LIVE! I still feel I am the CM: Fadnavis

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Tue, 12 October 2021

I still feel I am the CM: Fadnavis

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23:12 I still feel I am the CM: Fadnavis

Bharatiya Janata Party leader Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday said that because of people's love, he did not feel that he had ceased to be the chief minister of Maharashtra.

The remark drew reactions from Congress and the NCP which said he should come to terms with the reality.

The BJP leader was speaking at a public event in Navi Mumbai.

"People never made me feel that I am not the chief minister. I still feel that I am chief minister as I have been roaming in the state over the last two years. The love and affection of people has not receded," said Fadnavis.

A person's work is more important than his or her position, he added.

I have not just sat at home. I am serving people and doing well as leader of the opposition (in the Assembly), he said.

Reacting to Fadnavis' remarks, state Congress spokesperson Atul Londhe said he should accept that people have 'rejected' him and his party.

Fadnavis seems to be still attached to the chief minister's post. He is still dreaming of the post. He needs to wake up from that dream soon, the Congress leader said.

"He must accept that he is still leader of the opposition. People have rejected him and his party," Londhe added.

State minister and Nationalist Congress Party chief spokesperson Nawab Malik said BJP leaders were claiming for the last nearly two years that the Maha Vikas Aghadi government in Maharashtra would fall.

"It has been more than 22 months now. I think Fadnavis should come out of that mentality. And the post of leader of opposition is no less than that of CM. Now he should at least come out of the role of chief minister and assume the role of leader of opposition. People can be served through that way too," Malik added.

Fadnavis became the chief minister of Maharashtra after the 2014 elections and went on to complete a full term, something which no chief minister of the state had managed in the previous three decades.

After the Shiv Sena walked out of the alliance with the BJP after the 2019 polls, he forged a tie-up with a breakaway group of NCP MLAs led by Ajit Pawar and was sworn in as chief minister with Pawar as his deputy.

But this government lasted only for three days for want of the numbers and was replaced by an alliance of the Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress, headed by Uddhav Thackeray. -- PTI

23:02 Guj: BJP not to field 30 sitting MLAs in 2022

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party in Gujarat might replicate the 'no-repeat' experiment it tried recently while replacing the entire cabinet and the chief minister in the next year's state assembly polls as well with state BJP chief C R Paatil hinting that the saffron party would field at least 100 new faces in the contest.

In the 182-member Gujarat Assembly, the BJP enjoys a majority with 112 seats.

Paatil, while addressing BJP workers in Himmatnagar town in north Gujarat on Monday, indicated that at least 30 sitting MLAs would 'retire' the next year and make way for new faces.

'See, we have to find 70 new faces (for seats which are not with BJP at present). In addition, some sitting MLAs will also retire. Thus, in all, you will see at least 100 new faces for the upcoming Assembly polls in 2022,' said Paatil, the BJP MP from Navsari seat.

Paatil's statement came weeks after BJP brass replaced the entire Gujarat cabinet along with chief minister Vijay Rupani, in what is called a 'no-repeat' experiment. In a surprise move, the BJP picked Bhupendra Patel, a first-time MLA, as the new CM of Gujarat.

Paatil was in Himmatnagar town on Monday to attend a programme of distributing ID cards to BJP's Panna Pramukhs or page presidents.

A 'panna pramukh' is appointed from among voters in the respective list.

They are tasked with motivating and coordinating voters from their respective areas to exercise their franchise.

Offering a glimpse of BJP's likely strategy for the polls, due in December next year, Paatil said neither he will remain the MP nor Rajendrasinh Chavda the Himmatnagar MLA.

Chavda and several other leaders of BJP were present on the occasion.

"I want workers of our party to take a pledge to ensure BJP's victory (in elections). The BJP gives opportunities to workers based on their performance. BJP workers never crib for not getting anything for years. Even if they don't get a ticket, our workers get back to work to ensure the victory of those who were chosen by the party," said Paatil.

He appealed to ministers, senior BJP leaders and elected representatives to prioritise the work suggested by the party workers.

"Do not ignore party workers. You should not put his file in the corner without even looking at it. Party workers are our real strength. I will not tolerate if a worker would complain that his work was not done," warned Paatil.

In 2017 polls, the ruling BJP scraped through to retain power by winning 99 seats, a loss of 16 seats it had won in the previous election.

On the other hand, Congress improved its tally by 16 seats to reach 77. -- PTI

With protocols in place due to the situation created by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh has decided not to invite any guest for the annual Vijayadashmi address by its Sarsanghchalak for the second consecutive year.

Just like last year, the festive occasion will only be addressed by RSS Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat.

According to a senior functionary of RSS, the ground that is normally flooded by swayamsewaks clad in white shirts and brown colour trousers, will witness not more than 500 people.

Last year, this number was confined to 50 RSS cadres.

"With a slightly better situation this time, we will have 500 people spread in the ground. The speech of RSS chief will be broadcast live on social media," the functionary said.

Another senior RSS functionary said there is a discussion for getting permission for smaller groups to watch the address on LED screens at 40 different locations in Nagpur.

In the previous years, the Vijayadashami programme has witnessed the presence of several prominent personalities including former President Pranab Mukherjee, HCL chief Shiv Nadar and child rights activist and Nobel laureate Kailash Satyarthi. -- ANI

21:41 2023 Karnataka poll to be my last: Kumaraswamy

Janata Dal-Secular leader H D Kumaraswamy on Tuesday said that the 2023 assembly elections in Karnataka will be his last, and sought an opportunity from the people to independently run a government for five years, so as to implement programmes for the larger public good.

"I have been the chief minister twice with your blessings. I have decided that the 2023 assembly election will be my last fight. It is not for me to come to power or become the chief minister.

"With the blessings of God, I have already been chief minister twice, despite not having a majority," Kumaraswamy said.

Speaking to party workers and the public, he sought their blessings and support in bringing JD-S to power independently, for implementing 'Pancharatna', the five fold programme envisaged by him that include quality education, health, housing, farmer welfare and employment.

"I'm marching ahead with a challenge...I request you with folded hands to give us (the JD-S) an opportunity to run an independent government in this state for five years. I seek your blessings," the former chief minister added.

JD-S has already announced 'mission 123' (winning 123 seats in the 224 member assembly) to bring the party to power, after the 2023 assembly polls.

Pointing at farm loan waiver announced by him as chief minister of the Congress-JD(S) coalition government and a beneficiary farmer from Hangal inviting him for his housewarming ceremony, Kumaraswamy said... 'but our farmers forget Kumaranna (as he is popularly called) while voting, this is the situation we are in'.

"Give one opportunity to the party you have nurtured, bless us to form a government on our own strength, believing in me....If I don't live up to my words on implementing Pancharatna, I will never come to you again, seeking votes for my party. Test us, you have seen both Bharatiya Janata Party and Congress," he added.

Kumaraswamy had headed a coalition government with both national parties in the past, for 20-months with BJP from February 2006 and with Congress for 14-months after the May 2018 assembly polls.

Earlier in the day, speaking to reporters, the JD-S leader claimed that the recent Income Tax raids specifically on a person who is said to be former CM B S Yediyurappa's Personal Assistant and Water Resources department related contractors, was an attempt by the BJP to 'control' Yediyurappa, following his alleged late night meeting with Congress leader Siddaramaiah.

"Anyone with the slightest understanding of politics can understand that the recent IT raids were for what reasons....IT raids were with a political motive...it is to control or checkmate Yediyurappa...as both (Siddaramaiah and Yediyurappa) had a late night meeting about political developments, and the BJP that has government both at Centre and state got to know about it from their sources, and probably have tightened things," he said. -- PTI

21:26 Veteran Tamil actor Srikanth no more

Veteran Tamil actor Srikanth, who made his debut along with the late J Jayalalithaa in the 1965 classic Vennira Adai died in Chennai on Tuesday, film industry sources said.

The 82 year-old actor died due to old age, they said.

'#RIPSrikanth !!,' said the official Twitter handle of 'Nadigar Sangam', the artists association.

In his 40-year career, Srikanth had acted as hero and villain, besides featuring in many character roles as well.

Vennira Adai (The white cloth) was directed by late veteran C V Sridhar.

The actor is known for his many supporting roles in films starring top stars of Tamil cinema, including the late Sivaji Ganesan, Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan.

His memorable roles include that of the rebellious son of a strict police officer, played by Ganesan, in the 1974 super hit Thanga Pathakkam (The Gold Medal).

He also played the anti-hero in Bhairavi, Rajinikanth's first flick as a hero. -- PTI

Bharatiya Janata Party MP Manoj Tiwari was injured on Tuesday after he was hit by a water cannon discharge while trying to scale a police barricade during a protest near Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's house against the ban on Chhath celebrations at public places, party leaders said.

BJP leaders said Tiwari, 50, was taken to the Safdarjung Hospital in New Delhi and was discharged after all his report came normal.

"Alongwith other protesters, Tiwari scaled police barricade to continue the protest march when a water cannon discharge hit him on the chest and neck. He fell down with others on the road sustaining injuries," a Delhi BJP leader said.

Tiwari was examined and treated by doctors at the Safdarjung Hospital and was discharged after all his medical reports were found to be normal, party leader Neelkant Bakshi said.

A senior police officer said water cannon was used to disperse the protesters when they tried to cross the barricade.

Tiwari fell down from the barricade but did not sustain any serious injuries and was discharged from the hospital, he said.

Kejriwal had said the decision to prohibit Chhath Puja celebration at public places was taken in view of the coronavirus pandemic.

However, Delhi BJP president Adesh Gupta said during the protest that the party-ruled municipal corporations will make arrangements for Chhath celebrations.

"The Kejriwal government may not make preparations for the Chhath puja, but the BJP-governed corporations will make adequate arrangements," he said.

The Delhi BJP president described the Kejriwal government's decision as a 'Tuglaqi farmaan' and said his party is opposing it as it is an attack on the religious feelings of Purvanchalis.

A Delhi BJP statement said that besides Tiwari, many other leaders including Delhi BJP general secretary Dinesh Pratap Singh, Purvanchal Morcha president Kaushal Mishra, B N Mishra, Prabhash Chandra and Nivedita Tiwari also sustained injuries.

Shailendra Singh has sustained head injury, said the statement.

Before he was injured, Tiwari slammed the Kejriwal government questioning its decision to ban the Chhath celebrations, even though swimming pools, malls, weekly bazaars, markets and public transport are allowed to open.

Tiwari is also leading a 'Chhath Rath Yatra' in Purvanchali dominated areas of the city to take the feedback of people on the ban. -- PTI

IMAGE: BJP MP Manoj Tiwari injured during a protest demanding revocation of the DDMA order banning Chhath celebrations at public places and riverbanks outside Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal's house in New Delhi on Tuesday. Prateek Kumar/ANI Photo

Four young Muslim men, arrested after activists of the Bajrang Dal objected to their presence at a Garba dance event organised at a private college in Indore, were released on Tuesday after they furnished bonds, an official said.

Questioning the rationale behind the arrests, their family members said they were students of the same college and serving as volunteers during the event.

Sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) Parag Jain ordered the release of Adnan Shah, Mohammad Umar, Abdul Qadir and Syed Saqib after they furnished bonds of Rs 50,000 each, a district official said.

The four were arrested on Sunday under section 151 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (arrest to prevent the commission of cognisable offences) from the campus of a college located in Gandhi Nagar.

Abdul Hamid Shah, Adnan's father, told PTI that his son was a student of second year BCom.

"He was serving there as a volunteer and was handling light and sound system during the program," Shah said.

Displaying the identity card issued by the college and invitation to the program, he asked, "On what basis my son was sent to jail under CrPC 151? We feel it was done under political pressure."

Abdul Aleem, Adnan's elder brother, too said he was handling garba arrangements as a volunteer.

But additional superintendent of police Prashant Choube said these men had a dispute with some others during the program, so they were arrested as a precautionary measure under Section 151.

Eyewitnesses said that Bajrang Dal activists had created a ruckus objecting to the presence of members of the Muslim community at the event, following which police took four persons to the police station.

Bajrang Dal's local coordinator Tarun Devda in a complaint filed with Gandhi Nagar police station alleged that the district administration had given permission to the organisers to invite only 800 persons, but they turned it into a commercial event by selling tickets, and between 2,000 to 3,000 people were in attendance.

Devda also claimed that by inviting a large number of Muslim youths to a Garba program organised during the holy festival of Navratra, the college was encouraging them to take part in such events.

On Devda's complaint, a case under IPC section 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant) was also registered against Akshay Tiwari, a member of the college management, police said.

Elsewhere, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) on Monday put up posters in Ratlam 'prohibiting' the entry of 'non-Hindus' at Garba dance pandals to avoid the repeat of 'controversial incidents' of the last year.

It had put up such posters in 56 pandals with the consent of respective organizers, said an office-bearer of the right-wing outfit. -- PTI

19:25 5 terrorists killed in encounters in Shopian

Five terrorists, including the one involved in the recent killing of a non-local street hawker in Srinagar, were gunned down in two separate encounters with security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian district, police said on Tuesday.

A police spokesperson said two of the four recent cases of target killings in Srinagar and Bandipora have been solved with the elimination of the terrorists involved in these incidents.

"In the last 24 hours, based on specific inputs about the presence of terrorists in the twin villages of Shopian -- Tulran and Feeripora -- two anti-terrorist operations were carried out, resulting in the elimination of five ultras.

"The killed terrorists include Mukhtar Shah, who was involved in the targeted killing of a non-local vendor at the Lal Bazar area of Srinagar," he said.

According to the spokesperson, acting on specific inputs, the security forces launched cordon-and-search operations in the two villages in south Kashmir.

At Tulran, the terrorists were given repeated opportunities to surrender. However, they fired indiscriminately upon the joint search party, which was retaliated, leading to an encounter, the spokesperson said.

"Due to darkness, the operation was suspended, but the cordon was kept intact. In the wee hours, repeated announcements were again made asking the terrorists to surrender, but they again fired on the joint search party and it was retaliated," he said.

In the ensuing encounter, three terrorists were killed and their bodies were retrieved from the site of the encounter, the official added.

He identified the dead terrorists as Danish Hussain Dar, a resident of Ray Kapren in Shopian, Yawar Hussain Naikoo, a resident of Pahlipora, and Mukhtar Ahmed Shah, a resident of the Sindbal area of central Kashmir's Ganderbal.

The official said the three slain militants were affiliated with The Resistance Front (TRF) -- a shadow outfit of the Lashkar-e-Tayiba (LeT).

"According to police records, the slain terrorists had links with proscribed terror outfit LeT (TRF) and remained part of groups involved in several terror crime cases, including attacks on security establishments and civilian atrocities.

"It is pertinent to mention that Mukhtar Shah was involved in the target killing of a non-local vendor in the Lal Bazar area of Srinagar and had shifted to Shopian after committing the crime," he said.

Virendra Paswan, a 'chaat' vendor from Bihar, was shot dead in the Lal Bazar area of Srinagar on October 5, immediately after famous chemist M L Bindroo was killed near his pharmacy.

Terrorists also killed Mohammad Shafi Lone, president of a local taxi stand, in the Naidkhai area of Bandipora district on the same day.

Meanwhile, the police spokesperson said the search operation at Feeripora also remained suspended throughout the night and was resumed in the wee hours of Tuesday.

Contact was established with the terrorists and they were given ample opportunities to surrender, he added.

However, they fired indiscriminately at the search party, which was retaliated, leading to an encounter, the official said.

In the ensuing gunfight, two terrorists were killed and their bodies were retrieved from the site of the encounter.

They were identified as Ubaid Ahmad Dar, a resident of Ray Kapren, and Khubaib Ahmad Nengroo, a resident of Braripora.

"According to police records, both the slain terrorists had links with the LeT and were involved in several terror crime cases," the spokesperson said.

Incriminating materials, including arms and ammunition, were seized from the site of the encounter and taken into the case records for further investigation.

Police have registered a case under the relevant sections of law.

The spokesperson said Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kashmir Vijay Kumar congratulated the joint teams that worked with great synergy and coordination on the ground to carry out the anti-terrorist operations in a professional manner and without any collateral damage.

"It is pertinent to mention that two of the four recent terror cases of target killings in Srinagar and Bandipora stand solved with the elimination of the terrorists involved," the spokesperson said.

Terrorists also shot dead Supinder Kaur, a school principal from the minority Sikh community, and her colleague Deepak Chand in the Eidgah area of Srinagar on October 7. -- PTI

IMAGE: People inspect the damaged house after an encounter in Tulran village of Shopian district, on Tuesday. Photograph: Umar Ganie for Rediff.com

The funeral of legendary Malayalam actor Nedumudi Venu, who passed away at a private hospital in Thiruvananthapuram yesterday, was held with full state honours at the government-run electric crematorium, Shantikavadom, in the state capital on Tuesday.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, various ministers, political leaders, social and cultural personalities and hundreds of people paid their last respects to the veteran actor when his body was kept at the Ayyankali hall in Thiruvananthapuram for the public to pay homage.

At the Ayyankali Hall, a team of musicians led by Kavalam Sreekumar sang various folk songs as a tribute to the actor.

Top actors Mammootty and Mohanlal had yesterday visited Venu's house and paid their last respects.

Having recovered from COVID-19, Venu, 73, had been unwell for quite some time and was admitted to a private hospital in Thiruvananthapuram after he complained of uneasiness.

Shifted to the ICU, his condition worsened on Sunday despite efforts by doctors.

He died on Monday afternoon.

In his film career spanning over four decades, Venu acted in over 500 movies as hero, villain and character actor.

His unique style of acting and talent made him one of the finest actors in Indian cinema. -- PTI

IMAGE: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan pays his last respects to veteran film actor Nedumudi Venu in Thiruvananthapuram, on Tuesday. Photograph: PTI Photo

President Ram Nath Kovind on Tuesday greeted citizens on the eve of Durga Puja and asked them to resolve to build a society where women are accorded greater respect and have equal participation in the process of nation-building.

According to a statement issued by the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the President said Goddess Durga is a symbol of power and a divine form of 'nari shakti' (woman power).

'Durga Puja is the celebration of the victory of good over evil. The nine different forms of Maa Durga represent the different aspects of the association of life and nature,' Kovind said.

'On the occasion of this festival, let us resolve to build a society where women are bestowed with higher respect than before and equal participation in the process of nation-building.

'On the auspicious occasion of Durga Puja, I extend my greetings and best wishes to all our fellow citizens living in India and abroad,' he added.

'I pray to God that this joyous festival is marked by the spirit of peace, fraternity and unity among the citizens and we rededicate ourselves to the service and progress of our nation,' the President said. -- PTI

17:57 Dhoni will mentor team in T20 WC gratis: BCCI

Former Indian skipper MS Dhoni will not take any fees from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for mentoring the Virat Kohli-led team in the upcoming T20 World Cup, Secretary Jay Shah said on Tuesday.

"MS Dhoni is not charging any honorarium for his services as the mentor of the Indian team for the T20 World Cup," Shah told ANI.

Team India will start the campaign in the upcoming T20 World Cup against Pakistan on October 24.

Former bureaucrat Amit Khare, who last month retired as higher education secretary, has been appointed as advisor to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for two years on contract basis, a personnel ministry order issued on Tuesday said.

Khare, a 1985 batch (retired) IAS officer of Jharkhand cadre, had superannuated on September 30.

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the appointment of Khare as advisor to the prime minister in Prime Minister's Office, in the rank and scale of secretary to government of India, on contract basis, initially for a period of two years, it said. PTI

Before a pilot crashed in a residential street in San Diego's East County, killing himself and a UPS driver on the ground, Air Traffic Control warned that he was flying too low and repeatedly asked him to gain altitude.

Read the report here.

File pic

17:39 Pilots complain of excessive lights at Durga pandals in Kolkata

There is something about Durga pujas that push Bengalis into excess: Enthusiasm, Excitement, Lights, Feasting, Dressing to the nines, pandal hopping. And that's just what's happened in Kolkata.

Flight movements have been affected due to the lights at the Sreebhumi Durga Puja Pandal, South Dumdum.

Captains from three different flights have lodged a complaint with Kolkata ATC yesterday. ATC has informed the Kolkata Airport Authority: Airport Sources

Modi with his wax work at Madame Tussauds

17:28 PM more concerned about his image than borders: Cong

The Congress on Tuesday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of being more concerned about the "artificial image" he has created about himself than the geographical integrity of India's borders and questioned his silence on China's continued incursions.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also took a swipe at the prime minister asking why he does not show red eyes to China. "'Mr 56 inch', why don't you show red eyes," he asked in a tweet in Hindi, tagging a news report that China was not ready to step back at the borders after the 13th round of commander-level talks.

Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera alleged at a press conference that a strong country like India with a strong army has a "weak" prime minister who was not ready to even name China.

"Here is the prime minister in India who is more worried about an artificial image which he has created about himself and is much more worried about it than the geographical integrity of the borders of India," he told reporters.

He said the prime minister and ministers should talk with sensitivity especially while speaking about foreign policy.

"We have a strong country and a strong army but a weak prime minister. There is clearly a lack of political will when China says we will not go back. China is displaying such courage as it knows that our prime minister will give it a clean chit before the world," he alleged.

The Congress leader recalled Modi's June 19, 2020 statement at an all-party meeting that there has been no transgressions into Indian territory and asked, "Why did the prime minister of India lie to the nation and gave a misplaced clean chit to China."

Listen up if you are from Maharashtra.

Maharashtra Energy Minister Nitin Raut says despite the coal crisis, the state has tried to supply electricity to its citizens.

"Even after the deficiency of coal in the state, only 4 out of 27 power generation units are currently shut.

"As a minister, I can guarantee that there will be no load shedding due to the coal crisis," Raut said.

Union minister for coal Pralhad Joshi today said the country had a record coal supply and the Coal India and Coal Ministry are making full efforts to meet the country's demand. Coal India Limited currently has 22 days' stock of coal, he added amid concerns over power outages in several states.

16:47 Top gainers at the markets today

Time to sell Titan? If you have scrip, it upped 5.55 per cent today.

Ministry of Civil Aviation permits the restoration of scheduled domestic air operations without any capacity restriction from 18th October.

The ministry of civil aviation (MoCA) increased the capacity of domestic flights to 65% from 50% in July.

For the first time after May 2020, the government cut down domestic airlines capacity from 80% (of the summer schedule 2020) to 50% from June 1 (in an order dated May 28) to safeguard airlines' viability battling weak finances in the aftermath of the sudden spike in Covid-19 cases across the country, decrease in passenger traffic and passenger load factor.

The government had also increased the upper cap of airfare to go up by around 14% due to the rise in fuel prices.

Extending its gains to the fourth consecutive session, equity benchmark Sensex jumped around 149 points to mark yet another record close of 60,284 on Tuesday, tracking gains in primarily banking and consumer durables stocks.

After a volatile trading session, the 30-share Sensex ended 148.53 points or 0.25 per cent higher at 60,284.31.

Similarly, the Nifty rose 46 points or 0.26 per cent to its fresh closing peak of 17,991.95.

Titan was the top gainer in the Sensex pack, rallying over 5 per cent, followed by Bajaj Auto, Bajaj Finserv, SBI, Nestle India, ITC, Axis Bank and Tata Steel. On the other hand, HCL Tech, Tech Mahindra, UltraTech Cement, TCS and Sun Pharma were among the laggards.

15:22 Hello, good looking!

Sculpted cheek bones, beautiful eyes and a hot pink sari make Kajol scrumptious on shaptami, the seventh day of Durga puja.

15:17 Minister promises adequate coal supply

Coal Minister Pralhad Joshi assures states that there will be adequate supply per needs amid power outage concerns.

The Power Ministry on Tuesday asked states to utilise unallocated power of the central generating stations (CGS) to meet the requirements of their own consumers amid the ongoing coal shortage crisis in the country.

"It has been brought to the notice of the Ministry of Power that some states are not supplying power to their consumers and imposing load shedding. At the same time, they are also selling power in the power exchange at high price," a power ministry statement said.

As per the guidelines for allocation of power, 15 per cent power from CGS is kept as unallocated power which is allocated by the central government to needy states to meet the requirement of power of the consumers.

The responsibility to supply power to the consumers is of the distribution companies and they should first serve their consumers who have the right to receive 24x7 power. Thus, the distribution companies should not sell the power in the power exchange and starve their own consumers, it stated.

Former Mumbai Police commissioner Param Bir Singh failed to appear before the Crime Branch of Mumbai Police on Tuesday.

Earlier on October 9, the Crime Branch Unit had sent an inquiry notice to the former Mumbai Police Commissioner in connection with an extortion case against him.

It had pasted a notice at Singh's Mumbai residence and a team had gone to Haryana to serve him notice at his Haryana residence.

A case of extortion was registered on July 23 against Parambir Singh, Sachin Wajhe and others at Goregaon Police Station, whose investigation was handed over to the Mumbai Crime Branch.

Amid concerns about a power crisis in the national capital, Delhi Power Minister Satyendar Jain on Tuesday hit out at the Central Government saying, "It looks like a power crisis is being created."

The Delhi Power Minister while speaking to ANI said, "We are compelled to buy electricity at five times the average rate as of now. It looks like the crisis is being created. If there's no shortage of coal, why is NTPC not producing electricity to its full capacity?"

Jain also alleged that the Centre has asked NTPC to cap the production capacity of all its plants to half.

He further said that Delhi has to buy electricity from coal plants situated in other states as there is no coal power plant in the national capital.

"Many states have written to the Center, NTPC capped production of all its plants to half. It looks like the crisis is being created," he said.

Earlier today, the Ministry of Power requested all states and Union Territories to use unallocated power only to supply electricity to its consumers in the state and not impose load shedding or sell it in power exchanges at higher prices.

This came amid reports of possible power disruptions in some states due to coal shortages.

As per the guidelines for allocation of power, 15 per cent of power from the Central Generating Stations (CGS) is kept under "unallocated power", which is allocated by the Central Government to the needy states to meet the requirement of power of the consumers.

The National Investigation Agency on Tuesday raided multiple locations in the National Capital Region in connection with its probe related to the recent seizure of 2,988 kg of heroin at Gujarat's Mundra port, an official said.

The searches are being carried out at five locations in Delhi and Noida.

The federal agency early this month took over the case from the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence on directions of the Union Home Ministry and registered a criminal complaint under sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act and the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act.

Raids were carried out by the NIA soon after filing the case too.

The case relates to the seizure of 2,988.21 kg of narcotic substance (heroin) at Mundra port and the involvement of foreign nationals in the procurement and delivery of the consignment, an NIA official had said.

On September 13, the DRI detained two containers that had arrived at Mundra Port from Kandahar in Afghanistan via Bandar Abbas port of Iran.

The declaration accompanying the containers claimed they had "semi-processed talc stones".

However, a thorough examination had established that the two containers in fact contained 2,988 kg of heroin worth Rs 21,000 crore, which was concealed in "the lower layers" of "jumbo bags" topped with talc stones, an official release had said.

The DRI had arrested eight persons, including five foreign nationals, in connection with the seizure of the drugs

Searches were then conducted by the NIA in Chennai, Coimbatore and Vijayawada at premises of the accused. -- PTI

14:54 Fire breaks out at Bengal secretariat

A fire broke out on Tuesday on the 14th floor of Nabanna, the West Bengal secretariat, where Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's office is situated, an official said.

Four fire tenders were pressed into service to put out the "smoke, which was first spotted around 11.55 am", he said.

The smoke was believed to have originated from a telephone tower equipment, the official said.

The state secretariat was closed on the occasion of Durga Puja.

An expert panel of India's Central Drug Authority has recommended granting emergency use authorisation to Bharat Biotech's Covaxin for children in the 2 to 18 years age group with certain conditions, sources said on Tuesday.

Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech, which completed the phase 2/3 trials of Covid vaccine Covaxin for use in children aged between 2 and 18 years, had submitted the data to the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) for its verification and subsequent approval for emergency use authorisation (EUA) for the jab in the beginning of this month.

The Subject Expert Committee (SEC) on COVID-19 examined the data and deliberated on the EUA application on Monday.

"After detailed deliberation, the committee recommended grant of market authorisation of the vaccine for the age group of 2 to 18 years for restricted use in emergency situations subject to the certain conditions," a source quoted SEC as having stated in its recommendations.

The recommendations have been forwarded to the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) for final approval. PTI

14:11 Remembering Vijaya Raje Scindia

Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia pays tribute to his grandmother Rajmata Vijaya Raje Scindia on her birth anniversary, in Gwalior.

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra attends the 'antim ardas' (last or final prayers) of farmers who were killed in the October 3 Lakhimpur Kheri violence.

Security has been heightened in Lakhimpur Kheri on Tuesday. The antim ardas will be held in Tikonia.

Thousands of farmers from Punjab, Haryana, Uttarakhand and other parts of Uttar Pradesh have been streaming into the district to attend the event. Rashtriya Lok Dal chief Jayant Chaudhary are among those attending.

Ashish Mishra, the son of Union Minister Ajay Mishra, who is accused of killing the farmers by mowing them down in an SUV, is in three-day police custody.

In court Monday, the UP Polices Special Investigation Team sought custody of Ashish for 14 days. They claimed he was "not cooperating with the probe".

Highlighting the efforts of the government towards the welfare of the underprivileged people, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday said that in the last seven years of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led government at the Centre 10 crore women have been provided toilets and four crore houses now have access to electricity.

Addressing the 28th National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Foundation Day programme, Shah said, "In the last seven years, about 60 crore underprivileged people have been taken care of through government schemes, they felt assured that there's somebody for them. 10 crore women have been provided with toilets, about four crore houses provided access to electricity."

The Union Minister further said that two crore people have been provided with houses.

Shah said that the government led by the Prime Minister has ensured the protection of human rights of the 60 crore underprivileged population.

Amid drop in cases across India, a new dawn for Kerala too.

The Delhi Police Special Cell has arrested Mohammed Asraf, a Pakistani terrorist, from Ramesh Park, Laxmi Nagar. One AK-47 assault rifle with one extra magazine and 60 rounds and other weapons seized from his possession.

He was living with a fake ID of an Indian national. A hand grenade, 2 sophisticated pistols with 50 rounds have also been seized.

Relevant provisions of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, Explosive Act, Arms Act & other provisions being invoked against the man.

12:50 Siddaramaiah urges Rahul to lead Congress

Former Karnataka Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Siddaramaiah extended his support to party leader Rahul Gandhi while echoing his long standing demand for Gandhi to take over the post of party president.

"I have been saying for (a) long time that Rahul Gandhi should lead (the) Congress party. I urge him to take charge at the earliest," Siddaramaiah, the leader of the opposition said in Bengaluru on Monday.

"It is not that Soniaji is incapable of discharging her duties of the president. Soniaji is not keeping good health. That is why I suggested Rahulji to take over as early as possible," he added.

On the question of him eyeing for a big role in central politics, Siddaramaiah said that he has no interest in the central politics and he has already conveyed that to interim party president Sonia Gandhi.

"Some people made strategy against me, that is the reason some publications are publishing that I am going to national politics. There is no such talks as of now and I have no interest in going to central politics," the Congress leader said. -- ANI

12:15 Selective human rights are a violation: PM

Remembering Mahatma Gandhi on the occasion of the foundation day of the National Human Rights Commission of India (NHRC), Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that 'Bapu' is a symbol of human rights and human values across the globe.

Addressing the 28th NHRC Foundation Day programme, PM Modi said, "Some people see human rights violations in some incidents but not in other similar incidents.

"Human rights are violated when viewed via political spectacles. Selective behaviour harmful to democracy. They attempt to harm nation's image through selective behaviour.

"Human rights should not be only about rights, but also duties. The two should be discussed together, not separately. Other than awareness of their rights, each individual must abide by their duties.

"Some people try to dent country's image in name of human rights, we need to be alert about it."

A day after five army personnel were killed in an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir, the Shiv Sena on Tuesday said revenge must be exacted five times the fatality of soldiers in the face-off with terrorists.

An editorial in the Sena mouthpiece 'Saamana' claimed that after the nullification of special provisions of Article 370, which took away the special rights given to Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan sympathisers have been emboldened.

"Militants are trying to create an environment where people from different faiths cannot enter the Valley," it said.

There has been a spurt in terrorist attacks in recent weeks in which several civilians, including a prominent Kashmiri Pandit businessman and a school teacher, were killed.

Referring to these killings, the Sena said such violent incidents give a feeling whether the situation is becoming like the one in 1990s when thousands of Kashmiri Pandits were compelled to leave the Valley.

"The Indian minds will not get peace till the time terrorists who killed the five soldiers are pulverised, the party said in its editorial. Before the blood of the five soldiers killed in the Surankote encounter dries, revenge must be exacted five times the soldiers (panch ka pachchis) killed," it added.

Five army personnel, including a Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO), and two terrorists were killed in three encounters in different districts of Jammu and Kashmir on Monday.

The soldiers lost their lives in firing by terrorists in a village close to Dera Ki Gali (DKG) in Surankote area of the border district of Poonch after the army and police launched a joint operation following intelligence inputs about the presence of ultras who had infiltrated from across the Line of Control (LoC).

Two militants were killed and a policeman was injured during encounters in Anantnag and Bandipora districts. On Monday, activists of the Shiv Sena and Dogra Front held anti-Pakistan protests after the death of five army personnel and also burnt an effigy of Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan for aiding and abetting terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.

11:39 Centre's advice to states on coal crisis is...

"It has been brought to the notice of the Ministry of Power that some states are not supplying power to their consumers and imposing load shedding.

At the same time, they are also selling power in the power exchange at high price," a power ministry statement said.

The responsibility to supply power to the consumers is of the distribution companies and they should first serve their consumers who have the right to receive 24x7 power.

Thus, the distribution companies should not sell the power in the power exchange and starve their own consumers, it stated.

"The states have therefore been requested to use the unallocated power for supplying electricity to the consumers of the state. In case of surplus power, the states have been requested to intimate to the Government of India so that this power can be reallocated to other needy state", it said.

The CBI raided the residence of Baseer Khan, the former advisor to Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha, on Tuesday in connection with the arms licensing case, officials said.

The agency also conducted searches at 40 locations in other parts of the country, including New Delhi and Madhya Pradesh.

Khan, a promoted IAS officer, was relieved of the charge of advisor earlier this month. He was made an advisor in March last year when G C Murmu was the Lt governor and he continued in the post under Murmu's successor Sinha. PTI

11:16 Centre asks NTPC, DVC to supply power to Delhi

Ministry of Power on Tuesday said that it has issued directions to state-run power giant NTPC and DVC (Damodar Valley Corporation) to supply as much power as available to Delhi discoms under their respective power purchase agreements.

The ministry has also issued guidelines on October 11, 2021, regarding utilisation of unallocated power of central generating stations by the states, a power ministry statement said.

Keeping in view the declared capacity (DC) offered to the Delhi discoms in last 10 days, the Ministry of Power has issued instructions on October 10, 2021, to NTPC and DVC to secure power supply to Delhi, the ministry stated adding that this will ensure that distribution companies (discoms) of Delhi will get as much as power as requisitioned by them as per their demand.

The ministry has directed that NTPC and DVC may offer the normative declared capacity (DC) to the Delhi discoms as per their allocations made to them under respective power purchase agreements (PPAs), from their coal-based power stations.

Both NTPC and DVC have committed to provide as much electricity to Delhi as demanded by discoms of Delhi, the ministry stated.

A flight with Indians and Afghanis leave Kabul for Delhi

11:01 84 Afghan refugees arrives in Madrid

In the second phase of the evacuation of Afghan refugees, a plane carrying 84 refugees landed at a military base near Madrid on Monday.

The plane carried Afghans and their families who collaborated with the Spanish government in Afghanistan, Sputnik reported. The flight had departed from Pakistan's capital city of Islamabad.

Since the beginning of the evacuation from Afghanistan, Spain has transported 2,300 people from that country. -- ANI

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday dismissed a PIL challenging the appointment of Gujarat-cadre IPS officer Rakesh Asthana as city police commissioner.

The order was pronounced by a bench of Chief Justice DN Patel and Justice Jyoti Singh on a petition by lawyer Sadre Alam.

The petitioner had prayed for quashing of the July 27 order issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs appointing Asthana as the Delhi Police Commissioner, and also the order granting inter-cadre deputation and extension of service to him.

The impugned orders (of MHA) are in clear and blatant breach of the directions passed by the Supreme Court of India in Prakash Singh case as respondent no.2 (Asthana) did not have a minimum residual tenure of six months; no UPSC panel was formed for appointment of Delhi Police Commissioner; and the criteria of having a minimum tenure of two years has been ignored, the plea had submitted.

Representational image

10:39 Encounter on in Kashmir's Shopian

Another new encounter broke out on Tuesday morning between the security forces and terrorists in the Feeripora area of Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian.

"Encounter has started at Feeripora area of Shopian. Police and Security Forces are on the job," the Kashmir zone police tweeted. More details are awaited.

India recorded 14,313 fresh coronavirus cases, the lowest in 224 days, taking the infection tally to 3,39,85,920 on Tuesday, while the national Covid recovery rate increased to 98.04 per cent, according to the Union Health Ministry's data.

The death toll reached 4,50,963 with 181 new fatalities, the data updated at 8 am showed.

The daily rise in new coronavirus infections has been below 30,000 for 18 straight days and less than 50,000 daily new cases have been reported for 107 consecutive days now.

The active cases have declined to 2,14,900 comprising 0.63 per cent of the total infections, the lowest since March 2020, while the national Covid recovery rate was recorded at 98.04 per cent, the highest since March 2020, the ministry said.

A decrease of 12,447 cases has been recorded in the active Covid caseload in a span of 24 hours.

A total of 11,81,766 tests were conducted on Monday, taking the number of cumulative tests conducted so far for detection of COVID-19 in the country to 58,50,38,043.

Days after failing to find a place in the Bharatiya Janata Party national executive committee, MP Maneka Gandhi on Monday said she is satisfied to be in the party for 20 years and that her non-inclusion in the panel does not reduce her stature.

"I am satisfied to be in the BJP for 20 years. Not being in the executive does not reduce one's stature. My first religion is to serve. It is more important that I get a place in the hearts of people," Gandhi said when asked about not including her name along with that of her son and Pilibhit MP Varun Gandhi in the party executive committee.

Maneka Gandhi is on a two-day visit to her parliamentary constituency UP's Sultanpur.

"There are other senior leaders who also have not got a place in the executive committee. New people should also get an opportunity. I am aware of my duties and serving the people of my constituency is my first duty," she stressed.

The BJP had recently announced its 80-member national executive with the likes of Varun Gandhi and Birender Singh, who have taken a sympathetic stand with farmers protesting against the Centre's three agri laws, and Maneka Gandhi being among those replaced with a new crop of leaders.

The development comes at a time when opposition parties are targeting the ruling BJP over the killing of eight people, including four farmers, in Uttar Pradesh's Lakhimpur Kheri on October 3. Varun Gandhi had posted a purported video of the incident and said that the protesters cannot be silenced through murder.

"The video is very clear. Protesters cannot be silenced through murder. There should be accountability for the blood of innocent farmers and justice should be given before the message of arrogance and cruelty enters the mind of every farmer," the Pilibhit MP had tweeted.

He had also written a letter to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, demanding immediate identification of suspects of the incident and registration of murder case and investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation under the supervision of the Supreme Court. -- PTI

People with weaker immune systems should receive an additional shot of approved COVID-19 vaccines, an advisory group to the World Health Organisation said.

The recommendation follows a four-day meeting of the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization.

A final report will be issued in December, the WHO said in a statement.

SAGE said moderately and severely immunocompromised persons should be offered an additional dose of all WHO-approved vaccines "since these individuals are less likely to respond adequately to vaccination following a standard primary vaccine series and are at high risk of severe COVID-19 disease."

People aged 60 and older who received the Sinovac and Sinopharm vaccines should get a third dose too, the experts added, though the use of other vaccines may also be considered depending on supply and access, the WHO informed.

"When implementing this recommendation, countries should initially aim at maximising 2-dose coverage in that population, and thereafter administer the third dose, starting in the oldest age groups", they said.

SAGE has also reviewed a vaccine developed by Indian company Bharat Biotech and will issue a policy recommendation after WHO greenlights it for emergency use.

Three terrorists of The Resistance Front, including the one involved in the recent killing of a non-local street hawker in Srinagar, were killed in an overnight encounter with security forces in Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir, police said on Tuesday.

The security forces had launched a cordon and search operation in Tulran, Imamsahab area of Shopian, in South Kashmir on Monday evening, after receiving specific inputs about the presence of terrorists in the area, a police official said.

He said the search operation turned into an encounter after the militants fired upon the search party of the forces, who retaliated.

In the ensuing gunfight, three militants were killed, the official said.

The police said they belonged to TRF -- a front for Lashkar-e-Taiba.

"#ShopianEncounterUpdate: 03 #terrorists of LeT (TRF) killed. Identification being ascertained. #Incriminating materials including arms & ammunition recovered. Search going on. Further details shall follow," the Kashmir Zone Police wrote on its Twitter handle.

Kashmir IGP Vijay Kumar said one of the three militants was involved in the killing of non-local street hawker Virendra Paswan.

"#ShopianEncounterUpdate: Out of 03 killed #terrorists, one terrorist has been identified as Mukhtar Shah of #Ganderbal, who shifted to #Shopian after killing one street hawker Virendra Paswan of Bihar," the Kashmir Zone Police quoted the IGP as having said.

Paswan was shot dead in the Hawal area of the city on October 5 immediately after famous chemist M L Bindroo was killed near his pharmacy.

Terrorists also killed Mohammad Shafi Lone, president of a local taxi stand in Naidkhai area of Bandipora district that day. -- PTI

People from other states have started arriving at Uttar Pradesh's Lakhimpur Kheri for the "antim ardas (the last prayers)" of the farmers killed in violence there on October 3.

While the Congress said its leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will also attend the event, a Bharatiya Kisan Union member asserted no politician will be allowed to share the dais with farmer leaders during the last prayers for the four farmers killed in the incident.

The violence during a protest over Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya's visit had left eight people dead, including the four farmers.

The collective "antim ardas" is expected to be attended by farmers from Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand and farmer leaders, including Rakesh Tikait, are expected.

BKU-Tikait's district president Amandeep Singh Sandhu said, "Preparations are underway for the 'antim ardas' (final prayers) at a field, away from the spot where the violence took place in Tikonia village."

National secretary of the RLD, Anil Dubey, said his party leader Jayant Chaudhary is scheduled to go to Lakhimpur Kheri.

Uttar Pradesh Congress spokesperson Ashok Singh told PTI, "Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will go to Lakhimpur Kheri to attend the 'antim ardaas'. She will be accompanied by UP Congress chief Ajay Kumar Lallu. Other senior party leaders who are likely to go along with Priyanka ji are Dheeraj Gurjar, Rohit Chaudhary, Pramod Tiwari, Aradhna Misra and Deepak Singh."

However, BKU-Tikait district vice-president Balkar Singh said, "No political leader will be allowed to share the stage where only Samyukta Kisan Morcha leaders will be present".

The SKM is an umbrella organisation of farmer unions spearheading the protest against the Centre's three contentious farm laws, which were enacted last year.

Police personnel in large numbers are being deployed in the area to ensure smooth movement of the public and maintain law and order.

Baba Kala Singh of the Kaudiyala Ghat gurdwara at Tikonia village said an "akhand path" had started on Sunday.

"It is currently going on and likely to conclude on Tuesday around 9 am," he said.

"The families of the farmers killed in the violence are likely to arrive tomorrow. A pandal has been set up on the outskirts of Tikonia," he said.

"People from Punjab, Haryana and Uttarakhand are arriving in their own vehicles. They are putting up a pandal on an agriculture field. The atmosphere is peaceful here. At present, there is not much crowd," he said.

Representative image only

00:50 Drugs haul: Adani Ports not to handle Pak cargo

Adani Ports and SEZ Ltd (APSEZ), which operates Mundra Port in Gujarat, on Monday said it will not handle containerised cargo originating from Iran, Pakistan and Afghanistan at all its terminals from November 15.

The decision comes nearly a month after the seizure of 2,988 kg of heroin at Mundra Port located in Kutch district of Gujarat.

In a 'trade advisory' issued on Monday, the company said the decision is applicable to all terminals operated by APSEZ across India.

'Dear valued customer. Please be informed that with effect from November 15, APSEZ will not handle EXIM (export-import) containerised cargo originating from Iran, Pakistan and Afghanistan.

'This trade advisory will apply to all terminals operated by APSEZ and including third party terminals at any APSEZ port till further notice,' said a communication by the company.

However, the company did not give any reason for the move.

On September 13, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) detained two containers that had arrived at Mundra Port from Kandahar in Afghanistan via Bandar Abbas port of Iran.

The declaration accompanying the containers claimed they had 'semi-processed talc stones'.

However, a thorough examination had established that the two containers in fact contained 2,988 kg of heroin worth Rs 21,000 crore, which was concealed in 'the lower layers' of 'jumbo bags' topped with talc stones, said a Press Information Bureau release last month.

The DRI had arrested eight persons, including five foreign nationals, in connection with the seizure of the drugs.

Recently, probe into the drugs haul was handed over to the anti-terror agency NIA. -- PTI

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