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Thu, 31 October 2024
What is source of your funds? TMC min asks docs
Timeline Refresh
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20:43 Two injured as firecrackers catch fire in bus in Delhi's Dwarka
A man and his co-passenger in a bus were injured as some firecrackers being carried by him caught fire in Dwarka's Chhawala area on Thursday evening, a police official said.
On receiving information about the incident, police officials visited the spot.
On enquiry, it was found that the man was carrying a small quantity of firecrackers that caught fire in the bus and caused burns to him and a co-passenger sitting beside him, the officer said.
Nothing suggesting blast has surfaced so far, he said.
Both have been taken to a hospital and further investigation is underway, the officer added. -- PTI
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20:32 Wagon of goods train jumps track in Assam, rail traffic affected
Rail traffic has been impacted under the Lumding- Badarpur hill section of Northeast Frontier Railway following derailment of a wagon of a goods train in Assam on Thursday evening, an official bulletin said.
An NFR bulletin said that the wagon derailed inside a tunnel near Mupa. Seven trains have been cancelled while another one has been partially cancelled due to the derailment.
Four more trains are being regulated and another one rescheduled.
Repair and restoration of normal services are expected soon, the bulletin said. -- PTI
Empire State Building in New York/India in New York on X
20:20 Empire State Building in New York lights up with Diwali wishes
The Empire State Building on Thursday lit up in Diwali wishes.
The Consulate General of India in New York said that the vibrant lights symbolises the triumph of light over darkness.
In a post on X, the Consulate General of India in New York said, "The iconic Empire State Building lights up in vibrant orange to celebrate Diwali, symbolising the triumph of light over darkness!" @IndiainNewYork.
Earlier in the day, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz wished External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on the auspicious occasion of Diwali.
In a post on X, he said, "My friend S Jaishankar, I wish you and the people of India a Happy Diwali 2024! Israel and India share the values of democracy, freedom, and a vision for a brighter future. May this Festival of Light bring us all joy, prosperity, and peace. Happy Diwali."
US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti shared heartfelt messages on X to commemorate the Festival of Lights.
"This Diwali, Indians, and Americans across Mission India are sharing these diyas that bring joy and blessings to all. Join us in the festivities as we celebrate the Festival of Lights with music, dance, festive cheer, and a grateful heart. On behalf of the U.S. Mission in India, I wish everyone a very Happy Diwali," he said. -- ANI
20:11 Five held for gangrape of woman in Maharashtra's Amravati
Five persons have been arrested for allegedly raping a 25-year-old woman in Maharashtra's Amravati district, a police official said on Thursday.
The victim has told police the crime occurred after she left her house on Tuesday following a quarrel with her parents, the official said.
"As per the complainant, two youths gave her a lift on their two-wheeler. They took her to a secluded place, plied her with liquor and raped her. Three more persons were also involved in the gangrape," he said.
After the victim approached police on Wednesday morning, a case was registered and one person was initially apprehended with the help of CCTV footage.
"His interrogation led to the arrest of four others within two hours. Further probe is underway," the official informed. -- PTI
Junior doctors protest over RG Kar rape-murder case, in Kolkata, October 5, 2024/ANI Photo
20:02 What is source of your funds? TMC min asks docs
Upping the ante against junior doctors who have been protesting the rape and murder of their colleague at the RG Kar hospital, West Bengal's Agriculture Minister Sovandeb Chattopadhyay sought to know the source of their funds that helped continue the agitation for over two months.
Chattopadhyay was speaking at a post-Durga Puja get-together organised by the TMC at his constituency Khardaha in North 24 Parganas district on Wednesday.
A video of his address went viral on Thursday, triggering a fresh war of words with the junior doctors.
PTI did not independently verify the authenticity of the video.
"May I ask them, why are you agitating? For what reason are you agitating? Why is all the anger directed at the government?" he said.
"What is the source of your funds? From where are you getting so much money?" he added.
Reacting strongly, senior doctor Subarna Goswami said the "outburst" showed the discomfiture of the establishment as issues concerning the healthcare system are being flagged by junior doctors.
West Bengal Junior Doctors' Front member Swarnabha Ghosh said they have been agitating for justice for the trainee doctor who was raped and murdered while on duty at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9.
The protests are also against the "threat culture" or an atmosphere of intimidation at the state-run medical colleges, and to cleanse the healthcare system of corruption, he added. -- PTI
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19:57 Several firecracker shops gutted in blaze in Jharkhand, none injured
Several shops selling firecrackers were gutted in a blaze in Jharkhand's Bokaro district on Thursday evening, the police said.
However, no casualty has been reported so far, a police officer said.
The incident took place near Garga Bridge in Bokaro Steel City police station area. Bokaro City DSP Alok Ranjan said around 13-14 makeshift shops selling firecrackers have been gutted.
He said that the district administration had given permission to these shopkeepers to set up firecracker shops temporarily.
Ranjan said that the fire has been doused and investigation is underway to ascertain the reason behind it.
The shopkeepers claimed that they faced a huge loss due to the incident.
They demanded compensation from the administration against their losses.
Bokaro's BJP MLA Biranchi Narayan reached the spot after the incident and said that had the district administration and fire brigade been active, such an incident would not have happened. -- PTI
BPL Group chairman TPG Nambiar/Image courtesy BPL online
19:51 Modi expresses grief over demise of BPL Group chairman TPG Nambiar
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday expressed grief over the passing of TPG Nambiar, chairman of the Indian electronics company BPL Group.
Describing him as a "pioneering innovator and industrialist," Modi remarked that TPG Nambiar was a "staunch advocate" of building India into an economically strong nation.
He further extended condolences to his family and admirers.
In a social media post on X, PM Modi wrote, "Shri TPG Nambiar Ji was a pioneering innovator and industrialist, who was a strong votary of making India economically strong. Pained by his passing away. Condolences to his family and admirers."
Commonly known as TPG, he was also the father-in-law of BJP leader and former Union minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar.
In light of the news, BJP leader Rajeev Chandrasekhar paused his election campaigning, sharing the news of his father-in-law's passing on X.
"It is with great sadness that I inform all about the passing of my father-in-law TPG Nambiar, Chairman BPL Group. #OmShanthi. He was a true visionary and built one of India's most trusted consumer brands that remains popular to this day. #BelieveInTheBest. I am pausing my Election campaign work and returning to Bengaluru to be with family," Chandrasekhar said. -- ANI
19:46 Man killed, wife injured in cylinder explosion in Kanpur
A 40-year-old man died and his wife was injured in a cooking gas cylinder explosion in the Gandhi Nagar area in Kanpur on Thursday morning, the police said.
"Surendra was returning home with an LPG cylinder on his two-wheeler. While trying to unload the cylinder from the bike in front of his house, it exploded," deputy cvommissioner of police (Central) Dinesh Tripathi told reporters.
While the man died on the spot, his 38-year-old wife who rushed to his rescue suffered severe injuries and has been hospitalised, the police officer said, adding no other person was injured in the incident.
He said the local police and forensic experts reached the spot shortly after the incident and the exact cause of the explosion was yet to be ascertained. -- PTI
Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge and Karnataka deputy CM DK Shivakumar/File image
18:57 Kharge pulls up DKS over 'Shakti' scheme remark
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday pulled up Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister over his statement that the state government would review the 'Shakti' guarantee.
The Congress government here has introduced Shakti, one of the five guarantees offering free ride for women in the non-luxury government buses.
Shivakumar said on Wednesday that the government would revisit the Shakti scheme as some women have expressed their wish to pay for travelling in the government buses.
In a humorous but subtle manner, Kharge pulled up the DCM before media for his statement.
"You have given some guarantees. After seeing them, I too said in Maharashtra that there are five guarantees in Karnataka. Now you (Shivakumar) said you will drop one guarantee," Kharge quipped.
Quickly Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar, who were sitting next to him chuckled and rejected Kharge's statement. -- PTI
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18:48 3 bomb-like objects found during excavation in near Pune
Three bomb-like objects were found during an excavation work in the Pimpri-Chinchwad area of Pune district, police said on Thursday.
According to the police, the objects, discovered on Wednesday, were later handed over to the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad of the Pimpri-Chinchwad police for examination and further action.
"During an excavation work undertaken to fix a leaking pipeline in Chinchwad, three bomb-like objects were discovered. The objects were handed over to the BBDS for further probe," said a police officer. -- PTI
Chhota Rajan/File image
18:29 5 Chhota Rajan gang members held for trying to extort Rs 10 cr from bizman
Five members of the Chhota Rajan gang were held from Bandra in Mumbai for allegedly trying to extort Rs 10 crore from a real estate developer and his partner, a police official said on Thursday.
The arrests were made after the anti-extortion cell of the Mumbai Crime Branch received a complaint from the real estate developer and his partner, the official said.
"The accused made continuous calls seeking Rs 10 crore and also issued threats. The developer and his partner paid Rs 55 lakh as protection money but the calls continued for more money. On Tuesday, Chhota Rajan gang members Ganesh Ram Shoradi alias Danny (68), Remy Fernandes (58), Pradeep Yadav (40), Manish Bharadwaj (44), and Shashi Yadav (43) sought Rs 5 lakh," he said.
The Crime Branch's AEC laid a trap near a private hospital in Bandra West and arrested the gangsters when they arrived at the site to collect the money, the official said. -- PTI
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18:15 Delhi air quality deteriorates to 'very poor' on Diwali
Delhi's air quality continued to deteriorate, remaining in the "very poor" category on Diwali, with levels expected to worsen to the "severe" category due to bursting of firecrackers at night. Delhiites woke up Thursday to a sky shrouded in a thick layer of smog.
The air in Anand Vihar, a major terminus, was extremely polluted with the AQI in the "severe" category.
The city's 24-hour average Air Quality Index was recorded at 328 at 4 pm, up from 307 on Wednesday when the city celebrated Chhoti Diwali.
In 2023, Delhi residents enjoyed clearer skies and abundant sunshine on Diwali, with an AQI of 218, compared to 312 in 2022, 382 in 2021, 414 in 2020, 337 in 2019, 281 in 2018, 319 in 2017, and 431 in 2016, according to the Central Pollution Control Board data.
Last year, a decrease in stubble-burning incidents and rain before Diwali, along with favourable meteorological conditions, prevented the national capital from turning into a gas chamber after the festival.
The pollutant PM2.5 level was recorded at 145 micrograms per cubic metre at 3 pm, according to the data. -- PTI
17:55 Firecracker laden two-wheeler explodes in AP, one killed
A man died after the firecrackers he was carrying on a two-wheeler exploded in Eluru town of Andhra Pradesh on Thursday, the police said.
The incident occurred when two persons were transporting a bag of firecrackers bought for Diwali celebrations.
The bag containing "onion bombs" and other crackers exploded after falling on the road, resulting in the death of the rider on the spot, a senior police official said based on preliminary investigation.
The pillion rider and two others standing on the roadside suffered injuries and were admitted to a hospital.
According to the police, the impact of the blast was so severe that the legs and other body parts of the two-wheeler rider got dismembered.
CCTV footage aired by TV channels purportedly showed an explosion and some persons running away with dust engulfing the area. -- PTI
17:52 Today is 'black day' for people of J-K: Mehbooba on UT Foundation Day
People's Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti Thursday said the Union Territory Foundation Day was a "black day" for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
J-K Congress president Tariq Hameed Karra also termed the UT foundation day as a "black day" and said that expecting the people to celebrate it is "asking for too much".
The lieutenant governor administration on Thursday celebrated the fifth foundation day of J-K UT.
"What has happened to J-K has not happened anywhere before. I want to tell the LG that for the people of J-K, and especially for the PDP, today is a black day and we will see it as a black day till J-K's special privileges are not restored," Mufti told reporters in Pulwama.
The former chief minister said her party will continue "its struggle till Kashmir issue is not resolved to establish peace with dignity".
"I hope the newly elected government will take along all the people and struggle to take J&K out of the present situation," she added.
The valley-based mainstream political parties criticised the LG administration for celebrating the UT Foundation Day and skipped the event. -- PTI
Soha Ali Khan with husband-actor Kunal Kemmu and daughter pray at temple, Mumbai/Courtesy Instagram
17:01 Soha Ali Khan, Kunal Kemmu visit temple with daughter Inaaya on Diwali
Immersing in the festive spirit of Diwali, Soha Ali Khan with her husband-actor Kunal Kemmu and her daughter Inaaya visited the temple to seek blessings.
Twinning in a matching red ethnic co-ord set with her daughter, Soha treated fans with a glimpse of her Diwali rituals.
The video captures Soha, Kunal, Inaaya with other family members visiting temple and offering their prayers.
The video ended with a family picture where Inaaya caught attention as she cutely posed with her pet dog.
Sharing the post, she extended wishes to fans, "Wishing you all a very happy and prosperous Diwali from our family to yours . Love, light peace and happiness.. that's what we prayed for #happydiwali #loveandlight."
As soon as the post was shared, fans chimed in the comment section. Soha's sister Saba Pataudi wrote, "Happy happy Diwali."
One of the users wrote, "Very nice as parents youre teaching them these values too..." Another user commented, "Happy Diwali...stay blessed." -- ANI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses soldiers in Kutch, Gujarat/ANI on X
16:51 Can't compromise even an inch of our borders: Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said India cannot compromise on even an inch of land on its borders, adding the people believe in the strength of its military for defending the country.
Modi was addressing soldiers after celebrating Diwali with them in Kutch region of Gujarat.
"Today, Bharat cannot compromise on even an inch of its borders. That's why our policies are aligned with the resolve of our armed forces," Modi said.
"We trust the determination of our soldiers, not the words of our enemies," he said.
"People of India feel their country is safe because of you (soldiers)," Modi said.
"When the world sees you, it sees India's strength, but when the enemies see you, they see the end of their sinister plans," Modi told the soldiers. -- PTI
LoP and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi pays tribute to ex-PM Indira Gandhi on her death anniversary, at Shakti Sthal in New Delhi/ANI Photo
16:30 Cong pays tributes to Indira Gandhi on death anniversary
The Congress paid tributes on Thursday to former prime minister Indira Gandhi on her death anniversary, with party leader Rahul Gandhi saying her sacrifice for the country's unity and integrity will always "inspire us all on the path of public service".
The then prime minister was assassinated by her bodyguards here on this day in 1984.
Indira Gandhi was India's first woman prime minister. She was born on November 19, 1917.
Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi paid floral tributes to Indira Gandhi at the Shakti Sthal here and also visited the former prime minister's memorial on 1, Safdarjung Road.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also paid rich tributes to her and shared a quote of the former prime minister on serving the country till her last breath.
"Humble tributes to India's first woman prime minister and our ideal, Indira Gandhi ji on her martyrdom day," he said.
Kharge said Indira Gandhi played an important role in maintaining India's unity and integrity, and in building a strong and progressive India with her strong will, efficient leadership and foresight. -- PTI
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16:11 Sensex tumbles 553 points on foreign fund outflows, selling in IT stocks
Benchmark equity indices Sensex and Nifty fell for the second day on Thursday dragged down by losses in IT stocks and relentless foreign fund outflows.
Falling for the second day in a row, the BSE Sensex tumbled 553.12 points or 0.69 percent to settle at 79,389.06.
During the day, it slumped 654.25 points or 0.81 percent to 79,287.93.
The NSE Nifty fell by 135.50 points or 0.56 percent to 24,205.35.
From the 30-share Sensex pack, Tech Mahindra, HCL Technologies, Tata Consultancy Services, Asian Paints, Infosys and Maruti Suzuki were the biggest laggards. -- PTI
PM Narendra Modi offers sweets to a BSF jawan, in the Sir Creek area, Katch/ANI Photo
15:58 Modi celebrates Diwali with armed forces in Kutch
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday celebrated Diwali with the personnel of the Border Security Force, Army, Navy and Air Force near the Indo-Pak border in Gujarat's Kutch district.
Modi reached Lakki Nala in Sir Creek area after landing at Koteshwar in Kutch from Ekta Nagar, said a BSF official.
"He celebrated Diwali by offering sweets to jawans," the official added.
In a video shared by officials, Modi, wearing a BSF uniform, can be seen offering sweets to the personnel on board a patrol vessel.
Earlier in the day, the prime minister paid floral tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at the Statue of Unity in Ekta Nagar on the birth anniversary of India's first home minister which is celebrated as National Unity Day. -- PTI
15:48 Banned Yaba tablets worth Rs 10 cr seized in Assam, two held
Two persons from Manipur were arrested after Yaba tablets, a narcotics substance, valued at Rs 10 crore, were recovered from their possession in Assam's Karbi Anglong district, the police said on Thursday.
The arrests and recovery were made during a routine checking exercise in Dillai Tiniali area on Wednesday evening.
"Our team searched a vehicle and recovered 25 bundles of Yaba tablets kept in a hidden chamber," the official said.
The bundles comprise 50,000 tablets, which are valued at approximately Rs 10 crore, he said.
A couple from Manipur, who was in the vehicle, was arrested, he added.
Yaba tablets are illegal in India as these contain methamphetamine, a Schedule II substance under the Controlled Substances Act. -- PTI
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15:08 Muhurat trading on Friday from 6 pm to 7 pm
On Friday evening, on the occasion of Diwali Laxmi Puja, stock exchanges in India will be open for a special one-hour trade, in what is called Muhurat trading.
The exchange platforms -- Bombay Stock Exchange and National Stock Exchange -- will be open for trading on Friday -- from 6.0 pm to 7.0 p.m.
The pre-market will open at 5:45 pm.
This is when the Samvat 2081, a Hindu calendar year, will start.
The Muhurat trading session typically consists of all the market segments, including equity, commodity derivatives, currency derivatives, equity futures and options, securities lending and borrowing, and so on, all within that one special hour.
The tradition of Muhurat trading, however, goes back a long time with the belief that investments made during this auspicious time will usher in good returns.
Also, the purchase of precious metals such as gold and silver, real estate, electronic items, and automobiles, among others, is specially timed by many on this auspicious day. -- ANI
Shiv Sena-UBT leader Sanjay Raut/File image
14:44 Due to fear about son's future: Raut on Raj Thackeray's praise for Modi, Shah
Shiv Sena-UBT leader Sanjay Raut has called out Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray for his recent praise of Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, suggesting it stems from concern for his son's political future.
Raut highlighted the stark contrast between Thackeray's past opposition to BJP leaders and his current alignment with them, raising questions about his motives as elections approach.
Speaking about Thackeray, Raut said, "His son is contesting the elections, so you can understand his mental state. This leader did not even allow PM Modi and HM Amit Shah to come to Maharashtra, but now he has started praising them, so he has fear in his mind. It may be about his son's future... But in Maharashtra, there will be a CM of MVA, and Raj Thackeray knows this very well."
Raut further emphasized that Thackeray's past criticisms of Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah sharply contrast with his current praise for them.
"However, Maharashtra will continue to support Maha Vikas Aghadi, and Raj Thackeray is fully aware of this," the UBT leader added. -- ANI
VBA chief Prakash Ambedkar/File image
14:19 VBA chief Prakash Ambedkar hospitalised in Pune after chest pain
Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi president Prakash Ambedkar was admitted to a hospital in Pune on Thursday after he complained of chest pain, his party said, requesting that the privacy of the Dalit leader's family be respected.
Balasaheb (Prakash) Ambedkar was admitted to a hospital in Pune in the early hours of Thursday, October 31, for chest pain.
He is being treated in the ICU for a blood clot in his heart.
His condition is stable and he will undergo angiography in the next hour, said VBA on X.
The party said Ambedkar is expected to be under observation for the next 3-5 days.
VBA state president Rekha Tai Thakur, with the support of the party's election coordination committee, manifesto committee and media and research department, will be leading the (assembly election) campaign of VBA for the next few days, the post said.
The family of 70-year-old Prakash Ambedkar, the grandson of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, won't take questions at this time, the party said, requesting that their privacy be respected as they deal with the circumstances concerning his health. -- PTI
Meher Rajeev Menon, with her award certificate
13:59 Indian Child Wins Prize At Dubai Contest
The Dubai International Art Centre Jumeirah 1, a premier centre for arts education in Dubai, recently organised My Dream, an annual children's art exhibition.
Meher Rajeev Menon, age 12, studying at the Gems Academy in Dubai, won the merit prize for her acrylic and oil painting Krishna.
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13:57 Another foreign paraglider crashes to death in HP
A day after the death of a Belgian paraglider, another paraglider from Czech Republic was killed in Himachal Pradesh's Manali after she crashed into the mountainside on Wednesday, officials said.
Two paragliders have died in two days in Himachal Pradesh ahead of the Paragliding World Cup 2024 commencing on November 2 in Bir-Billing, considered as 'paragliding paradise', in Himachal's Kangra district.
The deceased solo paraglider, identified as Dita Misurcova (43), crashed into the mountains near Marhi in Manali.
She lost control over the glider due to strong winds, as per preliminary reports.
The paraglider was immediately rushed to a hospital in Manali, where she was declared dead, officials added.
An experienced paraglider, Misurcova had been paragliding for the past six years. -- PTI
BPL Group founder TP Gopalan Nambiar/Image courtesy BPL online
13:34 BPL founder TPG Nambiar dies at 94
Indian electronic company BPL Group founder TP Gopalan Nambiar, died on Thursday, family sources said.
Nambiar, 94, was not keeping well for quite some time and passed away in the morning, they said.
"... he died at home at about 10.15 am," a family member said.
Popularly known as TPG, he is the father-in-law of BJP leader and former Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar.
Mourning his demise, former Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa said on 'X', "Saddened by the passing of Shri TPG Nambiar, founder of the iconic BPL brand, who has been a close acquaintance for a long time. Shri Nambiar's enormous contributions and legacy will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences to his loved ones." -- PTI
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah
13:23 No proposal to revisit 'Shakti' free bus travel scheme for women: Karnataka CM
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday said there is no proposal before the government to revisit the 'Shakti' scheme, which provides free bus travel for all women domiciled in the state.
Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar had on Wednesday indicated about revisiting the Shakti scheme.
"There is no such proposal before the government, he (Shivakumar) only said what some women are saying. I don't know, I was not there. I will speak....," Siddaramaiah said in response to a question regarding the deputy CM's statement.
Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, he said, "There is no situation for revisiting it at the government level. There is no such intention, there is no such proposal."
Noting that many women had tweeted and emailed him about their willingness to pay for travel, and that they don't want free ride, Shivakumar, addressing an event, had said: "let's see, we will all sit and discuss it. They are a section (of women), they may be 5-10 percent. Let's see, some have honestly expressed they are ready to pay. Ramalinga Reddy (Transport Minister) and I -- we will discuss in the government, what to do." -- PTI
Ajit Doval and Jake Sullivan/File image
12:56 Ajit Doval speaks to US counterpart, welcome progress in bilateral partnership
In a significant diplomatic engagement, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan held a phone conversation with Indian counterpart Ajit Doval, discussing critical regional security developments and emphasising the necessity for ongoing efforts to bolster stability in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.
The dialogue underscores the growing strategic partnership between India and the United States, marked by shared democratic values and mutual interests, the White House stated in an official press release.
The two leaders "welcomed progress in the bilateral partnership, including through the upcoming Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) Intersessional and Indian Ocean Dialogue."
They also explored avenues for enhanced collaboration in pivotal areas such as clean energy supply chains and defence cooperation, reflecting a commitment to deepen ties amid evolving global challenges.
India-US relations have evolved into a "global strategic partnership," with a focus on shared democratic principles and a convergence of interests spanning various sectors.
Earlier in September, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met US President Joe Biden on the sidelines of Quad Summit in Delaware and the two leaders discussed ways to further enhance bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest apart from exchanging views on global and regional issues including the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.
Modi conveyed his appreciation for the unparalleled contributions made by President Biden in giving impetus to the India-US partnership. -- ANI
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12:45 Indian, Chinese troops exchange sweets on Diwali
Troops of India and China exchanged sweets at several border points along the Line of Actual Control on the occasion of Diwali on Thursday, Army sources said.
The traditional practice was observed a day after both countries completed the disengagement at two friction points at Demchok and Depsang Plains in eastern Ladakh, bringing a fresh thaw in the Sino-Indian ties.
"Sweets exchange between members of the troops of India and China took place at several border points along the LAC on the occasion of Diwali," an Army source said.
The exchange took place at five Border Personnel Meeting points along the LAC, the sources added.
On Wednesday, an Army source said that troops of both sides had completed the disengagement at the two friction points and patrolling would commence soon at these points.
The verification process after the disengagement was in progress and patrolling modalities were to be decided between ground commanders, the source said then.
"Talks will continue at the local commander level," the Army source added. -- PTI
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12:30 Indian, Chinese troops exchange sweets on Diwali
Just In: Indian and Chinese troops have exchange sweets at several border points along the Line of Actual Control on Diwali, said Army sources on Thursday.
Indian and Chinese troops completed disengagement at two friction points at Demchok and Depsang Plains in eastern Ladakh on Wednesday.
More details soon. -- PTI
11:59 6 killed, 5 hurt in tempo-truck collision in UP's Budaun
At least six people, including four of a family, were killed when a tempo they were travelling in was hit by a tractor in the Mujaria area here Thursday morning, the police said.
Five injured were rushed to the district hospital.
The party was returning home to celebrate Diwali.
The victims, who worked as vegetable vendors in Noida, were travelling in a three-wheeled loader tempo which collided with a tractor-trolley.
A speeding car then struck the loader, making the chance of an escape even narrower.
Atul, 31, from Mirzapur, Kanhai, 35, from Bareilly, his wife Kusum, 30, and their children, Kartik and Sheenu, aged eight and five, died in the collision, according to Budaun district magistrate Nidhi Srivastav.
The sixth deceased is yet to be identified, she said.
A search is on for the tractor driver who fled after the incident. -- PTI
11:31 Rajnikanth-Amitabh Bachchan-starrer 'Vettaiyan' to release on Prime Video
Superstar Rajnikanth and Amitabh Bachchan-starrer Tamil action-drama Vettaiyan is all set to release on Prime Video on November 8.
Directed by TJ Gnanavel, the film boasts a stellar ensemble cast featuring Fahadh Faasil, Rana Daggubati, Dushara Vijayan, Manju Warrier, Ritika Singh, and Abhirami in pivotal roles.
Vettaiyan will be available on the streamer in Tamil, with dubs in Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, and Hindi, in India and across 240 countries and territories worldwide.
Vettaiyan revolves around SP Athiyan (Rajinikanth), a maverick police officer renowned for his uncompromising approach to investigation and police justice.
Following a failed operation that results in the tragic loss of an innocent life, Athiyan is forced to confront the repercussions of his ruthless methods.
As Athiyan navigates a tangled web of criminal activities and internal conflicts, he faces a profound moral dilemma, redefining his beliefs about justice and redemption. -- PTI
11:15 Efforts to 'misappropriate' Patel's legacy: Cong
The Congress on Thursday paid its tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his birth anniversary and alleged continuous efforts are being made to 'misappropriate' his legacy by those whose 'ideological gurus' opposed the Quit India Movement and criticised the Constitution.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said, 'Respectful tributes to the Iron Man of India, the first Deputy Prime Minister of the country, former Congress President and our idol, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel ji, who made an independent India a complete country, on his birth anniversary.'
'Sardar Patel's personality and thoughts will always inspire the coming generations to serve the nation,' he said on X.
Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and former Congress president Rahul Gandhi remembered Patel as the leader who tied the country together in a thread of unity and integrity.
'His footprints that united India and established love and brotherhood in the country always guide us,' Gandhi said in a post in Hindi on X.
Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh hailed him as a pivotal figure in the freedom movement and shaping the creation of post-1947 India.
'Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel is an immortal part of the nation's history. He was also a stalwart Congressman. Continuous efforts are being made to (mis)appropriate his legacy by those whose ideological gurus opposed the Quit India Movement in which the Sardar was jailed for almost three years and who criticised the Constitution, a key committee of which was chaired by the Sardar later,' Ramesh said in a post on X.
'This only exposes the insecurities and hypocrisy of the (mis)appropriators,' he added.
Ramesh said it was Jawaharlal Nehru who inaugurated a bronze bust of Patel in Godhra on February 13, 1949.
An inscription below the bust also bears out this fact, he said.
The bust had been installed by local Congressmen in Godhra, because this is where the Sardar had started his legal practice, he said.
'Nehru had come to Godhra after laying the foundation for the educational township Vallabh Vidya Nagar near Anand - named of course after Sardar Patel. At Godhra, Nehru spoke of how averse he was to the unveiling of statues, especially for living personalities - but that he had made an exception in the case of Sardar Patel, because they were the closest of colleagues and because of the Sardar's unique contributions to the making of Independent India,' Ramesh said.
'This is among the very few, if not the only, busts of Sardar Patel erected when he was alive,' he said.
Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra in a post on X gave her tributes to 'one of the architects of modern India'.
'From India's freedom struggle to the creation of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel ji's contribution is an example of service and dedication towards the country,' she said.
The Congress, on its official X handle, said Patel will always continue to inspire the people of the country. -- PTI
10:41 Forces in, outside trying to destabilise India: PM
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said some forces in and outside India are trying to destabilise the country and spread anarchy to create a negative image of the nation in the world.
He was addressing a gathering near the iconic Statue of Unity at Ekta Nagar in Gujarat's Narmada district after paying floral tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on the birth anniversary of India's first Home Minister.
Since 2014, Sardar Patel's birth anniversary has been celebrated on October 31 as 'Rashtriya Ekta Diwas', or National Unity Day.
"Some forces in and outside India are trying to destabilise the country and spread anarchy to create a negative image of the nation in the world. They are trying to divide the country on caste lines and are against a developed India," said the PM.
He urged the people of the country to identify this nexus of 'urban Naxals' which he said is trying to break the country.
"As Naxalism is ending in jungles, a new model of urban Naxals is raising its head. Today urban Naxals target even those who say that you will remain safe if you remain united. We have to identify urban Naxals and unmask them," he said.
Though there were people who were skeptical of India's unification, Sardar Patel made it possible, said Modi, adding that the country will celebrate Patel's 150th birth anniversary for the next two years.
"Our nation is moving towards implementation of 'one nation, one secular civil code' which will strengthen our country. We are trying to roll out the one nation, one election' initiative, which will strengthen our democracy," he said.
"For the first time in 70 years, the chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir has taken oath on the Constitution," he said, adding that due to the government's efforts in the past 10 years, Naxalism is counting its last breath in India. -- PTI
He was addressing a gathering near the iconic Statue of Unity at Ekta Nagar in Gujarat's Narmada district after paying floral tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on the birth anniversary of India's first Home Minister.
Since 2014, Sardar Patel's birth anniversary has been celebrated on October 31 as 'Rashtriya Ekta Diwas', or National Unity Day.
"Some forces in and outside India are trying to destabilise the country and spread anarchy to create a negative image of the nation in the world. They are trying to divide the country on caste lines and are against a developed India," said the PM.
He urged the people of the country to identify this nexus of 'urban Naxals' which he said is trying to break the country.
"As Naxalism is ending in jungles, a new model of urban Naxals is raising its head. Today urban Naxals target even those who say that you will remain safe if you remain united. We have to identify urban Naxals and unmask them," he said.
Though there were people who were skeptical of India's unification, Sardar Patel made it possible, said Modi, adding that the country will celebrate Patel's 150th birth anniversary for the next two years.
"Our nation is moving towards implementation of 'one nation, one secular civil code' which will strengthen our country. We are trying to roll out the one nation, one election' initiative, which will strengthen our democracy," he said.
"For the first time in 70 years, the chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir has taken oath on the Constitution," he said, adding that due to the government's efforts in the past 10 years, Naxalism is counting its last breath in India. -- PTI
10:23 President Murmu pays tributes to Sardar Patel
President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and other dignitaries on Thursday paid floral tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his birth anniversary, observed as National Unity Day.
The tributes were paid at the statue of India's first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister at Patel Chowk in New Delhi.
'Humble tributes from the grateful nation on the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Iron Man, who ensured the unification of the country! Sardar Patel was a great patriot and a leading nation builder. We should take inspiration from his ideals to work relentlessly for nation building,' Murmu said in a post on X in Hindi.
She also paid floral tributes to Sardar Patel at Gantantra Mandap, Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Born in Nadiad, Gujarat, in 1875, Patel was a pivotal figure in India's struggle for Independence. Renowned for his exceptional leadership and unyielding commitment to national integration, he is fondly remembered as the 'Iron Man of India'.
National Unity Day serves as a reminder of his efforts to unite the diverse princely states into a single nation and fosters a spirit of solidarity among the people of India.
Delhi Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena, Union Ministers of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai and Bandi Sanjay Kumar, and BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj also paid tributes to Sardar Patel at the Patel Chowk here. -- PTI
09:59 Kamala distances herself from Biden's remark
Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris has distanced herself from a controversial comment made by her boss President Joe Biden, in which he referred to supporters of her Republican rival Donald Trump as 'garbage'.
"I think that, first of all, he clarified his comments. But let me be clear: I strongly disagree with any criticism of people based on who they vote for. You heard my speech last night and continuously throughout my career," Vice President Harris told reporters Wednesday.
"I believe that the work that I do is about representing all the people, whether they support me or not. As president of the United States, I will be a president for all Americans, whether you vote for me or not," she said, responding to a question on Biden's comment comparing Trump supporters to garbage.
Biden was commenting on a racist joke a comedian made at a Trump rally days earlier, likening Puerto Rico to an 'island of garbage'.
"The only garbage I see floating out there is his (Trump's) supporters, his demonisation of Latinos is unconscionable and it's un-American. It's totally contrary to everything we've done, everything we've been," Biden said in his remarks on a campaign call for Latino voters on Tuesday.
"Just the other day, a speaker at his rally called Puerto Rico a 'floating island of garbage'. Well, let me tell you something. I don't know the Puerto Rican that I know -- or a Puerto Rico, where I'm fr- -- in my home state of Delaware, they're good, decent, honourable people," he said.
Trump, the former president, was quick to denounce the comment.
The Republican Party presidential candidate, who was holding a rally in Allentown, described Biden's remarks as 'terrible' and likened them to Hillary Clinton's comments calling some of Trump's supporters 'deplorables' in 2016.
"So, you have to remember Hillary [Clinton], she said 'deplorable' and then she said 'irredeemable'," Trump said. "'Garbage', I think, is worse," he added.
In a damage control exercise, Biden later tried to explain his remarks on X.
'Earlier today, I referred to the hateful rhetoric about Puerto Rico spewed by Trump's supporter at his Madison Square Garden rally as garbage which is the only word I can think of to describe it,' Biden wrote.
'His demonisation of Latinos is unconscionable. That's all I meant to say. The comments at that rally don't reflect who we are as a nation,' Biden said.
However, Trump went ahead to make political capital out of it as he had a photo-op with a garbage truck on Wednesday in Wisconsin.
"How do you like my garbage truck? This truck is in honour of Kamala and Joe Biden," he told reporters. -- PTI
"I think that, first of all, he clarified his comments. But let me be clear: I strongly disagree with any criticism of people based on who they vote for. You heard my speech last night and continuously throughout my career," Vice President Harris told reporters Wednesday.
"I believe that the work that I do is about representing all the people, whether they support me or not. As president of the United States, I will be a president for all Americans, whether you vote for me or not," she said, responding to a question on Biden's comment comparing Trump supporters to garbage.
Biden was commenting on a racist joke a comedian made at a Trump rally days earlier, likening Puerto Rico to an 'island of garbage'.
"The only garbage I see floating out there is his (Trump's) supporters, his demonisation of Latinos is unconscionable and it's un-American. It's totally contrary to everything we've done, everything we've been," Biden said in his remarks on a campaign call for Latino voters on Tuesday.
"Just the other day, a speaker at his rally called Puerto Rico a 'floating island of garbage'. Well, let me tell you something. I don't know the Puerto Rican that I know -- or a Puerto Rico, where I'm fr- -- in my home state of Delaware, they're good, decent, honourable people," he said.
Trump, the former president, was quick to denounce the comment.
The Republican Party presidential candidate, who was holding a rally in Allentown, described Biden's remarks as 'terrible' and likened them to Hillary Clinton's comments calling some of Trump's supporters 'deplorables' in 2016.
"So, you have to remember Hillary [Clinton], she said 'deplorable' and then she said 'irredeemable'," Trump said. "'Garbage', I think, is worse," he added.
In a damage control exercise, Biden later tried to explain his remarks on X.
'Earlier today, I referred to the hateful rhetoric about Puerto Rico spewed by Trump's supporter at his Madison Square Garden rally as garbage which is the only word I can think of to describe it,' Biden wrote.
'His demonisation of Latinos is unconscionable. That's all I meant to say. The comments at that rally don't reflect who we are as a nation,' Biden said.
However, Trump went ahead to make political capital out of it as he had a photo-op with a garbage truck on Wednesday in Wisconsin.
"How do you like my garbage truck? This truck is in honour of Kamala and Joe Biden," he told reporters. -- PTI
09:11 'Missing' Sena MLA returns, says 'needed rest'
Shiv Sena MLA Shrinivas Vanga, who represents Maharashtra's Palghar constituency, has returned home two days after remaining unreachable.
After his return on Wednesday, Vanga, said, "I needed rest and hence decided to be away from home and others for a couple of days."
He did not elaborate on where he was for two days.
Vanga had told reporters on Monday that he committed a 'grave mistake' by siding with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and joining his party.
Videos of Vanga's emotional responses had gone viral on social media.
Vanga, the son of late BJP MP Chintaman Vanga, became an MLA after winning the 2019 assembly elections as a candidate of undivided Shiv Sena from the Palghar (Scheduled Tribes) seat.
After a split in the Sena, he had supported Shinde. He was hoping to be renominated from the seat by the party.
However, the Sena nominated former MP Rajendra Gavit, who had also sided with Shinde when he rebelled against the then Sena head Uddhav Thackeray in June 2022.
Vanga had also described Thackeray, who now heads Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray, as a 'dev manus' (God-like man). -- PTI
Earlier, his family members had said that the legislator was upset after being denied a ticket by the Eknath Shinde-led party for the upcoming state polls.
He had apparently been incommunicado since Monday evening. His family had not filed any police complaint.
After his return on Wednesday, Vanga, said, "I needed rest and hence decided to be away from home and others for a couple of days."
He did not elaborate on where he was for two days.
Vanga had told reporters on Monday that he committed a 'grave mistake' by siding with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and joining his party.
Videos of Vanga's emotional responses had gone viral on social media.
Vanga, the son of late BJP MP Chintaman Vanga, became an MLA after winning the 2019 assembly elections as a candidate of undivided Shiv Sena from the Palghar (Scheduled Tribes) seat.
After a split in the Sena, he had supported Shinde. He was hoping to be renominated from the seat by the party.
However, the Sena nominated former MP Rajendra Gavit, who had also sided with Shinde when he rebelled against the then Sena head Uddhav Thackeray in June 2022.
Vanga had also described Thackeray, who now heads Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray, as a 'dev manus' (God-like man). -- PTI
08:58 Delhi: 4 minors stab to death 2 workers returning with Diwali bonus
Two men returning home after finishing work in a factory were stabbed to death following a dispute with four juveniles in Narela Industrial area on Wednesday, police said.
Police said the four minors aged between 13 and 16 have been detained and interrogated, they said.
Family members of the victims -- both residents of JJ Colony in Bawana -- suspect that the duo were stabbed in a bid to rob them as they were returning home with salary and Diwali bonus.
Police said they were probing the case from all angles, including a possibility of road rage.
A senior police officer said a call was received regarding two persons lying in a pool of blood near G-Block in Bawana.
A police team reached the spot and found Irshad and Faizan lying with stab wounds. They were taken to a hospital where doctors declared them dead. -- PTI
08:29 Severe flash floods claim 95 lives in Spain
At least 95 people have died due to severe flash floods in Spain, with emergency responders on their toes searching for others who are still missing, according to authorities, CNN reported on Wednesday, citing authorities.
The region's hardest hit was Valencia, where 92 fatalities were confirmed by Angel Victor Torres, Spain's Minister of Territorial Policy and Democratic Memory, as reported by CNN.
Additionally, two deaths occurred in Castile-La Mancha and one in Andalusia.
In the town of Paiporta of Valencia, 40 individuals, including six residents of a retirement home, lost their lives, according to Mayor Maribel Albalat, CNN reported, citing Spanish state news agency EFE.
Various areas in southern and eastern Spain experienced up to 12 inches of rain in just a few hours on Tuesday (local time), marking the heaviest rainfall Valencia has seen in 28 years, according to the state weather agency AEMET.
The region descended into chaos as most highways became impassable, abandoned vehicles being swept away by floodwaters.
According to CNN, videos from rescue agencies show streets submerged, people stranded on rooftops, and overturned cars.
Emergency services in Valencia, Malaga, and Castile-La-Mancha are continuing their search for the missing.
Emiliano Garcia-Page, president of Castile-La-Mancha's regional government, likened the flooding to a dam bursting, stating, "It's not a rain pour; it was like a dam burst."
Train services between Madrid and Valencia have been suspended, along with other public services in affected regions. Schools, museums, and public libraries in Valencia are set to remain closed on Thursday.
According to CNN, reports indicate that around 1,200 people are still trapped on different stretches of highway in Valencia, and 5,000 vehicles are immobilised due to the rising waters.
In areas near rivers like Utiel and Paiporta, water overflowed into streets, sweeping away vehicles and debris, CNN en Espanol reported.
The weather phenomenon, known as 'cold drop', has caused the most severe flooding Valencia has experienced this century, though it remains unclear if climate change is a contributing factor, CNN reported, citing AEMET.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez pledged that the government would utilise all available resources to assist flood victims and urged citizens to stay vigilant. He is scheduled to visit Valencia on Thursday.
Spanish Defence Minister Margarita Robles referred to the floods as an 'unprecedented phenomenon', announcing that over 1,000 military personnel had been deployed for rescue operations.
The Spanish government has also declared three days of official mourning for the victims, starting Thursday. -- ANI
IMAGE: People hold buckets, after heavy rains caused flooding, in La Hoz de la Vieja, Teruel, Spain on October 30, 2024. Photograph: Nacho Doce/Reuters
08:09 US to 'consult' Canada on allegations against Amit Shah
Canada's allegations against Union Home Minister Amit Shah are 'concerning', the United States said on Wednesday, noting that it would continue to consult Ottawa on the issue.
"The allegations made by the government of Canada are concerning, and we will continue to consult with the Canadian government about those allegations," State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller told reporters at his daily news conference.
Canada's National Security and Intelligence Adviser Nathalie Drouin and Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister David Morrison members of the national security committee of the Canadian Parliament confirmed a leaked Washington Post reports alleging that Shah was behind the campaign of targeting Khalistani separatists in Canada.
In response to a question Morrison said he had 'confirmed' Shah's name to The Washington Post.
"The journalist called me and asked if it was that person. I confirmed it was that person," he said. -- PTI
"The allegations made by the government of Canada are concerning, and we will continue to consult with the Canadian government about those allegations," State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller told reporters at his daily news conference.
Canada's National Security and Intelligence Adviser Nathalie Drouin and Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister David Morrison members of the national security committee of the Canadian Parliament confirmed a leaked Washington Post reports alleging that Shah was behind the campaign of targeting Khalistani separatists in Canada.
In response to a question Morrison said he had 'confirmed' Shah's name to The Washington Post.
"The journalist called me and asked if it was that person. I confirmed it was that person," he said. -- PTI
File image
00:48 Heart, liver ferried from airport to south Mumbai in 19 mins via 22-km-long green corridor
The traffic police on Wednesday created a 22-km-long green corridor to facilitate the transfer of a harvested heart and a liver from the airport to a south Mumbai hospital in flat 19 minutes, said officials.
The organs arrived in the city from Pune around 7 pm, when the road traffic is usually at its peak.
The body parts were taken from the Kalina Airport Gate Number 8 to the Western Express Highway in two minutes through the Hans Bhugra Road, said senior inspector Sandip Yele of the Vakola Traffic Division.
Traffic cops then created a green corridor to transport the organs, he said.
"19 minutes is all it took us to give a new life to someone," said Mumbai traffic police in a tweet.
It added, "Creating a green corridor for 22 km to transport organs (heart and liver) from Kalina Airport Gate No. 8 to HN Reliance Hospital in Girgaum our on-duty officials made sure the vital organs reached in time." -- PTI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi/File image
00:24 Moment comes after 500 years: Modi on 1st Diwali after Ayodhya consecration ceremony
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said this is the first Diwali after the consecration ceremony of Lord Ram in his magnificent temple in Ayodhya and asserted that this auspicious moment has come after 500 years with the countless sacrifices and penance of Ram bhakts.
Tagging a post by the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra, Modi said in a post in Hindi on X: "Divine Ayodhya! This is the first Deepawali after the consecration ceremony of Lord Shri Ram, the epitome of virtue, in his magnificent temple. The unique beauty of Shri Ram Lalla's temple in Ayodhya is going to overwhelm everyone."
"After 500 years, this auspicious moment has come with the countless sacrifices and penance of Ram bhakts. It is our good fortune that all of us have become witnesses to this historic occasion," Modi said.
"I am confident that the life of Lord Shri Ram and his ideals will continue to be an inspiration for the people of the country in achieving the resolution of a developed India," he added. -- PTI
Lakhs of diyas being lit on the banks of the Saryu in Ayodhya on Wednesday/ANI Photo
00:21 Ayodhya sets Guinness record with 25L diyas, 1,121 in aarti
Two Guinness World Records -- most people performing 'aarti' simultaneously and the largest display of oil lamps -- were set at the eighth edition of Deepotsav here on Wednesday.
The two records were set on 55 ghats, including Ram ki Paidi, on the banks of Saryu river in the holy city with over 25 lakh earthen lamps (diyas) lit together and 1,121 'vedacharyas' (teachers of religious texts) performing 'aarti' simultaneously.
The counting of diyas was done using drones. Pravin Patel, the adjudicator at Guinness World Records, who visited Ayodhya with Guinness Consultant Nischal Bharot for verification, announced the new records here on Wednesday evening.
"With a total of 1,121, UP Tourism, District administration of Ayodhya and Saryu Aarti Samiti, you are the Guinness World Records title holder for most people performing diya rotations simultaneously. Congratulations!" Patel declared.
On the second record, the Guinness adjudicator said, "With a total of 25,12,585, which translates into just over 25 lakh, UP Tourism, Govt of UP, District Administration of Ayodhya, and Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Avadh University, you are the new Guinness World Records title holder for the largest display of oil lamps!" -- PTI
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