HC quashes cheating case against bizman Ashneer

Tourism and public works minister PA Mohamed Riyas flagged off the amphibious aircraft from the Bolgatty Palace Waterdrom in the port city. 

The minister also took a short trip on the 17-seater aircraft, along with industries minister P Rajeev, general education minister V Sivankutty and senior government officials. 

Riyas said that with the addition of seaplane services, it will be possible to reach remote areas of the state in less time and at a lower cost. 

Kerala plans excellent transport facilities, connecting four international airports, state-of-the-art national highways, hill highways, and upcoming high-speed rail corridors, he said. 

"Seamless connectivity for tourists arriving at our four international airports to reach hinterland destinations is something everyone wants," Riyas said. 

The minister further said that the objective of the government is to popularise the seaplane services. 

"We are trying to make this affordable and accessible to everyone. A detailed plan on this is getting ready," Riyas added. -- PTI

Justice Chandra Dhari Singh after considering the plea moved by Madhuri Jain Grover and others, quashed the FIR lodged by the Delhi police Economic Offences Wing in 2023. 

Following this, another bench of Justice Sanjeev Narula directed the Bureau of Immigration to cancel the Look Out Circular issued against Ashneer Grover and his wife. 

Madhuri Jain Grover and others filed a plea seeking the quashing of the FIR lodged under Sections 406, 408, 409, 420, 467, 468, 471, and 120B of the Indian Penal Code at the EOW police station, New Delhi. 

It was submitted that the petitioners and the complainant arrived at a settlement on September 30. 

Senior advocate Mohit Mathur had appeared before Justice Chandra Dhari Singh and submitted on behalf of the petitioners that all the disputes between the complainant M/s Resilient Innovations Private Limited and the accused persons, namely, Madhuri Jain Grover, Ashneer Grover, Deepak Jagdishram Gupta, Shwetank Jain and Suresh Jain have been settled and prayed for some time to file an affidavit regarding the compliance of the terms of the settlement agreement. 

After the FIR was quashed, the coordinate bench of Justice Sanjeev Narula directed the authorites to cancel the LOC in their records. -- PTI

The reconstitution of five- and three-member collegium is a consequential event after the superannuation of former CJI DY Chandrachud on November 10. 

Besides CJI Khanna, the five-member collegium, which selects apex court judges, would comprise Justices B R Gavai, Surya Kant, Hrishikesh Roy and A S Oka. 

The three-member collegium, which selects high court judges, will have the CJI and Justices B R Gavai and Surya Kant as members. 

The collegium system is a process for appointing and transferring judges in higher judiciary. -- PTI

The Pantsir air defence system is a versatile platform designed to protect critical military and industrial facilities from aerial threats and reinforce air defence units. 

The Memorandum of Understanding between Bharat Dynamics Limited and Rosoboronexport was signed recently on the sidelines of the fifth IRIGC (India-Russia Intergovernmental Commission Subgroup) in Goa, according to the DPSU. 

Headquartered in Hyderabad, BDL was incorporated in 1970 as a public sector undertaking under the ministry of Defence to be the manufacturing base for guided missile systems and allied equipment for the Indian armed forces. 

"Bharat Dynamics Limited and Rosoboronexport, Russia entered into an MoU for cooperation on Pantsir variants, air defence missile-gun system. 

"The MoU was signed by Cmde A. Madhavarao, (Retd), CMD, BDL and Mr Kovalenko German, DDG, Naval Dept, ROE on sidelines of 5th IRIGC Subgroup at Goa," BDL posted on X. The agreement came ahead of the "working visit" of Russia's First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov, who took part in the Russian-Indian Business Forum in Mumbai. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also attended this key event. 

On November 12, Manturov jointly with Jaishankar will hold the 25th Session of the Intergovernmental Russian-Indian Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technical and Cultural Cooperation, the Russian Embassy said in a statement on Saturday. According to the website of BDL, since its inception, it has b

Misri, a 1989 batch Indian Foreign Service officer, assumed charge as India's foreign secretary on July 15. 

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved extension of Misri as foreign secretary beyond the date of his superannuation on November 30 for a tenure up to July 14, 2026 or until further orders, whichever is earlier, in terms of provisions of FR 56 (d), the order said. 

The provisions allow extension in the service of a foreign secretary beyond the date of superannuation in public interest, officials said. -- PTI

A bench of Justices Bela M Trivedi and Satish Chandra Sharma refused to entertain a bail plea filed by Fatima and asked the high court to hear on November 25, the next date of hearing before it, her bail plea. 

"We are not inclined to entertain the present plea. We request the high court to take up the bail plea on the next date as it is pointed out that she is incarcerated for four years and seven months. It is requested that the bail application may be heard on the date fixed unless there are extraordinary circumstances," said the bench. 

Earlier, the apex court disposed of a similar writ petition filed by co-accused Sharjeel Imam requesting the high court to decide the bail application soon. 

At the outset of the hearing, senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Fatima, apprised the bench regarding the delay in trial and the long incarceration of the petitioner. 

"The matter gets adjourned when the board reaches it (before the high court). What is the point of keeping someone in for four years and seven months in jail? She is a lady, aged 31 years. No question of a trial beginning," said Sibal. 

However, the bench asked why she has approached the apex court under Article 32 and dismissed the plea while asking the high court to hear the matter on the next date of hearing. 

An MBA graduate, Fatima was arrested by the Delhi police on April 11, 2020, and later charge-sheeted. She has been charged with several provisions of the Indian Penal Code as well as the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA).

Prakasam district superintendent of police AR Damodar said Varma was booked for allegedly morphing the pictures of Naidu, Kalyan and their family members and posting them on social media. 

"We registered a case against Ram Gopal Varma at Maddipadu police station (Prakasam district) for morphing the photographs of the present CM (Naidu), deputy CM (Kalyan) and his family members in an offensive way," Damodar said. 

According to the official, the case was regsitered on the basis of a complaint received from Ramalingam (45). 

The complaint was lodged on Sunday night against the film maker for allegedly uploading derogatory posts on social media, which reportedly undermined the standing of the CM, deputy CM and their family members in the society. -- PTI

The UP special task force and the Mumbai Crime Branch on Sunday arrested the shooter, Shivkumar (20), and his four protectors from Nanpara in Uttar Pradesh's Bahraich district.

The four other accused, Anurag Kashyap, Gyan Prakash Tripathi, Akash Srivastava and Akhilendra Pratap Singh, were arrested for sheltering Shivkumar and helping him flee to Nepal.

The crime branch produced the accused before additional chief judicial magistrate Vinod Patil.

The probe agency sought their custody for further probe into the matter, which the court allowed till November 19.

Former Maharashtra minister Siddique, 66, was shot dead on October 12 by three assailants outside his son MLA Zeeshan Siddique's office building in Bandra East, Mumbai. -- PTI

An FIR has been registered in connection with the incident that took place on October 29, the police said on Monday. 

Five unidentified assailants in a white SUV tried to intercept the vehicle of additional district and sessions judge Anil Kumar Singh near Jattari while he was headed home in Noida via Aligarh for Diwali. 

The accused made several attempts to shoot Singh but he managed to evade them and reached a police outpost on the Aligarh-Tappal highway, according to the FIR. 

"Five unknown persons deliberately terrorised me and attacked with the intention to kill me," the FIR quoted Singh as saying. 

"I have enmity with no one. During my posting as additional sessions judge, at district court Gautam Buddh Nagar, I decided sessions trial in multiple cases of 2015 and 2016 on April 45, 2021. In these session trials, accused Sunder Bhati and his 11 gang members Rishi Pal, Singh Raj, Yogesh, Vikas Pandit, Kalu Bhati @ Beel @ Kavindra, Dinesh Bhati, Anoop Bhati, Yatendra Chaudhary, Sonu, Bobby@ Sher Singh and Surender Pandit were convicted and sentenced for life imprisonment by me," he said. 

"I have the suspicion that Sundar Bhati and his gang members have conspired to attack me with the intention to kill to take revenge for their conviction and punishment as these persons have never been convicted in spite of having criminal antecedents," he added. 

Based on the judge's complaint, a case was registered on November 9 at Khair police station, circle officer N K Singh said. -- PTI 

The man, identified as Shakti Prakash Bhargav from Kanpur, allegedly used a fake media ID to gain entry into the high-security event at the hotel situated in the Bandra Kurla Complex on Sunday, the official said. 

According to the police official, Bhargav interrupted the meeting by shouting about the "Lal Imli Mill scam" and throwing papers in an attempt to attract the attention of the Union Home Minister. 

The incident was swiftly addressed by security personnel, who overpowered Bhargav and escorted him out of the venue before handing him over to the local police. 

Bhargav has been booked under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, including charges of cheating and forgery. 

Preliminary investigations revealed that Bhargav was frustrated with the lack of response to his concerns regarding the Lal Imli Mill scam in Kanpur, which he had been following up on without satisfactory results, the official said. 

The police are continuing their investigation into the matter. -- PTI

Both Hindi films, headlined by top stars of the industry, hit the screens on November 1 on the festival occasion of Diwali. 

Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, the third film in the horror comedy franchise, was directed by Anees Bazmee. 

Produced by T-Series, the movie stars Kartik Aaryan, Vidya Balan, Madhuri Dixit Nene, and Triptii Dimri. Aaryan, who turns 34 on November 22, thanked the audience for an advance birthday gift. 

"Rooh Baba Tomar Forever !! Its 11/11 and dreams do come true, First double century of my career ..Your love has brought me this far. Thank you for this Bday Gift in advance #Gratitude '#BhoolBhulaiyaa3'," the actor captioned his post, which stated that Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 had raised Rs 216.76 crore (net) since November 1. 

Rohit Shetty's Singham Again, the third installment in the Singham franchise, features Ajay Devgn, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Ranveer Singh, Akshay Kumar, Deepika Padukone, Tiger Shroff, and Arjun Kapoor. 

According to trade website Sacnilk, the movie has collected Rs 206.75 crore (India net collection) by its second Sunday. 

Singham Again is presented by Jio Studios in association with Rohit Shetty Picturez and Devgn Films. -- PTI

Forex traders said the rupee is likely to remain under pressure unless there is a softening in the dollar index or a slowdown in foreign fund outflows. 

At the interbank foreign exchange, the rupee opened at 84.38 against the US dollar. 

During the session, the local currency touched a high of 84.37 and a low of 84.39. 

It finally settled at 84.39 (provisional), registering a loss of 2 paise against its previous close. 

On Friday, the rupee dropped 5 paise to hit the lowest level of 84.37 against the US dollar, registering a decline for the third straight session. 

In the last four sessions, the local unit has lost 30 paise against the greenback. -- PTI

A police official said they have not received any report of serious injuries or fatalities so far. 

"Rescue operations are on. Things will be clear gradually," said DCP (Traffic) Jyoti Patel. 

The blast at the IOCL refinery in Koyali caused the blaze at around 4 PM. 

Smoke plumes were seen from several kilometres away. Workers who were present in the refinery were evacuated after the blast. 

Local MLA Dharmendrasinh Vaghela said no death has been reported though a few people sustained minor injuries and taken to a hospital. -- PTI

After gyrating between highs and lows, benchmark Sensex eked out gains of 9.83 points or 0.01 percent to settle at 79,496.15. 

The barometer gyrated 1,100.8 points between the day's high of 80,102.14 and a low of 79,001.34. 

The NSE Nifty dipped marginally by 6.90 points or 0.03 percent to 24,141.30. 

From the 30-share Sensex pack, Asian Paints tumbled over 8 percent after the company on Saturday reported a 43.71 percent decline in consolidated net profit to Rs 693.66 crore for the September quarter, impacted by soft-demand conditions, material price inflation and a decline in decorative and coatings business in the domestic market. 

Power Grid, HCL Technologies, Infosys, Tech Mahindra, Tata Consultancy Services and ICICI Bank were among the gainers.

The incident occurred on Sunday at around 8 pm when the bus was en-route Jayanagar to Vijayanagar, they said. 

According to Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation, while the bus was stationed near the Haleguddadahalli signal, an unidentified individual riding a motorcycle stopped beside the bus and began verbally abusing the driver. 

The man then boarded the bus and physically assaulted the driver, who was performing his duties at the time. 

"Despite the sudden attack, Murtuza Imam Saab quickly secured the bus by locking its doors. With the cooperation of the passengers on board, the assailant was apprehended and taken to the Byatarayanapura police station, where a non-cognizable report was filed against the unidentified individual," a senior BMTC official said. 

Following the incident, Imam, who sustained injuries during the assault, was promptly transported to Victoria Hospital for medical treatment. 

He received timely care and was discharged later that night. 

The authorities were immediately informed and visited the scene to assess the situation and take appropriate action, he said. -- PTI

Two Central Reserve Police Force personnel also sustained injuries during the heavy exchange of fire that happened at Jakurador Karong in the Borobekra sub-division, they said. 

Heavily armed militants torched several shops at Jakurador Karong, besides attacking some houses and a nearby CRPF camp, following which the gunfight broke out, they added. 

Five civilians were still missing, officials said, adding that it was not clear whether they were kidnapped by the retreating militants or were in hiding after the attack began. 

The bodies of those killed were brought to the Borobekra police station, they said. 

The condition of one of the two injured CRPF personnel was stated to be serious, they said. -- PTI

The incident occurred near the Karaiya Bhadoli railway station, about 260 km away from Damoh on Sunday evening. 

According to Superintendent of Police Shrut Kirti Somvanshi, assistant sub-inspector Rajendra Mishra, the in-charge of Bandakpur police post, arrived at the location after reports surfaced that two men had fallen from a moving train and died. 

Initial investigations show that while Mishra and his team were in the process of removing the duo's bodies from the tracks, a train unexpectedly approached and struck them. 

Eyewitnesses reported that one individual attempted to pull Mishra out, but in the attempt, Mishra's right arm was severed, and he also sustained head injuries. 

"The exact circumstances of the incident will be clear once the injured officers are able to speak," SP Somvanshi said in Bhopal. 

When asked how the cops were unable to hear the sound of an approaching train, the SP said, "It remains a mystery as to why they did not hear the train approaching. We have heard that they might have been engaged in phone calls during the incident, but this information will have to be verified." -- PTI

"Only 'Hinduhriday Samrat' Balasaheb Thackeray's writ is followed in Maharashtra", he added. The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) of Shiv Sena (UBT), NCP (SP), and Congress is locked in a tight contest with the Mahayuti alliance, comprising BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP- for the November 20 assembly elections. 

 "I don't have any issue with PM Modi and Amit Shah addressing rallies in Maharashtra. However, the way they are trying to create a rift between Hindus and Muslims with 'Katege to Batenge' slogans is not right," Thackeray said. He questioned the prime minister's "silence" over violence in Manipur and the issues like the safety of women. 

 "Manipur is burning but Modi never visited the northeastern state," he added. Taking a jibe, Thackeray said Shah's invocation of the abrogation of Article 370 in his election rallies won't help farmers in Maharashtra. 

 "Amit Shahji, article 370 (which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir before it was scrapped) has nothing to do with farmers in Maharashtra. The abrogation reference can neither ensure proper price for soybean and cotton crops nor employment in coal industries," Thackeray added. Canvassing for BJP for the November 20 Maharashtra polls, Modi had spoken about "Ek Hai to Safe Hai" while calling for unity among backward classes in light of the Congress' "plan" to divide members of Scheduled Castes, tribals, and OBCs. 

 "Batenge to Katenge" (Divided we Fall) slogan was coined by UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in view of the violence against Hindus in Bangladesh. PTI

Addressing a poll rally at Parola in North Maharashtra's Jalgaon district in support of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), he raised the issues of farmer suicides, atrocities against women, rising joblessness and said a change in the government was necessary to ensure better living conditions for people.

"In Badlapur, atrocities were committed against school-going girls. How many examples should I give of atrocities against women? Instead of providing security to women, they announced we will give money to our dear sisters (Ladki Bahin)," the Rajya Sabha MP said.

 He was referring to alleged sexual assault of two kindergarten girls at a school in Badlapur town of Thane district in August by a cleaning staffer, who was later shot dead by police. 

"We are not opposed to it (Ladki Bahin Yojana targeted at poor women). You gave them money, but what is the condition of your dear sisters? According to data shared by the central government, 9,000 girls have disappeared," the MVA's star campaigner noted. 

The former Union agriculture minister urged farming families to take up jobs instead of relying solely on cultivation as a source of regular income. "There can be no change in your living conditions till such time there is a change of government. There is utmost need for a change in government. We are working towards that," the NCP-SP chief said. 

He declared the opposition MVA, of which NCP-SP is a key constituent, has decided to do "whatever it takes" to change the government in Maharashtra. 

"We have decided that we will do whatever it takes. We will work hard, travel to every nook and corner of Maharashtra and tell the people that there is a need to change the government," Pawar told the crowd. 

The veteran leader said MVA allies Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress and NCP-SP have decided to join hands to usher in political change in Maharashtra. "We have joined hands. Bringing about change is not the job of any one person," Pawar said. 

He said the opposition INDIA bloc had scupered Prime Minister Narendra Modi's plans to change the Constitution given by Babasaheb Ambedkar by denying the BJP a clear majority in this year's Lok Sabha elections. "You gave us 31 out of the 48 (Lok Sabha) seats in Maharashtra and Modi could not commit the sin of changing the Constitution. Modi had to form the government with help of Chandrababu Naidu (who heads TDP) and Nitish Kumar (the chief of JD-U)," Pawar said and urged people to vote for MVA candidates in the next week's elections. 

Polling for the 288-member state assembly will be held on November 20 and results will be declared three days later. As many as 4,140 candidates are in the fray across the state. -- PTI 

 The former chief minister asked if the election authorities would also inspect the bags of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other senior leaders. Thackeray shared this experience while addressing a public meeting at Wani in Yavatmal for Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate Sanjay Derkar. 

 The Sena (UBT) chief said when he arrived in Wani by a helicopter, his bag was inspected by several government authorities. He asked his party workers and voters to also inspect the pockets and identity cards of the officials who check them.

 Thackeray said he was not miffed with the election authorities but added, "You are following your responsibility and I will perform my responsibility." "The way you inspected my bag, did you inspect bags of Modi and Shah?" he asked. "Shouldn't the bags of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and deputy CMs Ajit Pawar and Devendra Fadnavis be checked? he sought to know. 

 "All these useless things are going on, I don't consider it as democratic, this can't be democracy. In a democracy, no one is big or small," said Thackeray. He said if the election authorities do not inspect their bags (of the senior ruling alliance leaders), then workers of the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the opposition MVA will check them. The police and the Election Commission should not intervene as voters also have the right to check their bags (senior leaders of the ruling parties) when they come for campaigning, he added. PTI

The barometer gyrated 1,100.8 points between the day's high of 80,102.14 and a low of 79,001.34. The NSE Nifty dipped marginally by 6.90 points or 0.03 per cent to 24,141.30. From the 30-share Sensex pack, Asian Paints tumbled over 8 per cent after the company on Saturday reported a 43.71 per cent decline in consolidated net profit to Rs 693.66 crore for the September quarter, impacted by soft-demand conditions, material price inflation and a decline in decorative and coatings business in the domestic market. 

 Tata Steel, Bajaj Finance, Mahindra & Mahindra, JSW Steel, NTPC, Adani Ports, Bajaj Finserv and Larsen & Toubro were also among the laggards.

 Addressing a public rally in Saraikela, Jharkhan, today, Shah said, "Champai Soren has been loyal for so many years, standing with Hemantji, but how he was humiliated and removed is not just an insult to Champai Soren but an insult to the entire tribal community. The main issue was that Champai Soren stated that corruption should stop, but the JMM was not willing to end it." 

 He dropped a bombshell, alleging that a staggering amount of cash was seized from a Congress leader's residence, overwhelming 27 counting machines. Specifically, Rs 30 crore was confiscated from Alamgir Alam's house, raising questions about the source of these funds. 

 "At Alamgir Alam's house, 30 crore rupees were seized. Whose money is this? All this money was sent by Modi ji for the people of Jharkhand, which Hemant Soren's government devoured. Make a BJP government, and all these people will be behind bars," he said. The Union Home Minister further accused CM Hemant Soren-led Jharkhand government that committs scams regularly. -- ANI

 Goyal (75) is suffering from cancer and had sought bail to undergo treatment. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) had opposed his plea and said he could be admitted to a hospital of his choice and take treatment while in custody. In May, the HC granted interim bail to Goyal for a period of two months which was later extended by four weeks and then again for two months. 

 The ED arrested Goyal in September 2023 on allegations that he had laundered money and siphoned off loans to the tune of Rs 538.62 crore given to Jet Airways by the Canara Bank. His wife Anita Goyal was arrested in November 2023 when the ED submitted its chargesheet in the case. A special court granted her bail the same day considering her age and medical condition. She died on May 16 this year. PTI

 The unity and integrity were important to make India a developed nation by 2047, Modi said while virtually addressing a gathering of devotees at Vadtal in Gujarat's Kheda district on the 200th anniversary of Shree Swaminarayan Temple in the town. 

 "Unity among citizens and integrity of the nation is important to make India a developed nation by 2047. But, unfortunately some people are trying to divide our society on caste, religious, linguistic, men-women, village-city lines due to their vested interests or due to their narrow-mindedness," the PM said. 

 "We have to understand the seriousness of the intentions of these anti-nationals and will have to unite to defeat them," he said in his address via video conferencing. Modi said the first key step to make India a developed nation is "atmanaribharta" (self-dependence). He requested all saints of the Swaminarayan sect to join each and every citizen of the country in the pledge to make India a developed nation. On the occasion, Modi informed the devotees that his association with the Vadtal Swaminarayan Temple dates back to his days as the chief minister of Gujarat. 

 The Centre recently issued a coin to commemorate 200 years of the Swaminarayan Temple in Vadtal, he said. "Lord Swaminarayan came before us at a time when our country was weakened due to slavery and people used to blame themselves for the situation. At such a time, Lord Swaminarayan and other saints awakened our self-respect, gave us a new spiritual energy and rejuvenated our original identity," Modi said. The prime minister also said the demand for skilled Indian youth will increase manifold in the future. "Today, majority of the world leaders whom I meet express a desire that Indian youth should come and work in their countries. Our youth are capable of fulfilling the needs of India as well as the world," he said. Stressing the need to preserve the cultural heritage of India, Modi said his government believes in the mantra of "Vikas Bhi Virasat Bhi" (development along with preservation of heritage). Referring to the Kumbh Mela declared as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by the UNESCO some years back, Modi urged the Swaminarayan sect to make the people of other countries understand the importance of the religious congregation and why it is celebrated. 

 He said the upcoming Kumbh Mela, to be held between January and February next year in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh is "Purna Kumbh" as it will be celebrated after a gap of 12 years. 

 "Your temples are situated across the world. I urge you to spread awareness about this Kumbh Mela through your temples. You should also make foreigners understand the importance of Kumbh Mela and why it is being celebrated. Each temple in the world should try to bring at least 100 foreigners to the Kumbh Mela. I know that you can do it," Modi said. PTI

 As per Geo News, the questionnaire contains 79 questions related to the reference provided to the couple for their final statements under Section 342 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), 1898 of Pakistan. 

 Their counsel, Salman Safdar, received the questionnaire in both of their presence during the last hearing. Khan and Bibi were directed to submit their response to the Court today. 

 In a copy of the questionnaire available to Geo News, it was observed that the court asked the PTI founder whether he and his associates illegally obtained "monetary benefits", which include land measuring 458 kanals, and, in return, facilitated the "illegal and dishonest transfer/adjustment of PS171.159 million out of PS190 million, meant for the State of Pakistan".

 According to Geo News, the court while citing evidence said co-accused Shahzad Akbar, former special assistant on accountability "in-connivance and active knowledge" of Imran deceptively floated a note dated December 2, 2019, to the deposed Prime Minister. -- ANI

Adityanath said a double-engine government was needed in Jharkhand for "treatment" of mafia, stone pelters and those spreading anarchy and creating disturbances in festivals. "Jharkhand has been converted into a 'dharmashala' for Rohingyas and Bangladeshi infiltrators who have been given free rein to spread anarchy," he claimed, while addressing an election rally at Bhawnathpur in Garhwa. 

 He urged people to remain united, saying if divided they will be wiped out. "Batenge to katenge, ek rahenge to safe rahege (If divided, we will be wiped out, if united, we will remain safe)," he said. 

 Adityanath alleged that the JMM-led government in Jharkhand fuelled corruption, anarchy and loot of natural resources. In an apparent reference to Soren family, Lalu Prasad's family and Gandhi family, he alleged that three families in Ranchi, Patna and Delhi indulged in loot and corruption for personal growth.

 "Natural wealth is being plundered under the JMM-led regime, labourers are forced to migrate from Jharkhand and farmers are committing suicide," he alleged. He said a double-engine government was needed in Jharkhand for "giving tickets to stone pelters and mafioso to Yamraj's home" on the lines of UP. "People are not being allowed to celebrate festivals peacefully under JMM-led regime in Jharkhand," he alleged. 

 He claimed that the BJP is the "only party that can guarantee the country's security and pride, women's empowerment and employment to youth". Elections to the 81-member Jharkhand assembly will be held on November 13 and 20, while the counting of votes polled will take place on November 23. -- PTI

 Delhi recorded a total of 9,266 cases of Dengue in 2023 while the death toll was 19, the report said. So far in 2024, 4,533 cases of dengue have been registered in Delhi, and 472 cases of dengue have been reported in the month of November itself. 

The highest number of cases was recorded in October at 2,431. Najafgarh, South Delhi, Shahdara (North), Karol Bagh and Central Delhi are the major contributors to cases of Dengue this year. Regarding Malaria, the report said that in 2024, the registered cases stand at 728 with no deaths recorded.

 The National Capital has also recorded 172 cases of Chikungunya till now. According to the report, this year, the government has sprayed 23,61,013 houses and 2,74,290 houses have been found positive for mosquitos. It has also issued legal notices to 1,56,265 for Mosquitogenic conditions. -- ANI

A 23-year-old student of a prominent business school in Ahmedabad was stabbed to death allegedly by an unidentified driver of a car after an argument over rash driving, police said on Monday.

 

The incident took place at around 11.30 pm on Sunday when two students of the Mudra Institute of Communications (MICA) here were returning on a motorcycle to a hostel of their institute after buying a cake at a bakery shop.

 

On their way back, they had a heated argument with the speeding four-wheeler's driver at the Bopal locality crossroads over his rash driving, Superintendent of Police, Ahmedabad rural, Om Prakash Jat said.

 

The car driver trailed the students for about 200 metres before taking out a knife from his vehicle and stabbing one of them, Jat said.

 

The victim, identified as Priyanshu Jain, was rushed to a hospital where he succumbed to the injuries due to internal bleeding, the police officer said.

 

"The accused has not yet been identified but we are on a lookout for him and will nab him soon," he said. 

The victim was a second year MBA student at the institute, a police official said. -- PTI

 A bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih therefore directed the Delhi police commissioner to immediately inform all the stakeholders concerned about the ban order and ensure no sale and manufacture of crackers. 

 "We direct Delhi police commissioner to form a special cell to ensure effective implementation of the ban on fire crackers. We direct Delhi police commissioner to file a personal affidavit putting on record the steps taken by them to enforce ban," it said. The top court wondered why the Delhi government delayed imposition of the ban on fire crackers till October 14, when the order of ban was issued. 

 "The right to live in a pollution-free atmosphere is a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution. Prima facie, we are of the view that no religion promotes any activity that promotes pollution or compromises with health of the people," remarked the bench. The top court further asked the Delhi government to decide before November 25 on a "perpetual" firecracker ban after consulting stakeholders. PTI

 Among the injured were several women, the local police said. "With police assistance, the injured were transported to the local community health centre. Nine passengers with serious injuries were referred to Sultanpur District Medical College for further treatment," a police official said. 

 Police Circle Officer (Lambhua) Abdus Salam said the bus had left Maharashtra approximately 15 days ago, with pilgrims bound for religious sites in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. 

 "After visiting temples in Ujjain and other destinations in Madhya Pradesh, the bus entered Uttar Pradesh. Following a stop for dinner, the bus departed from Ayodhya for Kashi," he said.

 "Around 1 am, the driver parked the bus near a tea shop along the Sultanpur-Varanasi four-lane road, behind the Muslim cemetery in Lambhua Nagar Panchayat, and stepped out with an assistant to get tea while most passengers were asleep inside," the officer said. At this time, a truck loaded with apples rammed into the the parked bus, he added. 

 The police control room dispatched ambulances and officers to the site. All the injured were taken to the community health centre for treatment. The truck driver fled the scene, but the truck has been seized, and police are conducting further legal action, he added. PTI

 Appearing for Revanna, senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi said that a charge sheet has been filed in the case and section 376 of the IPC was not there in the initial complaint. The bench said it could not interfere with the Karnataka High Court's October 21 decision denying him bail. Rohatgi sought the liberty to approach the court after six months. The bench, however, said it could not say anything about that and dismissed his plea. 

 In August, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) of Karnataka which is probing four cases of sexual assault and harassment against Revanna submitted a 2,144-page charge sheet. The charge sheet relates to a case in which the former MLA is accused of raping a woman, who worked as a domestic help for his family. 

There are two rape cases against the JD(S) leader and a sexual assault case. Prajwal Revanna is the son of Holenarasipura JD(S) MLA H D Revanna and grandson of former prime minister H D Deve Gowda. PTI

 The actor was campaigning in Latur for his younger brother, Congress candidate Dhiraj Deshmukh, who will take on BJP's Ramesh Karad in the Latur (Rural) assembly seat in the November 20 Maharashtra polls.

 Addressing a rally on Sunday night, Riteish said, "Lord Krishna said karma (work) is dharma (religion). The one who work sincerely is doing dharma. Those who don't work need religion." 

 "Those who claim their religion is in danger, it is their party that is in danger, and they are praying to their dharma to save their party and themselves. Tell them we will take care of our religion, you first speak about development," he said. 

 The educated youth of the state don't have jobs, and it is the government's responsibility to give them employment, the actor said, adding that farmers were not getting a good price for their produce.

 He pointed out that in the 2019 assembly polls, Dhiraj won by a margin of 1.21 lakh votes, urging people to vote in such a way that the opposition candidate loses his deposit. Riteish urged the youth to recognise the significance of their vote, stressing the need to protect the dignity and rights of every citizen while safeguarding Maharashtra's identity. PTI

 Speaking to ANI, Dr Arvind Kumar, Chairman of the Institute of Chest Surgery at Medanta Hospital, expressed his frustration with the government's response to the issue and slammed the undertaking of short term methods. 

Dr Kumar criticised the administration's failure to address the root cause of the situation. He warned that the city's worsening air quality is severely affecting public health, with increasing cases of respiratory problems, and pneumonia among others. 

 "The closure of schools and all the GRAP measures, I completely disagree with them because these are all temporary knee-jerk reactions," he stated. 

 "I fail to understand why it's the same story year after year. The first time we discussed it was in 2004. It's almost 20 years now, and as a matter of fact, I would tell you that there is no need to interview anyone afresh. You just go back to your previous years' interviews, and the questions are the same, the answers are the same, the problems are the same--everything is the same. Only the years are changing. It's sad that in 2024, we are facing the same problems due to the same reasons, having the same consequences as we did in 2014. Nothing has changed," Dr Kumar remarked. 

 Dr Kumar also criticised measures like fogging machines and temporary bans on certain activities, describing them as ineffective. "People are talking about using those fogging bush machines, but what is all that? It's just a sham. You allow crop burning, congestion, and all kinds of pollution to continue. You wait for the AQI to rise to 400, and then you take these knee-jerk reactions--shutting down schools, stopping construction, halting all activities. I fail to understand what the solution is," Dr Kumar said.

 He also highlighted the severe impact on people's health, saying, "When you breathe that kind of air, your throat gets choked. All the ICUs are now getting patients with all kinds of pneumonia. You talk to paediatricians, their clinics are flooded with children having breathing problems. Go to any household, children are coughing, adults are coughing. It's taking a toll on people's health." 

 Dr Kumar pointed out that the situation is not only affecting those with pre-existing respiratory conditions but also otherwise healthy individuals. 

 "I am not a respiratory patient, but let me share with you that for the last almost three weeks, I have been taking an inhaler almost every day. Last night, I had to get up twice because I was feeling choked due to the AQI around my house being over 400," he said. 

 "When you're inhaling that kind of air, your throat gets choked, your nose gets blocked, and your breathing passages become constricted. It's hell. It's unfit for living for any one of us," he added. Dr Nikhil Modi, Senior Consultant for Respiratory Critical Care at Apollo Hospital, said that apart from the regular patients, those who don't have any respiratory issues in the past are showing up with symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, coughing and have increasing difficulties in breathing. 

 The overall air quality in Delhi was recorded at 349 as of 9 am today morning which falls in the 'very poor' category', according to System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR)-India data.

The petition is currently pending before the Tis Hazari Court.

Advocate Manish Baidwan, representing Kumar, moved the revision petition, which is, set to be heard by an Additional Sessions Judge on November 16. The matter was adjourned during the previous hearing at the request of a proxy counsel.

On July 30, the Tis Hazari Court had taken cognizance of the charge sheet filed against Kumar. The Delhi Police had submitted the charge sheet on July 16, in connection with the alleged assault on Swati Maliwal at the residence of the Delhi Chief Minister.

It is submitted that Trial Court while passing the Impugned Order failed to apply its mind much less judicial mind and went on passing the Impugned Order in a mechanical manner without considering/appreciating the relevant law and without following the procedure mentioned in BNSS, the plea said. -- ANI

 Hailing from an illustrious Delhi-based family, Justice Khanna is the son of former Delhi High Court judge Justice Dev Raj Khanna and the nephew of the iconic late former apex court judge H R Khanna. 

 A third-generation lawyer before being elevated to the Delhi High Court, the 64-year-old is driven by the zeal to reduce pendency and speed up justice delivery. 

 He was recommended by predecessor CJI D Y Chandrachud as his successor on October 17 and was sworn in as the CJI on Monday. 

Justice Khanna will retire on May 13, 2025, after serving over six months as head of the judiciary. Some of the notable judgments of Justice Khanna in the Supreme Court include upholding the use of electronic voting machines (EVMs) in elections, saying the devices were secure and eliminating booth capturing and bogus voting. 

 A bench headed by Justice Khanna had on April 26 termed the suspicion of manipulation of the EVMs "unfounded" and rejected the demand for reverting to the old paper ballot system. 

 He was also part of the five-judge bench that declared the electoral bond scheme, meant for funding political parties, as unconstitutional. Justice Khanna was a part of the five-judge bench, which upheld the Centre's 2019 decision abrogating Article 370 of the Constitution, which granted a special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. 

 It was the Justice Khanna-led bench, which, for the first time, granted interim bail to then Delhi chief minister Kejriwal in the excise policy case to campaign in the Lok Sabha elections. In 2021, a bench he was a part of upheld the validity of the e-voting process for winding up mutual fund schemes in a case related to the closure of schemes of Franklin Templeton Trustee Services Private Limited. 

 In a case related to news anchor Amish Devgan, Justice Khanna, who was part of a bench, had held the freedom of speech and expression cannot be pressed into service for defeating the fundamental right guaranteed by Article 21 (right to life and personal liberty) as if one claims to right to speech, the others have the right to listen or decline to listen.

 The bench had refused to quash the FIRs registered against the journalist but granted him interim protection against arrest subject to his cooperation in the probe. Ignoring the huge row over his elevation that has led to supersession of several judges, the Government had in January 2019 appointed Justice Khanna to the Supreme Court as recommended by the apex court's collegium. 

 The Bar Council of India (BCI) had then termed his appointment as "whimsical and arbitrary", saying it will lead to "humiliation and demoralisation" of the superseded judges. The BCI, which is an apex body of lawyers, had said the decision of the collegium was viewed by the Bar and the common man as "unjust and improper". In a statement, BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra had then said that the supersession of several senior Judges and Chief Justices of the country cannot be tolerated by the people. 

 "We have no grievance against Justice Khanna. But he can wait for his turn. There is no hurry to elevate him ignoring the merit and seniority of several Chief Justices and puisne Judges of the country," it had said. 

 Then sitting Supreme Court judge Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul had also written a note to then CJI Ranjan Gogoi and fellow judges in the collegium for ignoring the seniority of Chief Justices of the High Courts of Rajasthan and Delhi, Pradeep Nandrajog and Rajendra Menon, respectively. Sources had then said that Justice Kaul was of the view that a wrong signal would go out if the two Chief Justices, who are up in the seniority list than Justice Khanna, would be left out for elevation as apex court judges. Justice Khanna was born on May 14, 1960, and studied law at the Campus Law Centre, Delhi University, before enrolling as an advocate with the Bar Council of Delhi in 1983. 

 As a lawyer, he practised in the district courts at the Tis Hazari complex and subsequently moved his practice to the Delhi High Court. He had a long tenure as the senior standing counsel for the Income Tax Department and was appointed the standing counsel (civil) for the National Capital Territory of Delhi in 2004. Justice Khanna also appeared and argued several criminal cases at the Delhi High Court as an additional public prosecutor and as an amicus curiae. Justice Khanna was also the executive chairman of the National Legal Service Authority. His uncle, Justice H R Khanna, during his judgeship, made waves when he resigned in 1976. He had penned a dissenting verdict in the infamous ADM Jabalpur case during the Emergency. The majority judgment of a Constitution bench verdict upholding the abrogation of fundamental rights during the Emergency was considered a dark day in the history of the judiciary. Justice H R Khanna declared the move unconstitutional and against the rule of law. 

He paid the price when the erstwhile government at the Centre superseded him with Justice M H Beg, the next CJI. Justice H R Khanna was also part of the landmark verdict propounding the basic structure doctrine in the Kesavananda Bharati case of 1973.PTI

Pal, who is survived by his wife, daughter and parents, had travelled to Uttarakhand for a short trip with two friends. While his friends carried on, he decided to return to Kolkata. He checked in to a hotel in Lalkuan and was to board a train back home next morning. Some reports say that he had told his friends that he was missing his daughter and wanted to be home.

When his family could not reach him over the phone on Friday evening, they called up the hotel. The hotel staff broke the room's door and found Pal's body in the bathroom. He had deep cuts on his hands and neck and blood was splattered on the floor.

  The BSE benchmark Sensex fell by 484.98 points to 79,001.34 in early trade. The NSE Nifty declined 143.6 points to 24,004.60. From the 30-share Sensex pack, Asian Paints tumbled over 8 per cent after the company on Saturday reported a 43.71 per cent decline in consolidated net profit to Rs 693.66 crore for the September quarter, impacted by soft-demand conditions, material price inflation and a decline in decorative and coatings business in the domestic market. 

 Axis Bank, Adani Ports, Nestle, Reliance Industries, Tata Steel and IndusInd Bank were also among the laggards. However, Tata Motors, Power Grid, Maruti and HCL Technologies were among the gainers.

 The security personnel have been scouring the forest area for over four days, looking for the terrorists who abducted and killed two Village Defence Guards (VDGs) last Thursday. Sunday's encounter broke out when joint search parties of the Army and police intercepted the terrorists around 11 am in the Keshwan forest area. 

The exchange of fire went on for more than four hours. A Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO), Naib Subedar Rakesh Kumar of the Army's 2 Para, was killed and three more soldiers were injured in the gunfight. Officials said there has been no fresh contact with the terrorists since Sunday's encounter. 

 They said three to four terrorists, responsible for the killings, are still holed up in the area and a massive search operation is underway to neutralise them. 

 The officials added that thick foliage and challenging topography pose a challenge for the security personnel relentlessly chasing the trail to hunt down the terrorists. On Thursday evening, terrorists abducted VDGs Nazir Ahamed and Kuldeep Kumar and shot them dead in the nearby Kuntwara forest. PTI

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat said on Sunday that in light of the Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas conflicts, there is a sense that the threat of a third world war is looming.

"We all feel the shadow of a third world war emerging, with discussions on whether it might begin in Ukraine or Gaza," Bhagwat said while delivering a lecture organised in the memory of Sangh woman leader of Madhya Pradesh's Mahakoshal area late Dr Urmila Jamdar.

Science has progressed a lot but its benefits are still not reaching the poor within the country or across the globe, he rued. "But the weapons that destroy the world have reached everywhere," the RSS chief said.

"Medicine for some diseases might not be available in rural areas but country-made revolver (deshi katta) does," he added.

He expressed concerns over the environment, saying it has reached a stage where it is causing diseases.

Bhagwat said serving humanity is Sanatan Dharma, which is synonymous with Hinduism.

He said Hindutva has the potential to show the way to the world.

Bhagwat said the word Hindu existed for a long time before it was found in Indian scriptures, adding that it was first introduced in public discourse by Guru Nanak Dev. -- PTI 

These candidates from 22 assembly constituencies are in the fray for the November 20 elections against the official nominees of the Maha Vikas Aghadi. 

Prominent leaders who faced action include former minister Rajendra Mulak (Ramtek constituency), Yagnyavalk Jichkar (Katol), Kamal Vyawhare (Kasba), Manoj Shinde (Kopri Pachpakhadi), and Aaba Bagul (Parvati). 

This decision has been taken on directives of AICC in-charge Ramesh Chennithala, a Congress statement said. -- PTI 

Despite assuring the Odisha government and Puri's Gajapati Maharaja that it would not hold an untimely Rath Yatra outside India, ISKCON has organised a 'chariot parade' in Houston in the United States.

The parade, featuring a replica of Lord Jagannath's 'Nandighosa' chariot without the deities of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, Goddess Subhadra, and Sudarsan Chakra, was held on November 9 as part of ISKCON's 'Festival of Bliss', triggering a strong backlash from devotees and authorities in Odisha.

The incident has drawn criticism from Puri Govardhan Peeth spokesperson Matru Prasad Mishra, who condemned the event as a "conspiracy against our religion" and demanded a ban on the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in India.

"Though Houston ISKON had given written assurance to Puri Gajapati Maharaja and Odisha government that they will not hold untimely Ratha Yatra, they did it, which is a conspiracy against our religion," Mishra said.

Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan on Sunday said the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration in Puri would make a decision on the matter and the state government would back whatever action it decides to take.

Meanwhile, in a statement uploaded on its website, Houston ISKON chief Saranga Thakur Dasa said the temple had initially planned the chariot parade with the deities.

"However, there was a concern raised by some of our friends in the local community, so we decided to make a slight change of plans," it said.

For ISKCON, the opportunity to have festival attendees have darshan of Lord Jagannath is a central feature of the event. For others, however, compliance to ancient tradition and calendars is the priority, it added.

"We understand there is a meeting planned in India next month between ISKCON and Puri officials to discuss these points in detail, and to seek mutual agreement whereby "as much as possible" the traditional calendar as well as the Lord's desire for people all over the world to have His darshan and participate in His festivals can be honoured," the statement said. -- PTI 

All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen chief Asaduddin Owaisi has targeted Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis over his "vote jihad" remarks, claiming the Bharatiya Janata Party leader's (ideological) ancestors wrote "love letters" to Britishers instead of fighting against them.

During a public meeting in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar on Sunday, Owaisi also alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "Ek Hai to Safe Hai" slogan goes against the diversity ethos.

Fadnavis on Saturday claimed "vote jihad" had begun in poll-bound Maharashtra, which should be countered by "Dharma yuddha" of vote. He had mentioned the BJP's narrow loss in Dhule Lok Sabha constituency.

Countering him, Owaisi said, "Our ancestors did jihad against Britishers and Fadnavis is now teaching us about jihad. (PM) Narendra Modi, (Union minister) Amit Shah, and Devendra Fadnavis together cannot defeat me in a debate."

Owaisi claimed the "dharmayuddha-jihad" remarks amounted to poll code violation.

        

"From where did 'vote jihad and dharmayuddha' come in democracy? You purchased MLAs; should we call you a thief?" the Hyderabad MP questioned.

         

While Fadnavis talks about (vote) jihad, his hero was writing "love letters" to Britishers, whereas "our freedom fighters did not negotiate with the foreign rulers," he said.

"We gave the method of fighting against the British. He (Fadnavis) said 'vote jihad' after they (BJP) didn't get votes in Malegaon (during Lok Sabha election). When they fail to get votes, they call it jihad. They lost in Ayodhya. How did that happen"? Owaisi questioned.

        

"Our ancestors did jihad against Britishers, not yours. Fadnavis, whose ancestors were writing love letters to the British, will teach us jihad?" he added in a veiled attack on Hindutva ideologues revered by the BJP.

        

Modi says 'Ek Hai to Safe Hai' because they (BJP) want to end the diversity of this country, the AIMIM leader said, adding the Maratha community was betrayed by rulers who failed to give them reservation. -- PTI

An Indian American fundraiser of Vice President Kamala Harris and the Democratic Party has been receiving racist and threatening messages on his phone asking him to leave the county and go to India.

"You claim that you are doing what's best for Americans, but you aren't doing anything for Americans and you don't care about America. You are Indian. You only care about Indians. You do what's best for India. Why are you here? Stop being a beggar in America and become a leader in India," Ajay Jain Bhaturia was told in a text message that he received on Sunday from an unknown number.

Ajay Bhutoria is the Deputy National Finance Chair DNC and National Finance Committee, Harris-Walz campaign. He is also one of the Commissioners to the President's Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. In this role, he was instrumental in addressing several issues of the legal immigrant community.

"Trump supporters asking me to go back to India to fight for green card backlog," Bhutoria told PTI.

"Stop being a beggar in America and to be a leader in India," he was told in the text message. Some of these messages were posted by Bhutoria on social media platforms.  

United States President-elect Donald Trump spoke to Russian President Vladimir Putin over the phone and discussed ending the war in Ukraine amongst many other important topics, a media report said Sunday.

After winning the recent presidential elections, Trump has spoken to over 70 world leaders. Among the firsts were Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel. 

"The two men discussed the goal of peace on the European continent and Trump expressed an interest in follow-up conversations to discuss 'the resolution of Ukraine's war soon," one of the people said," The Washington Post said in an exclusive report.

"One former U.S official who was familiar with the Putin call said that Trump likely does not want to enter office with a fresh crisis in Ukraine prompted by Russian escalation, "giving him the incentive to want to keep the war from worsening," the daily said.

Trump is scheduled to be sworn in as the 47th President of the United States on January 20, 2025. Ukraine has been informed about the Trump-Putin call.

"During the call, which Trump took from his resort in Florida, he advised the Russian president not to escalate the war in Ukraine and reminded him of Washington's sizable military presence in Europe, said a person familiar with the call, who, like others interviewed for this story, spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss a sensitive matter," The Washington Post reported.

Meanwhile, Steven Cheung, Trump communications director told PTI that they would not comment on the private calls between President-elect Trump and other world leaders.