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Thu, 07 November 2024
Terrorists kill 2 village guards in J-K's Kishtwar
Timeline Refresh
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23:59 UP woman claims husband gave her 'triple talaq' over phone
A woman alleged that her husband gave her 'triple talaq' over phone for not fulfilling his dowry demands in the Kokhraj area of this Uttar Pradesh district, police said on Thursday.
Iktesha Siddiqui submitted an application at the police station, superintendent of police Brijesh Kumar Srivastava said.
Siddiqui alleged she had been assaulted by her husband Shabaz Ahmad and that her children were kept hungry due to her inability to meet his dowry demands, the police said.
Fed up with the regular abuse, Siddiqui said she moved to her maternal home in Mumbai with her children in March.
On June 12, her husband allegedly gave her 'triple talaq' over the phone, they added.
She also claimed that Ahmad was planning to marry again on November 7, Srivastava said.
Based on the evidence, strict action will be taken against the accused, he added. -- PTI
File image of a soldier during an anti-terrorist operation in J-K
23:42 Terrorists kill 2 village guards in J-K's Kishtwar
Two Village Defence Guards were shot dead by terrorists in the higher reaches of Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district on Thursday, officials said.
Nazir Ahmad and Kuldeep Kumar, both residents of Ohli-Kuntwara, had gone to graze their cattle in Munzla Dhar forest in the Adhwari area, the officials said.
They said police parties fanned out after the pair of Village Defence Guards failed to return to their homes in the evening.
Kashmir Tigers, an offshoot of Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed, has claimed responsibility for the killings.
Reacting to the killings, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said, "We are firmly resolved to destroying all terror outfits and avenging this barbaric act." -- PTI
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23:22 Encounter breaks out in J-K's Baramulla
An encounter broke out between terrorists and security forces in the Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday, the police said.
"Acting on a specific input regarding the presence of terrorists in Panipora Sopore area of Baramulla, a joint anti-terrorist operation was launched by police and security forces. During the search operation, an exchange of fire took place," Kashmir zone police posted on X.
The police said further details of the operation were awaited. -- PTI
23:09 Maha polls: Modi to address 9 rallies in a week, first meeting tomorrow
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address a total of nine rallies in Maharashtra in a week as part of the Bharatiya Janata Party's poll campaign for the state assembly polls, and his first public meeting will be held on Friday in Dhule, the party said.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the state Bharatiya Janata Party said the PM will also hold a roadshow in Pune on November 12.
Modi's first rally will be held in Dhule in north Maharashtra at 12 noon on Friday.
He will then address a public meeting in Nashik at 2 pm, it said.
On November 9, he will campaign in Akola at 12 noon and in Nanded at 2 pm, it added.
On November 12, Modi will address rallies in Chimur (Chandrapur district) and Solapur, and participate in a roadshow in Pune in the evening.
Modi will then address rallies on November 14 at three places in the state - Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Raigad and Mumbai.
Elections to the 288-member state legislative assembly will be held on November 20 and the votes will be counted three days later.
The BJP is contesting the elections as part of the Mahayuti alliance which also comprises Chief Minister Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar's Nationalist Congress Party. -- PTI
Image courtesy X
22:58 'Thug Life' teaser: Kamal Haasan unleashes action-packed avatar
On the occasion of Kamal Haasan's birthday, the makers of Thug Life dropped a teaser and announced the release date of the film.
In the teaser, shared by the makers, Kamal Haasan and Silambarasan TR can be seen doing some out-of-the-box action sequences.
Silambarasan can be seen celebrating Holi in one shot and bathed in blood in another as he rushes at his opponents.
It also shows Kamal Haasan fighting and attacking a group of people with vengeance in his eyes.
Thug Life will be released in theatres on June 5, 2025. Another special highlight of the film is the musical score, which is composed by the legendary AR Rahman.
The film is touted as a gangster drama.
Thug Life is directed by Mani Ratnam and co-produced by Raaj Kamal Films International and Madras Talkies.
The film stars Jayam Ravi, Trisha, Abhirami, and Nasser.
The film's music was composed by AR Rahman.
Last year, ahead of Kamal Haasan's birthday, the makers unveiled the title of the film.
On Instagram, the film's production house Raaj Kamal Films International treated fans to an intriguing title announcement video.
They captioned the post, "A NEW NAME, A NEW HISTORY!#ThugLife. #KH234 #Ulaganayagan #KamalHaasan #HBDKamalSir #HBDUlaganayagan." -- ANI
US President Joe Biden/File image
22:38 Assured Trump of a peaceful power transition: Biden
US President Joe Biden on Thursday said that he assured President-elect Donald Trump of a peaceful transition of power.
"I assured President-elect Donald Trump of a peaceful transition of power," said Biden in his address to the nation.
Saying that will of the people always prevailed in a democracy, the US president in his address said that Vice President Kamala Harris ran an inspiring campaign.
"Don't forget what we have achieved; we are leaving behind the strongest economy in the world," said Biden.
"The America of your dream is calling for you to get back up," he said adding setbacks are unavoidable, but giving up is unforgivable.
"You can't love your country only when you win," said Biden. -- PTI
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22:12 Opposition MPs to boycott five-state tour of Parliamentary panel on Waqf Bill
Opposition members have decided to boycott the five-day tour of the Joint Committee on Waqf Amendment Bill starting Saturday to hear views of diverse stakeholders on the matter.
All the opposition members of the JPC have decided to boycott the tour and its meetings as the chairman is working in an arbitrary and high-handed manner, Trinamool Congress member Kalyan Banerjee told reporters at a press conference jointly addressed with party MP Nadimul Haque at the Press Club in Kolkata.
Opposition members accused Committee chairman Jagdambika Pal of taking unilateral actions and visiting Karnataka to look into some "local matter".
"The Committee does not have investigation powers, its job is to look into the Bill alone. Moreover the Chairman cannot act unilaterally and the Committee has to act collectively," AIMIM Lok Sabha member Asaduddin Owaisi said in a post on X.
He said the Committee had already visited Karnataka and held consultations with various stakeholders there.
"We are bound by parliamentary procedure so we aren't in a position to explain the questionable conduct of the Chairman since the formation of the Committee. I hope the Lok Sabha Speaker will take notice of the Chairman's behaviour," Owaisi said.
Banerjee said the Committee's chairman has fixed a hectic schedule of meetings in Guwahati, Bhubaneswar, Kolkata, Patna and Lucknow over six days beginning Saturday.
He said the opposition members of the JPC met the Lok Sabha Speaker on November 5 and sought deferment of the schedule and also reduction in the number of days of meetings of the JPC from two days a week to one day a week or two consecutive days every fortnight. -- PTI
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21:42 I-T survey in Truecaller offices in tax evasion case
The Income-Tax department on Thursday carried out a survey operation at offices of Swedish caller ID platform Truecaller on charges of tax evasion, official sources said.
The Stockholm-headquartered company said it was cooperating with the investigators.
Tax officials said the survey operation was aimed to gather detailed information and check documents in connection with certain charges of tax evasion including those pertaining to transfer pricing issues.
They had earlier said it was search action.
As part of a survey, the taxman only visits the business premises of an entity under probe whereas as part of a search operation, business as well as residential and linked premises are covered.
According to the company's website, Truecaller has offices in Bengaluru, Mumbai and Gurugram in India.
The company said in a public statement that "On Thursday 7 November 2024, Truecaller's India offices were visited by Indian Tax officials."
"Truecaller are currently assisting the authorities to the full extent at our offices. This came without prior notice and Truecaller are currently awaiting official confirmation and communication from the tax departments," it said.
This is not an uncommon practice and Truecaller will cooperate fully with the relevant authorities, the company said.
The company said being a publicly-listed company, their practices were "entirely transparent. -- PTI
21:07 NEET aspirant dies by suicide in Odisha
A class 12 student, who was preparing for medical entrance exam NEET at a private institute in Bhubaneswar, allegedly died by suicide in her hostel room in Patia on Thursday, the police said.
Her father alleged that she died by suicide unable to handle the pressure of studies.
The deceased was identified as Kalyani Sahu (18), a native of the Salipur area of Cuttack district, the police said.
She preparing for NEET at a private institute in Bhubaneswar over the last 18 months, an officer of the Chandrasekharpur police station said.
Kalyani's body was found hanging in her hostel room, he said.
The hostel warden informed her father, Mahesh Kumar Sahu, following which he contacted the police.
"We have registered a case of unnatural death, and sent the body for post-mortem examination," the officer said. -- PTI
President Droupadi Murmu being received by Goa CM Pramod Sawant on her arrival at Dabolim airport, in Goa/ANI Photo
20:55 President Murmu witnesses naval operations off Goa coast
President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday witnessed the operational demonstrations by the Indian Navy off the coast of Goa on aircraft carrier INS Vikrant.
The president arrived at INS Hansa, the naval air station in Goa, where Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff, and Vice Admiral Sanjay J Singh, the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command, the navy spokesperson said.
"A 150-men ceremonial 'Guard of Honour' was also paraded on her arrival," he said.
The president then boarded indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, operating in the company of 15 frontline warships and submarines of the navy, he added.
"This was president Murmu's maiden visit to Indian navy ships at sea," he said, adding that she was given a briefing on the navy's role and charter, and the concept of operations.
After that, Murmu witnessed several naval operations, including deck-based fighter take-offs and landings, missile firing drills from a warship, submarine operations, flypasts of over 30 aircraft, and culminating with traditional steam-past of warships, he said. -- PTI
20:32 Suniel Shetty 'absolutely fine' after minor injury on set, thanks fans for love
Bollywood star Suniel Shetty on Thursday said he sustained a "minor injury" on the set of an upcoming web series, dismissing reports that he was seriously hurt.
In an X post, the 63-year-old actor also assured fans that he was getting ready to resume shoot of the project.
He suffered the injury while shooting for Hunter in Mumbai, according to media.
"Minor injury, nothing serious! I'm absolutely fine and ready for the next shot. Grateful for all the love & care. #OnSet," Shetty wrote on the microblogging site.
Earlier, several media portals reported the Shetty was "seriously injured" in his ribs while filming an intense fight sequence for Hunter.
It was also widely reported that doctors were rushed to the site along with an X-ray machine to assess the actor's condition.
Shetty, a popular action star of the 1990 and 2000's films like Mohra, Krishna, Border, Hera Pheri, Dhadkan, and Main Hoon Na, will be next seen in Welcome to the Jungle. -- PTI
File image of rescue operation in Wayanad after landslide in July, 2024/ANI Photo
20:19 Wayanad survivors supplied worm-infested food kits
Survivors of the landslides in Chooralmala-Mundakai in Wayanad district alleged on Thursday that they were given worm-infested food kits by the Meppadi Grama Panchayat, leading to a protest by the Democratic Youth Federation of India.
The Meppadi Panchayat is governed by the Congress-led United Democratic Front.
The state government announced that a probe would be carried out into the incident if required.
Taking serious note of the matter, the State Food Commission sought a report from the district authorities.
The protest began with the Democratic Youth Federation of India activists displaying the allegedly contaminated food items and staging a sit-in.
The DYFI is the youth wing of the CPI-M.
Tensions escalated around 11.30 am when DYFI activists broke through the police cordon and entered the panchayat president's chamber, creating a tense standoff.
The ruling members maintained that the people's representatives were unaware of the incident, attributing the issue to a failure at the official level.
However, the protesters were blocked by police officers and panchayat members, leading to clashes. -- PTI
File image of rescue operation in Wayanad after landslide in July, 2024/ANI Photo
20:19 Wayanad survivors supplied worm-infested food kits
Survivors of the landslides in Chooralmala-Mundakai in Wayanad district alleged on Thursday that they were given worm-infested food kits by the Meppadi Grama Panchayat, leading to a protest by the Democratic Youth Federation of India.
The Meppadi Panchayat is governed by the Congress-led United Democratic Front.
The state government announced that a probe would be carried out into the incident if required.
Taking serious note of the matter, the State Food Commission sought a report from the district authorities.
The protest began with the Democratic Youth Federation of India activists displaying the allegedly contaminated food items and staging a sit-in.
The DYFI is the youth wing of the CPI-M.
Tensions escalated around 11.30 am when DYFI activists broke through the police cordon and entered the panchayat president's chamber, creating a tense standoff.
The ruling members maintained that the people's representatives were unaware of the incident, attributing the issue to a failure at the official level.
However, the protesters were blocked by police officers and panchayat members, leading to clashes. -- PTI
Artist Martin Garrix/Courtesy Martin Garrix/Instagram
19:39 Martin Garrix coming to India in March, to perform in Mumbai on Mar 14
International artist Martin Garrix is set to return to India for another electrifying performance. Garrix will celebrate Holi in India next year, performing at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on March 14.
Expressing his enthusiasm, Garrix said in a press release, "Performing in India has always been an incredible experience for me. The energy, the passion, and the connection with the fans here are unmatched. I'm beyond excited to bring my biggest hits to the stage and can't wait to create something truly special with my fans on Holi!"
He also took to social media to share his excitement about his upcoming visit.
"Feels very surreal announcing my first stadium show ever... I'll see you soon (tickets go live this Sunday)," he wrote.
Renowned DJ Garrix is celebrated for his chart-topping tracks that energise crowds globally.
Known for collaborations with top artists like Dua Lipa, Usher, and Khalid, he continues to captivate audiences worldwide. -- ANI
19:16 Ajit Pawar campaigns for Nawab Malik, his daughter
NCP president Aijt Pawar on Thursday campaigned for his party nominees Nawab Malik and the latter's daughter Sana, who are contesting the November 20 Maharashtra assembly elections.
NCP's ruling ally BJP has opposed Nawab Malik's candidature, over his alleged links with gangster Dawood Ibrahim.
Nawab Malik, former state minority affairs minister and Anushaktinagar MLA, is NCP's nominee from Mankhurd-Shivajinagar assembly constituency, while Sana is NCP candidate from Anushaktinagar.
Flanked by Nawab Malik and Sana, Ajit Pawar rode in an open jeep in a rally in Mumbai, urging people to vote for the Malik father-daughter duo.
Arrested in February 2022 in connection with a money laundering case, Nawab Mailk was released on bail in August 2023.
BJP leader and deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis is among the ruling alliance leaders who had opposed fielding him for the assembly polls. -- PTI
19:09 2 more arrested in Baba Siddique murder case
Two more persons were arrested on Thursday in the case related to the murder of NCP leader Baba Siddique, a police official said.
So far, 18 persons have been arrested in the case.
Aditya Gulankar (22) and Rafique Niyaz Shaikh (22) ,both residents of Karvenagar area of Pune city were taken in custody as they were in contact with Pravin Lonkar, one of the alleged conspirators, and another accused Rupesh Mohol, the official said.
Lonkar and Mohol, both already arrested, allegedly handed over a 9 mm pistol with ammunition to Gulankar and Shaikh, he said, adding that they were to be used in the crime.
The pistol was recovered during the probe while efforts were on to trace the ammunition.
Siddique (66), a former Maharashtra minister, was shot dead by three gunmen in Mumbai's Bandra area on October 12.
Jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi's younger brother Anmol, believed to be living in Canada, was allegedly behind the murder, but the motive was not clear, police have said. -- PTI
19:02 Canada bans media outlet over Jaishankar's presser
India on Thursday said Canada blocked an Australian media outlet hours after it broadcast the press conference of External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar and his Australian counterpart Penny Wong.
External Affairs Ministry spokesman Randhir Jaiswal said the Canadian action of blocking the social media handles and certain pages of Australia Today smacked of hypocrisy towards freedom of speech.
"We understand that the social media handles, pages of this particular outlet, which are important diaspora outlets, have been blocked and are not available for viewers in Canada. This happened just an hour or few hours after this particular handle carried the press conference of EAM Dr S Jaishankar with Penny Wong," Jaiswal said in response to a question at the weekly media briefing.
"We were surprised. It looks strange to us. But nonetheless, what I say is that these are actions which yet again highlight the hypocrisy of Canada towards freedom of speech," the external affairs ministry spokesman said.
He said Jaishankar, in his media interactions in Australia, had spoken about the allegations levelled against India by Canada without sharing any specific evidence.
"You would have seen that the External Affairs Minister, in his media engagements, spoke about three things. One was Canada making allegations and a pattern has developed without any specific evidence," he said. -- PTI
18:46 Maharashtra doesn't like it: Ajit on 'batenge...' slogan
A day after Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath reiterated his slogan "batenge to katenge" at a poll rally in Maharashtra, BJP ally and NCP chief Ajit Pawar on Thursday said the people of the state do not appreciate such remarks.
People of Maharashtra have always strived to maintain communal harmony, said Pawar, a deputy Chief Minister.
"Maharashtra belongs to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj and Mahatma Phule. You do not compare Maharashtra with other states, Maharashtra's people do not like this," Pawar told reporters here when asked about Adityanath's remarks.
Shivaji Maharaj's teaching was to take all sections of society along, he said.
"When people from other states come here, they speak keeping their people in mind, but Maharashtra has never accepted it and it has been the history of all the elections here," the NCP chief further said.
Speaking at a campaign rally in Washim in eastern Maharashtra for the November 20 assembly elections, Adityanath used his famous slogan .
"I am taking inspiration from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and appealing you to not get divided, because whenever we get divided, we perish," he said. -- PTI
18:15 ED searches Amazon, Flipkart vendors in FEMA probe
The Enforcement Directorate Thursday conducted searches against some of the "main vendors" operating on platforms of e-commerce giants Amazon and Flipkart as part of a foreign investment "violation" investigation, official sources said.
A total of 19 premises of these "preferred" vendors located in Delhi, Gurugram and Panchkula (Haryana), Hyderabad (Telangana) and Bengaluru (Karnataka) were covered as part of the action, the sources said. It is learnt that the ED inspected documents and took copies of some from the premises of about six such vendors who were not named.
The sources said a probe has been initiated by the federal agency under the provisions of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) after it received several complaints against the two large e-commerce companies where it is alleged that they were "violating India's FDI (foreign direct investment) rules by directly or indirectly influencing the sale price of goods or services and not providing level playing field for all the vendors". There was no immediate response from the two e-commerce companies.
17:59 Sensex, Nifty fall over 1%
From the 30-share Sensex pack, Tata Motors, Tech Mahindra, UltraTech Cement, JSW Steel, Sun Pharma, Asian Paints, IndusInd Bank and ICICI Bank were the major losers. State Bank of India emerged as the only gainer from the pack. Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) offloaded equities worth Rs 4,445.59 crore on Wednesday, according to exchange data.
17:57 There will be little to stop Trump in his second term
Donald Trump believes presidents have almost absolute power. In his second term, there will be few political or legal restraints to check him. The president-elect's sweeping victory over Vice President Kamala Harris suddenly turned the theoretical notion that he will indulge his autocratic instincts into a genuine possibility.
Read the column here.
17:44 Starving triibals forced to eat mango kernel gruel: Patnaik
BJD president Naveen Patnaik on Thursday held the Odisha government responsible for the deaths of two women, who lost their lives after consuming mango kernel gruel in Kandhamal district recently.
The former chief minister claimed that the tribal women were forced to eat the gruel due to lack of adequate food at their homes. The BJP government, however, maintained that the women died of food poisoning.
"The state government has stopped the provision of rice for poor tribals. Therefore, they were forced to eat mango kernel gruel. Two people have died and others are undergoing treatment. This is very sad," Patnaik said while addressing members of the party's student wing at Sankha Bhawan, the BJD headquarters.
He expressed concern over the current government's actions, claiming that it had "ruined" the efforts of the BJD administration which had ensured people received adequate grains.
Patnaik, who was the chief minister of Odisha from 2000 to 2024, emphasised that the BJD government had introduced the state's own food security scheme for those who were not covered under the National Food Security Act (NFSA).
"Now, the current government has ruined all those efforts and, as a result, people are forced to eat mango kernel gruel because they're not getting rice," Patnaik said.
17:34 Samosa raucous: CID probe into snacks for HP CM!
A matter of refreshments getting served to the staff of Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu instead of the chief minister by mistake has assumed disproportionate dimensions following a CID probe that termed the goof up an "anti-government" act.
Due to a lack of coordination, three boxes of samosas and cakes were brought from Hotel Radisson Blue in Lakkar Bazaar to be served to the chief minister who had gone to the CID headquarters for a function on October 21.
However, the eatables were served to the CM security staff, according to the enquiry report conducted by a deputy SP rank officer. The report stated that an officer of IG rank had asked a sub-inspector (SI) of police to get some eatables from the hotel for the CM's visit. The SI in turn directed an assistant SI (ASI) and a head constable to bring the refreshments.
The ASI and the head constable fetched the refreshments from the hotel in three sealed boxes and informed the SI. The police officers in their statement said when they asked the tourism department staff on duty whether the snacks in the three boxes were to be served to the chief minister, they said they were not included in the menu.
The enquiry report said only the said SI, who deputed the ASI and the head constable with the task of getting the snacks from the hotel, was aware of the fact that the three boxes were for Sukhu. The lady inspector, to whom the food items were handed over, did not ask any senior officer and sent the refreshments to the mechanical transport (MT) section which deals with refreshments.
The three boxes of refreshments exchanged several hands in the process. Interestingly, a highly placed official in the CID department wrote in his noting that all persons named in the enquiry report have acted in anti-CID and anti-government manner due to which the items could not be served to the VVIPs. They acted according to their own agenda, the note added. PTI
17:16 HC closes plea against ban on Rushdie's 'The Satanic Verses'
The Delhi High Court has closed the proceedings on a petition challenging the Rajiv Gandhi government's decision to ban the import of Salman Rushdie's controversial novel, "The Satanic Verses", in 1988, saying since authorities have failed to produce the relevant notification, it has to be presumed that it does not exist.
In an order passed on November 5, a bench headed by Justice Rekha Palli observed that the petition, which was pending since 2019, was therefore infructuous and the petitioner would be be entitled to take all actions in respect of the book as available in law.
The Centre banned the import of the Booker Prize-winning author's "The Satanic Verses" for law-and-order reasons in 1988, after Muslims across the world viewed it as blasphemous.
17:11 Zika virus case detected in Gujarat
A 70-year-old man from Gandhinagar city contracted Zika virus infection following which he was treated in a hospital and discharged, officials said on Thursday.
While the report confirming that the man was infected with the Zika virus came four days ago, he was sent home from the hospital a week ago after full recovery, said the Gujarat Health Department in a statement. Zika virus is transmitted primarily by Aedes mosquitoes.
The symptoms include rash, fever, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain. Zika infection during pregnancy can cause infants to be born with microcephaly and other congenital malformations as well as preterm birth and miscarriage. On October 24, the septuagenarian was admitted to a hospital in Gandhinagar after he had a cold, fever and joint pain.
17:00 Threat to SRK made from Raipur lawyer's phone
Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan has received a death threat and a demand for Rs 50 lakh, Mumbai police said on Thursday, adding an extortion case has been filed in this connection.
The Mumbai police have summoned a lawyer from Raipur as the threat call was made from a phone number registered in his name, a senior police official from the Chhattisgarh capital said. The lawyer told the police that he lost his phone last week and had filed a police complaint, the official said.
The threat to Shah Rukh Khan follows a series of threats issued to fellow actor Salman Khan, allegedly from the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. Bandra police station received a call threatening Shah Rukh Khan and asking for Rs 50 lakh.
An offence has been registered. No arrest has been made yet, a senior police official said. A case has been registered by the Bandra police under sections 308(4) (extortion involving threats of death or serious injury) and 351(3)(4) (criminal intimidation) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) against the caller who threatened Shah Rukh Khan, the official said. Police teams have been dispatched to various places for further investigation, he said.
While there was no confirmation from Mumbai police on reports that the call was made from Chhattisgarh, a Raipur police official said their counterparts from the Maharashtra capital on Thursday served a notice to a man from the city in connection with it.
As part of their investigation into the threat to Shah Rukh Khan, Mumbai police visited Raipur and summoned a man, identified as Faizan Khan, who lives within the limits of Pandri police station here, Raipur Senior Superintendent of Police Santosh Singh told PTI. Police had earlier identified the man as Faiyaz Khan.
As per preliminary information, the threat call to the actor was made from a phone number registered in the name of Faizan, a lawyer, he said. Faizan has been asked to appear for questioning at Bandra police station, Singh said.
A Mumbai police team arrived at Pandri police station in the morning and informed the officials about the case following which Faizan was called for questioning, City Superintendent of Police (CSP- Civil Lines) Ajay Kumar told PTI. Faizan told the cops that he had lost his phone last week and lodged a complaint at Khamardih police station here, he said. Mumbai police have served a notice to Faizan and summoned him for further questioning, the official added. PTI
16:49 Delhi's smoking 26 cigarettes/day, asthma increases
As Delhi grapples with air pollution, several patients with respiratory problems are visiting the OPD of the Pulmonology Department in New Delhi's All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), a doctor said on Thursday. Delhi has an AQI of 492 today, which converts to roughly 26 cigarettes over a day.
Scores of patients were seen at the OPD of the Pulmonology Department, AIIMS.
Dr Karan Madan, Associate Professor Department of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS) told ANI, "We are seeing that patients are having a lot of problems. Patients who have respiratory diseases like asthma, and COPD patients. We are seeing a lot more patients in the OPD now. Many patients have complained their asthma is getting worse."
He said that many patients with serious symptoms were also admitted.
He added, "And many of our patients have come with severe exacerbation, what we call a severe worsening of symptoms. And many patients have required admission also. So I think it is a tough time for our patients who have respiratory problems..."Dr Madan also advised patients with respiratory problems to stay indoors and avoid exposure to outdoor activity.
"We have seen approximately a 15 to 20 per cent increase in the number of patients who have come with worsening respiratory problems, patients who have pre-existing asthma, we are seeing a lot more patients with asthma exacerbation...Patients who have respiratory problems must avoid exposure to outdoor activity," he said. -- ANI
15:56 Trump effect? Sensex falls 1%, snaps 2-day rally
Benchmark Sensex and Nifty tumbled more than 1 per cent on Thursday after a two-day rally as investors remained on the sidelines ahead of the US Federal Reserve interest rate decision and unabated foreign fund outflows. The BSE Sensex tanked 836.34 points or 1.04 per cent to settle at 79,541.79.
During the day, it slumped 958.79 points or 1.19 per cent to 79,419.34. The NSE Nifty dropped 284.70 points or 1.16 per cent to finish at 24,199.35. From the 30-share Sensex pack, Tata Motors, Tech Mahindra, UltraTech Cement, JSW Steel, Sun Pharma, Asian Paints, IndusInd Bank and ICICI Bank were the major losers. State Bank of India emerged as the only gainer from the pack.
15:29 Giorgia Meloni shares sweet picture with Elon Musk
Italy PM Giorgia Meloni shares this image with Elon Musk, writing, "In the past few hours I have heard from my friend @elonmusk . I am convinced that his commitment and vision will be an important resource for the United States and Italy, in a spirit of collaboration aimed at addressing future challenges."
The Italian prime minister and the world's richest man have repeatedly praised each other in public in recent months, so much so that Musk replied to a joke on X in September to say the two were not having an affair.
Meloni said in a post on X that she had spoken to her "friend" Musk in recent hours.
Musk presented Meloni with an award from the Atlantic Council think tank in September, giving a speech in which he said Meloni was "someone who is even more beautiful inside than outside". She replied that he was a "precious genius".
They were later photographed gazing into each other's eyes at a banquet table, giving rise to online jokes and commentary in Italian media.
After Donald Trump's triumphant victory in the presidential election, his granddaughter Kai Trump posted a celebratory family photo that has caused a buzz -- not for who was missing, but for who was present: Elon Musk.
The billionaire Tesla and SpaceX CEO, holding his son X A-12, stood on the edge of the Trump family circle, a placement that seemed both subtle and symbolic. Meanwhile, Trump's wife Melania was conspicuous by her absence.
During his victory speech, Trump praised his most vocal cheerleader, Musk, in glowing terms, describing him as a "special guy" and a "super genius".
"We have a new star. A star is bornElon. He is an amazing guy," he said. "We have to protect our geniuses; we dont have that many of them."
15:09 Not anti-business, but anti-monopoly: Rahul
Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Thursday asserted that he was not "anti-business" as being projected by the BJP but was "anti-monopoly" and "anti-creating oligopolies".
His remarks came a day after he penned an opinion piece in The Indian Express in which he said the original East India Company wound up over 150 years ago but the raw fear it then generated is back with a new breed of monopolists having taken its place.
Gandhi, however, had asserted that a "new deal for progressive Indian business is an idea whose time has come".
In a video posted on X on Thursday, Gandhi said, "I want to make something absolutely clear, I have been projected by my opponents in the BJP to be anti-business. I am not anti-business in the least, I am anti-monopoly, I am anti-creating oligopolies, I am anti-domination of business by one or 2 or 5 people."
"I started my career as a management consultant and I understand the type of things that are required for a business to succeed. So I just want to repeat, I am not anti-business, I am anti-monopoly," the former Congress chief said.
In his post accompanying the video, Gandhi said, "I am pro-Jobs, pro-Business, pro-Innovation, pro-Competition. I am anti-Monopoly." "Our economy will thrive when there is free and fair space for all businesses," Gandhi asserted. In his article, Gandhi had said India was silenced by the East India Company and it was silenced not by its business prowess, but by its chokehold. The Company choked India by partnering with, bribing, and threatening more pliant maharajas and nawabs, he pointed out. "It controlled our banking, bureaucratic, and information networks. We didn't lose our freedom to another nation; we lost it to a monopolistic corporation that ran a coercive apparatus," he said.
The original East India Company wound up over 150 years ago, but the raw fear it then generated is back, he claimed. A new breed of monopolists has taken its place, amassing colossal wealth, even as India has become far more unequal and unfair for everybody else, Gandhi had said.
The BJP had slammed Gandhi for making "baseless accusations" against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and asked him to examine facts before jumping to conclusions.
Hitting back at the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, the BJP wrote on X: "Another baseless accusation against the Modi government through the so-called 'match-fixing monopoly groups versus fair-play businesses' is simply misleading." "Dear Baalak Buddhi, do not jump to conclusions without examining facts," the saffron party said in a veiled reference to Gandhi. PTI
14:57 Is Lady Liberty happy?
Writer Margaret E Atwood shares this image in the aftermath of the US election results, saying, "Despair is not an option. It helps no one."
14:53 Oppn members of JPC on Waqf Bill to boycott next meetings
Alleging high-handedness and arbitrary action of the chairman of the JPC on Waqf Amendment Bill, Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee on Thursday said opposition members of the Joint Parliamentary Committee will boycott the next round of meetings beginning November 9.
Banerjee, a member of the JPC on Waqf Amendment Bill, said the chairman of the JPC has fixed a hectic schedule of meetings in Guwahati, Bhubaneswar, Kolkata, Patna and Lucknow over six days, with Sunday being a holiday in between. All the opposition members of the JPC have decided to boycott the tour and its meetings as the chairman is working in an arbitrary and high-handed manner, Banerjee told reporters at a press conference jointly addressed with party MP Nadimul Haque at the Press Club in Kolkata.
He said the future course of action will be decided jointly by the members of the opposition. Banerjee said the opposition members of the JPC met the Lok Sabha Speaker on November 5 and sought deferment of the schedule and also reduction in the number of days of meetings of the JPC from two days a week to one day a week or two consecutive days every fortnight.
He said the Speaker had verbally agreed to sympathetically consider their demands and speak to the chairman, but nothing happened thereafter. PTI
14:40 SRK threat call made from Chhattisgarh
Update: Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan has received a death threat and a demand for Rs 50 lakh, Mumbai police said on Thursday, adding an extortion case has been filed in this connection.
The threat to Shah Rukh Khan follows a series of threats issued to fellow actor Salman Khan, allegedly from the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. Bandra police station received a call threatening Shah Rukh Khan and asking for Rs 50 lakh. An offence has been registered. No arrest has been made yet, a senior police official said.
A case has been registered by the Bandra police under sections 308(4) (extortion involving threats of death or serious injury) and 351(3)(4) (criminal intimidation) of Bharaitya Nyaya Sanhita against the unknown caller who threatened Shah Rukh Khan, the official said.
Police teams have been dispatched at various places for further investigation, he said. While there was no confirmation from Mumbai police on reports that the call was made from Raipur in Chhattisgarh, a Raipur police official said Mumbai police are giving notice to one Faiyaz Khan for threatening Shah Rukh Khan. PTI
Image used only for representation
14:16 Goa: Women cops held for abetting male colleague's suicide
Two women police constables, arrested for allegedly abetting the suicide of their male colleague, jumped from the first floor of the Central Jail at Colvale in North Goa on Thursday, an official said.
The official from the prison said that the constables -- Priti Chawan (23) and Tanishka Chawan (21) -- sustained minor injuries and were shifted to North Goa District Hospital in Mapusa town.
The crime branch arrested the two on November 4 following the suicide of constable Prathamesh Gawade, who jumped from the Zuari Bridge on October 25.
In a video message recorded before he took his life, Gawade had accused the two women constables and another man of harassing him.
Gawade said he was taking the extreme step due to severe mental distress. -- PTI
14:07 Shah Rukh Khan gets threat, cops file case
Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan has received a threat call, Mumbai police said on Thursday.
The threat to Shah Rukh Khan follows a series of threats issued to actor Salman Khan.
A case has been registered by the Bandra police against the unknown caller who threatened Shah Rukh Khan, an official said. -- PTI
Pic: @vinaykoppad
13:19 Just Rishi Sunak, Akshata on coffee date in B'luru
No, incognito doesn't exist. Especially for former prime ministers.
And so it happened that Rishi Sunak, the former British Prime Minister and his wife Akshata Murty were spotted enjoying a coffee date at Third Wave Coffee in Bengaluru.
Pictures of the former power couple of the UK showed them looking relaxed as they settled at their table for their coffee.
Sunak, always with a penchant for formals, wore a white shirt and black trousers, while Akshata Murty donned a pastel kurta.
@wondering_woman observed, "Spotted rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata murthy right across from my table at third wave. It really does pay off going to Third wave guys."
Rishi Sunak served as the UK's Prime Minister from 2022 to 2024.
13:10 The Spy Who Became A Farmer
This 1968 batch Indian Police Service officer headed Research and Analysis Wing, India's external intelligence agency, from 2005 to 2007.
Now, at the age of 80, he is a farmer cultivating paddy, shrimp and coconuts.
That is P K Hormis Tharakan for you.
"As there are no young people, those who come for harvesting are ladies who went to school with me! And I am 80 years old,", the retired spymaster tells Rediff.com's Shobha Warrier in a rare interview.
Read the interview here.
Pic: Umar Ganie
13:05 Chaos in JK Assembly continues on 3rd day
The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly continues to face disruption on Thursday as the opposition mounts a strong objection to Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) MLA and brother of Engineer Rashid, Khurshid Ahmad Sheikh displaying a banner on Article 370.
The Leader of Opposition in the Assembly, Sunil Sharma along with other BJP MLAs objected to the banner display of Khurshid Ahmad Sheikh as the opposition MLAs stormed into the well of the house and were seen involved in a scuffle with Seikh Khurshid and other MLAs of the treasury bench. The speaker ordered the marshals to remove those members who were seen crossing their limits and asked the opposition leaders to behave properly. Earlier, the People's Democratic Party (PDP) moved a fresh resolution seeking the restoration of Article 370 and 35A.
"The house strongly condemns the unconstitutional and unilateral abrogation of Article 370 and Article 35A, along with the enactment of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, by the Government of India. These actions stripped J-K of its special status and statehood, underminding the foundational guarantees and protections originally according to the region and its people by the Constitution of India," read the proposed resolution.
The resolution was signed by PDP leaders, and Sheikh Khurshid too. The first session of the newly elected assembly kick started on November 4, Monday.
On the first day too, uproar erupted in the Jammu and Kashmir assembly when PDP (People's Democratic Party) leader Waheed Para, representing the Pulwama constituency introduced a resolution against the revocation of Article 370 and to restore the special status of Jammu and Kashmir.
PDP Supremo Mehbooba Mufti also lauded the PDP leader for introducing the resolution in the assembly. Notably, restoration of Article 370 and Jammu and Kashmir's statehood as well as implementation of the autonomy resolution was one of the main promises made by the National conference in its manifesto for the Jammu-Kashmir elections.
12:44 Ajit slams ally's remarks against Sharad Pawar
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has condemned adverse remarks made against his uncle and NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar by ruling Mahayuti legislator Sadabhau Khot, and said such comments will not be tolerated.
As the remarks sparked a row ahead of the November 20 state polls, Khot, the founder of Rayat Kranti Sanghatana and an ally of the ruling Mahayuti in the state, in a video message on Thursday expressed his apology and said he takes back his comment if has hurt anyone's sentiments.
During a public rally on Wednesday at Jath in Sangli district, where senior BJP leader and Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis was in attendance, Khot made comments on the health condition of senior Pawar, sparking criticism from both factions of the NCP.
Objecting to Khot's comments, Ajit Pawar, who broke ranks with Sharad Pawar last year and joined the Eknath Shinde-BJP government, in a post on X on Wednesday said the remarks were condemnable and inappropriate and will not be tolerated.
Speaking to reporters in Pune on Thursday, Ajit Pawar stated, "Whatever he (Khot) said was highly condemnable and connotes 'vinash kale viprit buddhi' (a person thinks adversely when his destruction is around)."
Former state chief minister Yashwantrao Chavan had shown the values on how to behave in political life, how to not cross a limit while speaking about rivals in politics. A similar tradition was later carried forward by other chief ministers, he noted.
"The remarks made by Khot are highly condemnable and I have already condemned it," the deputy CM said.
Ajit Pawar also said he called Khot over phone and registered his displeasure over the statement. "I told him that nobody liked your remarks about Pawar saheb. I told him that making personal remarks about someone is not our method. I also told him that it must not happen against Pawar saheb or any leader, irrespective of any party," he said.
12:30 SC orders liquidation of Jet Airways' assets
The Supreme Court on Thursday exercised its extraordinary constitutional powers and ordered the liquidation of grounded air carrier Jet Airways' assets.
A bench of Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra set aside the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) decision upholding the resolution plan of Jet Airways and approved the transfer of its ownership to Jalan Kalrock Consortium (JKC). Pronouncing the judgement for the bench, Justice Pardiwala allowed the plea of SBI and other creditors against the NCLAT decision that upheld the resolution plan of Jet Airways in favour of JKC.
It said the liquidation of the air carrier was in the interest of creditors, workers and other stakeholders. The bench rapped NCLAT for its decision. The top court used its powers under Article 142 of the Constitution which gives it the power to make orders and decrees to ensure complete justice in any matter or cause pending before it.
The NCLAT on March 12 upheld the resolution plan of the grounded air carrier and approved the transfer of its ownership to JKC. The SBI, Punjab National Bank (PNB) and JC Flowers Asset Reconstruction Private Limited have challenged the NCLAT verdict. -- PTI
12:10 What Supriya Sule said on reuniting with Ajit Pawar
NCP (SP) working president Supriya Sule has said political rapprochement with Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar is not possible till he is aligned with the BJP and said she will not be a chief minister post aspirant if the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) is voted to power.
In an exclusive interview with the news agency PTI, four-time Lok Sabha member Sule said people voted very assertively in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and there is clarity in the voters' minds now.
She feels the opposition MVA, comprising the NCP (SP), Congress and Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) will also do much better in the November 20 state assembly polls.
Out of the total 48 Lok Sabha seats in the state, the MVA won 30 seats, and an independent supporting the opposition alliance also emerged victorious.
Last year, Sule's cousin Ajit Pawar and several other NCP MLAs joined the Eknath Shinde-BJP government in the state, leading to a split in the party founded by her father Sharad Pawar.
In June 2022, Shinde had led a rebellion against the Shiv Sena leadership, which led to a split in that party. Sule said, "It is hard to say whether Pawars can reunite with Ajit Pawar politically. As long as he is working for the BJP it will not be easy. Our ideologies still remain a challenge politically."
On speculations that she could be the MVA's CM face, she said, 'I am not contesting elections and the NCP (SP) has made it clear that we are not in the race for CM's post. We have clarity and we will go along with whoever our partners decide ."
Asked if the upcoming assembly polls will settle the fragmented polity in Maharashtra, the parliamentarian said the Lok Sabha election results have settled the confusion.
"There is already clarity in the state. There is no issue as such except that the legal fight continues because of the illegal way parties were broken, the illegal way they were given to people...the fight will continue," she said.
Sule denied there was any strategy to contest only 10 Lok Sabha seats. -- PTI
11:58 'Trump can mend India-Canada ties'
Leading Indian-American community leader Sudhir Parikh shared his views on Donald Trump's victory in the 2024 US Presidential Elections. He spoke about support of the Indian-American community to Trump and also highlighted how the US can play a role in resolving the India-Canada diplomatic standoff.
He called Donald Trump's victory a "historical victory of the democracy" and said that it is a testimony of the vibrancy of democracy in the US. Parikh represents the Hindus for Trump group which is a group of Indian Americans and South Asian Hindus who came together and supported Trump in this election.
He noted that the community is set to hold celebrations in New York and New Jersey on Trump's victory which will see elected congressmen and senators along with various Indian Americans set to join it.
Speaking about the evolution of the Indian-American voter's political leanings, Parikh noted, "Almost 50% of the Indian Americans, they do believe in Republican philosophy, Republican agenda and Republican thinking". He remarked how Donald Trump appreciated the fundraisers organized by the Indian-American community for his Presidential campaigns, both the present and past one.
Speaking on the Indian-American community actively participating in the US Presidential elections, Parikh said, "Some of us support the Republican Party, some support Democratic Party, but doesn't matter as I believe personally and very strongly that unless you take part in the mainstream American politics, you cannot protect your community, you cannot protect your interest, you cannot protect your second generation interest. And that's why we strongly believe that we have to be part of this campaign".
PM and Trump in 2019
11:26 Modi-Trump commit to strengthening bilateral ties
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President-elect Donald Trump have "reaffirmed their commitment" to working together to further strengthen bilateral ties across a range of sectors, the MEA said on Thursday.
In a statement on the phone conversation Modi had with Trump a day ago, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the prime minister highlighted that the US leader's "spectacular and resounding victory" in the election reflected the "deep trust" of the American people in his leadership and vision.
Modi warmly congratulated him on his "re-election as the president of the United States of America as well as Republican Party's success in the Congressional elections", it said.
"They reaffirmed their commitment to working together to further strengthen bilateral ties across technology, defence, energy, space and several other sectors," the statement said.
PM Modi had on Wednesday night posted on X that he had a "great conversation" with his "friend" Trump.
The MEA, in its statement, shared some of the broader points of their telephonic conversation. Both leaders reiterated the importance of the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership for the "benefit of the people of the two countries as well as for global peace and stability", it said.
The MEA statement added, "Reflecting on the positive momentum of the India-US partnership during President Trump's first term, PM recalled their memorable interactions, including the 'Howdy Modi' event in Houston in September 2019 and the 'Namaste Trump' event in Ahmedabad during President Trump's visit to India in February 2020."
In a remarkable political comeback, Trump, 78, won the race to the White House to become the 47th President of the US, trouncing his Democratic rival Kamala Harris. Trump had earlier served as the 45th President of the US, after his first victory in the election in 2016. PTI
11:16 UBT manifesto: Free education, no Dharavi project
Shiv Sena (UBT) Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday unveiled his party's manifesto for the Maharashtra assembly polls, assuring free education for male students, stabilising prices of essential items and scrapping of the Dharavi redevelopment project.
Thackeray said most of the poll promises are part of the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi's (MVA) overall assurances, but there are some points which need special attention.
The MVA, which comprises the Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress and Sharad Pawar's NCP (SP), will also launch its manifesto for the November 20 state assembly polls, he said.
Thackeray assured that the way female students in the state were getting free education under a government policy, it will be implemented for male students as well if the MVA comes to power. The MVA will also keep stable the prices of essential commodities, he said.
11:02 Not the outcome we hoped for: Obamas on Trump win
Former US President Barack Obama and Former First Lady Michelle Obama on Thursday issued a statement congratulating President-elect Donald Trump on his victory.
"Over the last few weeks and through Election Day, millions of Americans cast their votes - not just for president, but for leaders at every level. Now the results are in, and we want to congratulate President Trump and Senator Vance on their victory," the statement said.
"This is obviously not the outcome we had hoped for, given our profound disagreements with the Republican ticket on a whole host of issues. But living in a democracy is about recognizing that our point of view won't always win out, and being willing to accept the peaceful transfer of power," the statement said.
"Michelle and I could not be prouder of Vice President Harris and Governor Walz - two extraordinary public servants who ran a remarkable campaign. And we will always be grateful to the staff and volunteers who poured their heart and soul into electing public servants they truly believed in," the statement added.
"As I said on the campaign trail, America has been through a lot over the last few years - from a historic pandemic and price hikes resulting from the pandemic, to rapid change and the feeling a lot of folks have that, no matter how hard they work, treading water is the best they can do. Those conditions have created headwinds for democratic incumbents around the world, and last night showed that America is not immune," the statement said. -- ANI
10:53 Sensex continues downward spiral despite Trump win
Indian stock markets opened flat with a marginal dip on Thursday after Donald Trump's victory, while FIIs continued to remain net sellers in Indian markets.
The Nifty 50 index opened flat at 24,489.60 points, while the BSE Sensex index was down marginally by 0.16 percent during early trade to 80,248.60 points.
Experts noted that global markets supported Trump's victory on Wednesday, and his success in the elections is expected to be more potentially transformative than initially thought. However, his decisions could have both positive and negative impacts on different sectors.
10:44 What Pichai, Haley, Jindal said on Trump win
Eminent Indian Americans have welcomed the re-election of Donald Trump as the 47th president of the United States and assured to work with him on issues of importance in the US-India ties.
"Congratulations to President Donald Trump on his decisive victory. We are in a golden age of American innovation and are committed to working with his administration to help bring benefits to everyone," Google CEO Sundar Pichai said on Wednesday.
"The American people have spoken," former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley said.
"Congratulations to President Trump on a strong win. Now, it's time for the American people to come together, pray for our country, and start the process of a peaceful transition," she said. "That begins with Kamala Harris conceding. You can't just talk about unity in a campaign, you have to show it regardless of the outcome," Haley said.
Former Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal called it a great day for America. "Let's take a moment to celebrate. Then begins the hard work to get our country back on track!" said Jindal.
"It's almost morning in America," said entrepreneur-turned-politician Vivek Ramaswamy. "Now let's go save a country," he said. "Congratulations to President Trump. We look forward to working with him and his administration on issues of bilateral importance in the US-India relationship, and on global challenges that the two countries can lead together," said M R Rangaswami, founder of Indiaspora, a community engagement platform.
Ajay Jain Bhaturia, a major fundraiser of the Kamala Harris campaign, also congratulated Trump. "Congratulations President-elect Trump! America failed to elect its First Women President again! People have voted for a change to handle border issues, the economy, immigration, crime, and wars! I respect their choice. We did all we could!" said Bhaturia.
New York-based prominent entrepreneur Al Mason said: "God saved Trump from two assassination attempts - there is a reason for the same. Trump is going to be a messiah for the American people and the rest of the world. There will be a very prosperous America, a safer world free of wars. In fact, a golden era begins for the United States of America."
Dr Krishna Reddy, chair of Indian American Friendship Council, congratulated Trump on the super victory. "This is the beginning of super US-India relations and together we keep the world safe again. This is the great strength of Indian Americans to build a robust economy again and Indian Americans are a great part of this success," he said. PTI
10:22 Mumbai offices to declare leave on polling day
The Mumbai district election officer has said all establishments, businesses and other workplaces within the Brihanmumbai limits are mandated to grant leave to their employees for voting in the Maharashtra assembly polls on November 20.
Violations to this directive by employers will result in action under the Election Commission's guidelines, district election officer and Brihanmumbai Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani said in a release issued on Wednesday.
Aiming to enable all eligible voters in Mumbai Suburban and Mumbai City districts to exercise their voting rights, Gagrani has implemented various initiatives to boost the voter turnout.
The release said employers must grant leave to their employees for voting on November 20 in their constituencies and the rule applies to all industrial sectors, corporations, companies and other establishments, ensuring that no wage deductions occur due to this leave.
In cases where a full-day leave is not feasible due to exceptional circumstances, at least a four-hour leave may be granted with prior approval from the district election officer, it said.
As per section 135(B) of the Representation of the People Act, employees whose absence would endanger the public or their establishment will not be penalised.
Employers are directed to follow these guidelines strictly, ensuring all employees are able to exercise their voting rights on the election day, the release said.
10:04 Father of deceased RG Kar doctor says Amit Shah called him for meeting
The father of the deceased woman medic of the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital said he has spoken to Union Home Minister Amit Shah who has called him for a meeting.
He, however, declined to divulge much about his talks with Shah and when and where the meeting would be held.
"I have spoken to him (Amit Shah). He has called me (for a meeting). I cannot talk much about it, but the meeting will take place," the father of the deceased woman medic at the RG Kar Hospital told reporters on Wednesday.
The parents of the victim had earlier written to Shah on October 22 requesting for an appointment to guide and help them get justice.
State Bharatiya Janata Party leaders had said they would try to arrange a meeting between Shah and the couple during his visit to Kolkata on October 27, but it did not happen.
The parents had, however, said they were not upset about not getting an audience with Shah during his visit and expressed hope that they may get the opportunity to meet the Union home minister in future.
The body of the on-duty woman medic, who was raped and murdered, was recovered from the seminar hall of the RG Kar Hospital on August 9, following which the junior doctors went on a 'cease-work' across West Bengal demanding justice for the victim.
They ended their stir after 42 days on September 21 following assurances from the state government to look into their demands.
The Kolkata Police, which was investigating the crime initially, had arrested one civic volunteer before the CBI took over the investigation following an order of the Calcutta high court. -- PTI
09:32 No security by Canada, Indian Consulate cancels camps
The Indian Consulate in Toronto announced cancelling some of its scheduled consular camps after the Canadian security authorities failed to provide minimum security protection.
The announcement by the Indian Consulate was made on the social media platform, X.
In the post it was noted, 'In view of the security agencies conveying their inability to provide minimum security protection to the community camp organizers, Consulate has decided to cancel some of the scheduled consular camps.'
The announcement by the Consulate comes merely days after violence disruption was orchestrated by anti-India extremists was seen when the Indian consulate had co-organised a consular camp outside the Hindi Sabha Temple in Brampton, near Toronto.
India registered its protest from the highest echelons with Prime Minister Narendra Modi too expressing anguish over the incident.
The Indian High Commission issued a Press Statement post the violent attacks in Brampton.
'The High Commission of India in Ottawa and Consulate Geneal of India in Vancouver and Toronto have organised consular camps for the benefit and ease of local life certificate beneficiaries. One accouunt of the prevailing security situation in Canada, the Canadian authorities had been requested well in advance to provide strong security measures for these events, which constitute routine consular work.'
The High Commission had also said, 'It is deeply disappointing to see such disruptions being allowed for routine consular work being organised by our consulates with the fullest cooperation of local co-organisers. We also remain very concerned for the safety of applicants including Indian nationals, on whose demand such events are organised in the first place.'
Previously, there were also attempts to disrupt similar camps held in Vancouver and Surrey on November 2 and 3.
The Indian High Commission had stated previously, 'In light of these incidents, and with the continued threats posed to the Indian diplomats and officials, local venue organisers as well as local attendees, organization of further scheduled consular camps will be contingent on security arrangements made for them by local authorities.'
The diplomatic riff between India and Canada has seen Canada violating various international norms such as the Vienna Convention, and subjecting Indian diplomats to surveillance against which the Ministry of External Affairs had lodged a formal protest with the Canadian government. -- ANI
The announcement by the Indian Consulate was made on the social media platform, X.
In the post it was noted, 'In view of the security agencies conveying their inability to provide minimum security protection to the community camp organizers, Consulate has decided to cancel some of the scheduled consular camps.'
The announcement by the Consulate comes merely days after violence disruption was orchestrated by anti-India extremists was seen when the Indian consulate had co-organised a consular camp outside the Hindi Sabha Temple in Brampton, near Toronto.
India registered its protest from the highest echelons with Prime Minister Narendra Modi too expressing anguish over the incident.
The Indian High Commission issued a Press Statement post the violent attacks in Brampton.
'The High Commission of India in Ottawa and Consulate Geneal of India in Vancouver and Toronto have organised consular camps for the benefit and ease of local life certificate beneficiaries. One accouunt of the prevailing security situation in Canada, the Canadian authorities had been requested well in advance to provide strong security measures for these events, which constitute routine consular work.'
The High Commission had also said, 'It is deeply disappointing to see such disruptions being allowed for routine consular work being organised by our consulates with the fullest cooperation of local co-organisers. We also remain very concerned for the safety of applicants including Indian nationals, on whose demand such events are organised in the first place.'
Previously, there were also attempts to disrupt similar camps held in Vancouver and Surrey on November 2 and 3.
The Indian High Commission had stated previously, 'In light of these incidents, and with the continued threats posed to the Indian diplomats and officials, local venue organisers as well as local attendees, organization of further scheduled consular camps will be contingent on security arrangements made for them by local authorities.'
The diplomatic riff between India and Canada has seen Canada violating various international norms such as the Vienna Convention, and subjecting Indian diplomats to surveillance against which the Ministry of External Affairs had lodged a formal protest with the Canadian government. -- ANI
09:01 Under extraordinary circumstances Harris stepped up: Biden
President Joe Biden on Wednesday applauded Vice President Kamala Harris for leading a historic campaign under extraordinary circumstances.
'What America saw today was the Kamala Harris I know and deeply admire. She's been a tremendous partner and public servant full of integrity, courage, and character,' Biden said in a statement.
'Under extraordinary circumstances, she stepped up and led a historic campaign that embodied what's possible when guided by a strong moral compass and a clear vision for a nation that is more free, more just, and full of more opportunities for all Americans,' he said.
'As I've said before, selecting Kamala was the very first decision I made when I became the nominee for president in 2020. It was the best decision I made. Her story represents the best of America's story. And as she made clear today, I have no doubt that she'll continue writing that story,' he said.
'She will continue the fight with purpose, determination, and joy. She will continue to be a champion for all Americans. Above all, she will continue to be a leader our children will look up to for generations to come as she puts her stamp on America's future,' Biden said. -- PTI
'What America saw today was the Kamala Harris I know and deeply admire. She's been a tremendous partner and public servant full of integrity, courage, and character,' Biden said in a statement.
'Under extraordinary circumstances, she stepped up and led a historic campaign that embodied what's possible when guided by a strong moral compass and a clear vision for a nation that is more free, more just, and full of more opportunities for all Americans,' he said.
'As I've said before, selecting Kamala was the very first decision I made when I became the nominee for president in 2020. It was the best decision I made. Her story represents the best of America's story. And as she made clear today, I have no doubt that she'll continue writing that story,' he said.
'She will continue the fight with purpose, determination, and joy. She will continue to be a champion for all Americans. Above all, she will continue to be a leader our children will look up to for generations to come as she puts her stamp on America's future,' Biden said. -- PTI
Usha Vance
08:58 A Telugu woman will serve as US Second Lady for first time: Andhra CM
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday hailed US Vice President elect-J D Vance's victory in the presidential election as a historic moment as it will catapult a woman of Telugu heritage, Usha Chilukuri Vance, as the Second Lady of the United States.
Usha is the wife of JD Vance and her family's ancestral village Vadluru is located near famous Godavari town Tanuku in the lush green West Godavari district, about 35 km from district headquarters Bhimavaram.
With the Trump-Vance victory on Wednesday, Usha, 38, is set to become America's Second Lady --- the first Indian-American in that role.
I would also like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to JD Vance, on becoming the US Vice President-elect. His victory marks a historic moment, as Usha Vance, who has roots in Andhra Pradesh, will become the first woman of Telugu heritage to serve as the second lady of the US, said Naidu in a post on X.
Calling this a moment of pride for the Telugu community around the world, Naidu said he looks forward to the opportunity to invite them (JD Vance and Usha) to visit Andhra Pradesh.
Earlier, the chief minister congratulated Donald Trump for winning the 2024 US presidential election and wished him success.
The chief minister said that Trump's election would further strengthen ties between India and the US.
'I congratulate Donald Trump on his victory in the US Presidential Elections and wish him success as he prepares to lead his country forward. His first tenure marked significant strengthening of the Indo-US partnership,' said Naidu in a post on 'X'.
The Telugu Desam Party chief expressed confidence that the two nations, India and the US, will foster greater cooperation under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Trump. -- PTI
08:51 Trump speaks to Kamala on phone, agrees on...
President-elect Donald Trump and his Democratic rival Vice President Kamala Harris spoke over the phone on Wednesday during which they agreed on the importance of unifying the country, his spokesperson said.
'President-elect Trump acknowledged Vice President Harris for her strength, professionalism, and tenacity throughout the campaign, and both leaders agreed on the importance of unifying the country,' said Steven Cheung, Trump Campaign Communications Director.
During the call earlier in the day, Harris congratulated Trump on his historic victory.
In a stunning victory, Trump won both the popular vote and the electoral college votes. He bagged 292 electoral college votes as opposed to 224 for Harris.
Trump won the battleground states of Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Georgia. -- PTI
'President-elect Trump acknowledged Vice President Harris for her strength, professionalism, and tenacity throughout the campaign, and both leaders agreed on the importance of unifying the country,' said Steven Cheung, Trump Campaign Communications Director.
During the call earlier in the day, Harris congratulated Trump on his historic victory.
In a stunning victory, Trump won both the popular vote and the electoral college votes. He bagged 292 electoral college votes as opposed to 224 for Harris.
Trump won the battleground states of Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Georgia. -- PTI
01:22 HC quashes case against Allu Arjun for alleged election code violation
The Andhra Pradesh high court on Wednesday quashed a police case filed against Telugu actor Allu Arjun for allegedly violating the mode code of conduct during the general election.
According to the FIR, Arjun was invited to YSRCP leader Shilpa Ravi Chandra Kishore Reddy's home on May 11 at Nandyala town without prior permission from the returning officer.
His arrival resulted in a large public gathering, leading to the alleged violation of the mode code of conduct, prompting Nandyala police to register a case, mentioning Arjun as A1 and Reddy as A2 as parties.
The FIR contended that though Reddy was aware of the potential for a large crowd, he failed to seek permission for Arjun's visit, "leading to the disobedience of the rules laid down for the electoral process."
Consequently, Arjun and Reddy approached the high court to dismiss the case, arguing that Arjun's visit was personal and without political motivation.
The two contended that they should not be held responsible for the crowd gathered outside the YSRCP leader's house.
After temporarily halting all the proceedings on the case in October, the court on Wednesday quashed the petition against Arjun and Reddy, following a review of the case and deliberations. -- PTI
CJI Justice DY Chandrachud along with his wife Kalpana Das calls on President Droupadi Murmu, at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi/ANI Photo
01:04 CJI DY Chandrachud calls on President Murmu
Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud, along with his wife, called on President Droupadi Murmu at the Rashtrapati Bhavan here on Wednesday.
Justice Chandrachud, who took over as the CJI on November 8, 2022, demits office on November 11.
"Dr Justice D Y Chandrachud, Chief Justice of India, along with his wife Kalpana Das, called on President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan," the President office said in a post on X, and shared pictures of the meeting.
Justice Sanjiv Khanna has been appointed as the 51st Chief Justice of India.
00:56 Kamala Harris concedes defeat; greets Trump on win
Vice President Kamala Harris on Wednesday conceded defeat in the US presidential election as she called up President-elect Donald Trump and congratulated on his victory.
Trump won the US presidential election for a second term, handing a shock defeat to Harris, in one of the most remarkable comebacks in American electoral history after he was evicted from power four years back.
Harris "called President-elect Trump to congratulate him on winning the 2024 presidential election," CNN reported, quoting an official in Harris' team.
She discussed the importance of a peaceful transfer of power and being a president for all Americans, it said.
Trump is the first president after Grover Cleveland 132 years ago to be evicted from the White House and return to it again four years later.
Harris is expected to address her supporters a few hours later. -- PTI
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