LIVE
Fri, 24 September 2021
Quad leaders' summit begins in White House
Timeline Refresh
23:59 Quad leaders' summit begins in White House
Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with his counterparts from Australia and Japan on Friday attended the first in-person meeting of Quad leaders hosted by US President Joe Biden during which they plan to discuss issues like climate change, Covid-19 pandemic and challenges in the Indo Pacific, amidst China's growing military presence in the strategic region.
In November 2017, India, Japan, the US and Australia gave shape to the long-pending proposal of setting up the Quad to develop a new strategy to keep the critical sea routes in the Indo-Pacific free of any influence.
At the invitation of President Biden, Prime Minister Modi and his counterparts Scott Morrison from Australia and Yoshihide Suga from Japan have gathered in the American capital for the first-ever in-person Quad summit at the White House.
In his opening remarks, President Biden said the four democracies have come together to take on common challenges from Covid to climate. "We know how to get things done and are up to the challenge," he said.
Prime Minister Modi said he was "confident that our participation in Quad will establish peace and prosperity in the world."
During the summit, the four leaders are expected to discuss promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific, address the climate crisis and advance practical cooperation on areas like combatting Covid-19.
Ahead of the summit, the White House said that the Quad leaders would nnounce a new working group on space, a supply chain initiative and a 5G deployment and diversification effort apart from discussing issues like challenges in the Indo Pacific, climate change and Covid-19 pandemic during their historic meeting.
Quad leaders are also planning to roll out vaccine deliverables and announce a series of measures in the field of healthcare and infrastructure sector, officials said.
India, the US and several other world powers have been talking about the need to ensure a free, open and thriving Indo-Pacific against the backdrop of China's rising military manoeuvring in the region.
China claims nearly all of the disputed South China Sea, though Taiwan, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia and Vietnam all claim parts of it.
Beijing has built artificial islands and military installations in the South China Sea.
Ahead of the Quad summit, Prime Minister Modi separately met his Australian and Japanese counterparts on Thursday and they reaffirmed the importance of maritime security towards the realisation of a "free and open" Indo-Pacific.
23:36 CJI says deeply concerned over court shootout
Chief Justice N V Ramana Friday expressed deep concern over shootout inside the crowded Rohini courtroom here and spoke to the Delhi High Court Chief Justice in this regard.
CJI Ramana spoke to Delhi High Court Chief Justice D N Patel in this regard and advised him to talk to both police and the Bar to ensure that the functioning of the court is not affected, an apex court official said.
The issue of safety and security of court complexes and judicial personnel is already under the consideration of the Supreme Court and the matter may get priority hearing next week, the top court official said.
Jailed gangster Jitendra Gogi and his two assailants posing as lawyers were killed inside a crowded Rohini courtroom on Friday in a dramatic shootout that also saw the police fire bullets in retaliation, officials said.
Video footage of the incident showed policemen and lawyers rushing out in panic as gunshots rang out inside courtroom number 207.
The two gunmen dressed as lawyers are suspected to be members of rival Tillu gang, an official said, adding that over 30 shots were fired.
Witnesses said a law intern has also sustained bullet injury in her leg and some also claimed that the gang members pumped 10 bullets into Gogi, one of Delhi's most wanted criminals.
Sources said that Gogi received about seven bullet injuries, even as there was no official confirmation from police on this.
23:26 Starting soon, Quad Leaders Summit
The Quad Leaders' Summit is expected to begin soon in the East Room of the White House.
As per sources, the Quad Leaders' Summit will touch upon a number of subjects including 5G, climate change, critical infrastructure, supply chains and regional security.
Earlier today, US President Joe Biden mentioned that Afghanistan will be one of the topics of discussion during the summit.
The Quad leaders are expected to each give brief remarks at the beginning of the summit. They are also scheduled to meet US Vice President Kamala Harris in the Vice President's Ceremonial Office after the summit.
23:12 Biden jokes about his possible India connection with Modi
US President Joe Biden on Friday pleasantly spoke about his possible India connection during his first meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, recalling a story about a man with the Biden surname writing to him when he was first elected as a Senator in 1972.
Recalling the incident when he was in Mumbai as the US vice president in 2013, Biden said that he was asked about if he has any relatives in India.
"I said I'm not sure but when I was elected as a 29-year-old kid in 1972, before I was sworn in, I got a letter from a person named Biden, last name, from Mumbai. I was never able to follow up," he said.
He said that the next morning, the press told him that there were five Bidensn living in India.
Elaborating more on this, Biden jokingly said, "there was a Captain George Biden in the East India tea company. That is hard for an Irish person to admit. I shouldn't be so casual. I hope you are able to understand the humour. The end result was that he apparently stayed and married an Indian woman."
"I have never been able to track it down so the whole purpose of this meeting is to help me figure it out," Biden said, triggering laughter among those present in the meeting room, including Prime Minister Modi.
22:57 PM's Swacchh Bharat Mission Urban 2.0 on Oct 1
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch Swacchh Bharat Mission Urban 2.0 on October 1, a senior official in the Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry said on Friday.
According to an official, Swacchh Bharat Mission Urban 2.0 will focus on waste and sludge management.
Addressing an event of National Real Estate Development Council (NAREDCO), secretary in the Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry Durga Shanker Mishra said the Swacchh Bharat Mission Urban 2.0 will be aspirational and transform the nation.
"Two big programmes are lined up. On October 1, the prime minister will launch Swacchh Bharat Mission Urban 2.0. There has been remarkable progress in cities in the last seven years with the implementation of this mission," Mishra said.
About another the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT), Mishra said it aims to supply water to every household.
"We will expand this mission to ensure cities become water secure. Jal Jeevan Mission and Amrut 2.0 will also be launched by the prime minister on October 1," he also said.
Mishra said on October 5, a programme 'Azadi ka Amrut Mahotsav' will be organised in Delhi to showcase the ministry's achievements in the last seven years in urban areas.
The Centre will also deliberate during the two to three days day of the event on how urban areas should look like when the country completes 100 years of Independence, he added.
22:40 Nitish elated over Bihar-born Shubham Kumar's topping UPSC exam
Chief minister Nitish Kumar on Friday expressed elation over Shubham Kumar, who hails from Bihar, on achieving the top rank in UPSC civil services exam.
A resident of Katihar district and an an alumnus of IIT-Bombay, Shubham Kumar had first cracked the exam in 2019 when he achieved the 290th rank and was given the IPS.
Currently posted in Uttar Pradesh as a Deputy Superintendent of Police, he secured the top rank in his second shot at the prestigious examination.
"Heartiest congratulations and best wishes to Shubham Kumar from Bihar upon securing the top rank in UPSC civil services exam. I wish him a bright future," the chief minister tweeted.
He also fondly recalled that the state's Development Commissioner Amir Subhani, a 1987-batch IAS officer, was the last son of the soil to have secured the top rank.
22:15 Summit done, Modi leaves White House
Prime Minister Narendra Modi leaves the White House after his bilateral meeting with US President Joe Biden.
Modi will attend the first in-person Quad Leaders' Summit later today.
22:03 RTI activist shot dead in Bihar
An RTI activist was shot dead by two unidentified motorcycle-borne men in Bihar's East Champaran district on Friday, a senior police officer said.
The deceased, Vipin Aggarwal (47), was killed outside his residence in Harsiddhi division area around noon, Superintendent of Police Naveen Chandra Jha said.
The two accused fled the spot after pumping four bullets into Aggarwal.
The 47-year-old was immediately taken to a local hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead, the SP said, adding that his body has been sent for post mortem.
A local police officer said on the condition of anonymity that Aggarwal (47) had filed several RTI applications seeking details of government land and property that have allegedly been encroached upon in the district.
He had, on occasions, raised his voice against many corrupt activities in the region.
The activist's family members suggested that local land mafia could be responsible for his murder, the officer added.
21:50 US-India ties can solve global challenges: Biden
"I've long believed that US-India relationship can help us solve a lot of global challenges. In fact, back in 2006 when I was the vice president, I said that by 2020 India and US will be among the closest nations in the world,: US President Joe Biden says at the bilateral meet with PM Modi in White House.
"I thank you for the warm welcome accorded to me and my delegation. Earlier, we had an opportunity to hold discussions, and at that time you had laid out the vision for India-US bilateral relations. Today, you are taking initiatives to implement your vision for India-US relations.
"Today's bilateral summit is important. We are meeting at the start of the third decade of this century. Your leadership will certainly play an important role in how this decade is shaped. The seeds have been sown for an even stronger friendship between India and USA," PM Modi tells Biden in his opening remarks.
"Technology is becoming a driving force. We have to utilise our talents to leverage technology for the greater global good,' Modi says.
"Trade holds importance on its own between India and the US. In this decade, we can be complementary to each other. There are many things with the US, that are needed by India and many things with India that can be useful for the US. Trade will be a major sector in this decade."
21:21 Maha to reopen all places of worship from Oct 7
All places of worship in Maharashtra will be reopened from October 7, the first day of Navratri, the Maharashtra Chief Minister's Office has announced.
This comes on the heels of the government deciding to reopen schools across the state from October 4.
Maharashtra has been seeing a steady decline in Covid cases, and on Friday it reported 3,286 new coronavirus cases and 51 deaths, which took the state's infection tally to 65,37,843 and death toll to 1,38,776.
20:59 Sensex: From 10k to 60k in 15 years
This is the journey of India's bellwether index of 30 shares from 10,000 on Feb 6, 2006 to 60,000 on Sep 24, 2021
20:55 Modi, Biden begin summit meeting in White House
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden have started their summit meeting at the White House, Washington, DC.
This is the first time the two leaders are meeting in person after Biden's election as US president.
After the summit, the four Quad leaders will meet to discuss global security in the wake of the Afghanistan crisis.
20:44 Look forward to strengthening our ties, says Biden
This morning I'm hosting Indian PM Narendra Modi at the White House for a bilateral meeting. I look forward to strengthening the deep ties between our two nations, working to uphold a free & open Indo-Pacific, and tackling everything from Covid-19 to climate change says US President Joe Biden.
20:38 PM Modi arrives at White House for summit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives at the White House to hold a bilateral meeting with US President Joe Biden.
20:32 Modi to arrive shortly at White House for summit with Biden
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will shortly arrive at the White House for his first in-person meeting with US President Joe Biden, followed by the Quad leaders' summit.
White House Acting Chief of Protocol will greet the PM at the West Wing door on his arrival.
PM Modi and President Biden's hour-long meeting will take place at the Oval Office.
20:28 Modi to address Global Citizen Live event on Saturday
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will deliver a video address at "Global Citizen Live" on Saturday evening, his office has said.
The Prime Minister's Office noted that Global Citizen is a advocacy organisation that is working to end extreme poverty.
It will be a 24-hour event and held across Saturday and Sunday, and will involve live events in major cities including Mumbai, New York, Paris, Rio De Janeiro, Sydney, Los Angeles, Lagos and Seoul, the PMO said, adding that the event will be broadcast in 120 countries and over multiple social media channels.
Modi had left India on a four-day visit to the US on September 22.
20:09 Delhi court shootout: Lawyers call for strike
Lawyers' bodies in Delhi have demanded a probe into Friday's Rohini courtroom shootout, which killed three people including a gangster, and called for abstaining from work tomorrow to revise security norms inside all the seven district courts premises in the national capital.
The 'Coordination Committee of all District Courts Bar Associations in Delhi' called for suspension of work on Saturday and said it will decide the further course of action in a meeting that has been called for Monday.
Delhi Bar Association President Sanjeev Nasiar termed the incident as unfortunate and said the police was "negligent" in its duty.
"A senior level investigation is required to look into the incident. This raises a question mark on the security. How could someone take a gun not just inside the premises but inside a courtroom," he questioned.
Chairman of Bar Council of Delhi, Rakesh Sehrawat said, "Nothing can be more shameful that what happened today."
He said the bar body has urged the police to take action against those responsible for security in the court premises there.
"We are meeting the commissioner of police tomorrow and will raise our concerns. Nobody, including the judges and the lawyers, is safe. If the steps are not taken to safeguard those inside the court premises, we will extend our strike further," he said.
Jailed gangster Jitendra Gogi was shot dead inside a packed Rohini courtroom here by two assailants dressed as lawyers who were also killed in a police counter-fire, officials said.
19:58 Rashtrapati Bhavan Change of Guard ceremony to resume from Oct 9
The Change of Guard ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, which was discontinued due to the coronavirus pandemic, will resume from October 9, according to an official statement on Friday.
The ceremony will take place between 8 AM and 9 AM on every Saturday, except on government holidays, the Rashtrapati Bhavan statement said.
"The Change of Guard ceremony, which was discontinued due to COVID-19 pandemic, will resume from October 9, 2021," it said.
Entry will be through prior online booking which can be made at https://presidentofindia.nic.in or https://rashtrapatisachivalaya.gov.in/, it said.
19:21 Osho followers ask Union minister Athawale for probe in Ashram affairs
A group of followers of late spiritual leader Acharya Rajneesh on Friday met Union minister Ramdas Athawale here and aired grievances about the functioning of the Osho Ashram in Pune.
Rajneesh, also called Osho by his followers, had established a sprawling ashram in Pune's upscale area Koregaon Park.
In a statement issued after the meeting in Mumbai, the group said they demanded investigation by the Union government into certain financial decisions taken by the ashram management.
Athawale, the Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, assured he would look into their demands, the group claimed.
19:07 Shubham Kumar is UPSC 2020 topper
Shubham Kumar has topped the prestigious civil services examination 2020, results of which were declared by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on Friday.
Jagrati Awasthi and Ankita Jain have bagged second and third ranks respectively.
A total of 761 candidates -- 545 men and 216 women -- have cleared the examination.
The civil services examination is conducted annually by the UPSC in three stages -- preliminary, main and interview -- to select officers of Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS) and Indian Police Service (IPS), among others.
18:23 BSY bags Karnataka Assemblys maiden 'Best MLA Award'
The Karnataka Assembly on Friday conferred its first-ever 'Best MLA Award' on former chief minister and ruling BJP MLA B S Yediyurappa recognising his long stint in electoral politics and best performance as member of the House.
Karnataka speaker Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri said the award was instituted on the suggestions of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla who had said that all the legislative assemblies and councils should honour their best members.
On Birla's suggestion, a committee has been constituted under the Assembly Speaker's chairmanship which comprises chief minister, law and parliamentary affairs minister and members from the opposition parties.
He added that this award, which will be given annually, is only for the members of the House and not ministers.
Yediyurappa, who had served the state as chief minister four times, stepped down on July 26 this year.
He got elected to the Karnataka assembly in 1983 for the first time. He also was a member of the legislative council and Lok Sabha MP.
17:46 All Maharashtra schools to reopen from Oct 4: Govt
Schools would reopen across Maharashtra from October 4, the state government said on Friday.
"All the schools in rural areas will resume physical classes for standards 5th to 12th," said school education minister Varsha Gaikwad.
Physical classes for standards 8th to 12th would resume everywhere in urban areas, she added.
Until now schools were conducting physical classes only in those areas which were reporting relatively fewer COVID-19 cases.
Physical classes would not resume yet for standards 1st to 7th in urban areas and standards 1st to 4th in rural areas.
Though schools will reopen in the entire state, there is no compulsion for students to attend physical classes. Consent of parents will be necessary if they want to attend," the minister added.
As per a survey conducted by the school education department, more than 70 per cent parents favoured reopening of schools, Gaikwad said.
17:20 President Kovind undergoes cataract surgery at Army Hospital
President Ram Nath Kovind successfully underwent cataract surgery of his second eye on Friday at the Army Hospital (Referral and Research) in the national capital.
"The surgery was successful and he has been discharged from the Hospital. His first eye was also successfully operated on August 19, 2021, at the Army Hospital," informed an official statement issued today by the President's Secretariat.
On March 30, President Kovind underwent cardiac bypass surgery at AIIMS, New Delhi. This surgery was also successful.
17:03 Modi, Harris agree to expand cooperation against terrorism: White House
US Vice President Kamala Harris met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to reaffirm the strategic partnership between the two countries, the White House informed in a statement on Friday.
"They discussed the COVID-19 pandemic and collaborative efforts to respond and recover, including cooperation on vaccine production under the Quad Vaccine Partnership," said White House.
According to the statement, Harris welcomed India's commitment to resume vaccine exports and the progress of its domestic vaccination campaign. Both US Vice President and Prime Minister Modi agreed that ambitious action to combat climate change was imperative in the face of the climate crisis.
"They each emphasized a commitment to democratic values and discussed the need to strengthen democracy at home and abroad. They supported expanding bilateral security cooperation in the face of modern threats, including terrorism and cybercrime," the statement said.
16:50 Eviction drive was not decided overnight: Assam CM
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma on the eviction drive yesterday that led to the deaths of of two persons in police firing.
"The eviction drive was initiated with an agreed principle, that landless will be provided 2 acres each as per land policy, representatives agreed.
"We expected no resistance but about 10,000 people gheraoed Assam Police, used violence, only then police retaliated.
"Our 11 police personnel have been injured. We will carry out inquiry on how cameraman came into the scene, and why he tried to overpower that particular person... We have ordered a judicial probe.
"This (eviction drive) was urgent. It was not decided overnight, discussions were on for 4 months.
"Congress delegation had met me and agreed on land allotment to landless...27,000 acres of land has to be productively used...There was a temple, which was also encroached upon."
16:24 Mapped: Covid numbers across India
Good news for residents of Karnataka. The state which was third on the Covid list (maximum number of cases) had moved to the fourth slot a few weeks ago. Now, its moved down further (fewer cases) to the sixth slot. Take a look alongside.
Asian Paints was the top gainer
16:11 Sensex scales historic 60K-mark for 1st time ever
Equity benchmark Sensex jumped 163 points to end above the 60,000-mark for the first time ever on Friday, led by strong gains in HDFC Bank, Infosys and Asian Paints.
The 30-share BSE index rose 163.11 points or 0.27 per cent to its lifetime closing high of 60,048.47.
Similarly, the NSE Nifty advanced 30.25 points or 0.17 per cent to record finish of 17,853.20. It took a little over 31 years for the Sensex to traverse from 1,000 points to the historic 60,000 level.
The benchmark index was at 1,000 points back on July 25, 1990 and took nearly 25 years before it touched the 30,000 level on March 4, 2015. The Sensex has climbed from the 30,000 level to 60,000 in a little over six years, reflecting the overall bullishness in the market.
"Sensex reaching 60,000 today is an indicator of India's growth potential, as well as the way India is emerging as a world leader during COVID period in addition to worldwide monetary expansion and relaxed fiscal policies adopted by world powers," said Ashishkumar Chauhan, MD and CEO, BSE.
Asian Paints was the top gainer in the Sensex pack, rising nearly 4 per cent, followed by M&M, HCL Tech, HDFC Bank, Bharti Airtel, Maruti and Infosys. On the other hand, Tata Steel, SBI, Axis Bank, ITC, NTPC and Bajaj Finance were among the laggards.
15:44 What Modi gifted Kamala, Japan and Oz PMs
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday presented unique gifts to US Vice President Kamala Harris and the Quad leaders.
Modi presented the Vice President a copy of old notifications related to her grandfather, PV Gopalan, in a wooden handicraft frame. PV Gopalan was a senior and respected government official who served in various positions.
PM Modi also gifted VP Harris a Gulabi Meenakari chess set.
The Gulabi Meenakari is handcrafted and associated with Kashi, one of the oldest cities in the world. It is also the constituency of Modi.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison was gifted a Silver Gulabi Meenakari Ship.
Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga was gifted a Sandalwood Buddha statue.
15:20 Italy recognises India's Covishield vaccine
Italy has recognised India's Covid-19 vaccine "Covishield" on Friday, said the Embassy of India in Italy.
After the move, Indian vaccine cardholders are now eligible for Green Pass in the European country.
This success comes as an outcome of a meeting between Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and his Italian counterpart Roberto Speranza.
Taking to Twitter, the Embassy of India in Italy said, "As an outcome of G20Health Ministers' meeting btw Hon'ble @mansukhmandviya& Italian Health Minister @robersperanza coupled with @MEAIndia persistent efforts @MinisteroSalute recognises India's Covishield. Indian vaccine CardHolders are now eligible for GreenPass @SerumInstIndia."
14:56 Gangster, 2 gunmen killed in Delhi court shootout
Three people including gangster Jitendra Gogi died in a firing incident on Friday at Delhi's Rohini court, the police said. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Rohini) Pranav Tayal said the assailants were dressed like advocates when they fired at Gogi.
A police team also fired in return, the DCP said.
Two criminals opened fire at gangster Jitender Mann 'Gogi' when he was taken to the (Rohini) court for a hearing. In retaliation, the police shot dead both the attackers. One of them was carrying a reward of Rs 50,000, says Delhi Police Commissioner Rakesh Asthana.
Modi meets his fanbase in the US
13:57 Tikait urges US Indians to protest at Modi meet
Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader Rakesh Tikait on Friday appealed to Indians living in the US to hold a protest during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's programme in New York on Saturday in support of the 10-month-long farmers' agitation at Delhi's borders.
He also urged US President Joe Biden to focus on concerns of the Indian farmers during his meeting with Modi.
Seeking the support of Indians in the US, the national spokesperson of the BKU claimed that over 750 farmers have lost their lives during the stir against the contentious new farm laws, but the Centre is still not willing to reconsider the legislations.
Modi reached the US on Wednesday on an official three-day visit for meetings with Biden and his deputy Kamala Harris, among others.
He is scheduled to address the 76th session of the UN General Assembly on Saturday.
"We appeal to all Indians living in the US. India's prime minister will be there on September 25 in New York for a programme. All Indians in the US should place a 'farmers' flag on their vehicles and raise banners of 'No Farmer No Food' and register your protest in support of farmers," Tikait said in a video message.
"It's been around 10 months since the protest started and we are all sitting here in Delhi. Over 750 of our farmers have died during the movement and the Indian government is not ready to hold talks. We have sat through winters, summers and rains in the stir," he added.
In his appeal to the US president, Tikait tweeted: Dear @POTUS, we the Indian farmers are protesting against 3 farm laws brought by PM Modi's govt. 700 farmers have died in the last 11 months protesting. These black laws should be repealed to save us. Please focus on our concern while meeting PM Modi (sic).
Hundreds of farmers are encamped on the three border sites of Delhi in Singhu, Tikri and Ghazipur since November 2020 under the banner of Samyuka Kisan Morcha (SKM), demanding that the three contentious farm laws be repealed and a legal guarantee provided to them on minimum support price of crops.
13:37 BJP blames Islamist party for Assam protests
The BJP on Friday alleged that "third party political and apolitical forces" including Islamist outfit Popular Front of India (PFI) could be behind instigating protesters to attack Assam Police personnel during an eviction drive in Darrang district.
Two persons were killed and 20 others injured in clashes between police and alleged encroachers during an eviction drive in Gorukhuti and other villages under Sipajhar revenue circle on Thursday.
"At Gorukhuti, we have observed a pattern similar to the PFI's way of functioning. The outfit aims to only create unrest," local BJP MP Dilip Saikia told reporters.
The Islamist organisation has been banned in several states and the Centre is also in the process of making it a proscribed outfit.
He said that other "political and apolitical organisations" could also be behind the incident and the facts will gradually be unravelled during investigation.
BJP state chief Bhabesh Kalita claimed that there was a "pre-planned move" to gather people from outside and attack the police. "Doubtful citizens are being evicted and the BJP is fully behind the state government's drive," he added. PTI
13:06 12-hr bandh on eviction deaths hits life in Assam
12-hour bandh called by a body of various organisations representing the minority community to protest the death of two persons during an eviction drive affected normal life in Assam's Darrang district on Friday.
Two persons were killed and 20 others injured in clashes between police and alleged encroachers during an eviction drive in villages under Sipajhar revenue circle on Thursday.
No untoward incident has been reported so far in the bandh called by the All Minority Organisations Coordination Committee, which includes the All Assam Minority Students Union (AAMSU) and the Jamiat-e-Ulema among others, that began at 5 am on Friday, a police officer said.
All business establishments remained closed and very few vehicles plied the roads. Security has been tightened across the district with heavy deployment in Goroikhuti, Dholpur I and III villages in Sipajhar where the eviction drive was underway, he said.
A Congress delegation, comprising its state chief Bhupen Bora, Rajya Sabha MP Ripun Bora, deputy leader of Congress Legislature Party (CLP) Rakibul Hussain and other senior leaders, staged a protest against the incident outside the Darrang deputy commissioner's office in district headquarters Mangaldoi.
12:43 New Chief of Integrated Defence Staff appointed
Air Marshal Balabhadra Radha Krishna has been appointed as the new Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee
12:41 Air Marshal Sandeep Singh appointed Air Vice Chief
Some appointments in the Indian Air Force: Air Marshal Sandeep Singh has been appointed as the next Vice Chief of the Indian Air Force. He will be succeeding Air Marshal VR Chaudhari who will take over as Chief of Air Staff on September 30.
A Hercules transport aircraft
12:11 Govt signs 20k cr deal for 56 transport planes
The Defence Ministry on Friday inked a nearly Rs 20,000 crore contract with Airbus Defence and Space of Spain to procure 56 C-295 medium transport aircraft which will replace Avro-748 planes of the Indian Air Force.
The long-pending procurement was cleared by the Cabinet Committee on Security two weeks back.
"Contract signed between #MinistryOfDefence and @AirbusDefence &Space, Spain for procurement of 56 C-295 transport aircraft for the #IAF," Defence Ministry Spokesperson A Bharat Bhushan Babu tweeted.
Under the deal, 16 aircraft will be delivered in a flyaway condition by the Airbus Defence and Space within 48 months of signing the contract.
The remaining 40 planes will be manufactured in India by a consortium of the Airbus Defence and Space and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) within 10 years of signing the contract, officials said.
The C-295 MW aircraft is a transport plane of 5-10 tonne capacity. This is the first project of its kind in which a military aircraft will be manufactured in India by a private company.
11:55 Sensex hits 60K in just eight months!
It took just eight months for the BSE benchmark Sensex to cover the journey from 50,000 in January this year to scale the unprecedented 60,000 mark for the first time on Friday.
The strong bull rally on the Dalal Street has seen the benchmark index rising 10,000 points after hitting the 50,000 mark in intra-day trade on January 21, 2021.
"The roaring bull market is continued in the Indian market with climbing all walls of worries where Sensex has crossed the new milestone of 60,000. We are in a classical bull market like the 2003-2007 phase where this bull run is likely to continue for the next 2-3 years," said Santosh Meena, Head of Research, Swastika Investmart.
However, he put a word of caution after a parabolic move in last few days because short-term correction can't be ruled out in coming days.
This year has so far belonged to the bulls as markets have scripted many historic feats. The benchmark index has gained over 25 per cent so far this year.
"Sensex mounted the 60K mark as risk appetite improved after fears surrounding Evergrande debt crisis eased. BSE found almost 60 per cent of the stocks advancing in the first hour, said Anand James, Chief Market Strategist at Geojit Financial Services said.
But he remains watchful of markets weighing in rate hike prospects as US treasury yields have begun to firm up, following Fed's taper signals.
11:20 28 nabbed in Dombivli gang-rape case
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) of Thane police has arrested two more persons from Navi Mumbai in connection with the alleged gang-rape of a 15-year-old girl, an official said on Friday.
With this, the number of arrested persons has gone up to 26, while two minors have already been detained.
The girl was allegedly gang-raped multiple times over a period of eight months in Thane district.
The alleged incidents took place at different locations, including Dombivli, Badlapur, Murbad and Rabale, between January 29 and September 22 this year.
The victim has named 33 accused, police have said. "Police have arrested two more persons in this case. Both of them were nabbed from Navi Mumbai on Thursday night, with one of them being caught from Rabale node. So far, 26 persons have been arrested and two minors detained. Search is on for the remaining accused," the official said.
The prime accused in the case has already been arrested, he said. Based on the girl's complaint, the Manpada police in Dombivli have registered a case against 33 persons under IPC sections 376 (rape), 376 (n) (repeated rape), 376 (d) (gang-rape), 376 (3) (rape on a woman under sixteen years of age) and provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. PTI
11:15 Reduced work hours for Maha women police officers
A good decision by the Maharashtra police. Maharashtra DGP Sanjay Pandey announces that the state has decided to reduce the working hours of women police personnel from 12 hours to 8 hours.
10:50 CBI takes over probe into Mahant Giri's death
CBI takes over investigation into the death of Akhada Parishad president Mahant Narendra Giri, constitutes probe team.
The Uttar Pradesh Police had constituted an 18-member SIT to probe the death of the Akhil Bharatiya Akhada Parishad president Mahant Narendra Giri and detained a disciple of the seer in Haridwar.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said all aspects related to the death are being investigated and the guilty will not be spared. Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya too said his government is ready for every kind investigation into the matter.
The seer, who was the president of the largest organisation of sadhus in India, was found hanging by his disciples at Baghambari Muth in Allahabad on Monday.
10:29 Look who's riding the subway
Even Uber's boss doesn't use an Uber. That's Dara Khosrowshahi, the CEO of Uber, with a net worth (according to Forbes) of $235 million riding the subway in New York, and that is a remarkably empty car even by pandemic standards. The photo was posted by Uber PR.
10:18 It's Devgn and son in Maldives
Ajay Devgn and his son, Yug, live it up in Maldives. The actor tweeted this picture saying, "Yug wearing his safety jacket, that's me, when we hit the waters at Maldives... A few of the many defining moments that we had during our short September break."
Maldives has been the go-to destination for celebs during the pandemic.
09:52 Daniel Craig becomes Commander in Royal Navy
In other news, still-a-hunk Daniel Craig has been made an honorary Commander in the British Royal Navy. Commander Craig said: "I am truly privileged and honoured to be appointed the rank of Honorary Commander in the senior service."
Daniel Craig is best known for playing James Bond in the eponymous film series, beginning with Casino Royale (2006), which brought him international fame.
09:49 Sensex tops 60,000 for the first time
Indian equity benchmarks surged to new all-time highs on Friday with the BSE benchmark index - S&P BSE Sensex - crossing 60,000 for the first time and Nifty soaring above its important psychological level of 17,900 led by gains Infosys, HDFC Bank, Tata Consultancy Services, ICICI Bank, HCL Technologies and Larsen & Toubro amid positive global cues.
The Sensex rose as much as 427 points to hit record high of 60,312.51 and Nifty 50 index touched an all-time high of 17,947.
09:40 UK backbench MPs debate Kashmir motion, India condemns language
Members of Parliament from the UK's All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Kashmir have tabled a motion on Human rights in Kashmir for a debate in the House of Commons.
It drew a strong reaction from India which said any assertion made in any forum on a subject related to an integral part of the country needs to be duly substantiated with authentic verifiable facts.
The Minister for Asia in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), Amanda Milling, responded to the debate on Thursday by reiterating the UK government's unchanged stance on Kashmir as a bilateral issue.
The government takes the situation in Kashmir very seriously but it's for India and Pakistan to find a lasting political solution, taking into account the wishes of the Kashmiri people.
It's not for the UK to prescribe a solution or to act as a mediator, said Milling.
The Indian government expressed its dismay at some of the language used by participating MPs in the Backbench Debate, specifically Pakistani-origin Labour MP Naz Shah.
A minister from the Indian High Commission in London condemned the attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and highlighted Kashmir's status as an integral part of India.
It is with sadness that the High Commission of India notes that an august institution of a fellow democracy has been misused today to level abuse against the elected leader of the largest practising democracy in the world, the minister said, referring to Shah's remarks on the 2002 Gujarat riots.
As on previous occasions, the High Commission of India reiterates that any assertion made in any forum on a subject related to an integral part of India needs to be duly substantiated with authentic verifiable facts, the minister added.
09:31 India reports 31,382 Covid cases in 24 hours
And the Covid numbers, which have almost become a blind spot, are here. India reports 31,382 new COVID cases, 32,542 recoveries, and 318 deaths in the past 24 hours.
Active cases: 3,00,162
Total recoveries: 3,28,48,273
Death toll: 4,46,368
Vaccination: 84,15,18,026 (72,20,642 in the last 24 hours)
US-Pak bilateral meet on the sidelines of UNGA
09:12 Blinken discusses Afghanistan with Pakistan
US Secretary of State Tony Blinken has met with the visiting Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on the sidelines of the 76th UN General Assembly and discussed the way forward in Afghanistan, stressing on the importance of the countries to work together on the issue.
A lot to focus on, starting with Afghanistan and the importance of our countries working together and going forward on Afghanistan, Blinken said during his meeting with Qureshi on Thursday in New York.
Blinken appreciated the work that Pakistan has done to facilitate the departure of American citizens who wish to leave Afghanistan as well as others. According to State Department Spokesperson Ned Price, the two leaders discussed the way forward in Afghanistan.
Blinken reiterated the importance of coordinating our diplomatic engagement and facilitating the departure of those wishing to leave Afghanistan.
The Secretary noted that the United States appreciates Pakistan's support and assistance with both of these efforts, Price said.
Qureshi said, "I thought a time would come where we'd be talking beyond Afghanistan, but it seems Afghanistan is there, we can't wish it away, and we have to find a way of collectively working to achieve our common objective, which is peace and stability," Qureshi told reporters.
The Taliban swept across Afghanistan last month, seizing control of almost all key towns and cities in the backdrop of withdrawal of the US forces that began on May 1. On August 15, the capital city of Kabul fell to the insurgents.
08:41 PM thanks Kamala Harris, invites her to India
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that United States Vice President Kamala Harris is a 'source of inspiration' for so many people around the world, as he expressed gratitude to her for being so warm and natural during their conversation when India was going through a devastating second wave of COVID-19.
Prime Minister Modi made comments during a joint press appearance with Harris at the White House.
'Your being elected as the Vice President of America has been such an important and historic event. You are the source of inspiration for so many people around the world,' Modi said.
Harris, 56, is the first-ever person of Indian origin to be elected as the vice-president of the United States.
'I am so confident that Under President Joe Biden and your leadership, our bilateral relationship will touch new heights,' he said.
The prime minister also extended an invitation to Harris to visit India.
'Continuing on your journey of victory, Indians would also want you to continue that in India and wait for you to come to India and therefore, I extend to you an invitation to visit India,' he said.
Recalling his conversation with Harris in June during the second wave of pandemic in India, he said, 'A few months ago, we had an opportunity to talk to each other over the phone. We had a detailed discussion at that time and the way you spoke to me so warmly and naturally, I will always remember that.'
'It was a very difficult time. India was confronted with the second wave of the pandemic but like a family, the sense of kinship and so warmly you extended a helping hand.
'The words that you chose when you spoke to me, I will always remember that and I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart,' he said.
'Like a true friend, you had given a message of cooperation and full of sensitivity and immediately we found that the US government, corporate sector and the Indian community all came together to help India,' he said.
Harris was born to two immigrant parents -- a Black father and an Indian mother.
Her father, Donald Harris, was from Jamaica, and her mother Shyamala Gopalan was a cancer researcher and civil rights activist from Chennai. -- PTI
IMAGE: US Vice President Kamala Harris talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the balcony of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building at the White House complex in Washington, DC, on September 23, 2021. Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters
ANI/Twitter
00:30 Fire in Mumbai building, woman dies of suffocation
A 40-year-old woman died while two others including a 10-year-old girl were rescued after a fire broke out in a seven-storey building in suburban Khar West on Thursday evening, police said.
The fire broke out at Nutan Villa building around 7 pm and fire brigade vehicles reached the spot within 20 minutes, said a civic official.
Eight fire engines and six jetties along with other equipment were sent to the site and dousing operations were still underway late at night, he said.
The flames spread in the duct through which electrical wiring of the building passes. Very soon smoke filled up large parts of the building and fire brigade personnel had to use breathing apparatus, the official said.
They rescued Sangita Thakur (45) and Palak Jagwani (10) but Hema Jagwani (40) who was trapped in the same room suffocated and was declared 'brought dead' at the Hinduja Hospital.
The cause of the fire was not known yet, the official said.
TOP STORIES
© 2024 Rediff.com - Investor Information - Advertise with us - Disclaimer - Privacy Policy - Feedback - About us - Terms of use - Grievances