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Thu, 25 August 2022

Parl panel summons Twitter, IRCTC over data row

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Angad Singh/Twitter

23:55 US scribe Angad Singh deported from Delhi airport to New York: Family

American journalist Angad Singh was deported to New York soon after he landed in New Delhi on Wednesday night, his mother claimed in a Facebook post.

Singh, who produces documentaries for Vice News with a focus on Asia, was on a personal visit to India, his mother Gurmeet Kaur said.

"My son, an American citizen who travelled 18 hours to Delhi to visit us in Punjab, was deported. Put in the next flight back to New York," Kaur said.

"They did not give a reason. But we know it is his award winning journalism that scares them. It is the stories he did and the stories he is capable of. It is the love for his Motherland that they can't stand. It is the cutting edge reporting of Vice News that gets to them," Kaur claimed.

Singh has produced a series of documentaries on the COVID-19 pandemic in India as also on the farmers' protests on the borders of the national capital against the now-repealed three farm laws.

Singh's coverage of the deadly Delta wave of the pandemic last year had earned him an Emmy nomination.

There was no immediate official comment on Singh's deportation. -- PTI

Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant/Reuters

23:41 Ukraine's Zaporizhzhya nuclear plant disconnected from power grid: Report

Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant was completely disconnected from the power grid for the first time in its history on Thursday, according to the country's nuclear operator.

The nuclear power plant is held by Russian forces.

In a statement cited by CNN, Energoatom said that the complex was disconnected on Thursday due to fires at a nearby ash pit, causing the last remaining power line connecting to Ukraine's energy grid to disconnect twice.

"The actions of the invaders caused a complete disconnection of the ZNPP (Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant) from the power grid -- the first in the history of the plant," it stated.

Later on Thursday, the Russian-installed regional governor said that "at the moment, the power supply to all cities and districts of the Zaporizhzhia region has been restored" from the plant after earlier disruptions.

Yevhen Balytskyi, an official, blamed Ukrainian military action for the earlier outages.

"As a result of a strike by the armed formations of Ukraine on power lines in the area of the Zaporizhzhia NPP, the territory of the security zone of the 750 kV overhead line caught fire. The fire was provoked by a short circuit on power lines," he said, as per CNN.

Former chief economic adviser Krishnamurthy Subramanian has been appointed as executive director at the International Monetary Fund, ad personnel ministry order said on Thursday.

Subramanian is currently professor (finance), Indian School of Business.

The appointments committee of the cabinet has approved the appointment of Subramanian to the post of executive director (India) at the IMF, with effect from November 1, 2022 for a period of three years or until further orders, by curtailing the tenure of Dr Surjit S Bhalla as ED (India), IMF up to October 31, 2022, it said.

Bhalla was appointed to the post for three years in October 2019.

According to sources, the EDs are elected for a period of two years through voting by the governors representing the respective constituency countries.

The next two-year term of the EDs will start from November 1, 2022, for which the nominations have to be made within August 29, 2022 and the voting will happen on October 14, 2022.

Bhalla joined the IMF Executive Board on November 9, 2019, after his election by the constituency countries in that electoral cycle.

He was re-elected in the next electoral cycle for the 2-year period from 01.11.2020 to 31.10.2022, leaving only nine days of the remaining term as per the GOI's order, sources said. -- ANI

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22:58 Parl panel summons Twitter, IRCTC over data row

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor-led Parliamentary standing committee on Information Technology has summoned micro-blogging site Twitter and IRCTC before it on Friday to discuss "citizens' data security and privacy".

The panel is likely to question them about a tender floated by it to hire a consultant to monetise its passenger and freight customer data, sources said.

IRCTC has more than 10 crore users for which it has hired a consultant through attender to monetise passenger data.

Why is this being done is what the panel is likely to seek answers for.

Sources also said that the panel will be questioning Twitter on its management and composition and whether it has been done to extend favours to a particular political party.

On 3 August 2022, the union government led by Information and Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced its decision to withdraw the Personal Data Protection Bill, 2019.

This long-awaited legislation will be replaced with a comprehensive Bill for contemporary digital privacy laws. -- PTI

The wife of Sylvester Stallone, Hollywood star who gained worldwide fame through the Rambo series of movies, has decided to end her relationship with the actor.

Jennifer Flavin has filed a petition "for dissolution of marriage and other relief" from the actor, 76, at a court in Palm Beach County, Florida, People magazine reported.

Stallone and Flavin, 54, married in 1997, though their relationship began in 1988 at a restaurant in Beverly Hills, California.

They have three daughters: Scarlet, 20, Sistine, 24, and Sophia, 25. Stallone is also father to a son Seargeoh from his previous marriage to Sasha Czack.

His oldest son Sage, is from previous wife Starlin Wright, who died in 2012.

Rumours were rife about a Jennifer-Sylvester split after the actor, reportedly, got a tattoo of his wife covered up with another one.

In a statement to People, Stallone said, "I love my family. We are amicably and privately addressing these personal issues."

Flavin told the magazine, "I'm sad to announce that after 25 years of marriage I have filed for divorce from my husband Sylvester Stallone. While we will no longer be married, I will always cherish the more than 30-year relationship that we shared, and I know we are both committed to our beautiful daughters. I ask for privacy for our family as we amicably move forward."

News of the pair's split comes three months after they celebrated their silver wedding anniversary. -- ANI

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22:05 NIA nabs 2 from Delhi in Mundra Port drug case

The National Investigation Agency on Thursday arrested two Delhi-based key accused in connection with a case linked to the seizure of 2,988 kg of heroin from Gujarat's Mundra Port on September 13, 2021.

The accused were identified as Harpreet Singh Talwar alias Kabir Talwar and Prince Sharma.

NIA said they were involved in the "smuggling of heroin through import consignments from Afghanistan using the maritime route".

The accused were arrested on the basis of so far conducted investigations and incriminating evidence obtained during the searches by NIA at 20 locations on Wednesday in various states (Delhi-14, Gujarat-2, Punjab-1 and West Bengal-3) in the case.

"The arrested accused are a part of an international drug smuggling network involved in smuggling of large commercial quantities of heroin originating from Afghanistan into India," said the NIA.

"Heroin was being concealed in import consignments of material, such as semi-processed Talc, Bituminous coal etc."

One such consignment of about 3,000 kg of heroin was intercepted and seized at Mundra Port by the Directorate Revenue Intelligence on September 13, 2021.

"The accused persons were involved in the import of narcotics through fake and shell import companies and further facilitated its transport to Delhi-based Afghan nationals involved in purification and distribution of heroin in many states including Delhi, Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh," said the counter-terror agency. -- ANI

The Centre has given a two-year extension to six 'lateral entrants' who were inducted as joint secretaries in central government ministries in 2019, according to a source.

The government had advertised 10 vacancies for joint secretaries in different departments.

However, only nine candidates were shortlisted from more than 6,000 applicants and eight joined as joint secretaries.

While Arun Goel, JS DPIIT, resigned after two years and returned to the private sector, Amber Dubey who joined the civil aviation ministry has desired to return to the private sector after three years and therefore his case has not been considered.

Those who have given extensions as joint secretaries are Sujit Kumar Bajpayee (environment, forest and climate change), Saurabh Mishra (ministry of finance), Rajeev Saksena (economic affairs), Dinesh Dayanand Jagadale (new and renewable energy), Suman Prasad Singh (road transport and highways) and Bhushan Kumar (ministry of shipping).

The eight joint secretaries from the private sector had been appointed in September 2019 for a period of three years.

They have been deputed to various ministries "in Level 14 of the pay matrix as per the Seventh Central Pay Commission".

According to the source, all lateral entrants have secured high ranking in their annual appraisals.

He said the government is taking care of the lateral entrants and ensuring that they don't face any issue in working in cadre-based and old styled bureaucracy.

"PM Modi had separate physical meetings with JS (lateral entrants) and also interacted with all of them through video conferencing during the COVID and sought suggestions for improvement in bureaucratic culture," the source added. -- PTI

The Adani Ports, which is building the transshipment port in Vizhinjam in Thiruvananthapuram, on Thursday filed a petition in the Kerala high court seeking police protection from those protesting against the construction work.

The Adani Group, in its plea stated that the ongoing agitation by fishermen was a threat to the life of its employees and the government was not taking any action in this regard despite representations made.

It prayed for a court direction to the state government to provide adequate police security to the project.

A large number of fisherfolks have been protesting outside the main entrance of the multi-purpose seaport, located at nearby Mulloor, since last week pressing their seven-point charter of demands including halting the construction work and to conduct a coastal impact study in connection with the multi-crore project.

The protesters have been alleging that the unscientific construction of groynes, the artificial sea walls known as pulimutt in local parlance, as part of the upcoming Vizhinjam port was one of the reasons for the increasing coastal erosion in the district.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had recently said that his government was considering providing rented accommodation to rehabilitate the displaced fisherfolk and the district collector of Thiruvananthapuram has been entrusted with the task which includes fixation of rent. -- PTI

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20:29 Two-hour traffic block on Mumbai-Pune E-way segment on Friday for works

A two-hour traffic block will be enforced on a part of Mumbai-Pune Expressway between noon and 2 pm on Friday for infrastructure works, a Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation official said.

As per an MSRDC release, the traffic block is being operated for the erection of an overhead gantry (metal frame used as support) close to Kiwale village near Pune.

"Traffic between Kiwale and Talegaon toll naka will be diverted to old Mumbai-Pune highway via Somatane.

Motorists can dial Expressway helpline number 9822498224 or highway police helpline number 9833498334 for emergency assistance during the journey," the release said. -- PTI

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20:25 Man serving life sentence along with former DU professor Saibaba dies of swine flu

A man convicted along with former Delhi University professor GN Saibaba under various sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act for Maoist links died of swine flu on Thursday evening, an official said.

Nagpur Central Jail inmate Pandu Narote had high fever on August 20, was subsequently detected with swine flu and died at around 5 pm, deputy superintendent Deepa Aage said.

He was admitted in Government Medical College and Hospital in Nagpur, the deputy SP said.

Narote, Saibaba and four others were sentenced to life imprisonment in March 2017 under various sections of the UAPA dealing with conspiracy, being a member of terrorist gang or organisation and support to a terrorist organisation.

Narote was held along with two others from Aheri in Gadchiroli in August 2013. Saibaba was held in May 2014. -- PTI

Body of one of the terrorists killed in encounter near LoC in J-K/Umar Ganie for Rediff.com

20:03 Infiltration bid foiled in Uri, 3 terrorists killed

Three terrorists were killed as security forces foiled an infiltration bid along the Line of Control in Uri sector of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said on Thursday.

The terrorists tried to sneak into this side of the LoC near near Madiyan Nanak post in the Kamalkote area of Uri sector in north Kashmir's Baramulla district, they said.

Srinagar-based PRO, Defence, Col Emron Musavi said an operation was launched following an input from the Army's intelligence agencies about a possible infiltration bid along the LoC.

"On the afternoon of August 24, multiple ambushes were laid to trap the infiltrators. Intensive electronic surveillance of the suspected area led to the detection of the (infiltration) attempt at 7 am on August 25," he said.

Col Musavi said terrorists were hoping to use the cover of thick undergrowth, foliage and rainfall and low clouds to infiltrate.

"The contact with the terrorists was established at about 8.45 am on August 25 in the forward areas of the Indian side of the LoC, leading to heavy exchange of fire in which the terrorists were killed," he said.

The spokesman said the detailed search of the area was concluded at 2 pm and bodies of three terrorists, two AK rifles, one Chinese M-16 rifle along with other war-like stores were recovered.

"Indian Army's successful operation has not only led to the elimination of three Pakistani terrorists, but also has resulted in thwarting Pakistan's nefarious design and intent to disrupt peace, prosperity and normalcy in J-K," he said. -- PTI

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19:43 Maha records 1,887 new Covid cases, 6 deaths

Maharashtra on Thursday recorded 1,887 new coronavirus cases and six pandemic-related deaths, the health department said in a bulletin.

The state's COVID-19 case tally rose to 80,91,276, and death toll reached 1,48,214.

On Wednesday, the state had recorded 1,913 cases and five fatalities.

State capital Mumbai recorded 838 new coronavirus cases and two fatalities on Thursday.

Pune city, Solapur city and Raigad and Solapur districts recorded one fatality each.

The case fatality rate in the state stands at 1.83 per cent.

There are 12,269 active cases in the state now.

As many as 2,190 patients recovered from coronavirus infection since Wednesday evening, taking the total of recovered patients to 79,30,793.

The recovery rate in the state stands at 98.02 per cent. -- PTI

The normally affable Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has had it with what he calls 'concoction' of his public statements by 'some section of mainstream media, social media and some persons.'

In a tweet, Gadkari said: 'Today, once again, efforts were being made to continue the nefarious & fabricated campaign against me for political mileage on my behest by some section of mainstream media, social media and some persons in particular by concocting my statements at public programmes without context or correct reference.

'Although, I've never been disturbed by such malicious agendas of fringe elements but all concerned are hereby warned that If such mischief continue I will not hesitate to take them to the law in the larger interest of our Government, Party and millions of our hardworking Karyakartas.

'Therefore, I'm sharing the link of what I had actually said.'

For those interested in knowing what exactly the minister said, here's the link.

19:11 Modi on two-day visit to Gujarat from Saturday

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate Smriti Van in Bhuj, which celebrates the spirit of resilience shown by people following the 2001 earthquake in Gujarat, during his two-day visit to the state from Saturday.

The Prime Minister's Office, in a statement, said Modi will address 'Khadi Utsav' at the Sabarmati riverfront in Ahmedabad on Saturday and address a programme on Sunday in Gandhinagar, commemorating 40 years of Suzuki in India.

Envisioned by the prime minister, Smriti Van is a one-of-its-kind initiative, the PMO said, adding it has been built over 470 acres of land to celebrate the spirit of resilience shown by the people after the death of around 13,000 people in the 2001 earthquake having its epicentre in Bhuj.

The memorial carries names of the people who had lost their lives during the earthquake.

The state-of-the-art Smriti Van Earthquake Museum is segregated in seven blocks based on seven themes -- rebirth, rediscover, restore, rebuild, rethink, relive and renew -- it said.

Modi will also inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of projects worth around Rs 4,400 crore in Bhuj.

In a one-of-its-kind event being held as part of 'Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav', 'Khadi Utsav' is being organised to pay tribute to khadi and its importance during the freedom struggle.

It will be organised at the Sabarmati riverfront and will witness 7,500 women khadi artisans from various districts of Gujarat spinning charkha (spinning wheel) live at the same time and at the same place.

The PMO said it has been Modi's constant endeavour to popularise khadi, generate awareness about its products and promote their usage among the youth.

"As a result of the efforts of the prime minister since 2014, the sale of Khadi in India has witnessed a four-fold increase, whereas in Gujarat, it has witnessed a massive eight-fold increase," it said. -- PTI

The police in Kota in Rajasthan registered a case of outraging religious feelings against e-commerce company Amazon for selling an "objectionable" photo frame of Lord Krishna and his consort Radha.

The case was lodged on Wednesday after right-wing Hindu outfit Bajrang Dal took out a protest rally against the firm.

"A case of outraging religious feeling under Section 295 (A) of the IPC was registered," Jawahar Nagar police station SHO Vasudev said on Thursday.

The case was lodged on a complaint filed by Yogesh Rainwal, provincial coordinator of the Bajrang Dal, he added.

Further investigation into the allegations is underway, he said.

Rainwal said Section 153 (A) of the IPC should be added to the FIR as the sale of photo frame intentded to provoke violence. -- PTI

18:31 Director Saawan Kumar Tak dies at 86

Saawan Kumar Tak, director of films such as Sanam Bewafa and Souten, died on Thursday at a hospital here, his nephew said.

The 86-year-old filmmaker was brought to Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital on Wednesday in a "critical" condition and was being treated for lungs infection and breathing issues.

Tak breathed his last at 4:15 pm on Thursday.

"He passed away at 4:15pm due to heart failure. His heart had stopped functioning," Navin, Tak's nephew, said.

The filmmaker was best known for directing Salman Khan-starrers Sanam Bewafa (1991), Chaand Ka Tukda(1994) and Saawan... The Love Season (2003).

Khan took to Twitter to pay tribute to the director.

"May u rest in peace my dear Sawaan ji. Have always loved n respected u," he tweeted.

Tak made his directorial debut in 1972 with Gomti Ke Kinare, which was Meena Kumari's last film appearance.

He has also directed 1983 movie Souten, featuring Rajesh Khanna, Tina Munim and Padmini Kolhapure.

Also a lyricist, Tak had written songs such as Pyaar Ki Kashti Mein, Janeman Janeman and Chand Sitaare for Rakesh Roshan's 2000 romance action film Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai, which marked the debut of Hrithik Roshan and Ameesha Patel. -- PTI

Actor-model Milind Soman will play Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw in Kangana Ranaut's period drama Emergency, the makers announced Thursday.

Billed as the story of a watershed moment in the political history of India, Emergency is written and directed by Ranaut.

She also stars as former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in the upcoming film.

The Emergency was imposed by Gandhi for a 21-month period from 1975 to 1977, when the fundamental rights of the people were put under strict curbs.

Ranaut said Soman's "overpowering screen presence and talent" made him the perfect actor to play the role of the decorated war hero.

"Sam Manekshaw had clarity of vision, was a strong-headed individual and his relevance is huge in the film. The film showcases how two very strong-headed personalities, Mrs Gandhi and Sam Manekshaw, worked together to fight the war against Pakistan," he said.

"This chapter of history intrigues me a lot as it delves into how things worked and panned out for them. We are privileged that Milind Sir will be playing this role. I hope this film does justice to his enormous talent and great screen presence," the actor-filmmaker said in a statement.

Soman, whose acting credits include Rules: Pyaar Ka Superhit Formula, 16 December, and Bajirao Mastani, said he is looking forward to essaying Manekshaw on screen.

Manekshaw was the Chief of the Army Staff of the Indian Army during the Indo-Pakistan War of 1971, and the first Indian Army officer to be promoted to the rank of field marshal. -- PTI

Lieutenant Colonel Prasad Purohit

18:00 Purohit's friend turns hostile in Malegaon probe

An Army officer having a family relationship with Lieutenant Colonel Prasad Purohit, an accused in the 2008 Malegaon blast case, became the 25th witness to turn hostile during the trial in Mumbai on Thursday.

Six persons were killed and 90 injured when an explosive device strapped to a motorcycle went off near a mosque in Malegaon, a north Maharashtra town, on September 29, 2008.

The Army officer recorded his testimony before special judge AK Lahoti on Thursday and recognised Purohit, who was present in the court.

He further testified that the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad had made inquiries with him in connection with the case, but had never recorded his statement, after which the court declared him hostile.

A witness presented by the probe agency is declared hostile when he or she does not support the prosecution's case in the court.

As per the record, the ATS had recorded his three-page statement, where he had claimed he had seen documents related to Abhinav Bharat outfit at Purohit's house.

In the statement, the Army officer had also claimed to have dropped Purohit and another former Army officer at the site of the camp held for Abhinav Bharat in October 2008 in Panchgani. -- PTI

17:27 Losers and gainers as Sensex takes a tumble

After remaining in the positive territory for most part of Thursday's session, the 30-share BSE Sensex suddenly came under selling pressure towards the fag-end, tumbling 310.71 points or 0.53 per cent to settle at 58,774.72.

Similarly, the broader NSE Nifty dropped 82.50 points or 0.47 per cent to 17,522.45.

Bajaj Finance led the losers among the Sensex constituents, falling 1.81 per cent, followed by PowerGrid, Infosys, TCS, IndusInd Bank, Axis Bank, NTPC and Larsen & Toubro.

Only five counters clocked gains -- Maruti Suzuki, SBI, Dr Reddy's, Kotak Mahindra Bank and Titan, rising up to 0.46 per cent.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday adjourned for August 30 the petition of Teesta Setalvad seeking interim bail in a case in which she was arrested for allegedly fabricating documents to frame innocent people in the 2002 Gujarat riots cases.

A bench of Justices UU Lalit, Ravindra Bhat and Sudhanshu Dhulia adjourned the matter to next Tuesday after solicitor general Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Gujarat government, sought time to make corrections in the affidavit to the petition.

As the solicitor general asked the bench to adjourn the matter and hear it on Monday as he has to make correction in the reply and that there is nothing special in this case, the bench said, "Nothing special in this case but petitioner has been in custody."

"Solicitor General submits that the response to the petition is ready but needs corrections. He assures that response shall be filed on or before Saturday. Rejoinder, if any, be filed on Monday. Matter to be taken up on Tuesday," the bench stated in its order posting the matter for hearing on Tuesday.

Earlier, the apex court sought the Gujarat government's response on Setalvad's plea.

Setalvad has approached the top court against the August 3 order of the Gujarat high court which issued notice to the Special Investigation Team seeking its response to bail applications filed by Setalvad and former Gujarat director general of police RB Sreekumar and posted the hearing on September 19. -- ANI

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17:06 No change of guard at Rashtrapati Bhavan this Saturday

There will be no change of guard ceremony on August 27 due to the swearing-in of the new Chief Justice of India, the Rashtrapati Bhavan said on Thursday.

Justice Uday Umesh Lalit will be sworn in as the 49th Chief Justice of India on Saturday.

A warrant of his appointment was signed by President Droupadi Murmu earlier this month.

"The change of guard ceremony will not to be held this Saturday (August 27, 2022) on the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan due to swearing-in-ceremony of the Chief Justice of India," the Rashtrapati Bhavan said in a statement.

The change of guard ceremony is a military tradition that is held on Saturdays to enable a fresh group of the President's Bodyguard to take charge.

16:59 Cong presidential poll likely to be deferred

The election for the Congress president is likely to be postponed for a few weeks and the final schedule will be decided in the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting scheduled on August 28, party sources said on Thursday.

Earlier it was announced that the election schedule will be from August 21 to September 20.

The sources had said that the election for the post of president has now become a challenge for Congress with the reluctance of Rahul Gandhi to contest the polls.

The Congress party has completed the internal election process till August 20.

The party had announced that the election for the post of president will be held between August 21 and September 20 but despite several attempts, Rahul Gandhi has not cleared his stance till now.

According to sources, the Central Election Authority has made full preparations to complete the election process on time.

The chairman of the authority is waiting for a meeting of the Congress Working Committee which will announce the election dates for the post of chairman and then the authority will notify the same.

Sources said the process seems to remain stuck since Rahul is not willing to contest the election for the post of Congress president, although all the efforts to convince him are still going on.

If the logjam continues, there may be an attempt to agree on one of the names of the leaders like Ashok Gehlot, Mallikarjun Kharge, K C Venugopal, Kumari Shailja and Mukul Wasnik. -- ANI

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday questioned the source of the Rs 800 crore allegedly offered by the Bharatiya Janata Party to 40 Aam Aadmi Party MLAs for switching sides and asserted that his government is stable.

After a meeting of the AAP legislators at his residence, Kejriwal, along with his MLAs, went to Rajghat to pray for the failure of the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) 'Operation Lotus'.

'They (BJP) offered Rs 20 crore each to our MLAs. They have kept Rs 800 crore for toppling the Delhi government. But the citizens of the country want to know about the source of this money. Is it from GST or the PM CARES Fund? Have some of their friends given them this money?' he asked.

The chief minister said his deputy Manish Sisodia, who is being probed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for alleged corruption in the Excise Policy 2021-22, has been named in a 'false FIR'.

"Even mattresses and walls at Sisodia's residence were searched by the CBI but not even a single unaccounted penny was found. No objectionable documents or jewellery were found. We were thinking why was this happening with us since they also know that Sisodia is an extremely honest man and a patriot who has worked on education in the national capital," he said.

Reiterating Sisodia's claims, Kejriwal said a day after the CBI's raids, the deputy chief minister was approached by the BJP with an offer of the chief minister's post.

"The next day after the raids, they sent a message to Sisodia that you leave Kejriwal, get some MLAs and come to us. We will topple the Delhi government and close the CBI, ED cases against you. I think I would have done some good deeds in my past life that I have got a companion like Sisodia. They were offering him the chief minister's post but he refused. He rejected their offer," the AAP national convenor said.

He further alleged that the BJP is 'offering Rs 20 crore each' to AAP MLAs with a design 'to topple the Delhi government'.

"I am extremely happy that no MLA has yielded under pressure. They want to poach 40 MLAs but I want to tell the people of Delhi that they have voted for a hardcore honest government. Neither me nor my MLAs and ministers will betray the country and be sold out," Kejriwal said.

The BJP has been attacking the AAP for 'trying to deflect the focus' from the alleged corruption in the implementation of the 2021-22 Excise Policy and has asked the Kejriwal-led party to name the leaders of the saffron party who have approached its MLAs.

"Sometimes they say there is a scam of Rs 1.5 lakh crore, which is not even the budget of the Delhi government. Someone was saying there is a scam of Rs 8,000 crore. But what is this scam? Two leaders did a media briefing and said there has been a scam of Rs 1,100 crore. The LG's report said there is a scam of Rs 144 crore. The CBI FIR says there is a scam of Rs 1 crore. What is this scam? Is there anything? This is all rubbish," Kejriwal said.

He said the AAP MLAs prayed at Rajghat for peace to prevail in the country where the situation currently revolves around 'attempts to topple state governments'.

"This situation where they are toppling governments is not good. Why are they fighting with us? We meditated and prayed that the situation in the country improves. We prayed for the nation's progress and peace at Rajghat," Kejriwal said.

Earlier in the day, the AAP alleged that 40 of its Delhi MLAs were targeted by the BJP with an offer of Rs 20 crore each to switch sides, even as all the 62 of its legislators were accounted for during a meeting at Kejriwal's residence. -- PTI

16:00 Prophet row: BJP leader T Raja Singh arrested

JUST IN: Telangana police arrests suspended Bharatiya Janata Party leader T Raja Singh from his residence in Hyderabad for his alleged remarks against Prophet Muhammad.

Massive protests had taken place on August 23 against the leader for his alleged statement.

More details awaited. -- ANI

As the Congress looks at a new leadership, party leader Priyank Kharge on Thursday favoured Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi naming its President and acknowledged that Ashok Gehlot is a good choice for the post.

The son of veteran Congress leader M Mallikarjun Kharge said most of the partymen are insisting that either Rahul Gandhi or Priyanka Gandhi Vadra should take up the mantle as they have broader acceptance within the cadre and among the masses.

"They have pan-India appeal whether you like it or not," Kharge told PTI in Bengaluru.

"If you go through our recent history, it's impossible to function without a Gandhi at the helm of affairs of the Congress because they have been the 'glue factor'.

"It's not that we cannot function without the Gandhi family but they are the glue factor that binds us all. The family has sacrificed the most for the party", the former Karnataka minister said.

In case the two are unwilling to take up the post, then it should be left to the discretion and decision of Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi himself on who should be the party president, according to him.

"Let them (Sonia and Rahul Gandhi) choose. Anybody who comes with their (the family's) endorsement will have the best interests of the party," he said.

On Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, seen to be emerging as the front-runner for the post, the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee spokesperson noted that he is known as 'Jaadoogar' (magician).

Considering Gehlot's experience and appeal, and his rapport with leaders of various States, he is a good choice if the party wants him to head it, he said.

But Kharge hastened to note that there are other names also being talked about, like Mukul Wasnik and Ghulam Nabi Azad.

All those leaders being suggested for the post come with immense experience and loyalty to the party, he pointed out.

Gehlot on Wednesday sought to play down reports about him being the front-runner to become Congress president and said efforts will be made till the last moment to persuade Rahul Gandhi to take over the reins of the party again.

Gehlot's remarks came a day after he met Congress chief Sonia Gandhi which triggered the buzz that the two may have discussed the possibility of him being the next party president.

The Congress Working Committee (CWC), the party's highest decision-making body, will hold a virtual meeting on Sunday to approve the schedule of dates for the election of the Congress president.

Sonia Gandhi will preside over the CWC meeting.

Several leaders, including Gehlot, have been publicly exhorting Rahul Gandhi to become party chief again. However, uncertainty and suspense continue on the issue.

Several party insiders say Rahul Gandhi is persisting with his stance that he will not be AICC president.

He resigned as Congress president after the party suffered its second consecutive defeat in parliamentary elections in 2019.

Sonia Gandhi, who took over the reins of the party again as interim president, had also offered to quit in August 2020 after an open revolt by a section of leaders, referred to as G-23, but the CWC had urged her to continue. -- PTI

15:03 BJP to 'purify' Raj Ghat after AAP MLAs' visit

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Thursday claimed that the Aam Aadmi Party leaders' visit to Raj Ghat was part of their theatrics to divert people's attention from the controversy surrounding the liquor policy and said its workers will sprinkle 'Ganga Jal' on Mahatma Gandhi's memorial to 'purify' it.

Addressing a press conference at the BJP headquarters in New Delhi, party spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi said his party has been consistently asking the AAP to come clean on its excise policy, but the Arvind Kejriwal-led dispensation has been trying every possible trick in the book to divert people's attention elsewhere.

"The fact that they (AAP leaders) have gone to the Samadhi of Mahatma Gandhi means they have definitely committed an act which is to be considered a sin. So, in order to purify it, the BJP workers will sprinkle Ganga Jal on the Samadhi," Trivedi said.

"The BJP is asking pointed questions. However, the AAP is beating around the bush and evading the questions," he added.

After a meeting of the AAP legislators at his residence earlier in the day, Kejriwal, along with his MLAs, went to Raj Ghat to pray for the failure of the BJP's 'Operation Lotus'.

He said people have elected a 'hardcore honest' government in Delhi, which will not betray them.

Previously, the AAP had alleged that 40 of its Delhi MLAs were targeted by the BJP with an offer of Rs 20 crore each to switch sides, even as all the 62 of its legislators were accounted for. -- PTI

IMAGE: Delhi Chief Minister and AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal with party MLAs leaves after paying tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, at Rajghat in New Delhi, on Thursday, August 25, 2022. Photograph: PTI Photo

14:19 INS Vikrant to be commissioned on September 3

The commissioning of the indigenously-built aircraft carrier INS Vikrant will contribute in ensuring peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, Vice Chief of Indian Navy Vice Admiral S N Ghormade said on Thursday.

INS Vikrant will be commissioned into the Navy at an event in Kochi on September which will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said.

Vice Admiral Ghormade said the commissioning of the aircraft carrier will be an 'unforgettable' day as it will significantly enhance the country's overall maritime capabilities.

Asked whether the Indian Navy is pushing for construction of a second aircraft carrier, he said deliberations are on over it.

On INS Vikrant, he said its commissioning will be a historic occasion and that it is also a symbol of 'national unity' as its components came from a significant number of states and Union Territories.

The aircraft carrier, built at a cost of around Rs 20,000 crore, successfully completed the fourth and final phase of the sea trials last month.

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

The ship has over 2,300 compartments, designed for a crew of around 1,700 people, including specialised cabins to accommodate women officers.

Vikrant has a top speed of around 28 knots and a cruising speed of 18 knots with an endurance of about 7,500 nautical miles.

The aircraft carrier is 262 metres long, 62 metres wide and it has a height of 59 metres. Its construction began in 2009.

The Navy said the ship is powered by four gas turbines totalling 88 MW power and has a maximum speed of 28 Knots.

The project has been implemented under the three phases of contract between the ministry of defence and Cochin Shipyard Ltd, beginning May 2007.

The ship's keel was laid in February 2009.

The Navy said the aircraft carrier would be commissioned into the force on September 2 and it would bolster India's position in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and its quest for a blue water Navy. -- PTI

14:02 Prophet row: Security stepped up at Charminar

Amid the ongoing turbulence in Telangana following protests against suspended Bharatiya Janata Party leader T Raja Singh for his alleged derogatory remarks against Prophet Muhammad, the security near the Charminar was strengthened on Thursday.

This came in the wake of a massive protest in Hyderabad on August 23.

Earlier, a large crowd of protesters gathered at Shalibanda in Hyderabad over the alleged remarks of the suspended BJP leader.

The police took the situation under control after a lathi-charge.

The sequence of events started with T Raja Singh releasing a 10-minute video making derogatory statements against the Prophet which led to a huge furore demanding action against him.

He was taken into custody on the same day, however, he was released on Tuesday after the court returned his remand application and ordered that he be released forthwith.

A first information report (FIR) was registered against him at the Dabeerpura Police Station under sections 153a, 295, and 505 of the Indian Penal Code.

The party said that his remarks were against the party's line and suspended T Raja Singh.The suspension letter issued to him read, 'You have expressed views contrary to the Party's position on various matters, which is in clear violation of Rule XXV. 10 (a) of the constitution of the Bharatiya Janata Party.'

The suspension letter written by the head of the disciplinary committee Om Pathak stated, 'I have been directed to convey to you that pending further inquiry, you are suspended from the party and from your responsibilities/assignments if any, with immediate effect. Please also show cause within 10 days from the date of this notice as to why should you not be expelled from the party. Your detailed reply must reach the undersigned no later than 2nd of September 2022.'

Earlier the party had suspended its national spokesperson Nupur Sharma for commenting against the prophet and expelled Delhi leader Naveen Jindal for similar remarks. -- ANI

At least nine people were killed and 15 others injured in a road accident near Kalambella in Tumakuru early Thursday morning, police sources said.

The incident happened at about 4.30 am, when a lorry hit a passenger vehicle.

The deceased are said to be daily wage workers from various parts of Raichur district and were on their way to Bengaluru, sources said.

The injured have been shifted to hospital for treatment.

The "cruiser" (a multi-utility vehicle) in which the victims were travelling was said to be crowded with nearly 24 passengers, sources said, adding that the deceased include a couple of children.

"They left in a cruiser at 1 pm yesterday...around 4.30 am today when their vehicle overtook the lorry, the lorry hit the vehicle from behind leading to it toppling and hitting the divider. Nine people have died on the spot and remaining 15 have been shifted to district hospital for treatment, and out of them two serious cases have been sent to NIMHANS in Bengaluru," Tumakuru deputy commissioner Y S Patil said.

Stand-up comedian Raju Srivastava gained consciousness today after 15 days, he's being monitored by doctors, said Garvit Narang, his personal secretary.

"His health condition is improving," Narang said.

Srivastava was admitted to the All India Institute Medical Sciences, New Delhi on August 10 after experiencing chest pain and collapsing while working out at the gym. -- ANI

Hemant Soren

12:40 EC sends its view on Hemant Soren's disqualification to governor

The Election Commission has sent its opinion to Jharkhand Governor Ramesh Bais on a plea seeking that Chief Minister Hemant Soren be disqualified as an MLA for violating electoral laws by extending a mining lease to himself, sources said on Thursday.

The opinion was sent to the Jharkhand Raj Bhavan in a sealed cover this morning, they said.

The Jharkhand governor had referred the matter to the poll panel.

The BJP, the petitioner in the case, has sought Soren's disqualification for violating section 9 A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, which deals with disqualification for government contracts.

Under Article 192 of the Constitution, if any question arises as to whether a member of a House of the legislature of a state has become subject to any of the disqualifications, the question shall be referred to the governor whose decision shall be final.

"Before giving any decision on any such question, the governor shall obtain the opinion of the Election Commission and shall act according to such opinion," it reads.

While dealing with such cases, the poll panel functions as a quasi-judicial body.

-- PTI

12:22 Review of PMLA verdict: SC notice to Centre

The Supreme Court on Thursday agreed to examine a plea seeking a review of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) verdict which upheld the Enforcement Directorate's powers, including those relating to arrest, and sought response from the Centre on the issue.

A bench headed by Chief Justice N V Ramana said prima facie two issues, including not providing Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR), requires reconsideration.

The top court on Wednesday had allowed an application of Congress MP Karti Chidambaram seeking an open court hearing of his petition to review the top court's last month's verdict upholding the sweeping powers of the ED relating to arrest, investigation, and attachment of property under the PMLA Act.

In its July 27 verdict, the apex court has said that the direction under Section 8(4) for taking possession of the property in question before a formal order of confiscation is passed should be an exception and not a rule.

Section 8(4) allows the ED to take possession of the attached property at the stage of confirmation of provisional attachment made by the adjudicating authority. -- PTI

Representational image

11:51 Delhi HC rejects pleas by WhatsApp, Facebook against CCI order

A division bench of the Delhi high court dismissed the petitions of WhatsApp and Facebook challenging a Competition Commission of India (CCI) order calling for an investigation into the messaging apps' new privacy policy.

The bench of Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Subramonium Prasad on Thursday, while dismissing both appeals moved by Whatsapp and Facebook, refused to further extend the stay granted on notices issued to messaging apps by CCI.

The bench said that the appeals were devoid of merits.

The bench had kept the order reserved on July 25, 2022, after the completion of the submissions by all sides.

Appearing for Facebook Inc Senior Advocate Mukul Rohtagi submitted that because Facebook is the formal owner of WhatsApp and the platform is said to share its data with Facebook (parent company) doesn't mean that it is a necessary party to investigate.

While opposed to the CCI probe against Facebook, Rohatgi further argued that there is no prima facie material available with the CCI to proceed with investigating it while conducting the investigation of WhatsApp's new privacy policy.

The division bench was hearing the petitions of WhatsApp and Facebook challenging the single bench, which had dismissed Facebook and WhatsApp petitions.

-- ANI

11:20 Panel report finds no proof of Pegasus use: SC

The Supreme Court on Thursday observed that as per the report of the Technical Committee, there's no conclusive proof about use of Pegasus in 29 mobile phones examined by the latter.

While taking into note the report of the committee, the SC said that five of these phones were found to be affected by some malware, but it was not sure if it was Pegasus.

Technical Committee concluded that these five phones have malware on poor cyber security, we will see how far we can release this report, the Supreme Court said.

The SC scrutinised the committee's report set up by it on the issue.

The SC said the report was submitted in three parts -- two reports of the technical committee and one report of the overseeing committee by a retired judge of the Supreme Court, Justice R V Raveendran.

The Committee said reports are not for public distribution and is confidential, the SC said.

The SC observed that 'so far as technical committee reports are concerned it appears 29 phones were given to the committee and they have found some malware...five out of 29 phones had some malware, but not saying if it was due to Pegasus'. -- ANI

11:13 Baltimore shooting leaves 1 dead, 6 injured

One person died and six others sustained injuries in an apparent targeted shooting in the US state of Maryland on Wednesday afternoon.

Police said one victim succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead by medical personnel.

All of the victims are adult males.

Witnesses reported that the suspect vehicle is a 4-door silver Lexus sedan.

'On August 24, 2022, at approximately 12.24 pm, Northwest District officers were summoned to the intersection of Shirley Avenue and Park Heights Avenue to investigate a reported shooting,' the Baltimore police said in a statement posted on Facebook.

'When officers arrived at the scene, they learned multiple victims were shot at the location. Two victims were located at the scene. Five victims suffering from gunshot wounds walked into area hospitals seeking treatment,' it added.

Addressing a press conference, Baltimore Police Chief Michael Harrison said that the shooting was a targeted one.

"When you get out of a vehicle and open fire indiscriminately on a large group of people, that appears that all of them are targeted," Harrison was quoted as saying by Fox News.

"Once again, bright afternoon, in broad daylight, the brazenness of these offenders to pull up, get out of a car and then open fire on a group of people minding their own business is unconscionable," he added.

The Police said that homicide investigators were called to the scene and assumed control over the investigation. -- ANI

Pic: Jetal Agnihotri/Facebook

10:53 Indian American hiker swept away in floods found dead

A 29-year-old Indian-American female hiker, who got swept away in a flash flood last week at the Zion National Park in the US state of Utah, has been found dead, according to a senior official from the park.

Jetal Agnihotri of Tucson, Arizona, went missing on August 19 when flash floods swept multiple hikers off their feet, forcing park rangers and officials to launch rescue operations, CBS News reported on Tuesday.

Agnihotri's body was found on Tuesday in the Zion national park's Virgin River after a thorough rescue operation by the rangers, park superintendent Jeff Bradybaugh said in a statement.

"Our deepest sympathy goes out to the friends and family of Jetal Agnihotri," the statement said.

Zion National Park is among the United States' most visited recreation areas even though it frequently becomes hazardous and is put under flood warnings by the National Weather Service, the report said.

Floods can create danger for experienced hikers and climbers as well as the many novices who have flocked to the park since the pandemic bolstered an outdoor recreation boom.

Despite warnings, flash flooding routinely traps people in the park's slot canyons, which are as narrow as windows in some spots and hundreds of feet deep, the report said.

-- PTI

The political slugfest in Delhi is likely to intensify further as Aam Aadmi Party MLAs are scheduled to meet at Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's residence in New Delhi at 11 am on Thursday to discuss alleged poaching attempts by the Bharatiya Janata Party.

Sources in the party said all the legislators have been called for the meeting, adding that some of them could not be contacted.

The AAP has 62 MLAs in the 70-member Delhi assembly.

The Kejriwal government has also convened a special session of the Delhi Assembly on Friday over Central Bureau of Investigation, Enforcement Directorate probes, raids targeting its ministers and the 'poaching' efforts made by the BJP.

The BJP has challenged the AAP to reveal the names of those who allegedly contacted its MLAs with an offer to switch sides and charged that the Kejriwal-led party is trying hard to divert attention from the Delhi government's liquor 'scam'. -- PTI

09:57 PMLA case: Jacqueline asks why Nora is witness

Bollywood Actress Jacqueline Fernandez in a plea before the Appellate Authority of PMLA clearly stated that it is surprising that like her some other celebrities, notably, Norah Fatehi was also conned by main accused Sukesh Chandrashekhar in the Rs 200 crore extortion case.

She and other celebrities who received gifts from the main accused Sukesh Chandrashekhar are made witnesses whereas she is sought to be dragged as an accused.

She further stated that the Fixed Deposits, attached vide the impugned order, have no nexus with a crime nor the Fixed Deposits are created by using the alleged proceeds of crime.

The deposits are from the actor's 'own legitimate of income and much before in time from even knowing that the main accused Chandrashekhar even existed in this world'.

Jacquline stated that she has always cooperated with the investigation agencies and attended all the summons till date.

'She has handed over all the information to the best of her ability to the ED. The agencies have failed to appreciate that she was cheated and conned into this matter. She is a victim of the modus operandi adopted by the main accused Chandrasekhar. Taking the entire prosecution case to be true for the sake of arguments, even then, no case is made out against her under the scheme of PMLA or any other law in force. This is a case of malafide prosecution,' her plea stated.

Jacqueline in her plea before Appellant Authority also added that in the present case, at the best, the allegation against her is that she is the 'Recipient of the Gifts' and the record and the statement relied upon the authority itself clearly show that she was coerced, conned and forced into receiving the said gift.

People other than her who received such gifts are made witnesses in the case.

Jacqueline has moved Appellant Authority challenging Adjudicating Authority order confirming provisional attachment of certain movable properties of her, to the extent of Rs.7,12,24,767/- by freezing the Fixed Deposits with her Banks.

For this attachment, the brief reason given by the Adjudicating Authority is that 'being a foreign national, there is every likelihood that she may leave the country and POC may not be available for confiscation at the time of completion of the trial'.

The ED in its recent supplementary chargesheet filed in the Rs 200 crore extortion case against conman Sukesh Chandrashekar in a Delhi Court has mentioned the name of Bollywood actor Jacqueline Fernandez as an accused.

The chargesheet has been filed before Additional Sessions Judge Praveen Singh last week.

The court fixed the date August 31 for argument on cognisance point.

She is named as an acceder in the chargesheet first time in the case. Jacqueline Fernandez has been summoned by ED several times in the matter for the purpose of investigation.

ED's earlier chargesheet did not mentioned her name as an accused but mentioned the detail of the statement recorded by Bollywood actors Jacqueline Fernandez and Nora Fatehi in the matter.

According to ED, Sukesh was confronted with Jacqueline on 20th Oct 2021. Jacqueline Fernandez stated that Sukash Chandrasekhar had arranged private jet trips and her hotel stay on different occasions for herself.

Statements of Nora Fatehi were recorded under section 50 of PMLA, 2002 on 13.09.2021 and 14.10.2021 wherein she stated that she got a booking for a charity event and during the event, she was gifted a Gucci Bag and one iPhone by Leena Paulose.

(Wife of Chandrashekhar) Noora further stated that Leena Paulose had called her husband and put the phone on the speaker where he thanked her and said that they were her fans.

She then announced that they were going to gift her a brand new BMW car as a token of love and generosity.

According to ED, during the investigation, searches were conducted at various places linked to Sukesh Chandrashekar and his associates.

During the search, 16 high-end vehicles were seized under section 17 PMLA and these cars are either in the name of firms of Leena Paulose or in the name of third parties. It is further submitted that it has emerged that Sukesh knowingly created the structure for layering and transferring proceeds of crime and thus, actively participated in the process of money laundering. -- ANI

09:10 Action over missile incident 'inadequate': Pak

Pakistan has rejected India's action over the March 9 accidental firing of a supersonic missile that landed in its territory and demanded a joint probe.

The services of three officers of the Indian Air Force were terminated on August 23 after a Court of Inquiry (CoI) found that deviation from the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) by them led to the accidental firing of the missile.

The Foreign Office in a late Wednesday night statement said Pakistan has seen India's announcement of the findings of an internal CoI regarding the 'incident of firing of a rogue supersonic missile' into its territory and the decision to terminate the services of three IAF officers reportedly found responsible for the reckless incident.

'Pakistan categorically rejects India's purported closure of the highly irresponsible incident and reiterates its demand for a joint probe,' it said.

'As expected, the measures taken by India in the aftermath of the incident and the subsequent findings and punishments handed by the so-called internal Court of Inquiry are totally unsatisfactory, deficient and inadequate.'

It alleged that India has not only failed to respond to Pakistan's demand for a joint inquiry but has also evaded the questions raised by Pakistan regarding the command and control system in place in India, the safety and security protocols and the 'reason for India's delayed admission of the missile launch'.

It said systemic loopholes and technical lapses of serious nature in handling of strategic weapons 'cannot be covered up beneath the veneer of individual human error'.

'If indeed India has nothing to hide, it must accept Pakistan's demand for a joint probe in the spirit of transparency,' it demanded.

It further said the 'imprudent Indian action' of March 9 had 'jeopardised' the peace and security environment of the entire region while 'Pakistan showed exemplary restraint' which was a testament of its systemic maturity and abiding commitment to peace as a responsible nuclear state.

Pakistan reiterated its demand that the Indian government must immediately provide specific responses to the queries raised by Islamabad after the incident and accedes to its call for a joint probe. -- PTI

A complaint petition was filed on Wednesday in a court in Bihar's Muzaffarpur against IT Minister Mohammad Israel Mansuri for visiting the Vishnupad temple in Gaya.

Muzaffarpur-based social activist Chandra Kishore Parashar filed the complaint seeking an FIR be registered against the minister for 'hurting religious sentiments of Hindus'.

'My client, in his complaint, said that the minister, being a Muslim, should not have visited the Vishnupad temple as only those who follow the Sanatana Dharma are allowed to visit the temple.

'My client sought an FIR be registered against the minister for hurting the religious sentiments of Hindus. The court will hear the matter on September 2,' Ravindra Kumar Singh, lawyer of Parashar, told reporters in Muzaffarpur.

Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expressed dismay over the controversy around Mansuri, his cabinet colleague, visiting the temple. Kumar blamed the controversy on 'divisive' politics of the Bharatiya Janata Party, his former ally, while talking to reporters on the assembly premises in Patna.

"They (BJP) have been wanting to divide the society by raising non issues. What is their grouse? Have their ministers not visited temples along with me?" asked the Janata Dal-United supremo.

Mansuri, a Pasmanda Muslim, had accompanied the CM on his tour of Gaya earlier this week during which they offered prayers at the Vishnupad temple.

BJP leaders had fulminated, citing a notice board on the premises that says 'only followers of Sanatana Dharma' will be allowed to enter. -- PTI

IMAGE: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar worships at Vishnupad Temple, in Gaya on Monday. Photograph: ANI Photo

Representative image only

08:15 Army foils 3rd infiltration bid in 72 hrs

Army troops foiled an infiltration bid by terrorists along the Line of Control in the forward area of Jammu district, officials said on Wednesday.

A group of terrorists tried to infiltrate into the Indian territory in the Pallanwala sector on Tuesday night.

Alert troops fired at them, forcing them to retreat, they said.

This is the third failed infiltration attempt by terrorists in the last 72 hours along the LoC in the Jammu region.

On August 21, alert soldiers deployed in the Jhangar sector of Rajouri's Naushera spotted the movement of two to three terrorists on the Indian side of the LoC and challenged them, the officials said.

A terrorist tried to flee, but was injured in firing by the soldiers and captured alive.

Two other terrorists who were hiding behind him managed to flee, they said.

In the second infiltration bid on the intervening night of August 22 and 23, a group of two to three terrorists tried to infiltrate in the Lam sector of Naushera.

As they moved ahead into minefields, a series of mines got activated and two terrorists were eliminated on the spot, the officials said. -- PTI

A 76-year-old woman suffering from high blood pressure and diabetes has died after contracting COVID-19 in Madhya Pradesh's Indore city, a health department official said on Wednesday.

The woman had received two doses of the anti-coronavirus vaccine, the official said.

The elderly woman, who was admitted on August 17 to a city hospital due to high blood pressure and diabetes-related problems, died on Monday night after being found infected with coronavirus, Indore's Chief Medical and Health Officer Dr BS Saitya told reporters.

Meanwhile, according to state government data, with 11 new coronavirus cases registered during the last 24 hours, their overall number in Indore district rose to 2,12,091, including 1,469 patients who died during treatment.

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