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Thu, 09 December 2021
Expert panel to discuss booster jabs on Friday
Timeline Refresh
23:54 Expert panel to discuss booster jabs on Friday
The subject expert committee under the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation will hold the first meeting on Friday regarding the COVID-19 booster dose, said sources on Thursday.
Recently, Serum Institute of India has filed an application with the Drugs Controller General of India regarding approval for a booster dose of Covishield.
SII cites that there is adequate stock of the COVID vaccine in the country now and a demand for a booster shot is there due to the emergence of new coronavirus variants.
Serum Institute is the first vaccine manufacturing company in India to apply for approval for Covishield as a booster dose.
The SEC meeting in this regard will start at noon on Friday.
Many experts have also recommended booster doses in India especially after the emergence of new highly transmissible COVID-19 variant Omicron.
But the government has not taken any decision so far. -- ANI
23:44 28 students fall ill after consuming 'chikki' at Chhattisgarh school
As many as 28 students of a government primary school in Chhattisgarh's Durg district fell ill after eating chikki (a sweet snack) distributed there and were briefly hospitalised, officials said on Thursday.
The incident took place on Wednesday and all affected children were discharged from a hospital here after being kept under observation for sometime, they said, even as the state government ordered an inquiry.
Soya-made chikki were given to students (as part of a government scheme) at the primary school located in Koliyapuri village, district education officer Pravas Singh Baghel said.
As per preliminary information, at least 137 students of Classes I to V, who were present on the day, had consumed the snack and of them 28, belonging to grades 3 and 4, later complained of abdominal pain and vomiting, he said.
The students, mostly girls, were immediately shifted to the district hospital in Durg in ambulances, Baghel said.
"Of the 28, 20 students were discharged after preliminary medical examination, while the others were kept under observation for sometime before they were also sent home," a doctor of the hospital said.
The health condition of all of them was normal, the doctor said.
A preliminary report of the block education officer on the matter suggested the children were given chikki in excess, resulting in the illness, an official statement said.
However, samples of chikki, supplied by the state's seed corporation, have been sent to a laboratory for testing, the statement said. -- PTI
22:55 All 9 patients in Rajasthan test negative, discharged from hospital
All the nine people in Rajasthan who were found infected with the Omicron variant of coronavirus were discharged from a government hospital here on Thursday after they tested negative for the infection twice, health minister Parsadi Lal Meena said.
Their reports for blood, CT scan and all other tests are normal and they have been advised to remain in home quarantine for a week, he said.
Dr Sudhir Bhandari, principal of Sawai Mansingh Medical College, said research on the Omicron variant is currently underway.
"The spread of this variant is rapid but it is not as fatal as the Delta variant," he said.
Meanwhile, 38 more people tested positive for COVID-19 in Rajasthan, officials said.
Jaipur reported the highest number of fresh cases at 18.
With this, the number of active COVID-19 cases in the state increased to 260, the officials said. -- PTI
22:43 Jaipur-Delhi highway to reopen on Friday
Jaipur-Delhi highway which was partially blocked at Shahjahanpur on Rajasthan-Haryana border due to farmers agitation will reopen from Friday with the withdrawal of farmer agitation.
Farmers who have been sitting at the border will return to their respective villages after the agitation is formally called off at 11 am on Friday, vice president of Kisan Sabha and former Communist Party of India-Marxist MLA Amra Ram said.
One side of the highway was blocked due to the agitation since October 2020.
Vehicles going from Jaipur to Delhi had to travel a few extra kilometres due to the blockade. -- PTI
22:02 NIA raids in Punjab over drugs, arms from Pak
The National Investigation Agency on Thursday carried out searches at four locations of accused and suspects in Punjab's Ferozepur in connection with a case of smuggling of narcotic substances, arms and ammunition from Pakistan, an official said.
The case was registered in August in Ferozepur, the official of the premier investigation agency said.
The NIA re-registered the case last month.
During the searches, incriminating documents and digital devices were seized, the NIA official said, adding that further investigation in the case is continuing. -- PTI
21:24 HC quashes case against Mithun linking him with poll violence
The Calcutta high court on Thursday quashed a police case alleging that cine star Mithun Chakraborty's uttering dialogues from his films at a public meeting here had caused political violence in West Bengal during the assembly elections held earlier this year.
At the public meeting on March 7, Chakraborty had said: "Marbo ekhane, laash porbe shoshaney" (I will hit you here and your body will fall in the crematorium) and "Ek choboley chobi' (just one snake bite and you will turn into a photograph), his dialogues from two popular Bengali films.
He joined the Bharatiya Janata Party on that day.
The court observed that since Chakraborty did not deny that he uttered the said dialogues, any further police investigation of the present case will be an unnecessary and vexatious exercise.
Justice Kausik Chanda quashed a police case filed by a ruling Trinamool Congress worker against the film star registered with the Maniktala police station in Kolkata and pending before the court of additional chief judicial magistrate at Sealdah.
Observing that the petitioner is a popular matinee idol, Justice Chanda said the involvement of film stars in politics in the country is nothing new.
"It is also well known that film stars try to entertain and attract voters by saying cinematic dialogues in political rallies. The case in hand is no exception," the judge said.
The court noted that Chakraborty admitted that on many occasions, on public demand, he has said those dialogues in different functions to entertain people.
"The two dialogues in question are fundamentally funny, hilarious, and entertaining; it is futile to try to find the elements of hate speech in them," the court said. -- PTI
21:04 PM Modi pays last respect to copter crash victims
Prime Minister Narendra Modi pays his last respects to CDS General Bipin Rawat, his wife Madhulika Rawat and other 11 Armed Forces personnel who lost their lives in the Tamil Nadu chopper crash yesterday, at the Palam airbase today.
20:57 Cyber fraudsters dupe former Test cricketer Vinod Kambli
Former Test cricketer Vinod Kambli has been duped of Rs 1 lakh by cyber fraudsters after which a case was registered in Bandra police station in Mumbai, an official said on Thursday.
A man posing as the representative of a well-known bank called up Kambli and shared a link with him, which the latter downloaded resulting in Rs 1 lakh getting withdrawn from his account fraudulently some time later, the official said.
A case under Section 420 (cheating) of IPC and provisions of Information Technology Act was registered on Tuesday and efforts were on to nab the culprit/s, he added. -- PTI
20:54 Rajnath Singh meets copter crash victims' families
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh meets families of CDS General Bipin Rawat and other Armed Forces personnel who lost their lives in Tamil Nadu chopper crash yesterday, at Palam airbase on Thursday.
20:49 NSA Ajit Doval meets families of copter crash victims
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval at Palam airbase, where mortal remains of CDS General Bipin Rawat, his wife Madulika Rawat and 11 others who lost their lives in military chopper crash yesterday, have been placed.
Khabbu Tiwari/Twitter
20:41 BJP's MLA from Ayodhya's Gosaiganj jailed for 5 years for using fake mark sheet
BJP MLA from Ayodhya's Gosaiganj seat, Indra Pratap alias Khabbu Tiwari, has been disqualified from the membership of the UP Assembly following his conviction in a 28-year-old case, Vidhan Sabha secretariat said here on Thursday.
Tiwari was sentenced to five years in jail by a Special Court for using a fake mark sheet to get admission in college.
According to a notification issued by Pradeep Kumar Dubey, Vidhan Sabha principal secretary, Gosaiganj seat will be considered vacated from October 18, 2021.
Special Judge Puja Singh of MP/MLA court Ayodhya had delivered the verdict on October 18 after which Tiwari was taken in custody and sent to jail.
The court had also slapped a fine of Rs 8,000 on him.
A case was lodged against Tiwari in 1992 by Yaduvansh Ram Tripathi, the then Principal of Saket Degree College in Ayodhya at Ram Janmabhoomi Police Station, accusing him of using a fake mark sheet to get admission.
20:38 Mortal remains of Gen Rawat, others, reach Delhi
The mortal remains of Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat, his wife Madhulika Rawat and Brig LS Lidder and some others killed in the tragic helicopter crash near Coonoor were brought to the national capital on Thursday.
The bodies were brought to Delhi in an Indian Air Force C-130J aircraft that landed at the Palam air base at around 7:35 pm.
Officials said the bodies of only Gen Rawat, Madhulika Rawat and Brig LS Lidder could be identified so far.
They said the mortal remains of only those identified will be released to the next of kin of those killed in the tragic helicopter crash on Wednesday.
A 'shradhanjali ceremony' is scheduled to be held from 2030 hours onwards, the Indian Army, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his ministers are expected to attend.
Civilians can pay their tribute to Gen Rawat from 1100-1230 hours tomorrow at the CDS's Karaj Marg residence, while the military personnel can pay their respects between 1230 and 1330 hours. Thereafter, the mortal remains will be taken in a gun carriage for funeral at the Brar Square crematorium in Delhi Cantonment.
20:16 Kangana moves HC to quash FIR over her Sikh post
Bollywood actor Kangana Ranaut has approached the Bombay high court seeking to quash a First Information Report registered against her last month by the Mumbai police following a complaint by a Sikh organisation.
Ranaut portrayed the farmers' protest on Delhi borders against the controversial farm laws as a 'Khalistani movement' in an Instagram post on November 21, the complainants had alleged. Following which, a case for `hurting religious sentiments' was registered against her by the police.
In her post, the actor had referred to "Khalistani terrorists" and invoked former prime minister late Indira Gandhi who "crushed" them.
The actor's petition, filed last month through advocate Rizwan Siddiquee, contended that her post was misconstrued and she had no intention of hurting the Sikh community's sentiments.
The post was not against farmers but against a banned organisation, and it was within her fundamental right to free speech, the actor, known for making controversial statements, said in the plea.
The HC should "protect her legitimate rights and liberties by quashing the FIR," said the petition, which is yet to be listed for hearing.
Representational pic
19:55 First responder recalls encounter with late CDS
When an Army official in severe distress asked for "some water," from him, A Sivakumar had no idea the man was the country's top soldier and its first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Bipin Rawat, who would possibly later succumb to injuries sustained in a helicopter crash in the vicinity.
Sivakumar, a social worker, was among the first respondents who reached the accident site where the Mi-17VH carrying the late CDS, his wife Madhulika Rawat and 12 others crashed on Wednesday, killing 13 of them, including the General while there is a lone survivor.
A "trained first respondent," Sivakumar said he rushed to the spot following a phone call from a relative even as the copter was in flames, making it "clear we cannot save everyone."
Three of them had jumped out of the burning helicopter and those in the area were scampering to find resources to save the injured, Sivakumar said, adding, they managed to rescue them one by one and take them to the ambulance.
"We saw three of them were alive. We used blankets and other available material to move them even as a police inspector came... as we were engaged in trying to shift them from there, I told the second person to remain calm and relaxed as rescuers had arrived. He then asked me "some water please." But I realised that by the time I could oblige his request, we could as well move him," to safety, Sivakumar told PTI.
The third person could hear what the rescuers spoke but could not respond, he added.
Later, an Army officer showed a picture of Rawat to Sivakumar and revealed who he was.
"I was upset I could not give water immediately to such a high ranking person of the country," Sivakumar said, adding, all of Rawat's belongings were later retrieved.
Sivakumar said police and defence officials have already held enquiries with him.
19:45 Forex outflows: Rupee sinks to 16-month low at 75.60 against dollar
The rupee on Thursday declined by 10 paise to settle at a 16-month low of 75.60 against the US dollar amid foreign fund outflows from equities and a firm greenback in the overseas markets.
Besides, concerns over the impact of new COVID variant on the global economy also weighed on investor sentiments, traders said.
At the interbank foreign exchange market, the local currency opened at 75.45 against the greenback. The local unit soon pared its initial gains and touched a low of 75.60 against the US dollar.
The rupee finally settled at its day's low of 75.60, down by 10 paise over its previous close. Previously, the rupee had closed at this level on July 1, 2020.
On Wednesday, the Indian rupee fell to a near two-month low of 75.50 against the US dollar, as RBI's bi-monthly monetary policy decision failed to enthuse forex market participants.
"The Indian Rupee ended weaker against the US Dollar on Thursday on concerns about persistent foreign outflows from local equities and as oil prices extended their climb," Sriram Iyer, Senior Research Analyst at Reliance Securities said.
Currently foreign investors are net sellers of Indian equities in all trading sessions since November 18, and have withdrawn almost USD 5 billion during this period, Iyer said.
Meanwhile, oil prices were lifted by optimism that the Omicron mutation might not have a significant impact on oil demand.
The Reserve Bank of India on Wednesday kept borrowing costs at a record-low for the ninth consecutive time, as it decided to continue supporting economic growth amid uncertainty over the impact of the Omicron strain on the economy.
Meanwhile, the dollar index, which gauges the greenback's strength against a basket of six currencies, was trading 0.20 per cent up at 96.08.
Brent crude futures, the global oil benchmark, declined 0.46 per cent to USD 75.47 per barrel.
On the domestic equity market front, the BSE Sensex ended 157.45 points or 0.27 per cent higher at 58,807.13, while the broader NSE Nifty rose 47.10 points or 0.27 per cent to 17,516.85.
Foreign institutional investors were net sellers in the capital market on Wednesday as they offloaded shares worth Rs 579.27 crore, as per exchange data.
"Rupee consolidated in a narrow range despite gains in the dollar against its major crosses. In line with expectation, the RBI held rates unchanged and maintained its stance accommodative. RBI said that it would endeavour to broaden growth impulses, encourage credit flow to productive sectors," said Gaurang Somaiyaa, Forex & Bullion Analyst, Motilal Oswal Financial Services.
From the US, market participants will be a little cautious ahead of the important inflation number that will be released on Friday.
"At the same time, consumer sentiment numbers will be released from the US and better-than-estimated data could extend gains for the dollar. We expect the USDINR (spot) to trade sideways with a positive bias and quote in the range of 75.05 and 75.80," Somaiyaa said.
Pic: Rohini Acharya on Twttter
19:10 Tejashwi Yadav weds long-time girlfriend
Bihar opposition leader Tejaswi Yadav, heir apparent to RJD chief Lalu Yadav, married his long time girlfriend Rachel today.
Tejaswi's sister Rohini Acharya congratulated her brother and his wife Rachel and tweeted their picture.
Samajwadi Party supremo Akhilesh Singh Yadav was among those who attended the wedding and was seen sitting next to Lalu Prasad Yadav at the venue.
Tejaswi's elder brother Tej Pratap too tweeted pictures of his brother's wedding and blessed the couple.
18:59 Sharjeel Imam gets bail in 2019 Jamia violence case
A Delhi court on Thursday granted bail to Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) student Sharjeel Imam in a case related to alleged violence at Jamia Millia Islamia University in December 2019.
Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Dinesh Kumar admitted him on bail on furnishing Rs 25,000 bond with one surety of like amount.
"Considering the nature of the offence, and the fact that he was not arrested during the investigation, the [bail] application is allowed," the judge ordered.
The incident of violence in the varsity had occurred concerning student protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) in December 2019.
The FIR under which he is an accused involves offences such as rioting, conspiracy, attempt to commit culpable homicide, voluntarily obstructing public servant in discharge of public functions, and assault under the Indian Penal Code.
Imam will, however, remain in jail as he is accused in three other cases related to violence in Delhi.
In October, the court had denied bail to Imam bail in connection with allegedly delivering an inflammatory speech and inciting violence during the CAA-NRC protests in 2019, saying free speech cannot be exercised at the cost of communal peace and harmony.
Besides this case, Imam is also accused of being the "masterminds" of the February 2020 riots, which had left 53 people dead and over 700 injured. He has been booked under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
He was also arrested in another case under UAPA and sedition for his alleged speeches at two universities in 2019, where he allegedly threatened to cut off Assam and the rest of the Northeast from India.
18:35 International flights suspended till Jan 31, 2022
India on Thursday decided to keep scheduled international passenger flights suspended in the country till January 31, 2022.
In a notice, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation said this restriction will not, however, apply to international all-cargo operations and flights specifically approved by it.
18:23 Modi to pay last respects to Gen Rawat tonight
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will pay his last respects to Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, his wife and 11 other personnel who lost their lives in a chopper crash in Tamil Nadu on Wednesday, at around 9 pm today in the Palam technical area.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Minister of State for Defence Ajay Bhatt, National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval and services chiefs would also be present.
The mortal remains of CDS and other Armed Forces personnel will reach Delhi around 8 pm today. Some of the family members of the personnel killed in the military aircraft crash will also be present.
The sources said that four bodies including that of General Rawat, his wife and Brigadier LS Lidder have been positively identified.
Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, his wife Madhulika Rawat and 11 others, who were on board IAF's Mi-17V5 helicopter, died in the crash on Wednesday.
The last rites will be held in Delhi on Friday with military honours.
18:20 Katrina Kaif-Vicky Kaushal are married
It's confirmed! Star couple Katrina Kaif and Vicky Kaushal have tied the knot in an intimate ceremony held at Six Senses Fort Bawara, Rajasthan, on Thursday.
As per close sources, the couple has taken the 'seven pheras' on Thursday afternoon in the presence of their families and friends.
The pre-wedding festivities kickstarted on December 7 with mehendi, followed by a big fat Punjabi Sangeet Night on December 8.
Kabir Khan, Angad Bedi, Mini Mathur, Neha Dhupia, Gurdas Maan, Sharvari Wagh, and Vijay Krishna Acharya among many others from the film industry were a part of Vicky and Katrina's wedding festivities.
-- ANI
Reuters
18:18 Singapore removed from India's 'at-risk' nations list
India has removed Singapore from its list of "at-risk" nations, travellers from where need to follow additional measures on arrival including post-arrival testing.
The current list of "at-risk" countries includes countries in Europe including the United Kingdom, South Africa, Brazil, Botswana, China, Ghana, Mauritius, New Zealand, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Hong Kong and Israel.
This development comes as Omicron has been reported in 57 countries, and World Health Organization (WHO) expects the number to continue growing.
Taking cognizance of the emergence of highly mutant Covid-19 variant B.1.1529 or Omicron cases, India added several countries to the list from where travellers would need to follow additional measures on arrival in the country, including post-arrival testing for infection.
A new variant of COVID-19 was first reported to the World Health Organisation (WHO) from South Africa on November 25. As per the WHO, the first known confirmed B.1.1.529 infection was from a specimen collected on November 9 this year.
On November 26, the WHO named the new COVID-19 variant B.1.1.529, which has been detected in South Africa, as 'Omicron'. The WHO has classified Omicron as a 'variant of concern'.
Dozens of countries have imposed travel restrictions on the southern African nations since the mutation was discovered.
The new Omicron coronavirus variant has been confirmed in 23 countries and their number is expected to rise, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus had said. (ANI) India removes Singapore from list of 'at-risk' nations.
New Delhi [India], December 9 (ANI): India has removed Singapore from its list of "at-risk" nations, travellers from where need to follow additional measures on arrival including post-arrival testing.
The current list of "at-risk" countries includes countries in Europe including the United Kingdom, South Africa, Brazil, Botswana, China, Ghana, Mauritius, New Zealand, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Hong Kong and Israel.
This development comes as Omicron has been reported in 57 countries, and World Health Organization (WHO) expects the number to continue growing.
Taking cognizance of the emergence of highly mutant Covid-19 variant B.1.1529 or Omicron cases, India added several countries to the list from where travellers would need to follow additional measures on arrival in the country, including post-arrival testing for infection.
A new variant of COVID-19 was first reported to the World Health Organisation (WHO) from South Africa on November 25. As per the WHO, the first known confirmed B.1.1.529 infection was from a specimen collected on November 9 this year.
On November 26, the WHO named the new COVID-19 variant B.1.1.529, which has been detected in South Africa, as 'Omicron'. The WHO has classified Omicron as a 'variant of concern'.
Dozens of countries have imposed travel restrictions on the southern African nations since the mutation was discovered.
The new Omicron coronavirus variant has been confirmed in 23 countries and their number is expected to rise, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus had said.
17:41 ED quizzes Jacqueline Fernandez for 2nd day
Actor Jacqueline Fernandez appeared before the Enforcement Directorate here on Thursday for the second consecutive day in connection with a money laundering investigation involving alleged conman Sukesh Chandrashekhar and others.
The 36-year-old actor had spent about eight hours at the agency's office on Wednesday as she was questioned and her statement was recorded in multiple sessions under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
The agency is continuing with the questioning on Thursday, official sources said.
Fernandez has been grilled by the Enforcement Directorate at least twice early this year in this case during which she was also confronted with Chandrashekhar.
The agency suspects she is a "beneficiary" of the proceeds of crime allegedly generated by Chandrashekhar after coning and extorting money from some high-profile people.
An associate of the actor was also grilled by the agency on Wednesday.
A spokesperson for the actor had earlier said she was testifying before the agency as a witness.
"Jacqueline Fernandez is being called to testify as a witness by the ED. She has duly recorded her statements and in future will also be completely cooperating with the agency in the investigations.
"Jacqueline also categorically denies alleged slanderous statements made about relationship with the involved couple," the spokesperson had said in a statement in October.
On December 5, The ED 5 had stopped Fernandez from flying abroad through the Mumbai airport. It asked her to remain in the country as she may be required to join the probe.
ANI Photo
17:35 'He promised to take us on vacation,' says wife of Havaldar Satpal Rai
A pall of gloom descended on Takdah, a sleepy hamlet in West Bengal Darjeeling district, on Thursday as locals learnt about the death of Havaldar Satpal Rai who was among the 13 people killed in the helicopter crash in Tamil Nadu's Coonoor.
Rai, who was a native of Takdah, is survived by wife, a daughter and a son who is also in the Army.
The helicopter crash on Wednesday killed India's first Chief of Defence Staff Bipin Rawat, and 12 others.
Rai's distraught widow said that he had last come home during Diwali.
"He was supposed to come home in April again and had promised us a vacation to some place," she said.
His body is likely to arrive home on Friday, a neighbour of the Rai family home said.
Darjeeling MP Raju Bista expressed his condolences on the demise of Rai.
Representational pic
17:24 Uniform Civil Code is sub-judice, Govt tells LS
The government on Thursday refrained to comment on a Supreme Court notice issued to it on a petition which had sought directions to the respondents to take steps to remove anomalies on the grounds of divorce, maintenance and alimony, saying the issue is sub-judice.
Responding to a question in Lok Sabha on whether the government has taken note of the observation made by the Supreme Court with regard to "enacting uniform civil code" for all religion to bring uniformity in case of divorce and maintenance, Law Minister Kiren Rijiju said that the matter is pending with the top court.
In a written reply, Rijiju said the Supreme Court has issued notices to the Union of India in a writ petition, wherein the petitioner has prayed for directions to the respondents to take steps to remove anomalies on the grounds of divorce, maintenance and alimony and also for directions to the Law Commission to examine and suggest uniform grounds of divorce, maintenance and alimony within three months in spirit of Articles 14, 15, 21 and 44 of the Constitution and international conventions.
"The matter is sub-judice," he noted.
16:45 Mapped: The big gainers in the markets today
ITC was the top gainer in the Sensex pack, rising around 5 per cent, followed by L&T, Asian Paints, Reliance Industries, M&M, Bajaj Finance and Infosys.
Brigadier Lidder with his wife
16:41 Brig killed in chopper crash was to get promoted
Among the armed forces personnel killed in the chopper crash near Coonoor was Brigadier Lakhwinder Singh Lidder, a decorated soldier who worked extensively on tri-services reforms as the defence assistant to CDS General Bipin Rawat.
A second-generation Army officer, Brig Lidder was set to be promoted as Major General soon and was preparing for his next posting after serving as a key member in Gen Rawat's team for more than a year.
Brig Lidder served extensively in counter-terror operations in Jammu and Kashmir and commanded a brigade along India's borders with China.
As the defence assistant to Gen Rawat, Brig Lidder played an important role in planning India's higher defence reforms under which an ambitious roadmap has been drawn to roll out tri-services theatre commands to ensure greater coordination among the Army, the Navy, and the Air Force.
Chief of Defence Staff Gen Rawat, his wife Madhulika, Brig Lidder and 10 other armed forces personnel were killed in the Mi-17V5 helicopter crash near Coonoor on Wednesday, in one of the biggest air accidents in India in decades involving senior military officers.
Brig Lidder, a recipient of the Sena Medal and Vishisht Seva Medal, had his roots in Haryana's Panchkula and served as India's defence attache to Kazakhstan in his distinguished career. He was commissioned into 2 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles in December 1990, a battalion he later commanded.
CDS Bipin Rawat who died in the chopper crash yesterday
16:32 Forced to pay homage outside parliament: Kharge
Leader of Opposition in the Upper House, Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday alleged that Opposition parties were forced to pay tributes to the CDC Bipin Rawat and the other 12 people who died in the chopper crash, outside Parliament.
Earlier today, the Opposition leaders called off their ongoing sit-in dharna against the suspension of the 12 Rajya Sabha MPs for the day as a mark of respect towards General Bipin Rawat and 12 others who lost their lives in the chopper crash.
Addressing a press conference, Kharge said, "May the families of soldiers get the strength to bear the loss. We pray for the speedy recovery of the injured personnel."
"We stand here today to pay tributes to CDS General Bipin Rawat and others who lost their lives in the tragic chopper crash. Rajnath Singh delivered a statement in Parliament. I, being the leader of Opposition and all of the floor leaders wanted to pay our tributes and speak for 1 minute each. But neither the government nor the Chair allowed us to do so," Kharge said.
16:12 Sensex ends 157 pts higher; Nifty reclaims 17,500
Equity benchmark Sensex ended 157 points higher on Thursday, tracking gains in index majors Reliance Industries, ITC and L&T amid a largely positive trend in global markets.
The 30-share index ended 157.45 points or 0.27 per cent higher at 58,807.13. Similarly, the NSE Nifty rose 47.10 points or 0.27 per cent to 17,516.85.
ITC was the top gainer in the Sensex pack, rising around 5 per cent, followed by L&T, Asian Paints, Reliance Industries, M&M, Bajaj Finance and Infosys. On the other hand, HDFC Bank, Titan, Nestle India, NTPC and PowerGrid were among the laggards.
The mangled remains of the chopper
16:05 A village readies to receive the body of the co-pilot
In a village 50 km from Rajasthan's Jhunjhunu district headquarters, grieving relatives of Squadron Leader Kuldeep Singh, who was the co-pilot of the IAF helicopter that crashed in Tamil Nadu, and residents were on Thursday preparing for his cremation.
Singh's last rites will be conducted at the Mahatma Gandhi Government School ground in his Ghardana Khurd village and thousands are expected to gather to bid him farewell.
Village sarpanch Ummed Singh Rao said the Education Department has given its nod for Singh's cremation. His statue will also be installed in the school.
"This is very sad news for everyone in the village. As soon as the news of Singh's death was confirmed on Wednesday evening, his relatives started reaching the village," he said.
"The entire village is engaged in making arrangements for the funeral procession and the cremation. The villagers and Singh's relatives have decided to conduct the funeral at the school ground. Thousands of people would be gathering in the village to pay tributes to him," he added.
Rao said Singh's father retired from the Navy and many of his cousin brothers are also serving in different armed forces. His father and other members of the family live in Jaipur, while his extended family lives in Ghardana Khurd.
"Singh's father is currently said to be in Delhi," he said.
15:58 Amul's poignant tribute to the fallen
Amul's always topical, and this time, moving, tribute to the tragic death of CDS General Bipin Rawat in the chopper crash yesterday.
15:53 Identifying bodies tough due to severity of crash
The Indian army said it is taking all possible measures for the identification of the bodies in the chopper crash. The severity of the crash has made identification difficult.
"Close family members of all the deceased personnel are arriving at Delhi. All necessary assistance and support are being provided," read the statement of Indian Army.
The assistance of close family members for positive identification will be taken in addition to scientific measures. Mortal remains will be released to the next of kin only after a positive identification, said the Army.
Appropriate military rites of all personnel will be ensured in consultation with close relatives once the process of positive identification is completed.
The mortal remains of those killed in the IAF helicopter crash on Wednesday were brought to Madras Regimental Centre today from Military Hospital in Wellington.
The accident claimed the lives of 13 people. However, IAF Group Captain Varun Singh, the lone survivor of the crash, is on life support in Military Hospital at Wellington.
So far only four bodies have been positively identified: CDS Rawat, his wife, and Brig LS Lidder (the big image in the collage) alongside.
15:42 From one army chief to another
General (retd) Ved Prakash Malik Rest shares this picture with his wife and CDS Bipin Rawat and his wife Madhulika Rawat. "Rest in peace Gen & Mrs Rawat . Your smiling faces and contributions to the nation will always be remembered," Ved Prakash tweeted.
General Ved Prakash Malik PVSM, AVSM served as the 19th Chief of Army Staff of the Indian Army from 30 September 1997 to 30 September 2000. He was the Army Chief during the Kargil War.
15:40 Locals pay homage to the dead in the chopper crash
As the bodies of the 13 dead are taken to the Sulur airbase, locals line both sides of the road to pay homage. Locals showered flower petals as ambulances carrying the mortal remains of CDS Bipin Rawat, his wife and other personnel who died in the Coonoor Helicopter Crash, leave from the Madras Regimental Centre in the Nilgiris district.
The crash site
15:23 CDS among 4 of 13 bodies positively identified
PM Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, MoS Defence Ajay Bhatt and NSA Ajit Doval are likely to pay tribute to the mortal remains of CDS Gen Bipin Rawat, his wife and 11 other personnel at the Palam Technical Area this evening.
The update right now is that all 13 bodies are being brought in an Indian Air Force C-130J Super Hercules transport aircraft from Sulur to Delhi. IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari has already left for Delhi from there. Four bodies including that of Gen Rawat, his wife and Brig LS Lidder have been positively identified.
15:00 Farmers suspend agitation, to vacate protest sites
The Samyukt Kisan Morcha has decided to suspend the farmers protest that has been on at Delhi's borders for more than a year now.
"We have decided to suspend our agitation. We will hold a review meeting on January 15. If the government doesn't fulfill its promises, we could resume our agitation," farmer leader Gurnam Singh Charuni announced on Thursday following a meeting of the SKM in Delhi.
Accordingly, protesting farmers will vacate the protest sites on December 11, farmers leader Darshan Pal Singh said.
The farmers' agitation has been suspended, Samyukt Kisan Morcha to hold a meeting on January 15, farmers leader Balbir Singh Rajewal too announced. -- ANI
"We have decided to suspend our agitation. We will hold a review meeting on January 15. If the government doesn't fulfill its promises, we could resume our agitation," farmer leader Gurnam Singh Charuni announced on Thursday following a meeting of the SKM in Delhi.
Accordingly, protesting farmers will vacate the protest sites on December 11, farmers leader Darshan Pal Singh said.
The farmers' agitation has been suspended, Samyukt Kisan Morcha to hold a meeting on January 15, farmers leader Balbir Singh Rajewal too announced. -- ANI
14:51 Farmers receive govt letter accepting demands
Protesting farmers receive a letter from the Government of India, with promises of forming a committee on minimum support price (MSP) and withdrawing cases against them immediately.
'As far as the matter of compensation is concerned, UP and Haryana have given in-principle consent,' it reads. -- ANI
14:22 Farmers dismantle tents from protest site
Farmers start removing tents from Singhu on the Delhi-Haryana border which was the protest site for over a year. "We are preparing to leave for our homes, but the final decision will be taken by Samyukt Kisan Morcha," a farmer says.
The farmers' union body, Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), has just begun the meeting today to decide the future course of their protest against the three farm laws.
On Tuesday, the Centre had sent a detailed draft to the Samyukta Kisan Morcha's five-member committee after factoring in their feedback. The farmer unions accepted the government's proposal addressing their pending demands on Wednesday.
14:12 The 13 who died in the chopper crash
The complete list of the 13 who died in the IAF chopper crash near Coonoor yesterday: CDS Bipin Rawat, Madhulika Rawat, his Defence Adviser Brig Lakhbinder Singh Lidder, Staff Officer Lt Col Harjinder Singh and nine other Armed Forces personnel including the Air Force helicopter crew.
Their names are Wing Commander Prithvi Singh Chauhan, Squadron Leader Kuldeep Singh, Junior Warrant Officer Rana Pratap Das, Junior Warrant Officer Arakkal Pradeep, Havildar Satpal Rai, Naik Gursewak Singh, Naik Jitendra Kumar, Lance Naik Vivek Kumar, Lance Naik B Sai Teja.
13:50 The smile says everything...
Supreme Court lawyer and activist Indira Jaising tweets this picture of activist Sudha Bharadwaj as she steps out to freedom from Mumbai's Byculla jail.
13:40 Equities trade in red on profit booking
The Indian equities markets slipped into the red on Thursday as investors booked profit following a sharp rally in the past two sessions.
The benchmark Sensex slipped around 200 points after gaining 1902 points in the previous two sessions.
The 30-stock S&P BSE Sensex of the Bombay Stock Exchange opened on a positive note at 58,831.41 points, 181.73 points higher than the previous close at 58,649.68 points.
However, the market turned volatile on profit booking. The benchmark Sensex slipped to a low of 58,340.85 points in the intra-day after touching a high of 58,889.96 points in the intra-day trade. The Sensex has fluctuated by 500 points.
At around noon the Sensex was trading at 58,535.63 points, 0.19 per cent or 114.05 points lower than the previous day's close.
13:34 Shaurya Chakra survivor is from family of heroes
Group Captain Varun Singh, the lone survivor of the chopper crash near Coonoor in Tamil Nadu, who was conferred with the Shaurya Chakra, comes from a family that serves in the armed forces.
He was conferred the Shaurya Chakra in August for averting a possible mid-air accident after his Tejas light combat aircraft suffered a major technical glitch last year.
Singh is now battling for life at a military hospital in Wellington and will be shifted to a hospital in Bengaluru.
His father, Colonel (retd) KP Singh had served in the Army Air Defence (AAD). His younger son Tanuj, is Lt Commander in the Navy.
Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat, his wife Madhulika and 11 armed forces personnel were killed in the Mi-17V5 helicopter crash in one of the biggest air accidents involving top military officials.
"Group Captain Varun Singh is on life support in the military hospital at Wellington and all efforts are being made to save his life," Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said while apprising Parliament on the crash.
Group Captain Singh was on board the Russian-made chopper as the liaison officer for the visit of Gen Rawat, India's senior-most military officer, to the Defence Services Staff College in Wellington.
He is currently serving as an instructor at the prestigious institute.
Group Captain Singh received Gen Rawat at the Sulur airbase from where the entourage was heading towards Wellington in the chopper.
Group Captain Singh was conferred with the Shaurya Chakra for displaying exemplary composure and skill when his Tejas aircraft developed the technical snag on October 12 last year.
"Despite being in extreme physical and mental stress in an extreme life-threatening situation, he maintained exemplary composure and recovered the aircraft, thereby exhibiting exceptional flying skill," this award citation said.
Officials said his aircraft experienced a total loss of control with vicious manoeuvring and under such a scenario, the pilot was at liberty to abandon the aircraft. They said he evaluated the gravity of the situation and decided to bring back the aircraft safely.
"Faced with a potential hazard to his own life, he displayed extraordinary courage and skill to control and safely land the fighter aircraft saving hundreds of crore," the award citation said.
13:16 Grp Capt Singh being moved to B'lore hospital
IAF Group Captain Varun Singh, the lone survivor of the helicopter crash that killed Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat and 12 others, is being shifted to Bengaluru from the Army hospital at Wellington in Tamil Nadu, his father said on Thursday.
The crash took place near Coonoor in Tamil Nadu on Wednesday.
Talking to PTI over phone, Group Captain Varun Singh's father Colonel K P Singh (retired), who is a resident of Bhopal, said, "He is being shifted to Bengaluru. I have reached Wellington."
Asked about his son's condition, he said, "I can't say anything about that...I am not sure."
Lt Colonel Ishan R (retired), who lives next door to Col K P Singh's residence at Sun City on the Airport Road in Bhopal, said he was hopeful that Group Captain Varun Singh will recover.
He said Col K P Singh and his wife Uma were in Mumbai at the place of their younger son Tanuj, who is Lt Commander in the Navy, when they got the unfortunate news on Wednesday.
"I spoke to Colonel K P Singh this morning. He said his son was a fighter and will come out victorious (from the tragedy)," he said.
He recalled that Group Captain Varun Singh had earlier survived a life-threatening emergency while flying a Tejas aircraft during a test sortie last year.
For his bravery, he was awarded the Shaurya Chakra this year. -- PTI
13:03 Bodies of chopper crash victims to be flown to Delhi in a bit
Vehicles carrying the mortal remains of CDS Bipin Rawat, his wife and other personnel who died in the Coonoor chopper crash, leave for the Sulur airbase from the Madras Regimental Centre in the Nilgiris district.
The mortal remains will be taken to Delhi by air from the Sulur airbase.
Sudha Bharadwaj/file pic
13:00 Sudha Bharadwaj walks out of jail after 3 years
Lawyer-activist Sudha Bharadwaj, one of the 16 people arrested in the Elgar Parishad case, was released this morning after spending over three years in jail.
The Supreme Court had two days ago rejected the National Investigation Agency's plea to stay the default bail granted to her by the Bombay High Court on December 1.
"We see no reason to interfere with the High Court order. Plea dismissed," a bench of Justices UU Lalit, SR Bhat, and Bela M Trivedi had said, clearing her release.
Bharadwaj was released from the Byculla women's prison after the NIA court set bail conditions yesterday. She is the first to be granted default bail in the case.
12:35 Next 48 hours crucial for IAF chopper survivor
"He underwent some surgeries last night and was shifted to the ICU ward (of the Military Hospital, Wellington). Doctors say the next 48 hours are crucial," Captain Singh's uncle and Congress leader, Akhilesh Pratap Singh said.
It's a wait and watch situation for the family and friends of Group Captain Varun Singh, the lone survivor of the chopper crash
People in his village pray for the speedy recovery of Group Capt Varun Singh, at Kanhauli, Deoria.
"Varun is posted in Tamil Nadu's Wellington and lives with his son and daughter," his uncle Dinesh Pratap Singh says.
"My thoughts are with Group Capt Varun Singh who has survived the tragic chopper crash. I pray for his speedy recovery and long life," tweets President Ram Nath Kovind.
In his statement in Lok Sabha, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday informed that IAF Group Captain Varun Singh, is on life support in Military Hospital at Wellington. "Group Captain Varun Singh is on life support in Military Hospital, Wellington.
"All efforts are being made to save his life," the Defence Minister said. According to the sources, the health condition of the Shaurya Chakra awardee is critical but stable and he can be shifted from the Military Hospital, Wellington to the Command Hospital in Bengaluru.
The Group Captain was recently conferred with the Shaurya Chakra by President Ram Nath Kovind for his act of exceptional gallantry.
12:22 Afternoon is best time to get your Covid vaccine
In other news, studies on the Covid vaccine, which as we all know, remains ongoing.
Antibody levels are higher when people receive the COVID-19 vaccine in the afternoon as compared to the morning, according to an observational study.
The research, published in the Journal of Biological Rhythms, demonstrates that our internal 24-hour circadian clock regulates many aspects of physiology, including the response to infectious disease and vaccination.
"Our observational study provides proof of concept that time of day affects immune response to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, findings that may be relevant for optimising the vaccine's efficacy," said study co-senior author Elizabeth Klerman from Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), US.
The researchers noted that symptoms of some diseases and the action of numerous medications vary by time of day.
The latest study evaluated antibody levels after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination among 2,190 healthcare workers in the UK.
Blood samples were collected from asymptomatic hospital workers at the time of vaccination.
The researchers created a model to investigate the effect on antibody levels based on time of day of vaccination, vaccine type, age, sex, and the number of days post-vaccination.
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They found that antibody responses were higher in general for everyone who was vaccinated later in the day.
The antibody responses were also higher in those who received the Pfizer mRNA vaccine, in women, and in younger people, in addition to the effect of time of day of vaccination, the researchers said.
The study contrasts with earlier studies in elderly men that reported higher anti-influenza titers in the morning.
"The SARS-CoV-2 vaccine and the influenza vaccine have different mechanisms of action from each other, and antibody response may vary greatly depending on whether the immune system recognises the pathogen from earlier infections, such as influenza, or whether it is confronted by a novel virus," said Klerman.
Security was beefed up after a shootout at the court in September
12:03 Explosion in Delhi's Rohini court, proceedings suspended
A mysterious explosion was reported in Delhi's Rohini Court on Thursday morning, fire officials said.
As per initial reports, a laptop in the court exploded.
Police, however, said they are investigating.
The fire officials said they received information about the explosion at 10.40 am, following which seven fire tenders were rushed to the spot. Proceedings in the court have been suspended, officials said. Further details are awaited.
11:58 Full military honours for Rawat's funeral
The last rites of CDS General Bipin Rawat will be performed with full military honours. The last rites of other military personnel will be performed with appropriate military honour, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh says in his statement in the Lok Sabha on the military chopper crash in Tamil Nadu.
Image: The very talented and one of India's most respected cartoonist, Satish Acharya, pays tribute to CDS Bipin Rawat.
Brigadier LS Lidder
11:48 Brig LS Lidder was among those killed in copter crash
Rajyavardhan Rathore, an MP and former Colonel in the Indian Army mourns the loss of a colleague in the chopper crash that claimed the lives of 13 people including CDS Bipin Rawat. "We trained together at #NDA. We fought terrorists together in #Kashmir. In the loss of Brig LS Lidder, SM, VSM today, India has lost one of its brightest & bravest officers & I have lost a friend. A decorated soldier, caring husband & doting father, you will be missed, Tony," Rathore tweeted.
11:42 TN CM pays tributes to victims of chopper crash
Floral tributes were on Thursday paid to Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat and 12 others killed in an Indian Air Force (IAF) helicopter crash here earlier.
Senior Army officials, Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin, state ministers and Army veterans laid wreaths and paid floral tributes to the mortal remains of the deceased at the Madras Regimental Centre at Wellington.
The mortal remains of the crash victims in caskets wrapped in the Indian tricolour were brought to the venue in decorated army trucks.
Tamil Nadu Ministers K N Nehru, MP Saminathan and K Ramachandran, senior state government and police officials and Army personnel among others paid tributes to the departed persons.
11:40 The IAF officer who will head chopper crash inquiry
Air Marshal Manvendra Singh is heading the tri-services inquiry into the IAF Mi-17 that crashed yesterday. Singh is Commander of Indian Air Force's training command and a helicopter pilot himself: IAF officials.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in the LS
11:28 Sole survivor of chopper crash on life support
Group Captain Varun Singh's health condition is critical but stable. He is under watch and if required, he can be shifted from the Military Hospital, Wellington to the Command Hospital, Bangalore, reports say. He is the only survivor of the chopper crash that killed 13 people.
"Group Captain Varun Singh is on life support in Military Hospital, Wellington. All efforts are being made to save his life," Defence Minister Rajnath Singh tells the Lok Sabha.
"All those recovered from the wreckage were rushed to the Military Hospital, Wellington. Latest reports have confirmed that out of the total 14 persons onboard the ill-fated helicopter, 13 have succumbed to their injuries," Singh says.
11:17 IAF orders tri-service inquiry into crash: Rajnath
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh begins his statement in the Lok Sabha on the chopper crash in Tamil Nadu that claimed the lives of 13 people including the Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat. He will also make a statement in the Upper House.
"The IAF has ordered a tri-service inquiry into the military chopper crash. The investigation will be led by Air Marshal Manavendra Singh. The inquiry team reached Wellington yesterday itself and started the investigation, the defence minister said.
The Lok Sabha observes a two-minute silence on the demise of General Bipin Rawat, his wife, and other personnel in the military helicopter crash.
"The Air Force Mi 17 V 5 helicopter took off from Sulur Air Base at 11:48 am yesterday and was expected to land at Wellington by 12:15 pm. Air Traffic Control at Sulur Air Base lost contact with the helicopter at approximately 12:08 pm.
"Subsequently, few locals spotted a fire in the forest near Coonoor and rushed to the spot where they observed the wreckage of military helicopter engulfed in flames," Rajnath Singh said.
Mallikarjun Kharge with protesting MPs
11:10 PM holds meet; Oppn suspends protests
From Parliament: PM Narendra Modi is holding a meeting with senior ministers in Parliament. Union Ministers Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, Pralhad Joshi, Nirmala Sitharaman, and Anurag Singh Thakur are among the attendees.
Opposition pauses protests: "We've decided not to protest against the suspension of 12 Rajya Sabha MPs today in honour of CDS Bipin Rawat and the soldiers who died in the chopper crash. We will pay tribute to them. We will also attend Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's address," Mallikarjun Kharge, LoP in Rajya Sabha, said.
Some of the critical equipment recovered from the chopper crash site today
11:03 Black Box of chopper recovered
Updates: -- Critical equipment, including the Black Box of the IAF Mi-17 that crashed near Coonoor near Tamil Nadu recovered by Air Force officials from the spot. The Flight Data Recorder, also called the Black Box (in fact it is coloured orange) and Cockpit Voice Recorder have been retrieved.
-- Bodies of those who died in the military chopper crash yesterday have been brought to Madras Regimental Centre from Military Hospital, Wellington in Nilgiris district.
-- The black box would provide crucial data on the chain of events leading to the tragedy on the hills on Wednesday when the 63-year old Rawat, the country's first CDS, his wife and 11 others were killed when the Mi-17VH helicopter they were travelling in crashed and went up in flames, leaving only one survivor.
Rawat was on his way to the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington to address the faculty and student officers of the staff course when the fatal mishap happened in the Katteri-Nanchappanchathram area.
13 people have died in the horrific chopper crash.
10:49 India logs 9,419 new COVID-19 cases in last 24 hrs
India reported 9,419 new COVID-19 cases and 159 deaths in the last 24 hours, informed the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) on Thursday.
According to the ministry, India's active caseload currently stands at 94,742.
"Active cases account for less than one per cent of total cases, currently at 0.27 per cent; lowest since March 2020," said the ministry.
As many as 4,74,111 people has succumbed to the infection so far. With 8,251 recoveries in the last 24 hours, the recovery tally of the country has gone upto 3,40,97,388. The recovery rate is currently at 98.36 per cent, which is highest since March 2020.
"Daily positivity rate (0.73 per cent) is less than two per cent for last 66 days. Weekly positivity rate (0.74 per cent) is less than one per cent for last 25 days," MoHFW informed.
10:32 Happy anniversary Shabana, Javed!
And an upbeat post among 24 hours of tragic news. Actor Shabana Azmi celebrates 37 years of marriage with poet, lyricist Javed Akhtar. "37 years .. the total has been better than the sum of its parts..Happy anniversary (heart emojis)," Azmi tweeted.
Rescue officials at the spot yesterday
10:26 Search expanded for chopper's missing Black Box
The Flight Recorder, more popularly known as 'Black Box', of the Indian Air Force helicopter that crashed near Coonoor on Wednesday, killing Chief of Defence Staff, General Bipin Rawat and 12 others, has not yet been recovered.
Officials have expanded the area of search, police sources said.
The sources added the search area has been expanded from 300 metres to 1 km from the accident spot by the Defence officials.
The black box would provide crucial data on the chain of events leading to the tragedy on the hills on Wednesday when the 63-year old Rawat, the country's first CDS, his wife and 11 others were killed when the Mi-17VH helicopter they were travelling in crashed and went up in flames, leaving only one survivor.
Rawat was on his way to the Defence Services Staff College (DSSC), Wellington to address the faculty and student officers of the staff course when the fatal mishap happened in the Katteri-Nanchappanchathram area. PTI
10:05 Forensic team reaches crash site in Coonoor
A team of Tamil Nadu Forensic Science Department headed by Director Srinivasan arrived at the crash site near Kattery in Coonoor.
A few hours ago, IAF chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari along with Tamil Nadu DGP C Sylendra Babu visited the chopper crash site near Coonoor in the Nilgiris district.
Thirteen people including CDS General Bipin Rawat and his wife lost their lives in the accident yesterday.
09:52 Rawat, other bodies, to be taken to Delhi soon
Arrangements are being done at the Madras regimental Centre Wellington where the mortal remains of the CDS General Bipin Rawat his wife and eleven others will be kept before being taken to the Sulur Airfield.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will today make a statement in both houses of Parliament on the helicopter crash in Tamil Nadu yesterday that claimed 13 lives.
The bodies would be brought to his house on Friday and people would be allowed to pay their last respects from 11 am to 2 pm, followed by a funeral procession which will start from Kamraj Marg to Brar Square crematorium in Delhi Cantonment.
The helicopter crashed shortly after it took off from the Air Force base in Sulur at 11.45 am, Coimbatore. It was on its way to Wellington in Nilgiri Hills where General Rawat was to address a gathering at the Defence Services Staff College.
09:30 US-Indo Pacific Command mourns Rawat's death
The US Indo-Pacific Command extended its condolences on the demise of CDS Bipin Rawat and 12 others.
Admiral John Aquilino, Commander, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, statement on the passing of Indian Chief of Defense Staff, General Bipin Rawat: I am deeply saddened to hear of the tragic passing of my friend General Bipin Rawat, his wife Madhulika, and the others who perished.
"Gen. Rawat was a great partner to U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, and to the United States military. His stalwart leadership and commitment to upholding peace and stability across the Indo-Pacific will be sorely missed.
"Gen. Rawats legacy includes an enduring impact on the strategic U.S. and India defense partnership and people-to-people ties. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Rawat family, the families and friends of all those who perished, and the Indian Armed Forces."
09:16 Air Chief Marshal reaches crash site
Indian Air Force (IAF) chief, Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari on Thursday morning reached the site of the chopper crash, that claimed the life of 13 people including Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat and his wife.
The IAF chief reached the crash site near Coonoor in the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu along with state DGP C Sylendra Babu.
General Rawat was travelling from Sulur to Wellington when his helicopter crashed near Coonoor in Tamil Nadu on Wednesday afternoon.
According to sources, the IAF chief on Wednesday visited Sulur Airbase, from where the helicopter took off.
The IAF confirmed the demise of General Rawat, his wife Madhulika Rawat and 11 others, who were on-board the IAF Mi-17V5 helicopter. General Rawat, India's first CDS, was on a visit to the Defence Services Staff College in Wellington to address the faculty and student officers of the Staff Course when his chopper crashed. The IAF has ordered an inquiry into the accident. -- ANI
08:54 Lost a noble person': Adhir on Rawat's death
Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury on Wednesday expressed condolences over the sudden demise of Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat in a chopper crash.
Speaking to media persons, the Congress leaders said, "I am left with no words. I am very sad. Being the chairman of Public Accounts Committee (PAC), I had several meetings with General Bipin Rawat. Even four days back we had a telephonic conversation."
"The news of General Rawat demise put a shadow of grief. All the good conversation and his gracious behaviour are floating in my mind since I heard the news. We lost a noble person, the country's first CDS. May his soul rest in peace," added Chowdhury.
General Bipin Rawat, his wife, and 11 other personnel of the Armed Forces died after a military helicopter crashed in Coonoor in Tamil Nadu on Wednesday, the Indian Air Force said.
08:46 Army Vice Chief cuts short Qatar visit, to return to Delhi
Following the demise of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat on Wednesday, Vice Chief of the Army Staff (VCOAS) Lieutenant General Chandi Prasad Mohanty has cut short his visit to Qatar and is returning to Delhi, said sources.
The Army Vice Chief proceeded on his two-day visit to Qatar on Wednesday, the Ministry of Defence had informed.
In his scheduled visit, the Vice Chief was to take forward the excellent defence cooperation between the State of Qatar and India through multiple meetings with senior functionaries of the Qatari security establishment. -- ANI
08:20 CDS chopper crash: Rajnath to brief Parl today
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh would brief the Parliament today on the crash of the military chopper which was carrying Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat and 13 other persons.
The Defence Minister visited Gen Rawat's residence in New Delhi after the Indian Air Force helicopter carrying him along with some senior defence officers crashed near Coonor in Tamil Nadu on Wednesday.
Gen Rawat was accompanied by his wife.
The defence minister briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the incident yesterday.
The IAF has ordered an inquiry into the accident. -- ANI
01:09 TN Chief Minister Stalin holds meeting with defence officials
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Wednesday visited the Madras Regimental Centre in Wellington and held a meeting with the defence officials present there, informed Chief Minister's Office.
Earlier on Wednesday, The Tamil Nadu CM was also scheduled to visit the spot in the Nilgiris, Coonoor where a Mi-17V5 helicopter of the Indian Air Force carrying chief of defence staff General Bipin Rawat and 12 others crashed.
CM Stalin tweeted, "I am deeply shocked and disheartened on hearing the army chopper with CDS General Bipin Rawat and 13 others have met with an accident near Coonoor. I've instructed the local administration to provide all the help needed in rescue operations even as I'm rushing to the spot."
01:06 UN chief Guterres mourns Gen Rawat's demise
UN Secretary-General Antnio Guterres on Wednesday mourned the demise of India's first chief of defence staff General Bipin Rawat in a helicopter crash in Tamil Nadu.
Gen Rawat, his wife Madhulika and 11 other armed forces personnel died on Wednesday after the military helicopter they were travelling in crashed near Coonoor in Tamil Nadu, the Indian Air Force said.
"The Secretary General is deeply saddened by the death of General Bipin Rawat, chief of defence staff of the Indian Armed Forces as well as his spouse and 11 other people in a helicopter crash. He expresses his heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and to the people and government of India," his spokesperson Stphane Dujarric told reporters in New York.
"As you may recall, General Rawat served the United Nations with distinction and we fully appreciated that work. He was Brigade Commander of the North Kivu Brigade of the UN peacekeeping mission in the Congo in 2008 and 2009," Dujarric added. -- PTI
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