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Tue, 19 October 2021
Lakhimpur: UP Police release photos of suspects
Timeline Refresh
23:45 Pankaja Munde is not disgruntled, says Union minister
BJP national secretary Pankaja Munde is not upset with the party, Union Minister of State for Finance Dr Bhagwat Karad told reporters here on Tuesday.
Munde, a former Maharashtra minister, was said to be unhappy after her sister and MP Pritam Munde did not get a berth in the Union cabinet in the latest expansion while Karad, also from the state, made the cut.
Karad was in Nanded to campaign for Subhash Sabne, BJP candidate for Deglur Assembly byelection.
Speaking to reporters, the Union minister said, 'Pankaja Munde is not disgruntled. Our national president J P Nadda had called a party meeting in Delhi and she was at the meeting."
Asked if Munde would campaign in the by-election, Karad said he could not say anything about it. -- PTI
22:54 Lakhimpur violence: UP Police release photos of suspects
Uttar Pradesh police and Special Investigation Team on Tuesday released photographs of some suspects involved in the Lakhimpur Kheri violence.
In an official note, the SIT appealed to the people "to give information about these suspects. Appropriate rewards will be given to those giving information."
Ten people, including Ashish Mishra, son of Union Minister of State for Home Affairs and Bharatiya Janata Party MP Ajay Kumar Mishra 'Teni', have been arrested so far in connection with the case.
Ashish Mishra is accused of mowing down farmers with his car. The police had served a notice to Mishra and summoned him for questioning. -- ANI
22:31 Amarinder to form party, open to seat pact with BJP
Former Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh today declared that he will form a new party and provided the farmers' issue is resolved, will consider an alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party.
In a series of tweets, Singh's media advisor Raveen Thukral quoted him as saying, "Will soon announce the launch of my own political party to serve the interests of Punjab & its people, including our farmers who've been fighting for their survival for over a year".
"Hopeful of a seat arrangement with @BJP4India in 2022 Punjab Assembly polls if #FarmersProtest is resolved in farmers' interest. Also looking at alliance with like-minded parties such as breakaway Akali groups, particularly Dhindsa & Brahmpura factions," read another tweet.
22:22 CISCE board postpones first term exam for classes 10, 12
The Council for Indian School Certificate Examination (CISCE) on Tuesday postponed the first term exam for classes 10 and 12 due to reasons "beyond" its control, according to officials.
"The CISCE has decided to postpone class 10 and 12 first semester examination for 2021-22 session due to reasons beyond our control. All stakeholders will be informed of a revised schedule in due course of time," board chief executive and secretary Gerry Arathoon said in an order.
The exams for the two classes were scheduled to begin from November 15. -- PTI
22:18 India at 71st on Global Food Security index 2021 of 113 nations
India is ranked at 71st position in the Global Food Security Index 2021 of 113 countries, but the country lags behind its neighbours Pakistan and Sri Lanka in terms food affordability, according to a report.
Pakistan (with 52.6 points) scored better than India (50.2 points) in the category of food affordability. Sri Lanka was even better with 62.9 points in this category on the GFS Index 2021, a global report released by Economist Impact and Corteva Agriscience on Tuesday said.
Ireland, Australia, the United Kingdom, Finland, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Canada, Japan, France and the United STates shared the top rank with the overall GFS score in the range of 77.8 and 80 points on the index.
The GFS Index was designed and constructed by London-based Economist Impact and is sponsored by Corteva Agriscience.
The GFS Index measures the underlying drivers of food security in 113 countries, based on the factors of affordability, availability, quality and safety, and natural resources and resilience. It considers 58 unique food security indicators including income and economic inequality, calling attention to systemic gaps and actions needed to accelerate progress toward United Nations Sustainable Development Goal of Zero Hunger by 2030.
According to the report, India held 71st position with an overall score of 57.2 points on the GFS Index 2021 of 113 countries, fared better than Pakistan (75th position), Sri Lanka (77th Position), Nepal (79th position) and Bangladesh (84th position). But the country was way behind China (34th position).
In the food affordability category, Pakistan (with 52.6 points) scored better than India (50.2 points). Sri Lanka was also better at 62.9 points on the GFS Index 2021.
In case of availability of food, quality and safety as well as protecting natural resources for food production, India scored better than Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka on the GFS Index 2021, the report added.
However, over the past 10 years, India's incremental gains in overall food security score were lagging behind that of Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh. -- PTI
Migrants flee Kashmir
21:32 Won't return to Kashmir again: Migrants labourers
"It is the last gift from Kashmir. I will not go there again to earn my livelihood," said a distraught Mintu Singh, a labourer from Chattisgargh, holding a cricket bat.
Like him, scores of migrant labourers and their families have fled the Valley, saying they have experienced "hell'' in the last couple of weeks after terrorists carried out targeted killings of 11 non-locals.
Many said they may not ever come back to Kashmir after the ordeal.
Ajay Kumar of Besangoan, Bihar, who fled along with his wife Sarita and two kids from a brick kiln at Pulwama in South Kashmir and reached Jammu railway station, wept bitterly saying his employer refused to pay Rs 27,000 in pending wages.
Several others had the same complaint and appealed to authorities to intervene.
"I am very unhappy leaving the valley. This has become hell. We come here to earn for our families not to get killed on streets," said Chintu Singh, who had been working for four-five months every year in the Valley for over a decade now.
"I brought this gift (cricket bat) from Kashmir for a friend's children. It is the last gift from Kashmir. I will not come to Kashmir again to earn livelihood. The situation is very bad due to fear and terror there (as result of killings)", said Singh, who fled along with a group of 20 Hindu labourers working in a brick kiln in Pulwama district.
Thousands of labourers, mostly Hindus and some Muslims, from different states arrived at railway stations and bus stands in Jammu and Udhampur after leaving the Valley.
While some labourers said that their wages were paid, there were others who complained that they were driven out by employers in the valley forcibly without their wages.
"We had no money. I along with my wife and two children got some money from others and left the valley. The owner forced us out without paying us the remaining wages", said Ajay Kumar and showed a diary with his wage bill.
Like him, Ram Sharan and Santosh Kumar of Bihar, and Rakesh Dass and Alok Chand Darma (Chattisgarh) also complained about non-payment of wages and urged authorities to facilitate the transfer of their wages from their employers in Kashmir valley.
Chunni Devi from Jharkhand, who reached Jammu railway station in a Tata Sumo vehicle from Kashmir along with her husband and children, said, "We came to Kashmir after getting to know it is paradise of earth. But it is not paradise. It is hell.
"They have shown us pictures of hell. They killed innocent Hindu labourers. We will never come to Kashmir to work again".
She said that they were living in constant fear after the killings. "Our parents and family in Jharkhand were also anxious for our safety. Now we are in Jammu. There is no fear. We will go to Punjab, Haryana or Delhi to earn our livelihood, but not Kashmir," she said.
The labourers complained they received little help from the administration and the police. -- PTI
21:11 Gangster Suresh Pujari arrested in Philippines: Sources
Gangster Suresh Pujari who is wanted in several extortion cases in Mumbai and surrounding areas has been arrested in the Philippines, police sources said on Tuesday.
The police in Thane, where most of the extortion cases have been registered against him, has started the process to seek his custody, a senior police official told PTI.
While Mumbai Police did not comment on the development, a report on the website of the Manila Bulletin, a newspaper in the Philippines, said the "Bureau of Immigration" had arrested Suresh Basappa Pujari (48) from Paranaque city, and he would be "expelled". He was staying in the country illegally, it added.
At least 23 cases of extortion are registered against him in Thane, said the senior police officer.
Thane Police had issued a look-out notice against Pujari and an Interpol red corner notice was also issued against him, the official added.
Suresh is a close relative of gangster Ravi Pujari who was arrested in Senegal two years ago and deported to India.
After parting ways with Ravi Pujari in 2007, Suresh fled abroad.
He also used an alias of 'Satish Shekhar Pai', the official said.
According to police sources, he was arrested last Thursday. -- PTI
20:40 Uttarakhand rain fury: Death toll rises to 23
Twenty-three more people were reported killed in Uttarakhand on Tuesday as houses collapsed due to incessant rain in various parts of the state, leaving many trapped under the debris.
The death toll now stands at 28 with the Kumaon region being the worst hit. Five deaths were reported on Monday, according to the State Emergency Operation Centre.
Eighteen deaths were reported from Nainital, three from Almora and one each from Champawat and Udham Singh Nagar districts on Tuesday, the SEOC said.
In Nainital, five people went missing after three houses, including a hut, collapsed following landslides in Kainchi Dham, Chaukhuta and Ramgarh villages. One person went missing in Almora and two in Champawat district, it said.
Director General of Police Ashok Kumar, who accompanied Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on a visit to the rain-hit areas of the Kumaon region, said roads, bridges and railway tracks have been damaged in Kathgodam and Lalkuan in Nainital and Rudrapur in Udham Singh Nagar.
It will take at least four-five days to repair the damaged tracks, Kumar told PTI.
Nainital remained cut off from the rest of the state for the second day as landslides blocked three roads leading to the district.
The district's Mall Road and the Naina Devi temple located along the banks of the Naini lake were flooded, while a hostel building was damaged due to landslides.
Around 100 people were stranded at the Lemon Tree resort on the Ramnagar-Ranikhet route after water from a swollen Kosi river entered the resort. Electricity, telecom and internet connectivity in Nainital have also been hit badly.
Three Indian Air Force helicopters have arrived in the state and are assisting in relief and rescue operations. Two of them have been deployed in Nainital district, which has suffered extensive damage due to cloudbursts and landslides, Dhami said.
The third helicopter is assisting in rescue operations in the Garhwal region, he said. -- PTI
20:27 Hindi film industry under scanner due to its high profile nature: Akhtar
Veteran lyricist Javed Akhtar on Tuesday said the Hindi film industry is under the scanner because of its 'high profile' nature and it is the 'price' it has to pay.
The veteran writer's statement comes at a time when there is a renewed attention on Bollywood and its celebrity culture after superstar Shah Rukh Khan's son Aryan was arrested in connection with a case of alleged seizure of drugs from a cruise ship.
There have been voices on social media that felt the case against Aryan Khan was a deliberate attempt to target the film industry.
When asked if he feels that Bollywood is being routinely targeted with raids, Akhtar told reporters, "This is the price the film industry has to pay for being high profile. When you're high profile, people have fun pulling you down, throwing muck at you. If you're a nobody, then who has the time to throw stones at you?"
Akhtar was speaking at the launch of the book 'Changemakers,' written by authors Almas Virani and Sweta Samota.
20:15 Monson Mavunkal booked for sexually abusing minor girl
The Kerala police on Tuesday registered a case against self-styled antique dealer Monson Mavunkal, who was arrested last month in a cheating case, for allegedly sexually abusing a minor girl for the last two years.
The police registered the case under various provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act and handed over the matter to the crime branch special investigation team which is probing all allegations against Mavunkal.
"The girl's mother had approached the police last night with the complaint. She was afraid to approach the police earlier. The complaint says he was sexually abusing the child from July 2019 till September this year when he was arrested," a senior crime branch official told PTI.
The special team has begun the probe.
A native of Cherthala, Mavunkal, who claims to be in possession of rare and historic antiques, was arrested last month by the crime branch wing of the Kerala police probing complaints against the dealer of having swindled Rs 10 crore from several people. -- PTI
19:33 Priyanka on contesting polls: 'One day I have to'
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Tuesday asserted that one day she has to contest from Raebareli or Amethi constituencies but currently has not taken any decision as far as the 2022 upcoming assembly elections are concerned.
"One day you have to contest, though have not taken a decision yet... No answer, for the time being, will see later," Vadra told ANI when asked if she will be contesting from Raebareli or Amethi in the upcoming state assembly polls.
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is the general secretary of the All India Congress Committee and party in-charge of Uttar Pradesh. -- ANI
19:13 YSRCP workers ransack TDP office in Andhra Pradesh
Ruling YSR Congress Party cadre on Tuesday allegedly ransacked the Telugu Desam Party's headquarters at Mangalagiri near Amaravati and office at Visakhapatnam, alleging that the spokesperson of the opposition party made objectionable comments against chief minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy in a press conference.
TDP spokesperson K Pattabhiram, earlier in the morning objecting to police notices to former minister Nakka Ananda Babu, allegedly made some remarks against Jagan.
"Telugu Desam Party strongly condemns the attack of YSRCP goons on the party's headquarters and office in Visakhapatnam and on the residences of the party leaders. We don't understand whether we are living in a democratic country or a fascist country. The chief minister and the DGP should take the responsibility (for these attacks)," AP TDP president Atchannaidu said.
He demanded that the CM resign for failing to keep law and order in control. -- PTI
18:36 Mumbai's R-value drops below 1, showing infection rate declining
After being over one in the first half of October, Mumbai's R-value, which reflects how rapidly the coronavirus pandemic is spreading, has dropped below one, according to researchers of the Chennai-based Institute of Mathematical Sciences.
The R-value for COVID-19 in Mumbai between October 16 and 18 was 0.94, they said.
The drop in the R-value comes after the first half of October saw it hovering over 1.
The R-value of the city between September 28 and 30 was 1.03, said the researchers. Between October 10 and 12, the R number for the financial capital was 1.01 and it stood at 1.05 between October 13 and 15, they said.
It dropped below 1 between October 16 and 18, said the researchers.
On Monday, Mumbai registered 373 new cases of coronavirus and four fresh fatalities linked to the infection. -- PTI
18:30 Pak navy claims it blocked Indian submarine
Pakistan's military on Tuesday claimed that its navy blocked an Indian submarine from entering into the country's waters last week.
The incident occurred on October 16 when an Indian submarine was detected by a Pakistan Navy patrol aircraft, the military said in a statement.
"The navy detected and blocked the Indian submarine on 16 Oct 21 from entering into Pakistani waters," according to the statement.
It said that during the prevailing security milieu, a strict monitoring watch has been kept by the Pakistan Navy to safeguard maritime frontiers of the country.
According to the statement, it is the third incident of its kind during which an Indian naval submarine has been prematurely detected and tracked by the Pakistan Navy's long range maritime patrol aircraft.
The army also shared a short footage of the purported incident. -- PTI
Pakistan has sheltered terror group chiefs like Hafiz Saeed
17:58 Pak may remain on 'grey list' till FATF's next session
Pakistan may remain on the 'grey list' of the FATF till the global money laundering and terror financing watchdog meets for its next session in April 2022, according to a media report on Tuesday.
Paris-based Financial Action Task Force (FATF) will be in session for three days from October 19-21 and it is expected that Tuesday's session may be informed that Pakistan is still short of meeting the FATF criterion, according to a report in The News International reported from the French capital.
The report, quoting sources in German media house Deutsche Welle, said the global body's decision on putting Pakistan off the 'grey list' may be taken in the next session slated for April 2022.
The FATF in June retained Pakistan on its 'grey list' for failing to check money laundering, leading to terror financing, and asked Islamabad to investigate and prosecute senior leaders and commanders of UN-designated terror groups, including Hafiz Saeed and Masood Azhar.
17:48 Shettys slap Rs 50 cr defamation suit against Sherlyn Chopra
Actor Shilpa Shetty and her husband Raj Kundra file a defamation suit of Rs 50 crore against Sherlyn Chopra.
Chopra had filed a sexual harassment, cheating and criminal intimidation complaint against the couple.
The Navy drops relief material in Kottayam
17:40 Kerala receives 135% more rain in October: IMD
As Kerala braces for another spell of downpour from October 20, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) data shows that the southern state has received 135 per cent excess rain during the period from October 1 to 19.
During the heavy spell on October 16 when the IMD issued a Red alert indicating extremely heavy rainfall, numerous incidents of landslips and other rain-related accidents were reported from south-central districts of Kerala, resulting in at least 24 deaths.
The season's rainfall data on IMD website shows that the normal rainfall for the period of October 1 to 19 was 192.7 mm whereas the actual rainfall was 453.5 mm. There is a "large excess departure" of 135 per cent, the website says.
"During October-December, through the north-east Monsoon, the state receives an average rainfall of 491.6 mm, which is 16.8 percent of the annual rainfall. This year, the state has received 453.5 mm rain during Oct 1-19, instead of the usual 192.7 mm. This means that the state has already received over 90 per cent of this season's rainfall," a senior IMD official told PTI.
Except for Thrissur and Alappuzha , all other districts have received over 100 per cent of the usual rainfall. While Kozhikode saw the highest increase (223 per cent excess), Alappuzha saw the least increase (66 per cent) in rainfall.
The official said the heavy downpour which the state witnessed recently marks withdrawal of the southwest monsoon which normally ends by September 30.
Kerala has received excess rain due to the low pressure zones that developed near Lakshadweep coast in the South-Eastern region of the Arabian Sea and in the South-Eastern parts of the Bay of Bengal.
After a relative respite of two days, the IMD today issued an orange alert for 11 districts of Kerala indicating heavy rainfall on Wednesday. The IMD sounded the alert for Thiruvananthapuram, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad and Kannur districts on October 20.
The weatherman has put 12 districts on orange alert on Thursday also.
The Naini Lake overflowed in Nainital
17:16 Uttarakhand floods toll rises to 24
Around 24 people have died due to incessant rains in Uttarakhand, out of which maximum casualties are from Nainital district, informed Uttarakhand DGP, Ashok Kumar on Tuesday.
While speaking to ANI, DGP Kumar, said, "Around 200 people were stuck at Lemon Tree Resort located at Ramnagar-Ranikhet route. All of them are safe and the process to rescue them is on. Water from Kosi River entered the resort after the river overflowed, blocking the route to the resort."
He added, "So far 24-25 people are dead due to incessant rains, in which maximum casualties are from Nainital district."
Around 200 people were stuck at Lemon Tree Resort, located at the Ramnagar-Ranikhet route as water from the Kosi river entered the resort after the river overflowed, blocking the route to the resort. They all have been evacuated safely," Kumar informed.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami conducted an aerial survey of areas affected due to heavy rainfall.
According to the State Disaster Management Secretary, Uttarakhand has recorded more than 200mm of rainfall in the last 24 hours.
An under-construction bridge, over a raging Chalthi River in Champawat, Uttarakhand has been washed away due to a rise in the water level caused by incessant rainfall in parts of Uttarakhand. -- ANI
17:13 How domestic airlines fared in September
Indigo grabbed the lion's share of the market at a whopping 56%.
The Dal Lake in Srinagar in January this year
16:57 Heavy rainfall, snow likely in J-K on Oct 23: IMD
India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Tuesday predicted heavy rainfall or snowfall for Jammu and Kashmir on October 23.
Speaking to ANI, Naresh Kumar, Senior Scientist, IMD said, "A great western disturbance is coming which will specifically affect the western Himalayan region. So, we are expecting snowfall activity will be increased in the western Himalayan region. We are expecting heavy rainfall or heavy snowfall in Jammu and Kasmir on October 23."
He further stated that the adjoining areas like Punjab and the isolated parts of Haryana can also have light rainfall in the upcoming days.
Kumar also informed that Uttarakhand had rainfall up to 40 cm and Himachal Pradesh experienced very heavy rainfall till Monday.
"In west Uttar Pradesh, rainfall occurred up to 17cm till yesterday," the senior scientist of IMD said.
16:40 Central govt employees to get ad hoc bonus
The Centre has sanctioned non-productivity linked or ad hoc bonus for central government employees for fiscal year 2020-21.
In an office memorandum, the Department of Expenditure under the Finance Ministry said the employees of central para military forces and armed forces too would be eligible for the bonus.
Employees who were in service as on March 31, 2021, and have rendered at least six months of continuous service during 2020-21 fiscal year would be eligible for this ad hoc bonus.
The non-productivity linked bonus (ad hoc bonus) would be paid to the central government employees in Group C and all non-gazetted employees in Group B, who are not covered by any productivity- linked bonus scheme. The calculation ceiling for payment of this bonus would be monthly emoluments of Rs 7,000.
16:34 Kazakhstan sends 4,000 tonnes of flour to Afghanistan
Officials of Afghanistan's Balkh province have said that Kazakhstan provided more than 4,000 tonnes of flour as humanitarian aid to Afghanistan, reported local media.
Head of the National Disaster Management Department in Balkh province, Abdul Latif said that it came across the border at Hairatan and the aid will be distributed to vulnerable and needy families, reported TOLOnews.
Expressing his gratitude towards Kazakhastan, Latif said: "We are grateful for Kazakhstan's president and its people who helped the Afghan people in such a critical condition."
16:04 Markets snap 7-session bull run
Market snaps 7-session winning run.
Sensex slips 49.54 pts to end at 61,716.05; Nifty down 58.30 pts to 18,418.75.
15:50 Rajasthan govt cancels leaves of health workers to bolster dengue response
The Rajasthan government has cancelled the leaves of health workers and decided to send nodal officers in areas affected by dengue and other seasonal diseases to run special campaigns, officials said Tuesday.
According to an official statement, Health Minister Raghu Sharma directed officials to run 'Dengue Mukt Rajasthan' campaign from October 20 to November 3 to check the outbreak of dengue and other seasonal diseases.
Under the campaign, 24X7 control rooms and rapid response teams have been formed in all districts to carry out anti-larva exercise and awareness activities a month among other measures.
Sharma held a video conference meeting with all Chief Medical Health Officers (CMHOs), Principal Medical Officers and other officials of the health department and issued necessary directions.
A senior official of the medical and health department said, "Leaves have been cancelled with effect from Tuesday. Those who have gone on a leave will also have to return. The leaves have been cancelled till further orders." Sharma also reviewed the arrangements made to curb the outbreak of seasonal diseases, besides carrying out coronavirus vaccination and testing.
15:28 Restaurants can stay open till midnight: Maha govt
The Maharashtra government will allow all restaurants and eateries to stay open till midnight from now on. All other establishments that have been allowed to function by the government can stay open till 11pm, an order by the state government said.
"Local District Disaster Management Authority may restrict these timings further if so deemed fit due to any local requirements but shall not relax it further without the consent of SDMA," the order signed by Chief Secretary Sitaram Kunte said.
The Maharashtra government in August allowed malls and restaurants to remain open till 10 pm with 50 per cent capacity provided the entire staff is fully vaccinated against Covid-19. Shops are also allowed to operate till 10 pm.
15:10 Pranab Mukherjee's daughter tweets from Uttarakhand
Congress leader Sharmistha Mukherjee is stuck near Ranikhet. The daughter of former President Pranab Mukherjee, tweeted this image saying, "I'm here somewhere near Ranikhet. Incessant rains since last 2 days. No electricity since morning. Mobile working so far. Huge tree fell & blocked the road just 100 meters away from where I'm staying. Main roads blocked at places. Seems can't get back at least for next few days."
Eleven more deaths were reported in Uttarakhand on Tuesday as incessant rains continued to lash various parts of the state, especially Kumaon region, razing houses to the ground and leaving many trapped in the debris.
14:57 IMD issues Orange alert for 11 Kerala districts
After a relative respite of two days, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Tuesday issued an Orange alert for 11 districts of Kerala indicating heavy rainfall.
The weatherman has put 12 districts in the state on Orange alert on Thursday also.
The IMD sounded an Orange alert for Thiruvananthapuram, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad and Kannur districts on October 20.\
An Orange alert has been issued for all districts other than Kannur and Kasaragod on October 21.
A Red alert indicates heavy to extremely heavy rains of over 20 cm in 24 hours, while Orange alert denotes very heavy rains from 6 cm to 20 cm of rains.
A yellow alert means heavy rainfall between 6 to 11 cm.
Kerala was ravaged by heavy downpour and subsequent landslides in the south-central districts on October 15 and 16 which resulted in the loss of 24 lives.
The search and rescue operations are still going on.
Apart from that, the dams in the state are on a brim with Red alert sounded for over ten major dams in the state.
Idukki, Idamalayar, Pamba and Kakki, four major dams among the total 78 dams in the state have been opened to release the excess water.
Various district administrations have issued alerts to the people living downstream and shifted them to relief camps set up in the state. -- PTI
A video grab of water gushing through a street in Nainital
14:30 Naini Lake overflows, Nainital flooded
Water from a swollen Naini Lake in Uttrakhand's Nainital on Tuesday entered residential areas of Nainital district, following continuous rainfall, which led the lake to record its highest-ever water level of 12.2 feet.
During the last 24 hours, about 500 mm of rainfall was recorded, according to officials. Due to continuous rains, the water of the lake overflowed and entered the road leading to the office of the District Magistrate.
Water has entered into many shops, disrupting economic activity.Road connectivity of Nainital with other parts of the country has also been cut off by heavy rains.
All the roads leading to Kaladhungi, Haldwani, Bhawali have been closed by debris due to landslides.
Heavy rainfall has caused immense inconvenience to the people, especially the tourists who have come to Nainital.
They have been forced to confine themselves inside their hotel rooms. Some tourists were seen roaming in the streets during this time.
"It is getting very scary. We are scared of staying shut inside our hotels. We are also looking for a new hotel since we are being asked to pay the rent for the next day as well," said a tourist.
14:14 Cong to give 40% tickets to women in UP polls
Months ahead of Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, the Congress party has decided that it will give 40 per cent of the total election ticket to women in the state.
Addressing a press conference, Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said, "The Congress party has decided that it will give 40 per cent of the total election tickets to women. These tickets will be given on the basis of merit and not just on the basis of caste or religion."
"I have taken this decision for women's empowerment. There is no other political motive, agenda behind this decision," she added.
Slamming the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Uttar Pradesh government in the state over the Lakhimpur Kheri incident, she said, "Unfortunately, those who mow down people in the state are protected by the Centre and those who get killed, mowed down plead for justice here."
"We all saw what happened in Hathras, Lakhimpur....what do you expect from such a BJP government," she said.Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is the general secretary of the All India Congress Committee in charge of Uttar Pradesh. -- ANI
14:09 Girl poisons 4 family members to death
A 17-year-old girl allegedly poisoned four of her family members to death, upset over "discrimination" in the affection shown between her and siblings, police said.
The incident that took place in July at Lambanihatti in Isamudra village in this district, has now come to light.
The girl's family members who died are her father, mother, grandmother, and sister, while her 19-year-old brother, who had taken ill due to the poisoning, has survived.
According to police sources, they consumed 'Ragi mudde' (Ragi balls) mixed with insecticide for dinner on July 12 prepared by the girl, following which they started vomiting, and subsequently four of them died.
The accused only ate rice and rasam prepared by her sister, they said.
The food materials and utensils used were sent to forensic laboratory, and after examination, it was confirmed that insecticide was mixed in the ragi mudde served to family members.
Police said, on investigation it came across that the accused had grown up at her maternal grandparents' home and moved into her parents' house about three years ago.
She complained of "discrimination" in the affection shown by parents between her and her siblings. She was upset that she was being "ill-treated" and that her brother and sister got "more love", and so decided to poison them, officials said, adding that she had once in the past failed in her attempt to poison family members.
As the accused is a minor, she has been sent to the girls' remand home. PTI
13:47 With 'heavy heart' Babul Supriyo resigns from LS
Former Union Minister Babul Supriyo on Tuesday formally submitted his resignation as a BJP MP from the House to the Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla.
After his meeting with the LS speaker, Supriyo said, "My heart is heavy as I had begun my political career through BJP. I thank the Prime Minister (Narendra Modi), party chief (JP Nadda) and (Union Home Minister) Amit Shah. Confidence was shown in me. I'd left politics wholeheartedly. I thought that if I'm not a part of the party, I shouldn't keep the seat for myself."
Commenting on BJP's Suvendu Adhikari, Supriyo said, "Suvendu Adhikari was an integral part of TMC a few months back. Outside politics he has been a friend; he obviously has to say very harsh things about me politically. But he should advise his father and brother to resign from MP seats as they're no more a part of TMC."
The move comes after Babul Supriyo resigned from BJP and joined the TMC in September.
13:37 Kerala dam reaches danger mark, shutters opened
Loud sirens announced the opening of the third and second shutter of Cheruthoni dam, part of the Idukki reservoir, on Tuesday in accordance with the state government's plan to release small amounts of water from it as its levels reached the danger mark.
Three sirens were sounded prior to the opening of the dam's 3rd shutter by around 35 centimeters, Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) said in its Facebook page.
Nearly an hour after the 3rd shutter of the dam was opened, three sirens were sounded before the second shutter was raised by 35 centimeters at 12 PM, KSEB said.
Three shutters of the dam are going to be raised by 35 centimeters each during the day, it said.
Earlier in the day, shutters of Idamalayar and Pampa reservoirs were opened in the wake of increase in the water level and more rains predicted in the coming days in Kerala.
The developments come a day after the state government opened the shutters of Kakki and Sholayar dams to release surplus water.
The Ernakulam district administration confirmed the opening of shutters 2 and 3 of Idamalayar dam by 50 centimetres each.
Opening of shutters 3 and 4 of the Pampa dam by 45 centimetres each was confirmed by the Pathanamthitta district administration. The state government today reiterated its warning to people living in low lying areas and along the banks of the rivers, whose dams have been opened, to exercise caution and move to relief camps set up across the state in the wake of the heavy rains which have claimed 38 lives so far.
State Revenue Minister K Rajan, while speaking to media this morning, said if people refuse to move out of risk prone areas, the government would be forced to "arrest" and shift them to the camps. "Our aim is to save lives," he said.
13:11 SC to hear Lakhimpur Kheri matter on Wednesday
The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear on Wednesday the matter pertaining to the October 3 violence in Lakhimpur Kheri in which eight persons, including four farmers, were killed during a farmers' protest.
A bench comprising Chief Justice N V Ramana and Justices Surya Kant and Hima Kohli, which had on October 8 expressed dissatisfaction over the steps taken by the Uttar Pradesh government in the brutal murder of eight persons, would hear the matter.
Ten people, including Union Minister of State for Home Ajay Mishra's son Ashish Mishra, have been arrested so far in connection with the case.
The top court is hearing the matter after two lawyers had written a letter to the CJI seeking a high-level judicial inquiry, also involving the CBI, into the incident.
Four farmers were mowed down by an SUV in Lakhimpur Kheri when a group agitating against the Centre's three new farm laws was holding a demonstration against the visit of Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya on October 3.
Two BJP workers and a driver were beaten to death allegedly by the angry protesters, while a local journalist was also killed in the violence.
13:08 FabIndia withdraws Jashn-e-Riwaaz ad
Clothing brand FabIndia has removed a promotional capsule about its new festive line after a backlash from right-wing groups.
While the brand was accused of "defacing" the Hindu festival of Diwali by naming its festive collection as Jashn-e-Riwaaz (celebration of tradition), the company insisted that it is not a Diwali collection, which will be soon launched under 'Jhilmil si Diwali' promo.
FabIndia was trolled on social media for what some said was unnecessarily uplifting secularism and Muslim ideologies in a Hindu festival, saying it hurt their religious sentiments.
After it tweeted the Jashn-e-Riwaaz collection on October 9, some social media users called for a boycott of the brand, making their campaign one of the top trends.
"We at FabIndia have always stood for the celebration of India with its myriad traditions in all hues," a company spokesperson said.
"Our current capsule of products under the name Jashn-e-Riwaaz is a celebration of Indian traditions. The phrase means that, literally. The capsule is not our Diwali Collection of products. Our Diwali collection is called 'Jhilmil si Diwali' is yet to be launched."
Jashn-e-Riwaaz is a phrase in Urdu, a language that was born in India. The tweet, which went viral on Monday, said: "As we welcome the festival of love and light, Jashn-e-Riwaaz by Fabindia is a collection that beautifully pays homage to Indian culture".
This was deleted after the backlash. BJP Yuva Morcha President Tejasvi Surya was among those who slammed the ad in a post on Twitter. "Deepavali is not Jash-e-Riwaaz. This deliberate attempt of abrahamisation of Hindu festivals, depicting models without traditional Hindu attires, must be called out. And brands like @fabindiaNews must face economic cost for such deliberate misadventures," he said on Monday afternoon.
Author Shefali Vaidya, known for her views supporting right-wing, slammed FabIndia for 'de-Hinduising' festivals. "Wow @FabindiaNews great job at de-Hinduising Deepawali! Call it a 'festival of love and light', title the collection 'Jashn-e-Riwaaz', take Bindis off foreheads of models but expect Hindus to buy your overpriced, mass-produced products in the name of 'homage to Indian culture'!" she tweeted.
Soon hashtag #BoycottFabindia began trending. FabIndia did not say why it removed the tweet.
The ethnic retail behemoth is not the first brand to face right-wing attacks and buckle under pressure. Tata Group's jewellery brand Tanishq was forced to withdraw an advertisement that showed an interfaith couple at a baby shower organised for the Hindu bride by her Muslim in-laws.
13:04 Govt asks states to focus on 2nd Covid vax dose
Highlighting that the nation is close to administering a billion Covid vaccine doses, the Centre has urged states and Union Territories to focus on increasing the coverage of the second dose in light of adequate availability of shots.
The cumulative vaccine doses administered in the country so far under the nationwide COVID-19 inoculation drive has exceeded 99 crore.
The countrywide COVID-19 vaccination programme was launched on January 16 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The Union government has also sought from the states suggestions in formulating new guidelines for international travel.
Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan reviewed the progress of vaccination with Health Secretaries and mission directors of national health missions in states and UTs, through a video conference on Monday, according to a ministry statement.
Bhushan highlighted that the nation is close to administering a billion doses and congratulated the states and UTs for their effort to vaccinate all citizens.
It was highlighted that a sizeable number of beneficiaries have not received their second dose of the Covid vaccine.
The states and UTs were urged to focus on the second vaccination dose, the statement said. At the virtual conference, it was pointed out that many states have adequate doses to vaccinate those people who are awaiting their second jab.
The Government of India is in a position to provide additional vaccine doses to the states and UTs so that they can complete the task, it said. They were also exhorted to accelerate the vaccination drive.
12:54 Apple lines up new MacBook Pro, Music Voice Plan in India
Apple will soon bring its latest lineup of MacBook Pro models along with HomePod mini, AirPods and a new music experience under Apple Music Voice Plan for Indian consumers.
Apple's new M1 Pro and M1 Max, available in 14 and 16-inch models, delivers groundbreaking processing, graphics and machine learning (ML) performance.
The new MacBook Pro range with M1 Pro and M1 Max are available to order via Apple's online store and will begin arriving to customers and its authorised resellers from October 26.
The new 14-inch MacBook Pro model starts at about Rs 1.95 lakh, while the 16-inch MacBook Pro model starts at about Rs 2.4 lakh.
12:45 Army chief visits forward areas along LoC in Jammu
Army chief General M M Naravane visited forward areas along the LoC in Jammu region on Tuesday and was briefed on the ground situation in the region and ongoing counter-infiltration operations, officials said.
The Army chief is on a two-day visit to Jammu, they said.
Naravane visited forward areas of the White Knight Corps and undertook a first-hand assessment of the situation along the Line of Control (LoC), the officials said.
His visit to Jammu and Kashmir comes at a time when there has been a slew of selective killing of minorities in the Kashmir valley. Eleven civilians have been killed by militants in the Valley this month. PTI
12:29 HDFC Bank staff held for stealing from NRI account
The Delhi Police Cyber Cell on Tuesday arrested 12 people, including three HDFC bank employees, for allegedly attempting to make an unauthorised withdrawal from a very high-value NRI account.
KPS Malhotra, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DCP) (Cyber Cell), informed that as many as 66 attempts of unauthorised online transactions were made by the group on the high-value account.
"The accused had fraudulently obtained a cheque book which has been recovered. Mobile phone number identical to that of account holder's US-based phone number was also procured by the fraudsters," the DSP stated.
"On the basis of technical evidence, footprints, and human intelligence, multiple geolocations were identified. In all, raids were conducted at 20 locations across Delhi, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh," he further informed.
Out of the 12 accused held by the police, three are HDFC bank employees, who were involved in issuing the cheque book, updating the mobile phone number and removing the debt freeze of the account.
The matter came to light after HDFC bank filed a complaint with the Cyber Cell alleging several unauthorised attempts of withdrawal noticed in one NRI account.
"There are many unauthorised internet banking attempts noticed in one NRI bank account. Further, there have been attempts to withdraw cash from the same account, using the fraudulently obtained cheque book. Attempts were also made to get update mobile phone number in the KYC of the same bank account by replacing the already registered US mobile phone number with similar/identical Indian mobile phone number," HDFC bank's complaint alleged.
The police informed that in earlier instances, there were attempts of withdrawal of money from this account, and two cases were registered for the same at Uttar Pradesh's Ghaziabad, and Punjab's Mohali. Further raids are in progress and investigation in the case is being carried out. -- ANI
File pic
12:21 LAC under constant surveillance, assures Army
Eastern Army Commander Lieutenant General Manoj Pande on Tuesday said the Chinese Army's activities have increased marginally in the in-depth areas across the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
These areas have been placed under tight surveillance by the Indian Army.
"The People's Liberation Army (PLA) carries out an annual training exercise and there has been some increase in the level of activities but that is in the in-depth areas. Some of the reserve formations of the PLA which were mobilised have continued to remain in their training areas but that again is in operational depth areas. We have enhanced our surveillance both in LAC and depth areas," Lieutenant General Pande said.
The Eastern Army commander mentioned that both sides are attempting to develop infrastructure closer to LAC.
"As per their (PLA) model, villages have come up near the border. It is a matter of concern how that can be used... We have taken cognisance of this in our plans," he added.
There has been a marginal increase in the border defence troops, who are already deployed at the LAC.
11:38 27 dead in Kerala floods, landslides
Torrential rains that triggered landslides in Kerala have claimed the lives of 27 people so far.
Of these, 14 deaths were reported in Kottayam district, 10 in Idukki district, and one each in Thiruvananthapuram, Thrissur and Kozhikode districts.
Meanwhile, the bodies of 13 people who were killed in a landslide at Plaupally in Koottikkal village (Kanjirapally Taluk, Kottayam District) were recovered. One of them is a native of the Idukki district. Johnson Sebastian (35), a native of Ettumanoor, drowned in the Cheruvandoor paddy field in Ettumanoor.
Four houses were completely washed away in a landslide at Kokkayar in Peerumedu village in Idukki district. Seven persons, including five children and two adults, were killed in this incident.
At present, 2,619 families are living in 247 relief camps across the state.
There are a total of 9,422 people in these camps.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has directed that the relief camps should have adequate facilities. Food, clothing and bedding should be provided. Apart from the Revenue Department, the respective Local Self Government (LSG) bodies have also been asked to take note of this. The Chief Minister has also directed them to seek the help of local communities.
A house collapse in Uttarakhand
11:15 U'khand floods: Bridge washed away, yatras halted
In Rain-battered Uttarakhand, an under-construction bridge over the Chalthi River in Champawat got washed away due to a rise in water level.
National forecasting agency, India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Uttarakhand with a forecast of heavy to very heavy rainfall in the state and heavy rainfall has been predicted for the next few days.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday spoke to Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami to take stock of the situation arising due to heavy rains in the state.
The Badrinath National Highway in Chamoli district has been completely blocked due to debris at seven places following incessant rains over the last 48 hours, the district administration said on Tuesday.
10:56 Bangladesh communal violence: 71 cases filed, 450 arrested
At least 71 cases have been filed in different parts of the country in connection with the attacks on Hindus and around 450 were arrested for spreading rumours on social media.
450 people have been arrested in the past five days over the attacks on puja venues, temples, Hindu homes and businesses, and for spreading rumours on social media amid the Durga Puja, reported Dhaka Tribune.
At least 71 cases have been started in different parts of the country, Assistant Inspector General (AIG) Md Kamruzzaman of the police headquarters said in a statement on Monday.
The number of arrests and cases could rise further as operations are underway, said the senior police official.
10:52 Over 102 cr Covid vaccine doses with states
Over 102 crore COVID-19 vaccines have been provided to states and union territories so far, said the Union Health Ministry on Tuesday.
As per information shared by the ministry, a total of 1,02,05,09,915 doses have been provided to states and union territories so far through the Central government's free of cost channel and through the direct state procurement category.
The ministry in an official statement said that more than 10.42 crore balance and unutilised COVID vaccine doses are still available with the states and union territories to be administered to the eligible population.
As per the ministry, balance and unutilised COVID vaccine doses amount to 10,42,38,220.
10:05 Sensex soars past 62k-mark in opening trade
Equity benchmark Sensex rallied nearly 400 points to soar past the 62,000-mark in opening trade on Tuesday, tracking gains in index majors HDFC Bank, L&T and Reliance Industries amid a positive trend in global markets.
Extending its record-setting run, the 30-share index touched an all-time high of 62,159.78 in opening deals.
It was trading 357.88 points or 0.58 per cent higher at 62,123.47.
Similarly, the Nifty surged 101.05 points or 0.55 per cent to 18,578.10. It touched a new intra-day record of 18,604.45 in early deals.
L&T was the top gainer in the Sensex pack, rising around 3 per cent, followed by Tech Mahindra, HCL Tech, HUL, Axis Bank and Bharti Airtel.
On the other hand, ITC, UltraTech Cement, Titan, PowerGrid and Kotak Bank were among the laggards.
In the previous session, the 30-share index ended 459.64 points or 0.75 per cent higher at its new closing record of 61,765.59, and Nifty surged 138.50 points or 0.76 per cent to its all-time closing high 18,477.05.
Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) were net buyers in the capital market, as they purchased shares worth Rs 512.44 crore on Monday, as per exchange data.
Elsewhere in Asia, bourses in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Seoul and Tokyo were trading with gains in mid-session deals.
Stock exchanges on Wall Street too ended largely positive in the overnight session.
Meanwhile, international oil benchmark Brent crude fell 0.05 per cent to $84.29 per barrel. -- PTI
Zalmay Khalilzad. Photograph: Jonathan Ernst/Reuters
10:00 Envoy who brokered peace between US and Taliban quits
Zalmay Khalilzad, the Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation who brokered the peace deal between the United States and the Taliban, has stepped down and replaced by veteran American diplomat Thomas West, Secretary of State Tony Blinken said.
As Special Representative for Afghan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad steps down from his role. I extend my gratitude for his decades of service to the American people, Blinken said.
Thomas West, who previously served as the deputy special representative, will be the special representative for Afghanistan, he said.
West, who earlier served on the Vice President's national security team and the National Security Council staff, will lead diplomatic efforts, advise the Secretary and Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs and coordinate closely with the US.
In his resignation letter, according to Politico, Khalilzad said, 'The political arrangement between the Afghan government and the Taliban did not go forward as envisaged. The reasons for this are too complex and I will share my thoughts in the coming days and weeks.'
"Going forward, I plan to contribute to the discussion and debate about not only what happened but what should be done next," he said according to Politico.
09:29 India's daily Covid count lowest in 231 days
India reported 13,058 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours, which is the lowest in 231 days, the ministry of health and family welfare on Tuesday.
With this, the Indian active caseload stands at 1,83,118, which is also the lowest in 227 days.
The active cases account for less than 1 per cent of total cases and it is lowest since March 2020 which is currently at 0.54 per cent.
The country's recovery rate is highest since the beginning of the pandemic and is currently at 98.14 per cent.
According to the health ministry, the country has so far tested 59.31 crore total samples for COVID-29.
Meanwhile, 98.67 crore vaccine doses have been administered so far under Nationwide Vaccination Drive. -- ANI
09:27 US court dismisses plea filed by Nirav Modi, associates
A bankruptcy court in New York has dismissed a petition of fugitive diamond merchant Nirav Modi and his associates, seeking dismissal of fraud allegations against them.
The allegations were made by Richard Levin, the court appointed trustee of three United States corporations--Firestar Diamond, Fantasy Inc and A Jaffe--indirectly owned by Nirav Modi previously.
Levin had also sought a minimum compensation of $15 million for harm suffered by the debtors of Modi and his associates Mihir Bhansali and Ajay Gandhi.
Southern District of New York Bankruptcy Court Judge Sean H Lane issued the order last Friday, in a major blow to the Indian fugitive and his accomplices.
SDNY Bankruptcy Court Judge Lane in a clear decision denied defendants Modi, Bansali and Gandhi's motions to dismiss US Trustee Richard Levin's amended complaint in the adversary proceeding arising out of Modi's initial chapter 11 bankruptcy petition, alleging fraud, breach of fiduciary duties, RICO and related state law claims, Indian American attorney Ravi Batra told PTI.
Explaining the 60-page order, Batra said Modi ploughed his profits back into his own company as additional sales to falsely raise the stock price/company valuation by setting up a scheme to defraud Punjab National Bank and others of over $1 billion.
But to get the ill-gotten funds by bank fraud out of his companies, he engaged in a separate fraud to hide those withdrawals for personal benefit as if they were ordinary business transactions, Batra said.
According to the court order, Levin's petition sought to recover damages for harm inflicted by Modi and his two accomplishes on the debtors and their estates as a result of the his six-year extensive international fraud, money laundering and embezzlement scheme.
It said from early 2011 to early 2018, Modi and his associates orchestrated and carried out a scheme to obtain loans, credits, or other funds under false pretences and without collateral from numerous banks, including the PNB.
The bank fraud involved the use of letters of undertaking (LoUs), a financial instrument unique to India, designed to facilitate efficient import transactions.
Modi and the co-conspirators sought to artificially inflate the import volumes of Modi's India-based companies with sham transactions so as to obtain more LoU funding, it alleged.
To carry out this scheme, Modi and his co-conspirators used a web of shell companies known as shadow entities based in Hong Kong and Dubai that posed as legitimate businesses to create fake import transactions and launder the proceeds, it said.
The PNB and the other defrauded banks are reported to have lost in excess of $1 billion as a result of the fraud, the judge wrote in his order.
In his petition, Levin listed examples how Modi, Bhansali and Gandhi directly benefited from fraudulently issued LoUs and were involved in circular transactions until early 2013, when the debtors no longer directly participated in import and export transactions underlying LoU issuances and instead received proceeds indirectly through the shadow entities. -- PTI
08:57 Uttarakhand rains: Badrinath highway blocked
The Badrinath National Highway in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand has been completely blocked due to debris at seven places following incessant rains over the last 48 hours, the district administration said on Tuesday.
There has been a power cut as well since Monday night in several areas including the district headquarters.
As a precautionary measure, the Badrinath Char Dham Yatra has been halted, and passengers en route to Badrinath Temple were stopped in safe places.
According to the district administration, 2,500 devotees, who had gone to Badrinath, are still stationed at the Badrinath Temple waiting for the highway to re-open.
However, the rain continues to lash the state and Badrinath received fresh snowfall this morning.
The water level in the Nandakini River has also rose significantly raising an alarm.
As per Meteorological Centre Dehradun, Chamoli received 19.8 mm of rainfall in the last 24 hours.
National forecasting agency, India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Uttarakhand with a forecast of heavy to very heavy rainfall in the state and heavy rainfall has been predicted for the next few days.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Monday took detailed review on the situation in the state.
He took stock of the situation from the disaster control room of the state's secretariat.
Meanwhile, Border Roads Organisation (BRO) on Monday rescued occupants of a car that got trapped in near the swollen Lambagad nallah near Badrinath National Highway.
State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and police rescued around 22 devotees stuck at Jungle Chatti who were returning from Kedarnath Temple. They were shifted to Gauri Kund.
One 55-year-old devotee, who found it difficult to walk was shifted on a stretcher. -- ANI
IMAGE: Border Roads Organisation rescues occupants of a car that was stuck at the swollen Lambagad nallah near Badrinath National Highway. Photograph: ANI
08:34 US condemns attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh
The United States has condemned recent reports of attacks on the minority Hindu community in Bangladesh.
Freedom of religion or belief is a human right. Every person around the world, regardless of their religious affiliation or belief, should feel safe and supported to celebrate important holidays, a State Department spokesperson said.
The State Department condemns the recent reports of attacks on the Hindu community in Bangladesh, the spokesman said.
Meanwhile, Pranesh Halder, a member of the Bangladeshi Hindu community, in a statement urged the department to ensure that no further harm comes to the beleaguered Hindus of Bangladesh.
He urged US-based watchdog groups and media houses to highlight the gravity of the violence in Bangladesh.
On Sunday, the Bangladeshi Hindu diaspora organised a protest in front of the Embassy of that country here to protest large-scale violence leading to the destruction of Hindu homes and temples during Durga Puja festivities across Bangladesh.
It is especially horrifying to see the last remaining Hindus in Noakhali being attacked in this way, 75 years after Islamists demanding the creation of Pakistan, killed 12,000 Hindus and forcibly converted 50,000 to Islam in October 1946, said Utsav Chakrabarti, Executive Director of HinduPACT, a US-based Hindu advocacy group.
HinduPACT said indigenous Hindus continue to be the target of organised hate and discrimination in Bangladesh, a country where the minority population has steadily decreased from 28 per cent in the 1940s to nine per cent now.
This recent wave of violence confirms the danger indigenous Hindus continue to face. Fifty years after nearly 2.8 million of them were killed and another 10 million of them turned destitute and made to become refugees by the Pakistan Army in 1971, during the independence struggle of Bangladesh, Hindus continue to be targeted for their faith, it said. -- PTI
IMAGE: Bangladeshi activists join in a torch procession demanding justice for the violence against Hindu communities during Durga Puja festival in Dhaka, on October 18, 2021. Photograph: Mohammad Ponir Hossain/Reuters
00:19 Amid buzz of floating his party, Amarinder in Delhi
Amid speculation that he will launch a new political party, former Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh reached Delhi on Monday.
This is Captain Amarinder Singh's third visit in a month after he had quit as Punjab chief minister in September.
Amarinder Singh had said that he will be quitting the Congress but not joining the Bharatiya Janata Party.
Punjab is slated to go to the polls early next year and the Amarinder Singh resigning months before has added a new dimension to the poll arithmetic in the state.
Sources said the former chief minister is on a two-day visit to the national capital. -- ANI
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