LIVE! Centre suspends 2 officers in Delhi Excise policy case

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Mon, 22 August 2022

Centre suspends 2 officers in Delhi Excise policy case

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23:57 Centre suspends 2 officers in Delhi Excise policy case

The Centre has suspended senior IAS officer A Gopi Krishna and Anand Kumar Tiwari, a DANICS officer, in connection with the Delhi liquor policy case, officials said.

While Krishna was the excise commissioner in the Delhi government, Anand Kumar was the deputy excise commissioner.

The suspension order of the two officials came after they were named in the FIR filed by the CBI in the ongoing probe, officials said.

While Krishna is a 2012 batch Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, Mizoram and Union Territories (AGMUT) cadre officer, Tiwari is a 2003 Delhi, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu Civil Service (DANICS) cadre officer.

Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia is among the 15 individuals and entities named in the FIR registered by the CBI in connection with alleged irregularities in the implementation of the Delhi government's Excise Policy 2021-22.

The agency on Friday carried out searches at 31 places including Sisodia's residence and premises of some bureaucrats, including Excise Commissioner Krishna and two other Excise Department officials, and businessmen. -- PTI

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the top infectious disease expert in the United States, who became a household name during the COVID-19 pandemic, announced on Monday that he will step down in December for the "next chapter" of his career.

Fauci, 81, has been the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases director since 1984, and the chief medical adviser to the US President Joe Biden.

"I am announcing today that I will be stepping down from the positions of Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and Chief of the NIAID Laboratory of Immunoregulation, as well as the position of Chief Medical Advisor to President Joe Biden in December this year to pursue the next chapter of my career," Fauci said on Monday, calling these roles "the honour of his lifetime."

In 2020, he became the face of the US government's efforts to contain the deadly COVID-19 pandemic.

Over the past 38 years as NIAID Director, Fauci said, he has worked on various emerging and re-emerging infectious disease threats including HIV/AIDS, West Nile virus, the anthrax attacks, pandemic influenza, various bird influenza threats, Ebola and Zika, among others.

"I am particularly proud to have served as the Chief Medical Advisor to President Joe Biden since the very first day of his administration," he said.

Fauci said he plans to use the experience gained as NIAID director to inspire and mentor the next generation of scientific leaders.

Fauci has served under seven US Presidents, beginning with Ronald Reagan.

However, he found himself marginalised by the erstwhile Donald Trump administration, and was even the subject of political attacks and death threats.

Biden heaped praise on his chief medical adviser, lauding him for his unwavering commitment to work, his unparalleled spirit, energy and scientific integrity.

"For almost four decades, he has served as Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, helping our country navigate health crises ranging from HIV/AIDS to COVID-19. Because of Dr. Fauci's many contributions to public health, lives here in the United States and around the world have been saved," Biden said.

Janata Dal-United president Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan on Monday said that the party's de facto leader Nitish Kumar was "not a claimant" for the prime minister's post even though the Bihar chief minister had all the qualities for the top job.

Lalan said that Kumar would be working towards forging opposition unity and if the Bharatiya Janata Party is defeated in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, the prime minister's post shall go to whoever stood the chance.

"Let me repeat what Nitish Kumar has himself said many times. He is not a claimant for the prime minister's post. It is another thing that he has all the qualities that are required for the top job," the JD-U chief told reporters in Patna.

Asked about the statement by RJD leader, now the Deputy CM, Tejashwi Yadav that the longest serving chief minister was "PM material", Lalan said, "That is exactly what we are saying. He has all the qualities required for the job. But that does not mean he is eyeing the post".

"Nitish Kumar will be working towards bringing all opposition parties together against the BJP. If the BJP loses in 2024, then all the parties may decide who shall be the PM, said Lalan.

Repudiating the BJP's charge of "betrayal", the JD-U president said Kumar resigned as NDA's chief minister and formed a new government when he was armed with the numbers, "unlike the brazenness we saw in Maharashtra".

Meanwhile, Union minister and senior BJP leader Giriraj Singh, a known detractor of Nitish Kumar, sneered at the talk of "PM material" and stressed that the JD-U leader "is not capable of even becoming the CM on his own".

"Nitish Kumar must be the only chief minister who has been sworn in eight times but never heading a government of his own party. He always needs allies whom he uses like a crutch," Singh, who represents Bihar's Begusarai seat in the Lok Sabha, told reporters in Gopalganj district.

He also reminded Kumar of unflattering remarks of RJD supremo Lalu Prasad in the past while referring to the JD-U leader's change in loyalties. -- PTI

22:38 Number of lawyers dwindled in Parliament: CJI

Chief Justice of India N V Ramana Monday said Parliament was earlier dominated by legal professionals who gave an "outstanding Constitution and flawless laws" but now the number of lawyers has dwindled and the space has been taken by others.

While felicitating Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Justice Ramana said "His (Dhankar's) elevation is a tribute to our healthy democratic traditions and rich constitutional values."

"It is testimony to the fact that our progressive Constitution provides opportunities to all, irrespective of caste, creed, religion, region, and financial status," the CJI said.

Justice Ramana said it is on the strength of the democracy that Dhankhar, a senior advocate, could reach the second highest office in the country, in spite of hailing from a rural background and without a political father or Godfather.

While mentioning the contribution of the legal community in the freedom struggle of the country and the framing of the Constitution, Justice Ramana said, "In the constituent assembly and in the early days of our Parliament, the House was dominated by legal professionals."

"As a result, we got outstanding Constitution and flawless laws. Now a days the number of lawyers has dwindled and that space is taken by others. I do not want to comment any further," the CJI said

He said with his (Dhankhar's) experience and guidance from the Office of Chairman of Rajya Sabha, he hoped and believed that the quality of laws would certainly improve.

"Unlike the offices, he held so far, the high office of Vice-President comes with far greater responsibilities. During his tenure, Dhankhar will have the unique and challenging opportunity to ensure the smooth functioning of the Rajya Sabha as its ex-officio Chairman. This calls for harmonizing the interests of all sides of the House.

"I know it is not easy to satisfy each Hon'ble Member of the House. But, I am confident that with his rich court craft and exposure in diverse fields, Dhankhar Ji will definitely manage to take along all sections of the House. His past experience as Union Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs in the 1990s would greatly contribute during his new stint as the chairman of the Rajya Sabha," he said.

Besides Justice Ramana, Law Minister Kiren Rijiju, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, and Supreme Court Bar Association President Vikas Singh were also present at the felicitation programme of Dhankhar who was a senior lawyer and used to practice in the apex court.

Speaking at the function, Rijiju said he would be meeting Dhankhar more often as he presides over as Chairman of Rajya Sabha.

"I can only caution him that being in all the positions in the past will prove to be very easy than the presiding officer's role in the Rajya Sabha. When I entered Parliament, our stalwarts Atal Bihari Vajpayee and. were there and lots of debates used to take place in the Lok Sabha as well as in the Rajya Sabha. The debates take place now also but unfortunately, the disruptions and noise are only reported through media. The quality of debates is not being reported as it should be," he said.

He further said the only difference he has seen is that earlier it used to be less noisy in the Rajya Sabha while the Lok Sabha was always very noisy.

22:12 China to resume student visas for Indians

China on Monday announced plans to issue visas to hundreds of Indian students stranded at home for over two years due to Beijing's strict COVID restrictions, besides various categories of travel permits for Indians including business visas.

"Warmest congrats to #Indian #students! Your patience proves worthwhile. I can really share your excitement & happiness. Welcome back to #China!" Ji Rong, Counsellor, Department of Asian Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, China tweeted.

Her tweet cited a detailed announcement by the Chinese Embassy in New Delhi announcing the opening of visas for students, businessmen and families of those working in China.

As per the announcement, X1-Visa, will be issued to students who intend to go to China to pursue long-term study for higher academic education, including newly-enrolled students and students who return to China to resume their studies.

Over 23,000 Indian students, mostly studying medicine, are reportedly stuck back home due to COVID visa restrictions.

India had submitted a list of several hundred students after China sought the names of those wanting to return immediately to pursue their studies.

Some students from Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Russia and several other countries have already arrived on chartered flights in recent weeks.

Monday's announcement posted on the website of the Chinese Embassy in Delhi said student visas will be issued to the newly-enrolled students and the old students who could not travel to China due to COVID visa bans.

While the new students should produce original admission letter issued by a university in China, the old students need to submit a �Certificate of Returning to Campus' issued by the university in China.

According to official sources, over 1,000 old Indian students have expressed wish to return to re-join their studies. It is to be seen whether the universities which are processing their requests would issue the certificates for them to apply for visas.

Another big problem was that there are no direct flights between the two countries.

For the first time in over two years, a chartered flight engaged by Indian businessmen and their families arrived in the Chinese city of Hangzhou recently.

22:06 Rajinikanth's ex-associate joins BJP again

Ra Arjunamurthy, who had associated with Superstar Rajinikanth when the top actor had an idea to launch a political party that was abandoned later, on Monday rejoined the Bharatiya Janata Party.

Welcoming him to the party, Tamil Nadu unit BJP president K Annamalai said Arjunamurthy, who was with the party before, has joined the outfit again. The party accepts him happily, the saffron party leader said adding Arjunamurthy is committed to work for people's welfare.

Speaking to reporters at party headquarters 'Kamalalayam', Annamalai said the public hearings in Tamil Nadu on the proposed electricity tariff hike is just a 'drama' and demanded that the DMK regime give up the proposal to increase power tariffs.

The BJP leader urged the state government to immediately ban online card games.

On the ongoing debate over freebies vis-a-vis a plea in this connection in the Supreme Court, Annamalai said a wide range of amenities and services provided by the government like education, sanitation, drinking water and initiatives like providing houses to beneficiaries would not fall under the ambit of freebies.

Arjunamurthy tweeted that he joined the BJP in the presence of Annamalai and described his joining the party again as a good day. -- PTI

Police on Monday arrested a man who allegedly threatened to blow up the Gorakhpur temple, using a fake Facebook account to get his friend into trouble.

Mubarak Ali was accused of creating a Facebook ID using a SIM in his friend's, Basalat Ali's, name, when the latter asked him to return the money he had loaned him, police said.

According to the police, the accused in order to not return the money made a fake Facebook ID in his friend's name and posted a threat message to blast the Gorakhnath temple.

A team of Cyber Cell and Maharajganj Police arrested Mubarak Ali on Monday and seized two mobile phones and a SIM found in his possession.

Superintendent of Police Maharajganj, Dr Kaustubh, said that a week ago the accused had posted a message on Facebook threatening to blow up the Gorakhnath temple with bomb.

A joint team of the Cyber Cell and Kotwali police was investigating the case and arrested Mubarak Ali, a resident of Matihania.

The Congress on Monday rushed to placate senior leader Anand Sharma after he resigned from the chairmanship of the party's steering committee for poll-bound Himachal Pradesh, with AICC-in charge of state Rajiv Shukla meeting him and making efforts to iron out issues.

Sources said Shukla first met Congress chief Sonia Gandhi and then went to Sharma to address his concerns. Congress general secretary, in-charge organisation, K C Venugopal also spoke to Sharma over phone to address the issues raised by him, they said.

In a jolt to the Congress ahead of Himachal Pradesh polls, Sharma on Sunday resigned from the chairmanship of the party's steering committee for the state, saying he was left with no choice after the "continuing exclusion and insults".

Sharma, in a letter to Congress president Sonia Gandhi, was learnt to have said he was not consulted on the planning for the assembly elections and cited several examples where he was not invited for discussions.

A source in the know of the developments said Sharma's letter is with the Congress president and efforts are on to resolve the issue. A final call on the matter will be taken by Gandhi.

Sharma's resignation was a fresh setback to the Congress' efforts to pacify dissenters after another leader of the G23 grouping Ghulam Nabi Azad stepped down as chairman of the campaign committee in Jammu and Kashmir a few days ago.

"I have resigned with a heavy heart from the Chairmanship of the Steering Committee of the Congress for the Himachal Elections. Reiterating that I am a lifelong Congressman and remain firm on my convictions.

"Committed to Congress ideology that runs in my blood, let there be no doubts about this! However, given the continuing exclusion and insults, as a self-respecting person- I was left with no choice," Sharma had said on Twitter on Sunday.

He wrote to the Congress president that his self-respect is "non-negotiable" and he has thus resigned from the post, sources had said. However, he had told Gandhi that he will continue to campaign for the party candidates in the state. -- PTI

Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has reached out to his predecessor Gotabaya Rajapaksa to finalise arrangements and facilitate his return to the crisis-hit country, a media report said on Monday.

Rajapaksa, 73, fled the country and resigned last month in the face of a popular uprising against his government for mismanaging the island nation's economy.

He is currently staying in a hotel in Bangkok with his wife Loma Rajapaksa.

The Daily Mirror newspaper, citing highly-placed sources, claimed Wickremesinghe is reported to have contacted Rajapaksa to discuss arrangements for his return to the country.

The move comes after the ruling party, Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna, National Organiser Basil Rajapaksa met Wickremesinghe recently and called for the former president's early return to the country, the report said.

The date of Rajapaksa's return has still not been finalised, it said, amid reports that he may arrive here this week from Bangkok.

Last week, the main Opposition party Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) said Rajapaksa has the right to return to the country, but he must be tried for allegations of misuse of funds since he does not enjoy legal immunity.

The Sri Lanka's Constitution allows privileges to former presidents, including personal security and an office with staff.

SJB has accused Rajapaksa's government of misusing the USD 1 billion loan facility extended by India as part of its financial assistance to help the cash-strapped island nation deal with its unprecedented economic crisis.

The Daily Mirror has also claimed that Rajapaksa's lawyers in the United States had already begun the procedure last month for his application to obtain the Green Card as he was eligible to apply due to his wife being a US citizen.

In 2019, Rajapaksa renounced his US citizenship to contest the 2019 presidential polls.

Rajapaksa took an early retirement from the Sri Lanka Army and moved into the field of information technology, before immigrating to the United States in 1998.

The daily said Rajapaksa had consulted his lawyers and decided to return to Sri Lanka later this month as he was not allowed the freedom to move in Thailand as initially expected, due to security concerns.

Upon his arrival in Bangkok, Thai police advised the ousted President to remain indoors for security reasons.

The Jawaharlal Nehru University may change the reference of vice-chancellor in Hindi from Kulpati' to Kulguru', JNU Vice-Chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit said on Monday.

Delivering the Dr B R Ambedkar Lecture Series titled 'Dr B R Ambedkar's Thoughts on Gender Justice: Decoding the Uniform Civil Code', she said the proposal to change the term to Kulguru was intended to bring in more gender neutrality.

"It is due for discussion in the Executive Council on September 14, I will be changing Kulapati to Kulguru. When I came to university everything that was he', I made that she'. Now she' is used on all documents.

"Even when they referred to me they wrote he'. The idea of Kulpati, I want to call it Kulguru," she said on the sidelines of the event.

A furore was witnessed during the latest Parliament session when Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury referred to President Droupadi Murmu as Rashtrapatni', a gaffe he later said was a slip of tongue.

The clash ignited the debate over use of more gender-neutral terms for constitutional posts. -- PTI

The three assault rifles found on board an unmanned yacht in the Arabian sea in Maharashtra's Raigad district recently were AK-56 rifles, local police said on Monday and added 247 bullets were also seized.

Officials had earlier said three AK-47 rifles were found on board the yacht.

The 16-metre-long yacht named 'Lady Han' was found off Harihareshwar coast in Shrivardhan taluka of Raigad district on August 18.

Raigad Police have ruled out any terror angle.

"The yacht was 100-metre inside the sea from the shore when it was spotted. Some local people reached the yacht swimming. They found some papers, a box consisting of three AK-56 riffles and 247 rounds," the police said in a release.

The discovery of the weapons on the vessel had created a buzz as it came ahead of Dahi Handi and Ganesh festivals. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had also said no terror connection was prima facie found.

Police officials had earlier said three AK-47 rifles were recovered from the yacht.

On June 26, the engine of the yacht sailing from Muscat to Europe developed a snag near Oman. The crew members were lifted by the Korean Navy and handed over to the Oman Government, but the boat was left unattended in the high sea without any assistance. It drifted to Harihareshwar, the release said.

After the preliminary investigation, a case was registered by the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad .

Navi Mumbai Anti-Terrorism Squad is probing the case.

Officials of the Indian Coast Guard, Intelligence Bureau, Indian Navy, and ATS had visited the spot.

"It is difficult to bring the boat to the shore. A dog squad and a bomb detection squad inspected the yacht but nothing suspicious was found. There seems no terror connection," the Raigad Police said.

Fadnavis had told the Legislative Assembly on August 18 that the vessel is owned by Hana Lordorgan, an Australian woman.

Three assault rifles, some rounds of ammunition and also documents were found on the yacht, he added.

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19:26 Mosque committee presents rejoinder in Gyanvapi-Shringar Gauri complex case

The Anjuman Intezamia Masjid Committee on Monday presented its rejoinder in the Gyanvapi-Shringar Gauri complex case in the district court and the arguments will continue till Tuesday, according to a government counsel.

District government counsel Rana Sanjeev Singh said advocate Shamim Ahmed presented the rejoinder in the court of district judge AK Vishvesh following arguments from the Hindu side.

Ahmed presented the evidence in support of the claim that the Gyanvapi Masjid is a Waqf property, Singh said, adding the mosque committee will continue arguments on Tuesday.

Following the death of Anjuman Intezamia Masjid Committee's advocate Abhay Nath Yadav, two lawyers were appointed in his place.

One of them, Yogendra Prasad Singh, was not present at the hearing. -- PTI

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19:18 Mumbai sees 592 Covid cases, drop of 27% from Sunday; no death

Mumbai on Monday reported 592 COVID-19 cases, which is 27.6 per cent lower than the addition to the tally a day earlier, a civic official said.

It took the tally in the metropolis to 11,38,941, while the toll stood unchanged at 19,673, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation official added.

On Sunday, the city witnessed 818 cases, which is 226 more than the figures for the day, and one death, he pointed out.

It is also the third consecutive day when the number of cases detected was less than 1,000, he said.

Of the new cases, only 21 patients were symptomatic, the official said.

The recovery count rose by 584 and touched 11,13,499, leaving the financial capital with a active caseload of 5,769, the civic official informed.

BMC data showed that 1,80,16,941 coronavirus tests have been conducted so far, including 6,244 in the last 24 hours, which was lower than the 8,347 samples examined in the previous 24-hour period.

The city's recovery rate is 97.8 per cent and the overall growth rate of cases between August 15 and 21 was 0.071 per cent, it revealed.

The caseload doubling time in Mumbai now stands at 966 days, as per civic data. -- PTI

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19:13 BJP's youth wing leader killed, another injured in Himachal car accident

A leader of the BJP's youth wing died and another person was critically injured after being hit by a vehicle in Hamirpur on Monday, the police said.

Locals informed the police about the accident.

The deceased was identified as the Bhartiya Janata Yuva Morcha leader Sunil Sharma and injured as Anurag Patial.

Both were taken to a medical college hospital where Sharma was declared brought dead and Patial was referred to PGI Chandigarh for treatment, the police said.

A case of rash driving has been registered against the driver who fled the scene after hitting the two.

The police are tracing the vehicle and its driver. -- PTI

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19:00 Sri Lankan Navy arrests 10 fishermen from TN

Ten Indian fishermen have been arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy for allegedly engaging in "illegal fishing" in Sri Lankan waters, the Sri Lankan fishermen association said.

The fishermen from Tamil Nadu who left from Thoothukudi were arrested on Monday while they were engaged in cross-border fishing in Mullaitivu waters of Sri Lanka.

The 10 arrested fishermen and their boat are being taken to Trincomalee port.

Now, they will appear before the Trincomalee court judge Tuesday morning.

This has created turmoil among fishermen in Tamil Nadu.

A few days before, nine fishermen travelling in a boat from the coastal district of Tamil Nadu have been arrested for allegedly trespassing and fishing in Sri Lankan waters.

The Rameswaram police said the arrested fishermen from Nagapattinam are being taken to Trincomalee port. -- ANI

18:40 Rajinikanth's 'Jailer' commences production

Megastar Rajinikanth's much-anticipated film Jailer has started production, the makers announced on Monday.

The movie, which is Rajinikanth's 169th feature project, is being directed by filmmaker Nelson Dilipkumar and backed by Sun Pictures.

The production company, a division of Sun TV Network Limited, shared the news on social media, also revealing Rajinikanth's look from the film.

"#Jailer begins his action Today! @rajinikanth @Nelsondilpkumar @anirudhofficial" the post read. Nelson is directing the film from his own script.

Jailer is his second collaboration with Sun Pictures post Vijay-led blockbuster Beast.

Anirudh Ravichander is on board to compose the music for the film.

Rajinikanth's last big screen outing was in 2021 with Annaatthe.

The two arrested suspected terrorists linked with Al-Qaeda Indian Subcontinent and Ansarullah Bangla Team have been sent to seven days police custody on Monday.

The Assam police on Saturday arrested two suspected terrorists in Goalpara district.

VV Rakesh Reddy, superintendent of police of Goalpara district said that, both suspected terrorists were produced before the court in Goalpara on Sunday evening and the court sent them to seven-day police custody.

The arrested terrorists were identified as Abdus Subhan, Imam of Tinkunia Shantipur mosque under Mornoi police station and Jalaluddin Sheikh, Imam of Tilapara Natun mosque under Matia police station in Goalpara district.

The senior police official further said that they had given logistic support to the Jihadi terrorists who came in Goalpara from Bangladesh and during interrogation, they confessed to being members of AQIS and recruited Ansars/sleeper cells in Goalpara district.

"Our investigation is on. We have found input that, the absconding Bangladeshi terrorists were engaged in the task to radicalize many people in the district. We are verifying about forming of sleeper cells in the district. During interrogation, the arrested two terrorists revealed a few more names and we are trying to identify these persons also," Reddy said.

"The arrested persons had organized one Dharma Sabha in December 2019 at Sundarpur Tilapara Madrassa under Matia police station where many Bangladeshi nationals with linkages to AQIS were invited as guest speakers and that Dharma Sabha is only helpful to have a gathering or kind of indoctrination. We have not gotten any input about arms training in the district so far," he added.

Since March this year, Assam police busted five modules of AQIS/ABT in the state and arrested 35 persons. -- ANI

Leading producer Ekta Kapoor has filed a police complaint against "fake casting agents" who used her name to make calls and extort money from aspiring actors by promising them roles in her upcoming productions.

On Sunday, Ekta and her companies Balaji Telefilms Ltd and ALT Digital Entertainment issued a statement, saying that they never demanded money from any aspirant.

The company is taking necessary action and has urged people to report any suspicious casting call.

"It has come to our notice that some people have been falsely representing using forged documents to claim themselves as casting agents for Balaji Telefilms Ltd and/or ALT Digital Entertainment Pvt Ltd to make monetary and other gains. Balaji Telefilms Ltd has filed police complaints against such people," the statement read.

"Any acting aspirant, dealing with such people, shall do so at his/her own risk and Balaji Telefilms Ltd, ALT Digital Entertainment Pvt Ltd and Ms Ektaa R Kapoor shall not be held responsible/liable for any loss or damages this incurred. It is hereby clarified that Balaji Telefilms Ltd, ALT Digital Entertainment Pvt Ltd and Ms Ekta R Kapoor have never demanded nor will demand money from any aspirant," added the statement.

Kapoor and her company also shared an official email id to report such fraud. -- PTI

Maharashtra deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis

17:36 Maharashtra govt to set up cyber intelligence unit: Fadnavis

In view of rising online frauds, the Maharashtra government will establish a cyber intelligence unit, deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said on Monday.

Responding to a query in the Maharashtra Legislative Council, Fadnavis said cyber crimes have gone up, especially after the coronavirus pandemic, as many people preferred the online mode for financial transactions.

"We track websites and social media, but a cyber intelligence unit is important because online fraud is rising. I want to assure you that the government will establish a cyber intelligence unit," said Fadnavis, who also handles the Home department.

He said, many times, cyber fraudsters operate from different states and countries. He cited an example of Chinese loan apps, some of which are operated from Nepal.

"Many call centres of these Chinese loan apps operate from Nepal. The state police have contacted the Nepalese authorities," the deputy chief minister said.

Fadnavis said the state cyber unit has prepared a 'Cyber Watch' module which has tracked such loan applications and action has been taken.

"We will be making efforts to strengthen the cyber unit,' he said, adding that the training of manpower and outsourcing of technology will be done. Satej Patil, former minister of state for Home, said 18 per cent of cyber crimes in India take place in Maharashtra. -- PTI

17:22 PM Modi to commission INS Vikrant on Sep 2

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will commission the country's first indigenously-built aircraft carrier Vikrant on September 2, official sources said.

The prime minister will officially induct the vessel to the Indian Navy at a specially arranged venue inside the Cochin Shipyard Limited in Kochi, which manufactured the over Rs 20,000 crore warship.

The Indian Navy had on July 28 taken delivery of the carrier from CSL after it had successfully completed the fourth and the final phase of the sea trials last month.

"The event is currently scheduled to be held on September 2 at CSL jetty. The retired staff of INS Vikrant, India's first aircraft carrier, officials of defence, shipping ministries and the state government among others are set to participate," sources said.

They said an attendance of 1500-2000 people is likely.

The IAC would serve to bolster India's position in the Indian Ocean region and its quest for a blue water Navy.

Fighter jets have been brought to the aircraft which is set to operate MiG-29K fighter jets, Kamov-31 helicopters and MH-60R multi-role helicopters.

With the delivery of 'Vikrant', India has joined a select group of nations having the niche capability to indigenously design and build an aircraft carrier. -- PTI

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16:56 TDSAT to conduct hearing at 6 more cities including Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai

Telecom and broadcasting sector tribunal Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal will now conduct its hearing at six additional cities apart from Delhi, a government notification said.

The new cities, where the TDSAT would conduct its sittings are Mumbai, Pune, Chennai, Cuttack, Kolkata, Amritsar and Indore.

This would be in addition to holding sittings of TDSAT at New Delhi, said the notification issued by the ministry of communications dated August 12 published on August 20.

The decision was taken by the government in consultation with the chairperson of TDSAT with "regard to the urgency, nature and in the interest of justice in the matters".

The sitting would be "for a period of two years from the date of publication," the notification added.

The TDSAT bench comprises chairman and two members. Information and Broadcasting sector firms have been demanding TDSAT to set up additional benches because several operators don't have enough means to travel to and from Delhi for making appeals and attend cases.

In a separate notification published on August 20, the telecom ministry announced the appointment of former Allahabad high court Justice (Retd) Ram Krishna Gautam as member of TDSAT. -- PTI

Rebel Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Shirsat/ANI

16:38 Shinde's rebel speaks up: Seniority ignored

Rebel Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Shirsat rued the alleged lack of respect for seniority in politics after a BJP MLA with whose father he claimed he had worked earlier was made cabinet minister in the Eknath Shinde government in Maharashtra.

Speaking at a public function connected to road works Aurangabad on Sunday, Shirsat, who had joined the Shinde camp in the early days of the Sena rebellion in June, sounded disgruntled at not being made a minister.

Incidentally, state cooperative minister Atul Save, of the BJP, was the chief guest.

"I have worked with Atul Save's father (Moreshwar Save, former two-time Shiv Sena Lok Sabha MP from Aurangabad). When I was working with his father, I never thought he (Atul Save) would come into politics," Shirsat said.

"He (Atul Save) became minister in the earlier government and has now become cabinet minister. It seems there is nothing left called seniority," the Aurangabad West MLA said.

Atul Save was inducted into the Shinde government on August 9, when the cabinet was expanded for the first time since the new dispensation came to power on June 30. -- PTI

Students of Gurukul Sanskrit Mahavidyalaya along with relatives of freedom fighter Satyadev Shastri sat on a protest in Shahjahanpur after a board bearing the picture of the freedom fighter at the varsity entrance was replaced with one carrying pictures of the Prime Minister and a local Bharatiya Janata Party leader.

The protesters alleged that the board was put up at the indication of Salona Kushwaha, BJP MLA from Tilhar, whose picture, along with that of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's, was on the board.

Principal of Gurukul College Dharna Yagiki told PTI on Monday that students of the college and relatives of freedom fighter Satyadev Shastri sat on a protest demanding that the board with MLA's picture be replaced with the original board.

When PTI spoke to Kushwaha, she said when she came to know about the protest she went to the college and got the board replaced.

She went on to allege that it was a conspiracy of her rivals.

She said the board was replaced mistakenly by a contractor.

The protest was called off after the board was replaced with the original. -- PTI

16:15 Sisodia should be given Bharat Ratna: Kejriwal

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday said his deputy Manish Sisodia should be given the Bharat Ratna for improving standard of education in Delhi schools, but is being hounded by the Central government due to political motives.

The New York Times has lauded our education model, Kejriwal, on his fifth visit in a month to poll-bound Gujarat, said.

Instead of appreciating Sisodia, he is being targeted, Kejriwal told reporters.

Kejriwal also expressed apprehension that Sisodia may be arrested soon.

"Manish Sisodia may be arrested; who knows I may also be arrested. All this is being done in view of Gujarat Assembly elections," he said.

Kejriwal said the people of Gujarat are sad and are bearing the brunt of the arrogance of the Bharatiya Janata Party regime of last 27 years in the state.

He promised quality education and health care to the people of Gujarat if his Aam Aadmi Party government comes to power in the state. -- PTI

The proposed high-speed railway corridor between Delhi and Varanasi has hit a roadblock with the Railway Board rejecting the feasibility report on the project citing multiple curves along the route which will not be suitable for a bullet train to run at 350 kmph, sources said.

The sources indicated that the decision was taken at a meeting held by Railway Board Secretary R N Singh last week to review the bullet train project.

The feasibility study report was presented by the National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL).

The feasibility report proposed the corridor be built along the National Highway-2.

It said this will help in the acquisition of land at cheaper rates and reducing the cost of construction.

However, the technical issue which led to the outright rejection of the proposal was that NH-2 had curved sections at many places between Delhi and Varanasi, which would make it highly dangerous for a train to run at 350 kilometre per hour, a source present in the meeting said.

'To run a bullet train at a speed of 350 kmph, the track of high-speed corridor should be straight,' the source said.

While NHSRCL is keen on beginning the work on the project, the Railway Board is wary, especially considering the delays and roadblocks in the ongoing bullet train project between Mumbai and Ahmedabad.

Due to the delays, sources said, the estimated cost of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad project is set to reach Rs 1.50 lakh crore.

Officials said around Rs 200 crore is being spent per kilometer to build the high-speed corridor.

The Railway Board has suggested that for now, the focus should be on running only semi-high speed Vade Bharat trains at a speed of 160- 200 kmph.

Officials said around 400 such trains will be available over the next three years and can be used on different routes. -- PTI

Online nominations and recommendations for the Padma Awards 2023 have opened and the last date for submission is September 15, the Union home ministry said in a statement on Monday.

Asking the general public to send nominations and recommendations for Padma awards, the ministry said they can be filed online only on the Rashtriya Puruskar portal (https://awards.gov.in).

Instituted in 1954, the three Padma awards -- Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri -- are amongst the highest civilian awards of the country.

These are announced on the occasion of the Republic Day every year.

The award seeks to recognise 'work of distinction' and is given for exceptional achievements and service in all fields and disciplines, such as art, literature and education, sports, medicine, social work, science and engineering, public affairs, civil service, trade and industry etc.

All persons without distinction of race, occupation, position or sex are eligible for these Awards.

Government servants including those working with public sector undertakings, except doctors and scientists, are not eligible for Padma awards.

The Modi government is committed to transform Padma awards into "People's Padma", the statement said. All citizens are, therefore, requested to make nominations and recommendations, including self-nomination, it said.

Concerted efforts may be made to identify talented persons whose excellence and achievements really deserve to be recognised from among women, weaker sections of society, SCs and STs, divyang persons and who are doing selfless service to society, the statement said.

The nominations and recommendations should contain all relevant details specified in the format available on the portal, including a citation in narrative form (maximum 800 words), clearly bringing out the distinguished and exceptional achievements and service of the person recommended in her and his respective field and discipline.

Delhi's Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia on Monday claimed the BJP offered him the chief minister's post if he broke the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).

Addressing a press conference in Ahmedabad, Sisodia said he was surprised when someone came to him with a message that he has two offers from the BJP.

"The messenger said one was that all big cases registered against you by CBI-ED will be taken back. The other offer was that I break the party and they will make you chief minister," the AAP leader claimed.

"I gave a clear political answer to them," he responded saying that Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal "is my political guru and I have learnt politics from him. I have not come into politics to be CM or PM," Sisodia said.

AAP national convener Kejriwal and his deputy Sisodia on Monday arrived on a two-day visit to Gujarat, where assembly elections are due this year-end.

Their visit comes amid a row over alleged irregularities in Delhi's excise policy and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) registering an FIR against Sisodia.

This is Kejriwal's fourth visit to Gujarat this month.

14:51 Imran Khan gets pre-arrest bail in terror case

UPDATE: The Islamabad high court on Monday granted Pakistan's ousted prime minister Imran Khan protective bail till Thursday in a terrorism case registered against him for threatening police, judiciary and other state institutions at his Islamabad rally on Saturday.

Khan was booked on Sunday under the Anti-Terrorism Act.

Earlier in the day, Khan moved the court seeking pre-arrest bail in the case. -- PTI

Pakistan's ousted prime minister Imran Khan moved the Islamabad High Court on Monday seeking pre-arrest bail, a day after he was booked under the Anti-Terrorism Act for threatening police, judiciary and other state institutions at his Islamabad rally on Saturday.

The petition filed by his lawyers Babar Awan and Faisal Chaudhry stated that Khan was a target of the ruling PDM (Pakistan Democratic Movement) for his fearless criticism, and extremely bold and blunt stance against corruption and corrupt politicians, the Dawn newspaper reported.

And to achieve this malicious agenda, acting in a most unfortunate and clumsy manner, a false and frivolous complaint has been registered against him by the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) police at the behest of the incumbent government, it added.

The plea further alleged that the government had decided to cross all limits to arrest Imran under false accusations and was hell-bent to sort out the petitioner and his party at all costs.

The case against Khan was registered at the Margalla Police Station of Islamabad.

The FIR reads that Khan in his speech had 'terrorised and threatened top police officials and a respected female additional sessions judge' with the aim to stop them from performing their functions and abstain from pursuing any action against any individual related to his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf party (PTI).

It says that Khan's speech had spread fear and uncertainty among the police, judges and the nation.

In his address, Khan had threatened to file cases against top police officials, a woman magistrate, Election Commission of Pakistan and political opponents over the treatment meted out to his aide Shahbaz Gill, who was arrested last week on charges of sedition. -- PTI

The Supreme Court on Monday stayed the operation of a Delhi high court order relating to registration of a first information report (FIR) against Bharatiya Janata Party leader Shahnawaz Hussain on a woman's complaint alleging rape.

A bench headed by Justice U U Lalit issued notice and sought responses, including from the Delhi government, on Hussain's plea and posted it for hearing in the third week of September.

The high court on August 17 had dismissed Hussain's plea challenging a trial court order directing the Delhi Police to register an FIR against him, saying there was no perversity in the 2018 order, and vacated its earlier interim order staying the operation.

In 2018, a Delhi-based woman had approached a lower court seeking registration of an FIR against Hussain on her allegation of rape.

A magisterial court had on July 7, 2018, ordered the registration of an FIR against Hussain, saying a cognizable offence was made out in the complaint of the woman.

This was challenged by the BJP leader before a sessions court which had dismissed his plea. -- PTI

Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai

13:27 Karnataka CM Bommai's media coordinator dies at 47

The media coordinator of Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, Gurulingaswamy Holimath died due to a massive heart attack on Monday morning, official sources said.

He was 47.

Holimath had gone to a gymnasium in the morning at Nagarabhavi and complained of chest pain during a workout, the sources said.

He was rushed to a nearby hospital, but died on the way.

Doctors declared him brought dead.

Holimath had been closely associated with Bommai.

Prior to his role as Bommai's media coordinator, he had served in various publications.

Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, former chief minister H D Kumaraswamy, several ministers, Congress Karnataka unit president D K Shivakumar and MLAs condoled Holimath's untimely demise.

Police on Monday morning removed posters of V D Savarkar put up by unknown persons at the Congress party office in Karnataka's Vijayapura overnight.

Police have increased security in the area.

The move comes amid a row over remarks by the Leader of the Opposition in the state assembly and senior Congress leader's comments on the ongoing Savarkar poster row in Shivamogga, which saw clashes on Independence Day on August 15.

Meanwhile, a BJP functionary today admitted his involvement in the 'conspiracy' of pasting the Savarkar's posters.

He said, "We are the ones who pasted Savarkar's photo, Savarkar's photo was burnt under the leadership of Congress leaders in Hubli. Congress has repeatedly created controversy over Savarkar, They have burned it."

"It is not a big deal that we have posted a photo, Congress has used the Savarkar issue for propaganda Congress people should respect Savarkar and read books about him, What message is Congress trying to send by burning Savarkar's photo?" he said.

Earlier, the Congress party in the Udupi district had requested police and district administration to remove Savarkar's posters installed on the walls of the party office.

"We are worried because they (BJP) workers installed it today but can later tear it down themselves and create problems. They have deputed several police officials for the protection of the poster. It looks shameful. That is why we are objecting to it," said a local Congress leader.

Karnataka Police on August 15 imposed Section 144 in parts of Shivamogga district after a clash over Savarkar and Tipu Sultan's banners on Independence Day.

Last week Siddaramaiah lashed out against the BJP and raised questions on attempts to put up posters of Savarkar in Muslim-dominated areas.

Earlier, addressing mediapersons, Siddaramiah said, "Why did they put Savarakar's photo in a Muslim area and remove Tipu Sultan's portrait? BJP is doing double standard politics."

During his recent visit to rain-hit areas in Kodagu, Siddaramaiah alleged that BJP workers hurled eggs at his car and raised black flags against him.

The BJP said that the people of the area had protested against Siddaramaiah's remarks which were 'against the majority Hindu society'.

Siddaramaiah said that he has decided to lay siege to the SP office in Kodagu on August 26 to condemn the incident. -- ANI

The Supreme Court on Monday directed the State Election Commission (SEC) and the Maharashtra government to maintain the status quo with regard to the poll process to the local bodies in the state.

A bench comprising Chief Justice N V Ramana and Justices Abhay S Oka and J B Pardiwala took up the plea of the Maharashtra government seeking a recall of the apex court order by which it had directed the SEC not to re-notify the poll process to 367 local bodies, where it has already commenced, in order to provide reservation to OBCs.

At the outset, the CJI, who is demitting office on August 26, said the matter needed an elaborate hearing and he would be setting up a separate special bench for its final disposal.

"We have heard the counsel. The matter requires an elaborate hearing. In view of that we direct the parties to maintain the status quo. List the matter after five weeks. A special bench will be constituted," the top court said in the order.

The state government had come out with an ordinance providing 27 per cent reservation to the Other Backward Classes (OBC) in local body polls.

The government then also moved the top court seeking recall or modification of its order by which it had directed the SEC not to re-notify the poll process to local bodies, where it has already commenced, for providing reservation to OBCs.

The top court agreed to hear the fresh plea of the state government after hearing Solicitor General Tushar Mehta.

The law officer, appearing for Maharashtra, had said the state government seeks recall or modification of the July 28 order and a direction to the SEC to to hold the elections for the 96 local bodies (out of 367 local bodies) namely 92 municipal councils and four Nagar Panchayats', allowing OBC reservation in terms of a report dated July 7, 2022 prepared by the Dedicated Commission for Reservation for Backward Class of Citizens in Local Bodies of Maharashtra.

The state government said, The OBCs form an important part of society and were granted special rights under our constitutional scheme.

"It is under the same constitutional scheme, it was deemed fit to give political reservation to them to ensure that they are duly represented inside the government and their voice is heard."

The top court had on July 28 warned the state poll panel of contempt action if it re-notifies the election process to 367 local bodies, where it has already commenced, in order to provide reservation to OBCs.

The SEC, it said, 'cannot and shall not' renotify the election programme, voicing displeasure over the 'misreading' of its July 20 order.

Any breach of its directives will invite contempt for the SEC and others concerned, the court said.

Prior to this, the bench had on July 20 accepted the recommendations of the Banthia commission providing 27 per cent OBC reservations in local body elections and directed that election to local bodies in the state be notified in the next two weeks.

It had, however, made clear the same day that the new reservation policy will not apply to the 367 local bodies where the election process had already begun.

The court had noted in its July 20 order that the counsel for the SEC had said the election programme in respect of 367 local bodies has already started and will be taken to its logical end.

The apex court had quashed the SEC notification providing for 27 per cent quotas for OBCs in local bodies in early 2021.

In December 2021, it ruled reservation for OBCs in local bodies will not be allowed unless the government fulfils the triple test laid down in the SC's 2010 order.

The top court had ruled that until the triple test criteria is fulfilled, the OBC seats will be re-notified as general category seats.

The triple test required the state government to set up a dedicated commission to gather data on the backwardness of OBCs in every local body, to specify the proportion of reservation in each local body in light of the commission's recommendations, and ensure that such reservation does not exceed 50 per cent of the total seats reserved for SC/ST/OBC together.

These 92 municipal councils and four 'nagar panchayats' figured in the list of 367 local bodies where the election process had already been set in motion.

"Dates have been notified. The election programme has commenced. That we will not interdict. We had made it clear," the bench had said, adding, "They can only change the date from date X to date Y."

There cannot be reservation for these 367 local bodies, the court had asserted.

"The State Election Commission cannot and shall not re-notify the election programme so as to provide reservation in respect of 367 local bodies referred to in the affidavit filed before this court on July 8, 2022," the bench had said. -- PTI

12:08 Allu Arjun's 'Pushpa 2' goes on the floors

After the pan-India success of Pushpa: The Rise, actors Allu Arjun and Rashmika Mandanna are all ready to commence shooting for its sequel, Pushpa: The Rule with the cast and crew hosting a puja on Monday.

Pictures from the puja ceremony has been shared widely on the Internet.

A fan club with the username Allu Arjun Folks on Twitter shared a picture from the ceremony. The post reads, "#PushpaTheRule Pooja Ceremony Started. Missing PushpaRaj #AlluArjun @Alluarjun."

Rashmika Mandanna was seen in ethnic wear along with crew members of the film. Allu Arjun was, however, not spotted in the pictures from the ceremony as he is currently in New York for the India Day celebrations.

Here are photos of the Telugu superstar in New York!

A special court in Mumbai on Monday extended the judicial custody of Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut till September 5 in a money laundering case linked to alleged irregularities in the redevelopment of a Mumbai 'chawl'.

Raut, 60, was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on August 1 in connection with alleged financial irregularities in the redevelopment of the Patra Chawl (row tenement) in suburban Goregaon.

After being in the ED's custody initially, the Sena leader was sent to judicial custody for 14 days on August 8.

On Monday, special Judge M G Deshpande, hearing cases related to the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), extended Raut's custody till August 30.

The ED told the court that its probe into the case was still on.

The ED's investigation pertains to alleged financial irregularities in the redevelopment of the Patra 'chawl' and related financial transactions involving Raut's wife and associates.

Raut, a close aide of Shiv Sena president and former Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray, has denied any wrongdoing and called the ED case against him 'false'. -- PTI

The National Socialist Council of Nagalim-Isak Muivah (NSCN-IM) has said that it would not forego the demand for a separate flag and Yehzabo' (constitution) in any circumstance to achieve a final solution to the vexed Naga political issue.

The NSCN-IM, which is holding peace talks with the government for over two decades, said it attaches great importance to the Naga flag and constitution as part of the solution.

Thus, the NSCN-IM affirmed that under no circumstances it can forego these core issues that symbolised the Naga national identity, the organisation said in a statement on Sunday.

The NSCN-IM and the Centre signed a framework agreement in 2015 to find a solution to the political issue.

The framework agreement came after over 80 rounds of negotiations spanning 18 years, with the first breakthrough in 1997 when the ceasefire pact was sealed after decades of insurgency in Nagaland which started soon after Independence in 1947.

The union government has also been holding a separate parley with Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) comprising seven organisations since 2017.

However, the final solution is yet to see the light of the day mainly because of the unwillingness of the government to accept the NSCN-IM's persistent demand for a separate flag and constitution.

The Centre is not willing to accept the demands probably because it had abrogated Article 370 which gave a special status to Jammu and Kashmir.

With the annulment of the special status in 2019, the separate flag and the constitution of Jammu and Kashmir cease to exist.

Time and again the NSCN-IM has taken the resolute stand that it shall never deviate from the Naga national principle at any cost, the outfit said in the statement. -- PTI

Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia on Monday claimed that he was approached by the Bharatiya Janata Party with the offer to close all cases against him if he joined their party.

Asserting that all the allegations against him were false, Sisodia said he will never bow down before 'conspirators and corrupt people'.

Sisodia is among 15 people and entities named in an FIR registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation in connection with alleged irregularities in the implementation of the Delhi excise policy.

'I have received a message from the BJP -- Leave AAP and join BJP. We will ensure that all cases by CBI and ED against you are shut.

'My reply to BJP -- I am a descendant of Maharana Pratap and a Rajput. I am ready to get beheaded but can never bow down before conspirators and corrupt people. All the cases against me are false. Do whatever you want to do,' he said in a tweet in Hindi.

The Aam Aadmi Party leader's house was raided on Friday by the CBI over alleged corruption in the Delhi Excise Policy 2021-22.

He has stressed that the case against him is an effort to stop the good work being done by CM Arvind Kejriwal-led dispensation and also to put obstacles in the path of the AAP chief who has emerged as an alternative to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. -- PTI

Hundreds of farmers from different states started reaching Delhi amid heavy security arrangements to participate in a 'mahapanchayat' called by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (non-political) at Jantar Mantar on Monday.

SKM Leaders claimed at some locations, farmers were being stopped from reaching Jantar Mantar, a claim denied by the Delhi Police.

"The mahapanchayat is a one day-long peaceful event where we will reiterate our demands such as a legal guarantee on MSP and cancellation of Electricity Amendment Bill 2022 among others," said Abhimanyu Singh Kohar, SKM (non-political) member and organiser of the 'mahapanchayat'.

He, however, added that the police is yet to give permission for the 'mahapanchayat' at Jantar Mantar.

Kohar said farmers coming from Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh were stopped last night and not allowed to reach Jantar Mantar.

They were taken to Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, Rakabganj and Moti Bagh and later released, he said.

Kohar said farmers from Punjab, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh and some parts of Haryana have reached Delhi and more are coming to take part in the 'mahapanchayat'.

He said earlier during the farmers' movement, the central government had promised to consider all our demands but they did 'nothing'.

"So here we are again to discuss and raise our demands and chalk out future strategy of the movement," Kohar said.

In November 2020, thousands of farmers from Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh had camped at border points around Delhi against Centre's three farm laws, which were repealed a year later.

The farmers had suspended their movement in December last year after the Centre assured them to consider their other demands concerning legal guarantee on MSP, withdrawal of cases against them among others. -- PTI

Photograph: @DrSJaishankar/Twitter

10:46 EAM Jaishankar unveils bust of Mahatma Gandhi in Paraguay

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has unveiled a bust of Mahatma Gandhi in Paraguay and visited the historic Casa de la Independencia from where the South American country's Independence movement started more than two centuries ago.

Jaishankar arrived in Brazil on the first leg of his six-day visit to South America aimed at boosting overall bilateral ties with the region.

Jaishankar, who is on his first-ever official visit to South America, is also visiting Paraguay and Argentina.

'Honoured to unveil a bust of Mahatma Gandhi ji in Asuncion, Paraguay. Appreciate the Asuncion Municipality's decision to locate it at the prominent waterfront of the city. This is a statement of solidarity that was so strongly expressed during the Covid pandemic,' he said in a tweet on Sunday.

'Visited the historic Casa de la Independencia, from where Paraguay's Independence movement started more than two centuries ago. A fitting testament to our common struggle and our growing relationship,' he said.

Jaishankar on Friday met envoys of Latin America and the Caribbean countries in New Delhi, with a focus on boosting overall bilateral ties.

The meeting came ahead of his visit to South America.

'Pleasure to host Ambassadors in New Delhi from the Group of Latin America and the Caribbean countries- Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Jamaica, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Suriname and Uruguay,' Jaishankar had tweeted.

The visit of the External Affairs Minister is aimed at exploring new areas of cooperation in the post-pandemic era, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said. -- PTI

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his deputy Manish Sisodia will visit Gujarat for two days from Monday during which they will address a gathering and hold discussions on employment and education with youth ahead of the state assembly polls due later this year.

Kejriwal, the national convener of the Aam Aadmi Party and Sisodia, who is the education minister of Delhi, will meet people in Himmatnagar and Bhavnagar, Gujarat AAP's general secretary Manoj Sorathiya said in a video statement.

Their visit comes amid a row over alleged irregularities in Delhi's excise policy and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) registering an FIR against Sisodia.

After landing at the Ahmedabad airport on Monday, Kejriwal and Sisodia will also hold a joint press conference in the city before starting their programmes in the state.

Kejriwal will on Monday attend a town hall programme in Himatnagar where he will make 'an important announcement for the people of Gujarat', Sorathiya said.

This will be his fourth visit to Gujarat this month.

"On Tuesday, Kejriwal and Sisodia will hold discussions on employment and education with youth in Bhavnagar," Sorathiya said.

The Gujarat Assembly elections are due in December this year. -- PTI

Bharatiya Janata Party MP Varun Gandhi on Sunday said he will continue his fight against unemployment, corruption and inflation until they cease to exist.

In an apparent dig at his own party, Gandhi said he is working for an India where children and youth get respect, and where nobody is compelled to bow his head for help.

"Until employment ceases to exist in this country and your children don't get jobs, my 'sangarsh' (fight) will continue. We will also continue our fight against corruption," he said at a programme in Pilibhit.

"We will not allow the sacrifice of our ancestors go in vain. Time has come for the people to raise their voice against basic problems, injustice and corruption," he added.

During his Pilibhit tour, Gandhi inaugurated an indoor sports hall constructed at a cost of Rs 8 crore and also interacted with members of the urban local body. -- PTI

Ahead of the call by farmers to protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, Delhi Police on Monday beefed up the security forces at the Singhu border and Ghazipur border on the Delhi-Meerut expressway.

Delhi Police has increased the security forces and barricaded the Singhu border which is located in North-West Delhi and Ghazipur border which is located on the Delhi-Meerut expressway.

Farmers will hold protests at Jantar Mantar against unemployment.

Earlier, the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) -- an umbrella body of farmers -- had announced the beginning of its 75-hour sit-in in Lakhimpur Kheri of Uttar Pradesh from Thursday (August 18) to press for their pending demands.

SKM is an umbrella group comprising around 40 farm organisations, primarily demanding the proper implementation of minimum support price (MSP) for crops.

In April, Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader Rakesh Tikait joined the protest held by the Telangana leaders in New Delhi against the Centre's paddy procurement policy and said that there is a need for another protest in the country.

Tikait also added that the farmer umbrella body Samyukt Kisan Morcha will back every Chief Minister who fights for the farmers' issues. -- ANI

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