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Mon, 07 October 2024

Soccer Legend Johan Neeskens Passes Away

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23:38 Soccer Legend Johan Neeskens Passes Away

Johan Neeskens, one of the finest footballers of his time and a master of the Dutch style of Total Football, passed into the ages on Monday. He was 73.

Two years ago, Mr Neeskens was in Mumbai and Rediff's Hitesh Harisinghani caught up with him.

You can WATCH that encounter HERE.

The Bharatiya Janata Party and the People's National Congress of Maldives on Monday agreed to enhance party-to-party relations to deepen partnership and mutual understanding.

This came after BJP chief and Union minister J P Nadda met Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu here in Delhi.

During the meeting, both leaders agreed to enhance party-to-party relations by promoting exchanges between the Bharatiya Janata Party and the People's National Congress, aiming to deepen partnership and mutual understanding, BJP incharge for foreign affairs department Vijay Chauthaiwale said.

During the meeting, which was part of the 'Know BJP' initiative, Nadda also outlined the organisational structure and activities of the Bharatiya Janata Party, he said.

At the meeting, Chauthaiwale said the two leaders acknowledged the substantial progress made in India-Maldives bilateral relations over the last decade.

They welcomed the introduction of Rupay Card transactions in Maldives and the release of the Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Vision Document. Both the leaders also discussed various ways to enhance cooperation in the health sector, he added.

Maldivian President Muizzu is on a four-day visit to India. He arrived here on Sunday. -- PTI

IMAGE: Union minister of health and family welfare J P Nadda meets Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, in New Delhi on Monday. Photograph: ANI Photo

A court in Panaji in Goa on Monday rejected the anticipatory bail plea of former Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh leader Subhash Velingkar, who has been booked for allegedly hurting religious sentiments.

Additional District and Sessions Judge Bosco Robert rejected the bail plea of Velingkar, who has been booked by Bicholim police for his alleged objectionable comments against St Francis Xavier, the patron saint of Goa.

The court rejected the petition of Velingkar, a former Goa RSS chief, at 9 pm.

He had filed the anticipatory bail plea on Saturday as several persons approached different police stations seeking his arrest.

Four persons, including AAP MLA Cruz Silva, woman leader Valanka Alemao and Congress' Warren Alemao, filed intervention petitions in this case and opposed granting of anticipatory bail to Velingkar.

A lawyer representing Velingkar said his client's statements were just 'suggestions' and that there was no intention to hurt religious sentiments.

He told court the action against his client was 'not democracy but mobocracy'.

Advocate Amit Palekar, who represented Cruz Silva, said Velingkar had hurt religious sentiments, adding it had evoked strong reaction from people across the state.

Talking to reporters, Palekar said police served two notices asking Velingkar to remain present before the investigating officer, adding the accused should have cooperated with the police. -- PTI

23:02 AAP worker shot dead in Punjab

An Aam Aadmi Party worker was shot dead allegedly by three unidentified persons here on Monday, police said.

The deceased was identified as Rajvinder Singh, a resident of Talwandi Mour Singh village, they added.

Three unidentified people, who were on a motorcycle, intercepted Singh's car near Takkarpur village and allegedly fired at him and fled, police said.

Singh was rushed to a hospital where he succumbed to bullet injuries, they added.

Meanwhile, the Aam Aadmi Party expressed grief over the death of the party worker in Tarn Taran.

AAP leader and MP Malvinder Singh Kang said the party and the state government stand with Rajvinder's family.

The government will provide every possible assistance to bring justice to the victim's family and will take strict action against the guilty, he said. -- PTI

Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu on Monday said India is one of the largest tourism source markets for the Maldives, and hoped that more Indian tourists will visit the archipelago nation.

In a press briefing after holding 'extensive' talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Hyderabad House in New Delhi, Muizzu also said the ties between the Maldives and India are 'centuries-old, as evident throughout our histories'.

"Our people-to-people connections have long been the foundations of the relationship between India and the Maldives. Many Maldivians travel to India for tourism, for medical purposes, education, and for many other reasons," he said.

At the same time, the Maldives hosts a large number of Indians who contribute to the development of the Maldives, the visiting president said.

"India is one of our largest tourism source markets, and we hope to welcome more Indian tourists to the Maldives, allowing for shared growth and understanding between our peoples," Muizzu said.

His remarks during his ongoing India visit assumes significance as in January this year, a 'Boycott Maldives' online campaign had picked up traction after a few Maldivian ministers had made some allegedly derogatory comments on PM Modi.

Many Indians, including celebrities, had taken to social media platforms urging tourists to instead choose scenic sites in places such as Lakshadweep in India instead of the Maldives.

However, this first bilateral visit to India by Muizzu since he won the presidential election last year on the 'India out' campaign, seeks to reset ties which earlier had hit a rocky patch.

Muizzu last year had asked New Delhi to withdraw its military personnel posted in the archipelago nation by May this year.

The ties between India and the Maldives came under severe strain since Muizzu, known for his pro-China leanings, took charge of the top office in November.

The Maldivian president accompanied by First Lady Madam Sajidha Mohamed and a Maldivian delegation arrived in India on Sunday evening.

Earlier in the day, he was accorded a ceremonial reception and a Guard of Honour at the Rashtrapati Bhavan complex.

Prime Minister Modi and President Muizzu later met at the Hyderabad House and 'comprehensively reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral ties while noting the progress made by both countries in deepening their historically close and special relationship', the MEA said in a statement.

The two leaders acknowledged that it was an opportune time for both sides to 'chart a new framework for cooperation' with an aim to comprehensively transform the bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership, which is people-centric, future-oriented and will act as an anchor of stability in the Indian Ocean Region, it said.

Both the leaders have decided to 'enhance efforts to boost tourism between the two countries through marketing campaigns and collaborative efforts', the MEA said.

Muizzu in his press briefing said a democratic, prosperous and resilient Maldives is important for peace and stability in the Indian Ocean Region.

"And, India is an important partner in the maritime security domain due to our geographical proximity," he added.

"Looking ahead, we are fully committed to strengthening our cooperation with India across a broad spectrum of areas, including high-level exchanges that foster deeper understanding and friendship between our nations," Muizzu said.

He said he was confident that 'our continued collaboration' will lead to a brighter future.

"Next year, we will be marking the 60th anniversary of the establishment of formal diplomatic relations between our two countries. I have invited Prime Minister Modi to undertake a State Visit to the Maldives to commemorate this occasion," Muizzu said.

At Hyderabad House, he further said India and the Maldives will work together to build a future that 'benefits both our countries'.

"The Maldives will remain a true friend committed to our shared vision of peace and development of our countries and our region," he said.

"We look forward to concluding the free trade agreement with India which will enable us to harness the full economic potential between our countries, and to increase Indian investments in tourism and various other sectors of development," the Maldivian president said. -- PTI

The daughter of actor Dia Mirza's house help was rescued from Uttar Pradesh after she was kidnapped last month, a Mumbai police official said on Monday.

The minor girl, who was abducted from Khar in the western part of the metropolis, was rescued from Bulandshahr in the northern state, the official added.

"She had gone missing after leaving for college. Her mobile phone was unreachable. A kidnapping case was registered and our probe, which included checking call details and CCTV footage, found she was taken away by a boy," Sub Inspector Hanumanth Kumbhare of Khar police station said.

She was rescued from Bulandshahr and the accused has been charged under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act provisions, the official said.

Taking to social media platform X, actor Dia Mirza said, 'Thank You Mumbai Police for the swift action taken for the missing person complaint. We are most grateful for your empathy. Our house help, who is a part of our family, is deeply relieved and grateful.' -- PTI

21:06 144 aspirants paid to get NEET-UG paper: CBI

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has identified 144 candidates who had allegedly paid to get National Eligibility cum Entrance Test-Undergraduate (NEET-UG) leaked and solved papers hours before they were to take the examination for admissions in medical colleges, officials said on Monday.

In its third charge sheet filed last week, the CBI has named Pankaj Kumar who stole the papers from Oasis school in Hazaribagh, Jharkhand in collusion with its Principal Ahsanul Haque and Vice-Principal Md Imtiyaz Alam, they said.

The crime was allegedly committed once trunks carrying the paper reached the school from the bank vault after 8 am on May 5, the day of the examination, they said.

Haque was the city coordinator for Hazaribagh and Alam was designated the centre superintendent by the National Testing Agency for conducting the NEET UG-2024 examination.

The charge sheet with over 5,500 pages carrying findings on the basis of 298 witnesses, 290 documents and 45 material objects gives a detailed modus operandi of the gang that had leaked the paper.

Haque and Alam allegedly allowed Kumar, a civil engineer of the 2017 batch of the National Institute of Technology, Jamshedpur, to enter the room where the trunks were kept, they said.

Once inside, Kumar tampered with the hinges of the trunk containing the question papers, removed one question paper and photographed all its pages. He put back the paper and resealed the trunk before exiting the control room, the CBI alleged.

"Pankaj used a sophisticated tool kit to open and seal the trunk. This tool kit was seized by CBI from the residence of Pankaj Kumar.

"After leaving the school premises, he handed over the photos of the Q-paper to his accomplice Surendra Kumar Sharma who was at the Raj Guest House, Hazaribagh," the CBI Spokesperson said in a statement.

Nine medical students -- Karan Jain, Kumar Shanu, Rahul Anand, Chandan Singh, Surbhi Kumari, Deependra Sharma, Raunak Raj, Sandeep Kumar, and Amit Kumar -- solved these question papers at the Guest House in Hazaribagh.

These solved papers were allegedly scanned and electronically sent to different locations where gangs received them, printed them and handed them to the aspirants who had paid huge amounts to get access to the leaked and solved papers hours before the examination was set to begin.

"Only those candidates who paid money in advance were allowed to enter these locations. The candidates were subsequently allowed to leave for their examination centres after 12:15 PM, but were prohibited from carrying the printed copies with them," the spokesperson said.

The solved question papers were later burnt by gang members once the candidates had left the clandestine locations.

The candidates were frisked before leaving and had not been allowed to carry their mobile phones to these locations, the CBI has alleged.

One piece of a half-burnt paper was recovered in one such hostel in Patna where these aspirants were staying. The serial number led the agency to Oasis School which uncovered the entire conspiracy.

"The CBI has also identified 144 candidates present in these locations who were beneficiaries of this paper leak and necessary legal action is being initiated against them; 21 mobile phones used by the main accused in this case have also been recovered from various water bodies with the help of the divers by the CBI," the agency said.

The central probe agency has arrested 49 accused including the key conspirators and the solvers and 40 of them have been charge-sheeted in three reports submitted by the agency so far. -- PTI

Representational image

20:48 Fighting neighbours unite, attack police in Bareilly

Three police personnel suffered injuries when they intervened in a fight between two neighbouring families, which together attacked the police and also unleashed a pet dog on them, officials here said Monday.

Five people from the families have been arrested while two others are at large and searches are underway for them, the police said after lodging an FIR in the case, they said.

Superintendent of Police (Rural North) Mukesh Chandra Mishra said the police had reached Haldi Khurd village after receiving a complaint from two parties who were fighting among themselves.

"Rashid Ali was getting the wall of his house built in the village, in Mirganj tehsil of Bareilly, on Sunday afternoon. The neighbouring Puttan family opposed this. A fight broke out between the two parties over this," Mishra said.

"When the police arrived, they were chased away with sticks. An accused, Shahin, unleashed her pet dog due to which Inspector Ritu Rathi, constable Meenu Saini and Meenu Sandhu were injured. The police personnel alerted the officers. Then more police arrived from the Mirganj police station and handled the matter," Mishra said.

The officer said an FIR has been filed under serious sections 191 (rioting), 190 (every member of unlawful assembly guilty of offence committed in prosecution of common object), 109 (attempt), among others, of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for attacking the police, obstructing government work.

He said five of the accused, including women, have been arrested and sent to jail by the local court while searches are underway for two who are at large.

Representational image

20:27 Zomato agent run over by speeding car in Delhi

A 27-year-old food delivery agent died after he was mowed down by a speeding vehicle while crossing a road on Outer Ring Road in southwest Delhi early Monday, the police said.

DCP (South West) Surendra Choudhary said the deceased was identified as Harendra, a resident of RK Puram, who was working with online food delivery app Zomato.

A call was received at 2.45 am regarding an accident on the Outer Ring Road at an underpass close to Munirka. A team was immediately dispatched to the spot, Choudhary said.

Police officials said initial probe suggested that the accident took place when Harendra parked his motorcycle and was crossing the road on foot. He was hit by a vehicle, whose driver immediately fled the spot.

The injured man was rushed to Safdarjung Hospital, where he was declared brought dead, the officials said.

"Harendra is survived by a wife and their six-month-old son. His father is working in DDA as a fourth grade employee. During initial inquiry, team identified the offending vehicle. The accused will be nabbed soon," the DCP said.

The officer said an FIR has been lodged in the matter at Kishangarh police station and postmortem of the body is being conducted.

According to the police data, total 1,031 persons were killed in fatal road accidents from January 1 to September 15 this year, of the total 3,894 road accidents in the national capital in the period.

20:03 Ola shares plummet a day after CEO's spat on X

Shares of Ola Electric Mobility declined up to 10 per cent before settling lower by 8 per cent on Monday amid reports of service quality issues of its electric scooters and its CEO's spat on social media.

On the Bombay Stock Exchange, Ola Electric shares tumbled 8.31 per cent to settle at Rs 90.82 apiece, marking the third straight day of losses.

The stock plunged 9.43 per cent to a low of Rs 89.71 on BSE.

Ola Electric Mobility slumped 8.38 per cent to close at Rs 90.75 apiece on the National Stock Exchange (NSE).

The stock tanked 9.59 per cent to hit a low of Rs 89.55 on the NSE.

In the volume trade, 1.15 crore equity shares were traded on the BSE and 9 crore shares changed hands on the NSE during the day.

The 30-share BSE Sensex tumbled 638.45 points or 0.78 per cent to settle at 81,050, while NSE Nifty slumped 218.85 points or 0.87 per cent to end at 24,795.75.

The slide in the shares came after a war of words broke out between Ola founder Bhavish Agarwal and stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra on Sunday on social media platform X over the after-sales and service quality.

The controversy started when Kunal Kamra responded to a post on X by Agarwal, who posted a photo of Ola's gigafactory, by putting a picture of several Ola Electric scooters parked together seemingly waiting for servicing.

In response to Kamra's tweet, Bhavish Aggarwal called him a failed stand-up comic and his tweet a 'paid one' asserting that Ola Electric is rapidly expanding its service network and will clear all the backlogs 'soon'.

Further, many Ola Electric consumers jumped into the spat and complained about the service quality of the company, asking Agarwal to address their issues.

In August this year, Ola Electric Mobility was listed at an issue price of Rs 76. It quickly doubled from its issue price to make a post-listing high of Rs 157.4. Since touching the all-time high, the stock is down 43 per cent from those levels.

Ola Electric has been losing market share to legacy auto players like Bajaj Auto and TVS Motor as they ramp up their push within the EV space. -- PTI

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray on Monday alleged a clause in the Dharavi redevelopment project will give premium worth Rs 5,000 crore to the Adani group-led special purpose vehicle rather than Mumbai's civic body which owns 70 per cent of the land on which the slums are built.

Speaking to reporters, Thackeray claimed the tender issued for the redevelopment of Dharavi slums says that the premium generated from the land utilisation would be given back to the special purpose vehicle, in which the Adani Group is a majority stakeholder.

"It means Adani group will make money from the redevelopment and will also get major portion of the premium amount for redevelopment work. The BMC owns nearly 70 per cent of the land on which Dharavi slum currently stands. The BMC should have got the Rs 5,000 crore premium amount that is going to Adani's SPV," Thackeray said.

The former state environment minister said he had written to Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation administrator Bhushan Gagrani to provide reasons for this largesse to the Adani group firm.

"The Eknath Shinde government has already waived the staircase and open space premium. Now, we noticed have this new waiver, which is even more shocking. The BMC and MHADA are institutions that undertake projects meant for people. If land utilisation premium is given to BMC and MHADA, it will improve their financial condition and citizens will get better services," he claimed.

Necessary changes will be made in the tender once the Maha Vikas Aghadi comes to power, he promised. The MVA comprises Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress and the NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar).

Pic courtesy StockSnap/pixabay.com

18:44 Amazon buys MX Player, merges it with miniTV

Amazon on Monday said it has acquired free streaming OTT platform MX Player and merged it with its content streaming service miniTV to launch 'Amazon MX Player'.

Amazon did not disclose the valuation of the acquisition.

The merger aims to make premium-free entertainment accessible to a larger audience.

"Amazon recently acquired certain assets of MX Player, including the MX Player app, a leading free streaming OTT service in India. With this acquisition, Amazon is merging two of India's most popular free AVOD (or ad-supported video on demand) services -- MX Player and Amazon miniTV into one service -- Amazon MX Player," the statement said.

In September, over 250 million unique users enjoyed access to thousands of original shows, popular movies and international shows dubbed in local languages on the combined service, it added.

The service is available through its app on mobile, Amazon.in Shopping app, Prime Video, Fire TV, and Connected TVs.

The integration of Amazon miniTV and MX Player into Amazon MX Player will be done automatically on the apps without the need for users to reinstall or upgrade the app.

"We will offer high-quality entertainment and streaming experiences faster than we could have done independently, while continuing to keep the service free. This merger will mean great things for our viewers, advertisers and content partners, and will let us bring MX Player to even more people in India," Karan Bedi, Head of Amazon MX Player, said.

Amazon said it will continue to invest in originals and returning seasons of popular shows, which will help "provide advertisers the opportunity to deepen their relationships with viewers".

Amazon also owns Prime Video -- a subscription video-on-demand over-the-top streaming and rental service.

Yati Narsinghanand

18:26 Alt-News' Zubair booked for post on Narsinghanand

A first information report (FIR) was filed in Ghaziabad on Monday against Alt-News co-founder Mohammad Zubair for allegedly promoting enmity among religious groups and other offences following a complaint by an aide of controversial priest Yati Narsinghanand, according to police.

Narsinghanand is facing multiple FIRs and protests from Muslim groups against his alleged remarks against Prophet Muhammad.

In her complaint to Kavinagar police, Udita Tyagi, General Secretary of Yati Narsimahanand Saraswati Foundation, has alleged that Zubair posted a video clipping of an old programme of Narsinghanand on October 3 to provoke violence by Muslims against him.

The FIR against Zubair was lodged around 2 pm under sections 196 (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion..), 228 (giving or fabricating false evidence), 299 (Deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs), 356(3) (related to defamation) and 351 (2) (punishment for criminal intimidation) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the police said.

A large crowd had gathered outside the Dasna Devi temple in Ghaziabad, which Narsinghanand heads, to protest against him on Friday night after videos of his inflammatory remarks appeared online, following which security was stepped up around the premises.

Ten people have been arrested so far for allegedly pelting stones during the protest, according to police.

Earlier in the day, members of Hindu outfits submitted a memorandum to Police Commissioner Ajay Kumar Mishra demanding action against the people who 'attacked' the temple on Friday.

They had also demanded action against Zubair, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen's Asaduddin Owaisi, Islamic scholar Arshad Madani and other, alleging that they were instigating Muslims to target the Dasna temple.

Udita Tyagi said she gave a police complaint against aubair for posting inflammatory contents against Hindu outfits.

On October 3, an FIR was lodged by Sub-inspector Trivendra Singh against Narsinghanand stating that on September 19 he had made derogatory remarks against a community during an event at Hindi Bhavan in Lohiya Naga in a violation of Section 302 of BNS (deals with the offence of uttering words or making sounds to intentionally hurt someone's religious feelings).

Another FIR was lodged by Bhanu Prakash Singh, sub-inspector and area beat in-charge Dasna area of Wave City police station.

In this complaint, the priest's disciples-- Anil Yadav Chota Narsimahanand, Yati Ran Singhanand, Yati Ram Swaroopanand and Yati Nirbhayanand of Dasna temple -- have been accused of making objectionable remarks, a video of which had appeared on social media.

They have been booked at Wave City Police Station under sections 302 and 351 of BNS. -- PTI

Dharma Productions on Monday said the banner has unanimously decided to not organise pre-release screenings for its upcoming films, calling it a "necessary step" to maintain a level of excitement in the movie-watching experience.

Producer Karan Johar, who owns the production house, and Dharma Productions CEO Apoorva Mehta undersigned the official statement shared with the media.

"After much deliberation, we've unanimously decided to forgo pre-release screenings for our upcoming films.

"This decision has been difficult to make, however, we believe it's a necessary step in ensuring that every viewer, including our friends in the media, witness our stories as they were meant to be experienced. We believe it will help in maintaining the excitement of the cinematic experience for all," the statement read.

While the banner was forgoing pre-release screenings of new movies, it will host press screenings in the "first half of the release day" for each of its movies.

"We warmly welcome all media personnel to join us at these screenings, where you will be the first to witness our latest offerings. We value the relationship built with each one of you over the years and look forward to your continued cooperation," the producers added.

Dharma Productions' next film release is Jigra, starring Alia Bhatt and Vedang Raina. Directed by Vasan Bala, the movie is scheduled to hit the screens on Friday.

17:49 BSE Sensex: Top losers today

From the 30 Sensex firms, Adani Ports & Special Economic Zones, NTPC, State Bank of India, PowerGrid, IndusInd Bank, Axis Bank, HDFC Bank, Titan and UltraTech Cement were the major laggards.

Mahindra & Mahindra, ITC, Bharti Airtel, Infosys, Bajaj Finance, Tata Consultancy Services and Tech Mahindra defied the trend. -- PTI

Equity benchmark index Sensex settled lower for the sixth straight session on Monday due to heavy selling in bellwether stocks including HDFC Bank and Reliance Industries amid mixed trends in the global markets and outflow of foreign funds.

Falling for the sixth consecutive session, the BSE Sensex tumbled 638.45 points or 0.78 per cent to settle at 81,050.

During the day, it plummeted 962.39 points or 1.17 per cent to 80,726.06. -- PTI

Image only for representation

17:42 Suspected Chinese drones spotted near Himachal: Minister

Drones have been spotted along the Indo-China border in Himachal Pradesh's Kinnaur district and they are likely being used for surveillance and espionage purposes, state minister Jagat Singh Negi said on Monday.

Speaking to PTI, Negi said drone activity has been noticed in Shipki La and Rishi Dogri villages in Poo block of the district.

"Multiple drones frequently flying near the border area have been spotted in the past week and several people have informed me about such sightings," Negi, the MLA from Kinnaur assembly constituency, said.

"Road construction to lay roads up to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) is in progress in both Shipki La and Rishidogri and the possibility of surveillance and espionage by these drones cannot be ruled out," the revenue and horticulture minister said.

He claimed that the drones have also been sighted by the police and the Army personnel.

The minister urged the Union government to take note of the matter and issue necessary directions.

The tribal districts of Kinnaur and Lahaul and Spiti share a 240-km border with China which is traversed by nine high altitude mountain passes.

He asked the Union government to take strong notice of the Chinese drones violating Indian space and take necessary action.

As many as 55 villages of Kinnaur district were included in the 'Vibrant Village Programme', which aims to strengthen the infrastructure in border areas with a focus on filling the critical communication gaps, developing tourist centres and sites, providing better and accessible road connectivity, provision of renewable energy, DTH services and other facilities. -- PTI

17:33 Oh, Kolkata!

If you love history, ancient or modern, make a beeline for these places in Kolkata on your next visit. Archana Masih/Rediff.com is in love. Do read

A man accused of rape by a 17-year-old girl allegedly opened fire inside her house in Chhatarpur in Madhya Pradesh on Monday, killing her grandfather and leaving the victim and her uncle injured, police said.

The incident took place in Mohara village in the morning, said Superintendent of Police Agam Jain. "Bhola Ahirwar (24) opened fire killing a 60-year-old man.

A 32-year-old man and a 17-year-old girl (rape victim) have been injured and have been hospitalised. Prima facie, it seems the accused wanted to come to a compromise in connection with the (rape) case registered earlier. Efforts are on to arrest Ahirwar," Jain said.

The 17-year-old girl said she had registered a case of sexual assault against Bhola Ahirwar two months back. "This morning, he entered our house, shot at me, my grandfather (deceased) and uncle," she said. Civil Line police station in charge Valmiki Choubey said Ahirwar was booked for rape on the teen girl's complaint two months ago. PTI

16:57 Mumbai's 1st underground metro corridor opens

Mumbai's first underground Metro corridor, the aqua line's phase-1, stretching from Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) to Aarey became operational for the public on Monday morning.

A large number of people came to experience the ride on the first day of the BKC to Aarey stretch of Mumbai Metro Line 3 as the service commenced at 11 am, amid cheers from passengers. Many people, excited about the first day travel, arrived at stations before the Metro operation commenced to buy tickets and expressed hope the new service would reduce their commuting challenges.

Some people also complained of safety door glitches and the entry-exit points being closed at a few stations on the first day of the operation, while some passengers demanded an integrated app for all Metro services in the city.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated the 12.69 km long phase-1 of the BKC to Aarey stretch of Mumbai Metro Line 3. He travelled from BKC to Santacruz and back during which he interacted with students, beneficiaries of the Maharashtra government's Ladki Bahin scheme and labourers involved in constructing the underground line.

The Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC), which is executing the 33.5-km-long Colaba-SEEPZ-Aarey JVLR project, has already notified that the regular operation of the Metro on the aqua line will commence from Tuesday. As per the notification, services will be operated from 6.30 am to 10.30 pm between Monday and Saturday, and from 8.30 am to 10.30 pm on Sundays. The minimum fare for a ride on the Metro line is Rs 10 and maximum Rs 50, as per the MMRC.

Passengers can book tickets using the NCMC (National Common Mobility Card), Mumbai Metro 3 mobile app, and ticket vending machines, among other means. The corridor between BKC and Aarey road has 10 Metro stations - BKC, Bandra Colony, Santacruz metro, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) T1, Sahar Road, CSMIA T2, Marol Naka, Andheri, SEEPZ, Aarey Colony JVLR. Of these, only Aarey JVLR station is at a grade while all others are underground. The aqua line is the fourth Metro corridor of Mumbai. The Ghatkopar-Andheri-Versova Metro Line-1, Andheri West-Dahisar Line-2A and Andheri East-Dahisar Line-7 are already operational in the city.

Emphasising the security measures implemented by the Election Commission, Kurukshetra Deputy Commissioner Rajesh Jogpal on Monday informed that a robust three-tier security cordon has been established to safeguard Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).

The results for the 2024 elections in Haryana will be announced on Tuesday.

The Deputy Commissioner stated that the EVMs have been stored in four strong rooms within Kurukshetra University, which are under constant surveillance.

"As per the norms laid down by the Election Commission, a three-tier security cordon is in place for the EVMs. The Central Paramilitary Forces (CPF), Haryana Armed Police, local police, and the Duty Magistrate have all been appointed. There are four strong rooms inside Kurukshetra University. Only the candidates, their counting agents, and election agents are allowed inside the counting area. No mobile phones, pens, or paper are permitted... Adequate police forces have been deployed around the counting centre and the strong rooms," said Kurukshetra Deputy Commissioner Rajesh Jogpal.

The single-phase polling for 90 Assembly constituencies in Haryana concluded peacefully on Saturday across more than 20,000 polling stations, recording a final voter turnout of 65.65 per cent.

Exit polls predict a clean sweep for the Congress in Haryana, with some suggesting the party may win more than 50 of the 90 seats in the assembly.

The TV-Today C-Voter projection indicated that the Congress may secure 50-58 seats in the state, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is expected to win 20-28 seats. Other parties may win between 10-16 seats.

The majority required to form a government in the 90-member assembly is 46.

Equity benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty settled lower for the sixth straight session on Monday due to heavy selling in bellwether stocks including HDFC Bank and Reliance Industries amid mixed trends in the global markets and outflow of foreign funds.

Falling for the sixth consecutive session, the BSE Sensex tumbled 638.45 points or 0.78 per cent to settle at 81,050. During the day, it plummeted 962.39 points or 1.17 per cent to 80,726.06. The NSE Nifty slumped 218.85 points or 0.87 per cent to end at 24,795.75.

From the 30 Sensex firms, Adani Ports & Special Economic Zones, NTPC, State Bank of India, PowerGrid, IndusInd Bank, Axis Bank, HDFC Bank, Titan and UltraTech Cement were the major laggards. Mahindra & Mahindra, ITC, Bharti Airtel, Infosys, Bajaj Finance, Tata Consultancy Services and Tech Mahindra defied the trend.

16:04 Sanjoy Roy raped, murdered RG Kar doctor: CBI

NDTV: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has charged Sanjoy Roy, who used to work with Kolkata Police as a contractual staff, with the rape and murder of an on-duty woman doctor at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.

The central agency will submit the chargesheet at a special court in Sealdah this afternoon.

The accused civic volunteer had allegedly committed the crime when the doctor had gone to rest in the hospital's seminar room during a break, said officials.

The statements of about 200 people have been recorded in the charge sheet that names Roy as the main accused, according to CBI sources. It is still under investigation if there were multiple suspects and if this was a gang rape case, they added.

Gold prices appreciated by Rs 250 to hit a fresh all-time high of Rs 78,700 per 10 grams on Monday on account of consistent buying support from jewellers and firm trends in the overseas markets.

The precious metal had settled at Rs 78,450 per 10 grams in the previous close on Friday. However, silver declined Rs 200 to Rs 94,000 per kg from Rs 94,200 per kg on Friday, according to the All India Sarafa Association.

Automobile retail sales in India declined 9 per cent year-on-year in September amid a massive buildup of passenger vehicle inventory due to sluggish demand, dealer's body FADA said on Monday, urging original equipment manufacturers to take corrective steps. The overall registrations declined to 17,23,330 units last month from 18,99,192 units in September 2023, as most of the categories including passenger vehicles and two-wheelers witnessed a year-on-year (Y-O-Y) drop.

Ahead of counting of votes, National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Monday said his party was open to the idea of taking support of Mehbooba Mufti's PDP to form government in the Union territory.

He also flayed the move to give powers to the Lieutenant Governor for nominating members to the five reserved seats in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, and said his party would approach the Supreme Court if the BJP-led Centre went ahead with it.

Abdullah, while ruling himself out of the race for chief minister's post, said statehood should be restored to Jammu and Kashmir so that the new government has powers to address the people's problems.

"The statehood should be restored, full statehood, where the government has the power to do things. I will not be the CM. Let this one thing be clear. I have done my chief minister's job. My problem will be how we make a strong government and how we fulfil the agenda that we have put before the people," he added.

Asked if the National Conference-Congress alliance will take support from the PDP if need be, Abdullah said "why not?"

"How does it matter? If we all work for the same thing, for improvement in the conditions of the people of the state, removing unemployment, removing all the distresses that have occurred in the last 10 years. First thing we should do is restore the freedom of the press. We should have the right to say what is true and what is not true.

"We can be rivals in elections but I have no objections and I am sure Congress will have no objections," he said. The NC president said he was not averse to taking support of the independents as well but he would not go begging for it.

"I will not go to beg before them. If they feel they can strengthen the state, most welcome. It should be their initiative. They should want to do good for the people," he added. The former chief minister also flayed the power given to the LG to nominate members.

"The LG should first of all stay away from this process as a government is being formed. It is for the government to nominate people and send it (nominations) to the LG. That is the normal procedure. What they want to do, I do not know. However, if they do it (give powers to LG), we will go to the Supreme Court. What is the point in making the government, if the Lord Sahib remains here? We have to fight against all this," Abdullah told reporters.

The five reserved seats are for two women, two Kashmiri migrants and one for refugees from Pakistan occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

The 2024 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine has been awarded to Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun for the discovery of microRNA and its role in post-transcriptional gene regulation.

The 2024 Physiology or Medicine prize focuses on the discovery of a vital regulatory mechanism used in cells to control gene activity. Genetic information flows from DNA to messenger RNA (mRNA), via a process called transcription, and then on to the cellular machinery for protein production. There, mRNAs are translated so that proteins are made according to the genetic instructions stored in DNA.

Since the mid-20th century, several of the most fundamental scientific discoveries have explained how these processes work. In 1993, this year's Nobel Prize laureates published unexpected findings describing a new level of gene regulation, which turned out to be highly significant and conserved throughout evolution. They discovered microRNA, a new class of tiny RNA molecules that play a crucial role in gene regulation.

Delhi Chief Minister Atishi will shift to the 6, Flagstaff Road bungalow on Monday, days after her predecessor Arvind Kejriwal vacated it and moved to a new address in Lutyens' Delhi, officials said.

The shifting of the chief minister's personal effects and other belongings is underway, they said. Atishi was earlier allotted the AB-17 bungalow on Mathura Road after she was appointed a minister in the Kejriwal government last year.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Kejriwal, who resigned as chief minister in September, vacated the Flagstaff Road bungalow in Civil Lines last Friday.

His new address is 5, Ferozeshah Road near Mandi House, which has been allotted to AAP Rajya Sabha MP from Punjab Ashok Mittal. Atishi used to stay in south Delhi's Kalkaji with her parents while former deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia was occupying the AB-17 bungalow.

Last week, Sisodia vacated the house and moved to Rajya Sabha MP Harbhajan Singh's official residence on RP Road, officials added. PTI

Political parties and leaders wait with bated breath as the counting day approaches in Haryana, with the ruling BJP confident of retaining power for a third term, and the Congress, which is out of power for 10 years, more than hopeful of making a comeback when results are announced on Tuesday.

Officials said all preparations, including security arrangements, have been completed for the counting process which begins at 8 am on October 8. "A three-tier security arrangements have been made at counting venues," Haryana's Chief Electoral Officer Pankaj Agarwal told PTI on Monday.

The elections in Haryana are the first major direct contest between the BJP and the Congress following the Lok Sabha polls, and the result here would be used by the winner to build a narrative in their favour in other states where polls due over the next few months.

The key parties in the fray are the BJP, the Congress, Aam Aadmi Party, INLD-BSP and JJP-Azad Samaj Party. However, most seats are likely to see a direct fight between the BJP and the Congress. Jammu and Kashmir also voted alongside Haryana, but most seats there have witnessed multi-corner contests rather than a direct Congress-BJP fight.

Elections are due in Maharashtra, Jharkhand and Delhi in a few months. A total of 1,031 candidates, including 464 Independents and 101 women, are in the fray on Haryana's 90 constituencies which voted in single phase on October 5. Several exit polls have predicted a Congress victory in Haryana which recorded a voter turnout of 67.90 per cent.

Rejecting the exit poll results, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has claimed his party BJP will form the government for a third time with full majority on October 8. He said when results are announced on October 8 the Congress will blame Electronic Voting Machines.

On the other hand, Congress leader and former Haryana chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, a frontrunner for the chief minister's post if his party wins, exuded confidence of a comfortable majority.

On BJP leaders claiming that their party will return to power, Hooda had earlier stated, "What else will BJP say? They will come to know once results are out."

The INLD-BSP alliance has also claimed that it will form the next government once results are declared, while JJP leader Dushyant Chautala has exuded confidence that his alliance will get good numbers.

Aam Aadmi Party supremo Arvind Kejriwal, whose party contested Haryana polls on its own, has been claiming that no government in Haryana can be formed without the support of his Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).

The ruling BJP has been saying that its return to office will be powered by its record on good governance, transparent administration, equitable development, jobs on merit, welfare initiatives for all sections including farmers, poor and the weak.

14:27 If Cong Haryana will Hooda be CM? He says...

A day before the Haryana assembly poll results, senior Congress leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda on Monday reiterated that he is "neither tired nor retired" and said the final decision of the high command on the chief ministerial pick will be acceptable to all.

Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, the former chief minister Hooda talked about the good governance provided under his leadership between 2005-2014 and alleged that law and order had once again "collapsed" under the BJP rule, as was the case before he took over as chief minister in 2005.

"The vote share of Congress increased in all the 10 Lok Sabha seats in Haryana. In all the 90 Vidhan Sabha seats also, the vote share of Congress had increased. The people have indicated this very clearly," he said.

Discussing the oft-speculated question of who would be the party's chief ministerial pick, Hooda said, "The opinion of MLAs will be sought, and then the high command (of the party) will make the final decision. The decision taken will be acceptable to all...The Congress has performed well in all the seats."

Asked what would be the first cabinet decision if his party comes to power, the Leader of Opposition in the outgoing assembly said, "When the Congress forms its government, ask the CM this question."

Repeatedly asked about his chief ministerial ambitions, the 77-year-old said, "I again say it, neither am I tired nor retired."

Besides Hooda, his son Deepender Singh Hooda, Kumari Selja and Randeep Surjewala are also being seen as chief ministerial aspirants. He also claimed that he had been proven right that the contest is between the Congress and the BJP in Haryana and people will not vote for "vote cutters".

The campaigning for the state polls ended on October 3 and the votes were cast on October 5. The results will be announced on October 8. PTI

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday said security forces have been carrying out "offensive operations" instead of defensive against Naxals and have achieved big successes in recent times.

Addressing chief ministers and top officials of the Naxal-affected states, Shah said due to the improved security situation, high voter turnout -- up to 70 per cent -- was witnessed in the Maoist-hit region in the last Lok Sabha polls. There was zero polling in the region earlier, he said.

The crucial meeting, which discussed anti-Naxal operations and development initiatives carried out in the affected areas, came days after the security forces killed 31 ultras in the forests of Chhattisgarh in one of the most successful operations against them in recent times.

"Security forces are now carrying out offensive operations instead of defensive operations earlier," Shah said. Describing Naxals as the biggest hurdle to development, he said they are the biggest human rights violators who have been depriving over eight crore people of development and basic welfare opportunities. The Naxal-affected states include Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Telangana, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. Due to the strategy of the Modi government, the Left Wing Extremism (LWE) violence has come down by 72 per cent while there was an 86 per cent decline in deaths in 2023 as compared to 2010. Naxals are fighting their last battle now, officials said.

Union ministers closely involved with providing development support to the LWE-affected states also attended the meeting, along with senior officers from the Centre, states and the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs).

Israel's ambassador to the UK, Tzipi Hotovely, says her country has been in a "different place" since Hamas's attacks on 7 October last year.

Speaking to the BBC, she describes the attacks as a "watershed moment" that has left many struggling with long-term trauma.

"Our hearts are still bleeding," she says.

"This thing happened because we were surrounded by this ring of fire created by Iran that wanted to create proxies that can attack Israel simultaneously, from the north, from Hezbollah, from the east, from the south, from Hamas."

It is one year since Hamas gunmen crossed into Israel and launched their wave of deadly attacks.

Hadas Kalderon, from the Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel, survived the attack, but her mother and niece were murdered.

Her two youngest children were kidnapped, along with their father, and taken to Gaza. Her children came home last November but their father, her ex-husband, is still held captive.

-- BBC

'At one time, I felt being a mother was the ultimate experience, a woman was not complete without it. Now I feel it's not the be all and end all. Motherhood is a part of a jigsaw puzzle; life is the real big picture.'

Even a few days before her 70th birthday, Rekha continues to entertain and enthrall her fans. We celebrate the diva in a week-long special, leading up to her landmark birthday on October 10, and begin with an interview she had given way back in 1994.

Excerpts from an interview Rekha to Dinesh Raheja, then editor of Movie magazine, "Unfortunately for me, I got no great roles (or let's say fortunately because it has taught me a lot). And no great directors so to speak of. I didn't get hit songs like Mumtaz or the other girls did."

Read the interview here.

Veteran industrialist and Tata Sons Chairman Emeritus Ratan Tata on Monday said there is no cause for concern regarding his health and he is undergoing check-ups for age-related medical conditions.

Terming as "rumour" reports of his hospitalisation in a Mumbai hospital, in a post on social media platform X, 86-year-old Tata said, "these claims are unfounded". "I am currently undergoing medical check-ups due to my age related medical conditions," he asserted.

"There is no cause for concern. I remain in good spirits," he said, requesting public and media to refrain from "spreading misinformation". PTI

After several exit polls projected a possible comeback for Congress in Haryana after a decade, party leader and MP Gaurav Gogoi on Monday took a dig at the BJP saying that their double-engine government was never on track, they always worked against people and with big industrialists.

Expressing his views on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's influence in Vidhan Sabha elections, Gogoi said that PM Modi is no longer a factor in these elections and added that due to PM Modi's economic policies, issues of unemployment and inflation have increased everywhere."

"First of all, PM Modi is not a factor in Vidhan Sabha elections anymore. Once upon a time, PM Modi used to campaign even for Delhi MCD elections. But today, he has become a liability. Due to his economic policies, the issues of unemployment and inflation have increased everywhere. That is why, this is not the evidence of just one Vidhan Sabha election or just of north India, PM Modi is not a factor anymore in any Vidhan Sabha across India," the Congress leader said.

He also exuded confidence that the Congress will not just win in Haryana but also in the upcoming elections.

"Their double-engine government was never on track, they always worked against people and with big industrialists. That is why, not just in Haryana, but you will see Congress' flag flying high in upcoming elections as well," Gogoi said.

This comes after the exit polls predicted a clean sweep for the Congress party in Haryana, with some polls predicting the party winning more than 50 of the 90 seats in the assembly.

11:47 Bail for Umar Khalid? HC hearing on Nov 25

The Delhi High Court will hear on November 25 the bail plea of former JNU student Umar Khalid and student activist Sharjeel Imam in a UAPA case related to the alleged larger conspiracy behind the communal riots here in February 2020.

The two bail pleas, along with similar pleas by other co-accused in the case --'United Against Hate' founder Khalid Saifi and others -- were on Monday listed for fresh hearing before a bench of Justices Navin Chawla and Shalinder Kaur.

The bench, however, did not assemble. The cases were earlier before a bench headed by Justice Suresh Kumar Kait but the judge was recently transferred to the Madhya Pradesh High Court as its chief justice. Khalid, Imam and several others have been booked under the anti-terror law Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and provisions of the Indian Penal Code for allegedly being the "masterminds" of the February 2020 riots, which had left 53 people dead and over 700 injured.

The violence had erupted during the protests against the CAA and NRC. Khalid, who was arrested by the Delhi Police in September 2020, has assailed a trial court order of May 28, which refused to grant him bail in the case.

Notice on his appeal was issued by the high court in July. The pleas of Imam, Saifi and other accused were filed in 2022 and have been listed before different benches from time to time since then. Imam, in his appeal filed in 2022, has assailed a trial court order of April 11, 2022 which refused to grant him bail. The police had arrested Imam in the present case on August 25, 2020.

On May 28, the trial court had rejected Khalid's plea seeking regular bail for the second time, saying its previous order dismissing his first bail application had attained finality.

"When the Delhi High Court has already dismissed the criminal appeal of the applicant (Khalid) vide order dated October 18, 2022, and thereafter, the applicant approached the Supreme Court and withdrew his petition, the order of this court as passed on March 24, 2022 (on the first bail plea), has attained finality and now, in no stretch of imagination this court can make analysis of the facts of the case as desired by the applicant and consider the relief as prayed by him," the trial court had said.

On October 18, 2022, the high court had upheld the dismissal of the first bail plea and said the city police's allegations against Khalid are prima facie true.

The high court had said that admittedly, the anti-CAA protests "metamorphosed into violent riots", which "prima facie seemed to be orchestrated at the conspiratorial meetings" and the statements of the witnesses indicate Khalid's "active involvement" in the protests. PTI

11:24 Deaths due to extreme heat: TN min on air show

Tamil Nadu Health Minister Ma Subramanian on Monday confirmed that five people had lost their lives due to the after effects of excessive heat duringe the Air Force Air show at the Marina Beach in Chennai on Sunday.

"Five people died, all 5 deaths were due to high temperature. A total of 102 people were affected by the soaring heat, with 93 initially requiring hospitalization. 5 people were brought in dead, 2 at Omandurar General Hospital, 2 at Royapet General Hosital, and 1 at Rajiv Gandhi Hospital," Ma Subramanian said.

"Fortunately, the situation has improved, with only 7 remaining inpatients as of now. Four at Omandurar Hospital, 2 at Rajiv Gandhi Hospital, and 1 at Royapet Hospital," the minister added.

The Health Minister also noted that precautionary measures had been communicated in advance of the event."IAF already informed about precautions which has to be taken while coming for show with umbrella and water bottle."

Earlier in a post on X Ma Subramanian had claimed that the state government had made all arrangements as per the IAF's demand."Full administrative cooperation of the Government of Tamil Nadu was extended to successfully conduct the Indian Air Force Air Adventure Program at Chennai.

In order to properly plan and conduct the event, a coordination meeting was held under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretary with Indian Air Force officers and Tamil Nadu government

A Delhi court on Monday granted bail to RJD chief and former Railway Minister Lalu Prasad and his sons Tejashwi Yadav and Tej Pratap Yadav in the land-for-jobs money laundering case.

Special Judge Vishal Gogne granted the relief to the accused persons on a personal bond of Rs 1 lakh each, noting that they were not arrested during the investigation.

The accused appeared before the court in pursuance to summons issued to them by the court earlier. The judge had issued the summons after taking cognisance of a supplementary charge sheet against the accused persons.

Durga puja was not held in 2020 due to Covid and the one in 2021 was also subdued

10:51 Bengal unites over RG Kar, Durga puja subdued

Durga puja, West Bengal's biggest carnival, is likely to be subdued this year as calls to boycott the festivities grow in response to protests over the brutal rape-murder of a woman doctor at RG Kar hospital in August, casting a shadow over the city's festive spirit.

The killing of the doctor on duty at the state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9 has ignited profound emotional turmoil across the state, as the vibrant excitement of Durga puja has been overshadowed by the troubling paradox of worshipping the goddess of strength and protection while real-life women continue to face grave dangers.

As Kolkata grapples with this tragedy, the city stands at a crossroads between tradition and change, torn between devotion to the goddess Durga, symbolising strength, protection, and justice, and the harsh reality of daily violence and injustice faced by women.

"It appears that this year's Durga puja will be much more subdued due to the RG Kar incident and the ongoing protests. Many people may participate in the Puja but choose to avoid the festive celebrations. Many can relate to the victim and her family, which is why the protests have emerged so spontaneously," sociologist Prashanta Roy told PTI.

The incident sparked an emotional outcry across the state, especially in the eastern metropolis, where nearly 3,000 Durga pujas are organised. For many Kolkatans, this year's Durga puja has transformed from a mere festival into a symbol of the ongoing struggle for justice, prompting reflection on the significance of worshipping a goddess when real-life women embodying her spirit remain unsafe.

"How can the city celebrate a festival that glorifies the divine feminine while turning a blind eye to the real-life women who suffer? This year, Durga puja may not only be a celebration but also a platform for a broader conversation about women's safety and justice. This conversation is long overdue," said a professor of a government college, who has been at the forefront of protests but did not wish to be named.

In the days leading up to Durga puja, Kolkata, typically buzzes with preparations streets lined with pandals, lights strung up, and the air filled with the scent of festive delicacies but this year, a noticeable silence prevails, punctuated by the cries of We Want Justice echoing across the city. Durga puja is not only Bengal's most celebrated festival but also a major economic driver, generating approximately Rs 32,377 crore in revenue according to a 2019 British Council of India report, and in 2024, this figure is expected to rise, providing vital support to thousands of livelihoods, including marquee creators, idol-makers, dhakis (traditional drummers), electricians, and vendors.

"This call to stay away from the festivities has two dimensions. Although the urban and semi-urban masses might respond to this call, the rural people are likely to participate in the festival.

"But this call for shunning festivities is likely to have an impact on the economy during Durga puja - be it advertisement revenues for various clubs or small-time traders, food stall owners, street food vendors, drummers and decorators who wait for Durga Puja throughout the year," socio-political analyst Maidul Islam told PTI.

The typical pre-puja shopping frenzy at popular markets has sharply declined, leaving vendors who depend on Durga puja for a significant portion of their annual income struggling.

"This year the sale has not been like previous years. Nearly 40 per cent of our puja stock is still in godowns," said Karthik Barui, a trader at Hatibagan Market. Several Durga puja clubs complained that the advertisement revenue this year has come down by 20-30 per cent from the last two years, Kajal Sarkar, president of the Forum for Durgotsab, an umbrella organisation of nearly 800 odd community pujas in Kolkata and its suburbs, told PTI.

The ad collection period is August and September and these two months witnessed intense protests across the state, so most of the brands were wary about whether to give out advertisements, he said.

The cost of marquees, lights, decorations, and idols are all borne from the funds of the clubs and the officials of the club and are later covered by the ad revenues. But this year a huge amount is being spent from our pockets only, Saswata Basu, president of Hatibagan Sarbojonin and secretary of the forum, told PTI. Many community puja committees are concerned about potential unforeseen and unplanned protests, despite Police Commissioner Manoj Kumar Verma's assurance that Durga puja will be peaceful.

Several of these puja committees across West Bengal have declined the state government's grant of Rs 85,000 to support the festival, choosing instead to express their solidarity with the ongoing protests.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee recently said people look forward to the festivities during Durga puja as it is one of the state's biggest festivals. All of us are pained by the R G Kar incident.

"The matter is before the Supreme Court and the CBI is probing the case. So all of us must have faith in the judiciary and should not mix protests with the festival," TMC leader Kunal Ghosh said. We are not against Durga puja. But we won't be part of the festivities as we will be on the streets with our protests and fast-unto-death. For us, indulging in festivities would be a mockery of justice, junior doctor Aniket Mahato said. PTI

10:24 Thane Shiv Sena leader joins Uddhav's Sena

Ahead of the Maharashtra assembly polls, Shiv Sena leader Dipesh Pundlik Mhatre, the former chairman of the Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation's (KDMC) standing committee, has joined the Shiv Sena (UBT) led by Uddhav Thackeray.

Former corporator Mhatre, a Yuva Sena office-bearer, left the party headed by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and joined the Shiv Sena (UBT) along with his supporters on Sunday in the presence of former CM Thackeray.

Six other former KDMC corporators also joined the Thackeray-led party along with Mhatre. Kalyan and Dombivli are part of Thane district, the political turf of CM Shinde.

Welcoming all of them into the Shiv Sena (UBT) at an event at Thackeray's residence 'Matoshree' in Mumbai, the former CM said, "Today marks an important milestone in the history of Shiv Sena. We will come together to create a strong voice for the residents of Dombivli."

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu was accorded a ceremonial reception at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on Monday.

President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi received the Maldivian President and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed as they arrived at Rashtrapati Bhavan earlier today.

President Muizzu, along with First Lady Sajida Mohamed paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat in New Delhi as well. After paying tribute at the Mahatma Gandhi memorial, Muizzu also signed the visitors' book at Rajghat.

Muizzu, who is on an inaugural five-dday bilateral visit to India, is slated to hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Modi at Hyderabad House in the national capital later today.

President Muizzu along with the First Lady of Maldives arrived in India on Sunday, for his first bilateral visit to the country. -- ANI

Junior doctors who are currently on an indefinite hunger strike have asserted that their protest will continue for an "indefinite period" and no one can prove that their demands are wrong in any way.

Junior doctors from the West Bengal Junior Doctors Front on October 5 began an indefinite hunger strike in Kolkata over the RG Kar rape and murder case, demanding that the State government fulfil their long-pending demands.

The protest is being held at Dharmatala, where doctors are refusing to resume work until their issues are addressed. Dr Aqeeb, one of the junior doctor at the strike told ANI that the main and foremost demand is justice in the RG Kar rape and murder incident.

He said, "The role of the CBI in the RG Kar case in the sessions court is very lax. We want justice to be served in this case as soon as possible. We also want that any committees formed in medical colleges for the welfare of students should include a representative from the students' side, and that representative should be elected. This will lead to health reforms and benefit everyone. We have made every possible effort over the past few days, and now this is the last resort for us."

"No one can say that our demands are wrong," he added.

Dr Aqeeb also said that six doctors are sitting on hunger strike and it will continue for an indefinite period.

Earlier, the protesting doctors have accused the authorities of obstructing their protest. They allege that the state police are using intimidation tactics, blocking essential supplies like water and bio-toilets, and even assaulting a junior doctor on the very first day of the protest. -- ANI

A massive blast outside Karachi Airport in Pakistan on Sunday killed two workers from China and injured at least eight, officials from both countries said.

Police and the provincial government said a tanker exploded outside the airport, which is Pakistan's biggest.

A Chinese embassy statement said that a convoy carrying Chinese staff of the Port Qasim Electric Power Company (Private) Limited had been attacked around 11 pm, killing two Chinese and injuring one other.

It said there were Pakistani casualties as well.

The provincial home minister, Zia Ul Hassan, told local TV station Geo that the explosion was an attack targeting foreigners.

Thousands of Chinese workers are in Pakistan, most of them involved in Beijing's multibillion-dollar Belt and Road Initiative that connects south and central Asia with the Chinese capital.

Videos showed flames engulfing cars and a thick column of smoke rising from the scene. There was a heavy military deployment at the site, which was cordoned off.

The Chinese statement called the explosion a "terrorist attack" and said that China is working with Pakistan to handle the aftermath. It called for a thorough investigation to punish the perpetrators and reminded Chinese citizens in the country to take safety precautions.

"The Chinese embassy and consulates general in Pakistan strongly condemn this terrorist attack (and) express deep condolences to the innocent victims of both countries," the statement said.

Deputy Inspector General East Azfar Mahesar told media that it seemed like it was an oil tanker explosion.

"We are determining the nature and reasons for the blast. It takes time."

Police officers were among the injured, he added. The home minister and inspector general also visited the blast site, but they did not talk to the media.

Rahat Hussain, who works in the civil aviation department, said the blast was so big that it shook the airport's buildings.

-- Adit Jawad in Karachi/PTI

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued yellow alerts for six districts in Kerala for Monday as moderate rainfall continues across the state, officials said here.

As per the district rainfall forecast issued on Sunday, a yellow alert has been issued for Thiruvananthapuram, Idukki, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, and Wayanad districts for Monday.

The weather office also forecast thunderstorms accompanied by light to moderate rainfall, ranging from 5-15 mm per hour, and gusty winds with speeds reaching 40 km/h in parts of Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, and Kottayam districts.

The author, who lost an eye as a result of the attack, says he is working on a trilogy of novellas. Read more here.

09:39 Nifty Sensex break five-session losing trend

Indian markets opened with gains on Monday, following positive trends in global markets. Last week, Indian markets lost more than 4 per cent.

The Nifty 50 opened at 25,084.10 points, surging by 69.50 points or 0.28 per cent, while the BSE Sensex opened at 81,852.01, with a gain of 163.56 points or 0.20 per cent.

Market experts noted that Indian markets are expected to remain positive this week, but geopolitical conditions and the earnings season, which begins this week, could impact market performance.

A girl was arrested on Sunday in Pakistan's Sindh province after 13 members of her family died due to the mixing of poison in their food as they were not ready to let her marry according to her choice, police said.

The deaths took place on August 19 in Haibat Khan Brohi village near Khairpur.

The girl got angry after her family did not allow her to marry the boy of her choice. She then conspired with her boyfriend to poison the family members, including her parents.

"All of the 13 members fell ill after having their food and were rushed to a hospital where all of them died. When the post-mortem was done it emerged that these people had died from poisonous food, senior police officer Inayat Shah said from Khairpur.

He said when the police conducted a thorough investigation it was found out that the daughter and her boyfriend had put poison in the wheat used to make rotis in the house.

Following this police arrested her on Sunday.

"She was angry because, despite her efforts, her family was not ready to let her marry the boy of her choice," Shah said.

"The girl confessed to mixing poison in the wheat with the help of her boyfriend," he added. -- PTI