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Mon, 06 January 2025

Investors on edge as fin firm shuts Mumbai offices

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IC814 Captain Devi Sharan/File image

23:55 IC814 Captain Devi Sharan retires from AI after 40 years

After flying for four decades, Devi Sharan, the captain of the ill-fated Indian Airlines flight IC814, has retired from the airline.

Sharan, who turned 65, operated a Dreamliner aircraft from Melbourne to Delhi on January 4.

It was his last flight.

In a message, Sharan thanked his friends and colleagues at Air India for a very memorable and glorious career. He also thanked passengers over the years for giving him the opportunity to fly them.

A video montage of his days with the airline along with the message was posted by Air India on social media with the title 'The Sky Bows, The Runway Salutes The Captain of IC814'.

"As I embark on the golden chapter of my life, I look forward to making more memories with my family and friends," Sharan said.

The retirement age for a commercial pilot is 65 years.

On July 31, 2023, while recalling the hijack episode, Sharan had said, "I had to live to save others" and that he dealt with terrorists who were well-versed with aviation terminologies. Indian Airlines flight IC814 from Kathmandu to Delhi was hijacked on December 24, 1999 and when the aircraft cruising at 26,000 feet, Sharan had noticed a person onboard wearing a monkey cap and holding a hand grenade and a revolver in his hands.

From then, most of the nearly 180 passengers of the ill-fated plane had a harrowing time for eight days as the aircraft stopped at Amritsar, Lahore, Dubai and Kandahar.

And one of the passengers was also killed.

Indian Airlines was merged with Air India in 2007. -- PTI

Cowpea seedlings sprout first leaves in space/Courtesy ISRO on X

23:07 Cowpea seedlings onboard ISRO's POEM-4 sprout first leaves in space

Cowpea seedlings onboard PSLV-C60 POEM-4 module sprout their first leaves in space, signifying a milestone in space-based plant research, ISRO said on Monday.

According to India's national space agency, the Compact Research Module for Orbital Plant Studies, developed by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, is an automated platform designed to cultivate and sustain plant life in the microgravity environment of space.

One of its recent experiments involved growing cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) seeds within a controlled, closed environment equipped with active thermal management, said ISRO.

The system monitored various parameters, including oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, relative humidity, temperature, and soil moisture, while capturing images to track plant growth, added ISRO.

According to the space agency, this setup successfully supported the germination and development of cowpea plants up to the two-leaf stage in space.

"This accomplishment not only demonstrates ISRO's capability to grow plants in space, but also provides valuable insights for future long-duration missions," ISRO said in a post on the social media platform X.

Understanding on how plants adapt to microgravity is crucial for developing life support systems that can produce food and regenerate air and water for astronauts, ISRO added.

"The success of the CROPS experiment marks a promising step towards sustainable human presence in space," the space agency said. -- PTI

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22:52 Investors on edge as fin firm shuts Mumbai offices

Hundreds of investors on Monday protested after finding the office of an investment firm locked in Navi Mumbai amid allegations of a scam, the police said.

Many investors claimed they had invested their life savings in the company's schemes which promised them substantial returns over a decade.

Protests erupted when several investors found the company's offices in Dadar, Mumbai, and Bhayandar in Thane district locked.

A showroom of the firm in Mira Bhayandar area was also found shut since morning.

Navi Mumbai Police personnel reached the spot and dispersed the crowd. -- PTI

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22:38 Tigress found dead in Bhandara district, electrocution suspected; one held

A tigress was found dead in a forest in Maharashtra's Bhandara district on Monday, following which one person was detained for questioning, an official said.

The carcass of the 3-year-old tigress was found in compartment number 74 in Jhanjhariya in Tumsar forest range, he added.

"There are burn marks on the body. It suggests the culprit may have tried to burn it. The organs are intact," deputy conservator of forest Rahul Gavai said.

Another official said the tigress may have been electrocuted, adding that one person had been detained for questioning.

The Tumsar police and forest department officials are probing the case, he said.

"The carcass has been sent for post mortem and we are awaiting the report. This is the second tiger deaths in the past few days in Tumsar. On December 30, a sub adult was found dead near Deonara-Kurmuda village," the official said. -- PTI

22:12 Canadian PM Justin Trudeau resigns

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on Monday that he will resign amid growing discontent with his leadership and recent turmoil, highlighted by the sudden departure of his finance minister, reports Associated Press.

Trudeau acknowledged that it was clear he couldn't lead during the next elections due to internal conflicts, but he intends to remain in office until a new leader for the Liberal Party is selected.

"I don't easily back down from a fight, especially one as significant as this for our party and the country. However, my commitment to the interests of Canadians and the health of our democracy is what truly matters to me," he stated.

An official close to the situation revealed that Canada's parliament, originally scheduled to reconvene on January 27, will be suspended until March 24. This timeline allows for a leadership contest within the Liberal Party.

The official spoke on the condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to share this information publicly.

The three main opposition parties have indicated their plans to challenge the Liberal Party with a no-confidence vote when Parliament reconvenes, making a spring election to select a permanent replacement likely, AP reported.

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21:31 Human remains found in refrigerator of abandoned house in Kerala

Human remains, including a skull and bones, were found inside an abandoned house near Chottanikkara in Ernakulam district on Monday, the police said.

The remains were found stored in a fridge within the house, which has reportedly remained unoccupied for two decades.

The property, situated on an expansive private estate, had been locked and neglected throughout this period.

The police launched an inspection of the house following a tip-off received at the Chottanikkara police station.

The discovery was made during their search of the premises.

The police said they have launched a detailed investigation into the incident to determine the circumstances surrounding the case. -- PTI

21:12 Nadella meets Modi, discusses AI

Microsoft chairman and CEO, Satya Nadella on Monday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi.

After the meeting Nadella tweeted, "Thank you, PM Narendra Modi for your leadership. Excited to build on our commitment to making India AI-first and work together on our continued expansion in the country to ensure every Indian benefits from this AI platform shift."

Modi tweeted, "It was indeed a delight to meet you, Satya Nadella! Glad to know about Microsoft's ambitious expansion and investment plans in India. It was also wonderful discussing various aspects of tech, innovation and AI in our meeting."

Prashant Kishor

20:54 Prashant Kishor released from jail: Police

Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor was released from jail on Monday evening, hours after he was sent to judicial custody upon refusal of bail, the conditions of which were initially dubbed by him 'unreasonable'.

It was not immediately known whether Kishor accepted the bail conditions imposed by a court here or whether the court revised its order.

Senior lawyer Y V Giri, who is actively associated with Kishor's party, earlier said the bail was granted with an "unreasonable' condition that Kishor must give a written undertaking, which would have been tantamount to "admitting guilt'.

Talking to PTI, Patna Senior Superintendent of Police Awakash Kumar said, "Yes, Kishor has been granted bail by the competent court late in the evening. He has been released from the Beur Central jail."

Earlier in the day, Kishor was arrested for his illegal fast unto death and sent to jail upon refusal to accept bail, granted by the court in Patna with conditions that he alleged were "unreasonable".

The 47-year-old was last week booked for holding 'Aamaran anshan' (fast unto death) at Gandhi Maidan, in violation of a Patna high court order that forbids any such demonstration at a place other than Gardani Bagh locality in the city. -- PTI

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20:50 IIM Bengaluru student dies after falling off hostel bldg

The death of a student of the Indian Institute of Management, Bengaluru (IIM-B), Nilay Kailashbhai Patel, who had presumably fallen off the second floor of his hostel, has sparked an online debate on caste-based discrimination.

Several posts on 'X' weigh in on the possibility of the student dying of suicide due to discrimination.

Incidentally, the police told PTI on Monday that initial investigation points to an accidental fall.

They said suicide is unlikely as they could not find any suicide note. But All India OBC Students Association has asked for clarification from IIM-B.

"We demand @iimb_official to provide clarity on this critical issue. The institution lacks adequate mechanisms to address the concerns of marginalised communities, a matter we have repeatedly highlighted," said the organisation through its X page, @aiobcsa.

It has also tagged the Ministry of Education and Union Minister of Education Dharmendra Pradhan.

"We call upon @EduMinOfIndia to take immediate action to prevent student suicides and to strengthen institutional support systems for students from marginalised backgrounds," read the post.

Despite repeated attempts, PTI could not get through to the Director of IIM-B, Rishikesha T Krishnan for his comments.

Meanwhile, the police told PTI: "We are awaiting the post-mortem report, which will likely come in three days, to ascertain the cause of death." -- PTI

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20:23 3 members of Tajpuriya-Mann gang held in Delhi, arms seized

The Delhi police arrested three active members of the Tillu Tajpuriya-Parvesh Maan gang and recovered two pistols, a revolver, and 39 live cartridges from them, an official said on Monday.

Those nabbed have been identified as Deepak (36), Ankit (24) and Sagar (24), the official said.

"Deepak, a known 'bad character' has a history of involvement in three criminal cases, including murder, extortion and Arms Act," deputy commissioner of police (Outer North) Nidhin Valsan said.

On Sunday, staff received a tip-off regarding the movement of Deepak and his associates and the team immediately laid a trap near Holambi Khurd area, he said.

The suspects were later apprehended. Upon searching the individuals, police recovered one pistol and 14 live cartridges from Deepak, another pistol with two cartridges from Ankit, and a revolver along with 23 live cartridges from Sagar.

During interrogation, Deepak revealed that he has been associated with the Tillu Tajpuriya-Parvesh Maan gang for years.

He had been tasked with providing logistical support and supplying arms to facilitate the gang's activities, operating under instructions from jailed gang leaders.

"Ankit and Sagar are relatively new recruits for the gang," said the DCP. -- PTI

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20:04 NDRF rescues nine family members from drowning in Ganga

The National Disaster Response Force personnel stationed at the Maha Kumbh Mela site rescued nine members of a family from drowning in the Ganga River on Monday, officials said.

An NDRF official stated that deputy inspector general Manoj Kumar Sharma was visiting Arail Ghat on Monday when he noticed a boat carrying nine individuals drifting uncontrollably in the strong current.

The family members on the boat were shouting for help.

"Upon hearing their cries, DIG Sharma immediately directed the NDRF team to enter the river and rescue the stranded family. The team successfully brought all nine individuals to safety," the official said, adding that those on board were members of the same family.

Around 40-45 crore visitors are expected during the Maha Kumbh, which is being held from January 13 to February 26 after a gap of 12 years. -- PTI

19:39 Two children test positive for HMPV in Chennai

Two children have tested positive for Human Metapneumovirus and are currently undergoing treatment, a health official said on Monday.

These two are the first cases to be reported from the city from two hospitals.

Further details are awaited.

Meanwhile, officials of the state health department held a meeting to discuss the measures to be taken to screen for HMPV and the precautions to be put in place to contain its spread. -- PTI

Former Congress leader Sajjan Kumar (left)/File image

19:27 Anti-Sikh riots: SC to hear in July plea of Sajjan Kumar against punishment

The Supreme Court will in July hear the pleas filed by former Congress leader Sajjan Kumar and the party's former councillor Balwan Khokhar against sentences awarded in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots case.

A bench of Justice J K Maheshwari and Aravind Kumar on Monday clarified if the final hearing could not take place as scheduled, the petitioners would have the liberty to request the court to consider the prayer of the suspension of sentences.

The top court summoned the trial court records, which will be supplied to all parties concerned.

In July, 2024, the apex court asked the CBI to respond to Khokhar's plea seeking the reprieve.

Khokhar's life sentence was upheld by the Delhi high court in 2018 whereas it reversed Kumar's acquittal by a trial court in 2013, in a case related to the killings of five Sikhs in the Raj Nagar Part-I area in Palam Colony in southwest Delhi on November 1-2, 1984, apart from the setting ablaze of a gurdwara in Raj Nagar Part-II.

In his plea, Khokhar said the jail authorities had rejected his plea on September 26, 2024, saying his release would invite adverse repercussions and disturb peace and tranquillity in the society, prompting unrest.

He said he had moved an intervention application for bail, but had already undergone a sentence of 8.7 years by then, and the plea was dismissed on February 3, 2023.

Large-scale violence and killings of persons from the Sikh community took place in the national capital following former PM Indira Gandhi's assassination by her bodyguards in 1984 and the cases stemming from the incident have seen some major twists and turns 40 years on. -- PTI

19:07 SpaDeX docking postponed to January 9: ISRO

Indian Space Research Organisation on Monday said the docking experiment of SpaDeX satellites scheduled for January 7 is now postponed to January 9.

In a post on X, the Bengaluru-based space agency said, "The SpaDeX docking scheduled on (January) 7th is now postponed to 9th. The docking process requires further validation through ground simulations based on an abort scenario identified today."

India is set to become the fourth country in the world to have space docking technology, once the mission is accomplished.

ISRO had successfully launched the ambitious Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) mission on December 30.

The PSLV C60 rocket carrying two small satellites, SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target), along with 24 payloads, had lifted off from the first launchpad of the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, and about 15 minutes after liftoff, the two small spacecraft weighing about 220 kg each were launched into a 475-km circular orbit as intended.

According to ISRO, SpaDeX mission is a cost-effective technology demonstrator mission for the demonstration of in-space docking using two small spacecraft that was launched by PSLV.

This technology is essential for India's space ambitions such as Indian on Moon, sample return from the Moon, the building and operation of Bharatiya Antariksh Station, etc.

In-space docking technology is essential when multiple rocket launches are required to achieve common mission objectives. -- PTI

Table Space founder Amit Banerji/Image courtesy X

18:54 Table Space founder Amit Banerji dies at 45

Amit Banerji, founder of Table Space -- a managed flexible workspace provider -- has died on Monday.

Banerji, who founded Table Space in 2017, was about 45 years old.

In a statement, Bengaluru-based Table Space informed about his death.

"It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Amit Banerji, our founder, chairman, and CEO on the morning of January 06 due to cardiac arrest," the company statement said.

"Amit was a visionary leader who transformed the flexible workspace solution industry in India. His impact on the company, its people and the industry will be lasting, and he will be profoundly missed by his family, friends and partners. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family during this difficult time," Table Space said.

Before founding Table Space in 2017, Banerji held the position of managing director for corporate real estate at Accenture, where he was responsible for strategising, planning, and overseeing operations for a multi-million-square-foot portfolio. -- PTI

Malayalam actress Honey Rose (right)/File image

18:37 One held for posting derogatory remarks on Malayalam actor Honey Rose

A man was arrested on Monday and at least 30 people were booked for allegedly posting obscene remarks on the social media page of Malayalam actress Honey Rose, the police said.

The arrested man was identified as Shaji, a 60-year-old hailing from nearby Panangadu.

The case was registered based on a complaint lodged by the actress on Sunday night, the police said.

The Kochi Central police said an investigation is on to identify the rest of the accused.

The accused were booked under various sections of the BNS, including section 75 and section 67 of the IT Act.

BNS 75 deals with sexual harassment, and IT Act section 67 refers to punishment for publishing or transmitting obscene material in electronic form.

The accused would be identified with the support of the cyber cell, and necessary action would be taken, police sources said.

The police action came a day after the actress put out a Facebook post accusing an individual of stalking her and making sexually inappropriate remarks, including through media platforms, which she claimed outraged her modesty.

A number of people posted offensive comments below the particular post, prompting Rose to approach the police.

In the FB post on Sunday morning, Rose wondered whether it was acceptable for someone to insult a woman based on their perceived superiority due to wealth.

However, she did not disclose the identity of the person she accused of stalking her. -- PTI

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18:03 Several feared trapped inside Assam coal mine

Just In: Several people feared trapped inside a coal mine in Umrangso area in Dima Hasao district of Assam.

"We can't say the exact figure as of now," said Mayank Kumar Jha, superintendent of police, Dima Hasao.

More details soon. -- ANI

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17:59 Three killed, 4 hurt as two groups clash over water supply in Maha village

Three persons were killed and four injured after two groups clashed over water supply from a well in a village in Maharashtra's Dharashiv district, the police said on Monday.

The incident took place late on Sunday night at Bavi village in Vashi tehsil under the jurisdiction of Yermala police station, an official said.

He said the people involved were distant relatives, and there was a dispute between them over water supply from a well for their field.

A scuffle broke out between the two groups following a heated argument, and three persons died, the official said.

He said the deceased have been identified as Appa Kale, Sunil Kale, and Vaijanath Kale.

The injured were rushed to a hospital, where one of them is in critical condition.

The Dharashiv police have detained 10 persons, and further probe was underway, the official said. -- PTI

Two women devotees on their way to Tirumala died at Chandragiri in Tirupati district in the wee hours of Monday after being hit by an ambulance, said a police official.

A 108-ambulance coming from Piler hit the devotees around 4 am between Rangampeta and Mangapuram, said the official.

"The ambulance hit seven devotees from behind. Two of them died and five others sustained injuries," the official said.

The police registered a case under section 106 clause 1 of BNS.

Meanwhile, Tirupati superintendent of police L Subba Rayudu said that fog could be the reason for the early morning accident.

He exhorted the devotees who prefer to go the temple by walk, to tread on the side of the road and to be watchful so that accidents can be be avoided.

He also said that winter nights are plagued with low visibility due to foggy conditions. -- PTI

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17:05 Don't panic, not transmissible: K'taka on HMPV

Following the detection of two Human Metapneumovirus cases in the state, the Karnataka government on Monday urged people not to panic as the virus is not as transmissible as Covid-19.

Emphasising that the respiratory virus primarily affects children, causing infections similar to the common cold, the Directorate of Medical Education said in a release that hospitals have been instructed to report influenza-like illness and severe acute respiratory infection cases.

To prevent escalation of the spread of the virus, people are advised to cover their mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing, wash hands frequently with soap, avoid public places if symptomatic and close contact with sick persons.

The advisory also advised people not to reuse tissue papers or handkerchiefs, share towels and linen and avoid spitting in public places.

According to DME, HMPV causes flu-like symptoms including cough, fever, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath.

In more severe cases, it can lead to bronchitis or pneumonia, especially in young children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. -- PTI

Four tourists fell into the frozen Sela Lake in Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh, while attempting to walk on its icy surface, an official said on Monday.

However, they were safely pulled out of the icy water, the district official said.

The incident took place at the scenic lake, located at an altitude of 14,000 feet on Sunday, when the four tourists from Assam, including one woman, ventured onto the frozen surface despite clear risks. Fortunately, their companions acted quickly, pulling them out of the icy water and preventing a tragedy, the official said.

"The incident occurred around 10 am when the tourists ventured onto the frozen surface of the lake. There was no casualty reported and all of them are fit and fine, additional deputy commissioner (ADC) Hakraso Kri said.

Local authorities had previously issued warnings against such activities. In December last year, Tawang Deputy Commissioner Kanki Darang had advised visitors to avoid walking on high-altitude frozen lakes, including Sela Lake, Shongetser Lake, PT Tso Lake, and the lakes around Bumla Pass.

For the local community, these lakes hold deep cultural and spiritual significance.

According to tradition, tampering with or polluting these sacred water bodies is believed to invite misfortune.

Meanwhile, Union Parliamentary Affairs minister Kiren Rijiju who hails from the state has cautioned tourists to remain careful while walking in such frozen lakes.

"Enjoy mountains but be careful of snow avalance, icy roads and ice lakes," Rijiju said in a post on X.

"At Sela Pass in Arunachal Pradesh. My advice to tourists: Walk on the frozen lakes with experienced people, drive carefully on slippery snow roads and be aware of snow avalanche. Temperatures is freezing so wear warm clothes and enjoy. Your safety is important," he added. -- PTI

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16:38 Two SUVs found with same number plates near iconic Taj hotel in Mumbai

Two cars with the same number plates were found parked near the iconic Taj Mahal Palace hotel at Colaba in south Mumbai on Monday, the police said.

Both cars were taken to Colaba police station along with their drivers for a probe, an official said.

"The incident came to light at around 12.30 pm when someone observed that two SUVs were parked close to each other outside the hotel after which traffic police was informed. A probe is underway on how two cars had the same number plates and which one these was forged," he said.

The statements of the drivers are being recorded and further action will follow based on the details they give, the official said. -- PTI

16:12 Techie, family of 3 found dead in Bengaluru

Four members of a family, including two children, were found dead at their rented home in Bengaluru, the police said on Monday.

The deceased have been identified as Anup Kumar (38), his wife Rakhi (35), and their two children aged 5 and 2.

According to police, the couple was found hanging in the house this morning. The cause for the extreme step is yet to be ascertained.

The family, hailing from Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh, was residing at the current address for about two years now. Anup Kumar worked as a software consultant at a private firm.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central), Shekhar H Tekkannavar said they have informed the family of the deceased. A case has been registered and investigation is on, the officials said.

-- PTI

Eight jawans and a driver were killed in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district when Maoists used an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) to blow up their vehicle.

The nine were returning from an operation when the IED blew up the Scorpio SUV at Kutru in the Bastar region around 2.15 pm.

A two-month-old boy admitted to a private hospital in Ahmedabad has been detected with Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) infection, an official said on Monday.

The infant, who hails from Dungarpur in Rajasthan, was admitted to the hospital, located in Chandkheda locality here, on December 24 with symptoms of respiratory infection.

After tests, he was found positive for the HMPV, Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation's in-charge medical officer of health Bhavin Solanki said.

"HMPV (infection) was detected in the patient on December 26, but we learnt about it today as the private hospital reported it to us late," Solanki said.

The patient was kept in isolation, the official said.

Earlier, the child was kept on a ventilator, and his condition is stable now, Solanki said.

Before this, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has detected two cases of HMPV in Karnataka through routine surveillance for multiple respiratory viral pathogens.

The Union health ministry emphasised that HMPV is already in circulation globally, including in India, and cases of respiratory illnesses associated with it have been reported in various countries. -- PTI

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin lashed out at State Governor RN Ravi for leaving the assembly without delivering his customary address on Monday, calling it childish, and charged the latter with continuously insulting the people of the state.

Why was Ravi sticking to his gubernatorial post "when he does not have a heart to discharge his Constitutional duties," Stalin asked.

Responding to Ravi walking out of the House and refraining from delivering his address to the MLAs on the first day of this year's Assembly session, Stalin said the Governor had skipped some portions and added some in his address in the previous years.

"This year, Governor Ravi has left the House by not reading out the address, it is childish," he said in a post on 'X.'

A Governor reading out the government's address in Assembly was the democratic tradition but Ravi has the practice of violating this norm, Stalin charged. -- PTI

Delhi Chief Minister Atishi breaks down during a press conference over Bharatiya Janata Party leader Ramesh Bidhuri's remarks targeting her.

Ramesh Bidhuri, who is BJP's candidate from the Kalkaji assembly constituency, sparked a controversy on Sunday by making a personal jibe at Atishi, claiming that "she changed her father."

During a public gathering in the national capital, Bidhuri remarked, "Atishi, who was once Marlena, is now Singh. She has even changed her father."

"This Marlena (Atishi) became Singh. She changed her name. Arvind Kejriwal swore on his children not to align with the corrupt Congress. Marlena changed her father. This reflects the character of the Aam Aadmi Party," he further said.

Earlier, the former BJP MP sparked a controversy by claiming that after his victory in the upcoming Delhi polls, he would develop smooth roads in the constituency "just like Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi's cheeks."

Police on Monday filed a charge sheet in Nationalist Congress Party leader Baba Siddique's murder case stating that gangster Anmol Bishnoi carried out the killing to create an atmosphere of fear through his organised crime syndicate.

The 4,590-page charge sheet was filed in a special court against 26 arrested accused and three wanted persons, including Anmol Bishnoi, the brother of jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi.

As per the charge sheet, Anmol Bishnoi hatched a conspiracy to kill Siddique with the intention to instil fear and dominance over the crime syndicate.

Besides Anmol Bishnoi, the other wanted accused are Mohammad Yasin Akhtar and Shubham Lonkar.

Police have so far arrested 26 people and invoked stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime (MCOC) Act against them. All accused are in judicial custody.

Former Maharashtra minister Siddique, 66, was shot dead on October 12, 2024, by three assailants outside his son Zeeshan Siddique's office in the Bandra area of Mumbai. -- PTI

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14:32 India condemns Pak airstrikes on Afghanistan

India on Monday "unequivocally" condemned Pakistani airstrikes on Afghanistan and said it is Islamabad's old practice to blame its neighbours for its internal failures.

Pakistan carried out airstrikes in certain areas in Afghanistan in what it said was aimed at targeting some terrorist hideouts.

"We have noted the media reports on airstrikes on Afghan civilians, including women and children, in which several precious lives have been lost. We unequivocally condemn any attack on innocent civilians," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.

"It is an old practice of Pakistan to blame its neighbours for its own internal failures. We have also noted the response of an Afghan spokesperson in this regard," he said. -- PTI

Multiplex chain PVR INOX on Monday said it is set to re-release Hrithik Roshan's debut film Kaho Naa.. Pyaar Hai to mark its 25th anniversary on January 10, coinciding with the actor's birthday.

The musical romantic thriller, directed by Hrithik Roshan's father, filmmaker Rakesh Roshan, originally hit the screens on January 14, 2000.

It went on to become a runaway hit with its engaging narrative and chart-topping music by the actor's uncle and composer Rajesh Roshan.

Kaho Naa.. Pyaar Hai also marked the debut of Ameesha Patel and featured Anupam Kher, Farida Jalal, Satish Shah, Mohnish Bahl, Dalip Tahil, Ashish Vidyarthi, and Vrajesh Hirjee in pivotal roles.

Hrithik Roshan, also known for his performances in Koi... Mil Gaya, Lakshya, Jodhaa Akbar, Dhoom 2, and Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, said it is "surreal" to realise that 25 years have passed since his debut.

"This milestone is both humbling and motivating, to be blessed with the opportunity to live my dream of being an actor, every day since the last two and a half decades is truly a blessing.

"Kaho Naa.. Pyaar Hai was my first film and will always hold a special place in my heart. I thank PVR INOX for celebrating the occasion by bringing back the film to theatres," the Bollywood star said in a statement.

Rakesh Roshan, who also produced Kaho Naa.. Pyaar Hai, said it is a "momentous occasion" for him as a filmmaker and a father that the film is being celebrated even after 25 years.

"Revisiting the film brings back so many memories, and looking back I feel grateful to the cinema going audience for giving all the love to my film as well as Hrithik.

"It's hugely rewarding as a filmmaker to hear Kaho Naa.. Pyaar Hai songs play at events and parties even today. I'm happy to witness the film being celebrated with a re-release coinciding with Hrithik's birthday, it's an incredibly sweet gesture by PVR INOX," the director-producer said. -- PTI

The Congress on Monday announced a 'Pyari Didi Yojana', promising a monthly financial assistance of Rs 2,500 to women if voted to power in Delhi.

The scheme would be rolled out on the lines of the model adopted by the Congress government in Karnataka.

Announcing the scheme, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said it aims to financially empower women, promising that it would be implemented at the first Cabinet meeting of the new government.

"Today, I have come here to launch the Pyari Didi Yojana. We are confident that a Congress government will be formed in Delhi, and on the first day of the new Cabinet, we will implement the scheme to provide Rs 2,500 to every woman in the capital," Shivakumar said.

Elections to the 70-member Delhi assembly are due in February.

Delhi Congress chief Devender Yadav, the party's Delhi in-charge Qazi Nizamuddin, and other senior leaders were present during the announcement. -- PTI

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Monday ruled out the possibility of quitting the National Democratic Alliance, pointing out that his ties with the Bharatiya Janata Party went back a long way.

The Janata Dal-United supremo, who termed as a "mistake" his two short-lived alliances with the RJD-Congress combine, fondly recalled the backing he had always received from former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

"It was respected Atal ji who made me a Union minister. He used to shower so much of affection on me. I never faced any difficulty in getting my proposals cleared," Kumar told reporters in Vaishali district, which he toured as part of the state-wide 'Pragati Yatra'.

The longest-serving chief minister of the state also recalled that it was Vajpayee's wish that "I become the CM" when the NDA first won assembly polls in Bihar in 2005.

"So, why would I not stay (with the BJP)? A couple of times the people in my party committed a mistake (by pressing for an alliance with the Congress-RJD combine). I rectified it both times," said the JD-U president.

Kumar was responding to queries about speculations in the political circles, triggered by Union Home Minister Amit Shah's equivocal stance on his projection as chief ministerial candidate in the assembly polls due in less than a year.

The speculations grew stronger after RJD president Lalu Prasad recently said he was keeping his "doors open" for arch-rival Kumar. -- PTI

Kumbh Mela

13:43 Class 11 student held for Kumbh Mela bomb threat

The Uttar Pradesh police has detained a Class 11 student from Bihar's Purnia district for allegedly threatening to bomb the Maha Kumbh Mela starting January 13 in Prayagraj, officials said on Monday.

Senior Superintendent of Police (Kumbh), Rajesh Dwivedi, said the 17-year-old student, who was brought to Prayagraj on Sunday for questioning, has been sent to a remand home.

The accused allegedly created a fake Instagram profile in the name of one his classmates to settle a score, and posted provocative content from it, including a threat to kill 1,000 devotees at the Maha Kumbh, the SSP said.

The police took up the probe after filing a case at the Mela Kotwali police station under relevant sections of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Information Technology Act, he added.

The BJP on Monday claimed that a CAG report raised 139 questions related to former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal's previous Flagstaff Road residence and "exposed his "black deeds".

No immediate reaction was available from AAP on the charges.

Addressing a press conference, the BJP's Delhi president Virendra Sachdeva said the report of 2022 cited an expenditure of Rs 33.86 crore on the "Sheesh Mahal" but the actual cost was far higher.

"This report pertains to expenditure till 2022. There is no revelation on expenses of 2023 and 2024 and, according to our information, the real cost runs up to Rs 75-80 crore if the inventory of the items in the bungalow are included," he claimed.

The BJP has sharpened its attack on Kejriwal ahead of the Delhi Assembly polls, alleging corruption related to the 6, Flagstaff Road, bungalow that he occupied as chief minister.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also took a jibe at Kejriwal, saying he built a "Sheesh Mahal" instead of paying attention to Delhi's public infrastructure.

Sachdeva charged, "The Controller and Auditor General (CAG) has raised 139 questions and very minutely detailed the black deeds of Kejriwal."

He alleged that the bungalow was reconstructed without permission of the Delhi Urban Arts Commission and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi.

"What message did a chief minister give to Delhi by constructing the bungalow in an unauthorised manner?" he asked.

If the real cost of the bungalow is to be determined, the accounts of the public works and other departments have to be checked, Sachdeva said.

He also alleged that the public works department, instead of functioning as a government agency for construction of the bungalow, acted as a "private organisation" to please Kejriwal. -- PTI

Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna on Monday recused himself from hearing two separate pleas pertaining to finalisation of the constitutions of the Indian Olympic Association and the All India Football Federation, both framed by former apex court judge Justice L Nageswara Rao.

At the outset of the proceedings, the Chief Justice of India (CJI), who was sitting on the bench with Justice Sanjay Kumar, said he would not be part of the bench to hear these cases as he had earlier taken up one of the pleas in Delhi high court.

"Let the pleas come before another bench headed by Justice PS Narasimha on February 10. I remember hearing this in Delhi High Court," CJI Khanna said.

The pleas were last taken up on March 19, 2024, by a bench headed by the-then CJI DY Chandrachud.

The bench had then permitted the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to file its objections to the draft constitution proposed by Justice Rao.

"The amicus curiae will update the existing chart to reflect the objections of the AIFF," the bench had said.

It had also said that it would decide the issues raised about the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and the AIFF constitutions on the next date of hearing. -- PTI

Indian stock market crashed with both the benchmark indices, Sensex and Nifty 50, falling amid heavy selling across the board after the detection of two HMPV cases in Karnataka and reports of a virus outbreak in China.

Pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, who sustained back spasms, is likely to be rested for the majority of India's home white-ball series against England, keeping an eye on the ICC Champions Trophy, starting from February 19.

Bumrah, who was India's stand out player with 32 wickets in their 1-3 thrashing at the hands of Australia in the just-concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy, couldn't bowl in the final innings of the series here after suffering back spasms.

The 30-year-old Bumrah who bowled more than 150 overs in the series.

The injury has a direct link to his excessive workload in the series, and the BCCI medical team will try to ensure the new Test captain is ready for the ICC showpiece where his presence is mandatory to India's fortunes.

According to sources privy to the development, the grade of Bumrah's back spasm has not yet been ascertained.

India will open their Champions Trophy campaign against Bangladesh on February 20 in Dubai.

If Bumrah's injury is in grade 1 category, then it will take a minimum two to three weeks of rehabilitation before Return to Play (RTP).

In case of Grade 2 injury, the recovery can go up to six weeks while Grade 3, the most severe in nature, requires a minimum three months of rest and rehabilitation programmes.

It was always known that Bumrah will not play T20I bilateral series as this is not the World Cup year, but with the Champions Trophy around the corner, he would have certainly played two if not three ODIs against England as its the 50-over format. -- PTI

Maharashtra Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate has said the Ladki Bahin Yojana is creating a burden on the state coffers, affecting its ability to implement the farm loan waiver scheme.

The Ladki Bahin scheme, launched by the previous Eknath Shinde-led government in August last year to provide a monthly allowance of Rs 1,500 to eligible women, is likely to cost the state around Rs 46,000 crore annually.

The scheme is said to have played a key role in the ruling Mahayuti's win in the state assembly elections held in November 2024.

Speaking to reporters in Pune on Sunday, Kokate said the financial strain caused by the Ladki Bahin Yojana has disrupted the state's ability to form a surplus that would otherwise be allocated for waiving the loans of farmers.

"The burden created by the Ladki Bahin scheme has affected our ability to set aside funds for the farm loan waiver. We are reviewing the financial situation, and once the state's income increases, we will move forward with the loan waiver scheme in the next four to six months," the NCP leader said.

The state cooperation department is responsible for implementing the loan waiver decision, which will ultimately be made by the chief minister and deputy CMs, he said.

Maharashtra Women and Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare last week said the state government has decided to act on complaints about bogus beneficiaries of the Ladki Bahin Yojana, and sought information from the income tax and transport departments for their verification.

She also made it clear that the government would only address complaints pertaining to the bogus beneficiaries. -- PTI

A tremor of 3.7 magnitude jolted Maharashtra's Palghar district early Monday morning, officials said, but there was no report of any casualty or property damage.

The tremor was recorded at 4.35 am in Dahanu taluka, district disaster management cell chief Vivekanand Kadam said citing an official report. People in Bordi, Dapchari and Talasari areas of the taluka felt the tremor early in the morning, he said.

The district has experienced occasional tremors in the past.

High Drama was seen on Day 1 of the Tamil Nadu assembly session as governor R N Ravi did not deliver his customary address, citing a serious issue concerning the National Anthem.

According to a statement from the office of Raj Bhawan, upon the Governor's arrival at the assembly, only "Tamil Tai Vazhdu," the state anthem, was sung instead of the National Anthem, which is traditionally played during such occasions.

"The Constitution of Bharat and the National Anthem were once again insulted in the Tamil Nadu Assembly today. Respecting the National Anthem is among the first Fundamental Duty as enshrined in our Constitution. It is sung in all the state legislatures at the beginning and the end of Governor's address," the statement reads.

"Today on arrival of Governor to the House only Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu was sung. Governor respectfully reminded the House of its Constitutional Duty and fervently appealed to the Hon'ble Chief Minister who is the Leader of the House and the Hon'ble Speaker for singing the National Anthem. However, they cussedly refused. It is a matter of grave concern. Not to be a party to such brazen disrespect to the Constitution and the National Anthem, Governor in deep anguish left the House," it added.

The Conngress and the DMK protests against the act even as the assembly speaker continued to read out the translated version of the governor's adress.

Thane police have registered an FIR against a 26-year-old man for allegedly threatening to harm Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, an official said on Monday.

Search was on for the accused, identified as Hitesh Dhende, a resident of Varli Pada in Thane city, Sri Nagar police station's senior inspector Gulzarilal Fadtare told PTI.

The accused, in a social media post, used derogatory words against the deputy CM and threatened to kill him, the police said without elaborating.

Based on the complaint by an activist of the Shinde-led Shiv Sena, the police on Sunday registered the case against the man under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita sections 133 (assault or criminal force with intent to dishonour person, otherwise than on grave provocation), 352 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace), 351(1) (criminal intimidation) and 356 (2) (defamation), the official said.

A probe was on into the case. -- PTI

Around 60 flights were delayed at the Kolkata airport on Monday due to poor visibility, an official said.

Due to dense fog, low visibility procedures (LVP) had to be implemented at the airport from 7 am, the official said.

According to the Director of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (NSCBIA) Pravat Ranjan Beuria no traffic movement happened from 7.10 am to 9 am and around 30 flight arrivals and 30 departures were delayed, the airport director said.

In addition, five incoming flights to Kolkata were diverted to other airports.

All arrangements were made to facilitate the stranded passengers in the airport's terminal, Beuria claimed.

He said that visibility conditions improved after 9 am and the first flight to arrive at the airport was the Emirates flight from Dubai to Kolkata (EK 570). It landed at 9.04 am. -- PTI

An eight-month-old baby has been detected with the HMPV virus in Bengaluru, according to media reports.

This makes it the first case in India amid a surge in such cases in China.

The HMPV, or human metapneumovirus is usually detected in children under the age of 11 and about 0.7 per cent of all flu samples are HMPV.

Umar Ganie/Rediff.com

09:44 Snowfall hits flight operations at Srinagar airport

Flight operations at the Srinagar International Airport were affected on Monday due to snowfall in the Kashmir valley, officials said.

"The snow clearance operation is in progress at the runway. All airlines have pushed their flights after 9:30 am," an Airports Authority of India official said.

The Kashmir valley received a fresh spell of snow on Sunday.

The airport's operations were hit by dense fog on Saturday and Sunday, leading to flight delays, diversions and cancellations. -- PTI

Suresh Chandrakar, the prime accused in the murder of a journalist in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district, has been taken into custody by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) from Hyderabad, a police official said on Monday.

The accused, a contractor by profession, was absconding since the murder of journalist Mukesh Chandrakar came to light on January 3, he said.

The SIT, which was constituted to conduct the probe into the case, rounded up Suresh Chandrakar from Hyderabad late Sunday night, the official said.

His brothers Ritesh Chandrakar and Dinesh Chandrakar and supervisor Mahendra Ramteke have already been arrested in the case, he said.

Mukesh Chandrakar (33), a freelance journalist, went missing on January 1. His body was found on January 3 in a septic tank on a property owned by Suresh Chandrakar at Chattanpara Basti in Bijapur town, police earlier said.

A news report highlighting alleged corruption in a road construction work in Bijapur, that was shown on NDTV on December 25, is being discussed as the motive behind Mukesh Chandrakar's murder.

The said construction work was linked to contractor Suresh Chandrakar.

Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma had claimed that Suresh Chandrakar was a Congress leader.

The opposition party, however, claimed the accused joined the ruling BJP recently. -- PTI

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is expected to announce his resignation as Liberal Party leader amid growing dissent within his caucus, The Globe And Mail reported, citing sources.

The sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, emphasised that the exact timing of Trudeau's announcement remains uncertain. However, they anticipate it will occur before a crucial national caucus meeting on Wednesday.

One source, who recently spoke with the Prime Minister, said Trudeau understands the importance of making an announcement ahead of the caucus meeting to avoid the belief that he was ousted by his MPs.

The sources also said there is no clarity on how the Liberal Party's national executive plans to handle the leadership transition.

It is uncertain whether Trudeau will step down immediately or continue serving as Prime Minister until a successor is chosen.

The Liberal Party national executive, which decides on leadership issues, plans to meet this week, likely after the caucus session, The Globe And Mail reported.

Notably, Trudeau's Liberal caucus will meet on Wednesday as MPs increasingly call for him to resign. MPs are due to return to Ottawa on January 27 and the three main opposition parties all say they plan to bring down the government at the first opportunity, according to a report by Radio Canada.

Canada has experienced political turmoil in the recent months.

Earlier on December 16, hours before the statement on Canada's economy, Former Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland announced her resignation from the Cabinet.

In the letter addressed to Trudeau, Freeland wrote, "It has been the honour of my life to serve in government, working for Canada and Canadians. We have accomplished a lot together. On Friday, you told me you no longer want me to serve as your Finance Minister and offered me another position in the Cabinet." -- ANI

08:24 Jarange booked over remarks against Munde

The police in Maharashtra's Beed district on Sunday booked Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange for allegedly making defamatory remarks against minister Dhananjay Munde and creating divide between two sections of society, an official said.

The FIR against Jarange was registered at Parli police station on a complaint of one Tukaram Aghav.

During a rally in Parbhani on Saturday, Jarange had targeted NCP minister Munde over the murder of Beed sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh. He had said that the Maratha community wouldn't allow Munde to roam on the streets if Dehmukh's family was harmed.

His remarks upset Munde's supporters who demanded that Jarange be booked. They had also protested against Jarange outside the Shivajinagar Police station in Beed.

Deshmukh, sarpanch of Massajog village in Beed district, was abducted, tortured and murdered on December 9, apparently because he tried to thwart an attempt to extort money from an energy firm operating a windmill project.

The police have so far arrested seven persons over his murder. Walmik Karad, an associate of Munde, has been arrested in the extortion case. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Crime Investigation Department (CID) is probing into the matter.

The murder has acquired a caste conflict angle as Deshmukh was a Maratha, while most of the accused are Vanjari, a dominant community in the Beed region.

Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor, who had been on a fast unto death at Gandhi Maidan in Patna to press the demand for cancellation of a Bihar PSC exam, was arrested early on Monday, a top official said.

Police personnel removed him and his supporters from the protest site.

According to supporters of Kishor, the police took him to Patna AIIMS for a medical examination.

Talking to PTI, Patna, District Magistrate (DM), Chandrashekhar Singh, said, "Yes, Kishor and his supporters sitting on dharna at Gandhi Maidan, were arrested by the police on Monday morning. They will now be produced before a court."

Their dharna was "illegal", he said, adding they were holding the sit-in near the restricted site, he added.

The Patna police had registered a case against Kishor for holding the fast unto death at Gandhi Maidan, a restricted site near Mahatma Gandhi statute, another official said.

Kishor began his fast unto death on January 2 in support of the civil service aspirants who have been demanding the cancellation of Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) examination held on December 13 last year.

However, the BPSC had ordered the retest for a select group of candidates who had appeared in the December 13 exam, which was embroiled over allegations of question paper leak. The retest was held on Saturday at 22 centres in Patna.

Of 12,012 candidates, around 8,111 aspirants had downloaded their admit cards for the re-exam. However, 5,943 candidates appeared for the retest on January 4. The retest was held peacefully at all centres without report of any misconduct and malpractices, the BPSC said in a statement issued on Saturday.

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