Odisha CM Majhi not to join New Year celebrations

The CBI has now registered two FIRs with one pertaining to alleged bribe demand of Rs 85 lakh and another of Rs 80 lakh from the promoters of educational institutes in Himachal Pradesh, they said.   

The promoters, who were also the complainant in the case, addressed a press conference in Shimla, alleging that the assistant director used to call them to office, torture them and demanded bribe.   

The officer and two of his staff members made us sit in the Shimla ED office for hours during which they would keep demanding money, they alleged.   

The CBI has three suspects under scanner in the case with the brother of the accused and a middleman already arrested, while the officer is understood to be on the run and has not joined the investigation so far, they said.   

The assistant director of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) posted at Shimla and his brother, a senior manager at the Punjab National Bank in Delhi, had allegedly gone to a location near Chandigarh to receive the bribe from an educational institute promoter, who is facing a probe under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, the officials said.   

The case pertains to post-matriculation scholarship scam in Himachal Pradesh. -- PTI

"The Honorable Chief Minister Shri @MohanMOdisha will not officially participate in any celebrations/congratulatory programmes on the occasion of the upcoming English New Year. In the wake of the seven-day national mourning period following the demise of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and the loss of crops to farmers in various districts due to unseasonal rains," the Odisha Chief Minister's Office posted on X. 

The chief minister has requested well-wishers and supporters not to bring any flowers, diaries or other items on New Year. 

Similarly, Parida's office announced that the deputy chief minister will not celebrate the New Year. -- PTI

In a communication to the Kerala government, the Union home ministry explained that financial aid for such severe disasters is initially provided by the State Disaster Response Fund, which is then supplemented by the National Disaster Response Fund based on assessments conducted by an Inter-Ministerial Central Team. 

 "However, keeping in view the intensity and magnitude of the Meppadi landslide disaster in Wayanad district, it has been considered by the IMCT as a disaster of severe nature for all practical purposes," the communication said. The Centre's decision came amidst criticism from the state government and protests by MPs in Parliament for "not providing financial assistance to those affected by the landslides in Wayanad". On July 30, massive landslides occurred in the Chooralmala and Mundakkai regions of Wayanad, triggered by torrential rains, resulting in over 200 deaths, numerous injuries, and thousands left homeless. It is considered one of the worst natural disasters in Kerala's history.

ISRO's year-end mission is historic as it seeks the rare feat of docking or merging or joining together two satellites in space. 

The project has been named "Space Docking Experiment" (SpaDeX).  

The first stage performance is normal.  

SpaDeX mission is a cost-effective technology demonstrator mission for the demonstration of in-space docking using two small spacecraft launched by PSLV. 

The primary objective of the SpaDeX mission is to develop and demonstrate the technology needed for rendezvous, docking, and undocking of two small spacecraft (SDX01, which is the Chaser, and SDX02, the Target, nominally) in a low-Earth circular orbit.  

The technological challenge has been mastered only by a few countries and the indigenous technology used for this mission is called the "Bharatiya Docking System".  

"The success of this mission is vital for India's future space ambitions," Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh had said earlier.  

Docking technology is key for long-term missions like "Chandrayaan-4" and the planned Indian space station. It is also crucial for the eventual manned "Gaganyaan" mission. -- ANI                       

The accused, a resident of Durlabhpur, was held from Naoda town during a raid conducted by the STF late on Sunday, he said. 

This person is a relative of another militant arrested from Kerala. 

The accused is a member of the terror group and helped the latter in setting up a sleeper cell here in Baharampore, the STF officer told PTI. 

"The two also have the same address on the voters' list. Investigation is underway to gather more details," he added. -- PTI

As per the original rules of the Direct Tax Vivad Se Vishwas scheme, 2024, taxpayers filing declaration before December 31, 2024, had to pay 100 percent of the disputed tax demand. 

Interest and penalty would be waived in such cases. 

Through a circular, the Central Board of Direct Taxes extended the due date for determining the amount payable under the VsV scheme to January 31, 2025, from December 31, 2024. 

As per the circular, declarations filed on or after February 1, 2025, 110 percent of the disputed tax demand will have to be paid by the taxpayer. 

The scheme can be availed by taxpayers who have disputes/appeals, including writs and special leave petitions(Appeals) whether filed by the taxpayer or the tax authorities are pending as on July 22, 2024, before the Supreme Court, High Courts, Income Tax Appellate Tribunal, Commissioner/Joint Commissioner (Appeals). Around 2.7 crore direct tax demands totalling about Rs 35 lakh crore are being disputed at various legal foras. -- PTI

These restrictions, imposed at 14 major railway stations -- 13 in Maharashtra and one in Karnataka -- from December 29, will remain in force until January 2, 2025. 

These stations include Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Dadar, and Lokmanya Tilak Terminus Thane, Kalyan, and Panvel from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. 

Other stations include Pune, Nagpur, Nashik Road, Bhusaval, Akola, Solapur, Latur in Maharashtra, and Kalaburagi in Karnataka. 

Senior citizens, ailing persons, children, illiterate persons, and female passengers have been exempted to facilitate easier travel, the CR stated in a release. 

Alarmed by the Bandra Terminus station stampede in October, railway authorities have repeatedly taken such steps as restricting the sale of platform tickets to avoid crowding at the major railway stations. 

Ten passengers were injured while trying to board an unreserved train headed to North India at Bandra station in Mumbai on Western Railway on October 27 due to heavy rush. -- PTI

The woman identified as Aishwarya Gowda and her husband Harish KN were arrested on a complaint by Vanitha Aithal, owner of Vaarahi World of Gold in Chandra Layout in the city. 

Aishwarya Gowda borrowed 14.660 kg of gold from Aithal but failed to return it. 

She had gained Aithal's trust by claiming to be the sister of former MP D K Suresh. 

Suresh is the younger brother of Karnataka deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar.  

In his written complaint, Suresh stated, "It has been reported in the media that Mrs. Aishwarya Gowda alias Navyasri has cheated many people of gold and cash by misusing my name."  

He urged the authorities to take strict action against her and prevent future misuse and cheating. -- PTI

The body was found on Friday (local time), a statement by Scotland police said.  

"Around 11.55am on Friday, 27 December, 2024, police were made aware of a body found in the water near Newbridge," the statement said.  

The statement said that Saju's family was informed of her death.  

"Formal identification has still to take place however the family of Santra Saju, 22, has been informed," the statement read.  

The police said that the death was not suspicious.  

"The death is not believed to be suspicious. A report will be sent to the Procurator Fiscal."  

Earlier on December 23, the Scotland police said they were continuing their operations for the search of Saju. 

As per the police, she went missing from the South Gayle Area of Edinburgh. -- ANI 

Sikkim is the second state of the North Eastern region where the American burger chain has entered after Assam.

Connaught Plaza Restaurants operates 190 restaurants and 75 McCaf across North and East of India.

McDonald's India - North and East managing director Rajeev Ranjan said: "We are excited to bring the McDonald's experience to Gangtok, a vibrant and rapidly growing city in Sikkim." 

"Our presence here is a step towards making the world-class McDonald's experience accessible to the people of Gangtok and part of our expansion plans in the Northeast region. We believe that McDonald's with a wide range of menu across dayparts and a superlative restaurant experience, will be able to delight the residents of Gangtok," he said.

Spread over an area of 2,240 sq. ft, McDonald's Gangtok restaurant has a seating capacity of 116, featuring a contemporary look. -- PTI

The National Human Rights Commission on December 23 announced his appointment as the new chief of the rights panel. 

Justice Ramasubramanian on Monday assumed the charge of the chairperson, and Justice Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi as the Member of the Commission, at an event function organised at the Manvadhikar Bhawan in New Delhi to welcome them and Priyank Kanoongo, who joined as a Member of the pane last week, the NHRC said in a statement. 

They were appointed by President Droupadi Murmu on December 21, it said. 

Addressing the gathering, Justice Ramasubramanian highlighted India's ancient tradition of valuing and practising human rights, "even before the concept became globally recognised". 

Citing Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar, he emphasised that human rights are "deeply embedded in India's cultural fabric". 

He also stressed that promoting and protecting human rights requires a "collaborative effort among various stakeholders", the statement said. -- PTI

The report said the average asset per chief minister from state assemblies and union territories is Rs 52.59 crore.

While India's per capita net national income or NNI was approximately Rs 1,85,854 for 2023-2024, the average self-income of a chief minister is Rs 13,64,310, around 7.3 times the average per capita income of India.

The total assets of 31 chief ministers are worth Rs 1,630 crores.                 

Arunachal Pradesh's Pema Khandu is the second richest chief minister with total assets worth over Rs 332 crores,  Karnataka's Siddaramaiah is the third on the list with assets worth more than Rs 51 crore.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, with assets worth Rs 55 lakh, is the second poorest in the list and Pinarayi Vijayan is third with Rs 118 crore.

Khandu also has the highest liabilities to the tune of Rs 180 crore.

Siddaramaiah has liabilities worth Rs 23 crore and Naidu more than Rs 10 crore, the report said. -- PTI

The Met office has forecast similar cold day conditions in the next few days. 

"For the past two days, maximum temperatures were recorded in the cold day category but the minimum temperatures remained above 10 degrees Celsius. Today (Monday), cold day to severe cold day conditions were observed over Delhi," a Met official said. 

Delhi experienced overcast skies and winds while the humidity level fluctuated between 81 and 87 percent, the weather office said. 

The minimum temperature was recorded 3.5 notches above normal at 10.3 degrees Celsius. 

The Met office has predicted mainly clear skies with cold day conditions at isolated places for Tuesday. 

The surface wind is predominantly likely to blow from the northwest at a speed of less than 6 km per hour during the morning and will be accompanied by smog or shallow fog at most places and moderate fog in isolated areas. 

Wind speeds are expected to increase to 10 to 12 km per hour in the afternoon before decreasing to less than 8 km per hour in the evening and the night. 

Smog and shallow to moderate fog are likely during the evening and the night, the Met office said. -- PTI

Acting firmly against terror supporters in the district, the police launched an operation and detained a hardcore terror associate under the PSA, said a police spokesperson. 

The accused, identified as Mohmmad Rafiq, is a resident of Balota Chigla in Basantgarh. 

He was sent to jail. 

Rafiq is involved in multiple terror cases and was working as active guide and facilitator for the terrorist organisations till his arrest. 

Keeping in view the activities of the accused, he was ordered to be detained under the Public Safety Act. 

With his arrest, the number of terror associates has gone upto to five. -- PTI

In a medical bulletin issued on Monday morning, the private hospital treating her said that while her vital signs remain stable, she needs to stay on the ventilator for several days due to severe lung injuries. 

The organisers have been booked by the police for alleged safety lapses over the conduct of the event. 

Rajeeve, who visited the hospital, also assured that a detailed investigation would be conducted into the alleged negligence on the part of the organisers of the event. 

Cultural affairs minister Saji Cheriyan, who was present on the dais along with Thomas when the mishap occurred, said there was a lapse in ensuring adequate safety during the programme. 

The stage should have been erected in a place having a strong base and a barricade should have been there (at the edge), he told reporters in Kochi. 

"There is no doubt that it was handled carelessly. Adequate safety should have been ensured when a stage was erected at such a height where VIPs were scheduled to sit," the minister said. 

While replying to a question, Cheriyan said he and others on the stage didn't know that the accident and the injuries sustained by the MLA were that serious. 

"Only a few persons, who were on that side of the stadium, saw the mishap," he said and added lot of people were present in the stadium and the programme was scheduled for just eight minutes. -- PTI

Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena expressed his objection to AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal for calling Chief Minister Atishi a temporary CM and said it hurt him.

"...I found this very objectionable and I was hurt by it. It was not only an insult to you, but also to your appointee, the President of India and to me as her representative' As a Lieutenant Governor, I am concerned about this level of public discourse and at the same time, I am hurt by the conversation of presenting the full-time Chief Minister of my government as a temporary Chief Minister..." reads the letter. -- ANI

The accused have been identified as Nishad, a native of Fort Kochi and Navas, of Palluruthi here, Kochi city police said. 

The duo allegedly assaulted Lieutenant Colonel Karneyil Singh, administrative officer of the 21 Kerala NCC Battalion, at an NCC cadet camp held at KMM College. 

According to a top police official, the accused were taken into custody from their residences and recorded their arrest after the NCC officials identified them. 

Earlier, the Thrikkakara police had registered an FIR against two individuals for allegedly assaulting the Army officer. 

The case was registered following a complaint from the officer, the police said. 

The incident occurred amidst tensions after over 60 cadets reportedly suffered from suspected food poisoning on the night of December 23. 

The accused were only named as "two identifiable persons", after trespassing into the college hosting the camp, stopped, threatened, and then attacked Lieutenant Colonel Karneyil Singh, camp commandant, around 11.30 pm, the FIR dated December 24 said. -- PTI

About eight premises in state capital Bhopal, Gwalior and Jabalpur were raided by the federal probe agency on December 27 in the case against Saurabh Sharma, a former constable of the state transport department, his "associate" Chetan Singh Gaur and some others including Sharad Jaiswal and Rohit Tiwari. 

The ED said in a statement that these persons were the "suspected beneficiary of the proceeds of crime or have allegedly abetted in the laundering of the same". 

The money laundering case stems from an FIR of Lokayukta police of the MP government against Sharma where it is alleged that he amassed "disproportionate assets worth crores of rupees in the name of his family members and associated firms and companies". 

The federal agency said details of bank accounts and properties were identified during the searches and an analysis found that Sharma had "bought a number of properties in the name of his family members, friends and companies in which his close associates were directors". -- PTI

The ceremony will be attended by Chief Minister Lalduhoma, his cabinet colleagues, assembly Speaker Lalbiakzama, deputy Speaker Lalfamkima, MPs, important officials, and special invitees. 

Singh will be administered the oath of office and secrecy by the Chief Justice of Gauhati high court. 

Singh, appointed by President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday, will replace incumbent Hari Babu Kambhampati, who was recently appointed as the Odisha governor following the resignation of Raghubar Das. 

Born in 1951, Singh served as the 24th Chief of Army Staff from 2010 to 2012. 

After retiring from the military, he joined the BJP in 2014 and was elected to the Lok Sabha from Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh. 

He was re-elected in 2019. 

During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's first term, Singh served as minister of state for external affairs, minister of state (Independent Charge) for the ministry of development of north eastern region, and minister of state for statistics and programme implementation. -- PTI

Ahead of the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal announced 'Pujari, Granthi Samman Yojana' under which he stated that the priests of temples and the 'granthis' of the Gurudwara will receive an honorarium of about Rs 18,000 per month.

Addressing a press conference in the national capital, the Delhi BJP chief said that the AAP knows they are going to lose Delhi elections that's why they are remembering 'Lord Ram.' 

"Arvind Kejriwal is now a defeated and desperate leader who is making daily populist announcements to stay in power. They (Delhi government) have to reply in court, why they didn't pay for Priests and Granthis like Maulavis - to get rid of that, they have announced this scheme (Pujari Granthi Samman Yojana)... When you (AAP) see that you are losing ground, 'tumhe Ram naam yaad aa raha hai'," Sachdeva said.

A 35-year-old woman was killed in the stampede, and her eight-year-old son was seriously injured on December 4 at RTC Crossroads when they went to watch the movie. Addressing reporters, the Deputy Chief Minister said a gesture like this could have averted the situation from spiralling out of control and the "mountain being made out of a molehill." What they (movie makers) could have done is gone to the victim's home the very next day. The producers, director, or anyone from the team should have expressed their condolences and shown they are with the family in their grief. Had they done this, it wouldn't have escalated like this, said Kalyan.

Following the incident, Arjun was briefly arrested by Hyderabad police, and a major controversy ensued. Terming the death of the 35-year-old woman and the hospitalisation of her son as "a very painful episode", the Janasena founder said the deceased woman and her family wanted to have a nice evening, return home, and share the experience, but it ended tragically. 

Though some opined that the Telangana government could have handled the issue more softly, Kalyan noted that the law "does not give preferential treatment to anyone, including him." PTI

"As we strive to preserve financial stability to support a higher growth path for the Indian economy, our focus remains steadfast on maintaining stability of financial institutions and, more broadly, systemic stability," Malhotra said in foreword to the Financial Stability Report. He further said that despite the global uncertainties Indian economy is expected to pick up pace in the second half of the current financial year. 

"Notwithstanding the uncertainties shrouding the global macro-financial ethos as it unfolds, prospects for the Indian economy are expected to improve after the slowdown in the pace of economic activity in the first half of 2024-25. 

"Consumer and business confidence for the year ahead remain high and the investment scenario is brighter as corporations step into 2025 with robust balance sheets and high profitability," said Malhotra who took over as 26th Governor earlier this month. -- PTI

 Gulmarg, a tourist resort town known for skiing activities in north Kashmir, recorded a night temperature of minus 10 degree Celsius, down 2 degrees compared to the previous night, the meteorological department said. 

Pahalgam in south Kashmir, which serves as the base camp for the annual Amarnath Yatra, recorded a low of minus 9.2 degree Celsius, down from minus 8.5 degrees Celsius the previous night, the weather office said. In Srinagar, night temperature dipped to minus 0.9 degrees Celsius, little more than a degree above the normal temperature for this time of the year, it said.

Among Nifty companies, only 11 stocks advanced while 38 ended in the red. Adani Enterprises, Tech Mahindra, HCL Technologies, IndusInd Bank, and Shriram Finance emerged as the top gainers. On the flip side, Hindalco, Tata Motors, Trent, Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), and Wipro were the biggest losers of the day. -- ANI

In a statement, Adani Enterprises Ltd -- which held 43.94 per cent stake in Fortune brand cooking oil, wheat flour and other food product maker Adani Wilmar Ltd -- said it will sell 31.06 per cent stake to Wilmar International. About 13 per cent will be sold in the open market to meet minimum public shareholding requirements. 

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge condemned the lathi-charge on students protesting against the cancellation of the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) examination, terming it an attempt to break the morale of the students by using force. 

"When rigging is detected, the BJP shamelessly denies or tries to silence the youth by lathi-charging them," Kharge claimed in a post in Hindi on X. 

The Congress chief's remarks came a day after some students protesting against the cancellation of the BPSC exam were lathi-charged in Patna. Sharing a video of the incident, the Congress chief claimed the NDA government resorted to brutal lathi-charge and inhuman atrocities on BPSC aspirants in Bihar to hide paper leak and rigging.

"The attempt to break the morale of the youth by using dictatorship against them is extremely shameful and condemnable," he said. 

Kharge also accused the BJP of spreading a web of paper leak mafia across the country, which is ruining the future of the youth. More than 70 papers have been leaked in the past seven years, Kharge alleged, adding that the future of 3.28 lakh youth who took the BPSC exam is hanging in the balance. 

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also alleged that the "double-engine" BJP government in Bihar has become a symbol of "double atrocities" on youth.

"It is the government's job to stop corruption, rigging and paper leaks in examinations. But instead of stopping corruption, students are being prevented from raising their voices," the Congress general secretary said in a post in Hindi on X. 

"It is inhuman to spray water and lathi-charge on youth in this harsh cold. BJP's double-engine has become a symbol of double atrocities on youth," she said. Police on Sunday used water cannons to disperse students demanding the cancellation of the BPSC exam held on December 13. -- PTI

The volunteers included Hollywood actor Brad Pitt and Bollywood actor John Abraham. The houses were built under the aegis of NGO Habitat for Humanity. Carter volunteered his carpentry skills and raised money to boost the organization's profile. 

Since 1984, Carter donated one week of his time and his building skills every year to the organization. Carter, who left the White House in 1980 at the end of his first and only term as US President, had said in an interview that his mother Lillian joined the Peace Corps when she was 67 and worked in a leper colony near Mumbai. 

"She was very near Bombay in a little village called Vikhroli," the former President had recalled, referring to what is now a central suburb of the megapolis. 

Carter's association with Habitat began in 1984 when he donated his carpentry and manual labour skills for a week to renovate a building in New York. The NGO, which helps homeowners build homes alongside volunteers, was founded in Americus, Georgia near Carter's hometown of Plains.

Habitat homes are not giveaways. It chooses beneficiaries from applicants depending on their ability to repay low-interest loans and the amount of sweat equity they can put into the projects. 

The Georgia peanut farmer, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize after he left office, died Sunday after a prolonged illness. He was 100 years old, the longest-lived former president in his country's history. PTI

He also appealed to the public not to get involved in any untoward incidents. 

"All the necessary preparations have been made to ensure that no untoward incidents happen in Bengaluru City and the entire state. We have also warned people who want to create disturbances, and at the same time, we have made extensive preparations. Thousands of cops have been deployed, and I appeal to the public not to get involved in any untoward incidents. Celebrate the New Year happily. Let your New Year be very joyful," he told reporters.

Elaborate arrangements have been made by the Bengaluru Police for the upcoming New Year celebrations in the city, with tight security deployment in areas with heavy footfall to ensure public safety and the smooth flow of traffic. 

A total of 11,830 police personnel, including senior officers along with civil defence staff and others, will be maintaining strict vigilance across the city, monitoring any potential rave parties and drug-related activities. Police said the government has permitted New Year celebrations only until 1 am, and the public is allowed to conduct celebrations only within the prescribed time limit. -- PTI

The 91-year-old icon, dressed elegantly in a white saree paired with a matching necklace, performed the signature dance move from the track. Originally featured in the Vicky Kaushal-starrer 'Bad Newz,' the song gained immense popularity earlier this year as one of the top dance numbers of 2024. 

The official Instagram page of Dharma Productions described the performance as the moment "Tauba Tauba met timeless charm," sharing a video from the concert that has since gone viral. Actor Vicky Kaushal, who originally performed the hook step in the movie, couldn't contain his excitement. 

Sharing the video on his Instagram, he wrote, "What an absolute legend... Asha ji." The song's original singer, Karan Aujla, also shared his gratitude on Instagram, calling the moment "truly iconic." He wrote, "@asha.bhosle ji The living Goddess of music, just performed 'Tauba Tauba'... This song has received a lot of love and recognition, but this moment is truly iconic and one I will never forget. I am truly blessed and thankful." 

Aujla reflected on his humble beginnings, adding that seeing his song performed by a legend like Asha Bhosle was an inspiration to continue creating memorable melodies.

The concert also featured a captivating performance by Sonu Nigam, who shared the stage with Asha Bhosle. They were later joined by Asha's granddaughter, Zanai Bhosle, adding a multi-generational touch to the musical evening. -- ANI

The Congress hit back and asked when will the Sanghis stop this take diversion' politics. 

"While the country is mourning Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh's demise, Rahul Gandhi has flown to Vietnam to ring in the new year," BJP's IT cell head Amit Malviya said in a post on X. 

Gandhi politicised and exploited Dr Singh's death for his expedient politics but his contempt for him is unmissable, he charged. 

"The Gandhis and the Congress hate Sikhs. Never forget that Indira Gandhi desecrated the Darbar Sahib," Malviya added. 

Reacting sharply, Congress leader Manickam Tagore wrote in a post on X, "When will the Sanghis stop this take diversion' politics?"   He alleged that the way Prime Minister Narendra Modi denied Dr Singh a place for cremation on the Yamuna banks and his ministers cornered his family was shameful. "If Gandhi travels privately, why does it bother you?" he asked Malviya and said Get well in New year. PTI

PM Modi said that Carter's contributions to fostering strong ties between India and US leave a lasting legacy. In a post on X, PM Modi stated, "Deeply saddened by the passing of former USA President Mr. Jimmy Carter. A statesman of great vision, he worked tirelessly for global peace and harmony. His contributions to fostering strong India-U.S. ties leave a lasting legacy. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and the people of the US."

In 1978, Jimmy Carter travelled to India as US President. He met India's then-President Neelam Sanjiva Reddy and then-Prime Minister Morarji Desai. During his visit, he also addressed Parliament of India.

Former US President Jimmy Carter passed away at the age of 100 on Sunday (local time) at his home in Plains, Georgia, The Washington Post reported, citing his son James E Carter III. Carter's son confirmed his death but did not provide an immediate cause. According to the Carter Center's statement from February 2023, after a series of hospital stays, Carter decided to stop further medical treatment and spend his remaining time at home under hospice care.

In recent years, he had been treated for an aggressive form of melanoma skin cancer, with tumors that spread to his liver and brain. Carter was last photographed outside his home with family and friends on October 1, as he watched a flyover held to mark his 100th birthday, The Washington Post reported.

MUFG Bank, Japan's largest bank and one of the world's largest, in a report, asserted that the bull run in gold will continue through 2025. It attributed two key reasons -- hedging against geopolitical risks and central bank demand in emerging markets. 

"Gold's unshakable bull market remains our most constructive conviction for the second consecutive year, reinforced by a combination of "fear" (geopolitical hedge of first resort) and "wealth" (EM central bank demand) dimensions," the MUFG Bank report titled 'Commodities 2025 outlook: Stay selective, hedge Trump-induced tail risks' read. -- ANI

Santra Saju from Kerala was enrolled at the Heriot-Watt University in the Scottish capital of Edinburgh. Police Scotland said in a statement over the weekend that they were made aware of a body in a river near Newbridge, a village near Edinburgh. 

Around 11.55am on Friday, December 27, 2024, police were made aware of a body found in the water near to Newbridge, Police Scotland said. Formal identification has still to take place, however the family of Santra Saju, 22, has been informed. 

The death is not believed to be suspicious, the police said. 

The statement added that a report will be sent to the Procurator Fiscal, Scotland's prosecution service and death investigation body. 

Saju was last caught on CCTV at an Asda supermarket store in Almondvale, Livingston, on December 6 evening. An urgent missing person's appeal was issued by the police, describing Saju as being around 5 feet 6 inches in height, of Indian ethnicity, slim build, with short black hair. She was wearing a black jacket with a fur-lined hood, beige furry earmuffs and a black facemask. 

Enquiries also revealed she had a black rucksack in her possession. The police appeal encouraged anyone who may recognise her to come forward with any information. 

Inspector Alison Lawrie from Corstorphine Police Station said in a statement at the time: We now know that Santra picked up a black and white shopper style bag from an address in Burnvale on Friday evening, but she did not have it when she entered the supermarket. "The bag is distinctive and someone may remember seeing her carrying it. We are continuing to review CCTV footage and have released images of Santra from the supermarket in the hope that someone recognises her. Extensive enquiries are being carried out in an effort to trace her. Her friends and family had said the disappearance was out of character and had become very worried for her safety. -- PTI

He further stated that this scheme would be implemented once the AAP from the government winning in the upcoming polls in the national capital.

"Today I am making an important announcement regarding a scheme. The name of the scheme is Pujari Granthi Samman Yojana. Under this, there is a provision to give an honorarium to the priests of temples and the 'granthis' of the Gurudwara. They will be given an honorarium of about Rs 18,000 per month. This is happening for the first time in the country. The priest is a class that has carried forward the rituals from generation to generation. They never paid attention to their family and we never paid attention to them," said Kejriwal. 

"We know how pujaris serve us. Be it the birthday of our kid or the death of a loved one, they have always connected us with God. But they never gave attention to their own families, and neither did we pay enough attention to them. This is happening for the first time in the country. We have done many works in the national capital which happened for the very first time. We improved schools and hospitals and made bus travel for women. I just hope that the BJP and the Congress governments will learn from this and will implement such schemes in the state run by them," he added further.

Slamming the BJP, he said that they tried their best to halt Mahila Samman Yojana by making false cases and sending police. The registration for the same scheme is still underway. "They tried to halt Sanjeevani Yojana but could not. I want them to not do the same with this scheme."

Earlier on Monday, Imams of Delhi Waqf Board protested outside the residence Arvind Kejriwal over the delay in the release of their salaries. Speaking to ANI, All India Imam Association Chairman Sajid Rashidi expressed dismay over the delay in the release of salaries of the imams of the Delhi Waqf Board by the Delhi government. 

Rashidi stated that they haven't received their salaries from last 17 months, adding that they are continuously meeting several officials and leaders of the government, but no action has been taken yet into the matter. Rashidi gave an ultimatum to the Delhi government saying that if their salaries wouldn't get sanctioned, the imams will sit on protest here and not get up till they get their salaries. -- ANI

The consultation focused on gathering insights and suggestions from industry leaders to ensure the forthcoming budget addresses key economic priorities and sectoral challenges. 

The finance ministry in a social media post stated that "Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt.@nsitharamanchairs the fifth Pre-Budget Consultation with industry representatives in connection with the forthcoming Union Budget 2025-26, in New Delhi". 

As per ministry, the senior officials, including the Finance Secretary, the Secretary of the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM), and secretaries from the Department of Economic Affairs and the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), were present at the meeting. Chief Economic Adviser to the Government of India also participated, providing economic insights to guide the discussions.

These consultations are an essential step in shaping a budget that fosters economic growth, supports industries, and addresses the needs of diverse stakeholders -- ANI

The incident happened on December 4, when Allu Arjun attended the premiere of Pushpa 2: The Rule at Sandhya Theatre, a massive crowd gathered to catch a glimpse of the actor, and chaos ensued when he waved to fans from the sunroof of his car. This led to the tragic death of a woman named Revathi and injuries to her child.

Following the incident, Allu Arjun was arrested and later released on bail after furnishing a Rs 50,000 bond.

On December 24, the boy injured in the Sandhya Theatre incident during the premiere of Pushpa 2 in Hyderabad, Telangana, responded after 20 days. 

Speaking to the media, Bhaskar, the father of the injured child, said, "The child responded after 20 days. He is responding today. Allu Arjun and the Telangana government are supporting us."

On December 25, Allu Aravind, film producer and father of 'Pushpa 2' actor Allu Arjun, announced financial support of Rs 2 crores for Sri Tej, the victim of the Sandhya Theatre tragedy and the son of Revathi, who lost her life in the incident and the victim's family.

After meeting the child injured in the Sandhya Theatre incident, Allu Aravind told the media, "After speaking to the doctors, we are very happy to know that the boy is recovering. and all the days he has been on ventilator and ventilator has been removed and he is breathing himself and doctors are very positive about his recovery."

"To support the family and the boy... for his future, we thought we should support him with an amount of Rs 2 crores-Rs one crore has been given by Allu Arjun and Rs 50 lakhs given by the producers and Rs 50 lakhs by the director," Allu Aravind added. -- ANI

He further stated that there is a Shiv Linga underneath the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister's residence and thus an excavation must be carried out.

"Like Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav earlier announced Rs 5 lakh for the deceased's kin in the Sambhal violence, today we are going there to hand over the cheques. We are also going there to check whether the people who got injured have been getting proper treatment. We will also look into how people were assaulted in Sambhal and how police launched firing at people. We will probe the entire incident. The Uttar Pradesh CM's residence at 5, Kalidas Marg also has Shiv Linga beneath it. If BJP is finding temples beneath mosques, then, the CM residence must also be excavated," said Ravidas Mehrotra. Notably, the SP chief Yadav earlier at the end of November announced that his party would provide compensation worth Rs five lakhs to the kin of the deceased in the Sambhal violence. 

Earlier, Samajwadi Party (SP) Chief Akhilesh Yadav, in a jibe at the ongoing excavation work in Uttar Pradesh, suggested that a Shivling might also be found at the residence of the state's Chief Minister. 

"Since the excavation work is underway, I believe that there is a Shivling at the Chief Minister's residence too... we have faith that the Shivling is there," Yadav remarked, implying that such discoveries were allegedly being overly dramatized for political purposes. He further stated, "We should all prepare for its excavation... The media should go first, and we will join after that." Meanwhile, on Saturday, Sambhal District Magistrate (DM) Dr Rajender Pensiya announced the commencement of restoration and reconstruction work at the Chaturmukh Well in Sambhal. He stated that the Municipal Council has started the work of restoration and reconstruction of Chaturmukh well. Under this, we have visited here, so we will preserve all the wells ourselves and we will get a budget from the government for all the pilgrimage sites. He further added that funds for the restoration were being provided by the government as part of efforts to preserve historical and religious sites in the region. -- ANI

She said that instead of curbing corruption, it was the students whose voices were being suppressed.

"Students were oppressed for the second time in three days in Bihar. It is the government's job to stop corruption, rigging and paper leaks in examinations. But instead of stopping corruption, students are being prevented from raising their voices. Water cannons and lathicharge on youth in this harsh cold are inhuman. BJP's double engine has become a symbol of double atrocities on the youth," Gandhi, who is Congress MP from Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency, posted on X. 

The BPSC aspirants were joined by Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor earlier, who accused the Bihar government of turning democracy into "lathi-tantra." 

He said that the students had the right to protest in public spaces. However, in a viral video shared by Independent MP from Purnea Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav on Monday morning, Kishor got into a verbal spat with some of the protesting students.

In the video, Kishor said, "Ye naya naya neta abhi...abhi kambal mange ho humse aur..." which upset the students. 

Taking a dig at Kishor, Yadav said that the Jan Suraaj Party (JSP) founder was himself a new leader and was showing off his power. 

"Prashant (Kishor) himself has become a new leader and is threatening the students, showing off his power. Today when he doesn't have the electoral power to the fullest, he is dripping with arrogance. Big governments have fallen before the students. Who are you? Students were being beaten up by the police and you turned your back and ran away. You abused them for asking questions?" Yadav posted on X. 

Earlier, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav also condemned the lathi charge on protesting Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) aspirants, who are seeking a re-examination of the 70th BPSC prelims. 

In a video statement, the former Bihar Deputy Chief Minister said, "It is very painful how BPSC aspirants were beaten up by the police. Many people are badly injured in this... We condemn this. The visuals that have surfaced are painful. I am a youth, and I can understand their situation. Firstly, people were protesting against normalisation." -- ANI

Carter, who was considered a friend of India, died peacefully on Sunday at his home in Plains, Georgia surrounded by his family. He was the longest-living president in US history. He was the first American president to visit India after the removal of the Emergency and the victory of the Janata Party in 1977. 

In his address to the Indian Parliament, Carter spoke against authoritarian rule and praised India for its democracy. 

"India's difficulties, which we often experience ourselves and which are typical of the problems faced in the developing world, remind us of the tasks that lie ahead. Not the Authoritarian Way," Carter said on January 2, 1978. 

"But India's successes are just as important because they decisively refute the theory that in order to achieve economic and social progress, a developing country must accept an authoritarian or totalitarian government and all the damage to the health of the human spirit which that kind of rule brings with it, he told members of parliament. Is democracy important? Is human freedom valued by all people?... India has given her affirmative answer in a thunderous voice, a voice heard around the world. Something momentous happened here last March, not because any particular party won or lost but rather, I think, because the largest electorate on earth freely and wisely chose its leaders at the polls. In this sense, democracy itself was the victor," Carter said. 

A day later at the signing of the Delhi declaration along with then Prime Minister Morarji Desai, Carter said at the heart of the friendship between India and the US is their determination that the moral values of the people must also guide the actions of the states and the governments. 

The United States gave the world an illustration of a new form of government, with a new relation between the citizen and the state a relation in which the state exists to serve the citizen, and not the citizen to serve the state, he said. 

"India experimented with creating political unity from overwhelming human diversity, enabling people of different cultures and languages and religions to work together, both in independence and also in freedom. Yours is an experiment whose success the world is celebrating anew," Carter said in the Ashoka Hall of the Rashtrapati Bhawan. -- PTI

According to the Carter Centre, on January 3, 1978, Carter and then First Lady Rosalynn Carter travelled to the village of Daulatpur Nasirabad, an hour southwest of New Delhi. He was the third American president to visit India and the only one with a personal connection to the country as his mother, Lillian, had worked there as a health volunteer with the Peace Corps during the late 1960s.

The visit was so successful that shortly after, village residents renamed the area 'Carterpuri' and remained in contact with the White House for the rest of President Carter's tenure," the Carter Centre said. "The trip made a lasting impression: Festivities abounded in the village when President Carter won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002, and January 3 remains a holiday in Carterpuri," the centre said, adding that the visit laid the groundwork for an enduring partnership that has greatly benefited both countries. 

President Carter understood that shared democratic principles formed a strong foundation for a long, fruitful relationship between the US and India. It is, therefore, no surprise that the two nations grew steadily closer in the decades after he left office, it said. -- PTI

Kotputli-Behror District Collector Kalpana Agarwal explained that the construction of a tunnel to reach the girl has faced increased challenges due to the rocky terrain of the tunnel route. 

Additionally, the significant temperature difference between the top and bottom of the tunnel is posing difficulties. "We are building the tunnel...the challenge has increased because the tunnel route is rocky...there is a huge difference in temperature at the top and bottom...all options are being considered and discussed...the best equipment has been made available..," she said.

Efforts to rescue a three-year-old girl trapped in a borewell in Rajasthan's Kotputli have been severely hampered by intermittent rainfall since Thursday night. The ongoing rain has made the surrounding soil slippery and complicated critical operations, including welding and lowering the casing pipe.

The 17-year-old adventurer has conquered Africa (Mt Kilimanjaro), Europe (Mt Elbrus), Australia (Mt Kosciuszko), South America (Mt Aconcagua), North America (Mt Denali), Asia (Mt Everest) and culminating the current climb in Antarctica. 

The young Everester reached the summit of Mt Vincent Antarctica along with her father, Cdr S Karthikeyan, on December 24 at 1720 hrs Chilean Standard Time to complete the Seven Summits Challenge, the Indian Navy said. The Indian Navy congratulated Kaamya Karthikeyan and her father on accomplishing this momentous milestone. 

Taking to its official handle on X, SpokespersonNavy posted on X, "Kaamya Karthikeyan, class XII student at @IN_NCS Mumbai, scripts history by becoming the youngest female in the world to scale seven highest peaks across seven continents." 

"The Indian Navy congratulates Kaamya Karthikeyan and her father on accomplishing this momentous milestone," it posted. Navy Children School in Mumbai also congratulated the 17-year-old and posted, "Breaking barriers and reaching new heights! Kaamya Karthikeyan, Class XII, Navy Children School, Mumbai, becomes the youngest female in the world to conquer the Seven Summits--the highest peaks on all seven continents! A moment of immense pride for NCS Mumbai!"

Kaamya Karthikeyan was sixteen years old when she scaled Mount Everest. She said she was 7 when she took her first trek in Uttarakhand.

The IDF further confirmed that Rasem Judeh, a Hamas company commander in the Jabaliya region, was also eliminated. Judeh, who played a direct role in the October 7 massacre, was killed alongside four other Hamas commanders and five additional terrorists. In total, the operations resulted in the deaths of 14 terrorists, including six who had infiltrated Israeli territory during the October 7 assault. -- ANI

The incident occurred at Kalenahalli village of Mandya district on early Sunday morning, they said. According to police, Ramachandra was in relationship with a minor girl. Last year, he was booked under Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act after he eloped with the girl. 

He was arrested in the case and spent three months in jail as an under-trial. After getting released from jail, he entered into a compromise with the girl's family and the case was refuted in the court. But later, he started calling the girl and continued to maintain his relationship with her, police said.

Apparently, the girl's family was planning to get the girl married to someone else once she attained the legal age, a senior police officer said. Ramachandra, a resident of a neighbouring village in Nagamangala taluk was allegedly upset with the girl's family for rejecting him. 

Suddenly on Sunday, he reached in front of the minor girl's house and detonated the gelatin stick he carried with him and the explosion claimed his life on the spot, the officer added. Based on the complaint from the deceased person's family, calling it suspicious death, a case has been registered, police said. His family was in quarrying business and that's how he got access to gelatin stick, police said. -- PTI

The guidelines for the scheme are set to be released within a month, senior government officials told Business Standard.

Although the four OEMs have expressed interest, Force Motors is taking the lead in developing electric ambulances.

"Several companies have shown interest in manufacturing e-ambulances, but Force Motors is at the forefront. After a few more rounds of consultation, we expect the guidelines to be issued within a month," a ministry of heavy industries (MHI) official said.

This initiative aims to bolster the country's medical sector, which currently operates approximately 50,000 ambulances.

The PM E-DRIVE scheme has allocated Rs 500 crore (Rs 5 billion) to facilitate the electrification of these ambulances.

The PM E-DRIVE scheme has achieved approximately 67 per cent of its target for electric two- and three-wheelers (e-2Ws and e-3Ws). According to data from the MHI, 792,557 vehicles out of the total target of 1.18 million had been supported as of December 17.

The e-3W category has exceeded its target under the scheme, achieving the highest success rate. In the L5 (cargo three-wheelers) category, 83,087 vehicles were sold, surpassing the FY25 target of 80,546.After achieving the target in November, the MHI continued the subsidy but at a reduced rate. Previously set at Rs 50,000 per vehicle, the subsidy was halved to Rs 25,000, following industry requests to extend support to the next year's Budget.

This marks another step in the Centre's gradual reduction of incentives across its last three EV subsidy schemes. It reflects a shift in policy as the government aims to balance support for the electric vehicle market with fiscal sustainability.

In the e-2W segment, significant progress has been made under the scheme, with 707,979 vehicles sold out of the total target of 1.06 million. 

The scheme aims to accelerate the adoption of e-2Ws and e-3Ws; however, there has been no progress in the e-bus and e-truck segments.

For electric buses, no incentives have been disbursed yet, as the tendering agency CESL is still in the process of consolidating demand from states.

"We are dependent on CESL for buses. Incentive disbursement will depend on how quickly CESL executes the tender," said an official. In the case of e-trucks, the incentives are expected to be lower than those for e-buses, which currently receive subsidies of up to Rs 31 lakh (Rs 3.1 million), according to one of the officials.

The government in September approved the PM E-DRIVE Scheme with an outlay of Rs 10,900 crore (Rs 109 billion) for two years to boost adoption of electric vehicles in India. 

-- Nitin Kumar/Business Standard

 A key milestone in India's space programme, the mission will lift off at 10 pm on Monday instead of the originally planned 9.58 pm, ISRO said. However, there was no immediate information on the reason behind the rescheduling. 

"Launch Day is here. Tonight at precisely 10 pm, PSLV-C60 with SpaDeX and innovative payloads are set for liftoff," ISRO said in an update on Monday. 

"Space Docking Experiment is a pioneering mission to establish India's capability in orbital docking, a key technology for future human spaceflight and satellite servicing missions," the space agency added. 

The 25 hour countdown which commenced on Sunday night at 9 pm was proceeding, an ISRO official said. A cost-effective technology demonstrator mission for in-space docking, it would make India join an elite list featuring China, Russia and the US. -- PTI

A seven-tier security circle has been established to ensure the safety of more than 40 crore people expected to visit Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh, the Uttar Pradesh government has said.

   

The local authorities have set up temporary police stations and checkpoints in both urban and rural areas, as well as near railway stations, bus terminals, airports, and other key routes.

The security will be further bolstered by the deployment of the Provincial Armed Constabulary, National Disaster Response Force, Central Armed Police Forces, BDD, and AS Check teams.

Units will be kept in reserve for the city and rural areas, the UP government said in a statement on Sunday.

Prayagraj Police Commissioner Tarun Gaba said 13 temporary police stations and 23 checkpoints are being established for a reinforced security, which will take the number of stations up from 44 to 57.

Around 10,000 police personnel will be stationed across urban and rural areas of Prayagraj.

The Prayagraj Police Commissionerate's permanent and temporary infrastructure has been divided into eight zones, 18 sectors, 21 companies, two reserve companies of the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF), five companies of the PAC, four teams of the NDRF, 12 teams for AS Check and 4 BDD teams, the statement said.

Beginning from Paush Poornima on January 13, the grand event will take place over 45 days to conclude on Maha Shivratri on February 26. PTI 

Three members of the Osmania University-Joint Action Committee (OU-JAC), part of a group of people who were booked for vandalism at the residence of Telugu actor Allu Arjun, on Sunday lodged a complaint with police alleging that they were getting threatening calls from "fans" of the actor with dire consequences.

Six people allegedly damaged flower pots and threw tomatoes at the actor's residence on December 22 evening, demanding justice for the woman who died during the Pushpa-2 screening stampede.

A case was registered against the six, including the three who hold different posts of the OU-JAC, and a few others for vandalism. The six were arrested and later granted bail by a local court. 

The police had also beefed up security at the actor's residence after the incident.

The three OU-JAC members lodged a complaint with Osmania University Police Station alleging that the "fans" of Allu Arjun were threatening them via phone calls with dire consequences for entering the premises of the actor. They sought an inquiry into the matter and registration of a case.

A police official confirmed that a complaint was recieved and it is being verified. 

A 35-year-old woman died and her eight-year-old son was injured on December 4 during a stampede-like situation at the Sandhya Theatre in Hyderabad when fans jostled to have a glimpse of the actor at the premiere of Pushpa 2 movie.

Allu Arjun was arrested on December 13 in connection with the incident and later granted interim bail by the Telangana High Court. -- PTI 

Farmers blocked roads at many places across the state on Monday as part of their Punjab bandh call, hamstringing the commuter traffic.

A call for a shutdown was given last week by Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha over the Centre not accepting the demands of protesting farmers.

The bandh will be observed from 7 am to 4 pm.  Farmers observed a sit-in at Dhareri Jattan Toll Plaza which affected vehicular movement on the Patiala-Chandigarh National Highway.

At Amritsar's Golden Gate, farmers started to assemble near the city's entry point while in Bathinda's Rampura Phul, they blocked roads.

Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher on Sunday said though there will be a complete bandh, emergency services will be allowed to operate.

"The bandh will be observed from 7 am to 4 pm. However, emergency services will remain operational. Anyone travelling to the airport to catch a flight or anyone going to attend a job interview, or anyone needs to attend a wedding... all these things have been kept out of our bandh call," he said.

Meanwhile, 70-year-old farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal's hunger strike entered its 35th day on Monday.

Dallewal has so far refused medical treatment.

Hundreds of farmers have been protesting at the Punjab-Haryana border demanding a legal guarantee of a minimum support price (MSP) for crops.

Dallewal had earlier said he would not break his fast until the government agreed to the farmers' demands. -- PTI

Actor Prajakta Mali on Sunday met Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, a day after she demanded an apology from BJP MLA Suresh Dhas for dragging her name in his attempt to target NCP minister Dhananjay Munde in the Beed sarpanch murder case.

She called on Fadnavis at his official bungalow in Mumbai.

The details of the meeting are not available.

Mali on Saturday said Dhas' comments were in bad taste and baseless, asserting that women, especially actors, should not be made soft targets.

"Dhas' remarks linking me to Dhananjay Munde are derogatory. I had been to Parli for a cultural event, an award function. Artists like me travel to several cities to entertain audiences. Why name just women? Haven't male actors attended such programmes organised by politicians? Dhas has used my name for his selfish interests," she said.

The actor had said she would meet the chief minister to demand action against those making fake video clips about her.

Santosh Deshmukh, sarpanch of Massajog village, was abducted, tortured and murdered in Beed on December 9 allegedly for attempting to thwart an extortion bid on an energy firm.

While several persons have been arrested so far, a political tussle is underway over Walmik Karad, an accused in the extortion case linked to the murder who is reportedly a close aide of Parli MLA Dhananjay Munde. -- PTI 

Prachi Pisal/Business Standard

Dharavi Redevelopment Project Private Ltd (DRPPL), the Adani-backed company undertaking the ambitious project to rebuild the slums of Dharavi in Mumbai, has renamed itself Navbharat Mega Developers Private Ltd (NMDPL).

 

The company said on Saturday that it had received the affirmation of its board of directors and the ministry of corporate affairs for the rebranding.

According to the companys statement, the initiative is not just for rebranding but also to avoid being mistaken for the government authority in the same space, which is the Dharavi Redevelopment Authority (DRA), a special planning authority of the Maharashtra government for Dharavis redevelopment.

 

The role of the Maharashtra government will remain unchanged and the DRA will continue to be the supervising authority for the project, the company said. 'The change in name does not alter the governments pivotal role or the core purpose of the project,' it asserted.

 

DRPPL, now NMDPL, is the executing body for the over 600-acre Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP). NMDPL is a special-purpose vehicle between the Maharashtra government through the DRP)/Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA), and the Adani Group.

 

While an Adani Group entity holds an 80 per cent stake in the NMDPL, the Maharashtra government controls the remaining 20 per cent.

As of November 2024, Rs 2,000 crore (Rs 20 billion) has been invested in the project, including Rs 1,000 crore (Rs 10 billion) for land transactions and another Rs 1,000 crore for surveying and other purposes.

 

Recently, the Bombay high court dismissed a writ petition filed by SecLink Technologies Corporation, a UAE-based construction and real estate firm, challenging the project award. Adani Groups Adani Properties Private Limited was declared as the preferred bidder in November 2022 by the state authorities.

Jimmy Carter, the 39th United States president and the third American leader to visit India during which a village in Haryana was named Carterpuri in his honour -- has died peacefully at his home in Plains, Georgia surrounded by his family, the Carter Centre said.

Carter died on Sunday aged 100. He was the longest-lived president in US history.

"Today, America and the world lost an extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian, President Joe Biden said in a statement mourning his loss.

Carter is survived by his children -- Jack, Chip, Jeff, and Amy; 11 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife Rosalynn and one grandchild.

"My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love. My brothers, sister, and I shared him with the rest of the world through these common beliefs. The world is our family because of the way he brought people together, and we thank you for honouring his memory by continuing to live these shared beliefs," Chip Carter said.

In his statement, Biden said over six decades, with his compassion and moral clarity, Carter worked to eradicate disease, forge peace, advance civil rights and human rights, promote free and fair elections, house the homeless, and always advocate for the least among the people. He saved, lifted, and changed the lives of people all across the globe.

"He was a man of great character and courage, hope and optimism. We will always cherish seeing him and Rosalynn together. The love shared between Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter is the definition of partnership and their humble leadership is the definition of patriotism. We will miss them both dearly, but take solace knowing they are reunited once again and will remain forever in our hearts," said Biden and First Lady Dr Jill Biden.

President-elect Donald Trump said while he "strongly disagreed" with Carter "philosophically and politically", he also realised that he truly loved and respected "our country, and all it stands for".

"He worked hard to make America a better place, and for that I give him my highest respect. He was a truly good man and, of course, will be greatly missed. He was also very consequential, far more than most Presidents, after he left the Oval Office," Trump said.

Carter was considered a friend of India. He was the first American president to visit India after the removal of emergency and victory of the Janata Party in 1977. In his address to the Indian parliament, Carter spoke against authoritarian rule.

"India's difficulties, which we often experience ourselves and which are typical of the problems faced in the developing world, remind us of the tasks that lie ahead. Not the Authoritarian Way," Carter said on January 2, 1978.

"But India's successes are just as important because they decisively refute the theory that in order to achieve economic and social progress, a developing country must accept an authoritarian or totalitarian government and all the damage to the health of the human spirit which that kind of rule brings with it," he told members of parliament.

"Is democracy important? Is human freedom valued by all people?... India has given her affirmative answer in a thunderous voice, a voice heard around the world. Something momentous happened here last March, not because any particular party won or lost but rather, I think, because the largest electorate on earth freely and wisely choose its leaders at the polls. In this sense, democracy itself was the victor," Carter said.

A day later at the signing of the Delhi declaration along with then Prime Minister Morarji Desai, Carter said at the heart of the friendship between India and the US is their determination that the moral values of the people must also guide the actions of the states, the governments.

"The United States gave the world an illustration of a new form of government, with a new relation between the citizen and the state a relation in which the state exists to serve the citizen, and not the citizen to serve the state," he said. -- PTI