Anthem at the oath-taking ceremony of the new government. Expectedly, chants of Modi-Modi rent the air as he arrives.
17:34 Safety measures in place
Fire extinguishers have been kept at the venue for emergencies, says Prasanna D Zore/Rediff.com.
17:31 Governor arrives
Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan arrives at Azad Maidan, to administer oath of office to Maharashtra CM designate Devendra Fadnavis.
Bihar CM Nitish Kumar is also on the stage (not in pic).
17:30 Waiting for the PM
That's a beaming Fadnavis with Ajit Pawar next to him on the stage. Pawar and Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde, will also be sworn in at the ceremony in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
17:27 Devendra Fadnavis greeted with loud cheers
Devendra Fadnavis comes on stage amid loud cheers from the crowd. Crowd management is a huge challenge, many women at the venue. Fadnavis will take oath as Maharashtra CM shortly. Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde, NCP chief Ajit Pawar are also on stage.
17:22 BJP's stars shine on stage
BJP's big stars on stage at the venue. L to R: Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Nitin Gadkari, JP Nadda, Amit Shah and Rajnath Singh. UP CM Yogi Adityanath and CMs & Deputy CMs of NDA-ruled states, Union Ministers, NDA leaders are also present at the Maharashtra government swearing-in ceremony.
Text: Prasanna D Zore, Pic: Satish Bodas
17:16 The Ladki Bahin recipients arrive
Rediff.com@Azad Maidan: Fatima Shaikh, 40, resident of Kandivali (E),
voted for Eknath Shinde though her sitting MLA was Atul Bhatkhalkar. She got Rs 7500 in installments through the Ladki Bahin scheme. She is part of a group of around 100 women, all wearing saffron sarees, at the venue.
17:03 Ranveer Singh arrives
Actor Ranveer Singh attends the oath ceremony of the Maharashtra government.
17:00 Fadnavis takes mother's blessings on big day
Maharashtra CM designate Devendra Fadnavis takes blessings from his mother ahead of oath-taking ceremony.
16:43 Mrs Fadnavis has a message on husband's big day
Ahead of oath ceremony, Maharashtra CM-designate Devendra Fadnavis' wife, Amruta says, "Ladki Behen has been a great project under which the women got associated with Devendraji and the Mahayuti."
And more arrivals: Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy, Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav, Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu arrive in Mumbai to attend oath ceremony of Maharashtra government.
Fadnavis and Shinde (looking none too happy) with Amit Shah after the polls
16:13 Amit Shah, Nadda, BJP CMs arrive in Mumbai
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Minister and BJP president JP Nadda arrive in Mumbai to attend the oath ceremony of the Mahayuti government. UP CM Yogi Adityanath has also reached Mumbai. Rajasthan CM Bhajanlal Sharma arrives in Mumbai. Scroll down to see who else will be attending the ceremony.
Eknath Shinde fought till the bitter end over giving up the throne
16:12 Shinde to meet Shah immediately after ceremony
Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Shirsat says, "After the swearing-in ceremony, Eknath Shinde will have a meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and a decision will be taken regarding the Home Minister and other posts."
Shiv Sena president Eknath Shinde would be taking oath as deputy chief minister of Maharashtra at the swearing-in ceremony in Mumbai on Thursday evening, his party colleague Uday Samant announced.
BJP legislature party leader Devendra Fadnavis would take oath as chief minister, while Shinde and NCP chief Ajit Pawar would be sworn in as his deputies at the ceremony to be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Samant's announcement in the afternoon ended the uncertainty over Shinde's role in the new Mahayuti government.
File pic
15:55 Uproar in RS, BJP links Rahul, Soros
The Rajya Sabha on Thursday witnessed uproarious scenes in the morning when BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi alleged attacks by foreign forces on India's national interests and demanded a thorough probe besides asking all MPs to discuss the serious issue.
Speaking on 'Concerns over Suspicious and Conspicuous Attacks on National Interest from Abroad' during Zero Hour, Trivedi cited instances during the past three years wherein issues concerning India were raised by international entities just before or during Parliament sessions. He cited examples of the Hindenburg report, Covid vaccine report and one on Indian farmers, a BBC documentary, Pegasus issue and a video on violence against women in Manipur during the past three years.
He also cited the recent report on the indictment of an Indian business house by a US attorney just ahead of the Winter Session. "Ever since India is emerging as a strategic, economic and diplomatic power, it has been seen that in the last three years there have been attempts to attack India's established systems and interests on economic and social fronts through activities from abroad," he said.
He also quoted a recent report by a French publication that certain foreign powers are funding the Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) which also focusses on India and has association with billionaire investor George Soros.
Trivedi also said that it was for the first time that the Russian government had claimed that there was foreign intervention in India's elections, with another government denying it.
As soon as he referred to the US attorney report, members of several opposition parties rose on their feet creating uproar in the House. Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar intervened, saying, "we cannot allow the largest democracy to be made dysfunctional by 'deep state'. This House should be united in neutralising any trend or initiative that is dangerous to our sovereignty". -- PTI
15:45 Why did Priyanka Gandhi Vadra meet Amit Shah?
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and MPs from Kerala met Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday and urged the Centre to provide immediate relief to landslide-affected people of Wayanad.
Priyanka Gandhi, who is newly-elected MP from Wayanad, highlighted the need for immediate assistance to help affected families, rebuild their lives and restore essential infrastructure in the region.
She said the tragedy needed to be considered beyond partisan politics. She urged the Home Minister to urgently consider releasing the required funds to support the rehabilitation efforts in view of the severity of the disaster. -- ANI
15:37 Gadkari, Biswa Sarma arrive
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari arrives in Mumbai to attend the oath ceremony of the Mahayuti government. Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma also arrives.
15:30 Ajit Pawar all set to take oath
Supporters wearing the traditional Maharashtrian pheta on their head arrive at NCP leader Ajit Pawar's residence in Mumbai, ahead of oath ceremony of Mahayuti govt.
Yesterday, the press conference of the Mahayuti allies in Mumbai after they staked claim to form government in Maharashtra witnessed some banter thanks to Ajit Pawar, a 'veteran' deputy chief minister.
When Eknath Shinde, sitting between Devendra Fadnavis and Pawar at the press conference, was asked whether he would take oath as deputy CM, he was evasive, saying, "Wait till evening."
Ajit Pawar, sitting on his left, immediately cut in and said, "Don't know about him, but I am taking oath tomorrow."
It drew huge guffaws from the crowd.
15:25 Shinde WILL take oath as Dy CM today: Sena
"Eknath Shinde will take oath as Deputy CM of Maharashtra," says Shiv Sena leader Uday Samant. Samant had earlier said that no MLA from the party will accept any responsibility in the new Maharashtra government if Eknath Shinde does not take oath as deputy chief minister.
Talking to reporters hours ahead of the swearing-in ceremony, Samant also said no MLA from the Shiv Sena has the intention to become deputy CM and the post should be occupied only by Shinde.
Shiv Sena head Eknath Shinde, who served as chief minister in the outgoing government, has indicated that he is reluctant to join the new government as deputy CM.
Devendra Fadnavis at the Mumbadevi temple
15:23 Goa CM arrives
Goa CM Pramod Sawant who arrived in Mumbai to witness the swearing-in ceremony congratulated Devendra Fadnavis on becoming CM, "I extend my greeting to Devendra Fadnavis. I feel proud today that NDA Govt is in power once again in Maharashtra. He has been elected as the CM of Maharashtra for the third time. Best wishes to him. Maharashtra will progress with twice the speed."
15:07 All roads lead to Azad Maidan
Mumbai: A group of youth wearing t-shirts reading 'Ek hain toh safe hain' en route to Azad Maidan to attend the oath ceremony of the Mahayuti government.
15:04 VIPs begin arriving for Maharashtra's big day
Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh Vishnu Deo Sai and Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma arrive in Mumbai to attend the oath ceremony of the Maharashtra government. CM Sai says, "We congratulate Devendra Fadnavis. He is an experienced leader and due to good work done by Mahayuti, people have blessed them."
CMs of BJP-held states and states where there in an alliance will be attending the ceremony.
Bihar CM Nitish Kumar and Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary have also arrived.
Fadnavis would be taking oath along with two deputy chief ministers, BJP leader Sudhir Mungantiwar told reporters earlier in the day. Bhujbal said after the swearing-in of the chief minister and two deputy CMs, they will sit together and discuss the cabinet formation.
14:54 Rediff will be covering the swearing-in live today
Chaos at DGIPR office in Mantralaya, says Prasanna D Zore/Rediff.com, who will be covering the swearing-in ceremony this evening. He says most reporters haven't got their passes okayed. The passes allow enter to the venue at Azad Maidan where the ceremony will be held. Even if entry is allowed, correspondents are generally far away from the stage.
14:15 Mahayuti ministers to take oath in one week: Bhujbal
NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal on Thursday said ministers from the Mahayuti allies in Maharashtra will take oath in a week's time.
Talking to reporters in Mumbai, Bhujbal also said that NCP head Ajit Pawar, who will take oath as deputy chief minister for the sixth time on Thursday evening, has a good grasp over the finance department. Notably, Pawar served as the deputy CM and also held the finance portfolio in the outgoing government.
BJP legislature party leader Devendra Fadnavis will be sworn-in as the new chief minister of Maharashtra on Thursday evening at a grand ceremony in Mumbai to be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Fadnavis would be taking oath along with two deputy chief ministers, BJP leader Sudhir Mungantiwar told reporters earlier in the day -- PTI
14:09 Shinde's name missing in swearing-in invite card
Eknath Shinde's name missing in the invite for the swearing-in ceremony of chief minister and deputy chief minister in NCP's invitations card. Pic: @NewIndianXpress.
Shiv Sena head Eknath Shinde, who served as chief minister in the outgoing government, has indicated that he is reluctant to join the new government as deputy CM.
13:59 Is Eknath Shinde refusing to take oath as Dy CM?
Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Shirsat says, "Eknath Shinde will listen to our request and he will take oath as Deputy CM, we believe that he is our leader and we want him to take the oath as Deputy CM. We all are going to Eknath Shinde, we will convince and get him ready for the oath-taking."
Is Eknath Shinde refusing to take oath as Maharashtra deputy CM?
Reports say Shinde is unwilling to take oath today. Yesterday at the joint presser Shinde had said "wait till evening [today]" when asked if he would take oath as deputy CM. Shinde is believed to be miffed that he has to step down as CM and play second fiddle to Devendra Fadnavis.
Shiv Sena leader Uday Samant on Thursday said no MLA from the party will accept any responsibility in the new Maharashtra government if Eknath Shinde does not take oath as deputy chief minister.
Talking to reporters hours ahead of the swearing-in ceremony, Samant also said no MLA from the Shiv Sena has the intention to become deputy CM and the post should be occupied only by Shinde.
Shiv Sena head Eknath Shinde, who served as chief minister in the outgoing government, has indicated that he is reluctant to join the new government as deputy CM.
Watch this space for more.
13:46 KL will open innings and I will bat in middle: Rohit
India skipper Rohit Sharma said he will bat "somewhere in the middle-order" in the day/night Test against Australia starting here on Friday, allowing K L Rahul to continue in the opening slot.
Rahul looked solid with scores of 26 and 77 as he and centurion Yashasvi Jaiswal combined for a 201-run opening stand during the second innings of the first Test in Perth, which India won by 295 runs.
"He (Rahul) will open the innings. I will play somewhere in the middle," Rohit told reporters on the eve of the second Test.
Rohit is returning to the side after a short paternity break for the birth of his son. The skipper said that continuity wouldbe beneficial for the team.
"We want result, we want success. Those two guys at the top they batted brilliantly in Perth. I was watching from home. Rahul was brilliant to watch. He deserves that place at this point in time."
"There is no need to change that now, may be things will be different in future. Personally not easy for me (to move down) but for the team it made a lot of sense," said Rohit adding that he will bat somewhere in the middle.
Rahul, who spoke to the media on Wednesday, had said that he would have been comfortable batting at any position as he has long overcome the "mental challenges" of being a floater in the line-up. -- PTI
13:11 Cow brought to Fadnavis home for 'gau puja'
A cow was brought to the residence of Maharashtra CM-designate Devendra Fadnavis for 'Gau Pujan', ahead of his swearing-in ceremony today.
Fadnavis offered prayers at Shree Siddhivinayak Temple in Mumbai and the Shree Mumbadevi Temple and sought blessings at the temples.
13:07 Mumbai goes saffron
Flags and banners of the Bharatiya Janata Party near Marine drive ahead of the Maharashtra CM and Dy CMs oath-taking ceremony in Mumbai this evening.
13:04 Pushpa 2 Review: Fantabulous Allu Arjun!
Divya Nair applauds Pushpa: The Rule. Read the review on Rediff.com here.
Rahul and Priyanka were stopped from entering Sambhal yesterday
13:01 Sambhal admin to put up poster of perpetrators of Nov 24 violence
The Sambhal administration on Thursday said it will put up posters of those involved in the November 24 violence.
"We will put up posters of those involved in Sambhal violence today," District Magistrate Rajender Pensiya told PTI. He said the authorities have identified more than 400 people and arrested 32 so far in connection with the violence that broke out last month over a local mosque survey.
"There is a peace committee meeting at 3 pm. We will discuss with everyone the question of how many people's posters will be put up," Pensiya said. He added, "we are currently designing it (poster). It will be finalised today. 400 people have been identified. Posters will be put up after excluding those who have been arrested." PTI
12:58 Asked Bappa for Maharashtra's happiness: Fadnavis
Devendra Fadnavis shares this image on X: "Took darshan and blessings of Shri Siddhivinayak before taking Oath as Maharashtra's Chief Minister. With a heart full of faith, prayed for our beloved State's happiness, prosperity, and progress. May Bappa guide us with strength and wisdom on this path of responsibility and dedication!"
Fadnavis will be sworn in as Maharashtra Chief Minister at the Azad Maidan in Mumbai this evening.
Security personnel at an encounter site. File pic
12:47 Naxals kill BJP worker, police informer
Naxalites have killed two former heads village panchayats in separate incidents in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district, police said on Thursday.
Naxalites in their pamphlets claimed former sarpanch Suklu Parsa was a BJP worker and accused the other deceased, Sukhram Avlam, of helping cops in setting up a police camp.
Parsa was killed on Wednesday in Bhairamgarh police station limits, while Avlam was murdered the same day in Naimed area, an official here said.
With these incidents, Naxalites have killed at least 55 persons so far this year in the state's Bastar division comprising seven districts, including Bijapur, according to police. Notably, nine BJP leaders were killed between January 2022 and April 2023 in separate incidents in the division. As per preliminary information, Naxalites abducted Parsa from Biriyabhumi village on Monday and killed him on Wednesday, the official said. Police were alerted after Naxalites dumped the body near the village on Wednesday night.
In a pamphlet found at the spot, Bhairamgarh area committee of Maoists claimed the responsibility for killing Parsa and said he was active as a worker of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the official said. Naxalites also threatened BJP workers in the area with dire consequences and asked them to quit the party, he said.
The body of Sukhram Avlam was found on a road connecting Kader and Kaika villages under Naimed police station limits on Wednesday night, the official said. -- PTI
File pic
12:32 Firing at LoC, army ambush party spots movement
An Army ambush party opened fire after observing suspicious movement near the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said on Thursday.
The troops on ambush duty along the possible infiltration routes picked up suspicious movement near Bagyaldara village late on Wednesday night and fired a few rounds. Simultaneously, the cordon around the suspected location was strengthened, the officials said.
There were no casualties in the Army firing, they said. According to the officials, a search operation was launched at first light on Thursday and it was underway when last reports were received. PTI
Kuldeep Sengar
12:23 Unnao rapist Kuldeep Sengar gets interim bail
The Delhi High Court on Thursday granted a two-week interim bail on medical grounds to expelled BJP leader Kuldeep Singh Sengar who is serving life term for raping a minor in Uttar Pradesh's Unnao in 2017.
A bench headed by Justice Prathiba M Singh suspended the sentence for the time being and directed that Sengar be admitted to AIIMS-Delhi for his medical evaluation and must remain in the capital once discharged.
"Considering the history of the case as also the medical condition of the applicant, it is directed that the applicant will be released on interim bail for two weeks and he shall seek admission in AIIMS Delhi for a comprehensive medical evaluation," the bench, also comprising Justice Amit Sharma, said. The court sought a report from the medical board of AIIMS and listed the matter for hearing on December 20.
Sengar is also serving a 10-year jail term in connection with the custodial death of the Unnao rape victim's father. His plea for interim bail in that case is still pending before another bench of the high court.
12:07 See: Maharashtra CM-designate offers prayers
Maharashtra CM-designate Devendra Fadnvais offered prayers at Shree Siddhivinayak Temple today, ahead of his swearing-in ceremony. Fadnavis will be sworn in as Maharashtra Chief Minister at the Azad Maidan in Mumbai on Thursday. Two deputy chief ministers, NCP leader Ajit Pawar and Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde, will also be sworn in at the ceremony in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
11:47 Fadnavis takes blessings at Siddhivinayak temple
Maharashtra CM-designate Devendra Fadnvais arrives at the Shree Siddhivinayak Temple in Prabhadevi, Mumbai, ahead of his swearing-in ceremony later today.
Two deputy chief ministers, NCP leader Ajit Pawar and Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde, will also be sworn in at the ceremony in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Meanwhile, the posters of Maharashtra CM-designate Fadnavis, Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar covered the area around Azad Maidan in Mumbai. The oath-taking ceremony will see the participation of several NDA chief ministers and leaders.
France President Emmanuel Macron
11:34 French govt collapses in no-confidence vote
The French government has collapsed after Prime Minister Michel Barnier was ousted in a no-confidence vote. MPs voted overwhelmingly in support of the motion against him -- just three months after he was appointed by President Emmanuel Macron, reports the BBC.
Opposition parties had tabled the motion after the former Brexit negotiator controversially used special powers to force through his budget without a vote. It marks the first time the country's government has collapsed in a no-confidence vote since 1962.
Macron insisted he will serve the rest of his term until 2027. However, he will need to appoint a new prime minister for the second time after July's legislative elections led to a deeply divided parliament.
Macron will address France on Thursday evening.
Barnier is expected to formally resign by then. A conservative appointed in September, Barnier becomes the shortest-serving prime minister in France's modern Republic.
11:25 When you gotta run, you gotta run
J-K CM Omar Abdullah shares this happy image in snow-bound Kashmir saying, "Morning run done. Time to get to work."
11:23 All roads lead to Azad Maidan in Mumbai today
Much excitement outside the residence of Maharashtra Deputy CM designate Ajit Pawar; he will also be taking oath today.
Representational image
11:13 Man held with 10 desi bombs; to be used for...
Police have arrested a 45-year-old man after seizing 10 country-made bombs from his possession in Thane city of Maharashtra, an official said on Thursday.
Acting on a tip, the police intensified vigil and when the man arrived near the Saket ground in Thane on December 2, he was apprehended, senior police inspector Sanjay Shinde of the central crime unit said.
The police found 10 country-made bombs in a bag he was carrying, the official said, adding the man, resident of Mangaon in neighbouring Raigad district, had arrived in Thane to sell the explosives.
In his statement to the police, the man informed that the bombs were intended to be sold after being concealed in wheat flour and that such explosives were used to hunt wild boars, a practice common in some rural areas, the official said.
The Rabodi police on Tuesday registered a case against the man under relevant legal provisions for negligent conduct with respect to explosive substances, he said. PTI
10:44 Andhra CM Chandrababu Naidu to attend Fadnavis' swearing in ceremony
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu will be attending the swearing in ceremony of the new government in Maharashtra on Thursday, official sources said.
According to the schedule, Naidu will leave for Mumbai at 1.45 pm from Vijayawada airport.
fter attending the event, he will leave for Visakhapatnam at 7.30 pm.
BJP legislature party leader Devendra Fadnavis' oath-taking ceremony will take place on Thursday evening at Azad Maidan in south Mumbai which will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. -- PTI
10:16 Sukhbir Badal continues 'seva' day after murder bid
A day after he survived a bid on his life, Shiromani Akali Dal leader Sukhbir Singh Badal on Thursday performed the duty of 'sewadar' outside Takht Kesgarh Sahib in Punjab's Rupnagar district amid tight security.
The former deputy chief minister, a Z+ protectee, arrived at the Ananadpur Sahib shrine surrounded by security personnel. Dressed in blue 'sewadar' uniform, Badal sat at the entrance of the gurdwara with a spear in one hand.
He is undergoing religious punishment pronounced by the Akal Takht, the temporal body of Sikhs, for "mistakes" committed by the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) government and his party in Punjab from 2007 to 2017.
Besides the Golden Temple in Amritsar, the Akal Takht has asked Badal to perform the service of 'sewadar' at Takht Kesgarh Sahib, Takht Damdama Sahib, and Darbar Sahib in Muktsar and Fatehgarh Sahib for two days each.
On the second day of his penance at the Golden Temple on Wednesday, Badal had a narrow escape as a former Khalistani terrorist fired at him from a close range but missed as he was overpowered by plainclothes policemen.
Police made elaborate security arrangements ahead of Badal's visit to Takht Kesgarh Sahib. -- PTI
10:04 Whatever is happening in Manipur is...: Bhutia
Former Indian footballer Bhaichung Bhutia has expressed serious concern over the situation in Manipur and has urged both the state and central governments to work together with local communities to restore peace.
"Whatever is happening in Manipur is very unfortunate. As a northeastern, it hurts us. We only hope and pray for the peace to come over. Manipur is such a beautiful state. It has got a huge tourism potential. I hope the state and central government work together with the community and bring back peace because that is the most important thing," Bhutia told ANI.
More than 250 people have been killed and thousands rendered homeless in ethnic violence between Meiteis and Kuki-Zo groups since May last year.
It started after a 'Tribal Solidarity March' was organised in the hill districts to protest the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe status.
Meiteis account for about 53 percent of Manipur's population and live mostly in the Imphal Valley.
Tribals -- Nagas and Kukis -- are a little over 40 percent of the population and live in the hill districts.
09:50 Cable theft on Delhi metro Blue Line causes delay
Services on Delhi Metro's Blue Line, one of the busiest corridors, were affected on Thursday due to cable theft between Moti Nagar and Kirti Nagar stations, causing inconvenience to commuters.
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) said the trains will operate at restricted speed on the affected section during the day and there will be a delay in services.
The Blue Line connects Dwarka with Vaishali and Noida City Centre.
"There is a delay in services on the Blue Line due to a cable theft between Moti Nagar and Kirti Nagar. The inconvenience is regretted," the DMRC said on X.
"The cable theft issue on the Blue Line between Moti Nagar and Kirti Nagar will be rectified only after the end of operational hours in the night.
Since the trains will operate on restricted speed on the affected section during the day, there would be some delay in services," it said.
It advised passengers to plan their journeys accordingly. -- PTI
09:47 Don't Kill Golden Goose Chasing Smuggling Masterminds
Harsh Kumar/Business Standard
Revenue Secretary Sanjay Malhotra on Wednesday told officers of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) to nab the masterminds behind smuggling rackets, but keep the interest of the economy in mind before issuing high-pitched notices in commercial fraud cases.
"We are here not only for revenue, but also for the whole economy of the country. So, if in the process of garnering some small revenue, we are hurting the whole industry, or the economy of the county, it is certainly not the intent. Revenue comes in only when there is some income, therefore, we have to be very cautious so that we do not, as they say, kill the golden goose," Malhotra said while speaking at the 67th foundation day of the DRI.
The revenue secretary said it is vital for the department to upgrade skills and manpower to adapt to the technological changes. Officers should focus their energy on big fish and masterminds, and bust syndicates in smuggling operations, he said, cautioning that they have to be "very careful" while taking action against traders or businesses involved in potential commercial fraud cases.
There could be a technical nature of some tax demands and classification disputes rampant across the industry on some goods, which could lead to very high-pitched demand notices, he said.
According to the Smuggling in India report released by the DRI on Wednesday, India has seized 4,869.6 kg of smuggled gold in the last financial year (FY24) as smugglers continue to exploit porous borders, particularly in the North East, and high domestic demand.
The report said India has become a major destination for illicit imports of precious metals, with gold and silver predominantly originating from Gulf countries such as the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.
The report also highlighted that in FY24, the DRI detected import fraud of Rs 5,908 crore. The Myanmar border remains one of the most active routes for illicit gold, with the country serving as both a source and transit hub.
Smuggling syndicates use well-established corridors such as Tamu-Moreh in Manipur and Zokhawthar in Mizoram, taking advantage of the challenging terrain and minimal border controls, the report said. Tamu and Rih are border towns in Myanmar that also serve as legal trading routes.
Gold from Myanmar often passes through transit hubs like Muse, Ruili and Mandalay before entering India, the report said.
'Manipur and Mizoram have become critical hotspots for gold trafficking, as evidenced by frequent seizures. The DRI has significantly intensified its surveillance along these routes,' it said.
According to the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs, which runs the DRI, 6,425 cases of smuggling were registered in FY24.
Another prominent smuggling corridor runs through Nepal, where smugglers use train and road networks to move gold into major Indian cities. In West Bengal, the Siliguri corridor continues to be a choke point for gold entering mainland India, the report said.
09:05 Woman died, son injured in stampede at 'Pushpa 2' premiere in Hyderabad
A woman died and her son was hospitalised due to asphyxiation as crowds "jostled" at a film theatre here during the premier show of actor Allu Arjun's Pushpa 2: The Rule, police said on Thursday.
The incident took place on Wednesday night when a large number of fans thronged the cinema hall to have a glimpse of the actor, they said.
There were no arrangements by the theatre management or prior information about the arrival of the actor and other members of the film, police said.
A heavy crowd rushed ahead and the woman and her son, who were trying to enter inside the theatre, suffocated and fell unconscious apparently after being pushed by the crowd, police said, based on preliminary investigation.
A police official pointed out that the theatre was small, and it could not accommodate such a massive crowd.
Police personnel conducted Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) on the woman and her son and shifted them to a hospital, where the woman died and her son is undergoing treatment, a senior police official said.
To control the situation, police used mild force to disperse the surging crowd.
A case has been booked in connection with the incident. -- PTI
08:49 'Enslaved Directorate': Priyank Kharge attacks ED
Calling the Enforcement Directorate an "Enslaved Directorate," Karnataka Minister and Congress leader Priyank Kharge on Thursday said that ED is nothing but "helpless puppets of the BJP government."
"The Enforcement Directorate has become an Enslaved Directorate. They are nothing but hapless and helpless puppets of the BJP Government. ED's latest "leaked" fabricated report against CM Siddaramiah in the MUDA case yet again expose the BJP's misuse of central agencies as political tools," Priyank Kharge posted on X.
"The ED, acting without jurisdiction, has deliberately leaked a report meant for the Lokayukta to the media which is nothing but a disgraceful attempt to prejudice the mind of the Court which is hearing the CM's petition today. How come BJP4Karnataka State President's money laundering case details aren't out in the public?" he asked.
On Wednesday, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramiah lashed out at the Enforcement Directorate for writing a letter to the Lokayuta before the petition came up for hearing in the high court and said that the ED wanted to influence the court.
"The ED had written a letter to the Lokayukta the day before our petition came up for hearing in the High Court with the intention of influencing the court.." Siddaramiah said.
Siddaramiah further stated that the inquiry report could have been submitted to the Lokayukta after the investigations. He also stated that there was a political malice and an attempt to bring the court to a position of prejudice behind writing the letter and leaking it to the media.
Siddaramiah also took to his X handle and wrote in a post, "The day before our petition came up for hearing in the High Court, ED had written a letter to the Lokayukta with the intention of influencing the court."
"The ED is investigating. It is not right that he is investigating. Even then, the inquiry report could have been submitted to the Lokayukta after conducting the investigation. Apart from that, writing to Lokayukta and leaking it to the media has political malice behind it. Regarding this issue, our petition is coming up for hearing in the High Court tomorrow. Behind the media publicity a day before this is a malicious political move to influence the court and prejudice the court," he said.
"The court directed the Lokayukta to submit the probe report by December 24. If needed, ED could have given a report to the Lokayukta. Apart from that, the people of the state will understand the purpose behind doing this," he added. -- ANI
08:25 Fadnavis to take oath as Maharashtra CM today
Bharatiya Janata Party leader Devendra Fadnavis will be sworn in as Maharashtra Chief Minister at the Azad Maidan in Mumbai today.
Two deputy chief ministers, NCP chief Ajit Pawar and Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde, will also be sworn in at the ceremony in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Posters of Maharashtra CM-designate Fadnavis, Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar have covered the area around Azad Maidan in Mumbai.
The oath-taking ceremony will see the participation of several NDA chief ministers and leaders.
Ending the long-drawn suspense over who would get the top job, Fadnavis, Shinde, and Pawar on Wednesday met Governor CP Radhakrishnan to stake their claim to form the Mahayuti government.
It will be Fadnavis' third term in the top post after being unanimously elected as the Leader of the Maharashtra BJP Legislative Party on Wednesday.
Bollywood superstar Salman Khan/File image
01:18 Major security breach at Salman's shooting location in Mumbai
In a major breach of security, a man entered the sets of Bollywood superstar Salman Khan in Mumbai.
As per the Mumbai police, Salman Khan was shooting a film in Dadar West when a fan wanted to watch the shooting, but the security personnel moved him aside and a fight broke out between them.
In anger, the man took the name of Lawrence Bishnoi, after which the guards called the police and handed him over to them.
The man is a resident of Mumbai.
Earlier on October 24, the Mumbai police arrested a man from Jamshedpur who had threatened Bollywood actor Salman Khan in the name of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and demanded a ransom of Rs 5 crore.
According to the Mumbai Police, it registered a case against an unknown person and started an investigation after Mumbai Traffic Police received a threatening message. -- ANI
File image
01:12 Assam: Stalls selling Bangladeshi products expo shut after Bajrang Dal demand
Two stalls selling Bangladeshi goods at the global expo in Silchar, Assam, were removed by the organisers after Bajrang Dal members demanded that no products from the neighbouring country be sold, citing atrocities on Hindus and other minorities there.
A team of Bajrang Dal members met the organisers and told them that no products could be sold at the expo, and all advertisement materials with the word "Bangladesh" must be removed immediately.
Bajrang Dal spokesperson Mintu Nath said, "No Bangladeshi product will be allowed to be sold in any shop in entire Cachar district as long as atrocities against the Hindus continue in the neighbouring country."
The protestors also went to the Bangladesh visa centre at Goldighi Mall and demanded that the word "Bangladesh" be removed from the signboard.
To ensure security, additional police forces were deployed at the Town Club Field, where the expo is being held, and also in and around the visa office.
"The situation is under control and a strict vigil is being maintained across the entire district to prevent any untoward incidents," a police officer said. -- PTI
Uttarakhand PCC chief Karan Mahara/Courtesy Facebook
00:52 Congress' Uttarakhand chief Mahara clashes with journalists
The Congress' Uttarakhand chief Karan Mahara clashed with journalists at a cricket match organised by the Uttaranchal Press Club in Dehradun on Wednesday.
Uttaranchal Press Club president Ajay Rana alleged that during the match at the Police Lines, Congress workers led by Mahara entered the stadium, shouted slogans, and misbehaved and scuffled with journalists.
Rana said he repeatedly requested Mahara not to disturb the match.
However, the Congress leader ignored his requests and got into a scuffle with the journalists, he alleged.
The police later intervened and drove Mahara and the Congress workers out of the ground, Rana said.
The press club has called an emergency meeting on Thursday to decide its future strategy.
It has made it compulsory for all members to attend the meeting.
When contacted, Mahara said some misunderstanding led to the scuffle. -- PTI
Foreign secretary Vikram Misri
00:44 MEA briefs parliamentary panel on Canada, China
The ministry of external affairs on Wednesday briefed a parliamentary panel on the issues involving China and Canada, blaming the North American country government's unfriendly policies for the slump in ties with India, sources said.
Foreign secretary Vikram Misri told the Standing Committee of the external affairs that the disengagement process with China in Ladakh had progressed and echoed the points made by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in Parliament, they said.
Referring to Canada's allegation of Indian involvement in the murder of Khalistani activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, the foreign secretary said the Canadian government had been unable to produce any evidence to back its charge.
The sources said the MPs were told that some Khalistani elements were active in a few other countries as well but the local governments were not protective of them.
However, things were different in Canada where they often found a safe space to carry out their campaign against India.
India has rejected Canada's charge as "absurd" and "motivated", and criticised it for providing space to extremist and anti-India elements.
Some MPs also demanded an early briefing on the situation in Bangladesh, a country in turmoil following the deposition of the Sheikh Hasina government, amid incidents of attacks on Hindu minorities.
The committee members praised the ministry's presentation as thorough and professional. -- PTI
File image
00:29 Bengal group against invitation to Bangladeshi singer
Amidst growing outrage over recent attacks on Hindus and the desecration of the Indian flag in Bangladesh, members of a civil society organisation on Wednesday voiced their protest over inviting popular Bangladeshi Rabindrasangeet singer, Rezwana Choudhury Banya, to perform at a cultural festival at Madhyamgram in the northern suburbs of Kolkata.
The Madhyamgram Nagarik Samaj, which has around 80,000 members, appealed to the organisers of the Paribesh Mela to cancel Banya's performance scheduled for December 28.
In a Facebook post, the group said, "As Indian citizens, we appeal to the organisers of the event at Madhyamgram municipality to cancel the performance of Rezwana Choudhury Banya immediately. Please do not allow any artistes from Bangladesh to perform. Shouldn't the country's honour come before everything else? Please think about the issue."
Rupak Dey, a member of the Samaj, said, "No Bangladeshi artistes have come forward to register their protest against the continuing attacks on minorities in their country, nor did they say anything about the desecration of our tricolour by higher education institutions in Bangladesh." -- PTI
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