LIVE
Wed, 02 October 2024
Dissolve Cong as wished by Mahatma Gandhi: Fadnavis
Timeline Refresh
16:30 Dissolve Cong as wished by Mahatma Gandhi: Fadnavis
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday suggested the Opposition should fulfil Mahatma Gandhi's wish to dissolve the Congress since its utility was over.
The BJP senior leader also accused the Opposition of using Mahatma Gandhi's name for their selfish political agenda.
"Mahatma Gandhiji had wished that the Congress be dissolved after Independence since its utility was over. I would like to remind the Opposition about this wish if they are genuine follower of Gandhian ideals," Fadnavis told reporters when asked about a march taken out by NCP-SP commemorating the 155th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. -- PTI
16:29 A R Rahman to score music for Hansal Mehta's 'Gandhi' series
By Subhash K Jha
Applause Entertainment's series on the life and times of Mahatma Gandhi directed by Hansal Mehta, seems to get bigger by the month.
The big announcement on Gandhi Jayanti is that A R Rahman would be scoring the music for this purported epic series.
Rahman is no stranger to historical epics: he has earlier scored music for Ketan Mehta's Mangal Pandey: The Rising, Raj Kumar Santoshi's The Legend Of Bhagat Singh and Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's Rang De Basanti.
On Rahman's onboarding Applause Entertainments Gandhi, director Hansal Mehta comments,"Gandhi is a deeply human retelling of M K Gandhis life story, a story that continues to inspire generations. Having A R Rahman join us on this journey is truly a dream come true. His music has the unique ability to elevate storytelling and for a project of this scale and significance, we couldn't think of anyone better to bring the emotional and spiritual nuances of Gandhi's life to the forefront."
Speaking on the enduring relevance of Gandhi, Hansal Mehta says, "There is much to learn from the journey as there is from the man. There is a Gandhi within each of us, we just need to have that awareness of both our flaws and our goodness. We must overcome our flaws with humanity and empathy. Without being swayed by his greatness there is so much in his path that we can apply to our own lives."
16:04 Man who lost job stabs govt bus conductor in B'luru
A 23-year-old passenger, who recently lost his job and failed to get employment thereafter, stabbed a Bengaluru bus conductor after he was asked to move away from the door of the vehicle for safety reasons, police said on Wednesday.
The video of the incident which happened in Whitefield on Tuesday evening went viral on social media platforms.
The accused, Harsha Sinha, a native of Jharkhand, was recently fired by the business process outsourcing firm where he was employed, they said.
He was allegedly frustrated as he was unemployed since the last about three weeks.
According to police, the incident occurred near ITPL bus stop when the 45-year-old conductor of the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) bus, Yogesh asked Sinha to move away from the footboard for safety as he was interrupting boarding and de-boarding of passengers.
This led to a verbal duel between the duo and Sinha allegedly pulled out a knife from his bag and stabbed the conductor.
The accused then allegedly tried to threaten other passengers forcing them to vacate the bus. The bus driver, Siddalingaswamy locked the door and jumped out, leaving Sinha inside.
Later, Sinha allegedly took a hammer and started vandalising the bus.
In the purported video of the incident, passengers can be seen running out of the bus in fear after being threatened by Sinha, who also broke window glasses of the vehicle.
"The bus conductor was admitted to a hospital. He sustained two-three stab injuries but is stated to be out of danger now. The accused passenger has been arrested in the attempt to murder case registered against him," a senior police officer said.
During interrogation, the accused told police that he did not do it intentionally and that he was frustrated since he was fired from job some 20 days ago, he said. -- PTI
15:55 IAF chopper makes emergency landing in Bihar
An Indian Air Force helicopter made an emergency landing in Muzaffarpur district of Bihar on Wednesday after it developed a snag, officials said.
Senior Superintendent of Police Rakesh Kumar said the helicopter was coming from adjoining Darbhanga after air-dropping relief material.
"The helicopter made an emergency landing in a water-logged area in Aurai block. All the occupants were IAF personnel and they were pulled out by locals by the time officials reached the spot," said the SSP.
District Magistrate Subrat Kumar Sen said, "All four occupants appear safe and unharmed. However, as a precaution, they are being taken to a local hospital for check-up and treatment, if required." -- PTI
15:46 Delhi Police beefs up security around Israel embassy
The Delhi Police has beefed up security around the Israel embassy in Tughlak Road area after the tension increased in the middle east.
A senior Delhi Police officer said the checking has been intensified with the deployment of more security personnel around the Israel embassy located at Tughlak Road area.
The officer said a multi-layered security has already been put in place with several CCTV cameras installed around both structures as the embassy has witnessed blasts twice earlier, though no one was injured in any of the incidents. -- PTI
15:39 Maharashtra polls being delayed; MVA will defeat Mahayuti, says Cong
AICC in-charge of Maharashtra Ramesh Chennithala on Wednesday exuded confidence that the Maha Vikas Aghadi will defeat the ruling Mahayuti in the upcoming state assembly polls, which he claimed were being delayed.
The seat-sharing talks with the Maha Vikas Aghadi partners were progressing smoothly and the opposition alliance will unitedly fight the state polls, the Congress leader said, adding there were no differences among the MVA constituents.
The MVA comprises the Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT) led by Uddhav Thackeray and Sharad Pawar's NCP (SP).
Elections to the 288-member Maharashtra assembly are likely to be held next month.
"We will defeat the Mahayuti (comprising the Shiv Sena, BJP and NCP). The question is when will the elections be held," Chennithala told reporters after paying homage to Mahatma Gandhi on his 155th birth anniversary at Mani Bhavan in Mumbai.
He said the seat-sharing talks are on and will continue for some time.
"The elections are being delayed and the state cabinet is taking 40 decisions in a day. The issue will be of implementation of these decisions," he said.
State Congress chief Nana Patole said elaborate discussions were needed and hence there was a delay in finalising the seat-sharing formula.
The MVA is determined to defeat the "corrupt" Mahayuti government, he said. -- PTI
14:47 Bomb threat to rail stations, other places in Raj, MP
A letter threatening bomb blasts at several railway stations and religious places in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh was received at the Hanumangarh railway station, police said on Wednesday.
Additional SP, Hanumangarh, Pyare Lal Meena said the letter was delivered by post to the Hanumangarh station master and the local police was informed on Tuesday evening.
"It was threatened in the letter, which was in the name of Jaish-e-Mohammed, that the railway station and places in Ganganagar, Hanumangarh, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Kota, Bundi, Udaipur, Jaipur will be blown up by bombs on October 30," he said.
The sender also threatened bomb blasts at religious places in Rajasthan as well as in Madhya Pradesh on November 2.
Jaish-e-Mohammad is a Pakistan-based terrorist organisation.
Meena said personnel of the Government Railway Police (GRP), local police and BSF have conducted a search.
A case has been registered with the GRP police station and efforts are underway to track the sender. -- PTI
13:58 Pawan Kalyan's daughter declares faith before visiting Tirupati temple
Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan's daughter on Wednesday gave a declaration at Tirumala temple that she has faith in Lord Venkateswara.
The Deputy CM's youngest daughter Palina Anjani Konidela is reportedly a non-Hindu and Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) - the official custodian of Sri Venkateswara temple in Tirupati - rules mandate that non-Hindus have to declare their faith in the deity before making a visit to the temple.
"Palina Anjani Konidela gave the declaration for Srivari (deity) visit in Tirumala. She signed the documents provided by TTD staff. As Palina Anjani is a minor, her father Pawan Kalyan also endorsed the documents," said a Janasena press release.
Currently, Kalyan is on a three-day visit to the temple as part of his 11-day penance to atone for the alleged sins committed by the previous YSRCP regime at Tirumala.
The declaration assumes significance as BJP leaders and several Hindu outfits had demanded that YSRCP chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, a Christian, has to issue a similar declaration before his recent cancelled visit to the temple. -- PTI
13:17 Amid fissures in Mahayuti, Ajit Pawar meets Shah
Ahead of the Maharashtra assembly elections, state Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar met Union Home Minister and senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader Amit Shah in Mumbai on Wednesday.
What transpired in the meeting was not yet known.
The meeting comes against the backdrop of differences in the ruling Mahayuti alliance over the presence of Ajit Pawar-led NCP and his party's opposition to the anti-Muslim tirade by some BJP leaders.
Leaders of the Shiv Sena, which is led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, have also been critical of the NCP.
The three Mahayuti partners were yet to finalise the seat-sharing for elections to the 228-member assembly which are expected to be held next month.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis last week acknowledged that the BJP received fewer votes in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from its new ally NCP than those from the Shiv Sena.
Ajit Pawar had earlier stated the Mahayuti partners will stay united and he will work to ensure the alliance's victory in the state assembly polls.
Shah addressed BJP workers in Mumbai on Tuesday. -- PTI
13:09 India reacts amid escalating Iran-Israel tensions
Amid spike in tensions in West Asia following hostilities between Iran and Israel, India on Wednesday said it is closely monitoring the escalation in the security situation in the region.
India also advised its nationals to avoid all non-essential travel to Iran.
Those residing in Iran were requested to remain vigilant and stay in contact with the Indian Embassy in Tehran.
"We are closely monitoring the recent escalation in security situation in the region," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.
"Indian nationals are advised to avoid all non-essential travel to Iran," it said.
"Those currently residing in Iran are requested to remain vigilant and stay in contact with the Indian Embassy in Tehran," the MEA said in a statement. -- PTI
12:01 Mumbai police question actor Govinda over shooting
The Mumbai crime branch personnel have met actor Govinda, who sustained leg injuries after his revolver accidentally went off, and enquired with him about the incident, officials said on Wednesday.
While the local police have been conducting an investigation, the Mumbai crime branch has also initiated a parallel enquiry into the incident.
No one has lodged any complaint in this matter so far, police said.
The accident took place on Tuesday at the Mumbai residence of the 60-year-old actor and he is currently recuperating at a private hospital in Mumbai.
A crime branch team led by senior police inspector Daya Nayak visited the hospital on Tuesday and spoke to the actor about the incident, an official said.
Govinda was alone when the incident took place at his residence in the early hours of Tuesday, he said.
The actor has a licensed revolver of Webley company and the bullet hit him near his left knee, the official said.
The revolver, which is an old one, was not locked and got misfired, he said.
The actor's revolver has been seized by police officials for further probe, an official earlier said.
After the incident, Govinda, a favourite with audiences for his impeccable comic timing and dancing skills, issued a statement informing his fans he is doing better.
11:15 Kejriwal gets new house in Lutyens Delhi: AAP
A house has been finalised in New Delhi area for the Aam Aadmi Party convener Arvind Kejriwal where he will move along with his family in the next one to two days, vacating the official residence of Delhi chief minister at Flagstaff Road in Civil Lines, the AAP said on Wednesday.
Kejriwal is likely to move in with his family in one of the two official bungalows allotted to the AAP Rajya Sabha MPs on Feroz Shah Road near Mandi House, sources in the party claimed.
The two bungalows are just a few metres away to the AAP headquarters at Ravi Shankar Shukla Lane, they said.
Kejriwal, who resigned as the Delhi chief minister earlier this month, said that he would vacate the official Flagstaff Road residence during the Navratri period. The auspicious Hindu festival commences from Thursday.
'Kejriwal will leave the official CM residence in next 1-2 days, as a house has been finalised for him and his family,' the party said in a statement without disclosing location of the new accommodation.
Kejriwal will live with his family in the New Delhi constituency represented by him in the Delhi Assembly, the party said.
Earlier, the AAP also demanded the Central government to provide an official residence to Kejriwal as the chief of a national party. -- PTI
Kejriwal is likely to move in with his family in one of the two official bungalows allotted to the AAP Rajya Sabha MPs on Feroz Shah Road near Mandi House, sources in the party claimed.
The two bungalows are just a few metres away to the AAP headquarters at Ravi Shankar Shukla Lane, they said.
Kejriwal, who resigned as the Delhi chief minister earlier this month, said that he would vacate the official Flagstaff Road residence during the Navratri period. The auspicious Hindu festival commences from Thursday.
'Kejriwal will leave the official CM residence in next 1-2 days, as a house has been finalised for him and his family,' the party said in a statement without disclosing location of the new accommodation.
Kejriwal will live with his family in the New Delhi constituency represented by him in the Delhi Assembly, the party said.
Earlier, the AAP also demanded the Central government to provide an official residence to Kejriwal as the chief of a national party. -- PTI
11:14 Warrant issued against MUDA 'scam' complainant
A Mysuru court has issued a non-bailable warrant against social activist Snehamayi Krishna, the complainant in the alleged MUDA land 'scam', for failing to appear in a cheque bounce case.
Krishna was unable to attend the court on Tuesday as he had to appear before the Lokayukta police following a notice issued to him by the investigation officers probing the MUDA site allotment case against Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and others, sources close to him said.
"Krishna missed the appearance due to a scheduling conflict and vowed to attend the court soon," a source said.
The Lokayukta police had booked CM Siddaramaiah, his wife Parvathi and two others in the MUDA (Mysuru Urban Development Authority) land allotment case on the directions of a special court based on Krishna's petition.
A team of Lokayukta police probing the case on Tuesday surveyed the land, in lieu of which 14 sites were 'illegally' allotted to Siddaramaiah's wife in Mysuru.
The team that visited the 3.16 acre land was joined by the special land acquisition officer, surveyors and town planning members from the MUDA, official sources said, adding, Krishna was also present. -- PTI
Photograph: Ammar Awad/Reuters
10:33 Iranian attack appears to have been defeated: Biden
The Iranian missile attack on Israel appears to have been defeated and ineffective, United States President Joe Biden said, hours after Tehran fired nearly 200 missiles at Israel.
The Israeli military reportedly said there were no news of injuries from the attack.
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Biden said, "At my direction, the United States military actively supported the defence of Israel. We are still assessing the impact but, based on what we know, the attack appears to have been defeated and ineffective and this is a testament to Israeli military capability. (It is) also a testament to intensive planning (between) the United States and Israel to anticipate and defend against a brazen attack."
"Make no mistake, the United States is fully supportive of Israel. And I just spent the morning and part of the afternoon in the situation room, meeting with my whole national security team The national security team, as I said, is in constant contact with Israeli officials and counterparts...," he added.
Biden directed the US military to aid Israel's defence against Iranian attacks and shoot down missiles targeting the country, the White House said.
While most of the missiles were destroyed before reaching their target, some did impact and cause minimal damage, the Pentagon press secretary Major General Patrick S Ryder said.
Two Arleigh Burke-class destroyers -- the USS Cole and USS Bulkeley -- deployed in the eastern Mediterranean fired a dozen interceptors at the incoming Iranian ballistic missiles as part of its defence of Israel, he added.
Condemning the attack, Vice-President Kamala Harris said, "I condemn this attack unequivocally. I am clear-eyed -- Iran is a destabilising, dangerous force in the Middle East and today's attack on Israel only further demonstrates that fact."
Iran is not only a threat to Israel but also to American personnel in the region, American interests, and innocent civilians across the region who suffer at the hands of Iran based and backed terrorist proxies, she added.
"We will never hesitate to take whatever action is necessary to defend US forces and interests against Iran and Iran-backed terrorists. And we will continue to work with our allies and partners to disrupt Iran's aggressive behaviour and hold them accountable," Harris said.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken noted that this was Iran's second direct attack on Israel in five months.
"This is totally unacceptable and the entire world should condemn it," he said.
"Initial reports suggest that Israel, with the active support of the United States and other partners, effectively defeated this attack. We have demonstrated, once again, our commitment to Israel's defence. We will remain in very close touch with Israel and other partners in the region in the hours and days ahead," Blinken said.
National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan told reporters that the US military coordinated closely with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to help defend Israel against the attack.
"Based on what we know at this point, this attack appears to have been defeated and ineffective. This was first and foremost the result of the professionalism of the IDF but in no small part because of the skilled work of the US military and meticulous joint planning in anticipation of the attack," he said.
"We are also aware of reports of a terrorist attack in Jaffa that took the lives of a number of Israeli civilians and wounded several others today. Our condolences go out to the families of the victims and to the family of the Palestinian civilian in Jericho ," he added.
Sullivan further said the US would consult with the Israelis on the next steps in terms of the response.
Before and during the attack, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke with his Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant, said Ryder.
"He reaffirmed the United States' ironclad commitment to the defence of Israel and underscored that the US remains well-postured throughout the Middle East region to protect US forces and defend Israel in the face of threats from Iran and Iran-backed terrorist organisations," he said.
Former president Donald Trump, on the other hand, blamed the Biden administration for the attack.
"The world is on fire and spiralling out of control. We have no leadership, no one running the country. We have a non-existent president in Joe Biden, and a completely absent Vice-President Kamala Harris, who is too busy fundraising in San Francisco... No one is in charge and it is not even clear who is more confused: Biden or Kamala. Neither has any idea what is even going on," he said in a statement.
"When I was president, Iran was in total check. They were starved for cash, fully contained, and desperate to make a deal. Kamala flooded them with American cash and, ever since, they have been exporting terror all over... Under 'President Trump,' we had no war in the Middle East, no war in Europe, and Harmony in Asia, no inflation, no Afghanistan catastrophe. Instead, we had peace. Now, war or the threat of war is raging everywhere and the two incompetents running this country are leading us to the brink of World War III. You would not trust Joe or Kamala to run a lemonade stand, let alone lead the free world," Trump said. -- PTI
The Israeli military reportedly said there were no news of injuries from the attack.
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Biden said, "At my direction, the United States military actively supported the defence of Israel. We are still assessing the impact but, based on what we know, the attack appears to have been defeated and ineffective and this is a testament to Israeli military capability. (It is) also a testament to intensive planning (between) the United States and Israel to anticipate and defend against a brazen attack."
"Make no mistake, the United States is fully supportive of Israel. And I just spent the morning and part of the afternoon in the situation room, meeting with my whole national security team The national security team, as I said, is in constant contact with Israeli officials and counterparts...," he added.
Biden directed the US military to aid Israel's defence against Iranian attacks and shoot down missiles targeting the country, the White House said.
While most of the missiles were destroyed before reaching their target, some did impact and cause minimal damage, the Pentagon press secretary Major General Patrick S Ryder said.
Two Arleigh Burke-class destroyers -- the USS Cole and USS Bulkeley -- deployed in the eastern Mediterranean fired a dozen interceptors at the incoming Iranian ballistic missiles as part of its defence of Israel, he added.
Condemning the attack, Vice-President Kamala Harris said, "I condemn this attack unequivocally. I am clear-eyed -- Iran is a destabilising, dangerous force in the Middle East and today's attack on Israel only further demonstrates that fact."
Iran is not only a threat to Israel but also to American personnel in the region, American interests, and innocent civilians across the region who suffer at the hands of Iran based and backed terrorist proxies, she added.
"We will never hesitate to take whatever action is necessary to defend US forces and interests against Iran and Iran-backed terrorists. And we will continue to work with our allies and partners to disrupt Iran's aggressive behaviour and hold them accountable," Harris said.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken noted that this was Iran's second direct attack on Israel in five months.
"This is totally unacceptable and the entire world should condemn it," he said.
"Initial reports suggest that Israel, with the active support of the United States and other partners, effectively defeated this attack. We have demonstrated, once again, our commitment to Israel's defence. We will remain in very close touch with Israel and other partners in the region in the hours and days ahead," Blinken said.
National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan told reporters that the US military coordinated closely with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to help defend Israel against the attack.
"Based on what we know at this point, this attack appears to have been defeated and ineffective. This was first and foremost the result of the professionalism of the IDF but in no small part because of the skilled work of the US military and meticulous joint planning in anticipation of the attack," he said.
"We are also aware of reports of a terrorist attack in Jaffa that took the lives of a number of Israeli civilians and wounded several others today. Our condolences go out to the families of the victims and to the family of the Palestinian civilian in Jericho ," he added.
Sullivan further said the US would consult with the Israelis on the next steps in terms of the response.
Before and during the attack, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke with his Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant, said Ryder.
"He reaffirmed the United States' ironclad commitment to the defence of Israel and underscored that the US remains well-postured throughout the Middle East region to protect US forces and defend Israel in the face of threats from Iran and Iran-backed terrorist organisations," he said.
Former president Donald Trump, on the other hand, blamed the Biden administration for the attack.
"The world is on fire and spiralling out of control. We have no leadership, no one running the country. We have a non-existent president in Joe Biden, and a completely absent Vice-President Kamala Harris, who is too busy fundraising in San Francisco... No one is in charge and it is not even clear who is more confused: Biden or Kamala. Neither has any idea what is even going on," he said in a statement.
"When I was president, Iran was in total check. They were starved for cash, fully contained, and desperate to make a deal. Kamala flooded them with American cash and, ever since, they have been exporting terror all over... Under 'President Trump,' we had no war in the Middle East, no war in Europe, and Harmony in Asia, no inflation, no Afghanistan catastrophe. Instead, we had peace. Now, war or the threat of war is raging everywhere and the two incompetents running this country are leading us to the brink of World War III. You would not trust Joe or Kamala to run a lemonade stand, let alone lead the free world," Trump said. -- PTI
Image only for representation
10:06 7 more children take ill after having mid-day meal at Thane school
Seven more children have fallen sick due to suspected food poisoning after consuming mid-day meal at a private school near Maharashtra's Thane city, taking the total number of minors hospitalised to 45, officials said on Wednesday.
The children, aged between 8 and 11 years, were admitted to a civic hospital in Kalwa town after they complained of giddiness, nausea, headache and pain in the abdomen after lunch on Tuesday, according to medical officials at the hospital.
Initially, 38 students were hospitalised on Tuesday. Seven more children were admitted to the facility late night.
The children were being monitored and if found fit, they would be discharged by Wednesday afternoon, the hospital's medical in-charge, Dr Aniruddha Malgaonkar, told PTI.
All the children were out of danger and responding to the medical treatment, Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) Additional Commissioner Sandeep Malvi said on Tuesday.
He confirmed that the children had eaten a mid-day meal at the private school.
Another medical official said the students were served rice and moth bean (matki) curry as the meal.
Samples of food served to students have been collected by FDA officials. According to officials, initially, five students complained of uneasiness and their number swelled gradually.
"Ambulances were summoned by the school administration and the students were rushed to the hospital," they added.
The parents of the children were also present at the hospital. -- PTI
09:55 Dera chief walks out of jail on 20-day parole
Dera Sacha Sauda chief and rape convict Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh on Wednesday walked out of the Sunaria jail in Haryana's Rohtak after he was granted a 20-day parole.
During his temporary release period, Singh will stay at the Dera ashram in Barnawa in Uttar Pradesh's Baghpat.
He came out of jail under tight security this morning after his release on parole, an official said.
The Haryana government has granted a 20-day parole to Singh while barring him from taking part in election-related activities, making speeches and staying in the state during the period.
Singh is serving a 20-year sentence given in 2017 for raping two of his disciples.
The Dera chief and three others were also convicted in 2019 for the murder of a journalist more than 16 years ago.
He had sought a 20-day parole ahead of the October 5 Haryana Assembly polls.
According to the parole conditions, the sect chief will not take part in any election-related activity or deliver public speeches and will stay out of Haryana during the period.
He will stay at Dera ashram in Uttar Pradesh's Barnawa (Baghpat) during the period.
The Dera chief had said that he wanted to stay in Baghpat during the parole if granted.
The jail department had recently forwarded the Dera chief's parole plea to the office of the Haryana Chief Electoral Officer in view of the Model Code being in place for the assembly polls.
Chief Electoral Officer Pankaj Agarwal had said on Monday that the Haryana government may consider Singh's parole subject to the correctness of facts mentioned in his parole plea and satisfying other conditions with respect to the Model Code of Conduct for the elections.
Haryana goes to polls on October 5 and the results will be declared on October 8.
In the past, some of Singh's paroles and furloughs have coincided with the polls in Punjab, Haryana and neighbouring states. The opposition parties had criticised the grant of relief to Singh.
Earlier in August this year, Singh was granted a 21-day furlough. He was granted three weeks' furlough from February 7, 2022 barely two weeks before the Punjab assembly polls.
In May, the high court acquitted Singh and four others in the 2002 murder of the sect's former manager Ranjit Singh, citing 'tainted and sketchy' investigations in the matter.
A special CBI court had sentenced them to life imprisonment in the nearly 20-year-old murder case.
Singh had been held guilty of hatching a criminal conspiracy with his co-accused. -- PTI
09:49 How many Indian homes had access to toilets?
Shikha Chaturvedi/Business Standard
The Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM), launched on Mahatma Gandhis birthday 10 years ago, has given an opportunity to reflect on its achievements and challenges.
The initiative comprises two components: Gramin (rural) and Urban, aimed at eliminating open defecation, improving unsanitary toilets, eradicating manual scavenging, enhancing solid waste management, and promoting behavioral change regarding sanitation.
For 2023-2024, Rs 7,192 crore (Rs 71.92 billion) was allocated for the rural sector, while Rs 5,000 crore (Rs 50 billion) was earmarked for urban areas.
Allocation to the rural part of the mission saw a rebound in 2022-2023 after a decline for four consecutive years, while for the urban segment there was a marked increase in only 2023-2024 (Revised Estimates).
The Budget allocation for this year is projected to see a minuscule increase in the rural component. However, allocation to urban parts saw a massive downward revision in Revised Estimates of 2023-2024 from the Budget Estimates by around 49 per cent.
Open defecation was the central focus of the initiative, and the government declared India 'Open Defecation Free' (ODF) in 2019. Although there has been a decrease in open defecation, the data from the World Bank shows that 11 per cent of the population still practised it in 2022, mostly in rural areas.
This remains higher than in neighbouring countries like Pakistan (6.8 per cent) and Afghanistan (8.8 per cent). The government now aims to make villages ODF Plus. Currently, 93 per cent of villages have achieved this status, according to the official data.
Additionally, 78 per cent of the waste is processed. The government has exceeded its toilet construction target of 507,587 by 25 per cent, completing 636,826 toilets.
Moreover, access to toilet facilities has improved significantly, with 82.5 per cent of households reporting access in 2019-21, up from 45 per cent in 2004-2005. Urban centres have 95.6 per cent access to toilets compared to 76 per cent in rural India.
Experts note that improvements in sanitation facilities have led to a threshold effect, where district-level toilet coverage of 30 per cent or more correlates with significant reductions in infant and child mortality rates.
Studies reveal that districts with over 30 per cent toilet coverage under SBM experienced reductions of 5.3 in the Infant Mortality Rate and 6.8 in the Under-5 Mortality Rate per thousand live births.
Data from the World Bank indicates a decline in these rates, but the reductions have not been as dramatic post-implementation of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.
The Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM), launched on Mahatma Gandhis birthday 10 years ago, has given an opportunity to reflect on its achievements and challenges.
The initiative comprises two components: Gramin (rural) and Urban, aimed at eliminating open defecation, improving unsanitary toilets, eradicating manual scavenging, enhancing solid waste management, and promoting behavioral change regarding sanitation.
For 2023-2024, Rs 7,192 crore (Rs 71.92 billion) was allocated for the rural sector, while Rs 5,000 crore (Rs 50 billion) was earmarked for urban areas.
Allocation to the rural part of the mission saw a rebound in 2022-2023 after a decline for four consecutive years, while for the urban segment there was a marked increase in only 2023-2024 (Revised Estimates).
The Budget allocation for this year is projected to see a minuscule increase in the rural component. However, allocation to urban parts saw a massive downward revision in Revised Estimates of 2023-2024 from the Budget Estimates by around 49 per cent.
Open defecation was the central focus of the initiative, and the government declared India 'Open Defecation Free' (ODF) in 2019. Although there has been a decrease in open defecation, the data from the World Bank shows that 11 per cent of the population still practised it in 2022, mostly in rural areas.
This remains higher than in neighbouring countries like Pakistan (6.8 per cent) and Afghanistan (8.8 per cent). The government now aims to make villages ODF Plus. Currently, 93 per cent of villages have achieved this status, according to the official data.
Additionally, 78 per cent of the waste is processed. The government has exceeded its toilet construction target of 507,587 by 25 per cent, completing 636,826 toilets.
Moreover, access to toilet facilities has improved significantly, with 82.5 per cent of households reporting access in 2019-21, up from 45 per cent in 2004-2005. Urban centres have 95.6 per cent access to toilets compared to 76 per cent in rural India.
Experts note that improvements in sanitation facilities have led to a threshold effect, where district-level toilet coverage of 30 per cent or more correlates with significant reductions in infant and child mortality rates.
Studies reveal that districts with over 30 per cent toilet coverage under SBM experienced reductions of 5.3 in the Infant Mortality Rate and 6.8 in the Under-5 Mortality Rate per thousand live births.
Data from the World Bank indicates a decline in these rates, but the reductions have not been as dramatic post-implementation of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.
09:10 EV sales crawl monthwise
Nitin Kumar/Business Standard
Electric vehicle (EV) sales saw a robust growth of 19 per cent in the first half (H1) of 2024-2025, rising to 836,621 units from 702,013 units in H1 of 2023-2024.
However, monthly, the increase was modest, with a 1.22 per cent rise from Augusts 146,745 units.
EV sales also showed a 24.65 per cent annual growth in September, climbing to 148,539 units compared to 119,163 units in the same month last year.
Despite the continued upward trend in electric mobility, Septembers sales ranked as the third highest this calendar year, following Marchs peak of 203,506 units and July 2024s 169,746 units, according to Vahan data from the ministry of road transport and highways.
The modest rise in September EV sales is still regarded as a positive sign by sector experts, as consumers typically avoid purchasing vehicles, homes, or property during the Shradh/Pitru Paksha month, a period considered inauspicious in Hindu tradition for buying high-value items.
The slight uptick is attributed to the high discounts and offers announced by automotive manufacturers.
"People usually refrain from purchases during Pitru Paksha and prefer to make buying decisions during the festival season in October and November. However, this time, it seems the discounts and offers from manufacturers and dealers helped push sales, which is rare during this period," said Preetesh Singh, a specialist in CASE and alternative powertrains at NRI Consulting & Solutions.
The increase is attributed to the low base in August, which saw a decline of nearly 13 per cent compared to the 169,746 units recorded in July this year.
"The rise isn't significant, and the base was also low," Singh noted.
Industry executives predict a considerable sales boost in October as the festival season kicks off on October 3. They expect a 10 to 15 per cent increase in sales during the month. Launches by EV players will also boost customer confidence in October and the coming months.
"We have launched a few new products. The festival season and government incentives will provide respite to the sector," said Ayush Lohia, chief executive officer of Zuperia Auto (formerly Lohia Auto).
The top five players collectively sold 83,076 vehicles in August: Ola Electric led with 23,965, followed by Bajaj Auto with 23,529, TVS Motor Company with 17,923, Ather Energy with 12,579, and Mahindra Last Mile Mobility (formerly known as Mahindra Electric Mobility) with 5,080 vehicles.
Overall, vehicle sales surpassed the 1.23 million mark in the first eight months of 2024.
This year, sales declined following the end of the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles (FAME) subsidy on March 31 and the introduction of the Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme 2024, which further halved the subsidy, resulting in the steepest decline of the year.
To provide another push to the sector, on September 11, the Union Cabinet approved two major schemes with a total outlay of Rs 14,335 crore (Rs 143.35 billion) to promote the use of EVs, including buses, ambulances, and trucks.
The two schemes are the PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) with an outlay of Rs 10,900 crore (Rs 109 billion) over two years, and the PM-eBus Sewa-Payment Security Mechanism with a budget of Rs 3,435 crore (Rs 34.35 billion).
The introduction of these schemes is expected to help drive EV sales in the coming months. The PM E-DRIVE scheme was rolled out on October 1.
Electric vehicle (EV) sales saw a robust growth of 19 per cent in the first half (H1) of 2024-2025, rising to 836,621 units from 702,013 units in H1 of 2023-2024.
However, monthly, the increase was modest, with a 1.22 per cent rise from Augusts 146,745 units.
EV sales also showed a 24.65 per cent annual growth in September, climbing to 148,539 units compared to 119,163 units in the same month last year.
Despite the continued upward trend in electric mobility, Septembers sales ranked as the third highest this calendar year, following Marchs peak of 203,506 units and July 2024s 169,746 units, according to Vahan data from the ministry of road transport and highways.
The modest rise in September EV sales is still regarded as a positive sign by sector experts, as consumers typically avoid purchasing vehicles, homes, or property during the Shradh/Pitru Paksha month, a period considered inauspicious in Hindu tradition for buying high-value items.
The slight uptick is attributed to the high discounts and offers announced by automotive manufacturers.
"People usually refrain from purchases during Pitru Paksha and prefer to make buying decisions during the festival season in October and November. However, this time, it seems the discounts and offers from manufacturers and dealers helped push sales, which is rare during this period," said Preetesh Singh, a specialist in CASE and alternative powertrains at NRI Consulting & Solutions.
The increase is attributed to the low base in August, which saw a decline of nearly 13 per cent compared to the 169,746 units recorded in July this year.
"The rise isn't significant, and the base was also low," Singh noted.
Industry executives predict a considerable sales boost in October as the festival season kicks off on October 3. They expect a 10 to 15 per cent increase in sales during the month. Launches by EV players will also boost customer confidence in October and the coming months.
"We have launched a few new products. The festival season and government incentives will provide respite to the sector," said Ayush Lohia, chief executive officer of Zuperia Auto (formerly Lohia Auto).
The top five players collectively sold 83,076 vehicles in August: Ola Electric led with 23,965, followed by Bajaj Auto with 23,529, TVS Motor Company with 17,923, Ather Energy with 12,579, and Mahindra Last Mile Mobility (formerly known as Mahindra Electric Mobility) with 5,080 vehicles.
Overall, vehicle sales surpassed the 1.23 million mark in the first eight months of 2024.
This year, sales declined following the end of the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles (FAME) subsidy on March 31 and the introduction of the Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme 2024, which further halved the subsidy, resulting in the steepest decline of the year.
To provide another push to the sector, on September 11, the Union Cabinet approved two major schemes with a total outlay of Rs 14,335 crore (Rs 143.35 billion) to promote the use of EVs, including buses, ambulances, and trucks.
The two schemes are the PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) with an outlay of Rs 10,900 crore (Rs 109 billion) over two years, and the PM-eBus Sewa-Payment Security Mechanism with a budget of Rs 3,435 crore (Rs 34.35 billion).
The introduction of these schemes is expected to help drive EV sales in the coming months. The PM E-DRIVE scheme was rolled out on October 1.
09:08 Would like India to end the war: Israel embassy
Guy Nir, Spokesperson of the Israel Embassy in India, while talking to ANI, said that India and Israel are on the same page as both countries believe in condemnation of terror activities.
Nir said that India is one of the most peaceful countries, and Israel would appreciate swift action by India to end the war.
"First of all, any terror activity should be condemned and should be stopped. And the fact that Prime Minister Modi is speaking about that just shows you that we're on the same page. Terrorism needs to be eliminated. So I'm thankful for that. As for the role of India, this is really for India to decide," he said.
He said that everyone would appreciate a swift resolution for the escalation.
"I will not tell any Indian diplomat how to conduct anything. I've been living here for a year, and India is one of the most peaceful countries that I've been to, and if you can make it work with all the large variety of people that you have here if you can give us assistance, I'm sure we would all appreciate a swift resolution for this matter," he said.
Nir said that Iran's condemnation of Israel's actions is 'laughable' as Iran has the blood of thousands of people in its hands.
Nir said that Israel would not stop until Gaza releases all the 100 people they have held as hostages.
"For the last 11 months, Hezbollah has been firing rockets at Israel indiscriminately. We have been calling for diplomatic action... We have been waiting and focusing our attention at the south until we have had right now the attention span to hit Hezbollah back. For about two weeks, we have been targeting Hezbollah high-ranked officials.In the last 24 hours we have begun a ground operation to try to eliminate more terrorists on the ground," he said.
When asked how long is the conflict going to last, he said that even they didn't want this to prolong.
"That's a tricky question. I cannot foresee the future until exactly how long, but I can tell you that we are looking for something short. We don't want this to prolong. The longer this continues, the more in danger it puts our soldiers. We're looking for something short and quick to finish as soon as we can and get out," he said.
Talking about ceasefire, he said that they are eliminating terrorists and are protecting their citizens. -- ANI
IMAGE: People take cover by the side of a road as a siren sound, after Iran fired a salvo of ballistic missiles at Israel, in Tel Aviv, on October 1, 2024. Photograph: Tomer Appelbaum/Reuters
08:44 India 2nd Best Global Market In H1FY25
Sameer Mulgaonkar/Business Standard
India was the second-best performing major global market during the first half of financial year 2024-25 (H1FY25) after Hong Kong.
Singapore, US and China were among the top five best-performing markets.
If not for a late surge in the Hong Kong market, India would have been the best-performing market during this period.
The Hang Seng rose 17.5 per cent in September, of which 16 per cent of the gain came during the past five sessions of the month.
India, on the other hand, took consistent strides during the first half. Barring a marginal loss in May, the benchmark Nifty 50 index rose during each of the months.
The gains in the domestic markets were supported by strong investor flows, the status quo in the government after the general elections in May and high economic growth outlook.
During the H1FY25, domestic mutual funds pumped in Rs 1.8 trillion, while foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) bought shares worth Rs 92,400 crore (Rs 924 billion).
All sectoral indices compiled by NSE rose during the first half. Consumer durables, auto and metal stocks were among the best-performers.
India was the second-best performing major global market during the first half of financial year 2024-25 (H1FY25) after Hong Kong.
Singapore, US and China were among the top five best-performing markets.
If not for a late surge in the Hong Kong market, India would have been the best-performing market during this period.
The Hang Seng rose 17.5 per cent in September, of which 16 per cent of the gain came during the past five sessions of the month.
India, on the other hand, took consistent strides during the first half. Barring a marginal loss in May, the benchmark Nifty 50 index rose during each of the months.
The gains in the domestic markets were supported by strong investor flows, the status quo in the government after the general elections in May and high economic growth outlook.
During the H1FY25, domestic mutual funds pumped in Rs 1.8 trillion, while foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) bought shares worth Rs 92,400 crore (Rs 924 billion).
All sectoral indices compiled by NSE rose during the first half. Consumer durables, auto and metal stocks were among the best-performers.
08:30 Daily UPI Transactions Cross 500 Mn
Shine Jacob/Business Standard
Unified Payments Interface (UPI) daily transactions crossed 501 million in September, the highest ever since UPI turned operational in 2016.
It registered a marginal increase of 0.5 per cent in volume to 15.04 billion in September compared to 14.96 billion in August.
In value terms, Rs 68,800 crore (Rs 688 billion) were secured in value terms in September. The number remained almost static at Rs 20.64 trillion in September, compared to Rs 20.61 trillion in August.
The number of daily transactions is higher than 483 million and Rs 66,475 crore (Rs 664.75 billion) in August.
In July, the numbers were seen at 14.44 billion in volume and Rs 20.64 trillion in value.
According to the data shared by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), in September, UPI volume posted a 42% year-on-year growth and 31% year-on-year growth in value.
"The September UPI transaction numbers reflect, once again, how UPI has become a part and parcel of digital transactions in India. Data shows an increase in micro transactions," said Sunil Rongala, senior vice-president, head -- Strategy, Innovation and Analytics, Worldline India.
"The statistics from previous months also indicate that the growth in UPI transactions volume is being driven by Person to Merchant (P2M) transactions (transactions for buying goods or services)," he added.
The Immediate Payment Service (IMPS) transaction volume was down by 5 per cent in September to 430 million from 453 million in August.
In value terms, IMPS transactions were down by 2 per cent to Rs 5.65 trillion, compared to Rs 5.78 trillion in August.
In July, this was seen at 490 million in volume and Rs 5.78 trillion in value.
The September numbers were 9 per cent down in volume and 11 per cent up in value compared to the same month last year.
FASTag transactions saw a dip of 3 per cent in September to 318 million in volume, compared to 329 million in August. In value terms, this was seen marginally up to Rs 5,620 crore (Rs 56.20 billion) versus Rs 5,611 crore (Rs 56.11 billion) in August.
In July, FASTag volume was seen at 323 million and value at Rs 5,578 crore (Rs 55.78 billion). The month saw a 7 per cent rise in volume and 10 per cent in value compared to September 2023.
In September, the Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AePS) remained at 100 million, the same as in August. This was 97 million in July. In value terms too, it was down by 2 per cent to Rs 24,143 crore (Rs 241.43 billion) compared to Rs 24,676 crore (Rs 246.76 billion) a month ago. The segment saw a 1 per cent dip in volume and 7 per cent in value compared to September 2023.
Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple in Ayodhya/File image
01:29 Meat sale banned in Ayodhya during Navratri
Ayodhya administration on Tuesday banned the sale, distribution and serving of all kind of meat products in the district during the nine-day Navratri festival which begins on October 3.
In view of the upcoming Navratri festival, all goat/chicken/fish/beef meat shops in the district will remain closed from October 3-11, said an order issued by assistant commissioner (food safety and drug administration) of Ayodhya.
The order is also applicable to those hotels and restaurants which serve non-vegetarian food.
All eateries are not allowed to serve or cooked meat during the period, it said.
The order said that if the general public finds any meat product being sold or stored in these shops or restaurants during this period, they should inform the food safety department on 05278366607. -- PTI
File image
01:01 Indian Embassy issues advisory as Iran launches missile attack on Israel
Following Iran's ballistic missile attack on Israel, the Indian Embassy has advised its citizens to remain vigilant and follow safety protocols as instructed by local authorities.
"Please exercise caution, avoid unnecessary travel within the country, and stay near safety shelters. The Embassy is closely monitoring the situation and is in regular contact with Israeli authorities to ensure the safety of all our nationals," the embassy stated in its advisory.
"In case of any emergency, please contact the 24/7 helpline of the Embassy: Telephone: A. +972-547520711 B. +972-543278392 Email: consi.telaviv@mea.gov.in. Those Indian nationals who have yet to register with the Embassy are requested to do so at the following link: https://forms.gle/ftp3DEXgJwH8XVRdA," the Indian Embassy posted on X.
On Tuesday, in a significant escalation of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, Iran launched a missile attack on Israel. In a statement, the IDF reported that all Israeli civilians are currently in bomb shelters as rockets are being fired from Iran towards Israel.
The IDF also noted that Hezbollah is retaliating after their plans to massacre Israeli civilians were exposed, launching a barrage of rockets at innocent civilians.
According to the Jerusalem Post, 102 missiles have been fired at Israel, with sirens continuing to sound across the country, as reported by the Times of Israel.
The IDF stated that approximately 10 million civilians are being targeted by Iranian projectiles. -- ANI
File image
00:54 Centre provides Z category VIP security cover to Radha Soami head
The Centre has granted the Z category VIP security cover of armed paramilitary commandos to Jasdeep Singh Gill, the newly appointed spiritual head of the Radha Soami Satsang Beas, official sources said Tuesday.
The Union home ministry has asked the Central Reserve Police Force to take charge of the security of the 45-year-old religious head.
A Z category security cover has been approved by the Centre for Gill following a threat perception report prepared and recommended by central intelligence agencies.
Armed CRPF commandos will secure him across the country, the sources said.
A squad of 12-14 commandos will be with the VIP round-the-clock and in shifts, they said.
The Radha Soami Satsang Beas, headquartered along the banks of Beas river near Amritsar in Punjab, has a large number of followers across the country and abroad.
Top political leaders, business tycoons and famous people from various walks of life visit the sect headquarters regularly. Gill was appointed as the head of the sect early last month.
He is an Indian Institute of Technology-Delhi alumnus, and holds a doctorate in chemical engineering from Cambridge.
He was the chief strategy officer and senior management personnel at Cipla, India, from where he stepped down earlier this year.
His wife is a doctor. -- PTI
00:30 Headmaster hangs self in UP govt school, alleges harassment by colleagues
A government school headmaster's body was found hanging within the institution's building in Amroha on Tuesday, with the Amroha district administration ordering a probe into the suspected suicide case.
Sanjeev Kumar (50) worked at the composite school in Sultanpur area under Gajraula Police Station limits of the district.
He has alleged harassment by two colleagues and the district's basic education officer, officials said. District Magistrate Nidhi Gupta said the headmaster's body was found hanging in the school and senior administrative officials were sent to the spot.
"An investigation team led by Additional DM (Judiciary) and comprising chief development officer, district inspector of Schools and additional superintendent of police has been formed to probe the matter," Gupta told reporters.
Asked about those named in the suicide note as accused, the DM said, "Prima facie, the names that appeared include two teachers of the school -- Raghvendra Singh and Sarita Singh -- and BSA (Basic Shiksha Adhikari) Monika.' -- PTI
File image
00:14 6 people killed in shooting in Israeli capital
The Israeli police have reported a deadly shooting attack in Tel Aviv on Tuesday evening, with six people killed when two assailants opened fire on a bustling boulevard in the Jaffa neighbourhood, reports Associated Press.
The suspects were subsequently neutralised by authorities, AP reported.
The attack coincided with a barrage of Iranian rockets targeting Israel, causing widespread panic and prompting residents to seek shelter nationwide, including in Tel Aviv, the news agency said.
TOP STORIES
© 2024 Rediff.com - Investor Information - Advertise with us - Disclaimer - Privacy Policy - Feedback - About us - Terms of use - Grievances