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Thu, 24 October 2024
UP ATS begins probe into funding of 4K madrassas
Timeline Refresh
23:59 Have stopped morning walk due to spike in air pollution: CJI Chandrachud
Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud on Thursday said he had stopped going out for his morning walk owing to the rising levels of air pollution in the national capital.
In an informal interaction with journalists in the apex court, CJI Chandrachud said his doctor had advised him to avoid stepping out in the morning as it was better for him to remain inside than contract respiratory ailments.
"I have stopped going out for a morning walk from today (October 24). I usually go for a morning walk at around 4-4.15 am," he said, while referring to spike in the air pollution levels.
The 50th CJI, who will be demitting office on November 10, also made an announcement on doing away with a mandatory criteria of holding a law degree for accrediting journalists covering proceedings of the apex court.
He said the accredited journalists would now get the facility to park their vehicles in the Supreme Court premises.
He also spoke about digitisation of records and judicial processes and the introduction of artificial intelligence in translating apex court judgements in various regional languages. -- PTI
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23:56 BSF recovers Chinese drones in Amritsar, Tarn Taran
The Border Security Force troops recovered two made-in-China drones in Punjab's Amritsar and one in Tarn Taran district, said BSF in a press release on Thursday.
According to an official release, "Acting on information by BSF intelligence wing, the BSF troops recovered 3 drones in a day from different locations in the border area of Amritsar and Tarn Taran district on October 24."
As per the release, "A drone in broken condition was recovered by BSF in collaboration with Punjab police at about 9.50 am from the farming field adjacent to village Bacchiwind in district Amritsar."
"Another drone was recovered by BSF troops at about 1.45 pm from the area adjacent to the village Rattan Khurd of district Amritsar."
"A drone was recovered by BSF troops at about 1.45 pm from a farming field adjacent to village- Khalra in district Tarn Taran," said the release.
All the 3 recovered drones were identified as China-made DJI Mavic 3 Classic.
These recoveries highlight the BSF's commitment to prevent any illicit movement of Pakistani drones from across the border, thus decimating the desperate attempts of cross border narco-syndicates, said the release. Earlier in the day, two people were arrested following an encounter with the Punjab police near Diamond Avenue area in Amritsar.
According to the police, gunshots were fired by both sides and one person was injured. Later both were arrested with weapons.
"Two pistols were recovered from them, one of them was a sophisticated Glock 9mm and .32 bore pistol with 13 rounds. It seems to be a case of inter-gang rivalry. We will soon nab another two accused of the same gang," said Amritsar police commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar. -- ANI
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23:28 UP ATS begins probe into funding of 4K madrassas
Uttar Pradesh Anti Terrorist Squad has started a probe into the funding of more than 4,000 unaided madrassas being run in the state, a senior official said on Thursday.
Of these, 495 are in Bahraich alone, and of which, at least 100 are being operated in villages on the India-Nepal border, district minority welfare officer Sanjay Mishra said.
On October 21, minority welfare director J Reebha issued a letter to all district minority welfare officers about an operation into the funding of all unaided madrassas in the state, he said.
In her letter, the director said that the director general of police of ATS has been provided a list of 4,191 madrassas. -- PTI
23:05 Murder suspect on the run for 30 years arrested in Karnataka
The Mangaluru Central Crime Branch police have nabbed a murder suspect who had been evading arrest for nearly 30 years, police said on Thursday.
The accused, involved in a murder and assault case near MRPL in the Surathkal police station limits, was finally captured after an intensive operation, they said.
As per the case details with the Surathkal police station, around 30 years ago, a murder and assault took place, the police said.
According to the police, the owner of Rakshak Industrial Security Institute, Abdullah, had hired five security guards for a Delhi-based company.
On the night of March 12, 1995, at approximately 10:30 p.m., security guards Suresh, Narayan, and Devanna were on duty at the site when three unknown individuals approached.
The guards questioned their presence at that late hour, leading to an altercation.
Two of the individuals attacked the security guards, resulting in the death of Narayan, who sustained severe injuries.
The Surathkal police registered a case in connection with the incident, back then, a senior police official said.
On the same night, two of the suspects, identified as Achhan Kunju and Jose Kutty, were involved in a separate altercation with some labourers near the canteen at the MRPL site, he said. -- PTI
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22:38 UP bypolls: SP announces candidates for 2 more seats
The Samajwadi Party on Thursday announced two more candidates for the November 13 Uttar Pradesh assembly bypolls.
The party had earlier named six candidates. With Singh Raj Jatav contesting the Ghaziabad seat and Charu Kain the Khair (Aligarh) seat, the SP has announced eight candidates for the bypolls.
The Election Commission has announced a by-election on nine seats, leaving out Milkipur (Ayodhya) due to a court case.
The SP has yet to name its candidate from the Kundarki seat.
The seats going to polls include Katehari (Ambedkar Nagar), Karhal (Mainpuri), Meerapur (Muzaffarnagar), Ghaziabad, Majhawan (Mirzapur), Sishamau (Kanpur city), Khair (Aligarh), Phulpur (Prayagraj) and Kundarki (Moradabad).
Eight of these seats fell vacant after their MLAs were elected as MPs in the Lok Sabha polls, while a bypoll is being held on the Sisamau seat due to the disqualification of SP MLA Irfan Solanki, who was convicted in a criminal case.
The SP's six candidates named earlier are -- Tej Pratap Yadav from Karhal, Naseem Solanki from Sisamau, Mustafa Siddiqui from Phulpur, Shobhawati Verma from Katehari, Jyodi Bind from Majhwan and Sumbul Rana from Meerapur. -- PTI
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22:11 Air India's contact centres hit by tech glitch
Air India on Thursday announced a customer advisory informing that its contact centers are currently experiencing technical difficulties, which may affect customers trying to reach their service executives.
In a post on X, the airline assured that the airline is working with its telecom partners to resolve the issues soon.
"One of the telecom providers for our contact centers is facing technical difficulties. Due to this, there may be challenges connecting with our contact centers. While the telecom provider resolves the issue at its end, may we request your understanding and patience," Air India posted on X.
Meanwhile, Air India and Akasa Air flights received security alerts on Thursday.
"Some Air India flights were subject to security threats received on social media on October 24, 2024. Following the laid down protocols, relevant authorities were immediately alerted, and all security procedures were strictly adhered to, as per guidance from the regulatory authorities. The safety and security of our passengers, crew, and aircraft remain our top priority," an Air India official said.
According to the Akasa Air spokesperson, the airline's response teams are following all safety and security procedures in coordination with local authorities.
"Some of our flights operating on October 24, 2024, have received security alerts today. The Akasa Air Emergency Response teams are monitoring the situation and are in touch with the security and regulatory authorities. We are following all safety and security procedures in coordination with local authorities and the Akasa Air teams on the ground are prepared to assist passengers to ensure their safety and comfort," the spokesperson said.
Additionally, Goa International Airport (Dabolim) and Manohar International Airport in Goa were also put on high alert on Thursday after four aircraft bound for these airports received bomb threats.
The Bomb Threat Assessment Committee (BTAC) has been constituted for both airports to assess the threats.
Slain NCP leader Baba Siddique/File image
22:11 Siddique shooter promised passport for fleeing India
The masterminds of the murder of NCP leader Baba Siddique had promised to obtain a passport based on fake documents for one of the shooters so that he could escape abroad, police said here on Thursday.
They also paid the shooter, Gurnail Singh (23), Rs 50,000, a police official said.
Siddique, a former Maharashtra minister, was shot dead outside the office of his MLA son Zeeshan Siddique in Bandra area here on October 12.
Gurnail and another alleged shooter Dharmaraj Kashyap were arrested immediately after the attack, whereas their accomplice Shivkumar Gautam managed to flee.
Gurnail Singh, a resident of Kaithal in Haryana, had a murder case registered against him in 2019, the official said.
He had fear of being convicted in that case and wanted to flee the country, as per the probe.
The conspirators promised to help him leave India by obtaining a passport based on fake documents for him, the police official said.
Shivkumar, Dharmaraj and Gurnail were from the "second module" of the shooters who were in contact with `conspirator' Shubham Lonkar and `mastermind' Mohammed Zeeshan Akhtar, he said. -- PTI
22:03 Congress names 48 candidates in Maha first list
The Congress on Thursday announced its first list of 48 candidates for the Maharashtra assembly polls, fielding its state unit chief Nana Patole from Sakoli, former chief minister Prithviraj Chavan from Karad South and Leader of Opposition in the outgoing assembly Vijay Wadettiwar from Brahmapuri.
The opposition party also fielded former ministers Nitin Raut and Balasaheb Thorat from Nagpur North and Sangamner respectively, Jyoti Eknath Gaikwad from Dharavi, Amit Deshmukh from Latur City and Dheeraj Deshmukh from Latur Rural.
Mohammad Aarif Naseem Khan has been fielded from Chandivali, Aslam Sheikh from Malad West, Ranjit Kamble from Deoli and Vikas Thakre from Nagpur West.
The list comes a day after the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) of the Congress, NCP (SP) and Shiv Sena (UBT) announced that they will contest 85 seats each in the November 20 polls.
However, deliberations to seal a final pact are still underway. The three allies are discussing the sharing of the remaining 33 seats of the total 288 among themselves and smaller parties.
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21:49 Indigo flight to Jodhpur receives bomb threat, found to be hoax after search
An Indigo flight from Pune to Jodhpur received a bomb threat via email on Thursday which was found hoax after an intensive search of the aircraft by authorities.
DCP East, Alok Srivastava, said that the airport authority had received an email threatening to blow up Indigo flight no. 6E133, which had taken off from Pune for Jodhpur.
On this information, the airport authority informed the airport police station.
The police and CISF officers rushed to the spot and the aircraft was searched at the airport.
A bomb disposal squad and a dog squad were also called to the scene.
"The incoming flight was made to land at the isolation bay. Passengers' luggage as well as every nook and corner of the flight was thoroughly searched, but no explosives were found. After obtaining confirmation following an intensive search, it turned out to be a hoax threat. The flight was finally allowed to take off for its further destination at 2.05 pm," the official said.
The flight departed from Pune at 11:50 amand landed at Jodhpur Airport at 1:19 pm.
This is the second bomb hoax on this flight within a week. The same flight had a bomb threat on Sunday also. -- PTI
21:35 Modi calls Odisha CM Majhi twice, enquires about cyclone preparedness
Prime Minister Narendra Modi called Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi twice on Thursday and enquired about the state's preparedness for the impending cyclone, set to make landfall between Bhitarkanika and Dhamra post midnight.
During their conversation, the chief minister provided detailed information about the ongoing relocation of people and the deployment of response forces such as the NDRF and ODRAF for public safety, according to a statement from the Chief Minister's Office.
The Prime Minister expressed satisfaction with the state's preparations.
Additionally, Union Minister Amit Shah discussed the situation with the chief minister and promised to provide all necessary assistance and support, the CMO said.
According to the Indian meteorological department's latest bulletin at 5.30pm, severe cyclone 'Dana' moved north-northwestwards with a speed of 13 kmph during past 6 hours and lay centred about 90 km southeast of Paradip (Odisha), 110 km south-southeast of Dhamara (Odisha) and 210 km south of Sagar Island (West Bengal). -- PTI
Justice Sanjiv Khanna/ANI Photo
21:15 Justice Sanjiv Khanna to be sworn-in as CJI on Nov 11
Justice Sanjiv Khanna was on Thursday appointed the 51st Chief Justice of India.
He will take oath on November 11, a day after incumbent Justice DY Chandrachud demits office on attaining the age of 65. Justice Chandrachud took over as the CJI on November 8, 2022.
Justice Khanna will have a tenure of a little over six months as CJI and would demit office on May 13, 2025.
"In exercise of the power conferred by the Constitution of India, Hon'ble President, after consultation with Hon'ble Chief Justice of India, is pleased to appoint Shri Justice Sanjiv Khanna, Judge of the Supreme Court of India as Chief Justice of India with effect from 11th November, 2024," Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal posted on X. -- PTI
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21:11 Cong, BJP workers clash during nomination filing in Assam
Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party workers clashed during the filing of nomination by an opposition candidate for bypolls to the Samaguri assembly seat in Assam on Thursday, a police officer said.
The clash between the two groups broke out when Congress candidate Tanzil Hussain was on his way from Kawoimari area to the district commissioner's office in a procession to file his nomination for the November 13 by-elections.
As the procession of hundreds of Congress supporters moved forward, they purportedly came face-to-face with BJP workers and a clash between the two sides ensued, the officer said.
The police and para-military forces deployed at the site brought the situation under control and the Congress rally proceeded to the DC's office without any other problems, he said.
It was not known whether the party workers on either side sustained injuries in the incident but some journalists were hurt, the officer said.
Tanzil, son of former minister Rakibul Hussain who had been representing Samaguri for the last 23 years before being elected to the Lok Sabha from Dhubri earlier this year, was accompanied by top Congress leaders, including AICC general secretary Jitendra Singh, state party chief Bhupen Kumar Borah and MPs Rakibul Hussain, Gaurav Gogoi and Pradyut Bordoloi. -- PTI
21:06 Army porter killed, 3 soldiers hurt in J-K terror attack
A porter was killed and five others, including three soldiers, were injured on Thursday when terrorists attacked an Army vehicle in Jammu and Kashmir's Gulmarg area, officials said.
They said the terrorists opened fire on the vehicle at Botapathri near Nagin post.
The officials said a porter was killed in the attack, while four soldiers sustained injuries.
The injured soldiers were rushed to a hospital, they added. -- PTI
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20:48 NIA arrests terrorist Arshdeep Dala's absconding associate from Delhi airport
In a major breakthrough in its efforts to destroy the Khalistani terror network in India, the National Investigation Agency on Thursday arrested an absconding close associate of designated individual terrorist Arshdeep Singh Dala alias Arsh Dala of Khalistan Terrorist Force, from Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport.
Baljeet Singh alias Baljeet Maur of Punjab's Bathinda district was taken into custody by the NIA on his arrival at the IGI Airport from United Arab Emirates.
Besides being wanted in the case relating to terror activities of the proscribed KTF, Baljeet was also wanted in several other cases.
Baljeet, against whom a Look Out Circular was issued in February this year, also had a non-bailable warrant of arrest against him since June 2024.
His arrest marks a significant development in India's fight against terrorism, particularly concerning the activities of KTF and Dala.
NIA investigations have revealed that Baljeet was involved in providing logistics support, identification of extortion targets, recruitment of new cadres, as well as terror funding to India-based associates of accused Arsh Dala. -- ANI
20:15 Shankaracharya boycotts event over Sai Baba idol
The Shankaracharya of Jyotish Peeth cancelled a scheduled event of his at a Ram temple in Shimla on Thursday as he was irked over the placement of a Sai Baba idol in the shrine and said there is no place for Sai Baba in Hindu temples.
Jyotispeethadheeswar Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati, who was scheduled to participate in the 'Gau Dhwaj' hoisting programme at the Ram temple in Shimla, boycotted the event and did not visit the shrine.
Shankaracharya, who went to the Jakhoo temple for 'Gau Dhwaj' hoisting in the morning, conveyed the message that he would not visit the Ram temple after he was informed that an idol of Sai Baba was placed in the shrine.
"Sai Baba has no place in Hindu temples and his name has not been mentioned anywhere. Priests and trustees of the temple have installed the idol of Sai Baba for earning money," he said in a video released in Shimla.
"We condemn the action of those, irrespective of who they are, for placing the idol of Sai in a temple of our gods," he said.
The proposed visit to the temple was cancelled after the Shankaracharya was informed that there was an idol of Sai Baba installed in the temple, said Jeet Ram Sharma, the priest of the Ram temple.
The statue of Sai Baba is actually installed outside the temple and no prayers are held there, he added.
Meanwhile, state vice-president of Gau Rakshak Dal Gauputra Ravi demanded the removal of the idol of Sai Baba and said the Shankaracharya has assured people that he will visit the temple once the idol is removed. -- PTI
20:06 President Murmu on 2-day visit to Chhattisgarh
President Droupadi Murmu will be on a two-day visit to Chhattisgarh from Friday, the Rashtrapati Bhavan has said.
The President will grace the 2nd convocation of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Raipur on Friday, it said in a statement issued on Thursday.
"On the same day, she will grace the 14th convocation of the NIT (National Institute of Technology), Raipur and visit the Purkhauti Muktangan at Naya Raipur," it said.
On October 26, Murmu will grace the 3rd and 4th joint convocation of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) in Bhilai.
She will also grace the 3rd convocation of Pt Deendayal Upadhyaya Memorial Health Science and Ayush University of Chhattisgarh in Raipur, the statement said. -- PTI
19:39 Urdu teacher asked to chant 'Jai Shri Ram' in UP
An Urdu teacher visiting a housing society in Ghaziabad for private tuition was allegedly forced out of the complex by a group of men who heckled him and reportedly asked him to chant 'Jai Shri Ram', police said on Thursday.
The key accused in the case, identified as Manoj Kumar who lives in the society located in the Crossings Republik township, has been arrested, Assistant Commissioner of Police (Wave City), Lipi Nagaich, said.
According to the police, Mohammad Alamgir, who regularly visits the society to teach a student at a flat on the 16th floor, was intercepted by Kumar and other residents on Tuesday.
They allegedly raised 'Jai Shri Ram' slogans and asked Alamgir to do the same. When he refused, Kumar became aggressive and blocked his entry into the elevator, the ACP said.
The situation escalated as more residents joined the confrontation, repeatedly pressuring Alamgir to chant 'Jai Shri Ram'.
A security guard and some other residents intervened to pacify the situation but the group allegedly continued to intimidate Alamgir and eventually forced him to leave the society, the officer said.
Alamgir later lodged a police complaint detailing his ordeal without explicitly mentioning that he was forced to chant 'Jai Shri Ram', which he told the police verbally, Nagaich said, adding that Kumar has been booked under sections 126(2) (wrongful restraint), 352 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace), and 351(2) (criminal intimidation) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). -- PTI
Courtesy, Alluarjunonline on Instagram
19:05 Pushpa 2's release advanced, here's the new date
Building more anticipation among fans, Allu Arjun on Thursday announced the new release date for his upcoming thriller Pushpa 2: The Rule.
Taking to Instagram, Allu Arjun treated fans with a new intriguing poster along with a new release date.
The poster captures Allu Arjun in his swag while holding a gun in one hand and smoking a pipe.
Sharing the poster, he wrote, "#Pushpa2TheRuleOnDec5th."
Produced by Mythri Movie Makers and Muttamsetty Media, the film will see Allu, Rashmika Mandanna, and Fahadh Faasil reprise their roles as Pushpa Raj, Srivalli, and Bhanwar Singh Shekhawat.
Allu Arjun, the main lead of the film, received a National Film Award for his performance in the first part.
The film was earlier scheduled to be released in August. However, in June, the makers locked December 6 as the new release date but now they have advanced the date by a day and it's set to hit the theatres on December 5.
18:47 Canada betrayed India: Recalled envoy speaks
Calling Canada's behaviour 'the pits', India's recalled high commissioner Sanjay Verma says India was back-stabbed and treated in a most unprofessional manner by a country that is supposed to be a friendly democracy.
In an unexpected downturn of relations, Verma was declared a 'person of interest' by Canada last week in its investigation into the June 2023 killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen who has been declared a Khalistani terrorist by India.
Before Canada could take further action, New Delhi recalled Verma and five other diplomats. who were also similarly named.
'This is the pits. This is the most unprofessional approach to a bilateral relation. There are diplomatic tools available in the hands of a diplomat. Those tools could have been used' instead of seeking to interrogate a country's top envoy and other diplomats, Verma said in an interview to PTI Video recorded on Wednesday, his first after returning to India.
Speaking on a wide range of issues at PTI's New Delhi studios, Verma spoke
about the genesis of the Khalistani movement in Canada, the support it has been getting from local politicians for electoral gains, and the kind of criminal activities the Khalistanis carry out in order to increase their numbers.
"A child that cries the most gets fed first by the mother. Similarly, even though they are only a handful, they shout the most and get the most attention from Canadian political backers," he said.
Verma said that extreme hard-line Khalistanis are only about 10,000 in number, and supporters amount to perhaps 1 lakh in a Sikh population of about 8 lakhs.
"To get support they intimidate commons Sikhs there, including with threats such as 'we know where your daughter is studying'" Verma said.
"The Khalistanis have made Khalistan into a business in Canada. In the name of Khalistan, they do human trafficking, drug trafficking, gun-running and all. They earn a lot of money through that and also through gurudwaras and they use part of that money for all nefarious jobs," he said. -- PTI
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18:13 Oscar, who sniffed out Antilia bomb, and Mylo retire
Oscar, the police dog who detected explosives in a car parked near Antilia, the south Mumbai home of billionaire industrialist Mukesh Ambani in 2021, has retired from service along with canine colleague Mylo, an official said on Thursday.
Both the canines were part of the force for 10 years and were given a befitting farewell on Wednesday in a function attended by several officers, including Additional Commissioner of Police (Protection and Security) Vinit Sahoo.
"Oscar joined the Mumbai police's Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS) in 2014. Oscar was among the 12 canines in the BDDS and its duties included thwarting threat and bomb calls as well as VIP security. Oscar detected gelatine sticks in a parked car near Antilia, the house of Mukesh Ambani in Malabar Hill, on February 25, 2021," the official said.
Mylo performed duties like VIP security, checking vital installations, attending threat calls, checking suspected bags etc, he added.
"In gratitude for their services, we arranged for air-conditioning at the shelter home where the two canines will be lodged and have also given an AC vehicle for their transport. We have also created a 'wall of fame' to pay tribute to their stellar service," another official said.
17:29 Additional DM of Ayodhya found dead at his home
The blood-soaked body of a senior government official was found at his residence in Ayodhya, police said on Thursday.
The body of Additional District Magistrate (Law and Order) Surjeet Singh was found under mysterious circumstances at his official residence in Civil Lines, they said.
The police are trying to ascertain the exact cause of death, Deputy Superintendent of Police Shailendra Singh said, adding that a detailed probe has been initiated after the filing of an FIR. -- PTI
16:57 70! Read that again... 70 flights received bomb threats today
More than 70 flights of various Indian airlines received bomb threats on Thursday, according to sources. The sources said around 20 flights each of Air India, Vistara, and IndiGo have got the threats while Akasa Air has got the threats for about 14 flights.
In 11 days, nearly 250 flights operated by the Indian carriers have received the bomb threats. An Akasa Air spokesperson said some of its flights operating on October 24 have received security alerts.
"The Akasa Air Emergency Response teams are monitoring the situation and are in touch with the security and regulatory authorities. We are following all safety and security procedures in coordination with local authorities," the spokesperson said in a statement.
Earlier this week, Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu said the government plans to take legislative actions to deal with instances of bomb threats to airlines, including placing perpetrators of such threats in the no-fly list. PTI
16:54 Omar Abdullah meets Modi in Delhi
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday during his first visit to the national capital after assuming office last week.
Abdullah is expected to hand over a resolution passed by his cabinet urging the Centre to restore the statehood of Jammu and Kashmir. In a remarkable victory in the recent assembly polls in the union territory, the first in 10 years, Abdullah's National Conference won 42 of the 90 assembly seats.
In its first cabinet meeting, the new government passed the resolution urging the central government to restore the statehood of Jammu and Kashmir. The resolution was later approved by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. The restoration is seen as a crucial step towards initiating a healing process, reinstating constitutional rights and safeguarding the unique identity of the region's residents.
With the cabinet's endorsement, the chief minister has been empowered to engage with the prime minister and the central government to advocate for the reinstatement of Jammu and Kashmir's statehood.
15:55 Jaishankar pushes for India seat at UNSC
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar at the 16th BRICS Summit in BRICS Plus format highlighted the significant strides made by nations that have gained independence from colonial rule, noting their accelerated development and socio-economic progress and asserted that the "BRICS itself is a statement of how profoundly the old order is changing."
Addressing the summit, Jaishankar said, "On the one hand, there is the steady diversification of production and consumption. Nations that attained independence from colonialism have accelerated their development and socio-economic progress. New capabilities emerged, facilitating the harnessing of more talent. This economic, political and cultural rebalancing has now reached a point where we can contemplate real multi-polarity. The BRICS itself is a statement of how profoundly the old order is changing."
Jaishankar further asserted that to create a more equitable global order, strengthening and expanding independent platforms is crucial, and that's where BRICS comes in, making a significant difference for the Global South.
He said, "First, by strengthening and expanding platforms of an independent nature. And by widening the choices in different domains and minimising undue reliance on those that can be leveraged. This is really where BRICS can make a difference for the Global South."
The External Affairs Minister also called for reforming of the United Nations Security Council and said, "Second, by reforming established institutions and mechanisms, especially the UN Security Council in the permanent and the non-permanent categories. So too the multilateral development banks, whose working procedures are just as outdated as that of the UN. India initiated an effort during its G20 Presidency and we are glad to see Brazil take that forward."
Urging for democratising the global economy through creating more production hubs, Jaishankar said, "Third, by democratizing the global economy through creating more production hubs. The Covid experience is a sharp reminder of the need for more resilient, redundant and shorter supply chains. For essential needs, every region legitimately aspires to create their own production capabilities."
He added, "Fourth, by correcting distortions in global infrastructure that are a legacy from the colonial era. The world urgently needs more connectivity options that enhance logistics and mitigate risks. This must be a collective endeavor for common good, with utmost respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty."
15:45 Ajit Pawar can continue using clock symbol: SC
Supreme Court setback for Sharad Pawar, Ajit Pawar can continue using Clock Symbol.
15:15 SC notice to Ajit Pawar faction on 'clock' symbol
The Supreme Court issues notice to Ajit Pawar-led faction of NCP on Sharad Pawar faction's plea over use of "clock" symbol.
The counsel for the Sharad Pawar-led faction mentioned that their interim application sought that the Ajit Pawar-led faction be directed to not use the clock symbol in the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections.
The court, however, pointed out that the earlier order passed by it where it issued interim directions regarding the use of the symbol, was passed with the consent of both the parties.
The counsel then claimed that the order was not being followed by the Ajit Pawar faction. He also pointed out that the application was filed in September, the Ajit Pawar faction was directed to file a reply and the case was to be listed on October 1.
15:03 I'm confident: Aaditya to contest from Worli
Shiv Sena (UBT) faction leader Aditya Thackeray held a road show and offered his prayers at a temple before filing his nomination from the Worli assembly constituency on Thursday.
After he offered his prayers at a temple, he spoke about filing his nomination to contest for the Worli constituency, he said, "I will be filing the nomination today, I have come to seek blessings before that."
He further said that he will seek to eradicate unemployment and stop the 'loot of Maharashtra.'"My goal is to eradicate unemployment, Maharashtra is being looted, I want to remove that, that will be the goal if I get elected," he told reporters outside the temple.During his road show Aditya Thackeray he exuded confidence in winning the Worli seat once again."I am very confident that the people will bless me because we are about to form government in Maharashtra and that is for sure. As you can see, this atmosphere is very good, you can see the love people are giving me, and with this I will be filing me nomination," he told ANI.
He further hit out at Eknath Shinde and BJP for 'looting Maharashtra.'"What is important is to defeat Eknath Shinde and BJP which has looted Maharashtra," he added.Additionally, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Arvind Sawant said that the work done by Aditya Thackeray is remembered by everyone and that he would be winning the seat again."
Aaditya Thackeray will file his nomination. His name is not new - the entire Maharashtra knows him and he is known in the entire country and even abroad. The works done by him are so important that he gets compliments from everyone and is in the hearts of the people," he said.
Earlier, Shiv Sena (UBT) had released its first list of 65 candidates.
14:45 Cyclone: Don't visit Jagannath temple says govt
With cyclone Dana rolling towards the Odisha coast, the authorities on Thursday advised devotees against visiting the Jagannath temple in Puri and expedited preparations to minimise the impact of the calamity on the 12th-century shrine.
Puri District Collector Siddharth S Swain said that the devotees, including those undertaking a month-long Kartik Brata' ritual, should also be discouraged from visiting the temple as a safety measure.
Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) in a statement said that all measures were being taken to protect the shrine located in the seaside town while keeping the daily rituals intact.
The administration said that measures have been taken to ensure that loose materials like GI sheets, scaffolding tubes and others do not get affected in the gale.
According to IMD forecast, Puri district is likely to experience wind at the maximum speed of 80 kilometres per hour during the landfall of the severe cyclone Dana early on Friday.
The district will also receive heavy rainfall. To protect the temple from the wind and water, the administration has checked its windows and doors to avoid them getting blown away. All the makeshift tents have been removed and sandbags were placed atop asbestos roofs to add weight and save them from getting blown away during the cyclone.
The administration has also ensured that the regular devotees from outside Puri are housed in a safe place. Special measures have also been made for elderly women and those who perform the Kartik Brata'.
The administration has also taken steps to avoid CCTV cameras getting damaged in the cyclone. Pump and generator sets have been kept ready with other equipment in case of a power outage, an official release said.
14:03 J-K statehood soon? Omar meets Amit Shah
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah met Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday on his first visit to the national capital after assuming office last week.
"The Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah met Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah," the Home Minister's office posted on X.
This meeting comes after the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Ganderbal district in which seven people lost their lives. Earlier, CM Omar Abdullah expressed the need for the security forces and police to remain alert after the recent terrorist attack in Ganderbal which resulted in the deaths of seven people, including a doctor and migrant labourers.
"Now the administration, especially the police and security forces, will have to maintain their alert level even more and ensure that such attacks do not take place," said the J-K CM.
On October 20, a doctor and six construction workers were killed when terrorists attacked a tunnel construction site on the Srinagar-Leh national highway in the Ganderbal district. The terrorists struck as the labourers and other staff returned to their camp in Gund, Ganderbal. The incident raised serious concern as this was a targeted killing by the terrorists. Earlier on October 16, Omar Abdullah was sworn in as the first Chief Minister of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
13:09 Priyanka@Wayanad: BJP bats for 'humiliated' Kharge
Reacting to Bharatiya Janata Party's allegations that Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge was kept outside while Congress candidate from Wayanad, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra was filing her nominations in the presence of other party leaders, BJP National Spokesperson CR Kesavan on Thursday said that the outrageous manner in which Mallikarjun Kharge was thoroughly humiliated was indeed very shocking and called it "appalling".
"The outrageous manner in which Mallikarjun Kharge was thoroughly humiliated was indeed very shocking. It was appalling to see that such a senior Dalit leader was treated by the Congress Party with such utter disdain and disrespect," said CR Kesavan.
Hitting out further at the Congress party, the BJP leader said, "This very clearly illustrates again two things about the Congress Party. First, the Congress Party has always been anti-Dalit. Second, the Congress party will never hesitate to sacrifice the interests of our SC, ST and OBC brothers and sisters at the altar of the vote bank politics of minority religious appeasement..."
Meanwhile, lashing out at the Congress party, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that the Congress party practices untouchability.
"We have shown what is Dalit's position in Congress. Outside, Rahul Gandhi shows that the Congress party supports Dalits and gives them equal participation. But inside, Dalits are insulted. What happened with Mallilarjun Kharge yesterday, after that there is nothing left to tell people. Congress is exposed...Within the party, Dalits are insulted and treated as third-class citizens, and untouchability is practised," said CM Sarma.
Notably, Priyanka Gandhi filed her nomination papers at the district collector's office at Kalpetta. Prior to her nomination, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka held a massive roadshow in Kalpetta town in Kerala and addressed a public rally where she expressed her gratitude to the people of Wayanad for supporting her brother in his difficult times. -- ANI
13:06 JMM legislator Kalpana Soren files nomination
Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) MLA Kalpana Soren on Thursday filed her nomination from the Gandey assembly constituency. I filed my nomination papers today as a JMM candidate for the upcoming assembly elections to serve my people of Gandey assembly constituency, she wrote on X. Kalpana, the wife of Chief Minister Hemant Soren, won the Gandey bypoll on June 4 by 27,149 votes, defeating her nearest BJP rival Dilip Kumar Verma.
The seat fell vacant following the resignation of JMM MLA Sarfaraz Ahmad. A host of senior political leaders, including the CM, BJP's Amar Kumar Bauri, minister Banna Gupta and former CM Champai Soren are scheduled to file their nominations on Thursday.
A total of 51 leaders from the Congress and BJP are likely to file their nominations during the day, sources said. The Jharkhand assembly polls will be held in two phases November 13 and November 20 with the counting of votes on November 23. The nomination process for the first phase started from October 18 and will conclude on October 25, while the same for the second phase began on October 22 and will continue till October 29. PTI
12:50 Cyclone: NDRF goes door-to-door to caution people
National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) on Wednesday informed that they are trying to create awareness for cyclone DANA in districts of Odisha including Mahakalpada and Kendrapara.
The NDRF team is going door-to-door with loudspeakers making people aware of the upcoming cyclonic storm.
India Meteorological Department (IMD) in its weather forecast bulletin said that the cyclonic storm DANA has moved north-northwestwards with a speed of 12 kilometres per hour during the last six hours. The storm is likely to cross the coasts of Odisha and West Bengal as it moves towards the north west direction.
Cyclone DANA lays over the central and adjoining northwest Bay of Bengal before moving towards the north-northwest direction, likely to cross Odisha and West Bengal coasts.
"The severe cyclonic storm "DANA" over central and adjoining northwest Bay of Bengal moved north-northwestwards with a speed of 12 kmph during past 6 hours, and lay centred at 0530 hrs IST of today, the 24th October, over northwest and adjoining central Bay of Bengal...about 260 km southeast of Paradip (Odisha), 290 km south-southeast of Dhamara (Odisha) and 350 km south of Sagar Island (West Bengal).
It is very likely to move northwestwards and cross north Odisha and West Bengal coasts between Puri and Sagar Island close to Bhitarkanika and Dhamara during mid-night of 24th to morning of 25th October, 2024 as a severe Cyclonic Storm with a wind speed of 100-110 kmph gusting 120 kmph," the IMD forecast bulletin said.
The administration and the police have started to evacuate the locals living in vulnerable areas of Dhamara and Bhadrak in Odisha. People are being brought to the cyclone shelter.
SEBI chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch
12:44 PAC meeting postponed as SEBI chief Buch fails to appear
Parliament's Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on Thursday postponed its sitting after SEBI chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch and other officials expressed inability to attend the meeting, panel chairperson K C Venugopal said.
Buch, under a cloud over allegations of conflict of interest levelled by US-based short-seller Hindenburg, was asked to appear before the PAC, which is reviewing the performance of the market regulator.
"Today morning at 9:30, we got a communication from the SEBI chairperson and other members that because of a personal exigency, she is unable to travel to Delhi," Venugopal told reporters in New Delhi.
Considering that the request was made by a woman, the committee decided to postpone the sitting to another day, he said. After the PAC meeting was postponed, its member and BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad accused Venugopal of taking suo motu decisions. He also said that several PAC members, including those from the BJP and its alliance partners, are approaching LS Speaker Om Birla against Venugopal's conduct.
The PAC is also examining matters related to the Department of Telecommunications and that meeting will go ahead as scheduled during the post-lunch session.
The committee's decision to include the performance review of regulatory bodies established by legislation in its agenda invited no protest, but Venugopal's move to call Buch raised hackles of the BJP members as she has been at the centre of a political row ignited by the Hindenburg's allegations.
The short-seller's accusation against Buch was seized upon by the Congress to seek her ouster and to attack the government, rendering political dimensions to the panel's missive to her to appear before it. BJP MP Nishikant Dubey, a member of the panel, wrote to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla against Venugopal, accusing the senior Congress leader of raking up "non-existent" issues to defame the central government and "destabilise" the country's financial structure and economy.
Accusing Venugopal of "unconstitutional and disdainful" conduct, Dubey claimed the Congress leader's conduct is guided by political motivations as voters compelled his party to sit in the opposition benches following the Lok Sabha polls.
Claiming that unverified allegations by a foreign company like Hindenburg against Buch were part of such a campaign, he alleged that the 'India Chapter' of this toolkit has become active. PTI
12:41 Down to the wire
Expectation of a presidential election that will come down to the wire and may ultimately be decided by the verdict in Michigan or one of the other six states that are said to hold the key is tantalising, writes Swapan Dasgupta. Read the column here.
12:22 Most corrupt family: BJP on Priyanka's assets
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia launched a scathing attack on Congress and Priyanka Gandhi on Thursday, saying that the affidavit declaring her financial assets is a 'confession of corruption'.
"Priyanka Gandhi Vadra filed her nomination for Wayanad Lok Sabha bypolls yesterday, and today it won't be untrue to say that 'mohabbat ki dukaan nahi, yeh dalali ki dukaan hai,'" he said during a press statement.
On Wednesday Priyanka Gandhi filed her nomination for the Wayanad Lok Sabha bypoll in Kerala, marking her electoral debut. She filed the nomination in the presence of top leaders of the party.
"The affidavit filed by her is a confession of corruption, which her family and Robert Vadra has been doing. It is not like she declared her assets of her own free will, this is a Supreme Court's judgement to give an affidavit of yourself and your relatives," she said.
Further calling the Gandhi family as 'nakli Gandhi parivar,' he claimed that they are the most corrupt people in the country.
"Everyone knows that if there is a family that is the most corrupt is the nakli Gandhi family. Everyone knows, three members of the family, Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Robert Vadra are out on bail for corruption charges," he added.
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra filed her nomination for Wayanad Lok Sabha by-elections yesterday, 23rd October.
Her husband, businessman Robert Vadra says, "I am delighted that Priyanka is now taking the step of thinking for herself. She will work hard for herself, and campaign for herself. I think it has been 35 years since I have known her, I have seen her always working hard for others, for her family and people of the country. She never thought for herself. But I am happy that Congress thought of making her contest from Wayanad...I think, had Rajivji been alive, he would have been delighted."
11:44 Some MPs call for Trudeau's resignation by Monday
Internal calls for Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's resignation as Liberal leader intensified on Wednesday as Liberal MPs convened on Parliament Hill, according to a report by CBC News.
During the closed-door meeting, dissenting MPs conveyed their grievances to Trudeau, reflecting growing discontent within the party. This gathering was part of the weekly caucus meetings that take place while the House of Commons is in session.
The Wednesday meeting served as a platform for MPs to voice their concerns and frustrations directly to PM Trudeau. Trudeau is facing mounting pressure from within his own party, with dissident Liberal MPs giving him an ultimatum to decide his future by October 28. During the caucus meeting on Wednesday, a document was presented outlining the case for Trudeau's resignation, but it didn't specify any consequences if he fails to meet the deadline.
Sources speaking to Radio-Canada said that 24 MPs signed an agreement to call on Trudeau to step down as Liberal leader, CBC News reported. During the meeting, British Columbia MP Patrick Weiler presented a document that argued in favour of Trudeau's resignation.
The document suggested that the Liberal party could experience a resurgence similar to what the Democrats saw after US President Joe Biden opted not to run for re-election for the upcoming presidential elections in the country.
11:25 20% of organizations will use AI by 2026
As AI continues to evolve alongside human usage, it is reshaping organizational structures, decision-making processes, and even the boundaries of technology's impact on daily life, according to Gartner.
By 2026, 20 per cent of organizations will use AI to reduce more than half of their current middle management roles.
"Through 2026, 20 per cent of organizations will use AI to flatten their organizational structure, eliminating more than half of current middle management positions," said the report.
This strategy aims to cut labor costs while boosting productivity, as AI takes over tasks like scheduling, reporting, and performance monitoring.
However, the shift could disrupt traditional mentoring pathways and leave junior employees with fewer development opportunities.
Concerns over job security and increased management responsibilities for remaining staff may also pose significant challenges.
By 2029, AI's influence is set to extend into the boardroom, with 10 per cent of global boards predicted to use AI-generated insights to challenge executive decisions.
11:02 Cyclone Dana: Intense rain lashes coastal Odisha
The coastal belt of Odisha experienced heavy rain and squally winds on Thursday morning with the sea condition remaining rough, as severe cyclonic storm Dana' approached closer to the state's coast, the IMD said.
The cyclone is likely to make landfall between Bhitarkanika National Park and Dhamra Port in Odisha early Friday with wind speeds of up to 120 kilometres per hour (kmph), it said.
The weather system over the Bay of Bengal moved north-northwestwards with a speed of 12 kmph during past the six hours, and lay centred about 260 km southeast of Paradip (Odisha), 290 km south-southeast of Dhamra (Odisha) and 350 km south of Sagar Island (West Bengal) at 5.30 am.
It is very likely to move northwestwards and cross north Odisha and West Bengal coasts between Puri and Sagar Island close to Bhitarkanika and Dhamra during midnight of 24th to morning of 25th October as a severe cyclonic storm with a wind speed of 100-110 kmph gusting to 120 kmph, it said in the latest bulletin.
The highest rainfall of 62 mm was recorded at Paradip, while Rajnagar in Kendrapara district received 24 mm rain, in the last four hours, the Met Department said. Moderate to intense rain and thunderstorms with wind speeds of 30-40 kmph are likely to lash some parts of Bhadrak, Balasore, Jajpur, Cuttack, Khurda, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapada and Puri districts during the day, it said.
10:39 B'luru bldg collapse: PM nod for Rs 2 L payout
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday announced an ex-gratia of Rs two lakh from Prime Minister's National Relief Fund to the next of kin of each deceased in the building collapse here.
Taking to 'X', office of the Prime Minister of India (PMO India) posted: "Anguished by the loss of lives due to the collapse of a building in Bengaluru. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones. I pray that the injured recover soon"
"An ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakhs from PMNRF would be provided to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs 50,000: PM @narendramodi," it stated.
Eight persons were killed and 13 rescued after an under-construction building collapsed at Babusapalya near Hennur on Tuesday. The building owner, his son and contractor have been arrested in connection with the incident, police said. PTI
The indices yesterday
10:08 Markets fall dragged by Hindustan Unilever
Equity markets turned negative after rallying in early trade on Thursday as unabated foreign fund outflows and disappointing earnings from Hindustan Unilever dented investors' sentiment.
The BSE Sensex climbed 177.84 points to 80,259.82 in early trade. The NSE Nifty went up by 45.15 points to 24,480.65. However, soon the benchmark indices faced selling and were trading lower.
The BSE benchmark gauge quoted 219.12 points lower at 79,862.86 and the Nifty traded 74 points down at 24,361.50. From the 30 Sensex pack, Hindustan Unilever fell over 5 per cent after the FMCG major reported a 2.33 per cent decline in consolidated net profit at Rs 2,595 crore for the second quarter ended in September 2024 impacted by moderation in demand from the urban market.
A river traffic patrol in Kolkata warns fishermen
09:53 Cyclone: 2000 fire personnel on standby in Odisha
Stressing on the preparations for Cyclone 'Dana', Odisha Fire Services Director General, Sudhanshu Sarangi said that they have 182 teams which is nearly about 2000 people and they are fully geared up to deal with the cyclone.
The IMD has indicated that Cyclone Dana is likely to move north-westwards and intensify into a severe cyclonic storm over the northwest Bay of Bengal by the early hours of October 24.Odisha Fire Services Chief Sarangi told ANI, "We are fully geared up for the cyclone. We have 182 teams of Fire and Rescue Services of Odisha which is nearly about 2000 people. We will cover all the 14 districts which will be affected...we have 20 teams of NDRF...we also have 400 personnel of State Disaster Force...we have mobilized some team from Forest department."
Khorda Sub Divisional Magistrate Dipti Ranjan Sethi highlighted that all the blocks have been given evacuation plans and wherever there are hoardings in the town area, they have been removed and the officers in the area have also been called and the evacuation plan is ready.
"If needed we will evacuate people, there are also arrangements for food and water for them. We are sure that we can deal with the cyclone," SDM Sethi said.
On Wednesday, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi convened a meeting to assess the state's readiness for Cyclone Dana and announced that evacuation efforts are in progress, with the goal of relocating 90 per cent of residents by 11 AM the following day, and noted that between 3-4 lakh people have already been evacuated.
Locals hold a candlelight march against Gagangir attack
09:40 Terrorists target non-local labourer in Tral
Terrorists shot at and injured a labourer from Uttar Pradesh in the Tral area of Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir Thursday morning, officials said. Shubam Kumar, a resident of Bijnore, received a gunshot injury in the arm when the terrorists fired at him at Batagund village, the officials said.
They said Kumar has been rushed to a hospital for treatment. This is a third attack on non-local labourers in Kashmir in the past one week. Six non-local labourers and a local doctor were killed in a terror attack on a construction site in Ganderbal district on Sunday, while a labourer from Bihar was shot dead by terrorists in Shopian district on October 18. PTI
09:23 Cyclone to hit Odisha at midnight at 120 kmph speed
The severe cyclonic storm DANA over central & adjoining northwest Bay of Bengal moved north-northwestwards with a speed of 12 kmph during the past 6 hours, and lay centred at 0530 hrs IST of today, the 24th of October, over northwest & adjoining central Bay of Bengal, near latitude 18.5 N and longitude 88.2E, about 260 km southeast of Paradip (Odisha), 290 km south-southeast of Dhamara (Odisha) and 350 km south of Sagar Island (West Bengal).
"It is very likely to move northwestwards and cross north Odisha and West Bengal coasts between Puri and Sagar Island close to Bhitarkanika and Dhamara (Odisha) from midnight of 24th to the morning of 25th October 2024 as a severe Cyclonic Storm with a wind speed of 100-110 kmph gusting 120 kmph," IMD says.
Bhadrak assistant fisheries officer, Sandeep Kumar Behera says, "In Bhadrak's jurisdiction there are 911 registered boats, 10 FLC and all the boats have been docked in the landing centre. Fishing has been prohibited till October 26."
West Bengal Raj Bhavan tweets, "In view of the impending landfall of Cyclone DANA, Governor has cancelled all his programmes and shall be monitoring the activities of the Cyclone Dana from the Control Room in Raj Bhavan. He will also be keeping a watch over the unfolding situation across the vulnerable districts."
In a video statement, Governor CV Ananda Bose says, "We are now, in a moment of crisis. #CycloneDana is nearing but we in Bengal have braved many storms. We will face Dana also with confidence and fortitude. Bengal will stand together. India will stand together. We shall overcome...Please follow all instructions issued by the Government and Disaster Management Authorities...All Disaster Management machinery of the State Government and the Government of India are kept well-oiled and fit..."
: IMD
08:57 'Trump wanted generals like Hitler had': Harris
Launching a scathing attack on her Republican rival former president Donald Trump, Vice President and Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris on Wednesday charged that he is "unfit" to lead the country.
"Yesterday we learned that Donald Trump's former chief of staff, John Kelly, a retired four-star general, confirmed that while Donald Trump was president, he said he wanted generals like Adolf Hitler had," Harris told reporters at her official residence in the American Capital.
"Donald Trump said that because he does not want a military that is loyal to the United States Constitution. He wants a military that is loyal to him. He wants a military who will be loyal to him personally, one that will obey his orders even when he tells them to break the law or abandon their oath to the Constitution of the United States," she said.
"In just the past week, Donald Trump has repeatedly called his fellow Americans the enemy from within, and even said that he would use the United States military to go after American citizens," Harris said.
Harris, who became the nominee of the Democratic Party a little over 100 days ahead of the November 5 general elections, said this a day after Kelly, Trump's former chief of staff, spoke against him.
"Certainly, the former president is in the far-right area, he's certainly an authoritarian, admires people who are dictators -- he has said that. So, he certainly falls into the general definition of fascist, for sure," Kelly told The New York Times in an interview.
"He certainly prefers the dictator approach to government," Kelly alleged. Trump never accepted the fact that he wasn't the most powerful man in the world and by power, I mean an ability to do anything he wanted, anytime he wanted," he said.
Trump dismissed the allegations. "Thank you for your support against a total degenerate named John Kelly, who made up a story out of pure Trump Derangement Syndrome Hatred! This guy had two qualities, which don't work well together. He was tough and dumb," Trump said on his social media platform Truth Social.
"The problem is his toughness morphed into weakness, because he became JELLO with time! The story about the Soldiers was A LIE, as are numerous other stories he told. Even though I shouldn't be wasting my time with him, I always feel it's necessary to hit back in pursuit of THE TRUTH," he said.
"John Kelly is a LOWLIFE, and a bad General, whose advice in the White House I no longer sought, and told him to MOVE ON! His wife once told me, at Camp David, John admires you tremendously, and when he leaves the Military, he will only speak well of you. I said, Thank you!" Trump said. -- PTI
File image
01:03 BEST to terminate contract of mini-bus operator; all mini-buses go off roads
The Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport undertaking on Wednesday decided to terminate its contract with wet lease operator Hansa City Bus Service Private Limited after failing to resolve a dispute over the operator's inability to operate buses.
BEST sources said that as a result, the 280 red-coloured air-conditioned mini-buses that BEST had hired under the wet lease model -- where private contractors handle driver salaries and bus maintenance -- will no longer operate on Mumbai's roads.
"In today's meeting, the wet lease contractor again expressed its inability to execute the contract. Hence, legal proceedings for the termination of the contract will be initiated shortly," BEST spokesperson Sudas Sawant said.
Over 500 mini buses, which BEST had introduced in 2019, will now be removed from service.
Last year, BEST had terminated the contract of another bus operator, sending 285 buses off the roads.
Aiming to improve last-mile connectivity on shorter routes, BEST introduced the "smallest" mini-buses into its fleet in 2019, instead of mid- or full-sized buses, due to worsening traffic and the difficulty of maneuvering larger buses on crowded roads.
The mini buses were expected to have a better turnaround time because of their smaller size and fewer seats compared to regular-sized buses. -- PTI
Bala Bhegde/Courtesy Facebook
00:56 Maha: BJP leader quits as ally NCP announces candidate for Maval seat
Moments after the NCP announced the candidature of sitting MLA Sunil Shelke from the Maval assembly constituency in Pune district, BJP leader and former minister of state Bala Bhegde announced his resignation from the saffron party.
Bapusaheb Bhegde, state vice-president of the NCP, also revolted and said he would contest the November 20 Maharashtra assembly election.
Bala Bhegde told reporters that he and his supporters had announced their resignations.
They would support Bapu Bhegde and work to defeat Shelke, he added. Sitting MLA Shelke had defeated Bala Bhegade, a former BJP MLA, in 2019 from this seat.
Bapu Bhegde said he was confident of getting the ticket from the Ajit Pawar-led NCP, but the promise was not kept.
"I have decided to contest elections as I was assured ticket by the party," he said. -- PTI
File image
00:47 MVA ally PWP sees red as Uddhav Sena names candidates for seats claimed by it
The Peasants and Workers Party, a smaller constituent of the Maha Vikas Aghadi in Maharashtra, expressed unhappiness on Wednesday as the Shiv Sena-UBT announced candidates from Uran, Sangola and Loha assembly seats.
The PWP led by Jayant Patil had staked claim to these three constituencies. "We will talk to (NCP-SP chief) Sharad Pawar about this," Patil said.
He also visited Sangola during the day, he said. The PWP has sought a total of six seats from the MVA: Panvel, Uran, Pen, Alibaug, Sangola and Loha.
The Sena-UBT fielded Eknath Pawar from Loha, Deepak Salunkhe Patil from Sangola and Manohar Bhoir from Uran. The Loha seat is currently represented by a PWP MLA. -- PTI
Actor Salman Khan/File image
00:44 Salman threat message: Veg vendor held in J'khand
The Mumbai police investigating the Salman Khan threat message case have arrested a man from Jamshedpur, officials said on Wednesday.
The accused was identified as Shaikh Hussain Shaikh Mausin (24), a Jamshedpur-based vegetable seller.
A threat message demanding Rs 5 crore from the actor was received on the Mumbai Traffic Police's WhatsApp helpline last week, prompting the police to register a case and launch an investigation.
The police tracked down the number to Jharkhand and teams were dispatched to nab the accused, an official said, adding that another team visited Guwahati.
Even as the police widened the dragnet to trace the sender of the message, the Mumbai traffic police received an "apology" from the same mobile phone number, officials had said on Tuesday.
Notably, Khan had earlier received death threats from the Lawrence Bishnoi gang.
Suspected members of the gang had opened fire outside the actor's Bandra home in April this year. -- PTI
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