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Wed, 15 January 2025
Mrs Steve Jobs takes spiritual initiation at Kumbh
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23:37 Mrs Steve Jobs takes spiritual initiation at Kumbh
Philanthropist Laurene Powell Jobs, the wife of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, has received spiritual initiation from her guru Swami Kailashanand Giri, the seer's aide said here on Wednesday.
Powell, who has spent three days at a camp at the Maha Kumbh, has been given the spiritual name 'Kamala' by her guru.
Swami Kailashanand Giri is the Mahamandaleshwar or head seer of Panchayati Akhada Shri Niranjani.
"Lauren Powell Jobs was initiated last night. Guruji gave her the sacred Kali Beej Mantra during the ceremony. The offerings she made as guru dakshina remain undisclosed," Giri's media advisor Shagun Tyagi told PTI.
The initiation ceremony, held at Swami Kailashanand Giri's camp, was attended by his personal secretary Avantikanand and Powell's secretary.
Giri, while attending the Amrit Snan ritual at the Sangam Ghat on Wednesday, said, "On Monday, Kamala faced some difficulty in navigating through the crowd, so she stayed at the camp. She is very humble and curious about Sanatan Dharma."
"She wants to learn more about the guru-shishya tradition and has numerous questions related to Sanatan philosophy, which we strive to address," he said.
As the wife of the late Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple, she has been associated with a legacy of innovation that revolutionised personal technology.
Under Steve Jobs' leadership, Apple became one of the world's most valuable companies. -- PTI
23:35 TMC's Abhishek backs AAP in Delhi polls
Senior Trinamool Congress leader
Abhishek Banerjee on Wednesday endorsed the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in the
upcoming Delhi assembly elections, emphasising the need for regional
parties to unite and strengthen the fight against the Bharatiya Janata Party.
Banerjee,
the national general secretary of the All India Trinamool Congress
(AITC), reiterated that the opposition Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA), formed with the
collective goal of defeating the BJP, has decided to empower regional
parties in their strongholds.
He pointed out that this strategy was
followed in Tamil Nadu, Jharkhand, and West Bengal, and should be
applied to Delhi as well.
"When the INDIA bloc was formed, we decided
that wherever regional parties are strong, they should take the lead in
the fight against the BJP. In Delhi, it's clear that AAP is the party
capable of defeating the BJP. They won 67 out of 70 seats in the last
election. Why should we not support the party that has the best chance
of defeating the BJP? Our ultimate goal is to defeat the BJP, and
supporting AAP aligns with this cause," Banerjee stated.
He was
speaking at a health camp called 'Sebaashray', organised in South 24
Parganas district's Falta, as part of an initiative by the TMC MP from
Diamond Harbour constituency.
Banerjee emphasised that the INDIA
alliance's primary aim is to defeat the BJP and that supporting AAP in
Delhi, which is seen as the strongest contender, is essential.
"In
Delhi, who can defeat the BJP? AAP or Congress? AAP. If defeating the
BJP is our collective goal, we should back the party that is fighting
the hardest to achieve that," he added.
Raising concerns about
Congress' role, Banerjee made it clear that AAP's success in the
national capital makes it the strongest force to take on the BJP.
"If
we truly want to defeat the BJP, we must empower the force which is
stronger," he asserted.
Polling to all the 70 assembly seats in Delhi
will be held on February 5 as a triangular contest is on the cards with
the BJP and the Congress aiming to halt the AAP from coming to power for
a third successive term. -- PTI
22:48 'Ditched', woman goes on dharna outside lover's house
A 22-year-old woman staged a dharna in front of her lover's locked residence in Odisha's Jajpur district on Wednesday, demanding that he marry her as he allegedly promised before beginning a physical relationship with her.
The woman also lodged a complaint with the police accusing her 25-year-old lover of taking cash and jewellery worth several lakhs of rupees from her.
A police officer said that they initiated an investigation into the matter and started a manhunt for the accused man and his family.
The drama unfolded Tuesday night after the woman and her lover returned to their village under Panikoili police station limits from New Delhi where they were staying together since last month.
The two had eloped and went to the national capital after the man's family objected to their marriage.
The police said the man's family had recently asked them to come back to the village so that their wedding could be arranged.
After the two returned on Tuesday night and the woman got down from the car, it quickly left the village with her lover on board.
The woman first went to her lover's residence which was locked from outside. She then walked to her own house where her parents did not allow her to enter.
With no option left, she staged a dharna in front of her lover's house seeking justice for herself.
"He exploited me sexually, promising that he would marry me. He has also taken away Rs 4 lakh in cash and gold ornaments worth over Rs 3 lakh from me. But he ditched me," she alleged.
The police convinced the woman to lodge a written complaint.
"Based on the complaint, we have registered a case and started an investigation. The accused and his family members have fled from the village. We are looking for them," said a police official.
22:44 Deal done: Hamas agrees to release Israeli hostages
Israel and Hamas agreed to a deal to halt fighting in Gaza and exchange Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners, Reuters reported, quoting an official briefed on the deal.
Soon after this update from Reuters, United States President-elect Donald Trump posted on Truth Social, 'WE HAVE A DEAL FOR THE HOSTAGES IN THE MIDDLE EAST. THEY WILL BE RELEASED SHORTLY. THANK YOU!' -- Agencies
Prime Minister Narendra Modi
22:34 Here's who is on BJP's star campaigners list for Delhi polls
The BJP Wednesday named its 40 star campaigners for the Delhi Assembly polls, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Ministers Amit Shah and Rajnath Singh, as well as its seven chief ministers, including Yogi Adityanath.
The list also includes Purvanchali leaders, including Bhojpuri stars and MPs Manoj Tiwari and Ravi Kishan, and Dinesh Lal Yadav Nirahua.
Purvanchalis -- people from eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar -- constitute a sizeable vote bank in the national capital.
Delhi will go to polls on February 5 and the results will be declared on February 8.
The Union ministers named as star campaigners for the Assembly polls are Nitin Gadkari, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Manohar Lal Khattar, Piyush Goyal, Dharmendra Pradhan, Hardeep Singh Puri and Giriraj Singh.
The seven chief ministers, who will campaign in Delhi as BJP's star campaigners, are Devendra Fadnavis, Himanta Biswa Sarma, Pushkar Singh Dhami, Yogi Adityanath, Bhajan Lal Sharma, Nayab Singh Saini and Mohan Yadav.
All the seven MPs from Delhi are also part of the list. Delhi BJP in-charge Baijayant Panda, co-incharge Alka Gurjar, and the party's state unit chief Virendra Sachdeva will also be star campaigners for the polls.
The BJP, which has been out of power since 1998, is making concerted efforts to dethrone the Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party which has been ruling Delhi since 2015.
Sources in the party said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to address two-three rallies in the city while Union Home Minister Amit Shah will address seven poll rallies in each of the Lok Sabha constituencies of the city.
"There is also demand for roadshows by the prime minister in Delhi, but a final decision is yet to be taken by the top party leadership," a BJP functionary said.
22:21 Bangladesh may drop 'secular' from Constitution
The Constitution Reform Commission on Wednesday submitted its report to interim government chief Muhammad Yunus, proposing the replacement of the state principles of secularism, socialism and nationalism.
The commission set up by the Yunus administration, after the ouster of Sheikh Hasina as prime minister following a mass agitation led by students, also proposed a bicameral parliament for the country and a two-term limit on a premier's tenure.
The three principles are among the four enshrined as 'fundamental principles of state policy' in the country's constitution.
Under the new proposals, only one -- 'democracy', remains unchanged.
"We are proposing five state principles -- equality, human dignity, social justice, pluralism, and democracy -- for reflection of the great ideals of the 1971 Liberation War and the people's aspiration during the 2024 mass upsurge," commission chairman Ali Riaz said in a video statement.
The report kept 'democracy' alone in the constitution's preamble alongside the four new principles as it presented the report to Yunus.
The chief advisor's press wing in a statement quoted Riaz as saying the commission recommended the formation of a bicameral parliament with a lower house named the National Assembly and an upper house named the Senate with 105 and 400 seats respectively.
The report suggested both the proposed houses will have a term of four years instead of the existing five-year term of the parliament.
The commission suggested the lower house be based on majority representation and the upper one on proportional representation.
The commission believes that one of the main reasons the 'autocratic authoritarianism Bangladesh' faced over the past 16 years was because of the absence of an institutional power balance and concentration of power in the prime minister's office.
It recommended a two-term limit on the premier's tenure.
The report said, therefore, it proposed the creation of a constitutional body named the National Constitutional Council to establish a system of checks and balances between the three branches of the state and the two executive positions -- the prime minister and the president.
This council would include the president, the chief justice, the prime minister and the leader of the opposition (both elected through the parliament), speakers of both houses, deputy speakers from the opposition, and a representative of other parties.
The report said the commission believes this institution would ensure transparency and accountability in the appointment process as a constitutional body.
Riaz said the commission proposed the reintroduction of the referendum system for amending the constitution. Under the existing provisions, the parliament on its own can amend the constitution with a two-thirds majority.
Bangladesh's constitution has been amended so far 17 times since it was framed in 1971, a year after the emergence of independent Bangladesh following a nine-month Liberation War against Pakistan.
The leaders of the Anti-Discrimination Students Movement that led the July-August uprising toppling then prime minister Sheikh Hasina's nearly 16 years Awami League regime called the constitution a 'Mujibist' charter, a reference to Bangladesh's founding leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Hasina's father.
They demanded scrapping of the 'Mujibist 1972 Constitution'.
However, this has been opposed as well by Awami League's arch-rival former prime minister Khaleda Zia's Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).
The BNP on Tuesday formally demanded general elections in July-August this year, opposing Yunus's expressed desire to stage the polls by the year-end or mid-2026 after accomplishing some basic reforms.
However, after an overnight meeting of the highest policy-making steering committee with the party's acting Chairperson Tarique Rahman in London through a virtual platform BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said reform was a continuous process.
He said the BNP was committed to reforms as it has always been at the 'forefront of reforms as in 2016 we presented 'Vision 2030', and in 2023 we introduced a 31-point plan'.
Most of her senior leaders and cabinet colleagues are on the run at home and abroad while some are in jail to face graft and criminal charges as the ruthless crackdown on the campaigners claimed several hundred lives. -- PTI
The commission set up by the Yunus administration, after the ouster of Sheikh Hasina as prime minister following a mass agitation led by students, also proposed a bicameral parliament for the country and a two-term limit on a premier's tenure.
The three principles are among the four enshrined as 'fundamental principles of state policy' in the country's constitution.
Under the new proposals, only one -- 'democracy', remains unchanged.
"We are proposing five state principles -- equality, human dignity, social justice, pluralism, and democracy -- for reflection of the great ideals of the 1971 Liberation War and the people's aspiration during the 2024 mass upsurge," commission chairman Ali Riaz said in a video statement.
The report kept 'democracy' alone in the constitution's preamble alongside the four new principles as it presented the report to Yunus.
The chief advisor's press wing in a statement quoted Riaz as saying the commission recommended the formation of a bicameral parliament with a lower house named the National Assembly and an upper house named the Senate with 105 and 400 seats respectively.
The report suggested both the proposed houses will have a term of four years instead of the existing five-year term of the parliament.
The commission suggested the lower house be based on majority representation and the upper one on proportional representation.
The commission believes that one of the main reasons the 'autocratic authoritarianism Bangladesh' faced over the past 16 years was because of the absence of an institutional power balance and concentration of power in the prime minister's office.
It recommended a two-term limit on the premier's tenure.
The report said, therefore, it proposed the creation of a constitutional body named the National Constitutional Council to establish a system of checks and balances between the three branches of the state and the two executive positions -- the prime minister and the president.
This council would include the president, the chief justice, the prime minister and the leader of the opposition (both elected through the parliament), speakers of both houses, deputy speakers from the opposition, and a representative of other parties.
The report said the commission believes this institution would ensure transparency and accountability in the appointment process as a constitutional body.
Riaz said the commission proposed the reintroduction of the referendum system for amending the constitution. Under the existing provisions, the parliament on its own can amend the constitution with a two-thirds majority.
Bangladesh's constitution has been amended so far 17 times since it was framed in 1971, a year after the emergence of independent Bangladesh following a nine-month Liberation War against Pakistan.
The leaders of the Anti-Discrimination Students Movement that led the July-August uprising toppling then prime minister Sheikh Hasina's nearly 16 years Awami League regime called the constitution a 'Mujibist' charter, a reference to Bangladesh's founding leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Hasina's father.
They demanded scrapping of the 'Mujibist 1972 Constitution'.
However, this has been opposed as well by Awami League's arch-rival former prime minister Khaleda Zia's Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).
The BNP on Tuesday formally demanded general elections in July-August this year, opposing Yunus's expressed desire to stage the polls by the year-end or mid-2026 after accomplishing some basic reforms.
However, after an overnight meeting of the highest policy-making steering committee with the party's acting Chairperson Tarique Rahman in London through a virtual platform BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said reform was a continuous process.
He said the BNP was committed to reforms as it has always been at the 'forefront of reforms as in 2016 we presented 'Vision 2030', and in 2023 we introduced a 31-point plan'.
Most of her senior leaders and cabinet colleagues are on the run at home and abroad while some are in jail to face graft and criminal charges as the ruthless crackdown on the campaigners claimed several hundred lives. -- PTI
22:04 Police sets up SIT to probe 14 mysterious deaths in Rajouri
The police here have constituted a special investigation team to probe the mysterious death of 14 people, including 11 children, belonging to three families in a remote village in Rajouri district, officials said on Wednesday.
Amid growing concern over the mysterious deaths in the Badhaal village over the past one month, the administration has directed officials to analyse reports from institutions to identify the cause of the deaths.
Initial reports indicate the presence of certain neurotoxins in the samples of the deceased, which are being further investigated to determine the reasons behind these fatalities.
The 11-member special investigation team (SIT) headed by the Superintendent of Police (operations) Budhal, Wajahat Hussain, has been formed keeping in view the sensitivity of the inquest proceeding initiated into the deaths, stated an order by Senior Superintendent of Police of Rajouri Gaurav Sikarwar.
According to four daily diary reports (DDRs) registered at the Kandi police station on December 7, 12, 23 and January 12, a total of 14 people -- a man and his four children, a woman and her three children and a man and his four grandchildren -- died under suspicious circumstances.
Deputy Superintendent of Police of Kandi Vikram Sarmhal, SHO of Kandi Abrar Khan, SHO of women police station in Rajouri Sushma Thakur, Inspector Rajeev Kumar, Sub-Inspector Pankaj Sharma and Assistant Sub-inspector Pawan Sharma have been included as members of the SIT, the order stated.
The SIT also included experts from the Forensic Medicine and Toxicology Department, Microbiology Department, Paediatrics Department and the Pathology Department.
According to the order, the SIT in charge will also use the service of experts from food safety, agriculture, Jal Shakti (Public Health Engineering) Departments and experts of the FSL team, Jammu, for investigation.
The team has been directed to share the progress of the investigation with the district police office on a weekly basis. -- PTI
21:34 'Runs like a doe': Bidhuri targets Atishi again
Bharatiya Janata Party candidate Ramesh Bidhuri on Wednesday again
targeted Delhi chief minister and his rival from Kalkaji seat Atishi,
saying she was running around like a 'hirni' (doe) in the streets of the
constituency ahead of assembly polls after doing little for the people
for years.
Bidhuri, who has often courted controversies with his
uncouth remarks, had recently drawn flak for his comments on Congress
leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra after which he had expressed regret.
At a
BJP rally in Rohini earlier this month, he had accused Atishi of
changing her surname from 'Marlena' to 'Singh' and went on to add that
she 'changed her father'.
Hitting back, the Aam Aadmi Party had said that the BJP would
face consequences for 'insulting' women and Atishi broke down into tears
during a press conference over the unseemly remarks by Bidhuri.
The
senior BJP leader, before filing his nomination papers from the Kalkaji
Assembly seat on Wednesday, gave a speech in which he targeted the chief
minister and AAP for the alleged shortage of water and poor condition
of roads in the area.
"People are living in hell for four years. For
four months before the polls, Atishi has been running around in the
streets like a doe roams around in the jungle," Bidhuri said.
He
claimed there was an outcry in Delhi over drinking water as not a single
water treatment plant was installed in 10 years of AAP rule.
The
condition of the streets in Govindpuri was also poor, he claimed in his
speech.
He said that Atishi was 'clinging' to any woman she came
across in the streets like she was 'meeting a sister separated at Kumbh
Mela'.
Bidhuri, a former two-time South Delhi MP who was elected MLA
thrice from Tughalqabad, earlier this month landed in a controversy over
his 'sexist' remark that he will construct roads in Kalkaji that are
like the 'cheeks' of Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.
Bidhuri was
also rebuked by his party which instructed him to focus on campaigning
instead of issuing personal comments against women leaders. -- PTI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi
21:03 Here's who is on BJP's star campaigners list for Delhi polls
The BJP Wednesday named its 40 star campaigners for the Delhi Assembly polls, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Ministers Amit Shah and Rajnath Singh, as well as its seven chief ministers, including Yogi Adityanath.
The list also includes Purvanchali leaders, including Bhojpuri stars and MPs Manoj Tiwari and Ravi Kishan, and Dinesh Lal Yadav Nirahua.
Purvanchalis -- people from eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar -- constitute a sizeable vote bank in the national capital.
Delhi will go to polls on February 5 and the results will be declared on February 8.
The Union ministers named as star campaigners for the Assembly polls are Nitin Gadkari, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Manohar Lal Khattar, Piyush Goyal, Dharmendra Pradhan, Hardeep Singh Puri and Giriraj Singh.
The seven chief ministers, who will campaign in Delhi as BJP's star campaigners, are Devendra Fadnavis, Himanta Biswa Sarma, Pushkar Singh Dhami, Yogi Adityanath, Bhajan Lal Sharma, Nayab Singh Saini and Mohan Yadav.
All the seven MPs from Delhi are also part of the list. Delhi BJP in-charge Baijayant Panda, co-incharge Alka Gurjar, and the party's state unit chief Virendra Sachdeva will also be star campaigners for the polls.
The BJP, which has been out of power since 1998, is making concerted efforts to dethrone the Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party which has been ruling Delhi since 2015.
Sources in the party said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to address two-three rallies in the city while Union Home Minister Amit Shah will address seven poll rallies in each of the Lok Sabha constituencies of the city.
"There is also demand for roadshows by the prime minister in Delhi, but a final decision is yet to be taken by the top party leadership," a BJP functionary said.
20:46 GRAP 4 curbs invoked in Delhi-NCR as air quality dips
The Centre's panel on Delhi-NCR's air quality on Wednesday invoked curbs under stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) amid a sharp dip in air quality due to unfavourable meteorological conditions, according to an official order.
Calm winds, low temperatures and foggy conditions allowed accumulation of pollutants in the region, with the air quality index soaring from 275 on Tuesday to 396 at 6 pm on Wednesday.
The India Meteorological Department and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology predicted that AQI may breach the 400 mark soon.
Accordingly, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) directed authorities in Delhi-NCR to 'straightway invoke' all actions under stages 3 and 4 with immediate effect.
Stage 4 curbs include a ban on all construction activities, entry of non-essential polluting trucks into Delhi, and mandatory shifting of school classes, except for classes 10 and 12, to hybrid mode.
Non-essential diesel trucks are prohibited from entering Delhi, while Delhi-registered BS-IV and older diesel-run heavy goods vehicles are banned, except for essential services under Stage 4.
During winters, the Delhi-NCR region enforces restrictions under GRAP, which categorizes air quality into four stages Stage 1 (Poor, AQI 201-300), Stage 2 (Very Poor, AQI 301-400), Stage 3 (Severe, AQI 401-450), and Stage 4 (Severe Plus, AQI above 450).
Unfavourable meteorological conditions, combined with vehicle emissions, paddy-straw burning, firecrackers, and other local pollution sources, lead to hazardous air quality levels in Delhi-NCR during winters. -- PTI
Calm winds, low temperatures and foggy conditions allowed accumulation of pollutants in the region, with the air quality index soaring from 275 on Tuesday to 396 at 6 pm on Wednesday.
The India Meteorological Department and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology predicted that AQI may breach the 400 mark soon.
Accordingly, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) directed authorities in Delhi-NCR to 'straightway invoke' all actions under stages 3 and 4 with immediate effect.
Stage 4 curbs include a ban on all construction activities, entry of non-essential polluting trucks into Delhi, and mandatory shifting of school classes, except for classes 10 and 12, to hybrid mode.
Non-essential diesel trucks are prohibited from entering Delhi, while Delhi-registered BS-IV and older diesel-run heavy goods vehicles are banned, except for essential services under Stage 4.
During winters, the Delhi-NCR region enforces restrictions under GRAP, which categorizes air quality into four stages Stage 1 (Poor, AQI 201-300), Stage 2 (Very Poor, AQI 301-400), Stage 3 (Severe, AQI 401-450), and Stage 4 (Severe Plus, AQI above 450).
Unfavourable meteorological conditions, combined with vehicle emissions, paddy-straw burning, firecrackers, and other local pollution sources, lead to hazardous air quality levels in Delhi-NCR during winters. -- PTI
20:11 Rupee extends gains, settles at 86.40 against US dollar
The rupee extended its recovery for the second straight session and settled with a gain of 13 paise at 86.40 (provisional) against the US dollar on Wednesday, tracking favourable cues from domestic equity markets and softening crude oil prices.
The American currency index also descended from a record peak, adding to the gaining momentum in the local unit, though it remained under pressure from continuous exit of foreign institutional investors, forex traders said.
At the interbank foreign exchange, the rupee opened at 86.50 and slipped to the intraday low of 86.55 against the greenback.
It also touched A high of 86.28 before ending the session at 86.40 (provisional) against the dollar, registering a gain of 13 paise from its previous close.
On Tuesday, the rupee rebounded from its lowest-ever level and settled with a gain of 17 paise at 86.53 against the dollar.
Anuj Choudhary, Research Analyst at Mirae Asset Sharekhan, said the rupee gained for the second consecutive session on weak US dollar and soft US 10-year treasury yields.
A pullback in the domestic equities and overnight decline in crude oil prices also favoured the rupee.
However, FII outflows capped sharp gains. -- PTI
19:56 Set up panel to explore phasing out diesel, petrol vehicles: Bombay HC
The Bombay high court has directed the Maharashtra government to form a panel to explore the feasibility of phasing out diesel and petrol vehicles, saying automobiles choking Mumbai's roads are a major contributor to Mumbai's worsening air quality.
A division bench of Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya and Justice Girish Kulkarni directed the government to form a committee of experts and civil administrators within a fortnight to consider whether it will be feasible to phase out diesel -- and petrol-based vehicles from Mumbai's roads and permit only those running on CNG or electricity.
The order was passed on a public interest litigation that the HC had taken up on its own in 2023 over the city's poor Air Quality Index (AQI).
The court had heard the matter on January 9.
In its detailed order made available on Wednesday, the bench said vehicular pollution was a major contributor to worsening air quality in Mumbai.
"The roads in Mumbai Metropolitan Region are choked with vehicles and density of the vehicles on the roads is alarming, which, in result, compounds the problems relating to air pollution and makes all measures taken to mitigate the same inadequate," the court said.
It emphasised the need for a thorough study to be conducted on whether it would be 'appropriate or feasible to phase out diesel and petrol-driven vehicles'.
The bench said the committee that would be formed by the government shall conduct its study within three months and submit its report.
The high court also directed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) to ensure that city bakeries using wood and coal convert their units to run on gas or other green fuels within six months instead of the one-year deadline set by the authorities.
'In our opinion, urgent and effective measures are required to be taken against such bakery units so that such units which are in large numbers in the city, do not generate air pollution and more particularly, limit hazardous particulate matter,' the bench noted.
The bench said no new approvals to open bakeries or similar businesses running on coal or wood shall be granted henceforth, and new licences shall be granted after complying with the condition that they use only green fuel.
The bench also directed the civic body and MPCB to install pollution indicators at construction sites.
The court posted the matter for further hearing on February 13. -- PTI
A division bench of Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya and Justice Girish Kulkarni directed the government to form a committee of experts and civil administrators within a fortnight to consider whether it will be feasible to phase out diesel -- and petrol-based vehicles from Mumbai's roads and permit only those running on CNG or electricity.
The order was passed on a public interest litigation that the HC had taken up on its own in 2023 over the city's poor Air Quality Index (AQI).
The court had heard the matter on January 9.
In its detailed order made available on Wednesday, the bench said vehicular pollution was a major contributor to worsening air quality in Mumbai.
"The roads in Mumbai Metropolitan Region are choked with vehicles and density of the vehicles on the roads is alarming, which, in result, compounds the problems relating to air pollution and makes all measures taken to mitigate the same inadequate," the court said.
It emphasised the need for a thorough study to be conducted on whether it would be 'appropriate or feasible to phase out diesel and petrol-driven vehicles'.
The bench said the committee that would be formed by the government shall conduct its study within three months and submit its report.
The high court also directed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) to ensure that city bakeries using wood and coal convert their units to run on gas or other green fuels within six months instead of the one-year deadline set by the authorities.
'In our opinion, urgent and effective measures are required to be taken against such bakery units so that such units which are in large numbers in the city, do not generate air pollution and more particularly, limit hazardous particulate matter,' the bench noted.
The bench said no new approvals to open bakeries or similar businesses running on coal or wood shall be granted henceforth, and new licences shall be granted after complying with the condition that they use only green fuel.
The bench also directed the civic body and MPCB to install pollution indicators at construction sites.
The court posted the matter for further hearing on February 13. -- PTI
19:33 Delhi sees 180 cases for model code violations in one week
The Delhi police has registered 180 cases of alleged violation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) from January 7 to January 14 in the national capital ahead of assembly polls, an official said on Wednesday.
To maintain law and order, preventive actions have led to the arrest of 7,454 individuals under various provisions, including the Excise Act, an official statement said.
The police have heightened vigilance at inter-state border checkpoints and intensified crackdowns on illegal activities, including the smuggling of arms, liquor, and drugs from January 7 to 14, it read.
In this period, the Delhi police recorded 180 cases of alleged MCC violations and confiscated 123 illegal firearms and 92 cartridges.
Additionally, they have seized 19,881 litres of liquor and 59.5 kg of drugs, with a total value of more than Rs 12 crore.
The police said the law enforcement seized Rs 1.13 crore in cash and 37.39 kg of silver.
19:15 Karnataka defers tabling of caste census report
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday said the tabling of the caste census report before the state cabinet has been deferred by a week.
The Karnataka Socio-Economic and Education Survey report, commonly known as the 'Karnataka caste census', was originally scheduled to be presented in the state cabinet meeting on January 16.
"There was a plan to table the caste census report in tomorrow's cabinet meeting. However, it will not be taken up tomorrow. It will be placed a week later in a subsequent cabinet meeting," Siddaramaiah told reporters in Bengaluru.
Asked about divergent views regarding the report's findings by different communities, the chief minister said, "Even I don't know the contents of the report. It has not been discussed in the cabinet yet."
He added that the report will be made public after the cabinet decision.
"We will decide after taking into account the public comments," he said.
The ongoing public discussion is based on 'assumption' as the report has not been made public yet, the chief minister said.
Earlier in Bengaluru, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara had said the report was likely to be placed before the cabinet on Thursday while stressing that its contents should be made public. -- PTI
19:01 Deadlock continues as 111 farmers sit on fast-unto-death
Slamming the Centre for adopting an 'indifferent' attitude towards their demands, a group of 111 farmers began a fast-unto-death on Wednesday in solidarity with their leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal whose indefinite strike entered day 51.
The protesting farmers have expressed concern over Dallewal's 'deteriorating' health, saying the 70-year-old risks 'multiple organ failure' because of the prolonged fasting.
Dallewal, who is the convener of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political), has been on the indefinite hunger strike at the Khanauri border point between Punjab and Haryana since November 26 last year.
The farmers have been protesting over various demands including a legally guarantees minimum support price (MSP) for their crops.
Dallewal has refused any medical aid during his fasting, which has caused his health to worsen.
Farmers, under the banner of the SKM (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, have been camping at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana since February 13 last year, after security forces did not allow them to march to Delhi.
Farmer leader Abhimanyu Kohar, who has been associated with Dallewal for a long time, lashed out at the Union government on Wednesday for not 'paying a heed' to farmers' demands.
"Today, Dallewal's fast-unto-death entered day 51. The Centre is neither ready to listen to anything nor it is initiating talks nor fulfilling our demands," Kohar said.
The protesting farmers had earlier said if anything untoward happens to Dallewal, the Centre might not be able to handle what comes afterwards When asked about holding talks with the protesting farmers to end the logjam, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan recently said the government would act in accordance with the Supreme Court's instructions.
On January 4, Punjab Cabinet Minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian had sought Chouhan's personal intervention urging the Centre hold a dialogue with the protesting farmers at the earliest to break the impasse.
On the status of Dallewal's health, Kohar said it is 'critical' because of the indefinite fast.
Doctors have said his body is not even accepting water and whenever he takes water, he throws up, according to Kohar.
Doctors attending to Dallewal have already said his health is 'deteriorating' every day.
His ketone level is on a higher side and muscle mass has decreased, they have said.
The farmers earlier said Dallewal had not been eating anything since November 26 last year and was just surviving on water.
The protesting farmers have now decided that a group of 111 farmers would start a fast-unto-death in solidarity with Dallewal from Wednesday.
"Farmers are emotional and they have said that they will also follow Dallewal and start an indefinite fast in a peaceful manner," said Kohar.
On December 20 last year, the apex court put the onus on Punjab government officials and doctors to decide on Dallewal's hospitalisation.
The top court had said Dallewal could be moved to a makeshift hospital set up within 700 metres of the protest site at the Khanauri border.
The state government has deputed medical teams round-the-clock, with two advanced life support (ALS) ambulances stationed at the Khanauri protest site.
The medical teams of Rajindra Medical College and Mata Kaushalya Hospital, Patiala, have been deployed by the Punjab government for the continuous care of the health of the farmer leader.
A makeshift hospital with all emergency medicines and equipment has also been set up near the protest site. -- PTI
18:48 Vande Bharat sleeper train on trial run
A new prototype of a Vande Bharat sleeper coach train underwent trial with a top speed of 130 kmph between Ahmedabad and Mumbai Central on Wednesday, Western Railway officials said.
A senior WR official said that as a part of the ongoing trials, the 16-coach trainset with swanky interiors reached Mumbai Central Ahmedabad at around 1.50 pm and departed for Ahmedabad at 2:45 pm.
Railway officials said that the train was scheduled to reach Mumbai Central at 12.40 pm, but it reached around 1.10 hours late due to some "unavoidable" reasons.
"We conducted a Confirmatory Oscillograph Car Run (COCR) trial of the Vande Bharat Sleeper train at a speed of 130 kmph between Ahmedabad and Mumbai Central," a senior Western Railway official said.
After analysis, the final certificate will be issued by the Research Design and Standards Organization (RDSO), which is responsible for the design and standardisation of railway equipment in the country.
WR said that the semi-high-speed train has 11 AC-3 tier coaches, 4 AC-2 tier coaches, and one first-class AC coach. These are equipped with features like charging ports for mobile devices, a foldable snack table, an integrated lighting system, and a laptop charging setup, it said.
The train has a combined gangway for smooth movement, dog boxes at both ends, adequate linen space, and 38 special seats for attendants.
Additionally, all coaches are HL3 compliant for fire safety and include Braille navigation for visually challenged passengers.
The AC first-class coach has 24 seats, while the second AC coaches have 48 seats each.
Among the 3rd AC coaches, five have 67 seats each, and four have 55 seats each, Western Railway said.
18:31 Days before polls, AAP replaces 2 candidates
With just weeks to go for the Delhi assembly polls, Aam Aadmi Party on Wednesday changed its candidates for Hari Nagar and Narela constituencies.
The party replaced the outgoing Hari Nagar MLA Rajkumari Dhillon, who was fielded again by the party from the seat, with Surinder Setia.
Dinesh Bharadwaj, fielded from Narela, was replaced by Sharad Chauhan.
The changes came almost a month after the AAP announced its candidates for all 70 assembly seats in Delhi.
The AAP shared the revised list of candidates from its X handle.
Chauhan, a two-time AAP MLA from Narela, was dropped this time and Bhardwaj was named in the first list of candidates announced in December last year.
Sources in the party claimed that the candidates were changed based on the ground reports from Narela and Hari Nagar seats.
Chauhan, in a post on X, expressed gratitude towards the AAP's top leadership over the confidence they showed in him again.
The elections for the 70-member Delhi assembly are going to take place on February 5.
Results will be declared after the counting of votes on February 8. -- PTI
18:28 BSE Sensex: Top gainers today
From the Sensex blue-chip pack, Zomato jumped over 4 per cent.
NTPC, Power Grid, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Maruti, Tech Mahindra, Larsen & Toubro, Reliance Industries and Adani Ports were the other big gainers.
Mahindra & Mahindra, Bajaj Finserv, Bajaj Finance, Axis Bank and Tata Motors were among the laggards.
The BSE smallcap gauge climbed 0.34 per cent, and the midcap index went up by 0.11 per cent.
18:27 Sensex climbs over 200 points
Benchmark index Sensex ticked higher for the second straight session on Wednesday, buoyed by buying in bellwether stock Reliance Industries, Zomato and Kotak Bank amid a largely firm trend in global markets.
However, elevated crude oil prices in the international markets and buying by foreign investors weighed on market sentiment, traders said.
The 30-share BSE index climbed 224.45 points or 0.29 per cent to close at 76,724.08.
During the day, it jumped 491.42 points or 0.64 per cent to 76,991.05.
As many as 2,150 stocks advanced while 1,806 declined and 108 remained unchanged on the BSE. -- PTI
18:14 Walmik Karad sent in 7-day custody of SIT
A special court for MCOC Act in Maharashtra's Beed city on Wednesday remanded Walmik Karad, an associate of Nationalist Congress Party minister Dhananjay Munde, in seven-day police custody in connection with the murder of Massajog sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh.
The Special Investigation Team of Maharashtra police had sought his custody for ten days. Karad, an associate of Maharashtra minister Dhananjay Munde, was on Tuesday booked under the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) and sent in 14-day judicial custody.
Subsequently, the police approached the special MCOCA court for his custody.
He was produced before the district court in Beed on Wednesday afternoon and remanded in fresh SIT custody till January 22.
Santosh Deshmukh, sarpanch of Massajog village in Beed district, was abducted, tortured and murdered on December 9.
Preliminary investigation indicated that Deshmukh had tried to resist an extortion attempt targeting an energy company operating a windmill project in the area.
Karad was earlier arrested in the extortion case related to the murder after he surrendered before the police in Pune on December 31. -- PTI
Representational image
18:00 Train hits rock placed on Bareilly-Pilibhit railway tracks
In an alleged attempt to derail a passenger train, a large rock was placed on the tracks on the Bareilly-Pilibhit line near Bijauria railway station, officials said on Wednesday.
The rock broke into two pieces after being struck by the engine of train no. 75302, which was going from Tanakpur to Bareilly City on Monday, they said.
According to the officials, the train suffered no damage except for a bent rail guard and no one was injured in the incident.
Sanjeev Sharma, senior divisional commercial manager (DCM) of Izzatnagar, said, "An FIR has been lodged to ensure that such incidents are not repeated in the future."
The passenger train departed from Shahi railway station at 5:45 pm on Monday and was en route to Bizauria station when it hit the rock, resulting in a loud noise that alarmed the passengers.
The train was immediately stopped at Bijauria railway station, and the railway authorities were informed, according to the officials.
Officials, accompanied by the Government Railway Police (GRP) from Pilibhit, arrived at the scene to investigate.
Senior section engineer of Pilibhit Railways Netrapal Singh lodged a complaint in the matter at Nawabganj police station late on Tuesday night.
Based on the complaint, a case has been registered under Section 150 of the Railways Act and efforts are underway to identify and apprehend the culprits, said Station House Officer (SHO) Rajkumar Sharma.
The officials said that monitoring teams noticed the bent rail guard on the engine, which prompted further examination of the tracks.
The swift response by railway personnel and local authorities ensured that the situation was brought under control and the train resumed its journey after inspection.
The investigation is ongoing, they said.
17:35 PhD scholar 'harassed' outside IIT Madras
A woman research scholar of IIT Madras was allegedly 'harassed' outside the campus by a worker and male students accompanying her and the general public handed over him to the police, the premium institute said in Chennai on Wednesday.
The scholar was allegedly 'harassed' on January 14 evening at a tea shop outside the campus in the Velachery-Taramani area, an IIT-Madras statement said.
'The male students accompanying the woman scholar, and public at the spot, caught hold of the culprit and called the police. The police apprehended the accused and informed the Institute. The accused works in a bakery outside campus and has no connection with IIT Madras,' it added.
Velachery-Taramani area is close to the IIT campus. IIT Madras has installed CCTV cameras across the campus and has taken adequate measures to ensure the safety and security of all and students are also advised to take precautions while going outside, the institute said adding it has been extending all necessary support to the woman student. -- PTI
17:13 OMG! Is Donald Trump selling kheer in Pakistan?
As the world gears up for US President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration on January 20, social media is abuzz over reports 'another Donald Trump' in Pakistan.
This Trump, a food vendor who locals claim looks strikingly similar to Donald Trump, sells kheer (pudding) on a road in Sahiwal in Pakistan's Punjab province.
Read the full story HERE
16:56 Govt employees allowed to travel via Tejas, Vande Bharat trains under LTC
The Centre has allowed its employees to travel via Tejas, Vande Bharat and Humsafar trains under Leave Travel Concession (LTC), according to an official order.
The move comes after the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) received a number of references from different offices/individuals about the admissibility of various premium trains under the LTC.
"The matter has been examined by this department in consultation with the Department of Expenditure and it has been decided that apart from existing Rajdhani, Shatabdi and Duronto trains, travel by Tejas Express, Vande Bharat Express & Humsafar Express trains under LTC as per the entitlement of the government employees has now been allowed," said the order issued by the DoPT on Tuesday.
The eligible Central government employees get reimbursement of tickets for to and fro journeys besides paid leave when they avail the LTC. -- PTI
The move comes after the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) received a number of references from different offices/individuals about the admissibility of various premium trains under the LTC.
"The matter has been examined by this department in consultation with the Department of Expenditure and it has been decided that apart from existing Rajdhani, Shatabdi and Duronto trains, travel by Tejas Express, Vande Bharat Express & Humsafar Express trains under LTC as per the entitlement of the government employees has now been allowed," said the order issued by the DoPT on Tuesday.
The eligible Central government employees get reimbursement of tickets for to and fro journeys besides paid leave when they avail the LTC. -- PTI
16:45 Man experiences 'rebirth' just before being taken to hospital mortuary
A man, believed by his family to be dead and taken to a hospital for further procedures, made a miraculous recovery just minutes before being transferred to the mortuary in this north Kerala district.
Pavithran, a 67-year-old from Pachapoika in nearby Koothuparamba, shocked everyone by coming back to life, even after his family had made arrangements for his funeral the next day.
A freezer was readied at the AKG Memorial Co-operative Hospital mortuary here at the request of relatives to temporarily store the body.
However, just before the "dead body" was taken into the mortuary, a vigilant hospital staff member noticed a faint movement of his fingers and immediately alerted Pavithran's relatives and doctors.
Jayan, a hospital attendant, said he noticed Pavithran's fingers moving as the body was about to be shifted into the mortuary.
Pavithran was immediately rushed to the intensive care unit, hospital authorities confirmed.
According to family sources, Pavithran, who had been suffering from various health issues, including cardiac and lung-related ailments, was undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Mangaluru, Karnataka.
Although he was on ventilator support at the hospital, the family reportedly decided to bring him back to his hometown on Monday due to the high cost of treatment.
Relatives said the doctors in Mangaluru had informed them that Pavithran would not survive without ventilator support and would die within 10 minutes if it was removed.
They also claimed he had not opened his eyes after being shifted from the hospital and that his blood pressure had been critically low.
Justifying their assumption that he had passed away, the family explained that the doctors in Mangaluru had told them he was unlikely to survive the over five-hour journey in an ordinary ambulance without a ventilator.
During the journey, Pavithran reportedly remained motionless, showing no signs of life, relatives added.
Pavithran's wife and sister accompanied him in the ambulance, while other relatives followed in a car. -- PTI
16:44 God will save me: Kejriwal on 'Khalistan threat'
Amid intelligence reports that a pro-Khalistan group is plotting an attack against AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal, the former Delhi chief minister said on Wednesday that 'God will save him' and he is destined to live as long as his 'lifeline' allows.
Addressing reporters after filing his nomination for the February 5 Delhi assembly polls from the New Delhi seat, Kejriwal responded to a question on the alleged threat to his life, saying 'uparwala bachayega....'
Before filing his nomination, Kejriwal offered prayers at the Prachin Hanuman temple at Connaught Place and told reporters, "Jako Rakhe Saiyan Mar Sake Na Koye (those protected by God cannot be killed by anyone). God is with me."
"One lives as long as his lifeline allows. The day one's lifeline ends, God calls him up," he said, when asked about the reported threat to him from a pro-Khalistan outfit.
Sources in the Delhi Police said they will review Kejriwal's security arrangements as there is speculation regarding a threat to his life.
Intelligence reports indicate that a hit squad of two to three operatives, last tracked in Punjab, may be en route Delhi to target Kejriwal during the upcoming assembly polls in the capital, the sources said.
"This is based on human intelligence and further details are being investigated," one of the sources added.
The sources said a pro-Khalistan group, allegedly backed by Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), is behind the plot, which aims to disrupt harmony and law and order in Delhi and Punjab.
Kejriwal, a Z-plus protectee, has a comprehensive protection detail comprising 63 personnel, including a pilot, escort teams, close protection staff and search-and-frisk units.
Additionally, 15 uniformed personnel from the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) are deployed for his protection.
The recent threat has prompted authorities to maintain round-the-clock surveillance to avert any potential attack, the sources said. -- PTI
16:12 Torres scam: HC shocked over police lethargy
The Bombay High Court on Wednesday took Mumbai Police to task for its lethargy in the investigation of the Torres investment scam, and ordered protection for a chartered accountant who claims to be the whistleblower in the case.
A division bench of Justices Revati Mohite Dere and Neela Gokhale directed the city police commissioner to provide protection to Abhishek Gupta who claims to have exposed the scam, even as the police told the court that they were still ascertaining if he faced any threat.
The court's order came in response to a petition filed by Gupta.
The firm that owns Torres jewellery brand is accused of cheating hundreds of investors of crores of rupees through a combination of Ponzi and multi-level marketing (MLM) schemes, promising very high returns but eventually defaulting on payout.
The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the police has so far arrested three persons in the case including two foreign nationals.
Gupta's petition sought police protection, apprehending a threat to his life after the scam came to light.
During the hearing, the bench expressed dismay over the manner in which the EOW, a "specialised agency", dragged its feet, giving opportunity to the foreign national accused to flee India.
"We are shocked at the manner in which the investigation is progressing. Somewhere, the police are responsible. They had so much information," the bench remarked.
Gupta, who had audited the accounts of Platinum Hern Pvt Ltd, the parent firm of Torres brand, in his plea claimed that the police were tipped off about the alleged scam in June 2024, months before investors began to lodge complaints, but no action was taken. -- PTI
16:08 Spotted: John McEnroe at Aus Open
Melbourne reader Nandini came across Johnny Mac (in pic) getting set for a live cross outside her city's Rod Laver Arena during Aus Open this week.
Tennis great John McEnroe was distinctively recognisable by admiring spectators and then left alone once he was done. And yes, she says, he is still fit as.
Representational image. Pic: Rajesh Karkera/Rediff.com
15:52 Bison strays into Ponda city in Goa
The ongoing expansion work on a highway in Goa has disturbed the natural corridor of the bison population, causing them to venture into urban areas in the coastal state, a forest official said on Wednesday.
The forest department staff on Tuesday night drove a female bison into a forest after it was found on the streets of Ponda city in North Goa district, being chased by people.
Videos on social media showed some motorbike-borne people chasing a bison in the heart of Ponda city, raising concerns.
This is the second such instance in the last few months.
On October 13 last year, a 60-year-old woman died after being attacked by a bison while trying to chase away the animal grazing in her backyard in Bethora village, bordering Ponda town.
When contacted, Deputy Conservator of Forest (north division) Jiss K Varkey on Wednesday said a female bison, which was not very aggressive, had ventured into the city following which their rescue squad drove her into a nearby forest area on Tuesday night.
People should be discouraged from chasing bison and shooting their videos as the animals may get irritated and become aggressive, he said.
The ongoing work on a national highway passing through Ponda area during night time has "created disturbances to the natural corridor of bison" and it is one of the reasons for these animals to frequently venture into the city areas, the official said.
"Usually, they (bison) don't venture into the city, but their natural crossings are affected due to work going on even at night on the national highway," he said.
There is a good bison population in forests around Ponda city, he added.
15:40 Akhilesh backs AAP over Cong for Delhi elections
Asserting that the INDIA bloc is intact, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Wednesday said he is supporting the Aam Aadmi Party over the Congress in Delhi because it is stronger and the common aim is to defeat the BJP.
Strengthening the hands of regional parties wherever they are strong and in a position to fight the BJP is the basic principle behind the formation of the opposition alliance, Yadav told reporters.
He was in Haridwar to immerse the ashes of his uncle Rajpal Yadav in the Ganga at Har ki Pauri.
"The INDIA alliance is intact. I remember, when the alliance was being formed, Nitish Kumar had talked to leaders of all parties including ours. He had said at the time that we should strengthen the hands of a regional party wherever it is strong. AAP is strong in Delhi, so we are supporting it," the SP chief said after the ritual.
"We must support whichever party is strong and in a position to give a fight to BJP. In Delhi, AAP and Congress are facing each other... My advice is AAP is strong so we should all support it. After all, our common goal is the defeat of BJP, whether it is Congress, Samajwadi Party or AAP," Akhilesh Yadav said.
Asked for his response on the Union Home ministry granting sanction to the Enforcement Directorate to prosecute AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal in the excise policy linked money laundering case, Yadav said, BJP governments work like that.
"Wherever they are in power they rule in a dictatorial manner," he said.
He said he would visit the Maha Kumbh congregation in Prayagraj whenever "Mother Ganga" calls him.
"Ganga is one from Haridwar to Gangasagar... I took a dip in the Ganga in Haridwar yesterday (Makar Sankranti)," he said. -- PTI
15:23 MP well collapse: 3 trapped labourers die
Three labourers, trapped under the debris after a well collapsed in Madhya Pradesh's Chhindwara district, have died, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said on Wednesday.
The under-construction well caved in at Khunajhir Khurd village in the district on Tuesday evening following which the three persons, including a woman, got trapped, officials earlier said.
CM Yadav in a post on X said police, Homeguard personnel and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team immediately started the rescue work and made every possible effort to bring out the workers safely, but they could not be saved.
"Sad news has been received about the untimely death of 3 workers in an accident caused by soil collapse during the digging of an old well on a private land in village Khunajhir khurd under Chhindwara district," he said.
As per rules, the government will provide a financial assistance of Rs 4 lakh to the families of each of the deceased, Yadav said.
"I pray to God to give peace to the departed souls and strength to the family members to bear this immense grief," he said.
The victims have been Shahjadi Khan (50), her son Rashid (18) and nephew Bashid (18), according to officials. -- PTI
14:45 10 Ways To Ace The Bikini Look
It's still winter but a girl can always dream of sunny days and golden beaches, can't she?
Sukanya Verma helps you plan your summer in advance and ace that bikini look with a little inspiration from Bollywood's swimwear queens in this web story.
14:44 Meta apologises for Zuckerberg's 2024 poll remark
Meta India on Wednesday apologised for CEO Mark Zuckerberg's remarks during a podcast that the incumbent government in India lost power in the 2024 elections, and termed it an "inadvertent error".
Taking to X, Meta India's Vice President Shivnath Thukral wrote: "Dear Honourable Minister @AshwiniVaishnaw, Mark's observation that many incumbent parties were not re-elected in 2024 elections holds true for several countries, BUT not India."
"We would like to apologise for this inadvertent error. India remains an incredibly important country for @Meta and we look forward to being at the heart of its innovative future," he further said.
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw had earlier called out the remarks made by Zuckerberg on the Joe Rogan podcast. "Mr. Zuckerberg's claim that most incumbent governments, including India in 2024 elections, lost post-COVID is factually incorrect," Vaishnaw had said in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on January 13.
"As the world's largest democracy, India conducted the 2024 elections with over 640 million voters. People of India reaffirmed their trust in NDA led by PM @narendramodi Ji's leadership," said Vaishnaw, who is Minister for Information and Broadcasting as well as IT.
The minister had debunked Zuckerberg's remarks as misinformation, and made it clear that Meta must uphold facts and credibility. -- PTI
14:31 India needs to be in Trump's 'A' team
There is no question that New Delhi urgently needs to build bridges with Trump, whose imprimatur on global politics can be decisive, which will also overlap a transformative phase in the world order, writes M K Bhadrakumar
14:25 Govt disbands CRPF's Parliament security unit, merges it with VIP unit
A special unit of the CRPF that was withdrawn from the security of Parliament last year has been finally disbanded and merged with the VIP security wing of the force that has been recently provided a new battalion comprising over 1,000 personnel, official sources said on Wednesday.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued an order on Tuesday "changing the nomenclature" of about 1,400 personnel strength Parliament Duty Group (PDG) to VIP Security Group (VSG) under the CRPF.
This came after the ministry early this month ordered transferring of the forces' battalion number 190, located in Jharkhand's Chatra district, to the VIP security unit of the force.
The battalion, with a strength of over 1,000 personnel, was deployed for undertaking anti-Naxal operations in Jharkhand.
The Central Reserve Police Group (CRPF) VIP security wing is presently providing protection to more than 200 people, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah and the Gandhi family of the Congress comprising Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra among others.
"The task of the VIP security wing is expanding every day. With a new battalion and the PDG, its strength has gone up to more than 8,000 personnel," a senior CRPF officer told PTI.
The PDG was withdrawn from the Parliament House in May last year after the job was handed over to the CISF. It was informally linked with the VIP security wing since its removal from Parliament, but its manpower will be utilised for the protection of high-risk dignitaries after the formal order received on Tuesday.
"The force rendered its duty with absolute dedication and without any error at Parliament, but it still bore the brunt of the major security breach that took place in 2023. It was an unfortunate exit for the CRPF from this iconic duty theatre," a senior officer of the PDG said.
On December 13, 2023 -- the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament terror attack -- two persons jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber from the public gallery during Zero Hour, released yellow smoke from canisters and shouted slogans before being overpowered by the MPs. -- PTI
Representative image
14:20 Sharp kite string claims college student's life in MP
A 20-year-old college student died after his throat was slit by kite string during Makar Sankranti celebrations in Indore city, police said on Wednesday.
Himanshu Solanki was riding a motorcycle when a piece of kite string slashed his throat on a flyover in Footi Kothi area on Tuesday evening.
A second-year BA student, he was out with a friend to get a cooking gas cylinder, said an official of Dwarkapuri police station.
He was taken to hospital but the doctors could not save him on account of excessive bleeding, the official said.
Solanki's family members alleged that he died due to the banned `Chinese manjha', a sharp nylon variety of kite string.
Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Rajesh Dandotia said probe was underway. "Only after investigation it can be said whether it was the banned manjha," he added. -- PTI
Representational image
14:19 Woman research scholar 'harassed' outside IIT Madras
A woman research scholar of IIT Madras was 'reportedly harassed' outside the campus by a worker and male students accompanying her and the general public handed over him to the police, the premium institute said on Wednesday.
The scholar was 'reportedly harassed' on January 14 evening at a tea shop outside the Campus in the Velachery-Taramani area, an IIT-Madras statement said.
"The male students accompanying the woman scholar, and public at the spot, caught hold of the culprit and called the police. The police apprehended the accused and informed the Institute. The accused works in a bakery outside campus and has no connection with IIT Madras."
IIT Madras has installed CCTV cameras across the campus and has taken adequate measures to ensure the safety and security of all and students are also advised to take precautions while going outside, the institute said adding that it has been extending all necessary support to the woman student.
14:07 Rahul's 'war against Indian state' remark sparks row
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's remarks that "we are now fighting the BJP, the RSS and the Indian state itself" triggered a row on Wednesday with the BJP alleging that his statement was straight out of "George Soros' playbook."
Addressing party leaders after the inauguration of the Congress' new headquarters at 9A, Kotla Road here, Gandhi said, "Do not think that we are fighting a fair fight. There is no fairness in this. If you believe that we are fighting a political organisation called the BJP, that we are fighting a political organisation called the RSS, you have not understood what is going on.
"The BJP and the RSS have captured every single institution of our country. We are now fighting the BJP, the RSS and the Indian state itself," he said.
Sharing a video clip of Gandhi's remarks, BJP IT department head Amit Malviya said, "Rahul Gandhi has now declared an open war against the Indian State itself. This is straight out of George Soros's playbook."
In his remarks, Gandhi said, "I clearly stated that something went wrong in the Maharashtra elections. We are uncomfortable with the way the Election Commission operates. The sudden appearance of almost one crore new voters between the Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha elections in Maharashtra is problematic".
Gandhi said it is the Election Commission's duty to provide a voters' list with names and addresses of those who voted in the Vidhan Sabha election.
However, the commission has refused to provide this information, he said.
"Why would the Election Commission refuse to make the voters' list transparent? What purpose does it serve by not providing us with the list, and why are they withholding it? It is the Election Commission's duty to provide transparency, and it is their sacred responsibility to explain why this has happened," he said.
"This is something that every Congressman and every opposition member must keep in mind. There is a serious problem with our election system, and it is the Election Commission's duty to be transparent," he said. -- PTI
13:52 SC seeks response of Centre, ECI over amendments to election rules
The Supreme Court on Wednesday sought responses from the Centre and the poll panel on a plea by Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh challenging recent amendments to the 1961 Conduct of Election Rules which restricts public access to CCTV and other election-related documents.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar took note of the submissions of senior advocates Kapil Sibal and Abhishek Singhvi, appearing for the Congress leader, and issued the notices on the plea.
The bench said it would hear the plea in the week commencing March 17. -- PTI
13:47 SC stays arrest of ex-IAS trainee Puja Khedkar
The Supreme Court on Wednesday protected former IAS probationer Puja Khedkar, accused of cheating and wrongly availing OBC and disability quota benefits in the civil services examination, from arrest till February 14.
A bench of Justices B V Nagarathna and Satish Chandra Sharma issued notice to the Delhi government and the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on Khedkar's plea seeking anticipatory bail.
The matter was posted for hearing on February 14.
Khedkar is accused of misrepresenting information in her application for the UPSC civil services examination, 2022, to get reservation benefits.
She refuted all the allegations against her. -- PTI
Representational image. Pic: Mayur Sanap/Rediff.com
13:37 25-year-old climbs 900 steps, dies while coming down
A 25-year-old man died while coming down the steps of Mahalakshmi temple at Talasari in Maharashtra's Palghar district.
Milan Dombre, a local resident, was returning after climbing 900 steps to the temple and having a `darshan' of the goddess on Tuesday when he suddenly collapsed, his family members said. He was rushed to the Kasa Rural Hospital where the doctors declared him dead.
His family members suspected that he had a heart attack, but Dr Hemant Behere, a medical officer at the hospital, said the cause of death can be ascertained only after the autopsy report becomes available.
The temple, a popular pilgrimage site, has heavy footfall on Tuesdays, Fridays and the weekend.
13:05 Modi meets MLAs from Maharashtra ruling alliance
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday met MLAs of the ruling Mahayuti alliance in Maharashtra over lunch in Mumbai.
The luncheon meeting was held at the INS Angre auditorium, a state government official said.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, and most other MLAs of the ruling coalition of the BJP, NCP, Shiv Sena and their smaller allies were present, sources said.
The Mahayuti alliance won 230 out of the 288 seats in the November 20 assembly elections last year.
12:49 Every day somebody was taken to hospital: Gerard Butler on '300' shoot
Scottish star Gerard Butler says the cast and crew of Zack Snyder's epic film 300 had to toil hard for the movie that became a humongous success after it released in 2006.
In an interview with People magazine, the actor revealed that a lot of actors sustained injuries during the shooting of the film.
"I remember every day somebody was getting taken to the hospital. You'd be doing a fight, you turn around, there's a guy down there, a spear went in his eye. Another time, you turn around, there's a guy over there who just fell, broke his ankle. I mean, it was insane," he said.
Based on Frank Miller's graphic novel of the same name, 300 depicted the Battle of Thermopylae, where King Leonidas (Gerard Butler) leads 300 fearless Spartan warriors against the massive Persian army of King Xerxes (Rodrigo Santoro).
Upon its debut in theatres, the film was praised by the critics for its stylised cinematography, slow-motion battle sequences, and powerful dialogues.
It earned over USD 450 million at the global box office.
Though Butler never sustained an injury while shooting 300, he remembered that he had "almost drown" when he was shooting the 2012 surf drama Chasing Mavericks after "getting taken down by a huge set of waves".
"I thought I was done. They had to take me out, take me to hospital, put me out, give me the defibrillator. I mean, it was intense," Butler said.
The actor currently stars in Den of Thieves 2: Pantera, the sequel to his 2018 hit Den of Thieves.
He will be next seen in How to Train Your Dragon, the live-action film based on the 2010 animated film of the same name. -- PTI
12:35 Nonsense: Rahul on RSS chief's 'true Independence' remark
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday hit out at RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat saying that his remark that India got "true independence" after the Ram temple consecration amounts to treason and is an insult to every Indian.
Speaking at the inauguration of the new Congress headquarters in New Delhi, Gandhi said every party worker is fighting this battle of ideologies under difficult circumstances where institutions have been captured by the BJP and the RSS and investigative agencies are being used against opposition leaders.
The leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha also hit out at the Election Commission and alleged that there is a "serious problem" with the country's election system.
"Mohan Bhagwat has the audacity to say to the country what he thinks about the independence movement and the Constitution. What he said yesterday is treason... Because he is stating that the Constitution is invalid and the fight against the British was invalid.
"He has the audacity to say this publicly. In any other country, he would be arrested and tried. That is a fact," Gandhi said at the inauguration of the Indira Gandhi Bhavan.
"To say that India did not get independence in 1947 is an insult to every Indian. And it is time to stop listening to this nonsense that these people think they can keep parroting out and shouting," he said.
The former Congress president said the party has worked with the Indian people and it has built the success of this country on the foundations of the Constitution and that is what this building symbolises.
"It is important that we take ideas from this building and spread these ideas in the rest of the country," he said.
Gandhi said "we are fighting a civilisational war with these people, they are attacking every day the ideas that we believe in" and asserted that only the Congress can fight them. -- PTI
12:14 Fully ready, capable to deal with any situation: Army chief
Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi on Wednesday said the situation along the northern border is sensitive but stable, while asserting that his force is fully ready and capable to deal with any situation.
In his address at the 77th Army Day celebrations in Pune, he also said ceasefire is maintained along the Line of Control (LoC) but "attempts to infiltrate continue".
He said the situation along the northern border is sensitive but stable.
"Our Army is fully ready and capable to deal with any situation," the Army chief said.
He also underlined that special attention has been given to develop modern equipment and critical infrastructure at northern border.
"We will continue on path to make the Indian Army a modern, agile, adaptable, technology-enabled force," he asserted.
The Army chief said the 77th Army Day Parade taking place in Pune holds special significance as it has been a place of valour since the Maratha rule,
The Army Day celebration in Pune reflects "our deep link" with heritage of the region, he said.
Pune hosted the celebrations for the first time. The Army Day Parade (ADP) took place at Bombay Engineers Group (BEG) and Centre in Pune which comes under the Army's Southern Command. -- PTI
Pic: Courtesy, Pixabay
12:00 Mankind Pharma hit with Rs 2-cr GST penalty
Mankind Pharma Ltd on Wednesday said it has been imposed a GST related penalty of over Rs 2 crore by tax authority in Kolkata over alleged mismatch in figures for the period of FY18 to FY22.
The company has received an order on January 14, 2025 from Office of the Commissioner of Kolkata South CGST & CX -- issued by Additional Commissioner, Mankind Pharma said in a regulatory filing.
"The GST Authority has passed the order, pursuant to GST audit for the FY 2017-18 to FY2021-22 on the contention that there is a mismatch in the figures reported in various statutory returns...," it said. The order levied a penalty of Rs 2,27,83,935 on the company.
"Based on the assessment of facts and prevailing law, the company is of the view that the aforesaid order is arbitrary and unjustified," Mankind Pharma said, adding it would file necessary appeal with the appellate authority in this regard.
There is no material impact on financials, operations or other activities of the company, it added.
11:42 Modi commissions 3 naval warships in Mumbai
Indian Navy warships INS Surat, INS Nilgiri and INS Vaghsheer were commissioned at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday.
The commissioning of the three frontline naval combatants will strengthen the country's efforts towards being a global leader in defence and augment its strength towards self-reliance, PM Modi said in a post on X on Tuesday.
The Navy described the commissioning of the three major combatants as a historic occasion.
INS Nilgiri, the lead ship of the Project 17A stealth frigate class, represents a significant advancement over the Shivalik-class frigates.
Designed by the Indian Navy's Warship Design Bureau and built at the Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), it incorporates advanced features for enhanced survivability, seakeeping and stealth, reflecting the next generation of indigenous frigates.
It features advanced stealth technology and reduced radar signatures. It is equipped with modern aviation facilities and can operate multiple helicopter types, including the newly inducted MH-60R.
INS Surat, the fourth and final vessel of the Project 15B stealth destroyer class, is a follow-on to the Kolkata-class destroyers.
It incorporates improvements in design and capability, making it a critical addition to the Navy's surface fleet.
Like INS Nilgiri, it has also been designed by the Warship Design Bureau and constructed at the MDL.
INS Vaghsheer is the sixth and final submarine under the Scorpene-class Project 75. It is a diesel-electric submarine designed for multiple roles, including anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, and intelligence gathering. -- PTI
11:26 Why Are PSB Chiefs At Finance Ministry Today?
Harsh Kumar/Business Standard
M Nagaraju, secretary, Department of Financial Services, will chair a meeting today, January 15, with the CEOs and MDs of public sector banks.
The meeting aims to review the progress of various financial inclusion schemes and discuss future funding requirements in light of the upcoming Budget, according to sources.
The meeting will focus on evaluating the implementation of key government initiatives under the DFS. Additionally, it is expected to address other financial inclusion issues and discuss the funding needs for these schemes, said the source.
The source further indicated that the government may consider providing assistance and additional funding for programs such as the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, Stand Up India Scheme, Atal Pension Yojana, Mudra Yojana, and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana.
The chairman of the Indian Banking Association, CMD SIDBI, CEO Mudra LTD, CEO National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company Limited and senior director of the National Informatics Centre will also be present at the meeting.
"A few bankers have expressed the need to discuss pending issues related to fixed deposit taxation in the meeting. Given that this meeting takes place just before the Budget, we consider it to be crucial," stated a public sector banker who requested to remain anonymous.
Launched on August 28, 2014, the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) aims to ensure comprehensive financial inclusion across India by providing every household access to banking services. The scheme offers basic bank accounts with no minimum balance, free RuPay debit cards that come with Rs 2 lakh accident insurance, and overdraft facilities of up to Rs 10,000.
As of November 20, 2024, PMJDY has registered an impressive 540.3 million accounts with total deposits of Rs 2.4 trillion, including 300.7 million accounts (55.7 per cent) held by women and 359.5 million accounts (66.6 per cent) located in rural and semi-urban areas, alongside 369.2 million RuPay cards issued.
Complementing this, the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) offers a one-year personal accident insurance scheme for individuals aged 18 to 70, providing a death benefit of Rs 2 lakh and Rs 1 lakh for permanent and partial disabilities, with an annual premium of just Rs 20.
As of the same date, PMSBY has seen a cumulative enrolment of 47.59 crore, with 1,93,964 claims received and 1,47,641 claims disbursed, totaling Rs 2,931.88 crore in benefits.
Furthermore, the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) has enrolled 216.7 million individuals, with 8,93,277 claims received and 860,575 successfully disbursed, amounting to Rs 17,211.50 crore in benefits, underscoring its impact on life insurance coverage.
Additionally, the MUDRA scheme has sanctioned 503.1 million accounts, with a sanctioned amount of Rs 31.28 trillion, of which Rs 30.55 trillion has been disbursed.
Lastly, the Stand-Up India scheme has sanctioned 252,000 accounts, with 76 per cent of these accounts opened by women entrepreneurs, reflecting a commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and financial inclusion among underrepresented groups.
10:58 Sonia inaugurates Congress's new HQ, Indira Bhavan
Congress Parliamentary Party chief Sonia Gandhi inaugurated the party's new headquarters located at 9A, Kotla Road in New Delhi on Wednesday, marking a key moment in the history of the grand old party which has operated from the 24, Akbar Road premises for the last 47 years.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, former party chief Rahul Gandhi, Congress general secretaries Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and K C Venugopal, among other senior party leaders, were present on the occasion.
The event saw party leaders hoist the party flag at the new headquarters and the singing of Vande Matram and the national anthem.
Sonia Gandhi then inaugurated the building, asking Kharge to join her in cutting the ribbon at the entry of the building.
The new state-of-the-art AICC headquarters -- Indira Gandhi Bhavan - symbolises the Congress party's continuing mission to uphold the vision of its stalwarts, the party had earlier said.
"It is time for us to move ahead with the times and embrace the new," AICC general secretary, organisation, Venugopal had said,
The construction of Indira Gandhi Bhavan was started during Sonia Gandhi's tenure as Congress chief.
"Situated at 9A, Kotla Road, New Delhi, the Indira Gandhi Bhawan is designed to meet the evolving needs of the party and its leaders, featuring modern facilities to support administrative, organisational, and strategic activities.
"This iconic building reflects the Congress party's forward-looking vision while paying homage to its extraordinary past, which has shaped the political and social fabric of India," he had said.
10:29 Delhi riot accused Tahir Hussain gets parole to file nomination
The Delhi high court on Tuesday denied interim bail to former Aam Aadmi Party councillor Tahir Hussain, who is in jail over his onvolvement in 2020 riots in North East Delhi.
However, the Court has granted custody parole to Tahir Hussain to allow him to file his nomination papers and participate in campaigning for the upcoming assembly elections.
Hussain, who is contesting from the Mustafabad constituency, has been fielded by the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), led by Asaduddin Owaisi.
Hussain had approached the Court seeking interim bail for the purpose of completing election-related formalities.
Taking into account his criminal history, the nature of the allegations, and the circumstances surrounding the case, the court granted him custody parole to take the oath and complete the necessary steps for his nomination.
The court emphasised the seriousness of the allegations against him, highlighting his involvement in the violence that led to the deaths of 59 people.
10:05 DGCA Warns Akasa Air For
Deepak Patel/Business Standard
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued a warning letter to Akasa Air for violating regulations regarding the transportation of dangerous goods, including lithium batteries.
On December 12, the regulator conducted an annual surveillance inspection at Ahmedabad airport and found several non-compliances in violation of Aircraft (Carriage of Dangerous Goods) Rules, 2003.
During the inspection, the DGCA found that electronic devices containing lithium batteries were being accepted without proper checks or verification of battery power. It noted that some shipments of lithium batteries exceeded the permissible weight limits for carriage on passenger aircraft. Additionally, the appropriate contact details of the shipper were not recorded.
After the regulator informed the airline about these instances, Akasa Air submitted its action taken report where it admitted its violations and informed the regulator of corrective actions that it has taken.
The airline said it has issued circulars to trade partners (cargo agents) and staff to reiterate compliance with regulation and issuing caution letters to the cargo acceptance staff.
Therefore, considering the corrective action taken and gravity of non-compliances of mandatory requirements SNV Aviation Private Limited (Akasa) is, hereby warned to be more vigilant with respect to the compliances of applicable regulatory provisions for carriage of dangerous goods by air so that such lapses/violations dont occur in future, DGCA stated in its warning letter.
This is not the airlines first run-in with the regulator. The DGCA had on December 27 suspended two senior Akasa Air executives -- Director of Training Niraj Bhatia and Director of Flight Operations Floyd Gracious -- for six months for improperly training pilots.
On December 24, the DGCA had fined Akasa Air Rs 10 lakh for denying boarding to seven passengers on its Bengaluru-Pune flight on September 6 and failing to provide the mandatory compensation.
In December itself, the DGCA had issued two show cause notices to Akasa Air. The first was for the airlines failure to ensure its director of flight operations revised the operations manual within the mandatory six-month period.
The second notice was issued after a spot check at Bengaluru airport in August revealed poor aircraft maintenance standards and lapses. Moreover, in October, the DGCA had imposed a Rs 30 lakh fine on Akasa Air for lapses in pilot training.
10:02 Smriti Irani, Shekhar Kapur join PM Museum's new team
The government has reconstituted the Prime Ministers Museum and Library (PMML) Society with former Union minister Smriti Irani and noted filmmaker Shekhar Kapur finding a place in it.
According to an official order issued by the Ministry of Culture, former Principal Secretary to Prime Minister, Nripendra Mishra, has got another five-year term as the organisation's chairperson.
There are many new entrants in the prestigious institution's society, including Irani, Kapur, former NITI Aayog Vice-chairman Rajiv Kumar, retired Army officer Syed Ata Hasnain, and Sanskar Bharati's Vasudev Kamath.
The key decision-making body of the PMML is helmed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as its president, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh as vice-president.
Besides, the Executive Council of the PMML has also been reconstituted.
"The central government hereby reconstitutes the society and the executive council of the Prime Ministers Museum & Library, New Delhi," says the order dated January 13.
The order further says, "the term of the members nominated to the society and the executive council of PMML shall be for a period of five years or until further orders, whichever is earlier."
The new entrants to the Society's membership also include Sanjeev Sanyal, member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister, educationist Chamu Krishna Shastry and archaeologist K K Mohammad. -- PTI
09:57 Over 100 flights delayed as dense fog covers Delhi
More than 100 flights were delayed at the Delhi airport on Wednesday morning due to dense fog resulting in low visibility.
An official said no flight diversions or cancellations have been reported so far.
"Low visibility and fog over Delhi may lead to some delays. We're keeping a close watch on the weather and doing our best to get you where you need to be , safely and smoothly," IndiGo said in a post on X at 8.18 am.
Delhi airport operator DIAL said while landings and takeoffs continue at the airport, flights that are not CAT III-compliant may get affected.
CAT III facility allows flight operations in low visibility conditions.
As per information available on Flightradar24.com, over 100 flights were delayed on Wednesday.
"Passengers are requested to contact the airline concerned for updated flight information. Any inconvenience caused is deeply regretted," Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) said in a post on X at 7.35 am.
The Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) in the national capital handles around 1,300 flight movements daily. -- PTI
09:26 UAE launches region's 'most advanced satellite'
The UAE's Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre has announced the successful launch of MBZ-SAT, the region's "most advanced satellite".
MBZ-SAT was launched on Tuesday from the Space Launch Complex 4E at the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, US, aboard SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket.
The launch was witnessed by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum from the Mission Control Centre of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC).
The launch of MBZ-SAT marks a significant milestone in the UAE's satellite development journey. It was developed entirely by Emirati engineers at MBRSC. The satellite programme was announced in 2020.
The 750-kilogramme satellite represents a significant advancement in Earth observation technology. Its technical specifications demonstrate substantial improvements across all systems, according a statement released in Dubai.
The satellite's imaging system consists of one of the highest resolution cameras, with improved data transmission rates -- four times faster than existing systems.
"It is also equipped with an advanced electric jet propulsion system, a navigation system accurate to one metre, and a star-tracking system that allows unparalleled precision in positioning capabilities. These capabilities position MBZ-SAT as a significant advancement in Earth observation technology, providing valuable data for both research and practical applications," according to the statement.
The satellite will be able to capture images with double the precision of previous models while increasing image generation capacity tenfold. It will serve multiple functions, including supporting environment monitoring, infrastructure management and disaster relief.
These features allow local and international entities make informed decisions based on current and accurate data.
The satellite will be operated and managed by the Mission Control Centre at MBRSC, with specialised teams handling operations and analysing the data transmitted to Earth.
09:12 ED gets MHA approval to prosecute Kejriwal
The Union Home Ministry has granted sanction to the Enforcement Directorate to prosecute former Delhi chief minister and AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal in the excise policy linked money laundering case, officials said.
The federal agency has filed a chargesheet against the 56-year-old politician before a special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court here last year after arresting him in March.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has recently granted the required sanction to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for prosecuting Kejriwal under the anti-money laundering law in the Delhi excise policy case, officials said.
The development comes ahead of the Delhi Assembly on February 5.
Kejriwal has been made made an accused in his personal capacity as well as in the capacity of being the national convenor of his political party AAP.
The former chief minister was called the "kingpin and key conspirator" of the Delhi excise "scam" by the ED.
It was alleged that he acted in collusion with Delhi government minister, the AAP leaders and others.
09:01 Out on interim bail, Asaram returns to Jodhpur ashram
Granted interim relief in a 2013 rape case, self-styled godman Asaram returned to his ashram in Jodhpur's Pal village, police said on Wednesday.
"He had been admitted in an Ayurveda hospital of the city for the past few days on parole and left for his ashram late on Tuesday," a police officer said.
The Rajasthan high court on Tuesday granted interim bail till March 31 to the self-styled godman, who is serving life imprisonment. A lower court had sentenced Asaram to life imprisonment in April 2018 for raping a minor at his ashram in 2013.
A large crowd of supporters gathered outside the hospital after hearing the news of his interim bail and garlanded Asaram when he came out.
He was also accorded a resounding welcome upon his arrival at the ashram.
His counsel Nishant Bora said Asaram would be free to take treatment at a place of his choice during this bail period.
He would, however, have to adhere to the bail conditions.
Last week, the Supreme Court granted Asaram a similar relief till March 31 in a another rape case, observing that he was suffering from various ailments and needed treatment. -- PTI
08:46 Adani Group Mcap Up Rs 1.04 Trn
Sundar Sethuraman/Business Standard
Adani group shares registered a sharp rally on Tuesday amid positive business updates from its group company, Adani Energy Solutions, and the overall recovery in the equity markets.
The total market capitalisation of the group companies rose by Rs 1.04 trillion.
Shares of Adani Power zoomed 19.77 per cent, Adani Green Energy soared 13.22 per cent, Adani Energy Solutions surged 12.06 per cent, Adani Enterprises rallied 7.12 per cent, Adani Total Gas jumped 6.52 per cent and NDTV shot up 5.63 per cent on the BSE.
In its provisional business updates filed with the exchanges, Adani Energy Solutions reported that its transmission network expanded to 26,485 circuit kilometres (ckm) in the quarter ended December, compared to 20,422 ckm in the same period during the previous year a rise of 29.6 per cent. Its power transmission capacity increased to 84,286 MVA from 54,661 MVA during the same quarter of the previous financial year.
Adani group companies are still trading significantly below their all-time highs. Adani Energy Solutions is trading 82 per cent below its lifetime high, while Adani Green Energy remains 67 per cent below its peak.
"Adani stocks are a trader's delight because the volatility is much higher than in other stocks. But from an investor's perspective, I would advise them to tread cautiously as the stocks are expensive," said Amabreesh Baliga, an independent equity market analyst.
08:42 Who is Laurene 'Kamala' Powell Jobs?
American billionaire Laurene Powell Jobs, 61, is grabbing headlines for her visit to Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh.
Know more about the widow of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, in this web story.
08:21 Impeached South Korean President Yoon arrested
South Korea's impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol was arrested on Wednsday over insurrection accusations related to his brief declaration of martial law on December 3, investigators said.
He is the first sitting president in South Korea's history to be arrested.
According to reports, the suspended President was seen leaving his heavily fortified residence in central Seoul in a convoy to the offices of the Corruption Investigation Office (CIO) after a joint team of investigators and police said they had executed the arrest warrant.
On December 14, Yoon was impeached by the National Assembly over his attempt to impose martial law in the country.
The members of the unicameral National Assembly had voted 204 to 85 to impeach South Korea's President.
After his impeachment, Yoon was suspended from office.
00:21 Michelle Obama to skip Trump's inauguration
Former First Lady Michelle Obama will not attend the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump, marking the second time in two weeks she has skipped an event with former United States leaders and their spouses.
Former Presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and George W Bush will once again unite for the January 20 swearing-in ceremony, alongside Laura Bush and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, representatives confirmed.
A statement from the Office of Barack and Michelle Obama, shared with The Associated Press, confirmed, 'Former President Barack Obama is confirmed to attend the 60th Inaugural Ceremonies. Former First Lady Michelle Obama will not attend the upcoming inauguration.'
No reason was provided for Michelle Obama's decision to skip the event. She also did not attend the state funeral for former President Jimmy Carter held in Washington the previous week. -- Agencies
Former Presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and George W Bush will once again unite for the January 20 swearing-in ceremony, alongside Laura Bush and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, representatives confirmed.
A statement from the Office of Barack and Michelle Obama, shared with The Associated Press, confirmed, 'Former President Barack Obama is confirmed to attend the 60th Inaugural Ceremonies. Former First Lady Michelle Obama will not attend the upcoming inauguration.'
No reason was provided for Michelle Obama's decision to skip the event. She also did not attend the state funeral for former President Jimmy Carter held in Washington the previous week. -- Agencies