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Mon, 23 December 2024

2 men dragged for 300 mtrs by truck in UP; rescued

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23:54 Air pollution: BMC issues new guidelines, calls for strict adherence

Mumbai's civic body on Monday issued fresh guidelines to curb air pollution, particularly due to construction-related and road dust.

In a release, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation instructed its solid waste department officials to strictly follow the guidelines, which come in response to growing concerns over deteriorating air quality in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.

The fresh measures include prohibiting the use of wood or similar materials as fuel for cooking and the lighting of bonfires at construction sites, the release said.

"The concerned department has been asked to employ vigilance teams and clean up marshals to take prohibitory measures. The Solid Waste Management Department has been tasked with ensuring that dust caused by construction along roads is effectively controlled," the release said.

The department has instructed all assistant engineers and deputy chief supervisors to strictly adhere to these guidelines and take prompt action, it said, adding that a comprehensive action plan has been devised to address both major and minor factors contributing to air pollution. -- PTI

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23:49 2 men dragged for 300 mtrs by truck in UP; rescued

A truck driver dragged two people for about 300 metres in Agra under his vehicle, police on Monday said.

Some locals forced the driver to stop the truck and extricated the men from under the vehicle.

The police arrested the driver and seized the truck.

The two men, both residents of Nunhai in Agra, were going towards Rambagh from Waterworks when they met with an accident around 11 pm Sunday.

The driver, instead of stopping the truck sped up, trapping both of them underneath, police said.

"In the accident, two youths were dragged by a canter driver for about 300 metres. Later, some residents saved the youths by stopping the driver using force," Chhatta Police Station Inspector Pramod Kumar told PTI.

"The youths were sent for treatment at a nearby hospital and are still being treated, but are in stable condition. The youths were from Agra. The canter driver was arrested and the canter seized after the incident," he said.

A video of the incident that surfaced on social media showed the men shouting for help. -- PTI

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23:37 Trai mandates telcos to issue recharge voucher for only voice, SMS

Telecom regulator Trai on Monday amended tariff rules to mandate mobile service providers to issue a separate plan for voice calls and SMS for customers not using data.

The regulator removed the cap of 90 days on special recharge coupons and extended it to up to 365 days.

"...the service provider shall offer at least one Special Tariff Voucher exclusively for Voice and SMS with validity period not exceeding three hundred and sixty-five days," the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) said in the Telecom Consumers Protection (Twelfth Amendment) Regulations, 2024.

The move will help consumers to pay for services which they generally use.

During the consultation process, Trai came across various views, including several senior citizens, families having broadband at homes etc may not need recharge plans bundled with data for their mobile phones. -- PTI

The Indian Embassy in Berlin on Monday said it has been in "close contact" with all the seven Indians who were injured in an attack at the Magdeburg Christmas market in Germany last week.

"@EOIBerlin has been in close contact with all the seven Indians injured in the attack at the Magdeburg Christmas Market on Dec 20, 2024. Three of the Indians have been discharged, while the remaining are under treatment. Mission is in regular touch with them and actively providing requisite support. Mission is also in touch with their families. @PMOIndia @DrSJaishankar @MEAIndia @diaspora_india @IndianDiplomacy," the Indian Embassy posted on X.

Seven Indians were injured in the deadly car-ramming attack in the eastern German city of Magdeburg and the Indian Embassy in Berlin was providing them all possible assistance, official sources said on Saturday night.

A 50-year-old man drove his car into the crowd at the Christmas market on Friday evening, leaving at least five people, including a nine-year-old, dead and nearly 200 injured, German authorities said.

The ministry of external affairs said in a statement on Saturday, "We condemn the horrific and senseless attack."

"Several precious lives have been lost and many have been injured. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims," it added. -- PTI

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22:18 3-year-old girl slips into borewell in Rajasthan, rescue operation underway

A girl aged around three years fell into a borewell in the Kotputli-Behror district of Rajasthan, and the NDRF and SDRF have been deployed to rescue her from the 150-feet-deep borewell, officials said.

The girl, Chetna, was playing in his father's farm in the Sarund area when she accidently slipped into the borewell, they said.

NDRF and SDRF teams have reached the spot in are trying to pull the girl out with the help of a hook attached to a rod, Sarund SHO Mohammad Imran said.

The girl's movements were captured through a camera and an oxygen pipe was lowered into the borewell to supply oxygen.

"The girl is stuck at a depth of nearly 150 feet. Her movements are being monitored," he said.

Earlier, industry minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore spoke to the officers and instructed them to ensure speedy rescue of the girl.

Two weeks ago, a five-year-old boy fell into a borewell in Dausa district. -- PTI

The producers of actor Allu Arjun starrer Pushpa-2 on Monday extended a financial assistance of Rs 50 lakhs to the family of the woman who died in a stampede during the screening of the film on December 4.

Naveen Yerneni, the producer, visited the hospital where the victim's eight-year-old son is undergoing treatment and handed over a cheque to the family.

Condoling the death of the woman, he told reporters that the cheque was handed over to the woman's husband as they wanted to support the family. -- PTI

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh checks on BJP MP Pratap Sarangi, who sustained injuries on Parliament premises/ANI Photo

21:44 Scuffle probe: Crime Branch may visit Parl tomorrow

The Delhi police Crime Branch is likely to visit the Parliament on December 24 in connection with the scuffle that occurred on its premises, leading to the injury of two BJP MPs, an official source said on Monday.

A face-off between the opposition and NDA MPs in Parliament premises over the alleged insult to BR Ambedkar left former minister Pratap Chandra Sarangi from Odisha and Mukesh Rajput from Uttar Pradesh injured on December 19.

The BJP accused Rahul Gandhi of pushing them and inciting other members of his party, a charge rejected by the Congress leader.

The same day, police booked Rahul Gandhi and others in connection with the matter and transferred the investigation to the Crime Branch.

A police source said a team of ISC (Inter State Cell) of the Crime Branch has been tasked with the investigation.

The team is likely to visit the spot of the incident at the Parliament on Tuesday, he said.

"The team is waiting for approval from the Parliament Secretariat and as soon they get the nod, will visit the crime spot and also access the CCTV footage," the source said.

An officer who did not wish to be named said the team would also record the statements of the two injured MPs depending on their health conditions.

The statements of the other witnesses may also be recorded in the coming days if required, the officer said. Sarangi and Rajput, who suffered head injuries, were discharged from Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital on Monday. -- PTI

PM Narendra Modi attends the Christmas celebrations hosted by the CBCI, in New Delhi on Monday/ANI Photo

21:36 Teachings of Lord Christ celebrate love, harmony: Modi at Christmas celebrations

The teachings of Lord Christ celebrate love, harmony and brotherhood and it is important for all to work to make this spirit stronger, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said here on Monday.

Speaking at the Christmas celebrations hosted by the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India, Modi asserted that it pains his heart when there are attempts to spread violence and cause disruption in society.

He stressed that only a human-centric approach as adopted by India can take a 21st century world to new heights.

Citing the Christmas market attack in Germany and the 2019 Easter bombings in Sri Lanka, Modi said it is important to come together and fight such challenges.

This is the first time that a prime minister has attended such a programme at the headquarters of the Catholic Church in India.

"It was a very satisfactory moment for me when we safely brought Father Alexis Prem Kumar from war-torn Afghanistan a decade back. He was stuck there for eight months and was in hostage... For us, all these missions are not mere diplomatic missions but an emotional commitment to bring back family members," Modi said.

No matter where they are or what crisis they face, today's India sees it as its duty to bring its citizens to safety, he said. -- PTI

21:19 Mosquito Repellent Stick Sparks Fire; Two Die

Two teenage siblings were charred to death after a mosquito repellent stick kept under their bed reportedly sparked a fire in Uttar Pradesh's Ghaziabad district, the police said on Monday.

Arun (16) and Vishnu (14) died in the wee hours of Sunday, they added.

Assistant commissioner of police Suryabali Maurya said the schoolgoing children had complained of mosquito bites on Saturday evening after which their mother Santosh lit a mosquito repellent stick and placed it under their bed.

At around 2.30 am on Sunday, Santosh and her husband Neeraj, who were sleeping in an adjacent room, noticed smoke coming out of their children's room.

As the couple raised an alarm, neighbours rushed to the scene and informed the fire station and police.

However, even before they arrived, the neighbours broke open the door and managed to douse the flames, Ghaziabad chief fire officer Rahul Pal said.

The charred siblings were rushed to the GTB Hospital in Delhi where doctors declared them dead, Maurya said.

Neeraj runs a woolen jacket stitching unit and some woolen materials kept under the children's bed may have triggered the fire after coming contact with the mosquito repellent stick, Pal said.

The couple's elder son Kaushal, who works as a security guard with Delhi Metro, was saved as he had gone for night duty, he added. -- PTI

Tanush Kotian, Mumbai's offspin-bowling allrounder, has been named as Ravichandran Ashwin's replacement for the remaining two Tests of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

The Mumbai Cricket Association made this announcement on Monday evening, according to ESPNcricinfo.

Kotian is set to join the Indian squad in Melbourne on Tuesday, following Ashwin's unexpected retirement announcement.

Currently, Kotian is in Hyderabad, participating in the Vijay Hazare Trophy with the Mumbai team.

Kotian will serve as a backup to Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja, as Axar Patel has been ruled unavailable.

The 26 year old has made notable contributions in first-class cricket, playing 33 matches and taking 101 wickets at an average of 25.70.

His batting credentials are equally impressive, with 1,525 runs in 47 innings at an average of 41.21, including two centuries and 13 fifties.

He was part of the India A squad that toured Australia before the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where he played one match, scoring 44 runs and taking one wicket.

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20:59 VHP men disrupt Xmas celebrations in Kerala school

Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs, George Kurian, on Monday strongly condemned the alleged threatening of teachers at a government school in Kerala by Viswa Hindu Parishad activists over Christmas celebrations.

Kurian urged the state government to take stringent action against the culprits to prevent such incidents from recurring.

While talking to reporters in New Delhi, Kurian said he supports the legal action taken by the state government against the accused in connection with the incident.

The Union minister also said that the Kerala government's decision to celebrate Christmas in state-run schools is a welcome move.

"I strongly condemn the incident. I request the Kerala government to take stringent legal action to not repeat such incidents anymore... Extending support to the legal action taken by the Kerala government," he said.

He also wanted the state government to organise the celebrations of other religions like nabidinam (Milad-un-Nabi) and Sri Krishna Jayanti also in state-run schools to create awareness about it among children.

Meanwhile, senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader V Muraleedharan said he didn't know the exact details of the incident and didn't not believe that BJP activists would do such things.

"Let the police investigate the matter," he said, adding that the BJP's stand is clear on the issue through the participation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Christmas celebrations.

Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan strongly reacted against the threatening incident over the Christmas celebration and said the Sangh Parivar has been trying to create communal tension in Kerala for ages.

The Christmas celebration in the Palakkad school was disrupted in the same manner as they do in North India, he alleged. -- PTI

Actor Manoj Bajpayee

20:49 It took Benegal's genius to see me beyond my looks: Manoj Bajpayee on 'Zubeidaa'

It took the genius of Shyam Benegal to see beyond his looks, says actor Manoj Bajpayee who never imagined himself playing a royal and did so in the 2001 film Zubeidaa after the filmmaker convinced him.

Benegal, who pioneered the art house cinema movement in the country with films such as Mandi and Ankur, died in Mumbai on Monday evening just nine day after his 90th birthday.

The actor met Benegal a couple of years after his breakout role as the mafia don Bhiku Mhatre in the 1998 crime classic Satya by Ram Gopal Varma.

"He sent me a message through Ram Gopal Varma. And Varma told me only one thing, 'Shyam Benegal wants to work with you. He wants to cast you in some role. I don't know what the film is all about but you are not going to say no to anything that he offers. That should be our regard and respect to that filmmaker, so you are going to say yes. You are not going to say no."

"And I was so grateful to Ram Gopal Varma that I decided that I will do whatever he gives me," Bajpayee told PTI in a recent interview.

So the actor did say yes to Benegal's film but was taken aback when he found that the role was that of Prince Vijayendra Singh of Fatehpur opposite Karisma Kapoor.

"It was his genius to see me beyond my looks. He was very convinced that it is Manoj Bajpayee who will do this role. It was me who was doubting that. He told me, 'These are the photographs of all the kings of India and you tell me whether you are better looking than them or not." -- PTI

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20:45 Delhi coaching deaths: LG approves suspension of two fire service officers

Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena has approved immediate suspension of two Delhi Fire Services officers over alleged negligence of duty in connection with the death of three civil services aspirants in a flooded basement of a coaching centre here, his office said on Monday.

Divisional officer Ved Pal and assistant divisional officer Udai Vir Singh, both Group 'A' officers, face allegations of negligence and hiding of facts, the LG office said in a note.

According to the note, action on other erring officers of MCD and PWD is also under process following LG's directions.

"Ved Pal, Divisional Officer, and Udai Vir Singh, Assistant Divisional Officer, have been placed under suspension following a thorough investigation into the incident," the note said.

On July 27, the basement of Rau's IAS coaching centre in Old Rajender Nagar was flooded within minutes due to heavy rainfall, leading to the death of the three students trapped in the basement of the building which was being used as a library.

"A detailed inquiry conducted by the District Magistrate (Central) revealed that the two suspended officers had inspected the premises for the issuance of a Fire Safety Certificate.

"However, they were found to have concealed information about the misuse of the basement as a library and failed to refer the matter to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi.

Consequently, the Fire Safety Certificate was erroneously issued on July 9," the note said. -- PTI

20:19 Veteran filmmaker Shyam Benegal passes away

Veteran filmmaker Shyam Benegal, who heralded the Indian parallel cinema movement in the 1970s and 1980s with films such as Ankur, Nishant and Manthan, died on Monday, his daughter Pia said.

He was 90.

The filmmaker passed away at Mumbai's Wockhardt Hospital due to chronic kidney disease, Pia Benegal told PTI.

"He passed away at 6.38 pm at Wockhardt Hospital Mumbai Central. He had been suffering from chronic kidney disease for several years but it had gotten very bad. That's the reason for his death," she said.

Wockhardt Hospital sources said Benegal had been admitted in the ICU.

In his prolific career, Benegal made films on diverse issues, documentaries and television serials, including Bharat Ek Khoj and Samvidhaan.

He had celebrated his 90th birthday just 10 days ago on December 14.

The director said on the occasion that he had to frequently visit the hospital and was on dialysis.

Benegal is survived by his wife Nira Benegal and daughter.

His films include Bhumika, Junoon, Mandi, Suraj Ka Satvaan Ghoda, Mammo and Sardari Begum, most counted as classics in Hindi cinema.

The director's most recent work was the 2023 biographical Mujib: The Making of a Nation. -- PTI

Former Supreme Court judge V Ramasubramanian/Image courtesy: Telangana HC online

20:07 SC ex-judge Ramasubramanian is new NHRC chief

Former Supreme Court judge V Ramasubramanian has been appointed the new chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission, the rights panel said on Monday.

The post of NHRC chairperson had been lying vacant since Justice (retd) Arun Kumar Mishra completed his tenure on June 1.

Mishra served as the eighth chairperson of the rights panel and was appointed to its top post in June 2021.

On December 18, a high-powered committee led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting to select the next chairperson of the NHRC, sources earlier said.

A former chief justice of India or a retired judge of the top court are appointed as NHRC chairperson by the president on the recommendation of the selection committee.

Justice (retd) Ramasubramanian, a former judge of the apex court, has been appointed the chairperson of the NHRC, a senior official said, adding "the NHRC received the communication about the appointment today".

Former CJIs HL Dattu and KG Balakrishnan are among those who have headed the rights body in the past.

The NHRC, in a post on X, said, "Hon'ble President of India appoints Shri Justice V. Ramasubramanian (Retd.) as the Chairperson, and Shri Priyank Kanoongo and Dr. Justice Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi (Retd.) as the Members of the National Human Rights Commission(NHRC), India." -- PTI

TMC MP Saket Gokhale/File image

19:57 HC notice to TMC MP Saket Gokhale on Lakshmi Puri's contempt plea

The Delhi high court on Monday sought a response from Trinamool Congress leader Saket Gokhale on a plea by former diplomat Lakshmi Murdeshwar Puri, the wife of Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, seeking contempt action against him for allegedly failing to comply with a court direction to apologise and pay Rs 50 lakh damages to her.

A separate bench of the high court also asked Gokhale to file an affidavit disclosing all his assets within four weeks, while it was hearing a plea by Lakshmi seeking execution of the July 1 judgment on the defamation lawsuit.

Justice Manoj Jain issued notice on the contempt petition and asked Gokhale to file his reply.

Puri, in her plea, contended that Gokhale has wilfully and deliberately non-complied with the high court's July 1 directions and is liable to be punished.

Her counsel submitted that Gokhale was completely aware of the July 1 judgment passed against him as he published certain posts on social media thereafter.

The single-judge bench of Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora issued notice to Gokhale, seeking his response to the plea by Puri seeking execution of the July 1 judgment.

"Let an affidavit be filed by the judgment debtor (Gokhale) making full disclosure of all his assets, monies, properties- movable and immovable, including the bank accounts and deposits in his name within four weeks," it said.

Senior advocate Maninder Singh, representing Puri, argued that Gokhale has not complied with the specific directions of the court and has not paid the decretal amount of Rs 50 lakh to her. -- PTI

Former India cricketer Vinod Kambli has been admitted to a hospital in Mumbai due to deterioration in his health.

The 52-year-old was brought to the hospital by one of his fans who also owns the hospital in Bhiwandi's Kalher area in Thane district and his condition is said to be stable, even though the exact reasons for his hospitalisation could not be ascertained.

Kambli was admitted to the hospital on Saturday. Kambli, who played 17 Tests and 104 ODIs for India between 1993-2000, had recently attended the inauguration of legendary coach Ramakant Achrekar's memorial at the Shivaji Park in Mumbai.

The former India cricketer, who has been struggling with health-related issues for quite some time, appeared frail in the function which was also attended by his long-time friend Sachin Tendulkar. -- PTI

Twenty two Bangladeshis, including five children have been apprehended by the Assam police in two different operations for entering Indian territory illegally, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Monday.

Sixteen Bangladeshis were apprehended in inter-state movement after arriving at Guwahati railway station from Bengaluru, they were moving towards South Salamar district, he said.

The nationality of the apprehended was established to be Bangladeshis on investigation, he added.

The apprehended include seven male, four female and five children and these people are being pushed back across the border, he said.

"Inter-state movement of infiltrators busted; 16 Bangladeshis nabbed. In an excellent op carried out by @SSalmaraPolice, 16 illegal Bangladeshis who travelled from Bengaluru to Guwahati Railway Station and moved towards South Salmara Mankachar dist were apprehended and upon investigation their nationality as Bangladeshis were confirmed. These people are being pushed back across the border," the chief minister posted on X.

Earlier in the day, six Bangladeshis have been apprehended by the Assam police for entering the Indian territory illegally and handed over to the authorities of the neighbouring country, Sarma said.

He, however, did not mention the sector of the India-Bangladesh border, where they were held. -- PTI

The police on Monday said a fresh notice would be served to veteran Telugu actor Mohan Babu, who was earlier exempted by the Telangana high court from appearing before the police for "probable breach of peace", till December 24.

Rachakonda police commissioner G Sudheer Babu told reporters that they would deal with the issue with firmness and as per law.

He was responding to a query on the plan of action with regard to the Mohan Babu case.

"We will follow the process which is laid down. This issue will be dealt with firmness. Notices were issued to them under section 126 BNSS to bind them over. They sought time. There is a process. They can take time... He has got time till December 24, tomorrow. Again, notice will be issued. We will do as per the legal way," he said.

The family of Mohan Babu was recently in the news over alleged disputes in the family.

Mohan Babu and his two sons, Vishnu and Manoj, were served notices earlier this month under Section 126 BNSS to appear before the Rachakonda commissioner of police on December 11 for a probable breach of peace. -- PTI

A scale model of the J-35 stealth fighter jet /Reuters

19:00 Pak plans to buy 40 J-35 Chinese stealth fighter jets

Pakistan plans to procure 40 jets of advanced Chinese stealth fighter J-35, which, if materialised, will mark the first export of China's latest jet, according to a media report on Monday.

The sale would mark Beijing's first export of fifth-generation jets to a foreign ally and is expected to recalibrate regional dynamics, particularly in relation to Pakistan's rival India, the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post reported.

The Post quoted Pakistan media reports stating that the Pakistan Air Force had approved the purchase of 40 aircraft, expected to be delivered within two years, to replace its ageing fleet of American F-16s and French Mirage fighters.

The acquisition of new aircraft was pursued despite the serious economic crisis faced by Pakistan.

There is no official confirmation in Beijing or mention of such a deal in the official media in Beijing, though speculation is rife since the J-35, primarily regarded as a jet fighter meant for Chinese aircraft carriers, was exhibited at the prestigious annual air show at Zhuhai city last month attended by top PAF officials.

The land-based version of J-35 was called J-31, according to previous reports.

China is currently the only country in the region to have developed stealth aircraft. -- PTI

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18:29 Tiger found dead in Ranthambore reserve; territorial fight suspected

A three-year-old male tiger was found dead at the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve in Rajasthan's Sawai Madhopur district, an official said on Monday.

The big cat may have died in a territorial fight, Anoop KR, Chief Conservator of Forests and RTR Field Director, said.

Forest guards found the tiger's carcass in the Aamaghati area on Sunday morning with injury marks on the neck, leg and head.

"Camera traps showed movement of two tigers in the same area. So it is believed that the tiger died in a territorial fight," Anoop said.

According to forest officials, Ranthambore faces challenges due to overcrowding of tigers, which often leads to fights over territory.

With over 70 tigers, including young ones and cubs, the reserve spanning 900 sq km is struggling to support them. -- PTI

18:10 BSE Sensex top gainers today

Equity benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty rebounded sharply on Monday after five days of steep decline amid value buying at lower levels and a supportive trend in global markets.

Besides, bargain hunting in blue chip stocks like ITC, HDFC Bank and Reliance Industries added to the optimism in the equity market, traders said.

The 30-share BSE benchmark Sensex jumped 498.58 points or 0.64 percent to settle at 78,540.17.

During the day, it soared 876.53 points or 1.12 percent to 78,918.12.

The NSE Nifty surged 165.95 points or 0.70 percent to 23,753.45.

From the 30 blue-chip stocks, ITC, Tech Mahindra, HDFC Bank, Reliance Industries, IndusInd Bank, Titan, State Bank of India and ICICI Bank were the biggest gainers.

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17:51 Farmers should be allowed to protest at Parliament: Naresh Tikait

Bhartiya Kisan Union National President Naresh Tikait on Monday said farmers should also be allowed to protest in the Parliament premises on their issues like political parties.

"Chaudhary Charan Singh was the spokesperson of the farmers. It is unfortunate that during the winter session of Parliament, the issues of farmers became secondary due to unnecessary protests and noise of political parties," he said.

He was addressing a gathering on the occasion of birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh.

The BKU celebrated the day as "Kisan Shakti" diwas by performing havan-yagya.

"No political party appeared serious about the problems of rural India. Farmers should be allowed to protest in the Parliament premises regarding their demands," he said.

In his address, Tikait said all the MPs and MLAs who claim to represent the villages and farmers are leaders of their respective parties but they neither their leaders nor farmers like Chaudhary Charan Singh. -- PTI

The Central Industrial Security Force on Monday said there was "no lapse" on its part during the scuffle that took place among MPs in Parliament complex during the Winter Session that ended last week.

The CISF is tasked to guard the Parliament House Complex.

"There was no lapse (on part of the force). No weapon was allowed...," CISF deputy inspector general (operations) Shrikant Kishore told the press during a conference.

The force will choose to "keep quiet when the honourable members (MPs) make allegations...," he said when asked about the counter-allegations made by the parliamentarians on who pushed whom.

He added the CISF was not conducting any inquiry into the incident that took place at the Makar Dwar of the Parliament House Complex.

BJP MPs Pratap Chandra Sarangi and Mukesh Rajput got injured last week following a scuffle between the opposition and ruling BJP MPs on the premises of Parliament.

The Delhi police had filed an FIR against Congress leader and LoP Rahul Gandhi following BJP's complaint against him. -- PTI

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17:12 Centre scraps 'no-detention policy' for classes 5 and 8 students

The Centre has scrapped the 'no-detention policy' for classes 5 and 8 in schools governed by it allowing them to fail students who do not clear the year-end exams, according to officials.

Following the amendment to the Right to Education Act in 2019, at least 16 states and two Union Territories have already done away with the 'no-detention policy' for the two classes.

According to a gazette notification, after the conduct of regular examination, if a child fails to fulfil the promotion criteria, as notified from time to time, he shall be given additional instruction and opportunity for re-examination within a period of two months from the date of declaration of results.

"If the child appearing in the re-examination fails to fulfil the promotion criteria again, he shall be held back in fifth class or eighth class, as the case may be."

"During the holding back of the child, the class teacher shall guide the child as well as the parents of the child, if necessary, and provide specialised inputs after identifying the learning gaps at various stages of assessment," the notification said.

However, the government has clarified that no child shall be expelled from any school till completion of elementary education.

According to senior Ministry of Education officials, the notification will be applicable to over 3,000 schools run by the central government including Kendriya Vidyalayas, Navaodyala Vidyalayas and Sainik Schools. -- PTI

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16:46 Parts of Delhi face water shortage as ammonia levels surge in Yamuna

Many areas of the national capital face water shortage due to dangerously high levels of ammonia in the Yamuna river at the Wazirabad pond, an official statement of the Delhi Jal Board said.

According to the statement, ammonia concentrations exceeding 5.0 ppm have reduced water production at the Wazirabad Water Treatment Plant by 25-50 percent.

"As a result, water supply in several areas of the city will be available at low pressure until the situation improves," it said.

The affected areas include Majnu Ka Tila, ISBT, GPO, NDMC area, ITO, Hans Bhawan, LNJP Hospital, Defence Colony, CGO Complex, Rajghat, WHO, IP Emergency, Ramleela Ground, Delhi Gate, Subhash Park, Gulabi Bagh, Timarpur, SFS Flats, Punjabi Bagh, Azadpur, Shalimar Bagh, Wazirpur, Lawrence Road, Model Town, Jahangirpuri, Moolchand, South Extension, Greater Kailash, Burari, parts of Cantonment areas, and South Delhi.

The DJB has urged residents to use water judiciously and assured the availability of water tankers on demand.

Ammonia contamination is an ongoing issue in Yamuna, frequently affecting Delhi's water supply. -- PTI

A 39-year-old software engineer became a victim to a "digital arrest" scam and lost Rs 11.8 crore when fraudsters impersonating police officials claimed that his Aadhaar card was being misused to open bank accounts for money laundering, police said on Monday.

The fraud occurred between November 25 and December 12, they said.

According to police, in his complaint, the victim alleged that on November 11, he received a call from a person who claimed to be an officer of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). The alleged officer claimed that his SIM card, which was linked to the Aadhaar card, was used for illegal advertisements and harassment messages.

The fraudster further alleged that a case was registered in connection with this in Mumbai's Colaba Cyber Police Station.

Later, he got a call from a person claiming to be a police officer alleging that his Aadhaar details were being misused to open bank accounts for money laundering, the FIR stated.

The fraudster warned him to keep the matter confidential and also allegedly threatened him that if he did not cooperate with the virtual investigation, he would be physically arrested.

Then, he also got a call from a person asking him to download the Skype app following which a man, allegedly dressed in Mumbai police uniform video-called him and claimed that a businessman had opened a bank account using his Aadhaar to conduct transactions worth Rs 6 crore, the FIR further stated.

However, on November 25, another man in police uniform called him over Skype and alleged that his case was being heard in the top court and threatened to arrest his family if he did not comply, according to the complainant.

Citing a fake Reserve Bank of India (RBI) guidelines, the fraudsters allegedly asked him to transfer funds to certain accounts on the pretext of "verification purposes" or face legal consequences.

According to the FIR, the victim transferred a total sum of Rs 11.8 crore in multiple transactions to various bank accounts over a period of time, fearing arrest. However, when they started demanding for more money, the victim realised that he had fallen prey to fraudsters and lodged a complaint with the police.

A case has been registered under the IT Act and relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for cheating and cheating by impersonation, police said, adding that further investigation is underway. -- PTI

Founder of Drums Food International, the firm behind popular Greek yogurt brand Epigamia, Rohan Mirchandani has passed away due to cardiac arrest, according to a company statement.

Mirchandani (42), who co-founded Drums Food International in 2013, suffered a sudden cardiac arrest on Saturday.

"All of us at the Epigamia family will deeply mourn this loss. Rohan was our mentor, friend, and leader. We remain steadfast in our determination to carry forward his dream with strength and vigor," Epigamia COO & Founding Member Ankur Goel and (Co-founder & Director) Uday Thakker said in a joint statement.

They further said, "Rohan's vision and values will continue to guide us as we work together to honour the foundation he built and ensure that his dream continues to flourish."

Condoling Mirchandani's demise, the Epigamia board said, "Rohan was not only a visionary leader but also an inspiration to everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. His unwavering commitment, boundless energy, and deep passion for Epigamia have left an indelible mark on all of us. We will work closely with the leadership of the company to take Rohan's legacy to greater heights."

Senior leadership of the company led by Goel, Thakker continues to steer the company's day-to-day operations with the full support of the board of directors, including Rohan's family, Raj Mirchandani, Verlinvest, and DSG Consumer Partners.

The company offers a range of yogurt based products, besides plant based items, beverages and deserts under the Epigamia range. -- PTI

The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 will see a strong force of 50,000 police personnel fanning out across Prayagraj to respond to potential terror threats, cyber attacks, rogue drones and human trafficking, Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police, Prashant Kumar said on Monday.

Held every 12 years, the Maha Kumbh will be organised in Prayagraj from January 13 to February 26. About 45 crore pilgrims are expected at the Maha Kumbh.

In an exclusive interview to PTI, the state DGP said he is personally overseeing measures for a safe and secure Kumbh.

Kumar said this Kumbh will be truly digital in which the police force will use modern technologies like AI enabled cameras, drones and effective strategy to detect and neutralise rogue drones.

With cyber crimes on the rise, police is also taking all measures to save pilgrims from cyber criminals.

"Ahead of the Mahakumbh, the police force has hired a team of private experts from the Future Crime Research Foundation and tied up with IIT Kanpur for cyber world patrolling to save pilgrims from cyber frauds and crimes," the DGP said.

"We have established a cyber police station in the Mahakumbh area for the first time. We have roped in national agencies like I4C and CERT-IN for cyber patrolling and analysing cyber security networks. They will also work on data protection," the officer added.

Asked about the police deployment, Kumar said this time there will be around 50,000 policemen on duty which is 40 per cent more that that last Kumbh in 2019.

About the crowd management and traffic plan, which will be one of the most important aspects in the mela, Kumar said the traffic movement will be closely monitored and effective measures will be taken at the source of overcrowding.

"We have installed 2,700 CCTV cameras, including those having AI capabilities, and parameters have been fed in them to give alerts regarding crowd density, movement, flow, barricade jumping, fire and smoke alerts. With automatic number plate recognition capabilities, parking areas will be managed and estimate of number of vehicles coming to the city can be made," the DGP said.

The integrated command and control centre, having four wings--- three in mela area and one in the city -- will keep a 24-hour watch on the crowd movement.

Several diversion plans are also there for pilgrims in case of an emergency.

On VIP movement control, Kumar said anyone visiting will have to walk for one kilometer on normal days and 3 km on peak days of 'snan' (bath). -- PTI

Bangladesh's interim government said on Monday that it has sent a diplomatic note to India to send back deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina to Dhaka.

Hasina, 77, has been living in exile in India since Aug 5 when she fled the country amid the student-led protests that toppled her 16-year regime. Dhaka-based International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has issued arrest warrants for Hasina and several former Cabinet ministers, advisers, and military and civil officials for "crimes against humanity and genocide".

"We have sent a note verbale (diplomatic message) to the Indian government saying that Bangladesh wants her back here for the judicial process," Foreign Affairs Adviser or de facto foreign minister Touhid Hossain told reporters at his office.

Earlier in the morning, Home Advisor Jahangir Alam said his office has sent a letter to the foreign ministry to facilitate the ousted premier's extradition from India.

"We have sent a letter to the foreign ministry regarding her extradition. The process is currently underway," he told reporters in response to a query.

Alam said an extradition treaty between Dhaka and New Delhi already exists and Hasina could be brought back to Bangladesh under the treaty. -- PTI

An ancient well closed for a long time with clean water was discovered at a site of religious faith in the Shahzadi Sarai area in Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal, officials said on Monday.

An administration official said those involved in the management of the site are reviving the well, located in the city area.

"We have received information about the well being found at Kshem Nath Tirtha and the people of Kshem Nath Tirtha are reviving it," Sambhal Sub-divisional Magistrate Vandana Mishra told PTI.

Mahant Bal Yogi Deenanath, the head priest of Kshema Nath Tirth, told reporters that the ancient well that was buried and closed off has been reopened.

"At approximately eight feet deep, we found water in it. The presence of clean water in this ancient structure is truly a divine blessing," he claimed.

The priest said the Kshema Nath Tirth, also known as Neemasar Tirth, is an auxiliary site of the prominent Naimisharanya Tirth, one of the 68 sacred pilgrimages in India, located in Sitapur district.

"This place is home to Baba Kshema Nath Ji's samadhi and marks the starting point for the 24 Kos Parikrama. Pilgrims believe that visiting this sacred place fulfills their desires," he added.

Local devotees expressed astonishment at the reopening of the ancient well, which had remained buried for several decades. A volunteer team, led by Mahant Deenanath, uncovered the well by breaking through an RCC (reinforced cement concrete) cover.

The ancient water source, which provided water to pilgrims performing parikrama in the past, was intact due to its depth.

"This well is a historic water source at the pilgrimage site, previously used by visitors to Kshema Nath Tirth," Bal Yogi Deenanath said. -- PTI

Senior BJP leader Anurag Thakur on Monday issued a "chargesheet" against Aam Aadmi Party national convenor Arvind Kejriwal, accusing him of turning Delhi into a "corruption lab" through a series of "scams".

No immediate reaction was available from the AAP over the allegations of the BJP leader.

Ahead of the Delhi Assembly polls, the state unit of the BJP has formed a "chargesheet committee" that has so far issued detailed reports listing the alleged failures of the ruling AAP MLAs.

"What kind of a party is this which came to power promising to give corruption-free government but was involved in eight to nine scams related to the liquor policy, Delhi Jal Board, DTC, Waqf Board," Thakur charged.

"Ghotale Pe Ghotala, Kejriwal Ne Banaya Delhi Ko Bhrashtachar Ki Prayogshala" (Kejriwal turned Delhi into a laboratory of corruption with scams), Thakur gave the slogan and asserted that the BJP will remove the AAP from power in Delhi.

The elections for the 70-member Delhi Assembly are due to be held in February next year.

The former Union minister also targeted the AAP and Kejriwal over education and health, alleging it failed to open new Mohalla Clinics and hospitals and did not use the Centre's funds to boost the city's healthcare infrastructure.

He charged that the smog tower in Connaught Place, which was supposed to provide relief from air pollution, was lying defunct although the AAP government spent crores of rupees on advertisement. -- PTI

The Delhi high court on Monday refused to grant anticipatory bail to former IAS probationer Puja Khedkar in the criminal case lodged against her for alleged cheating and wrongly availing of OBC and disability quota benefits in the civil services examination.

"Anticipatory bail plea is dismissed. Interim protection from arrest is vacated," Justice Chandra Dhari Singh said while ruling on the plea.

Justice Singh said a strong prima facie case was made out against Khedkar and investigation was required to unearth the conspiracy.

It was a classic case of fraud committed on a constitutional body as well as society, the judge said.

Khedkar is accused of misrepresenting information in her application for the UPSC Civil Services Examination, 2022, to get reservation benefits.

The counsel for the Delhi Police as well as the complainant, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), opposed the plea for pre-arrest bail.

The UPSC was represented by senior advocate Naresh Kaushik and lawyer Vardhman Kaushik.

Khedkar has denied all allegations against her. -- PTI

The CSMT-Madgaon Vande Bharat express train deviated from its regular route on Monday morning due to a technical snag at Diva station in Thane district of Maharashtra, delaying its onward journey to Goa by 90 minutes, officials said.

Instead of proceeding towards Panvel station on the Diva-Panvel railway line used by Konkan-bound trains, the express train took the Kalyan route around 6:10 AM.

This incident delayed Mumbai's local train services on the Central Railway.

Central Railway chief PRO Swapnil Nila said the incident occurred due to the failure of the signalling and telecommunications system at point number 103, between the down fast line and the 5th line at Diva junction, from where trains heading towards Konkan proceed to Panvel station on the regular route.

After the train deviated from its charted course, it moved to Kalyan station and reversed to Diva junction, from where it resumed its onward journey to Madgaon on the Diva-Panavel route, officials said.

Nila said the train was detained at Diva junction for about 35 minutes from 6:10 AM to 6:45 AM before proceeding towards Kalyan.

"The train reached platform number six at Kalyan station around 7:04 AM via the 5th line. It was reversed to Diva station via the 6th line at 7:13 AM," Nila said.

The premium CSMT-Madgaon Vande Bharat Express train, launched in June 2023, departs from CSMT (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus) in Mumbai at 5:25 AM and reaches Madgaon in Goa at 1:10 PM on the same day.

Railway officials said such incidents occur rarely on the Mumbai suburban automatic signalling system. -- PTI

Senior NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal,who is sulking over not being included in the new Mahayuti government in Maharashtra, met Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in Mumbai on Monday.

Talking to reporters after the meeting, Bhujbal said he had an elaborate discussion with the CM on the prevailing political and social atmosphere in the state.

The former state minister was accompanied by his nephew Sameer Bhujbal during the nearly 30-minute meeting with Fadnavis at the latter's 'Sagar' bunglow in Mumbai.

"Fadnavis told me that the Other Backward Classes have played an important role in the landslide victory of the Mahayuti in the assembly elections (held on November 20) and he will take care that the OBC community's interest is not harmed," Chhagan Bhujbal said.

He also said Fadnavis has sought some time to think over the issues pertaining to OBCs.

"He (Fadnavis) said he would arrive at some decision in 10 to 12 days," the NCP leader added.

OBC leaders are opposed to activist Manoj Jarange's demand for reservation for the Maratha community in the Other Backward Class (Kunbi) category. Bhujbal has also been vocal about his opposition to the demand.

Asked if he was planning to switch over to the BJP, Chhagan Bhujbal refused to elaborate and said he has already spoken his mind on the issue of him being ignored in the ministry expansion. -- PTI

The Congress on Monday took a swipe at the Modi government over "rising" prices of food items, saying the bullet train announced by it has not arrived but the inflation, which is spiralling upwards faster than the speed of a bullet train, has broken the back of the common person.

Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh said the people want answers not more "jumlabaazi (rhetoric)".

He shared a media report on X which claimed that the rates of daily essential goods are increasing day by day and in the last one year, the prices of flour, oil, spices and dry fruits have increased by one and a half to two times.

"The bullet train announced by the Modi government has not arrived, but the inflation, which is spiralling upwards faster than the speed of a bullet train, has broken the back of the common person," Ramesh said in his post in Hindi on X.

"Inflation has doubled and tripled in the last ten and a half years. Vegetables, flour, oil, spices and everyday items are becoming out of the reach of the common person. Everything is getting costlier under the rule of Modi government which came to power by raising the slogan of 'Bahut hui mehngaai ki maar'," he said.

"From potatoes to tomatoes, milk, spices and even cooking oil have now become like a dream for the common person. Are these the same 'achche din' that were promised? No more jumlabaazi! The public wants answers," Ramesh said.

The Congress has been attacking the government over its handling of the economy and raising concerns over "increasing" unemployment and price rise. -- PTI

The driver of the truck involved in the accident in Nelamangala which killed six people, claimed on Monday that there was a car ahead of his vehicle and to prevent collision, he turned the steering wheel towards the road divider which led to the accident.

Police, however, refused to share details about the investigation, claiming it will hamper their probe.

According to police, a Deputy Superintendent of Police rank officer is investigating the case and said a detailed investigation is being carried out to ascertain the cause of the accident. The CCTV cameras installed in and around the area of the accident site are also being verified as part of the probe.

"A DYSP rank officer is investigating the case. We are also doing a case study, keeping in mind the road safety aspects as well. At this stage, we do not want to reveal any details which would further hamper the probe," a senior police officer said.

Speaking to reporters, the Jharkhand-based truck driver, Arif, who was hospitalised with injuries sustained during the accident, claimed that there was a car ahead of his truck, and that he was going at 40 kmph.

"The car driver applied sudden brakes and I lost control of my vehicle. To save the car, I turned the steering wheels towards the road divider on the right. But then I saw another car, and took a left again. Due to this, the container which was loaded with steel fell," he added.

The truck driver was unaware that a SUV car got crushed beneath his vehicle and that it led to the death of six of the family, police said.

The tragic incident took place on the Nelmangala-Tumkuru highway when the whole family was on board on Volvo XC90.

The incident sparked a debate on the internet, where people started slamming the reputed brand over its safety and build quality.

The model comes at the starting price of Rs 1.01 cr (ex-showroom), and is considered as one of the safest offerings from the brand that claimed 6 lives.

Six accused who allegedly vandalised Actor Allu Arjun's Jubilee Hills residence recently in Telangana's Hyderabad were granted bail, a lawyer said.

Advocate Ramdas, appearing for the accused, said that these students of Osmania University were protesting peacefully when the police attacked them, prompting them to act in self-defence.

"The students of Osmania Univesity were demonstrating peacefully. When the police force attacked them, they acted in their self-defence. Police filed a case against them. After their appearance before the judge today, six people have been given bail without any conditions and a fine," Ramdas told ANI.

As per Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) West Zone, Hyderabad, on Sunday evening some persons holding placards in their hands suddenly rushed to the residence of actor Allu Arjun in Jubilee Hills and started sloganeering.

One of them mounted the compound and started throwing tomatoes, a police official said, adding that six persons were taken into custody, who claimed to be part of the Osmania University Joint Action Committee.

Earlier, a case was registered against six members of the Osmania University Joint Action Committee (OU-JAC) for allegedly vandalising actor Allu Arjun's residence amid the row over Sandhya Theatre Tragedy.

The much awaited second season of Paatal Lok is set to premiere on Prime Video on January 17, the streamer announced on Monday.

Written and created by Sudip Sharma, the first season of the crime drama featured Jaideep Ahlawat as a washed-out Delhi police officer named Hathi Ram Chaudhary who lands the case of a lifetime when four suspects are captured in the assassination attempt of a prime time journalist.

The new season will see Ahlawat reprise his role alongside Ishwak Singh and Gul Panag. Tillotama Shome, Nagesh Kukunoor, and Jahnu Barua are the new additions to the cast, a press release stated.

Directed by Avinash Arun Dhaware, Paatal Lok season two is a Clean Slate Filmz Production in association with Eunoia Films LLP.

"As the stakes rise, this upcoming season promises to propel the drama barometer to new heights drawing viewers into an even darker, immersive and more treacherous world. The new season plunges the iconic character of Hathi Ram Chaudhary and his team into an uncharted territory - a perilous 'fresh hell' that will test them like never before," read the official synopsis of the series.

Nikhil Madhok, Head of Originals, Prime Video India, said the first chapter of Paatal Lok made a huge impact with its gripping narrative, layered characters and raw portrayal of societal realities, earning critical acclaim and a massive fanbase.

"At Prime Video, we always prioritise two essential aspects across our shows, the unique and compelling nature of the stories we tell, and identifying the right time to bring those narratives to our audience.

"The phenomenal response to the first season of the neo-noir crime drama inspired us to delve even deeper into its immersive world with the second installment. While collaborating once again with Sudip, Avinash and the talented cast behind this groundbreaking series, we are excited to unveil a new chapter that pushes creative boundaries," Madhok said in a statement.

Sharma, who also serves as the showrunner of the series, said he is "thrilled" to continue his long-standing association with the streamer through the second season of Paatal Lok. -- PTI

13:08 Kejriwal can't become CM or MLA: Cong leader

Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit on Monday raised doubts about Arvind Kejriwal's ability to become the Chief Minister of Delhi, suggesting that it may not be possible for him to even become an MLA.

Dikshit pointed out that even if Kejriwal takes the oath as CM, he will be unable to perform key duties due to the Supreme Court's instructions.

"He (Arvind Kejriwal) can't become the CM anyways. For him, I don't think it is possible to even become an MLA. In New Delhi, the fight will be between the Congress and the BJP. Even if he takes oath as CM, he can't sign files, attend meetings, or go to the CM office, as per the Supreme Court's instructions," Dikshit said.

Earlier in the day, BJP leader Shehzad Poonawalla slammed the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for its latest promises under the Mahila Samman Yojana and Sanjivani Yojana, accusing the party of failing to deliver on key issues during its 10 years in power in Delhi.

Speaking to ANI, Poonawalla questioned the AAP government's track record on pollution control, cleaning the Yamuna, and improving healthcare and education, dismissing the new initiatives as mere "election promises" aimed at winning votes ahead of upcoming elections.

"They were in power for 10 years but could not make Delhi pollution-free. They could not clean Yamuna by 2025. They used to talk about good hospitals and schools but could not do it. Now they are making new promises. What were they doing for 10 years?... These are just election promises made to the public in view of the elections," Poonawalla said.

A 22-year-old man accused in a murder case hurled a slipper at a judge during the hearing in a sessions court in Maharashtra's Thane district, police said on Monday.

The slipper did not hit the judge and instead hit a wooden frame in front of his desk and fell by the side of the bench clerk, they said.

The incident took place on Saturday afternoon at the court in Kalyan town and a First Information Report (FIR) was subsequently registered against the accused.

The accused, Kiran Santosh Bharam, was produced before District and Additional Sessions Judge R G Waghmare for a hearing in the murder case against him, an official from Mahatma Fule police station said.

At that time, the accused made a request to the judge to assign his case to another court. The judge asked the accused to make an application for the same through his lawyer, the official said.

The name of his lawyer was then called out, but he was not around and did not appear in the court. Hence, the accused was asked to give the name of another lawyer to represent him and was given a fresh date by the court, he said.

The accused then bent down, pulled out his slipper and hurled it in the judge's direction, taking everyone present in the court by surprise, the official said.

An FIR was subsequently registered against the accused under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita sections 132 (assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty) and 125 (act endangering life or personal safety of others), the police added. -- PTI

A tremor of 3.7 magnitude jolted Gujarat's Kutch district on Monday morning, the Institute of Seismological Research (ISR) said.

There was no report of any casualty or damage to property, the district administration said.

The tremor was recorded at 10.44 am with its epicentre 76 kilometres north-north east of Lakhpat, the Gandhinagar-based ISR said.

This is the second seismic activity of more than 3 magnitude this month in the district.

On December 7, a tremor of 3.2 magnitude was recorded in the district, according to the ISR.

Last month, Kutch recorded an earthquake of 4 magnitude on November 18.

Earlier, on November 15, Patan in north Gujarat was jolted by an earthquake of 4.2 magnitude, as per the ISR data. -- PTI

Poet Kumar Vishwas has sparked a fresh controversy with remarks at actor-turned-politician Shatrughan Sinha and his daughter, actress Sonakshi Sinha.

Speaking at a poetry event in Meerut, Vishwas, without taking names, said, "Apne bachhon ko Sita Ji ki behnon aur Bhagwan Ram ke bhaiyon ke naam yaad karaiye. Ek sanket de raha hoon, jo samajh jayein unki taliyan uthtein. Apne bachhon ko Ramayan padhwayi aur Geeta sunwayi. Anya tha aisa na ho ki aapke ghar ka naam to 'Ramayan' ho aur aapke ghar ki Shree Lakshmi ko koi aur uthakar le jaye." (Teach your children about Ramayana. Otherwise, it might so happen that while your house is named 'Ramayana', someone else might take away your household's 'Lakshmi'.)

For context, Shatrughan Sinha's house is named "Ramayana" while his daughter Sonakshi got married to Zaheer Iqbal on June 23 this year.

Congress leader Supriya Shrinate strongly criticized Vishwas, calling his remarks "cheap" and "lewd."

In a lengthy X post, she slammed the poet for making derogatory comments about women to earn applause.

"If you have a daughter at home, would you make cheap comments about someone else's daughter to earn applause? Just think about how low you've stooped," she wrote in Hindi.

"Kumar Vishwas Ji, not only did you make a disgusting remark about Sonakshi Sinha's interfaith marriage, but you also exposed your true feelings about women. Your words 'Otherwise someone else will take your Lakshmi from your house'--is a girl just an object that can be taken away? How long will people like you continue to see a woman as the property of her father and then her husband?" she added.

"The foundation of marriage and companionship is equality, mutual trust, and love. No one is taken away like that, and in 2024 India, you are questioning someone's upbringing just because they chose to marry on their own? Doesn't a girl have the right to marry whoever she wants? Will self-proclaimed guardians of religion decide who a girl will marry, what she eats, what she wears, or who she loves? Questions about upbringing should not even arise when your own bouncers beat up an esteemed doctor. This is your fault if your staff behaves like this under your watch," she further said.

Two BJP MPs who suffered head injuries in a face-off between opposition and NDA members on the Parliament premises were discharged from Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital on Monday, authorities said.

Pratap Sarangi (69) from Odisha and Mukesh Rajput from Uttar Pradesh were brought to the hospital from Parliament with head injuries on December 19.

"The condition of both the MPs is much better now and they have been discharged," a senior doctor said.

They were kept under observation in the ICU and were shifted to a ward on Saturday.

Sarangi has an old heart problem and a stent in his heart, according to doctors.

Nothing significant regarding the injury came up in MRI and CT scans, Dr Shukla MS of RML Hospital had said earlier.

According to Dr Shukla, Sarangi was bleeding profusely when he was brought in. "He had a deep cut on his forehead and it had to be stitched," he had said.

"Rajput also had a head injury immediately after which he lost consciousness. However, the MP was in his senses when he was brought to the hospital. His blood pressure levels had shot up," Dr Shukla had said. -- PTI

Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff.com

12:07 Dark Horse Rises As Midcaps Gallop Ahead

Abhishek Kumar/Business Standard

Smallcap and midcap funds have long been investor favourites, but a shift in preference is becoming evident.

Midcap funds have seen a steady increase in new investment accounts, or folios, for the past six months, with higher inflows in the past three months. This marks a contrast to the previous two years, when smallcap funds attracted greater net inflows and folio additions.

Industry experts link this trend to limits on new investments in many large smallcap funds. Early in 2024, most large smallcap funds halted lump sum investments and capped systematic investment plan contributions. These measures followed regulatory guidance to protect investors from liquidity risks amid strong inflows into smallcap funds. While midcap funds have faced scrutiny as well, only one fund house has introduced similar investment caps.

Discussions around the high valuations in smallcap and midcap segments, along with limits on inflows, initially led to a decline in investments in these categories. However, inflows have rebounded recently, with total investments exceeding Rs 17,000 crore in two months.

Small and midcap schemes continue to dominate investor interest, capturing 25 per cent of total equity inflows.

Midcap schemes achieved all-time high monthly inflows of Rs 4,883 crore, up from Rs 4,683 crore the previous month.

Smallcap schemes also saw their highest inflows in 12 months, with Rs 4,112 crore, compared to Rs 3,772 crore the month before.

It's clear that sharp market declines are being viewed as buying opportunities by both HNIs and retail investors, who remain keen on smallcap and midcap schemes, Nuvama Alternative & Quantitative Research said in a report.

The inflows into these categories are largely driven by their strong performance across time frames.

"Mid and smallcap funds continue to receive strong inflows. However, be mindful of the risks inherent in these segments," said Himanshu Srivastava, associate director of manager research at Morningstar Investment Research India.

Representative image

11:36 1 critical after inhaling toxic gas at pharma company in Andhra

Two persons who suspectedly inhaled a toxic gas at a private pharma company at Jawaharlal Nehru Pharma City in Anakapplli district are hospitalised and one of them is in critical condition, said a police official on Monday.

Anakapalli district superintendent of police Tuhin Sinha said the incident happened on Monday morning in the production block of the company at Parawada during a chemical reaction.

"Two helpers inhaled some of the gases, and they felt unconscious (and) because of that they were shifted to the hospital. Both are undergoing treatment. One person is a bit critical, while the second person is out of danger," Sinha told PTI.

The affected workers are undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Visakhapatnam.

According to the SP, the gas leak occurred while transferring the chemicals into a scrubber which deals with harmful gases.

"We are also verifying if there is any criminal liability which can be attached or not," Sinha added. -- PTI

Air India Express' inaugural four-hour flight from Surat in Gujarat to Thailand capital Bangkok saw good sales of liquor onboard, with some passengers claiming the stock ran out.

The flight, operated with a Boeing 737-8 aircraft on Friday, had 175 passengers and six crew members onboard. The passenger capacity of the plane is 176.

Liquor consumption is prohibited in Gujarat.

Officials of the budget airline on Sunday said there were brisk sales of alcohol on the flight from Surat to Bangkok and the stock was not exhausted, as claimed by some on social media.

Some passengers had taken to social media, saying the airline ran out of liquor.

There was sufficient stock of liquor as well as food onboard, the officials added.

There was no official statement from the Tata Group-owned Air India Express.

According to the officials, generally, a passenger is not served more than 100 ml of liquor during a flight.

The airline offers five types of liquor onboard.

A 50 ml of Chivas Regal is priced at Rs 600 while 50 ml each of Red Label, Bacardi White Rum and Beefeater Gin cost Rs 400. It also offers 330 ml Bira Lager for Rs 400.

When it comes to food, passengers can either pre-book or buy during the flight. -- PTI

Frozen Dal lake

10:51 Dal lake freezes as Srinagar records -7 degree C

The surface of the Dal Lake on Monday froze as an intense coldwave gripped the Kashmir valley.

The minimum temperature experienced in the city was -7 degrees Celsius and the maximum temperature recorded was 7 degrees Celsius, as per the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD).

Visuals showed people sitting around bonfires and wearing warm clothes to protect themselves from the harsh winters.

"The weather has become very cold.. our hands have started freezing and the Dal lake has frozen. This is the first time the city has experienced such a temperature," said a local resident.

Another resident said that snowfall could occur in the city due to the current temperatures.

"There is a very high chance that there might be snowfall here. It is very cold right now. People should take all measures to protect themselves," said the resident.

The IMD has predicted a severe cold wave in Jammu and Kashmir December 24 onwards.

10:37 Income-Tax Bill Unlikely This Budget session

Monika Yadav/Business Standard

The finance ministry is unlikely to introduce the new Income-Tax Bill in the upcoming Budget session of Parliament, though the internal committee formed under Chief Income-Tax Commissioner V K Gupta for the review of the Income-Tax Act is likely to submit its report before the presentation of the FY26 Budget.

The Bill is unlikely to be enacted immediately during the Budget session. Based on the V K Gupta committee report, the legislation will be drafted with the help of the law ministry. After the draft Bill is ready, it will be referred to the Standing Committee on Finance for further scrutiny and feedback, an official familiar with the matter said. Currently, the Gupta Committee is reviewing various recommendations from experts and bodies.

Announcing the comprehensive review of the Income-Tax Act, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in her FY25 Budget speech said the purpose was to make the Act concise, lucid, and easy to read and comprehend.

'This will reduce disputes and litigation, thereby providing tax certainty to taxpayers. It will also bring down the demand embroiled in litigation. It is proposed to be completed in six months,' she said.

The current Tax Deduction at Source (TDS) and Tax Collection at Source (TCS) systems have become increasingly complex, with more than 71 different sections governing intricate procedures.

To address this complexity, the committee is considering proposing a radical simplification approach.

According to sources, similar to the Customs Tariff Act, the committee is considering creating a single comprehensive Schedule of Rates that would replace the existing 71 sections. This would reduce legal complications and litigation, making the tax deduction process transparent.

In addition, the requirement of issuing TDS certificates has become redundant with the introduction of Form 26AS, which provides a comprehensive digital record. Eliminating these outdated procedures is expected to significantly reduce compliance burdens for tax deductors.

Another critical area of reform involves consolidating penalty provisions. Currently, scattered across 45 different sections, the panel may recommend merging these into just two or three sections. This consolidation would help reduce confusion and minimize potential legal disputes.

Last month, Sitharaman held a review meeting with then revenue secretary Sanjay Malhotra and other top finance ministry officials.

Surajeet Das Gupta/Business Standard

Breaking all previous records, smartphone exports from India have, for the first time, breached the Rs 20,000 crore (Rs 200 billion) mark in a single month, according to data submitted by companies and figures compiled from industry associations.

Smartphone exports in November reached Rs 20,395 crore (Rs 203.95 billion), representing a staggering 92 per cent increase over the same month last year, when the figure was Rs 10,634 crore (Rs 106.34 billion).

Leading the pack were Apple iPhones, followed by South Korean giant Samsung. Together, they accounted for the lions share of November's exports.

Apple Inc and its vendors spearheaded the march, exporting iPhones worth Rs 14,000 crore (Rs 140 billion) in November 2024. The companys previous monthly record was Rs 12,000 crore (Rs 120 billion) in October.

For the Cupertino-headquartered company, this marks the first time it has exported over 80 per cent of the total production value of iPhones assembled in India by its three vendors. This achievement outshines its production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme commitment to export 70 to 75 per cent of production value in 2024-2025 (FY25).

Foxconns iPhone factory in Tamil Nadu was the single largest contributor to Indias smartphone exports, followed by Tata Electronics in Karnataka. Pegatron was the third major contributor among Apples vendors.

Samsung, Indian companies, and merchandise trade contributed the remaining share of total smartphone exports.

The smartphone PLI scheme, regarded as the most successful among the various PLI initiatives, has led to a sharp rise in exports, catapulting smartphones from being Indias 23rd-ranked export in 2019 to the third-largest individual commodity export today. This growth has also pushed electronics exports overall, moving them from seventh place in 2019 to third so far in FY25.

In October, the India Cellular & Electronics Association, the countrys leading electronics industry body, assessed the industrys performance under the PLI scheme. In a letter to the finance ministry and the ministry of electronics and information technology, it reported that against a total PLI disbursement of Rs 5,800 crore (Rs 58 billion) between 2021 and 2024, the industry contributed Rs 1.1 trillion in incremental goods and services tax and duties on mobile components.

The scheme has created 300,000 new direct jobs and 600,000 new indirect jobs, with a majority of the roles filled by young women who are first-time job holders. The industry also added exports worth Rs 2.87 trillion in the post-PLI four-year period.

Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez

09:37 'No $600 Million Wedding': Jeff Bezos

Amazon Founder Jeff Bezos has responded to a post on X that stated fiance Lauren Sanchez and he were planning a $600 million wedding in Aspen, Colorado on Saturday, December 28.

'This whole thing is completely false -- none of this is happening', Bezos said, adding, 'The old adage dont believe everything you read is even more true today than it ever has been.'

'Now lies can get ALL the way around the world before the truth can get its pants on. So be careful out there folks and dont be gullible,' Bezos, who owns the Washington Post newspaper, said.

Bezos and Sanchez, who began dating in January 2019, were engaged in May 2023.

Three criminals allegedly involved in a grenade attack in Gurdaspur were injured in an encounter with a joint team of Uttar Pradesh and Punjab police here early Monday, officials said.

The accused were identified as Gurvinder Singh (25), Virender Singh alias Ravi (23), and Jaspreet Singh alias Pratap Singh (18), all residents of Gurdaspur, police said.

The encounter took place in the Puranpur area in UP's Pilibhit.

The Punjab Police has said the three are part of a Pakistan-sponsored module of Khalistan Zindabad Force.

"This terror module is involved in grenade attacks at police establishments in border areas of Punjab. The encounter has taken place in the jurisdiction of PS Puranpur, Pilibhit, between the joint police teams of Pilibhit & Punjab and the three module members are involved in the grenade attack on a police post in Gurdaspur," Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav said in a post on X. "Investigations are in progress to unveil the entire terror module," he added.

Two AK-47 rifles, two Glock pistols, and a huge cache of ammunition were seized from them, he said.

09:26 Woman Set On Fire On New York Train

In a horrific incident, a sleeping woman was set on fire on a stationary subway train in New York, Associated Press reported

'New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch described the case as "one of the most depraved crimes one person could possibly commit against another human being".'

'Tisch said the suspect and the woman, both of whom have not been identified, were riding a subway train to the end of the line in Brooklyn at around 7:30 am,' AP reported.

'After the train came to a stop,' AP reported, 'surveillance video from the subway car showed the man "calmly" walk up to the victim, who was seated and possibly sleeping, and set her clothing on fire with what appeared to be a lighter. The woman's clothing then "became fully engulfed in a matter of seconds", Tisch said.'

After receiving an alert from teenagers who identified the suspect, police spotted him 'on another subway train and radioed ahead to the next station, where more officers searched each car and ultimately apprehended him without incident. The man had a lighter in his pocket, Tisch said.'

The woman was declared dead on the scene.

Two children and a man were killed and six other persons injured after a truck ran over people sleeping on a footpath in Maharashtra's Pune city in the wee hours of Monday, police said.

The incident took place at around 12.30 am on the footpath in Wagholi area where several persons were sleeping, they said.

The truck driver was detained after the incident, the police said.

"There were many people sleeping on the footpath near Kesnand Phata area, most of them labourers. They were run over by a truck, leading to the death of three persons," a senior police official said.

"We have detained the driver. We are checking if he was under the influence of alcohol. Further investigation is on," the official said.

The deceased have been identified as Vaibhavi Pawar (1), Vaibhav Pawar (2) and Vishal Pawar (22), the police said.

Six other persons were admitted to the Sassoon General Hospital, they added. -- PTI

United States President-elect Donald Trump on Sunday named Indian American entrepreneur, venture capitalist and author Sriram Krishnan as Senior White House Policy Advisor on Artificial Intelligence.

"Sriram Krishnan will serve as the Senior Policy Advisor for Artificial Intelligence at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, Trump said on Sunday as he announced a number of appointments on artificial intelligence or AI.

Krishnan, who has previously led product teams at Microsoft, Twitter, Yahoo!, Facebook and Snap, will work along with David O. Sacks who will be the White House AI & Crypto Czar.

"Working closely with David Sacks, Sriram will focus on ensuring continued American leadership in AI and help shape and coordinate AI policy across government, including working with the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology. Sriram started his career at Microsoft as a founding member of Windows Azure," Trump said.

Krishnan said, I'm honored to be able to serve our country and ensure continued American leadership in AI working closely with David Sacks.

Krishnan's appointment has been welcomed by the Indian American community.

"We heartily congratulate Sriram Krishnan and are delighted that he has been appointed by President-elect Donald Trump as Senior Policy Advisor in the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy," said Indiaspora's executive director Sanjeev Joshipura.

"For several years, Sriram has been an insightful thinker and influential commentator in the artificial intelligence realm. His previous work blending public policy, international affairs, investing and technology will stand him in good stead as he serves the nation in this important role," he added.

"As Indiaspora continues our convening and thought leadership work on AI in the United States and abroad, we look forward to engaging closely with Sriram," Joshipura said. -- PTI

Top Telugu actor Allu Arjun did not leave the theatre during the screening of Pushpa 2 on December 4 despite being told to do so in view of a stampede in which a woman died, police officials claimed on on Sunday.

Speaking at a press conference on the annual round-up of 2024, city police commissioner C V Anand showed a video, made by police, on the situation that prevailed when the stampede occurred.

The video was made by collating footage, including from news channels and cell phone clips. It suggests the actor remained in the theatre till the midnight.

Anand did not make any comment on the video, but said the media can draw its own conclusions.

A police official talked about the sequence of events on the fateful night of December 4.

He said that he and other police officials informed a manager of Allu Arjun about the death of the woman and told him that the situation was out of control. He indicated that they were not allowed to meet the actor.

Allu Arjun's staff members told them that they would convey the matter to the actor but did not do so, he said.

The official said he later managed to reach the actor, told him about the woman's death and asked him to leave the theatre so that the fans don't harm each other while trying to catch a glimpse of him.

The official also told the actor that security arrangements would be made for his exit.

However, the actor said he would go only after watching the film, the police official said.

Later, accompanied by a senior officer, the official went inside and brought the actor out, he said.

Amid allegations that bouncers hired by Allu Arjun pushed crowds as well as policemen when the stampede occurred at the cinema hall, the police commissioner warned that stringent action as per law would be taken if the bouncers indeed misbehaved with the police on duty.

The VIPs would be made responsible for the behaviour of the bouncers hired by them, he said.

Asked if the police would appeal against the interim bail granted to Allu Arjun, the commissioner refused to give a direct response, just saying it is part of the investigation.

What course of action is taken would be known in the days to come, he said.

He also declined to comment when asked if the family of the deceased told him about Allu Arjun's team or film production team allegedly threatening them not to speak on the issue. -- PTI

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