LIVE
Wed, 11 October 2023
IRS official Sameer Wankhede gets 'death threat'
Timeline Refresh
23:56 Minor rape-murder: Man booked for producing forged documents to claim son was juvenile
The Noida police has lodged an FIR on charges of forgery against a man in connection with the rape and murder of a girl by his son seven years ago, officials said on Wednesday.
It has also booked the principal of a private school in Kanpur Dehat for helping him with the forged mark sheets for his son, they said.
The father is accused of producing fabricated school mark sheets in the court to claim that his son, accused of rape, was a juvenile at the time of the crime, they said.
They are accused of misleading the court by showing the son's age as 17 at the time of the crime while he was actually 19, as claimed by the mother of the victim, an order issued by Juvenile Justice Board principal magistrate Divykant Singh Rathore read.
The case pertains to the rape and murder of a 17-year-old girl at her rented accommodation in Greater Noida in 2016 by her cousin, who lived in Mandavali area of Delhi.
An FIR in the matter was registered on October 9 at the local Phase 2 police station after an order from the Juvenile Justice Board member Arun Kumar Gupta.
"The man has connived with the principal of a school in Kanpur Dehat district and produced forged and fabricated educational documents for his son which were produced in the court to declare that his son was juvenile at the time of the incident," the JJB member noted in his October 4 order meant for the local police. -- PTI
23:44 IRS official Sameer Wankhede gets `death threat'
The Mumbai police launched a probe after Indian Revenue Service officer Sameer Wankhede allegedly received a death threat from `religious fanatic' from Bangladesh, an official said here on Wednesday.
Wankhede, currently posted in Chennai, received the threat over phone on Monday afternoon, he said.
He then sent an email to Mumbai police commissioner and also the Goregaon police station here, in whose limits he has his permanent residence, informing them about the threat.
A case was registered at Goregaon police station and probe was on, the official said.
Wankhede was in news two years ago when he was heading the Narcotics Control Bureau's Mumbai zone and handled some high-profile cases including an alleged drug seizure case involving Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan's son Aryan. -- PTI
Pic: PTI Photo/Rediff archives
23:42 Clock ticking for Chouhan in MP?
For the BJP, politics has come full circle in MP, as the top two leaders, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, have almost decided that if the BJP returns in MP, Shivraj Singh Chouhan won't be the CM, writes Swati Chaturvedi in Gulf News.
Modi, in his public meetings in MP, has almost publicly snubbed Chouhan, leaving no room for doubt. The fielding of central ministers in MP is also a signal to Chouhan that his time is up, she writes, here.
File image
23:36 IAF chopper makes emergency landing twice in Assam
An Indian Air Force helicopter on Wednesday made an emergency landing in Assam's Dhubri district and then again in Barpeta after sometime, officials said.
According to a defence official, the chopper carrying a few personnel had gone to Dhubri for "some work".
"As per our preliminary report, it made a precautionary landing in Dhubri," he said, declining to share further details.
An IAF official from Eastern Air Command headquarters in Shillong also declined to comment, stating that she did not have information on the development.
According to state government officials, the chopper had around a dozen occupants and some of them disembarked when it made an emergency landing at a field near Chapar in Dhubri.
"A little later, it left Dhubri," he added. However, the same helicopter again made an emergency landing at Sidhuni village near Barpeta town in Barpeta district around 4pm, a local official said.
"After some time, another chopper came with engineers. After dropping them for repairs, the second helicopter left. The engineers have been working since then and it will fly tomorrow morning if the problem is rectified," he added.
There were two pilots when the chopper landed in Barpeta and both of them are fine, the official said.
Meanwhile, hundreds of villagers have surrounded the chopper out of curiosity and police have reached the spot to control the situation, he added. -- PTI
President Droupadi Murmu
23:24 Jammu IGP reviews security at Vaishno Devi shrine ahead of Prez Murmu's visit
A top police officer of the Jammu division on Wednesday reviewed security arrangements at the Vaishno Devi shrine stop Trikuta hills in Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir, an official said.
The review of the security arrangements by inspector general of police, Jammu Zone, Anand Jain comes a day ahead of President Droupadi Murmu's scheduled visit to the revered shrine.
Murmu, who reached Srinagar on Wednesday morning, is visiting the shrine on the last leg of her two-day tour to inaugurate a remodelled Parvati Bhavan and skywalk on Thursday.
The work on the much-needed skywalk, which would help separate the incoming and outgoing pilgrims near the Bhawan area, started in August last year.
The facility, 20 feet above the track level, will help overcome the problem of multidirectional flow of yatra and a chaotic condition between Manokamna Bhawan and Gate No-3, the scene of stampede on New Year's Day in 2022 in which 12 people lost their lives and 16 were injured.
A police spokesperson said the IGP Jammu conducted a series of important meetings and visited the police stations at Bhawan and Katra to assess the preparedness for the VVIP visit and forthcoming Navratra celebrations.
During these meetings, Jain emphasized the importance of remaining extra vigilant for the anticipated visit and urged all the officers and jawans to prioritize security measures accordingly, also keeping in view the upcoming Navratra festival, the spokesperson said . -- PTI
23:01 3 train coaches derail in Bihar
Just In: Three coaches of the North East Superfast train derailed at Raghunathpur railway station in Buxar district, Bihar, on Wednesday night, a railway official said.
More details are awaited/
22:52 Woman among 3 booked as railway employee dies by suicide over 'sextortion' in Mumbai
The Government Railway Police registered an offence against three persons, including a woman, after a Central Railway employee in Mumbai committed suicide on falling victim to an online "sextortion" plot, the police said on Wednesday.
The trio was booked on charges of extortion and abetment of suicide under the IPC and also relevant sections of the IT Act, two days after the 36-year-old railway staffer ended his life by jumping in front of a running train at Matunga in Central Mumbai, , an official said.
The woman and her co-accused had extorted Rs 2 lakh from the victim after threatening to upload his obscene videos on social media websites if he did not pay up, said the official.
The victim, who was working at Matunga Railway Workshop, was found dead on rail tracks on Monday, he said.
During investigation, the police recovered a suicide note from his trousers in which he mentioned about harassment by a woman and two men, said the official, adding the trio extorted money from the victim by blackmailing him.
One of the accused had posed as a 'Cyber Crime Branch' officer based in New Delhi and made phone calls to the Railway employee, he said.
According to the suicide note, the victim came into contact with one Komal Sharma on Facebook. She chatted with him during a video call and later told him she has recorded his obscene videos.
The woman demanded money from him and threatened to upload the clips on social media sites if he did not pay up, said the official. -- PTI
22:39 Op Ajay to facilitate Indians' return from Israel: Jaishankar
India is launching 'Operation Ajay' to facilitate the return from Israel of those Indians who wish to come back home, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar announced on Wednesday.
The announcement comes as the military conflict between Hamas militants and Israel continued for the fifth day.
"Launching #OperationAjay to facilitate the return from Israel of our citizens who wish to return," Jaishankar posted on X.
"Special charter flights and other arrangements being put in place. Fully committed to the safety and well-being of our nationals abroad," he said.
22:12 UK foreign secretary runs for cover in Israel amid rocket fire
UK's Foreign Secretary James Cleverly on Wednesday was forced to run for cover amid rocket fire during a visit to southern Israel, Sky News reported.
Sky News is a British free-to-air television news channel and organisation.
A video showed James Cleverly and a group running into a building as air sirens blared in Ofakim.
Cleverly was seen running towards the entrance at the start of the clip.
The Israeli foreign ministry said the siren was warning citizens of incoming Hamas rocket fire.
The UK foreign secretary arrived in Israel this morning as part of a trip to "demonstrate the UK's unwavering solidarity" with the country, a foreign office spokesman said earlier today.
Cleverly on Wednesday said the UK stands with Israel. "I'm here in Israel today to show that the UK's support for the Israeli people is unwavering," he wrote on 'X'.
Representational image
21:36 India, China hold 20th round of military talks
India and China exchanged views in an open and constructive manner for an early and mutually acceptable resolution of the remaining issues along the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh, the ministry of external affairs said on Wednesday, a day after the two sides concluded two days of military talks.
It said the two sides agreed to maintain the momentum of dialogue and negotiations through the relevant military and diplomatic mechanisms.
There was no clear indication of any breakthrough in the talks.
The previous round of military talks took place on August 13 and 14.
The latest round of the Corps Commander level talks was held at Chushul-Moldo border meeting point on the Indian side of the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
"The two sides exchanged views in a frank, open and constructive manner for an early and mutually acceptable resolution of the remaining issues along the LAC in the Western Sector, in accordance with the guidance provided by the national leadership of the two countries, and building on the progress made in the last round of Corps Commanders' meeting held on August 13-14," the MEA said.
"They agreed to maintain the momentum of dialogue and negotiations through the relevant military and diplomatic mechanisms," it said in a statement.
"They also committed to maintain peace and tranquillity on the ground in the border areas in the interim," the MEA added.
The Indian and Chinese troops are locked in an over three-year confrontation in certain friction points in eastern Ladakh even as the two sides completed disengagement from several areas following extensive diplomatic and military talks.
Abhishek Banerjee and his wife Rujira
21:27 Jobs scam: ED grills Abhishek Banerjeess wife for 7 hrs, raids different places
The Enforcement Directorate Wednesday interrogated Trinamool Congress general secretary Abhishek Banerjee's wife Rujira for over seven hours in connection with its ongoing probe into the alleged irregularities in the cash-for-jobs scam, an officer said.
The grilling began at around 11 am at the ED's office at the Central Government Office Complex in Salt Lake area and is on after 6 pm.
Rujira entered the ED's office a little before 11 am as a large posse of team of policemen stood on guard outside it since morning.
"We are questioning her on the basis of our findings in the jobs scam. We are asking her about the specific roles of the directors of two companies involved in the alleged scam. She held an important position in both the companies at one point of time. She is being interrogated about that too," the ED official said.
The probe body conducted search operations in several rice mills, besides a few shops in at least four places in West Bengal's Nadia district in connection with its ongoing investigation into the alleged irregularity, the official said.
Personnel of central forces are guarding the rice mills at Shantipur, Dhubulia, Ranaghat and Krishnanagar where the search operations are underway.
"A good amount of money amassed from the jobs scam was invested in the rice mills. We have documents to prove that. Today's raids are being held in this connection," the ED official said. -- PTI
S Jaishankar and Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly/X
21:12 Canadian FM, Jaishankar met in secret last month: Report
Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly held a "secret meeting" with her Indian counterpart S Jaishankar in Washington last month, a media report has said, amid a diplomatic row between the two countries over the killing of a Sikh separatist leader in June.
The report by the Financial Times on Tuesday came even as Canada is yet to comply with India's communication to Ottawa to withdraw over three dozen of its 62 diplomats in the country.
The ministry of external affairs declined to comment when asked about the reported meeting.
There was no response from the Canadian side as well.
Jaishankar was in Washington DC from September 27 to 30 after concluding a five-day trip to New York.
India asked Canada to withdraw the diplomats amid the escalating diplomatic row that erupted following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's allegation linking Indian agents to the killing of Khalistani separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June.
India strongly rejected the charges. Nijjar was shot dead by two masked gunmen. India had designated Nijjar as a terrorist in 2020. -- PTI
Pic: Rushdie on Twitter
21:08 Rushdies next is a memoir about the knife attack
From internationally renowned writer and Booker Prize winner Salman Rushdie, comes that searing, deeply personal account of enduring -- and surviving -- an attempt on his life 30 years after the fatwa that was ordered against him, announces Penguin Random House.
Knife. Meditations After An Attempted Murder.
'Speaking out for the first time, and in unforgettable detail, about the traumatic events of August 12, 2022, Salman Rushdie answers violence with art, and reminds us of the power of words to make sense of the unthinkable.
'Knife is a gripping, intimate, and ultimately life-affirming meditation on life, loss, love, art -- and finding the strength to stand up again,' the publisher says, and we can't wait to get our hands on it.
Knife goes on sale on April 16, 2024.
20:54 Sikh who aided Khalistanis in India allowed into Canada: Report
An immigration tribunal in Canada has ruled that a Sikh man who "housed and fed Khalistani militants in India" over a decade should be allowed into the country because he did so mostly out of necessity and fear of retribution, a media report said on Wednesday.
According to the National Post newspaper, Immigration and Refugee Board tribunal member Heidi Worsfold in a recent ruling said the government did not have reasonable grounds to declare Indian citizen Kamaljit Ram inadmissible to enter Canada based on the belief he had provided a safe house and logistical support to Khalistani militants.
The immigration tribunal ruled that the Sikh man who housed and fed armed Khalistani terrorists in India over a decade should be allowed into Canada because he did so mostly out of necessity and fear of retribution, the paper said.
The original decision to bar Ram from Canada by the federal government came after he told Canada Border Services Agency officers during an interview that he sheltered and fed armed Sikh militants at his farm in India on-and-off between 1982 and 1992. -- PTI
20:39 Monu Manesar sent to 14-day judicial custody in attempt to murder case
A Pataudi court Wednesday sent alleged cow vigilante and Bajrang Dal activist Monu Manesar to 14-day judicial custody in an attempt to murder case.
He was produced in the court after the completion of his four-day police remand on Wednesday.
The court of chief judicial magistrate Tarannum Khan sent Mohit Yadav alias Monu Manesar in judicial custody in Bhondsi jail.
"Monu Manesar was produced in the court today and sent to judicial custody while further probe is underway," Pataudi assistant commissioner of police Harinder Singh said.
Earlier on October 7, the Gurugram Police was granted his four-day production warrant.
He was taken to Kanpur to recover the weapon used in the attempted murder case which was registered at Pataudi police station against him on February 7 this year.
In an application submitted before the court, the police said that during the remand they recovered a white Scorpio, a rifle and four cartridges at his instance.
According to the police, the case is related to a brawl between two groups in Pataudi's Baba Shah Mohalla on February 6 when Manesar was there along with his group.
A complaint was filed by Mubin Khan, a resident of the same locality, who alleged his son was shot at during firing between two groups. -- PTI
File image
20:34 Those not having faith in Hinduism should be barred from garba venues: VHP
The Vishwa Hindu Parishad has demanded that entry to garba and dandiya events during the upcoming Navratri festival be allowed only after checking Aadhaar cards of participants in Maharashtra and said those not having faith in Hinduism should be barred from gaining access to such programmes.
VHP Shetra Mantri (Maharashtra-Goa) Govind Shende, in a video statement released here on Tuesday, claimed incidents of 'Love jihad' take place at these events and added garba and dandiya are forms of worship, and not just entertainment, in which girls, women and families participate in large numbers.
He said organisers of such events should put 'tilak' on the forehead of Navratri revellers, tie kalava (red sacred thread worn by Hindus) around their wrists and give them gau ark to drink before allowing them inside the venue.
The VHP leader alleged that in the last few years it has been witnessed that people who do not have faith in the Bhagavad Gita or Hinduism come to garba events to harass womenfolk.
"People who do not believe in Bhagavad ji or have no faith in Hindu dharma should not be allowed entry into garba events," Shende said in an appeal directed at garba organisers and the local administration.
He asked garba organisers to allow entry of participants only after checking their identity via Aadhaar cards. -- PTI
File image
20:06 One-hour block on Mumbai-bound lane of e-way for gantry erection on Thursday
The Mumbai-bound lane of the Mumbai-Pune Expressway will remain shut for an hour for erecting gantries on October 12, an official release said.
The traffic block will be operated from noon till 1 pm as gantries are being erected at Deku village, Aadoshi tunnel, and Amrutanjan Bridge under the highway management system, as per a release issued by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation on Wednesday.
The about 95-km long six-lane expressway is the first access-controlled highway in the county.
A day before, a two-hour block was operated on the Pune-bound lane of the expressway for the erection of overhead gantries at Amrutanjan Bridge and Khandala tunnel. -- PTI
Pic: Brian Snyder/Reuters
19:46 Remember The Oscar Slap? Now, The Big Reveal!
Remember that famous Oscar Slap??
When Will Smith smacked Oscar host Chris Rock during the 2022 Oscars, saying 'Keep my wife's name out of your f**king mouth!'
In a new book, Worthy, Jada reveals, 'It's not until Will yells from his seat back up at Chris to "keep my wife's name out your f---in' mouth,' and then repeats it, that I perceive the gravity of the situation, and that, no, it had not been a skit. Even so, I am unclear on the reason why Will is so upset. We had been living separate lives and were there as family, not as husband and wife. But when I hear Will yell "wife' in the chaos of the moment, an internal shift of Oh s--- . . . I am his wife! happens instantly.'
Will, who won an Oscar later that night for King Richard, was banned for the Oscars for 10 years for that infamous slap.
And now, more than two years later, we discover that Jada and Will were a couple only in name when the actor bounded up on stage and slapped Rock.
File image
19:17 EC shunts several officials in 5 poll-bound states
Just in: The Election Commission has shunted several top police and administrative officers in five poll-bound states for laxity in work, said sources.
More details soon. -- PTI
Representational image
18:58 'Angry' over girls smoking, 70-year-old man sets cafe on fire in MP city
A 70-year-old man set a cafe on fire in Indore apparently he was furious after finding girls smoking there, an official said on Wednesday.
The senior citizen targeted the recreation venue on Tuesday night when it was closed, the official said.
The accused was taken into custody after he was identified through CCTV footage, said additional deputy commissioner of police Rajesh Dandotia.
Without sharing his details, the official said that the accused had retired from the department of telecommunications.
"During initial interrogation, the accused said that he did not like girls smoking in this cafe, hence he got angry and set it on fire," he said.
Police officials, however, said that the accused is repeatedly changing his statement.
The exact reason for the arson can be determined only after the completion of the investigation, they said.
Though the senior citizen set the cafe, located under the jurisdiction of Lasudia police station, on fire when there was nobody inside, it was completely gutted.
The owner suffered a loss of nearly Rs 4 lakh due to the arson, Dandotia said.
Dandotia said that a case has been registered against the accused under Indian Penal Code Section 436 (mischief by fire or explosive substance with intent to destroy house, etc).
Another police official said that the cafe owner told the investigators that the accused had been roaming around his establishment for the last several days. -- PTI
File image
18:37 No Durga puja immersion procession in Odisha's Sambalpur this year
The Sambalpur district administration has prohibited immersion processions of Durga idols here this year to maintain peace and order in the city, officials said.
The decision was taken at the peace and coordination committee meeting here on Tuesday in presence of Sambalpur collector Ananya Das and SP Mukesh Kumar Bhamoo.
The move comes in the wake of the violence that took place during Hanuman Jayanti celebrations here in April, they said.
Speaking to reporters, Bhamoo said, "We requested the Durga Puja organizing committees not to hold immersion processions this year. However, permission has been granted for Kalash Yatra and Ravan Podi," he said.
The meeting decided that the idols will be taken for immersion on vehicles.
The city hosts around 47 Durga puja celebrations, officials said.
In July, the district administration prohibited Muharram and Hanuman Jayanti processions in the city for a year.
This apart, Ganesh Puja immersion processions were also not held on roads here this year. -- PTI
Lalrinliana Sailo
18:15 Mizoram assembly speaker resigns ahead of Nov 7 polls, set to join BJP
Mizoram assembly speaker and Mizo National Front leader Lalrinliana Sailo resigned as a legislator on Wednesday, and said he would join the BJP "to usher in development' in the state.
Sailo, who won the Chalfilh seat in the 2018 assembly polls, was denied a ticket by the party for the 2023 election to be held in November.
He is likely to be inducted into the BJP on Thursday, party sources said.
"The financial condition of Mizoram is not in a good shape' I will join the party to usher in development in my state," Sailo told reporters after submitting his resignation to deputy assembly speaker H Lalbiakzauva.
Elections to the 40-member Mizoram assembly will be held in a single phase on November 7 and votes polled will be counted on December 3. -- PTI
File image
18:02 Cauvery body orders K'taka to release 3K cusecs
The meeting of the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee has decided that Karnataka has to ensure the release of 3000 cusecs of water starting October 16 till October 31, said a CWRC statement on Wednesday.
According to the statement, CWRC during its 88th meeting today made crucial decisions regarding water allocation and shortages pertaining to the ongoing Cauvery river water dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
"After deliberation, the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee reached a decision. Karnataka has been mandated to ensure the release of water from its reservoirs in such a manner that the flow at Biligundlu is maintained at 3000 cusecs. This directive is effective from 8 am on October 16, 2023, and is to be upheld until October 31, 2023," the statement read.
Karnataka in its presentation expressed its inability to release water to Biligundlu, except for contributions from the uncontrolled catchment.
As per the statement, Karnataka presented a concerning report, indicating a substantial 50.891 per cent shortfall in cumulative inflows to its reservoirs up to October 10, 2023.
This shortfall was attributed to extreme hydro-meteorological conditions, it added. -- ANI
17:46 HC orders issuing notice to ED on Senthil Balaji's bail plea
The Madras high court on Wednesday ordered issuing notice to the Enforcement Directorate on a bail petition filed by Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam minister V Senthil Balaji. who was arrested by the agency in connection with a money laundering case in June.
Justice G Jayachandran, before whom the bail petition filed by Balaji came up for hearing, ordered issuing notice to the ED and posted to October 16, further hearing of the case.
Balaji's earlier bail applications were dismissed by a city court.
While so, stating that since Balaji was not well, he took treatment at Stanley Hospital on Monday, the present petition was filed to enlarge him on bail on considering his health condition.
When the petition came up for hearing, additional solicitor general ARL Sundaresan, appearing for the ED sought time to file a detailed counter.
Senior counsel N R Elango, appearing for Balaji submitted the minister was yet to recover fully even after a bypass surgery and hence took treatment at the government hospital on October 9.
He also submitted the medical report. -- PTI
17:19 Gainers and losers in the Sensex pack
Rising for the second straight session, the 30-share Sensex on Tuesday spurted by 393.69 points or 0.6 per cent to close at 66,473.05, with 24 of its constituents ending in the green. Six stocks declined.
The broader Nifty of the NSE advanced 121.50 points or 0.62 per cent to settle at 19,811.35, as 37 index shares gained while 12 declined and one closed unchanged.
Buying was seen in FMCG, energy, metal, pharma and private bank shares, while most IT shares declined ahead of the announcement of quarterly financial results.
Among Sensex stocks, Wipro gained the most by 3.29 per cent. Ultratech Cement, Reliance Industries, Hindustan Unilever, Nestle, NTPC, M&M, HDFC Bank, ITC, Kotak Bank and Axis Bank were among the winners.
On the other hand, HCL Tech fell the most by 1.24 per cent. SBI, TCS, Infosys, IndusInd Bank and Tata Steel also dropped.
17:19 4 held for selling fake tickets of Oct 14 India-Pak cricket World Cup match
The police in Gujarat's Ahmedabad city have arrested four persons for allegedly printing and selling 50 fake tickets of the upcoming India-Pakistan cricket World Cup match to people at Rs 3 lakh, an official said on Wednesday.
Three of the four accused are 18-year-old, while the fourth one is aged 21, he said, adding that the city crime branch made the arrest.
India vs Pakistan World Cup 2023 match is scheduled to be held at the Narendra Modi Stadium located in Motera area of Ahmedabad on October 14.
The police's preliminary probe revealed that the accused first purchased an original ticket of the match and then printed nearly 200 duplicate tickets after editing the scanned copy of that original ticket using Photoshop software at the shop of one of the accused, deputy commissioner of police Chaitanya Mandlik of the Ahmedabad city crime branch said.
"The police have recovered all 200 tickets, including the 50 that were sold by the youths using their connections on social media," he said.
The accused, identified as Jaymin Prajapati, Dhrumil Thakor and Rajvir Thakor (all 18) and Kush Meena (21), are residents of different parts of either Ahmedabad or Gandhinagar, he added. -- PTI
16:49 EC changes poll date of Rajasthan to Nov 25
Date of polling in Rajasthan changed from November 23 to November 25 due to 'large-scale' weddings, announces the Election Commission.
Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Telangana and Mizoram will go to the assembly polls between November 7 and 30, and the counting of votes will be on December 3, the Election Commission said on Monday, setting the stage for what is being seen as the semi-final between the BJP and opposition parties ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
16:12 Power blackout in Gaza any time now
Hospitals in the Gaza Strip are running low on supplies and a power blackout is expected within hours. Airstrikes smashed entire city blocks to rubble in the tiny coastal enclave and left unknown numbers of bodies beneath mounds of debris. The bombardment raged on even though militants are holding an estimated 150 people dragged from Israel into Gaza soldiers, men, women, children and older adults.
Israel has vowed unprecedented retaliation against the Hamas militant group ruling the Palestinian territory after its fighters stormed through the border fence on Saturday and gunned down hundreds of Israelis in their homes, on the streets and at an outdoor music festival.
15:49 CBI FIR against NewsClick ed for FCRA violations
The CBI registered an FIR against NewsClick and its founder Prabir Purkayastha for alleged violation of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act and carried out searches at the office and residence of the portal's founder on Wednesday, officials said.
In the FIR, the agency has named as accused the company PPK Newsclick Studio Pvt Ltd, Purkayastha, Jason Pfetcher, the sole manager of Worldwide Media Holdings, and American millionaire Neville Roy Singham, who runs an IT consultancy firm, besides unidentified others.
They said a team of agency officials searched the residence and office of NewsClick founder Purkayastha, who was recently arrested by the Delhi Police in a case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
"The CBI is currently conducting search and seizure operations at the NewsClick office and the residence of our Editor-in-Chief, Prabir Purkayastha. This is the fifth agency that is investigating us. We are cooperating with the authorities," the online news portal posted on X.
It is alleged that the private company (NewsClick) had received unexplained export remittance of approximately Rs 28.46 crore through four foreign entities in violation of FCRA provisions, the CBI spokesperson said.
He said it is alleged that there was an "unexplained receipt" of foreign funds of approximately Rs 9.59 crore by incorrect characterization of the fund as FDI. The CBI has alleged that Purkayastha, with his close associates, had allegedly violated the provisions of FCRA, 2010.
15:03 Day 5: 1000 dead, 5000 injured in Gaza
Nearly 1,000 people have been killed and 5,000 others have been injured in Gaza after Israel launched a strong retaliation after the 'surprise attack' by Hamas, CNN reported citing Gaza Health Ministry.
According to the ministry, some 950 people have been killed and 5,000 others have been injured in the strikes on Gaza, according to CNN report.
Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces has said it has killed some 1,500 terrorists in Israeli territory after Hamas launched an attack on Israeli border communities, The Times of Israel reported.
The Israeli Defence Forces said that it targeted Hamas's "aerial detection capabilities" in Gaza. According to the IDF, the terror group had a network of network of cameras, hidden inside solar water heaters across the Strip in order to track and monitor Israeli aircraft.
"Yesterday, within a few minutes during a focused sortie, the IAF struck all of the sites of the network and demolished Hamas's ability to form an accurate picture of the skies and their efforts to target IDF aircraft," The Times of Israel quoted the military as saying.
In an update posted on X, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said that dozens of warplanes attacked more than 80 targets throughout Beit Hanon during the night.
"Dozens of warplanes attacked over 80 targets throughout Beit Hanon during the night. Among other things, the planes attacked two bank branches used by the terrorist organization Hamas to finance terrorism in the Gaza Strip, an underground terrorist tunnel in the territory of the Gaza Strip and two operational headquarters used by the terrorist organization Hamas to direct terrorism to the State of Israel," IDF posted on X.
14:45 For our brothers in Gaza: Pak batter dedicates win
Pakistan's wicket-keeper batter Mohammed Rizwan, on Wednesday, dedicated his team's record-breaking performance against Sri Lanka in World Cup to "brothers and sisters in Gaza".
Rizwan (131) had conjured an unbeaten century while young Abdullah Shafique (113) smashed his maiden ODI century to lead Pakistan to a world-record chase 345 against Sri Lanka on Tuesday in Hyderabad.
Rizwan shared a match-winning 176-run stand for the third wicket with Shafique as Pakistan romped home in 48.2 overs.
This was the highest successful run-chase in the history of the World Cup. Ireland had previously held the record for the highest run chase in ODI World Cups when they successfully chased down 329 versus England during the 2011 World Cup in India.
"This was for our brothers and sisters in Gaza. Happy to contribute in the win. Credits to the whole team and especially Abdullah Shafique and Hassan Ali for making it easier. Extremely grateful to the people of Hyderabad for the amazing hospitality and support throughout," Rizwan posted on X.
Hamas militants launched a surprise weekend attack on Israel that killed more than 900 people, triggering strong offensive from Jerusalem, which has declared war against the attackers. PTI
Bodies in Kibbutz Kfar Aza, Israel
14:27 Rocket destroyed our house as we slept: Israeli
As the Israel-Hamas conflict intensifies it continues to wreak havoc on the lives of Israeli citizens.
The residents of Yahuda Halevi in south Israel are among those who suffered loss of homes, infrastructure and deaths.
A resident, Dima, whose house was destroyed in the Hamas attack on Israel expressed his pain and shared his experience when the rocket struck his house.
In an exclusive interview with ANI, Dima said, "While we were sleeping at night, a rocket was dropped and my house was completely destroyed and we suffered serious injuries."
He mentioned that his son was also injured in the attack and is being treated in the hospital.
Earlier, Yaacov, an Israeli national from Ashkelon, vividly recounted his upsetting experience, stating, "We came here because a rocket fell on our building... we have no shelter, we escaped thanks to local administration and they suggested that we should come here to this hotel, and this is a good place. My 11-year-old son, 2-year-old daughter, my wife and I are staying here."
A man grieves the death of a Palestinian. Reuters/Ibraheem Abu Mustafa
13:07 Gaza facing humanitarian disaster, aid blocked
Israel's Minister of National Security says invasion of Gaza is imminent. Gaza's government says the area is facing a humanitarian disaster, calls on international community to halt Israel's attacks.
The war between Israel and the militant group Hamas raged for a fifth day on Wednesday, as Israeli warplanes hammered neighborhood after neighborhood in the Gaza Strip, reducing buildings to rubble and sending people scrambling to find safety.
Humanitarian groups pleaded for the creation of corridors that would allow them to deliver aid, saying hospitals were overwhelmed with wounded people and running out of supplies.
Israel has stopped entry of food, fuel and medicines into Gaza in response to Hamas' bloody incursion into Israel on Saturday. The sole remaining access from Egypt shut down Tuesday after airstrikes hit near the border crossing.
At least 180 people have died in the clashes in Manipur
12:51 Tribal body seeks 50 Kuki bodies in morgue
A tribal organisation of Manipur has requested the authorities to bring to Kangpokpi district the bodies of Kuki-Zo community people killed in the five-month-long ethnic strife in the state and currently lying in morgues in state capital Imphal.
The Kangpokpi district-based Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU) also sought security for the bodies during transportation. A senior official of Imphal East district said they will act according to government instructions but are yet to receive any formal request from the tribal body.
"We would appreciate if the authorities allowed the bodies of Kukis lying in Imphal morgues to be brought to Kangpokpi. After consulting with the family of the victims, the mortal remains will be buried at a cemetery at Phaijang," COTU Media Cell Coordinator Lun Kipgen said.
Though the COTU leader did not mention the number of bodies they would receive, according to an estimate, it could be 50.
" We request the authorities and civil society organisations of Imphal to provide security to the bodies during transportation," Kipgen said.
He said unidentified bodies should not be disposed of hastily and a mechanism should be found out for their identification.
Meiteis have already claimed the bodies of the community members that were in the mortuaries of two government hospitals in Imphal and performed last rites.
More than 180 people were killed since the violence erupted on May 3 after a 'Tribal Solidarity March' was organised in the hill districts to protest against the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. Meiteis account for about 53 per cent of Manipur's population and live mostly in the Imphal Valley, while tribals, which include Nagas and Kukis, constitute 40 per cent and reside mainly in the hill districts. PTI
12:37 'The barrage of rockets has quietened down'
"It is not the rockets, but the infiltrators from Gaza who have entered Israel that are a source of grave worry for Soma Ravi.
"We don't know what they will do and where they will go," he tells Rediff.com's Archana Masih over the telephone from Ramat Gan in the Tel Aviv metropolitan area.
Read the story here.
12:29 Cong slams transfer of CAG men who flagged graft
The Congress on Wednesday accused the government of intimidating officers of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), who had exposed "corruption" in various schemes, and demanded that their transfer orders be revoked.
Citing a media report on the transfer of the officers, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh charged that it is the modus operandi of the Modi government to threaten and remove anyone who "exposes" them.
"We demand that these transfer orders should be cancelled immediately, the officers return to the CAG and action must be taken on these mega scams relating to Dwarka Expressway, Bharatmala and Ayushman Bharat," he said in a post on X.
The Congress leader charged that "the Modi government operates mafia style under a cloak of silence and intimidation. If anyone exposes its modus operandi of corruption, they are threatened or removed".
"The latest victims are three officers of the CAG, who exposed "massive scams" in government schemes in a report tabled during the Monsoon Session of Parliament," he alleged.
The CAG report showed scams across infrastructure and social schemes. It documented 1400 per cent cost inflation and tendering irregularities in the Dwarka Expressway, in addition to a diversion of Rs 3,600 crore from highways projects, faulty bidding practices, and 60 per cent cost inflation of the Bharatmala scheme, he claimed.
"Not only that, an audit of the Ayushman Bharat scheme showed lakhs of claims made to dead patients and at least 7.5 lakh beneficiaries linked to a single mobile number," he also claimed.
Ramesh charged that the three CAG officers in charge of reporting on the Ayushman Bharat and Dwarka Expressway scams have been transferred "to hide the blatant corruption in the Modi Government, despite the fact that the CAG is supposed to be an independent body". PTI
KBK Infographics
12:21 All eyes on S Africa at 2 pm today
South Africa, who are high on confidence, will take on Australia in Lucknow on Thursday, October 12. Australia were hammered by 7 wickets in their opening match against India at MA Chidambaram Stadium after their batting failed to fire. Australia were bundled out for just 199 and India chased the target with 52 to spare.
12:14 Pick your India Team for Afghanistan game
After outplaying Australia in their opening match, India will aim for another commanding performance against Afghanistan in the World Cup 2023 match in Delhi on Wednesday, October 11, 2023.
Afghanistan suffered a six wicket defeat in their opening match against Bangladesh as they collapsed against spin to be bowled out for a lowly 156.
12:12 AAP welcomes court order safeguarding Sanjay Singh
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Wednesday welcomed the special court's direction to the ED not to take arrested party leader Sanjay Singh anywhere without informing the court.
Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, AAP MLA Dilip Pandey reiterated Singh's claims that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has some "ulterior motive".
Pandey alleged there was an attempt to take the Rajya Sabha MP to an undisclosed location without the court's knowledge. The special court in Delhi on Tuesday extended till October 13 the ED custody of Singh, arrested in a money laundering case related to alleged irregularities in the scrapped Delhi excise policy.
During the hearing, Singh had told the court, "... They (ED) had some ulterior motive. I asked what happens if I am killed in an encounter, who will be responsible? They said they will be responsible. What's the point of responsibility when I am dead. Again and again, I asked for court's order."
The judge asked the ED why it wanted a written statement from Singh about his reluctance to leave its office. The central agency has rejected Singh's allegations of any wrongdoing.
The judge told ED, "You should not take him away without the court's order".
"Further, since the accused himself has also raised some concerns about his security in ED custody and hence, it is also being directed that the IO and other senior officers of the ED team investigating this case shall ensure the safety and security of accused in all respects, while he is in the ED custody in terms of this order of the court," the judge said in the order.
11:22 Ambulances, help can't reach bombed-out Gaza
As airstrikes are reported nonstop in the Karama district north of Gaza city, many dead and injured are stuck under rubble that Gaza lacks the equipment to handle, officials said Wednesday.
With streets badly damaged and the ongoing and intense nature of the airstrikes, ambulances and civil defence teams are unable to approach areas where people were reported trapped under crumbled infrastructure, Eyad Bozum, the Interior Ministry spokesperson, said in a statement.
Bozum said that heavy airstrikes were also reported in the southern town of Khan Younis and in an area east of the Jebaliya refugee camp in northern Gaza.
10:52 How an alert ITBP jawan raised 1st flood alarm in Sikkim
Upon seeing water level rise suddenly at 10.30 pm on 3 October, jawan inform his commandant who alerted battalion HQ in Gangtok by 10.40 pm. By 10.50 pm, Chungthang had been warned. Read the report here.
The bombed out areas of Khan Younis in southern Gaza. Reuters/Ibraheem Abu Mustafa
10:47 We're moving to a full offensive in Gaza: Israel
Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant on Tuesday said the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) is moving to "full offence" against Hamas targets as the counter-offensive in the wake of the terror attacks rages on, The Times of Israel reported.
In an address to troops deployed along the Gaza border, the Israeli Defence Minister said, "I have released all the restraints. We have [regained] control of the area and we are moving to a full offence."
He asserted that Gaza will "never go back to what it was".
"You will have the ability to change the reality here. You have seen the prices [being paid], and you will get to see the change. Hamas wanted a change in Gaza; it will change 180 degrees from what it thought," The Times of Israel quoted the minister as saying in a report.
"They will regret this moment, Gaza will never go back to what it was," the Defence minister said, adding that Israel, with all its might and, without compromise, would eliminate "whoever comes to decapitate, murder women, Holocaust survivors".
Hinting at the ongoing counter-offensive continuing for several months, he added, "We will return here, to Be'eri, in a few months, and the situation will be different. We will resettle the kibbutz until its last meter." -- ANI
10:27 CBI raids NewsClick founder's residence
The CBI has registered an FIR into the alleged FCRA violations by news portal NewsClick and carried out raids at two locations on Wednesday, officials said.
A team of agency officials searched the residence and office of NewsClick founder Prabir Purkayastha, who was recently arrested by the Delhi Police in a case under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, they said.
It is alleged that the portal received foreign funds in violations of the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) case, they said.
In its probe against the portal, the Delhi Police had alleged that funds were fraudulently infused by an active member of the propaganda department of the Communist Party of China, Neville Roy Singham. The allegations have been denied by the portal. PTI
US President Joe Biden reacts after a briefing on the situation in Israel. Reuters/Jonathan Ernst
10:20 Did Iran know Hamas would attack Israel? US says...
The White House said Tuesday that there is no specific information about the role of Iran in the latest terrorist attack against Israel by Hamas, but it is complicit in a broad sense for funding the military wing of the militant group.
"We have said since the beginning that Iran is complicit in this attack in a broad sense because they have provided the lion's share of the funding for the military wing of Hamas. They have provided training. They have provided capabilities. They have provided support and they have had engagement and contact with Hamas over years and years," US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan told reporters Tuesday.
"All of that has played a role in contributing to what we have seen. Now, as to the question of whether Iran knew about this attack in advance or helped plan or direct this attack, we do not, as of this moment I'm standing here at the podium, have confirmation of that. We are talking to our Israeli counterparts on a daily basis about this question," he said.
The NSA said the US is trying to gather from its intelligence holdings on whether they have any further information on that.
"We're looking to acquire further intelligence. And if there's an update to that, I'll share it with you," Sullivan said.
"While Iran plays this broad role, sustaining a deep and dark role in providing all of this support and capabilities to Hamas, in terms of this particular gruesome attack on October 7th, we don't currently have that information. We will continue to look for it," he added. -- PTI
The daughter of a member of Hamas is comforted during her father's funeral. Reuters/Ibraheem Abu Mustafa
09:57 Israel bombs house of Hamas 'plotter's' father
Continuing its air assault on Hamas in the wake of the multi-pronged terror attacks, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said it struck over 200 targets of the terrorist group in the Al Furkan neighbourhood of the besieged Gaza Strip on Wednesday.
As part of the ongoing counter-offensive against Hamas this morning, the security forces also bombed the house of the father of Mohammed Deif, the head of Hamas's military wing believed to be the key plotter of the terror attacks, The Times of Israel reported.
In what was its third aerial assault in the area, Israeli fighter jets struck 450 Hamas targets in the neighbourhood, the IDF posted on social media platform X.
"The IDF continues extensive waves of attacks in the Gaza Strip; dozens of Air Force fighter jets attacked over 200 targets in the Al Furkan neighbourhood for the third time in the past day This is the third attack in the area during the last day, in which the IDF attacked over 450 targets in the area of the neighbourhood," the IDF posted on X.
Meanwhile, as the war on Hamas entered its fifth day, the toll from the rocket and ambush attacks by the terror outfit in Israel mounted to over 1,000, with more than 2,800 injured and 50 confirmed missing or taken hostage, the IDF stated.
Over 4,500 rockets have been fired, so far, from Gaza.
A bombed out residential area in Gaza. Reuters/Mohammed Salem
09:48 Want to tell Netanyahu, END terrorism: Israelis
The Israel-Hamas war continues to wreak havoc on the lives of Israeli residents, with many forced to flee their homes and seek refuge as rocket attacks intensify.
Residents of Ashkelon, a city in southern Israel, are among those enduring the daily fear and uncertainty brought about by this protracted conflict.
Yaacov, an Israeli national from Ashkelon, recounted his experience, stating, "We came here because a rocket fell on our building... we have no shelter, we escaped thanks to local administration and they suggested we come here to this hotel and that this is a good place. My 11-year-old son, 2-year-old daughter, my wife and I are staying here."
The fear and urgency felt by Yaacov and his family mirror the widespread anxiety and turmoil that have gripped residents in the region.
Ashkelon, like many other Israeli cities and towns, has been the target of rocket attacks from the Gaza Strip, leading to a dire need for safe havens for its residents.
Galaia, another resident of Ashkelon, shares a similar sentiment, "My children and family are here (hotel) because rockets fell on the roof of our neighbour's house, our windowpanes were broken... for one week, we have been staying here, now we don't know if this place is safe... we want a new place... I want to tell my Prime Minister that... finish this terrorism as soon as possible."
Galaia's plea reflects the frustration and longing for an end to the ongoing conflict. The emotional toll it has taken on families and individuals cannot be overstated, as the daily threat of rocket attacks and the trauma of seeking refuge in unfamiliar surroundings continue to plague their lives.
As the conflict rages on, Israeli residents like Yaacov and Galaia continue to hope for an end to the violence and a return to normalcy. Their stories serve as a stark reminder of the human cost of this enduring conflict and the urgent need for a peaceful resolution that can bring stability and security to the region.
According to the latest updates, at least 900 Israelis have been killed and over 2,600 people are wounded. On the other hand, over 770 Palestinians have also been killed in air raids after Israel launched a strong counter-offensive.
The Health Ministry in Gaza said that at least 770 Palestinians have been killed and 4,000 wounded in Israeli air raids. Among the dead are 140 children and 120 women, a ministry spokesperson said.
A day ago, in a stern warning to Hamas, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that "though Israel did not start this war" but "will finish it". "Israel is at war. We didn't want this war. It was forced upon us in the most brutal and savage way. But though Israel didn't start this war, Israel will finish it," said Netanyahu in an address to the nation. -- ANI
09:19 First plane with US arms lands in Israel
The first plane carrying United States armaments landed in southern Israel on Tuesday evening, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said.
'The first plane carrying US armaments has since arrived at the Nevatim Airbase in southern Israel this evening,' posted IDF on X.
However, the IDF did not reveal the kinds of weapons or military equipment it received.
As Israel wages war with Hamas, US President Joe Biden's administration has begun delivering munitions to Israel this week.
'The cooperation between our militaries is a key part of ensuring regional security and stability in times of war,' IDF's post added. -- ANI
IMAGE: A convoy Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) makes their way to Israel's border with Lebanon, in Nahariya, northern Israel, on October 10, 2023. Photograph: Ammar Awad/Reuters
09:13 Air Canada grounds pilot over pro-Palestine colors
The Canadian Airline, Air Canada grounded a pilot to a Montreal-based B787 for wearing pro-Palestinian colours while in Uniform, The Toronto Sun reported on Tuesday.
As per the Toronto Sun, the action qas taken after concerns about the social media posts allegedly containing profane commentary about Israel from the pilot.
'The pilot was taken out of service as of yesterday,' reported The Toronto Sun quoting Air Canada spokesperson Peter Fitzpatrick.
"We did this because this individual's opinions and publications on social media do not represent Air Canada's views in any way," said Fitzpatrick.
"This person has never been authorised to speak publicly while identifying themselves as an Air Canada employee."
After the incident, the airline condemned the post by their pilot and said that they are analysing the matter very seriously.
Taking to X, Air Canada said, 'We are aware of the unacceptable posts made by an Air Canada pilot. We are taking this matter very seriously, and he was taken out of service on Mon, Oct. 9. We firmly denounce violence in all forms.'
Air Canada has temporarily suspended its flight routes at this time to Tel Aviv as a result of the Hamas terror attack -- ANI
IMAGE: Explosions are seen, following Israeli strikes in Gaza City, October 10, 2023. Photograph: Mohammed Salem/Reuters
08:33 Biden confirms 14 American deaths in Hamas attack
Condemning the attacks on Israel as 'pure unadulterated evil', United States President Joe Biden on Tuesday said the stated purpose of the terrorist organisation Hamas is 'to kill Jews'.
Noting that over 1,000 people have died in Israel, including at least 14 American citizens, Biden said people in Israel suffered 'pure unadulterated evil' at the 'bloody hands of the terrorist organisation Hamas, a group whose stated purpose for being is to kill Jews. This is an act of sheer evil'.
"Parents butchered using their bodies to try to protect their children - stomach-turning reports of babies being killed, entire families slain. Young people massacred while attending a musical festival to celebrate peace," the US President said.
Biden's address in the White House came after his third phone call in four days with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
In his remarks, he outlined the US military assistance being sent to help Israel in its fight. -- ANI
IMAGE: Personal belongings including a child's pram are seen on the road next to a car days after a mass infiltration by Hamas gunmen from the Gaza Strip, near Kibbutz Kfar Aza, in southern Israel, on October 10, 2023. Photograph: Ronen Zvulun/Reuters
Maharashtra former minister Anil Parab
01:16 Court denies bail to Uddhav Sena leader's aide in money laundering case
A special PMLA court in Mumbai on Tuesday rejected the bail plea of Sadanand Kadam, considered to be a close associate of Shiv Sena-UBT leader and former minister Anil Parab, in an alleged money-laundering case linked to the construction of a resort in Dapoli in coastal Ratnagiri district.
Special judge for Prevention of Money Laundering Act cases, MG Deshpande, denied bail to Kadam, arrested in March.
He is currently in judicial custody.
The case is related to the alleged violation of Coastal Regulation Zone provisions in the construction of Sai Resort near the coast.
The Income Tax department had attached the structure saying its ownership had been illegally transferred to Kadam by former Maharashtra minister Anil Parab.
The Enforcement Directorate joined the probe claiming illegal financial transactions at the resort.
The ED, in its charge sheet, claimed Parab built the resort by investing his "unaccounted money'. -- PTI
01:13 Courts can appoint family member as legal guardian for mentally challenged: HC
Though there is no legal provision, a court can appoint a family member as the legal guardian of a person suffering from mental disorder, the Bombay high court has said.
A division bench of Justices Sunil Shukre and Firdosh Pooniwalla made the observation in an order of October 6 while appointing a 35-year-old woman as the legal guardian of her mother who is suffering from Alzheimer's disease.
The order became available on Tuesday which incidentally is World Mental Health Day.
The Mental Healthcare Act or Hindu Minority and Guardianship Act unfortunately does not provide for the appointment of the child or sibling of an aged person suffering from mental health issues as legal guardian, the court noted.
The lack of or any deficit in the legal framework must not be "such a handicap for this court to shy away from providing relief," it said.
A court can act like "Big Guardian' and take appropriate decisions in the best interest of a dependent person in such cases, the judges said.
"After all, the underlying idea of guardianship is of protection and welfare of the person in need of care and protection," the high court said.
The woman in her plea said that her widowed mother was suffering from an advanced stage of Alzheimer's disease and was unable to take care of herself.
The petitioner sought to be appointed as her legal guardian. -- PTI
US President Joe Biden
00:56 Monitoring internal threat after Hamas attack: Biden
US President Joe Biden said that in the wake of the deadly Hamas attack on Israel, the local and federal law enforcement partners in the US cities are closely monitoring for any 'domestic threats'.
He also said that the 'tragedy' incurred by Israel is personal for many American families as the ties between the two nations run deep.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), President Biden stated, "This is not some distant tragedy - the ties between Israel and the United States run deep. It is personal for so many American families who are feeling the pain of this attack as well as the scars inflicted through millennia of antisemitism and persecution of Jewish people. In cities across the country, local and federal law enforcement partners are closely monitoring for any domestic threats in connection with the horrific terrorist attacks in Israel".
Notably, US was one of the first countries to strongly condemn the deadly attacks by Hamas on Israel.
"Today, I spoke with @IsraeliPM about the appalling Hamas terrorist attacks in Israel. I offered our support and reiterated my unwavering commitment to Israel's security. @FLOTUS and I express our heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost loved ones," Biden posted on X.
He also affirmed to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the US will continue to make sure Israel has "what it needs" to defend itself and its people. -- ANI
TOP STORIES
© 2024 Rediff.com - Investor Information - Advertise with us - Disclaimer - Privacy Policy - Feedback - About us - Terms of use - Grievances