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Thu, 08 September 2022
Charles III is the new UK King
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23:50 Charles III is the new UK King
With the death of Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-serving monarch in British history, her eldest son, 73-year-old son Charles III automatically becomes monarch.
"The death of my beloved Mother, Her Majesty The Queen, is a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family," King Charles said in a statement.
"We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished Sovereign and a much-loved Mother. I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world," he said.
23:36 All about the plans for Queen Elizabeth's funeral
Carlie Porterfield, Forbes Staff, writes on 'Operation London Bridge', the inside plans for Queen Elizabeth's death and funeral, in Forbes, here.
23:28 Will never forget her warmth: Modi's tribute to Queen Elizabeth
Prime Minister Narendra Modi pays his tribute to Queen Elizabeth II who died after reigning for 70 years.
"I had memorable meetings with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II during my UK visits in 2015 and 2018. I will never forget her warmth and kindness. During one of the meetings she showed me the handkerchief Mahatma Gandhi gifted her on her wedding. I will always cherish that gesture," Modi tweeted with picture of him with Britain's longest-serving monarch.
23:03 Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, 96, passes away
Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, who was kept under medical supervision on Thursday at her Balmoral Castle residence in Scotland after doctors became concerned for her health, has passed away.
he 96-year-old monarch has been suffering from age-related mobility issues and has cut down her travels, including appointing new Prime Minister Liz Truss in Scotland earlier this week.
Her son and heir, Prince Charles, his wife Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, and grandson Prince William travelled to Balmoral to be with her, according to their Clarence House and Kensington Palace offices.
23:01 Traffic snarls hit central Delhi as Modi inaugurates 'Kartavya Path'
Traffic congestions were witnessed in and around the areas of India Gate and other parts of Central Delhi due to closure of roads in the evening hours of Thursday when Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the newly-christened Kartavya Path.
The Delhi Police had asked the commuters to plan their journey in advance and take alternate routes to avoid road closures and congestion due to traffic restrictions.
Due to the roads closure, many areas in parts of Lutyens Delhi, including ITO, IP Flyover, and other roads, witnessed traffic jams.
According to police, over 450 traffic personnel were deployed to maintain traffic and ensure all roads near the India Gate were empty.
The Delhi Police also coordinated with Delhi Fire Services and called in cranes to monitor the restricted area and to remove any unwanted vehicles.
The Delhi Traffic Control Room buzzed with calls complaining of snarls in several areas, beginning at 6 pm, especially around India Gate. Traffic movement could only be eased after 9 pm around when the ceremony was over.
"Most of the calls we received of heavy congestion were from Tilak Marg, C-hexagon, Purana Quila Road, Shershah Road, Dr Zakir Hussain Marg, Pandara Road, and Shahjahan Road. But as per the congestions reported, necessary diversions were also made," a traffic officer said.
For these areas, around 17 diversion routes were suggested and vehicular movement was diverted there, he said.
The traffic was diverted through W point, Mathura Road, Ashoka Road, Q-point, Prithviraj Road, Akbar Road and Subramania Bharati Marg, the officer added.
The inauguration time being around the peak evening hours, traffic near Central Secretariat, Patel Chowk and Pragati Maidan was especially affected.
22:58 There is Janta Raj, not Jungle Raj in Bihar: Nitish
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday rubbished the BJP's jibe that 'Jungle Raj' (lawlessness) has returned to the state with the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) government coming to power, and asserted that there is 'Janta Raj' (people's rule) in the state.
"Stray incidents are not a reflection of the overall law and order situation in the state. What Jungle Raj? Maintaining law and order has been the priority of our government. There is Janta Raj," Kumar said when asked about the saffron party's jibe.
Attacking senior BJP leaders in the state, he said such comments do not affect the government as it is committed to working for the people of Bihar.
"If Sushil Modi (former deputy CM) or Sanjay Jaiswal (state BJP chief) criticise me, they may get plum posts in the party or the central government," he said.
On his recent meetings with opposition leaders in Delhi, Kumar said, "My focus is on bringing together all opposition parties in the country. My meetings with opposition leaders were very satisfactory. I will again visit Delhi to meet Sonia Gandhi Ji when she returns to India."
Asked about his prime ministerial aspirations, Kumar said he is neither a claimant nor desirous of the post.
"My priority is to unite all opposition parties, not to decide on the prime ministerial candidate. When the time comes, we will decide the prime ministerial candidate and let you all know," he said.
Taking a dig at the Centre's decision to rename the historic Rajpath in New Delhi as 'Kartavya Path', Kumar, without taking names, said, "What was he doing when the country was celebrating the 75th year of Independence? It should have been named after Bapu. The BJP's only task is to create disturbance in the society."
22:19 I've become part of historic work, says Central Vista Avenue redevelopment worker
"With the redevelopment of the entire stretch, I have also become a part of this historic work. I will never forget this moment," beamed Neeraj Kumar, who was among the 16 workers who were part of the Central Vista Avenue redevelopment and met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday.
"People will come here and see my work forever. I feel proud to have been a part of it," the 25-year-old from Bihar's Bhagalpur told PTI.
Modi inaugurated Kartavya Path, earlier known as Rajpath, stretching from Rashtrapati Bhavan to India Gate here on Thursday.
He thanked workers involved in the development of the 2.5-km-long Kartavya Path and said that they not only built it but also showed others the way of 'kartavya' (duty).
Neeraj's 19-year-old teammate Vasudev Kumar was also elated to have met the prime minister, who invited him to the 2023 Republic Day celebrations as a "special guest" with his family.
"I will definitely come with my family to attend the Republic Day function as it is a matter of pride for me and my family members," Vasudev, who hails from Bihar's Katihar district, told PTI.
As part of the inaugural ceremony, folk artists from different parts of the country performed on the Kartavya Path.
The performance of the Kalbelia dance group was among the key attractions of the event.
21:34 Modi 'doing a terrific job': Donald Trump
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is "doing a terrific job", former United States president Donald Trump has said as he asserted that India "has never had a better friend than me".
Trump made the comments in an interview with NDTV during which he spoke on a wide range of issues such as his relationship with India and Modi, the recent Federal Bureau of Investigation raids at his Mar-a Lago property, the Presidential elections and the Capitol Riots.
"I've had a great relationship with India and Prime Minister Modi. We've been friends. And I think he's a great guy and doing a terrific job. It's not an easy job he's got... We've known each other a long time. Good man," said Trump, who enjoyed a close relationship with Modi during his presidency from 2017 to 2021.
India was "doing just fine with your great Prime Minister Modi, my friend," said the 76-year-old real estate mogul-turned politician who met Modi at least four-time post- 2019 general elections in India.
In his first term, Trump, a Republican, had emerged as the best friend of India at the White House taking the relationship to a new level and his friendship with Prime Minister Modi was well known, which was reflected in the two leaders addressing two joint rallies in the US and India in less than a year.
"I think India has never had a better friend than me. I don't believe that. And that's one of the relationships that, you know, I've formed. But India has never had a better friend as President than me," Trump, who is now eying to contest the presidential election in 2024, boasted.
When asked if his relationship was better than the one forged by former President Barack Obama before him or incumbent Joe Biden after, Trump said, "you'll have to ask Prime Minister Modi, but I don't think you've never had a better relationship than you had with President Trump."
India-US strategic relationship progressed at a much faster pace during the Trump Administration, which backed India after its fighter jets bombed terror training camps in Pakistan's Balakot. India launched the air attack on the terror training camp after the Pulwama terror attack on a CPRF convoy that killed 40 personnel.
Under the Trump Administration, the United States became the second-largest arms supplier to India, growing from virtually no arms sales a decade ago to more than USD 20 billion at the time.
21:14 Hindus are 'hypocrites', they abandon cows: Guj guv
In controversial remarks, Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat has said Hindus are "hypocrites" as they abandon cows after the domestic animal stops giving milk.
He made the comments on Wednesday while addressing farmers at a seminar on "natural farming" in Poicha village near Rajpipla town of Narmad district.
"On one side, you hail gau mata (regard cow as mother), worship her and put tilak (vermillion) on her forehead. But, you abandon the same cow once she stops giving milk," said Devvrat in his address.
On a satirical note, the Governor then chanted "Gau Mata Ki Jay Ho", followed by the audience repeating the same.
"That is why I say that the Hindu society is 'dhongi' (hypocrites) number one. You need to first understand gau mata. They are called gau mata for a reason," said the Governor.
To convince farmers to quit chemical-based agriculture, Devvrat said "Gods will become happy" if cultivators adopt natural farming, wherein cow dung and cow urine are used as fertilizer as well as pesticide.
Notably, Devvrat has been a strong proponent of natural farming and visits different parts of the state to make people aware about the benefits of the traditional technique of agriculture. Even Prime Minister Narendra Modi has praised him on several occasions for his efforts to spread awareness about natural farming. -- PTI
20:44 Modi inaugurates Kartavya Path
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Thursday inaugurated the newly-christened Kartavya Path, the stretch of road from Rashtrapati Bhavan to India Gate earlier known as Rajpath.
According to the Union housing and urban affairs ministry, the new stretch will be more pedestrian-friendly because of the new red granite walkways spreading 15.5 km that have been created, replacing bajri sand that lined the ground earlier.
Four new pedestrian underpasses have been built at busy junctions to segregate vehicular traffic from pedestrian movement, making the street safe to cross.
According to an official, 74 historic light poles and all chain links have been restored, upgraded and reinstalled on the site and more than 900 new light poles have been added where necessary to ensure that the space is always safe for visitors.
The revamped stretch is part of the Modi government's ambitious Central Vista redevelopment project, which also envisages a new triangular Parliament building, a common central secretariat, a new prime minister's residence and office, and a new vice-president's enclave. -- PTI
Representative image
20:42 Not delivering new car despite full payment unfair trade practice: SC
The Supreme Court on Thursday said not delivering a new car or delivering a defective vehicle despite full payment of sale consideration can be said to be "unfair trade practice".
The apex court observed non-delivery of a new car despite full payment can also be said to be dishonesty on the part of the dealer and against morality and ethics.
The court's observations came on a case related to purchase of a car. The complainant had alleged the vehicle was delivered to him after one year of the deposit of the total amount.
The complainant had claimed the car delivered to him was old and was used by the dealer as 'demo-test drive vehicle'.
A bench of Justice M R Shah and Krishna Murari set aside a judgement delivered in January 2016 by the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) in the matter.
The NCDRC had set aside the findings recorded by the district forum, which was confirmed by the state commission, that the car delivered in the case was a used vehicle.
While observing that the complainant had got a defective car, the NCDRC had modified the order passed by the district forum and directed that compensation of Rs one lakh be paid to him.
The district forum had directed the dealer to take back the car and deliver a new vehicle to the complainant against the previously deposited amount.
It had also awarded Rs 5,000 towards mental agony and Rs 2,500 towards litigation cost.
The NCDRC's judgement was challenged in the apex court by the complainant.
In its verdict, the apex court noted that the complainant had booked a new car and paid the entire sale consideration and the dealer was bound to deliver a new car.
"Even as per the findings recorded by the National Commission the car which was delivered was a defective car. Even to deliver the defective car against the new car was also not permissible," the bench said.
20:41 If India had followed path shown by Netaji, it would have reached a new high: PM
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said if India had followed the path shown by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, then it would have reached a new high.
Speaking after inaugurating Kartavya Path, the stretch of road from Rashtrapati Bhavan to India Gate earlier known as Rajpath, Modi said the renaming has given the country a new energy and inspiration.
He said that Kingsway or Rajpath, a symbol of slavery, has now been consigned to history and has been erased forever.
"If India had followed path shown by Subhas Chandra Bose, then country would have reached a new high; sadly he was forgotten," he said.
Modi also unveiled a statue of Netaji at India Gate.
The revamped stretch is part of the Modi government's ambitious Central Vista redevelopment project, which also envisages a new triangular Parliament building, a common central secretariat, a new prime minister's residence and office, and a new vice-president's enclave. -- PTI
19:50 Modi unveils 28-ft-tall Netaji statue at India Gate
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday unveiled a 28-ft-tall statue of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose at India Gate.
The statue is part of the Centre's Rs 13,450-crore Central Vista project, which will have a new Parliament building, new office and residences for the prime minister and vice-president and new ministry buildings. The North and South Blocks, the secretariat buildings flanking Rashtrapati Bhavan, will be converted into museums.
The black granite statue has been carved from a monolithic block of granite weighing 280 metric tonne. The block of granite picked for the statue was transported to Delhi from Telangana and the statue was carved out of it in over two months.
Modi will also inaugurate the newly-christened Kartavya Path -- a stretch from Rashtrapati Bhavan to India Gate.
19:44 Mistry car crash: Co-passenger Darius Pandole undergoes surgery for forearm fractures
Darius Pandole, who survived the car accident in which former Tata Sons chairman Cyrus Mistry died, underwent a surgery at a hospital here on Thursday to fix his forearm fractures, hospital sources said.
Mistry (54) and his friend Jahangir Pandole were killed on Sunday afternoon when their car hit a road divider in neighbouring Palghar district of Maharashtra. Two other car occupants, Anahita Pandole (55), who was at the wheel, and her husband Darius Pandole (60) had suffered injuries. Both were admitted to Shri H N Reliance Foundation Hospital and Research Centre here.
"Darius Pandole underwent a minor surgery of fixing his forearm fractures today afternoon. The surgery went well. He is stable and recuperating," the hospital sources said.
"However, Dr Anahita Pandole is still under observation, stable and is improving," they said.
The doctors at the hospital have been trying to stabilise both the patients so that further course of treatment can be undertaken, the sources said. -- PTI
Representative image
19:00 57,000 cattle died so far from Lumpy Skin Disease; Centre asks states to boost vaccination process
The Centre on Thursday said that about 57,000 cattle have died so far due to 'lumpy skin disease' across various parts of the country and asked affected states to boost the vaccination process to control the disease.
Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is a contagious viral disease that affects cattle and causes fever, nodules on the skin and can also lead to death. The disease gets spread by mosquitoes, flies, lice, and wasps by direct contact among the cattle, and through contaminated food and water.
The main symptoms are fever in animals, discharge from the eyes and nose, salivation from the mouth, soft blisters like nodules all over the body, reduced milk production, and difficulty in eating, which sometimes lead to the animal's death.
"Lumpy skin disease has spread in 6-7 states, including Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. In Andhra Pradesh, some cases have been reported," Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Parshottam Rupala told reporters here at a press conference to announce IDF World Day Summit being organised in India during September 12-15.
Rupala said he has visited five states to assess the situation and oversee containment operations. The ministry is monitoring the situation daily.
The minister asserted that 'Goat Pox Vaccine' is "very effective" and available, and asked state governments to speed up the vaccination process.
Rupala said the situation in Gujarat has improved, while the disease is under control in Punjab and Haryana. In Rajasthan, the disease has spread.
The minister said there has not been any impact on milk production so far.
Rupala said the disease can be controlled with an increase in vaccination and following the protocol for controlling and containing the disease.
The minister told states to follow the protocol of burying dead cattle.
Jatindra Nath Swain, Secretary, department of animal husbandry and dairying, said 57,000 cattle have died so far and out of that, around 37,000 are in Rajasthan.
He said the Centre has been regularly sending the advisories to the states.
One ml of the vaccine has been advised, which is good enough, Swain said, adding that in high-risk 3ml vaccine is being given.
LSD has recently spread in Asia following outbreaks in the Middle East and Europe. The disease emerged in Bangladesh in July 2019. India too saw the first case of LSD in the same year, 2019, in eastern states, especially West Bengal and Odisha. But this year, the disease has been reported in western and northern states as well as in Andaman Nicobar.
18:49 Bharat Jodo Yatra is 'sanjivani' for Cong: Jairam Ramesh
Terming the Bharat Jodo Yatra a life saver, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Thursday said the cross-country grassroots campaign will see the party emerge in a new aggressive avatar that cannot be taken for granted by either friends or political adversaries.
As former Congress president Rahul Gandhi and scores of party workers began the 3,570-km campaign from Kanyakumari to Kashmir, the party's general secretary in-charge communications also asserted that this is not a Yatra for Opposition unity but to strengthen the Congress.
Ramesh slammed the Bharatiya Janata Party for its criticism of the yatra.
The more the BJP talks about it, the more evident it is that the party is rattled, Ramesh told PTI after the morning session of the yatra.
"I am 100 per cent sure this Bharat Jodo Yatra is the 'sanjivani' for the Congress, it is a life saver, it is going to revive the Congress, it is going to refresh the Congress, it will renew the Congress, it will be a Congress in a new avatar," Ramesh said.
Sanjivani' is a reference to a mythological life-saving herb figuring in the Hindu epic Ramayana.
The Congress has had many avatars in 137 years, and there will be a new avatar now, according to Ramesh.
"It will be a more aggressive Congress, it will be a more active Congress, it will be an 'on-the-street' Congress and... a Congress that cannot be taken for granted anymore, either by friends or by its political adversaries."
"We have been taken for granted even by our friends and allies, not just by our political opponents and adversaries," Ramesh added.
The Congress is a pre-eminent political force in the country, the oldest political party, he asserted.
"We may not be in power but we certainly have a presence in every mohalla, village, town, it is very clear and very apparent," he said.
Of the over 3,500 km, the party covered 13 km in the morning session. The leaders took about three hours to reach Suchindram, Kanyakumari.
"This is not bad, we had anticipated to cover 13-15 km. We started a little late today there were CWC members, senior Congress leaders. From tomorrow we will end up doing around 15 km in the morning. The idea is to complete 8 km in the evening," Ramesh said.
Asked about the BJP's criticism, Ramesh said, "This is the Bharat Jodo Yatra. I am not bothered by what the BJP says. I am focused exclusively on the Congress' Bharat Jodo Yatra.
The more the BJP talks about the Bharat Jodo Yatra, the more it is evident that it is rattled."
18:21 Doctors 'concerned' about Queen Elizabeth's health
Britain's Queen Elizabeth II is under medical supervision on Thursday at her Balmoral Castle residence in Scotland after doctors became concerned for her health, Buckingham Palace said.
Her son and heir, Prince Charles, his wife Camilla -- Duchess of Cornwall, and grandson Prince William travelled to Balmoral to be with her, according to their Clarence House and Kensington Palace offices.
The 96-year-old monarch is said to be "comfortable" at Balmoral, where she has been for her summer break.
"Following further evaluation this morning, the Queen's doctors are concerned for Her Majesty's health and have recommended she remain under medical supervision, the Buckingham Palace statement said.
"The Queen remains comfortable and at Balmoral," it said.
The 96-year-old monarch has been suffering from age-related mobility issues and has cut down her travels, including appointing new Prime Minister Liz Truss in Scotland earlier this week.
"The whole country will be deeply concerned by the news from Buckingham Palace this lunchtime," Truss tweeted.
"My thoughts -- and the thoughts of people across our United Kingdom are with Her Majesty The Queen and her family at this time," she said.
17:56 India, China begin disengagement from Gogra-Hot Springs
Indian and Chinese troops at Gogra-Hot Springs (PP-15) in eastern Ladakh have started disengagement in a coordinated and planned way, an India-China joint statement said.
"Today, as per consensus reached in 16th round of India China Corps Commander Level Meeting, Indian and Chinese troops in area of Gogra-Hotsprings (PP-15) have begun to disengage in a coordinated and planned way, which is conducive to peace and tranquility in the border areas, the defence ministry said.
17:38 HC disposes of Tushar Gandhi's plea against Gandhi Ashram redevelopment project
The Gujarat high court on Thursday disposed of a petition filed by Mahatma Gandhi's great-grandson Tushar Gandhi against the Sabarmati Ashram redevelopment project after the government said that the main area of the ashram would not be affected.
Advocate General Kamal Trivedi, representing the Gujarat government, told a division bench of Chief Justice Aravind Kumar and Justice A J Shastri that the main ashram premises, spread over five acres, will not be touched during the redevelopment.
Tushar Gandhi had filed a public interest litigation seeking a direction that the redevelopment be carried out under the aegis of 'National Gandhi Smarak Nidhi' (NGSN).
Sabarmati Ashram, also known as Gandhi Ashram, was established by Mahatma Gandhi in Ahmedabad in 1917. -- PTI
17:15 India slips to 132 in UN Human Development Index
India ranked 132 out of 191 countries in the 2021 human development index, according to a report released by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
India's HDI value of 0.633 places the country in the medium human development category, lower than its value of 0.645 in the 2020 report. India ranked 131 among 189 countries in the 2020 human development index.
"Like global trends, in India's case, the drop in HDI from 0.645 in 2019 to 0.633 in 2021 can be attributed to falling life expectancy - 69.7 to 67.2 years. India's expected years of schooling stand at 11.9 years, and the mean years of schooling are at 6.7 years," the report said.
Human Development - a measure of a nation's health, education, and average income - has declined for two years in a row - 2020 and 2021, reversing five years of progress, the report said.
This is in line with the global decline, indicating that human development across the world has stalled for the first time in 32 years, the report said.
The report said a large contributor to the Human Development Index's recent decline is a global drop in life expectancy, down from 72.8 years in 2019 to 71.4 years in 2021.
The latest Human Development Report - Uncertain Times, Unsettled Lives: Shaping our Future in a Transforming World - launched by UNDP - argues that layers of uncertainty are stacking up and interacting to unsettle life in unprecedented ways.
"The world is scrambling to respond to back-to-back crises. We have seen with the cost of living and energy crises that, while it is tempting to focus on quick fixes like subsidizing fossil fuels, immediate relief tactics are delaying the long-term systemic changes we must make," said Achim Steiner, administrator, UNDP.
"We are collectively paralyzed in making these changes. In a world defined by
uncertainty, we need a renewed sense of global solidarity to tackle our interconnected, common challenges," Steiner said.
These intersecting crises have impacted India's development trajectory just as they have in much of the world.
The HDI measures progress on 3 key dimensions of human development - a long and healthy life, access to education, and a decent standard of living. It is calculated using four indicators life expectancy at birth, mean years of schooling, expected years of schooling, and the Gross National Income (GNI) per capita.
"The Human Development Report shows that progress globally is in reverse. India's decline in human development mirrors this trend impacted by intersecting crises. But there is good news. Compared to 2019, the impact of inequality on human development is lower," said Shoko Noda, UNDP Resident Representative in India.
"India is bridging the human development gap between men and women faster than the world. This development has come at a smaller cost to the environment. India's growth story reflects the country's investments in inclusive growth, social protection, gender-responsive policies, and push towards renewables to ensure no one is left behind," said Noda.
16:40 Bengaluru floods: Tejasvi Surya breaks silence, blames Cong
The Bengaluru South Bharatiya Janata Party MP L S Tejasvi Surya on Thursday alleged that the Congress party and some vested interests are trying to defame Brand Bengaluru' over floods in some parts of the city.
The opposition today is trying to defame 'Brand Bengaluru' for their petty political gains, Surya, also President of BJP's youth wing Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha, told reporters in Bengaluru.
He sought to know who owned the information technology Park in Bellandur in Bengaluru which got flooded due to two days of heavy rains and who encroached the lakes and their feeder canals in that region.
The Congress party and its land grabbing leaders must answer these questions and first introspect before lecturing the BJP on any of these issues, Surya said.
To a question that the BJP was in power in the Bengaluru civic body, Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), Surya said even an inch of encroachment -- whether it is by the BJP, the Congress and the Janata Dal-Secular -- must be removed.
The Lok Sabha member said the Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai has given strict direction to clear the encroachments.
He also stated that his constituency has largely been unaffected by the floods except for two or three areas in Bommanahalli, which has been taken care of by the MLA there and authorities.
The areas which largely experienced this inundation was in Bellandur, Marathahalli, which does not fall in my Lok Sabha constituency.
Having said that, our authorities, our MLAs, and our MPs have been constantly working and in the last 36 hours to 48 hours, the whole issue has been resolved, Surya said. -- PTI
16:12 Sensex, Nifty rebound around 1 pc amid global recovery in equities
Benchmark stock indices rebounded around 1 per cent on Thursday following value buying in banking, IT and auto stocks after two days of losses and a largely positive trend in global markets.
The 30-share BSE Sensex climbed 659.31 points or 1.12 per cent to settle at 59,688.22. During the day, it jumped 683.05 points or 1.15 per cent to 59,711.96. The broader NSE Nifty rose by 174.35 points or 0.99 per cent to close at 17,798.75. Tech Mahindra, Axis Bank, ICICI Bank, Mahindra & Mahindra, Bharti Airtel, State Bank of India, UltraTech Cement, Bajaj Finserv, IndusInd Bank and Asian Paints emerged as the biggest gainers amonf Sensex shares.
Tata Steel, NTPC, Titan, Nestle and Power Grid were the laggards.
16:07 Heard these AMAZING Asha Bhosle songs?
Asha Bhosle has given us so many songs to cherish. On Ashaji's 89th birthday today, Subhash K Jha revisits some of her lesser-known classics. Happy birthday, Ashaji and thank you for the melodies.
Former Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan, G Parthasarthy
16:03 Why US F-16s for Pakistan is a big worry for India
Former Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan, G Parthasarthy, holds forth on the US approving USD 450 million F-16 fleet sustainment programme to Pakistan to allegedly meet counterterrorism threats.
"The supply of $450 million equipment for F-16 fighters to Pakistan from US, is a matter of concern. Those aircraft have advanced radar and missile capabilities. This is very clearly designed to give Pakistan an edge on fighting capabilities.
"Such capabilities have been used lethally in the past against us. It's a very clear signal to India that they're (US) planning to give Pakistan, the capabilities to match us.
"We should take it up with concern & signal should be sent to the United States not just political but in terms of action or issues of their concern because this is something we just can't ignore," the former envoy said.
The Biden administration has approved a USD 450 million F-16 fighter jet fleet sustainment programme to Pakistan to help it meet current and future counterterrorism threats, in Washington's first major security assistance to Islamabad in four years.
In 2018, Biden's predecessor Donald Trump had suspended about USD 2 billion in security aid to Islamabad for failing to clamp down on the Afghan Taliban and the Haqqani Network terror groups and dismantle their safe havens in the country.
In a notification to the US Congress on Wednesday, the State Department said it has approved a possible foreign military sale of F-16 case for sustainment and related equipment for an estimated cost of USD 450 million, arguing that this will sustain Islamabad's capability to meet current and future counterterrorism threats by maintaining its F-16 fleet.
The Defence Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying the Congress of this possible sale on Wednesday.
15:56 Drape the white and gold on Onam
No Onam celebration is complete without the lovely pookalam, the delicious Onasadhya and the traditional white and gold kasavu sari.
The humble cotton sari is a must and you can elevate it is with simple yet artistic pieces of gold jewellery. Take a cue here.
15:53 Finding Mumbai's oldest Ganesh pandals
Come Ganeshotsav, the crowded lanes of Mumbai wear a festive look with colourful lights, bright torans and cheerful slogans of 'Ganpati Bappa Morya.'
After two years of lull due to the pandemic, Mumbai's Ganesh pandals have put in a lot of hard work to ensure the celebrations are grander than ever this year.
Rediff.com's Satish Bodas went pandal hopping and discovers some iconic Ganeshas in Mumbai this year. Take a look
15:51 Mamata promises 'khela hobe' in 2024 polls
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday said she and her counterparts in neighbouring Bihar and Jharkhand will join hands with several other opposition parties to oust the BJP from power in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.
While addressing a party programme, Banerjee, also the Trinamool Congress supremo, claimed that the BJP would face a rout because of its arrogance and people's anger.
"I, Nitish Kumar, Hemant Soren and many others will come together in 2024. All opposition parties will join hands to defeat the BJP. All of us will be on one side and the BJP on the other. The BJP's arrogance of 300 seats will be its nemesis. There will be Khela Hobe' in 2024," she said.
'Khela Hobe' (game is on) had been the battle cry of the TMC during the high-octane Assembly polls last year, in which the party defeated the BJP to storm back to power for the third consecutive term. Banerjee claimed that the arrest of Jharkhand MLAs with hordes of cash by Bengal police recently stopped the horse trading in the neighbouring state and prevented the fall of the Hemant Soren government.
Three Congress MLAs of Jharkhand were arrested after their vehicle was intercepted at Panchla in West Bengal's Howrah district on July 30 and nearly Rs 49 lakh in cash was found in the car.
They claimed that the money was meant for buying sarees for an Adivasi festival in their state. The Congress, which is a part of the JMM-led government in Jharkhand, has claimed that the BJP was trying to topple the Hemant Soren government by offering Rs 10 crore each and ministerial berth to the MLAs.
The BJP thinks they can threaten us with CBI and ED. The more they pursue such tricks, the more they will get closer to defeat in next year's Panchayat election and 2024 Lok Sabha polls, she said.
Telangana CM K Chandrasekhar Rao
15:48 Telangana guv says KCR govt humiliated her
Telangana Governor Dr. Tamilisai Soundararajan on Thursday slammed the state government led by Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, stating that the Governor's office was humiliated under the government.
Soundararajan today, participated in the "Beginning of Fourth Year in the Service of People of Telangana" at Raj Bhavan.
The Governor took a dig at the Chief Minister KCR government and said that the "governor's office was humiliated".Recalling the 75th Independence day she said she was disheartened by the fact that the Governor was not allowed to hoist the flag.
"The state will write history how a woman Governor was discriminated. I was denied the Governor's Address and the hoisting of the flag on Republic Day. Even now wherever I go protocol isn't followed. Office should be respected," she said. -- ANI
15:41 Govt to acquire Vodafone Idea stake after share price stabilises
The government will acquire a stake in debt-ridden Vodafone Idea after the stock price of the company stabilises at Rs 10 or above, according to an official source. Vodafone Idea (VIL) board has offered a stake to the government at a par value of Rs 10 per share.
"There is a SEBI norm that the acquisition should take place at par value. DoT will clear the acquisition after VIL shares stabilise at Rs 10 or above," an official source told PTI. VIL shares are trading below Rs 10 since April 19. The stock declined by 1.02 per cent to trade at Rs 9.68 on BSE on Thursday.
The finance ministry had cleared the proposal to acquire stake in VIL in July. Debt-ridden Vodafone Idea (VIL) has decided to opt for converting about Rs 16,000 crore of interest liability payable to the government into equity which will amount to around 33 per cent stake in the company while promoters' holding will come down from 74.99 per cent to 50 per cent.
15:02 India, a spiritual companion
Former German envoy to India and a self-confessed Indophile, Walter J Lindner, misses the country. "Missing India? You bet! But such is circle of life, jobs have an end, younger colleagues waiting for their turn, no one irreplaceable. And IND always around: through music, art, travels, friends - a spiritual companion through the daily journeys, in my veins since 70ies...," he tweets.
14:56 Should be proud we are 5th largest economy: PM
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said India has become the fifth largest economy in the world and this is not an ordinary achievement.
"Every Indian is feeling proud of it. We need to maintain this enthusiasm," Modi said.
He was virtually addressing beneficiaries of various government schemes and those present at a mega medical camp organised in Olpad area of Surat city in Gujarat, where the Assembly polls are due later this year.
The PM interacted with some of the beneficiaries and appealed to farmers to switch to natural farming, saying this will result in better yield at minimum cost. He lauded the Gujarat government and referred to the BJP-led state and the Centre as "double engine government".
"Recently, India has become the fifth largest economy in the world. This achievement gave us confidence to work even harder and achieve bigger goals in this Amrit Kaal. This progress is not ordinary. Every Indian is feeling proud about it. We need to maintain this enthusiasm," the PM said.
Referring to the Centre's Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Modi said, "As many as three crore houses were built by the government across the country for the poor during the last 8 years. Of these, nearly 10 lakh houses were constructed in Gujarat alone."
Modi praised the health infrastructure in Gujarat, saying the state has a robust network of multispecialty hospitals.
"The number of medical colleges has gone up from 11 to 31 in the last two decades. An All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) is coming up (in Rajkot) and several new medical colleges are also proposed for the state," he said.
The entire event and the medical camp were organised by Gujarat Minister of State for Agriculture, Energy and Petrochemicals Mukesh Patel, who is the MLA from Olpad in Surat. On the occasion, Modi urged doctors deployed at the medical camp to talk to patients about their lifestyle and the importance of having nutritious food, which can keep people away from many illnesses.
He said nearly four crore people in the country, including 30 lakh in Gujarat, have already availed benefit of the Centre's Ayushman Bharat scheme, which provides health cover of up to Rs five lakh per family in a year. Praising the Gujarat government, Modi said 97 per cent of rural homes in the state are now getting drinking water through the ambitious 'Nal Se Jal' scheme.
"Under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme, farmers across the country have received Rs two lakh crore through direct transfer so far. Sixty lakh farmers from Gujarat and nearly 1.25 lakh farmers from Surat have availed the benefit of this scheme," he said.
He said farmers earlier used to get nothing despite tall promises made by previous governments at the Centre. "But, the interests of farmers are always a priority for our double engine government. That is the reason why farmers of the country and Gujarat give us their blessings," he said.
Yakub Memon's grave
14:09 Probe over beautification of Yakub Memon's grave
A controversy has erupted over the burial place of 1993 Mumbai blasts convict Yakub Memon in Mumbai, with the ruling BJP claiming the grave was beautified and attempts made to turn it into a shrine of sorts.
Mumbai police swung into action on Thursday, removing the LED lights put around the grave of the terror convict, who was hanged at Nagpur jail in 2015 and buried at the Bada Qabrastan in south Mumbai.
A DCP level police officer will probe how the LED lights and marble tiles came to adorn the terror convict's grave, an official said.
While some Maharashtra BJP leaders claimed the grave was converted into a tomb while Uddhav Thackeray was the chief minister, the Thackeray-led Shiv Sena said the whole issue was an attempt to divert people's attention from more important issues like inflation and unemployment.
State BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule said Thackeray should apologise to the people of Mumbai and Maharashtra for this beautification attempt of the grave of a person responsible for killing 250 people.
Another local BJP leader said NCP chief Sharad Pawar and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi should also apologise over the issue.
A police official said halogen lights were installed in the Bada Qabrastan on the occasion of Badi Raat (Shab-e-Barat) and have been removed by the Qabrastan trustees.
Shab-e-Barat is a major celebration for the Muslim community is also known as the night of fortune and forgiveness. The marble tiles around Memon's grave were put up three years ago, he said. There are 13 other graves at the place, he added. -- PTI
13:56 Building highways can create lakes: Gadkari
Union Minister for Road, Transport and Highway Nitin Gadkari on Thursday said his ministry can address the water woes faced in parts of the country.
"You all know that the Centre has come up with the 'Amrit Sarovar' scheme. The road, transport and highway ministry can do great work in addressing the water woes," he said during the 'Manthan' programme under the 'Bharatmala' series.
The 'Mission Amrit Sarovar' was launched on National Panchayati Raj Day on April 24, 2022 as a part of celebration of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav with an objective to conserve water for future.
The Mission, launched by the Ministry of Rural Development, is aimed at developing and rejuvenating 75 water bodies in each district of the country. Ministers and officials from the Centre and States are participating in the two-day event, themed on 'Ideas to Action-Towards a smart, sustainable road infra, mobility and logistics ecosystem'.
Noting that he comes from Vidarbha region where thousands of farmers had committed suicide over the years, Gadkari said one of the reasons for the agrarian crisis was water scarcity.
"There is a water crisis in many places. There is no dearth of water but water management (is an issue). We can use our highways for building lakes," the Minister said. He said building of highways require soil, which can be obtained in a manner that new water bodies can be formed. This will not only fulfill the road construction requirement but also provide new lakes in rural areas, which will eventually increase the groundwater table," Gadkari said.
He cited an example where a university got 36 lakes and nearby villages 22 wells due to a project executed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). Gadkari said such innovative measures will reduce project costs and help many others. -- PTI
13:00 Yatra is sanjivani for Congress: Jairam Ramesh
Terming the Bharat Jodo Yatra a life saver, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Thursday said the cross-country grassroots campaign will see the party emerge in a new aggressive avatar that cannot be taken for granted by either friends or political adversaries.
As former Congress president Rahul Gandhi and scores of party workers began a 3,570 km campaign from Kanyakumari to Kashmir, the party's general secretary in-charge communications slammed the BJP for its criticism of the yatra.
"The more the BJP talks about it, the more evident it is that the party is rattled," Ramesh told PTI after the morning session of the yatra. "I am 100 per cent sure this Bharat Jodo Yatra is the 'sanjivani' for the Congress, it is a life saver, it is going to revive the Congress, it is going to refresh the Congress, it will renew the Congress, it will be a Congress in a new avatar," Ramesh said.
Sanjivani' is a reference to a mythological life-saving herb figuring in the Hindu epic Ramayana The Congress has had many avatars in 137 years, and there will be a new avatar now, according to Ramesh.
"It will be a more aggressive Congress, it will be a more active Congress, it will be an 'on-the-street' Congress and... a Congress that cannot be taken for granted anymore, either by friends or by its political adversaries."
"We have been taken for granted even by our friends and allies, not just by our political opponents and adversaries," Ramesh added.
The Congress is a pre-eminent political force in the country, the oldest political party, he asserted. "We may not be in power but we certainly have a presence in every mohalla, village, town, it is very clear and very apparent," Ramesh said.
Of the over 3,500 km, the party covered 13 km in the morning session. The leaders took about three hours to reach Suchindram, Kanyakumari.
"This is not bad, we had anticipated to cover 13-15 km. We started a little late todaythere were CWC members, senior Congress leaders. From tomorrow we will end up doing around 15 km in the morning. The idea is to complete 8 km in the evening," he said.
Asked about the BJP's criticism, Ramesh said, "This is the Bharat Jodo Yatra. I am not bothered by what the BJP says. I am focused exclusively on the Congress' Bharat Jodo Yatra. The more the BJP talks about the Bharat Jodo Yatra, the more it is evident that it is rattled." The Congress' organisation, he said, will be strengthened. -- PTI
12:55 Central Vista opening: Delhi traffic diverted
Ahead of the inauguration of the Central Vista on Thursday, the security arrangements have been beefed up in view of the heavy traffic and crowd at the inauguration event. The routes have been diverted and special arrangements have been made for managing the traffic.
Alap Patel, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Traffic while talking to ANI talked about the route diversion and traffic arrangement in the capital.
"Out of the six, four parking, lots will be open at Kartavya path and the other two at a nearby location. Also, due to a large number of pedestrians in the place, buses will be diverted at the route from 6 pm to 9 pm," the DCP said.
"Two areas have been allocated for parking spaces having the capacity of around 500 and 300 cars respectively. But, as huge crowds are expected to turn at the event, we would suggest people not bring their private vehicles and use DMRC buses and other public transport," he added.
The DCP also suggested people not to come with private vehicles and use public transport during the event. "Two areas have been allocated for parking spaces having the capacity of around 500 and 300 cars respectively. But, as huge crowds are expected to turn at the event, we would suggest people to not bring their private vehicles and use DMRC buses and other public transport."
The DCP also named the roads and junctions which will be diverted or will be facing huge traffic regarding the event. -- ANI
12:44 Love in the times of anarchy
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Among these 10 authors is rediff.com IT Manager Santosh Mehta, whose story, Safarnama, weaves through one-sided love, friendship, sacrifice and separation to create a heart-tugging tale.
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Kashmiri Pandits want to be relocated outside the Valley
12:17 Very few KPs returning to Valley: Karan Singh
Constant sense of fear and apprehension among Kashmiri Pandits is why very few of them are willing to return to their homeland in the Valley, veteran politician Karan Singh has said.
Singh, who was speaking at the release of a book, "When the Heart Speaks", memoirs of well-known cardiologist Dr Upendra Kaul, said most of the Kashmiri Pandits who could afford to go out have gone and "settled for good" -- be it abroad or different parts of the country.
However, Kashmir will always remain "incomplete" without Kashmiri Pandits, Singh said. "Kashmir is beautiful and beguiling and the tragedy that has taken over the Valley since 1947 is heartbreaking," Singh, whose father Maharaja Hari Singh was the last Dogra ruler of Kashmir, said.
He commended Dr Kaul and other Kashmiri Pandits like him who have returned and built their homes in the Valley but added that "such examples are very rare".
"Very few Kashmiri Pandits are doing that because there is always a sense of fear and a sense of apprehension and that will take a long time to go because the trauma through which they (Kashmiri Pandits) have been I think they are not just prepared to face that again," he said.
"As it is, everybody who could get away has gone. Like the people who could settle in other parts of India have settled there. The people who could settle abroad have settled abroad...Now, I think special care needs to be taken of the migrants who are living peacefully in Jammu since they came, and also of Kashmir Pandits who want to go back," he added.
Kashmir has witnessed a string of fatal attacks on members of the minority community this year, in which Rahul Bhat, a government employee recruited under the prime minister's special package for Kashmir Pandits and teacher Rajini Bala, were killed. Singh described the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits in the 1990s as one of the most "terrible and tragic" incidents that took place in Jammu and Kashmir.
He also heaped praises on the community, saying much of what he has learnt in life is through the education given to him by Kashmiri Pandits.
-- PTI
Basant Soren
11:45 Went to Delhi to buy undies: Jharkhand CM's brother
Basant Soren, the brother of Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren has given an awkward statement over his absence from the state during the recent political crisis.
On being asked about his visit to Delhi at a time of political crisis in Jharkhand, the JMM MLA said, "I had run out of undergarments, so I went to Delhi to purchase them. I get them from there. The political crisis is a normal thing and it keeps happening."
The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) leader and the MLA from Dumka also visited the families of the two victims from Dumka.
He also met the families of the two minor victims from Dumka. Firstly, he met the deceased's family, who was set ablaze by an accused named Shahrukh after being poured petrol on her. Both Shahrukh and his accomplice have been arrested by the police.
Soren gave condolence to the family and assured the deceased's sister of a job and asked for her resume.
He also met the family of the rape victim from Dumka, where a 14-year-old tribal girl was raped, killed and hanged from a tree. The accused named Arman Ansari has been arrested and the case has been registered against him under POCSO.
He gave a cheque of nine lakhs to the deceased's family and also ensured the admission of the deceased's sister.
He said that the government will soon hold a meeting on the rise of such incidents in the Dumka district. -- ANI
11:33 Sharmistha Mukherjee meets Sheikh Hasina
Sharmistha Mukherjee tweets: "Called on Hon'ble Prime Minister of Bangladesh Her Excellency Sheikh Hasina. Long association between the two families. She wud always say that my father was like a guardian 2 her family. Now in his absence, she is being the same for me May God grant her a long & healthy life."
Sharmistha Mukherjee is a Congress leader and the daughter of the former President of India Pranab Mukherjee.
She wore a Dhakai Jamadani sari in honour of the occasion.
Sheikh Hasina began her four-day visit to India on September 6 as Bangladesh is an important partner under India's "Neighbourhood First" policy.
11:18 Ukraine war impact not limited to Europe: India
India highlighted that the impact of the Ukraine conflict is not just limited to Europe, adding that it has exacerbated concerns over food, fertilizer and fuel security, especially in the developing countries.
Assuring the Security Council, India's Permanent Representative at United Nations Ruchira Kamboj said that New Delhi will continue to work with the International Community to mitigate economic hardships resulting from the Ukraine conflict.
"India will continue to work with the international community and partner countries to mitigate the economic hardships that are resulting from this conflict. The impact of the Ukraine conflict is not just limited to Europe," she said at UNSC briefing Ukraine Forced displacement of Ukrainian civilians/Russian filtration camps on Wednesday.
"The conflict is exacerbating concerns over food, fertilizer and fuel security, particularly in the developing countries. It is necessary for all of us to appreciate the importance of equity, affordability and accessibility adequately," she added.
Ruchira Kamboj highlighted that in the last three months, India has exported more than 1.8 million tons of wheat to countries in need, including Afghanistan, Myanmar, Sudan and Yemen.
"We continue to emphasize to all member states that the global order be anchored on international law, the UN Charter and respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of states," she said. -- ANI
Lance Naik Gopal Singh Bhadoriya
10:42 A Father's Long Wait For His Son's Shaurya Chakra
A box arrived at Munim Singh Bhadoriya's home in Ahmedabad three days ago by Indian Post from an army unit in Jabalpur.
Mr Bhadoriya knew that the box contained the Shaurya Chakra, the third highest medal for gallantry awarded to his son Lance Naik Gopal Singh Bhadoriya killed in action while fighting terrorists in Kulgam, Jammu and Kashmir, five years ago.
Mr Bhadoriya did not sign for the parcel and requested the postman to take it back.
"The medal is the heart of my son who sacrificed his life in the service of the country; he has earned the medal by his blood. It is sacred and should be given the honour it deserves," says Mr Bhadoriya in a phone conversation with Rediff.com's Archana Masih from Ahmedabad where he lives. Read the interview here.
Amit Shah at Lalbaugcha Raja
10:39 Amit Shah's security breached in Mumbai
Mumbai Police have arrested a man for allegedly impersonating the Personal Assistant (PA) of an MP from Andhra Pradesh and thus breaching the security of Home Minister Amit Shah during his visit to Mumbai.
The accused, Hemant Pawar of Dhule in Maharashtra, has been sent to five-day police custody by the court on Tuesday after being arrested by the Malabar Hill Police Station on Monday.
According to the police, the accused was also seen outside the residences of Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and his deputy Devendra Fadnavis by impersonating himself as a member of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) as he also carried its ribbon tag.
He was seen at both the places where the Union Home Minister Amit Shah's events were held. The security breach for Home Minister in Maharashtra was witnessed during his first visit as the police verified later that the accused name was not mentioned in Shah's list of security.
Shah visited Mumbai on Monday for the first time after Eknath Shinde became Maharashtra Chief Minister on July 30 following a split in the Maha Vikas Aghadi. -- ANI
Gangs on the streets of Leicester
10:29 Pak gangs target Hindus in UK after cricket match
In a horrifying incident, Pakistani organized gangs were seen vandalising and terrorising Hindus in the UK's Leicester City.
The violence took place on August 28 after India won the match against Pakistan in Asia Cup 2022.
Various videos and reports have been circulating on social media about further attacks following last weekend's incident.
"Gangs running riot and escalating attacks on Hindus. Innocent Hindus have been terrorized in their own properties, there have been attempts to stab and there has been rampant vandalism of Hindu properties," Rashami Samant, a human rights activist tweeted.
"Trouble in Leicester, UK. Paki Muslims targeting hindu households, desecrating religious symbols, using racist slurs (mushirks)," tweeted another user.
"Hindu Indians were attacked by Muslims in Leicester UK. After Aug 28 #INDvsPAK match..," said another Twitter user. Meanwhile, an emergency meeting took place on Tuesday to discuss ongoing tension involving representatives from the communities involved, the police and Leicester City Council.
10:10 If we could make it... Obama@White House
Former US President Barack Obama at the unveiling of their official portraits at the White House: "When future generations see these portraits by Robert McCurdy and Sharon Sprung in the White House, I hope they get a better, honest sense of who Michelle and I were. And I hope they leave with a deeper understanding that if we could make it, they can do remarkable things, too."
Addressing guests at the East room of the White House during the official portrait unveiling ceremony of her and her husband, former US President Barack Obama, Michelle said that once our time is up we should move on.
"We hold an inauguration to ensure a peaceful transition of power. Those of us lucky enough to serve work, as Barack said, as hard as we can for as long as we can as long as the people choose to keep us here," Michelle Obama said.
"And once our time is up, we move on, and all that remains in this hallowed place are our good efforts and these portraits, portraits that connect our history to the present day, portraits that hang here as history continues to be made," she said. Her indications were about former president Trump , who had snubbed every tradition of a peaceful transition of power after he lost the 2020 Presidential election to Joe Biden.
10:02 Forecast of more rain worries Bengaluru
Forecast of more rains and overcast skies since early Thursday morning with slight drizzle has caused worry among citizens of rain-battered Bengaluru, who were preparing to get back to routine, after some respite the previous day and water level in flooded areas receding slowly.
Residents of localities and apartments that were inundated are making attempts to drain out water and remove sludge from their houses and basements.
Some badly affected areas continued to remain in darkness without power supply and non-availability of drinking water, even as officials maintained that efforts were on to restore supply by repairing the damages.
While waterlogging on roads in most parts of the city are by and large clear, making way for easy movement of vehicles, some stretches along the Outer Ring Road and Marathahalli and nearby areas are said to be still facing some issues with vehicular movement with water still on roads.
Also, potholes continue to haunt city's motorists, especially two-wheeler riders. Some residents of flood-hit localities and apartments, who had moved out to safer locations like either relatives or friends' places or hotels are getting back to their homes to assess the damage, and to carry out cleaning work. -- PTI
09:56 Active Covid cases in India decline to 50,342
India saw a single day rise of 6,395 new coronavirus infections, taking the tally of COVID-19 cases to 4,44,78,636, while the active cases declined to 50,342, according to the Union health ministry data updated on Thursday.
The death toll has climbed to 5,28,090 with 33 fatalities, including 14 deaths reconciled by Kerala, the data updated at 8 am showed.
The active cases comprise 0.11 per cent of the total infections, while the national Covid-19 recovery rate has increased to 98.70 per cent, the health ministry said. A decline of 252 cases has been recorded in the active Covid-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours.
The daily positivity rate was recorded at 1.96 per cent and the weekly positivity rate was recorded at 1.88 per cent, according to the health ministry. The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 4,39,00,204, while the case fatality rate was recorded at 1.19 per cent.
09:33 Cong focussed like Arjun at swayamvar: Ramesh on BJY
Jairam Ramesh, Congress, on BJP's criticism of the party's Bharat Jodo Yatra: "I don't want to waste my time countering the arguments from the other side. There will always be professional critics, arm-chair critics, people who will raise questions in India for everything you do.
"We are focussed like Arjun was focussed on the fish when he went for Draupadi's swayamvar. We have only one single vision right now -- to ensure the successful completion of Bharat Jodo Yatra.
"It's a Bharat Jodo Yatra to combat divisive politics of BJP, to awaken the country to dangers faced by India because of economic inequalities, because of social polarisation and because of political centralisation.
"This is also a Yatra that will strengthen the party organisation, mobilise party workers and the entire party is ensuring that the Bharat Jodo Yatra is a resounding and outstanding success."
09:23 US pauses F-35 jets after China-made engine part
The US Pentagon has stopped accepting new F-35 jets after it discovered a magnet used in the stealthy fighter's engine was made with unauthorized material from China.
The aircraft's maker, Lockheed Martin, found a part used in the jet's engine was made in China, the Defence Department and company confirmed on Wednesday (local time).
The Defence Contract Management Agency on August 19 notified the F-35 Joint Program Office that an alloy used in magnets in the F-35's turbomachine pumps was produced in China, office spokesperson Russell Goemaere said in a statement to The Hill.
The program office "temporarily paused the acceptance of new F-35 aircraft to ensure the F-35 program's compliance" with defence regulations "pertaining to specialty metals," Goemaere said.
Though Lockheed makes the aircraft, Honeywell produces the turbomachine.
In late August, Honeywell was notified by one of their third-tier suppliers for the turbomachine that they were using alloy sourced from China which was then magnetized in the United States, according to a statement from Lockheed, reported The Hill.
"Out of abundance of caution, there is a temporary pause on deliveries," the statement said, noting that the magnet does not provide any visibility or access to sensitive program information and there are no safety issues for F-35s currently in use.
The F-35 Joint Program Office also confirmed the part does not affect flight operations of the fifth-generation fighter jets already in service, reported The Hill. -- ANI
09:09 Muslim man installs Ganpati
The idea of India that people aspire towards. A Muslim man installed a Ganesh idol in Hyderabad depicting harmony and brotherhood. "I've been installing Ganesh idols for 18 years and I believe everyone should live together. Even my Hindu friends come to our Masjid," says Mohammed Siddiqui, the man who installed the idol.
Suspect Ezekiel Kelly. Pic: Facebook
08:47 Suspect wanted for multiple shootings in US held
A 19-year-old suspect believed to be responsible for "multiple shootings" in the Memphis, Tennessee, area was captured Wednesday night following an extensive manhunt, authorities said.
CBS News reports that Ezekiel Kelly was taken into custody a little before 9:30 p.m. local time, according to Memphis police. The exact circumstances of the shootings were not confirmed.
There was no immediate word on whether they resulted in any injuries or fatalities. It's unclear how Kelly was apprehended. Police said they had received reports that Kelly was "recording his actions on Facebook."
During the search, police released a photo of Kelly along with information on the vehicle he was believed to be driving.
08:40 Good to be back home in the White House: Michelle Obama
Former US First Lady Michelle Obama tweets: "Today, Barack and I went back to the White House to unveil our official portraits. It was so exciting to share Sharon Sprung and Robert McCurdy's incredible artistry with the world -- and to be back in the place we called home for eight years."
08:38 Rahul, Cong leaders begin day 2 of yatra
Congress begins its second day of the 'Bharat Jodo Yatra', led by party MP Rahul Gandhi, along with party MPs KC Venugopal & P Chidambaram, Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel & others, in Agasteeswaram, Kanniyakumari.
08:31 PM to unveil Kartavya Path, Netaji statue today
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will on Thursday inaugurate the newly-christened Kartavya Path -- a stretch from Rashtrapati Bhavan to India Gate that will have red granite walkways with greenery all around, refurbished canals, state-wise food stalls, new amenity blocks and vending kiosks.
According to the government, it symbolises a shift from erstwhile Rajpath being an icon of power to Kartavya Path being an example of public ownership and empowerment.
Modi will also unveil a statue of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose at India Gate.
These steps are in line with the prime minister's second 'Panch Pran' for New India in Amrit Kaal: 'remove any trace of colonial mindset', it said.
The CPWD has set up five vending zones where 40 vendors each will be allowed and two blocks near the India Gate with eight shops each.
Some states have shown their interest to set up their food stalls.
The entire stretch has been revamped under the Modi government's ambitious Central Vista redevelopment project.
In a statement, the prime minister's office said over the years, Rajpath and adjoining areas of the Central Vista Avenue had been witnessing pressure of increasing traffic of visitors, putting stress on its infrastructure.
It lacked basic amenities like public toilets, drinking water, street furniture and adequate parking space. Further, there was inadequate signage, poor maintenance of water features and haphazard parking.
Also, a need was felt to organise the Republic Day parade and other national events in a less disruptive manner with minimal restrictions on public movement.
'The redevelopment has been done bearing these concerns in mind while also ensuring the integrity and continuity of architectural character,' the statement said.
'Kartavya Path' will exhibit beautified landscapes, lawns with walkways, added green spaces, refurbished canals, new amenity blocks, improved signages and vending kiosks.
Further, new pedestrian underpasses, improved parking spaces, new exhibition panels and upgraded night lighting are some other features that will enhance the public experience.
An official in the Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry said there would be heavy deployment of police personnel and security guards to ensure that there is no theft and damage to newly-installed facilities.
Around 80 security guards will keep an eye on the stretch.
The official said that 19 acres of total canal area have been revamped.
They have been fitted with infrastructure such as aerators.
There are 16 bridges on the entire stretch. Boating will be allowed in two canals -- one near Krishi Bhawan and another around Vanijya Bhawan.
The official said maintaining cleanliness will be a challenge as people in a large number will throng the Rajpath, which is considered as the most popular public space in the city.
"We appealed to people to maintain cleanliness. Large teams of sanitation workers will be deployed," the official said.
Along the Rajpath, the area spreading 3.90 lakh square metre has been developed with greenery all around.
Also, the new red granite walkways spreading 15.5 km have been created, replacing bajri sand that lined the ground earlier.
Another official said that parking space for 1,125 vehicles have been created in the entire stretch.
A parking space for 35 buses has been created near the India Gate.
Seventy-four historic light poles and all chain links have been restored.
Over 900 new light poles have been installed. Concrete bollards have been replaced with over 1,000 white sandstone bollards to maintain the precinct's character.
According to the ministry, over 400 benches, 150 dustbins and more than 650 new signages have been installed on the entire stretch. One hundred and one acres of lawns have been replanted with different species of grass, appropriate to their location.
Proper slopes and drain channels have been integrated to minimise damage caused by the stagnation of water.
Four new pedestrian underpasses have been built at busy junctions to segregate vehicular traffic from pedestrian movement, making the street safe to cross.
The ministry said the tall amenity blocks and underpasses have ramps with railings at suitable heights for safe use by children and the specially abled.
It said that arrangements for the Republic Day Parade have been standardised and integrated.
'Modular bleachers have been proposed for the Republic Day seating arrangements, saving time and effort in setting-up and dismantling, and reducing damage to the lawns,' it also said.
The light poles are fitted with necessary technology and services for the annual Republic Day Parade, connected to the newly laid underground service lines, it added.
The redevelopment project of the Central Vista -- the nation's power corridor -- envisages a new triangular Parliament building, a common central secretariat, revamping the three-km Rajpath, a new prime minister's residence and office, and a new vice-president's enclave. -- PTI
IMAGE: An illuminated India Gate at the Kartavya Path, a day ahead of the inauguration of the redeveloped Central Vista Avenue, in New Delhi on Wednesday. Photograph: Shrikant Singh/ANI Photo
01:04 President Murmu's visit to Rajastan postponed
President Droupadi Murmu's visit to Abu Road in Rajasthan's Sirohi district has been postponed.
She was scheduled to inaugurate a global summit organised by spiritual organisation Prajapita Brahma Kumaris Ishwariya Vishwa Vidyalaya at its international headquarters at Abu Road on Sunday (September 11).
After the programme, the president was scheduled to go to Mount Abu on the same day and her departure was scheduled on Monday.
"We have been informed that the visit of the President has been postponed. The global summit will be held as per its schedule and the revised dates of the President's visit to the headquarters of the organisation are likely to be released soon," a spokesperson of the organisation said.
The summit will be held from September 10 to 14 with the theme of "India -- The Harbinger of World Peace'.
Rajasthan governor Kalraj Mishra, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, former Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi, Union minister of state for home affairs G Kishan Reddy, Union minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, BJP national spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi, and ministers of many states are among the guests who have been invited to the summit.
It may be noted that Murmu has an old association with the organisation. -- PTI
Representational image
00:31 NEET results out, 10L candidates clear exam
The National Testing Agency on Wednesday declared the results of NEET with Rajasthan's Tanishka bagging the top rank among more than 9.93 lakh candidates who cleared the medical entrance exam.
Delhi's Vatsa Ashish Batra and Hrishikesh Nagbhushan Gangule from Karnataka bagged the second and third position respectively.
Over 17.64 lakh candidates had appeared for the exam.
The maximum number of candidates who have qualified the exam are from Uttar Pradesh (1.17 lakh), followed by Maharashtra (1.13 lakh) and Rajasthan (82,548).
About 95 per cent attendance was recorded in the entrance examination on July 17 at 3,570 different centres in 497 cities across the country and 14 cities outside India.
The examination was conducted in 13 languages -- Assamese, Bengali, English, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu. For the first time, the examination was conducted in Abu Dhabi, Bangkok, Colombo, Doha, Kathmandu, Kuala Lumpur, Lagos, Manama, Muscat, Riyadh, Sharjah, Singapore along with Dubai and Kuwait City. -- PTI
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