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Wed, 07 December 2022
Cong wins 2 Shaheen Bagh wards in MCD polls
Timeline Refresh
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23:55 Cyclonic storm likely, Tamil Nadu braces for rain
The depression over Bay of Bengal intensified into a deep depression and lay about 750 km off Chennai on Wednesday, and it would develop into a cyclonic storm influencing moderate to heavy rainfall in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, the India meteorological department said.
The well-marked low pressure area over southeast Bay of Bengal intensified into a depression on December 6 evening over the same region and further intensified into a deep depression, and lay about 750 km east-southeast of Chennai, the IMD said in a bulletin.
It is very likely to move west-northwestwards and intensify gradually into a cyclonic storm on Wednesday evening and reach southwest Bay of Bengal, off north Tamil Nadu-Puducherry and adjoining south Andhra Pradesh coasts by the morning of December 8.
Under its influence, light to moderate rainfall at most places and heavy to very heavy showers at isolated places is very likely over coastal Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karaikal, southern Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema between December 8 and 10.
The cyclonic storm is expected to make landfall between Puducherry and Sriharikota (Andhra Pradesh) by December 10, according to the bulletin.
"Squally wind, speed reaching 50-60 kmph gusting to 70 kmph, is likely to prevail over southeast Bay of Bengal during next 24 hours and then reduce to 40-45 kmph gusting to 55 kmph on Dec 8," the bulletin stated. -- PTI
23:33 Cong wins 2 Shaheen Bagh wards in MCD polls
Women candidates from the Congress have emerged as winners in two wards in south Delhi which includes the Shaheen Bagh area, the epicentre of the 2019 anti-CAA protests, defeating their AAP rivals in both seats in the high-stakes municipal polls.
The Aam Aadmi Party on Wednesday won the Municipal Corporation of Delhi elections with 134 seats, and the BJP finished second with 104 seats, while the Congress was reduced to a meagre nine in the 250-member municipal corporation.
Former Okhla Congress MLA Asif Mohammad Khan's daughter Ariba won from the Abul Fazal Enclave, bagging 16,554 votes, defeating her AAP rival Wajid Khan with a margin of 1,479 votes.
In Zakir Nagar, Congress' Naziya Danish emerged victorious, edging past her AAP rival Salam Khan with a margin of 473, according to data shared by the State Election Commission.
Both these wards fall under the Okhla assembly constituency, held by AAP's Amanatullah Khan.
Shaheen Bagh falls in this area, and massive sit-in protests, led by a large number of women, were held there.
Congress' Delhi unit chief Anil Chaudhary, days ahead of the December 4 civic polls, had alleged that Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his Aam Aadmi Party had "wiped out" the rights of Dalits and minorities in Delhi.
"Arvind Kejriwal made remarks on Nizamuddin's Markaz and against the Shaheen Bagh agitation. He also wiped out the rights of Dalits, women and minorities with the jhadoo (broom)," he said. -- PTI
23:12 3 held for car bomb explosion outside temple in Tamil Nadu: NIA
Three people were arrested on Wednesday in connection with the recent car bomb blast in front of Kottai Eswaran Temple in Coimbatore, the National Investigation Agency said.
The blast in the car laden with explosives on the eve of Diwali left its occupant, a terrorist who had taken oath to global terror group ISIS, dead.
Initially, a case was registered at the Ukkadam police station in Coimbatore on October 23 and later re-registered by the National Investigation Agency on October 27.
Umar Faaruq (39) alias K Srinivasan of Nilgiris district, Mohammed Thoufeek (25), and Ferose Khan (28) of Coimbatore were arrested for their involvement in the October 23 explosion, an NIA spokesperson said.
"After preliminary investigations, it has emerged that the deceased accused, Jamesha Mubeen, after taking 'bayath' (oath of allegiance) to the ISIS, planned to carry out a suicidal attack and cause extensive damage to symbols and monuments of a particular religious faith and with the intention to strike terror among people," the spokesperson said.
The official said the investigations have revealed that Faaruq and Khan were part of the conspiracy meetings attended by Mubeen at Faaruq's residence at Coonor in Nilgiris district.
The accused also provided support to Mubeen in the commission of the terror act. -- PTI
Saleh Mohammad/ANI
22:34 Sleazy video of Raj minister goes viral, BJP demands his dismissal
A sleazy video purportedly showing Rajasthan minority affairs minister Saleh Mohammad has gone viral on social media, prompting the BJP to demand his dismissal.
The clip on social media shows a video chat apparently between the minister and a woman in her undergarments.
The conversation is not audible.
The minister could not be reached for comment.
The BJP demanded that the Ashok Gehlot-led government in the state dismiss the minister.
"Ashok Gehlot ji, this is not the first time an objectionable video of your minister with a woman has gone viral. Will you dismiss minister Saleh Mohammad or spare him due to you greed for the vote bank," the Rajasthan BJP Rajasthan tweeted.
Amit Malviya, in-charge of BJP's national information and technology department, tweeted: "Saleh Mohammad is the son of Muslim community's religious guru and former cabinet minister Ghazi Fakir, who has died. Saleh was made the minister because of him. The family has access to (Congress leader) Sonia Gandhi. I think, Ashok Gehlot will not be able to do anything." -- PTI
22:24 AAP looks to repeat Delhi civic poll win in Bengaluru
Buoyed by the victory in the Municipal Corporation of Delhi elections, the Aam Aadmi Party on Wednesday said it alone has the ability to defeat the Bharatiya Janata Party and hoped to get a similar response in the local body elections in Bengaluru whenever it is held.
Aam Aadmi Party won the MCD elections with 134 seats, ending the 15-year rule of the BJP in the civic body in the national capital, an outcome that will further impact the ongoing power tussle between the two parties in Delhi.
The BJP bagged 104 seats while the Congress was reduced to nine in the 250-member municipal corporation.
"This election has proved that no other political party can defeat the BJP except for the AAP. This MCD election victory gives one message to the entire country that the AAP has to be strengthened to defeat the BJP," AAP Bengaluru president Mohan Dasari said in a statement.
He said strengthening AAP will help to throw ruling BJP out of power and fight against the challenges of price rise and unemployment.
Dasari said the party is poised to get similar response from the voters of Bengaluru in the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike elections whenever it happens. -- PTI
22:05 8 Srinagar journos get terror threat, 4 quit: MoS Rai
Eight journalists working for Srinagar-based local newspapers received threats through an online terror blog. Four of the media-persons reportedly resigned, Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai told the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday.
MoS Home Nityanand Rai said that a case has been registered at Shergari police station in this regard.
"As reported, eight journalists working for Srinagar-based local newspapers received threats through the terror blog Kashmir Fight. Four media-persons have reportedly resigned. The media persons who resigned belong to the media house Rising Kashmir. In this regard a case has been registered at Shergari police station, Srinagar," MoS Nityanand Rai told the Rajya Sabha.
Rai further said that Jammu and Kashmir government has a policy of zero tolerance against terrorism and the security situation has improved significantly in the state.
"The government has a policy of zero tolerance against terrorism and the security situation has improved significantly in Jammu and Kashmir. The government has taken several steps to protect the lives of people including media-persons from terrorist threats/attacks," MoS Rai said.
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21:38 Senior Tripura Congress leader Pijush Kanti Biswas joins TMC
Senior Tripura Congress leader Pijush Kanti Biswas on Wednesday joined the Trinamool Congress in New Delhi, a party statement said.
Elections to the 60-member House in Tripura are likely to be held early next year.
The former Tripura PCC chairperson, along with several other Congress leaders from the northeastern state, joined the TMC at its party office in the national capital in the presence of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee, it said.
A party leader said Das is likely to be appointed as the state president of TMC in Tripura.
Other Congress leaders who were inducted into TMC are Tejen Das and Ananta Banerjee, former general secretaries of Tripura PCC, former working president of state Congress Purnita Chakma and ex-general secretary of Tripura Youth Congress, Samarendra Ghosh.
Welcoming the senior leaders into the party's fold, TMC's Tripura unit tweeted, "Our family strengthens. With an aim to work for the betterment of Tripura, former INC State President Pijush Kanti Biswas joined our Trinamool family today. We wholeheartedly welcome him to our party."
Mamata Banerjee said, "I welcome you all to the TMC." -- PTI
21:15 BJP trying to 'poach' AAP councillors: Sisodia
Delhi deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia on Wednesday alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party was trying to poach newly-elected Aam Aadmi Party councillors and asserted that none of them will fall prey to their "game".
He said the newly elected councillors have been instructed to record "such phone calls" in case they receive one.
Sisodia's allegations come after the Aam Aadmi Party won the MCD polls with 134 seats, ending the 15-year rule of the BJP in the prestigious municipal corporation and reducing the Congress to just nine seats in a house of 250.
The BJP, which was predicted to suffer a massive defeat in exit polls, put up a spirited fight, winning 104 municipal wards.
"BJP's game has begun. Our newly elected councilors have started receiving phone calls. None of our councillors will be sold. We have told all our councillors that if they get a phone call or if someone comes to meet them, they should record those calls and meetings," he said in a tweet in Hindi.
BJP IT department head Amit Malviya also suggested that the mayor's election is still an open game and noted that Chandigarh, where its rival was the largest party, has a mayor from BJP ranks. -- PTI
20:33 Even in MCD poll defeat, BJP vote share rises 3%
The Bharatiya Janata Party on Wednesday lost the Municipal Corporation of Delhi polls to the Aam Aadmi Party in a close contest, but managed to raise its vote share by 3 per cent as compared to 2017 civic body elections in the national capital.
The Aam Aadmi Party won the Municipal Corporation of Delhi elections held on Sunday with a comfortable majority, bagging 134 of the 250 wards.
The vote share of the ruling party in Delhi also soared from 21.09 per cent in 2017 municipal polls to 42.05 per cent, as per figures of the State Election Commission.
The BJP that had won 181 of the 272 wards in 2017 managed to win only 104 wards this time surrendering its 15-year-rule at the civic body to the Arvind Kejriwal-led party.
The saffron party obtained 39.09 per cent of the total votes polled in the elections for 250 wards.
In 2017 municipal polls, the party had secured 36.08 per cent votes.
An analysis of vote share of different contestants showed that the Congress which had obtained 21.09 per cent votes in 2017 could manage to get only 11.68 per cent votes this time.
Also, the vote share of Independent candidates slid to 3.46 per cent as compared to 8.8 per cent in 2017 civic body polls, suggesting that the votes of Congress and Independents shifted to the AAP and BJP.
The increased vote share of the AAP shoot up its seat tally to 134 from 48 it had won in the 2017 civic body polls.
Interestingly, the vote share of BJP in the MCD polls is higher than that it had got in 2020 Delhi assembly elections while the AAP registered a significant decline in its vote share. -- PTI
Kovai K Selvaraj/Twitter
19:59 Panneerselvam loyalist joins DMK, equates previous AIADMK govt to 'tsunami'
Kovai K Selvaraj, ex-MLA and 'loyalist' of former chief minister O Panneerselvam, on Wednesday joined the ruling DMK in the presence of party president and Chief Minister M K Stalin.
Selvaraj, after joining the party at its headquarters 'Anna Arivalayam,' likened the Edappadi K Palaniswami-led AIADMK regime to that of a 'tsunami' which wreaked havoc in the lives of the people of Tamil Nadu from 2017-21.
He regretted his association with the AIADMK and apologised to the people for it.
He praised Stalin as the people's chief minister who is working towards improving the quality of life of the poor and ordinary citizens through his efficient governance.
He hailed the chief minister as a guardian of social justice.
Selvaraj told reporters that he, along with several of his supporters from Coimbatore district, joined the DMK following consultation with electricity minister Senthil Balaji.
Selvaraj, who was with the Congress before he crossed over to the AIADMK years ago, supported Panneerselvam in his power struggle with AIADMK leader Palaniswami, now the party's interim president.
Eventually, Panneerselvam and his supporters were expelled from the AIADMK. -- PTI
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19:46 K'taka suspends bus services to Maha amid protests
The North West Karnataka Road Transport Corporation on Wednesday suspended its services to Maharashtra after reports emerged of some buses being defaced and damaged in the regions bordering Belagavi district.
Both states have voiced out concerns regarding Belagavi with Maharashtra staking claim that the region should be merged with it while Karnataka has reiterated its jurisdiction over the area.
"We are operating our buses only up to Nipani (in Belagavi district) due to tension, which has been there since morning," an officer in the North West Karnataka Road Transport Corporation.
According to him, a Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation bus that was coming from Maharashtra to Ranebennur was also damaged.
"The glasses of the bus were damaged. Other than this incident, some buses were defaced," the officer added.
Meanwhile, the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike again held agitations in the border regions following the defacement of buses.
The activists said that they will also retaliate with similar vigour if the buses were targeted.
In view of the tension resurfacing in the border region, the police on both sides tightened security. Buses were provided extra security to protect the vehicles and the passengers. -- PTI
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19:19 All police personnel have to be in uniform while appearing before court: HC
The Bombay high court on Wednesday said all police officers have to appear before courts in their uniform, an instruction that came after a lawyer pointed out the casual dress worn by a woman police personnel.
Advocate Subhash Jha, while arguing a matter before a division bench of Justices AS Gadkari and PD Naik, said the police officers who come to court do not follow the court decorum and appear wearing casual civil clothes.
Jha pointed out to a woman police personnel, who had appeared in his matter, as she was wearing a 'salwar-kameez'.
"I want to raise the issue of police officers not following the court decorum and appearing before court in all sorts of clothes, like jeans," he claimed, adding this undermines the authority of the court.
Justice Gadkari then noted that a public prosecutor is present to look after such things, like the clothes of the officers present.
Additional public prosecutor Sangeeta Shinde then informed the court that the officer whom Jha was referring to was attached to the city police's Economic Offences Wing and wearing uniform was not mandatory for them.
Justice Gadkari then stated that all police officers were expected to wear uniforms while appearing before court.
The judge stated that he had in fact fined an officer in the past for not doing so. -- PTI
18:54 Fight on for Delhi mayor's post, hints BJP
The Aam Aadmi Party may have won the majority in the Municipal Corporation of Delhi polls but the Bharatiya Janata Party suggested on Wednesday that the mayor's election is still an open game and noted that Chandigarh, where the its rival was the largest party, has a mayor from BJP ranks.
"Now over to electing a mayor for Delhi. It will all depend on who can hold the numbers in a close contest, which way the nominated councillors vote etc. Chandigarh has a BJP mayor, for instance," BJP's IT department head Amit Malviya said in a tweet.
Though the AAP had emerged as the single largest party by winning 14 seats in the Chandigarh municipal polls for 35 wards but it had not won a majority.
Delhi BJP spokesperson Tajinder Pal Singh Bagga also claimed that the city will again have a mayor from his party.
The AAP on Wednesday emerged victorious in the Municipal Corporation of Delhi polls by winning 134 wards, ending the 15-year rule of the BJP in the prestigious municipal corporation and reducing the Congress to just nine seats in a House of 250. -- PTI
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18:26 ED raids premises of Malabar Jewellery, seizes Rs 2.51 cr worth gold
Enforcement Directorate has seized gold worth Rs 2.51 crore from the premises of an alleged beneficiary of Kerala's gold smuggling case in Malappuram under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, the official said on Wednesday.
The ED seized 5.058 kg of gold worth Rs 2.52 cr and Indian currency of Rs 3.79 lakhs on December 5 from a "secret" chamber at the premises of a Malappuram-based jewellery house promoter who is also accused of getting bifacial from the Kerala gold smuggling case.
"(ED) had searched 4 premises in Kerala covering business premises of Malabar Jewellery, Malappuram, Fine Gold, Malappuram, Atlas Gold Super Markets Pvt. Ltd., Kozhikode and residential premises of Aboobacker Pazhedath, Malappuram," the ED officials said.
The National Investigation Agency, the Enforcement Directorate, and the Customs department are conducting separate investigations into the racket that was unearthed with the seizure of gold worth Rs 15 crore from the "diplomatic baggage" of the UAE Consulate at Thiruvananthapuram airport on July 5, 2020.
"Money laundering investigation revealed that Aboobaker Pazhedath of Malappuram is part of the gold smuggling syndicate headed by Sarith PS, Swapna Suresh and Sandeep Nair, under the patronage of Sivasankar, IAS and was one of the beneficiaries," ED said in a statement.
The action has been taken against Aboobacker Pazhedath, the promoter of Malabar Jewellery and Fine Gold Jewellery, both based in Malappuram in Kerala and one of the shareholders of Atlas Gold Super Markets Pvt. Ltd., Kozhikode.
The federal agency said that on examination under PMLA, Aboobacker Pazedath had admitted that 3 kg of gold seized by Customs belonged to him and apart from that, he had also admitted that he had smuggled 6 kg of gold in a similar manner in the past through diplomatic baggage of the UAE Consulate.
"The amount for buying the said smuggled gold was raised from his business firms viz Malabar Jewellery, Fine Gold and Atlas Gold Super Markets Pvt. Ltd," ED further said. -- ANI
18:09 Meenakshi Shedde invited to 80th Golden Globe Awards as international voter
Meenakshi Shedde, India and South Asia delegate, Berlin International Film Festival, and independent film critic and curator based in Mumbai, has been invited by the 80th Golden Globe Awards as an international voter.
It is a milestone in India's voting presence in prestigious international film circles, as Shedde is the only international voter selected from India this year.
The Hollywood Foreign Press Association, which gives the awards, has invited 103 new international voters from 62 nations worldwide this year.
The idea was to double the number of voters and expand globally, while increasing diversity.
The Golden Globe nominations will be announced on December 12 at 5 am PT (December 12, at 6.30 pm India IST).
The 80th Golden Globe Awards ceremony with all the winners will air live on NBC on January 10, 2023 at 5 pm PT/ 8 pm ET.
The HFPA, which has 96 members in over 55 nations, is one of the few awards ceremonies to recognise both motion picture and television achievements.
The Awards are viewed in over 220 countries and territories worldwide.
Sharing her excitement, Shedde says, "I am absolutely honoured and delighted to be invited as a Golden Globes international voter."
17:55 Fadnavis briefs Shah on Maha-K'taka border row
Maharashtra deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday said he spoke to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and apprised him about developments related to the boundary dispute with Karnataka over the last one week, a period marked by war of words between leaders of the two neighbouring states, attacks on vehicles and protests by activists.
A statement from Fadnavis's office said Shah patiently heard the deputy chief minister's views on Maharashtra's stand on the decades-old boundary dispute which has flared up in the last few days, leading to tension in border areas.
Fadnavis also apprised Shah about his telephone conversation with Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Tuesday.
The deputy CM spoke to Bommai following attacks on vehicles from Maharashtra entering Karnataka in the adjoining state's border district of Belagavi.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena president Raj Thackeray said the boundary dispute should be resolved amicably through talks.
The bond between people of Maharashtra and Karnataka is very strong and they have family deities on either side of the border, Thackeray said in a statement.
The border issue is being raked up with an eye on the 2023 Karnataka assembly polls and Maharashtra is being targeted, he said.
"Suddenly Maharashtra's border areas are being claimed (by Karnataka) and this is not a simple matter. Someone is deliberately raking up the issue from the Karnataka side. The Maharashtra government should find out who is deliberately fanning sentiments here. The Karnataka chief minister should not make provocative statements," said the MNS leader. -- PTI
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17:47 Arrangements ready for Odisha's Padampur bypoll vote counting
All arrangements are ready for smooth and transparent counting of votes cast in the December 5 Padampur by-poll in Odisha, state Chief Electoral Office SK Lohani said.
Tight security is in place for the counting at RMC yard near the Padampur sub-collector's office and trained officials have been engaged for the work, he said.
The counting of postal votes will start at 8 am and that in 319 polling booths of the constituency from 8.30 am.
The entire process is likely to be completed by evening, he said.
Lohani said that a three-tier security arrangement is in place and the central paramilitary forces will man the innermost layer.
The state armed police will be in place in the second layer and the state police in the outermost one.
Three companies of the central force will be engaged for security during the vote counting process, he said.
On counting, he said it will be conducted in 14 tables in 23 rounds considering that over 81 per cent votes have been cast in the by-poll.
The returning officer has so far received 296 postal votes.
He will receive them till 7.59 am before commencement of vote counting.
Of the 2.57 lakh voters, 2,09,309 eligible electors had exercised their franchise during the voting held on December 5.
The CEO said VVPATs of five randomly selected booths will be taken up for cross-verification after completion of the voting process as per the EC guidelines. -- PTI
17:03 And the answers are..
We asked you the name of this building, it's location and the reason behind it being lit up.
So, it's the Parliament building in New Delhi and it was lit up for the Winter Session which began today. This picture was tweeted by Parliamentary Affairs minister Pralhad Joshi.
EAM Dr S Jaishankar
16:54 Will go with best deal: Jaishankar on oil import from Russia.
The government does not ask Indian companies to buy oil from Russia but it is a sensible policy to get the best deal in the interest of Indian people, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said in Rajya Sabha on Wednesday.
Responding to questions from members in the Upper House, the minister said it is his duty to put the interest of the Indian people first to ensure that they do not pay the cost of some other countries' actions or some other region's actions for fertilizer, food, etc.
"We do not ask our companies to buy Russian oil. We ask our companies to buy oil what is the best option that they can get. Now it depends on what the market throws up.
"If tomorrow the market gives us more competitive options. Again, please do understand. It's not just that we buy oil from one country. We buy oil from multiple sources, but it is a sensible policy to go where we get the best deal in the interest of the Indian people and that is exactly what we are trying to do," Jaishankar said. PTI
A specially-baled voter shows his ink-marked finger in Solan
16:47 Will it be the Congress party's turn in Himachal?
Himachal Pradesh is set to reveal Thursday if its voters have bucked the anti-incumbency trend and re-elected the ruling party -- some thing that has not happened after 1985. Going by Himachal Pradesh's "riwaaj", or tradition, it should be the Congress' turn to form the next government.
But with all but two exit polls predicting an edge for the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, pollsters are keenly watching which way the voters have decided in the closely fought contest.
Himachal Pradesh has not returned any incumbent government to power after 1985, a trend the ruling BJP, powered by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's personalised campaign, hopes to break.
The BJP slogan this time was "Raj nahin, riwaaj badlega", meaning the convention will change, not the government. Of 55 lakh voters in the state, over 75 per cent exercised their franchise in the November 12 election to elect its 68-member assembly and government. A total of 412 candidates are in the fray in this election. In the 2017 assembly elections, the BJP had won 44 seats and the Congress 21, with one seat going to CPI-M, and two to independent candidates.
Meanwhile, the Congress has been confident of its victory, saying the voters will decide on the fundamental issues of price rise, joblessness, the old pension scheme, and other challenges of life and livelihood the state residents have been facing.
With a muted campaign by the Aam Aadmi Party and its former state in-charge Satyendar Jain lodged in Tihar jail, the Congress is upbeat that its vote share will only improve, while the BJP hopes to gain from a higher women vote percentage than men.
The BJP's campaign in Himachal saw exclusive focus on women and youth, with the party rolling out a standalone manifesto for women for the first time in the state's history.
A higher women turnout has of late favoured the BJP, as seen in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, with the party hoping that similar trends will hold in Himachal Pradesh. Women voter turnout in Himachal has surpassed men's since 1998. -- PTI
16:25 Gujarat polls: BJP upbeat hours ahead of counting
The ruling BJP in Gujarat is aiming for a straight seventh win in Assembly elections in the state, with hours left for counting of votes for elections held on December 1 and 5.
Exit polls have predicted a big majority for the BJP in Gujarat and the saffron party looks set to retain power in the state for the seventh consecutive term and equal Left Front's feat in West Bengal.
While the contest in Gujarat has traditionally been between the BJP and Congress, it was three-cornered this time around with Aam Aadmi Party entering the poll arena.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the BJP poll campaign, addressing around 30 rallies and road shows in the state.
Union minister Amit Shah was in the state for almost two months, micromanaging the campaign and election strategy for the BJP.
Party president J P Nadda, chief ministers of BJP-ruled states including Yogi Adityanath, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Himanta Biswa Sarma and Pramod Sawant also addressed election rallies in the state.
Almost all the Union ministers of BJP campaigned in the state. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi found time from his Bharat Jodo Yatra to address two rallies in Gujarat. Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot led the party's campaign in the state. Party chief Mallikarjun Kharge also addressed poll rallies.
16:14 Melinda Gates met Yogi in UP and said ...
Melinda Gates, co-founder of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), paid a courtesy call on Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath at his official residence on Wednesday.
At a special meeting, between Gates and the chief minister, enhancing technical cooperation in the fields of health, nutrition and agriculture were discussed.
Adityanath tweeted: "Had a wonderful meeting with co-chair and trustee of Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, at my official residence in Lucknow today. We had a fruitful discussion regarding better technical cooperation in the field of health, nutrition, social security and agriculture in UP."
During their discussion, Gates lauded the work done by Uttar Pradesh in recent years underlining the Covid management and encephalitis control despite a dense population.
"Amidst the challenges of Covid, the way, the state leadership tackled the issue of dense population and various social challenges is highly commendable," Gates said.
She also lauded the efforts of the Uttar Pradesh Government in the areas of health security, financial inclusion, nutrition, education, women empowerment and added, "Uttar Pradesh is a model not only for India but for the whole world".
15:46 MCD results: AAP: 134, BJP: 104, Cong: 09
Update: The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) poll results for all 250 wards were declared on Wednesday with the AAP gaining majority by winning 134 while the BJP bagged 104.
The Congress managed to win just nine wards.
The MCD has 250 wards and the simple majority mark is 126. The BJP, which exit polls predicted would suffer a massive defeat, put up a spirited fight, winning 104 wards. Three Independent candidates, including Shakeela Begum from Seelampur in northeast Delhi, have also won
15:29 Need PM's blessings, says Kejriwal@victory speech
Delhi CM and AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal congratulates Delhiites on the party's historic win in the Municipal Corporation of Delhi elections. Kejriwal says he is thankful to Delhi for 'choosing their son and brother' to run the MCD.
"We will try to live up to the expectations of the people. We urge parties to come together to improve Delhi," Kejriwal said.
He congratulated all the winners from AAP, BJP, Congress and Independents and said he hoped they would all work together for the betterment of Delhi.
"Existing system of "corruption and bribery" in MCD will have to be ended We have to improve the condition of Delhi and for that, we need the cooperation of the BJP, the Congress and also the blessings of the Centre and the PM," says Kejriwal.
Results: AAP (134), BJP (104), Congress (9).
EAM Dr S Jaishankar
15:20 India's chief guest for Republic Day is...
External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar in Parliament: "As far as Republic day celebrations are concerned, we have invited Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi as the chief guest and he has graciously accepted the invitation."
15:05 'Repo rate hike on expected lines'
The monetary policy committee of the RBI, comprising three members from the bank and three external members, raised the key lending rate or the repo rate to 6.25 per cent by a 5:1 majority decision. Four of the six members voted in favour of the withdrawal of accommodation, RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das said.
Reactions are in:
Abheek Barua, Chief Economist and Executive Vice President, HDFC Bank: The RBI policy announcement today was in line with expectations in terms of raising the policy rate by 35bps and keeping the policy stance unchanged. However, the policy tone was distinctly more hawkish than expected.
When a central bank combines its sanguine view on growth with continued concerns on inflation -- particularly the persistence in core inflation -- it suggests that it is prepared to continue its fight against inflation and has the space and willingness to raise rates further.
There were other signs in the governor's statement that suggested that tightness in financial conditions could intensify going forward. While the RBI continued to reiterate that it would continue to manage liquidity conditions through finetuning operations, it cautioned markets to wean themselves off the surplus liquidity overhang and not take it for granted.
Today's policy announcement does provide a soft support for the rupee ahead of the Fed meeting next week and can be viewed perhaps as an attempt by the RBI to continue aligning itself with the still hawkish G7 central banks.
Nitin Bavisi, Group CFO at Ajmera Realty & Infra India: The RBI's decision to hike the repo rate by 35 bps is on the much-expected lines with the primary goal of keeping inflation in check.
Although this will lead to a marginal rise in lending rates, it may not be of much deterrence for the real estate industry backed by the positive sentiments of homebuyers and strong demand influenced due to the price rise of Indian real estate in the days to come.
The current stance on the repo rate will have lower impact on the mortgage rate, as the pace of hike has been moderated and hence perceived positively by the home buyer. 'Inflation has been moderating as RBI has been keenly focused on the evolving changes and taking real-time corrective action in the best interest of economic growth as it continues to float above 4 per cent in the next 12 months.
Ravi Singhal, CEO, GCL: We expect crude to fall significantly from its recent high. If the government passes this on to consumers, we believe the RBI will pause in its next policy. We also believe that the market will remain neutral in the coming days and that it will set new highs in December.
Amit Gupta, MD, SAG Infotech: The market expects the governor to announce the end of the rate hiking cycle, but current policy shows no evidence of it. Nevertheless, the economy is not responding well to the programme. It might not be a financial event with significant intraday volatility.
According to the MPC, more targeted monetary policy intervention was required to anchor inflation expectations, break core inflation persistence, and manage second round impacts.
Suren Goyal, Partner, RPS Group: RBI's recent stance to increase the repo rate to cut down on the rising inflation is a welcome step. The present rate of inflation has crossed 6.7% and it is essential for the RBI to take a strong stance for the wider well-being of the economy.
Although a surge in repo rates can weigh on purchasing power and personal loan growth, an overall healthy economic outlook will continue to cushion the markets.
India's GDP growth has been forecasted to be 7% in the current fiscal by Fitch, which makes it the fastest-growing emerging economy in the world. In a time when the world economy will register an average growth of 1.7%, India will remain one of its brightest spots.
Manoj Dalmia, founder and director, Proficient equities Private Limited: RBI policy rate is now at its highest level since August 2018. Standing deposit facility rate is adjusted to 6 per cent and the marginal standing facility rate and the Bank Rate to 6.50 per cent.
RBI's GDP growth forecast for the current financial year is seen at 6.8 percent. growth has been reduced from RBI's previous estimate of 7 per cent.'FY23 CPI estimate is at 6.7 per cent and remains unchanged from the previous estimate of the central bank.
Nidhi Aggarwal, Founder, SpaceMantra: The realty sector in India will remain unperturbed by the current surge in repo rates. 'The growth in the realty market won't just be limited to metros but also to tier 2 and 3 cities and smaller townships reflecting a multifaceted nature of expansion, which is a positive sign in the longer run.
Raghvendra Nath, Managing Director, Ladderup Wealth Management: Loan rates will increase even further. 'As the gradual tightening of interest rates ends, it is anticipated that capital inflow would improve even further.
Given the concerns about Chinese demand for oil, the price of petroleum has fallen from its heights and is unlikely to test new highs.
While core inflation is anticipated to stay sticky, crude prices will be kept in check thanks to the strengthening of the rupee and the decline in Chinese demand.
Anindya Banerjee, VP, Currency Derivatives & Interest Rate Derivatives, Kotak Securities: RBI comments on Rupee were also in line with their previous comments. They target volatility and Rupee remains stable on a REER basis. In a way it means, RBI would be watching closely after volatility has increased in USDINR, over the past two trading sessions. 'But without active intervention or announcement of sell-buy swap, we could see USDINR move higher. We expect a range of 82 and 83.
14:52 Sisodia: World's most negative party defeated!
Senior AAP leader Manish Sisodia on Wednesday thanked the people of Delhi for voting his party to victory in the MCD polls and said it was their mandate that helped it defeat the "world's biggest and most negative party".
While the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has crossed the majority mark of 126, the BJP has won 99, according to the latest State Election Commission figures.
The Congress was lagging far behind, winning just seven seats. Of the 250 wards under the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, the AAP has won 131 seats and was ahead in three.
The BJP, which exit polls predicted would suffer a massive defeat, put up a spirited fight and is leading in four, numbers available at 2 pm showed.
"Heartfelt gratitude to the people of Delhi for trusting Aam Aadmi Party in Delhi MCD By defeating the world's biggest and most negative party, the people of Delhi have made a hardcore honest and working @ArvindKejriwalji win," Sisodia said in a tweet in Hindi, targeting the BJP.
"For us, this is not just a victory, it is a big responsibility," he said.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is expected to address people after the results.
The high-stakes election was held on December 4, sealing the electoral fate of 1,349 candidates in voting machines. A voter turnout of 50.48 per cent was registered in the elections. The results of this election may have ramifications beyond the national capital. PTI
14:38 Mann: Exit polls in Guj will be wrong for BJP
Riding on the massive victory of the Aam Aadmi Party in the Delhi civic polls, Punjab Chief Minister on Wednesday claimed that the exit polls which predicted the party's loss in Gujarat will prove to be wrong.
Mann said that the results in Gujarat, where the party exerted all its efforts to make inroads, will be "surprising".
The counting of votes of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi elections is underway today, according to which the AAP is all set to get the keys of the city's civic body, as per the trends.
However, according to the exit polls, the AAP is set to lose in Gujarat and Himachal Assembly polls, the results of which will be declared tomorrow.
Speaking to the reporters in the national capital, the Punjab Chief Minister said, "The trends are now converting into results. Kejriwal uprooted the 15-year-long rule of Congress and now uprooted the 15-year-long rule of the BJP from the MCD."
14:24 'Rate hike can have an adverse impact on home sales'
The RBI on Wednesday expectedly slowed the pace of increase in borrowing costs in signs that rates may be nearing the peak, even as it reiterated its resolve to fight inflation that has stayed above the comfort zone for 10 straight months. The RBI hiked the key repo rate by 35 basis points, the fifth straight increase since May, raising prospects of EMIs for home, auto and other loans rising further.
Reactions to the RBI rate hike:
Deepak Agrawal, Chief Investment Officer, Debt Fund, Kotak Mahindra Asset Management Company: RBI hiked repo rate by 35 bps in line with market expectation with a 5:1 vote. The stance was maintained at "withdrawal of accommodation' with 4:2 vote. MPC was of the view that further calibration action is warranted to keep inflation expectation anchored, to break core inflation persistence and contain a second round effect.
Cyrus Mody, Managing Partner, Viceroy Properties: A broader softness in inflation and steady economic growth is the key reason behind the RBI softening its rate hike this time, as compared to the previous hikes of 50 and 75 points.
Having said that, we believe the repo rates have peaked with the current hike, and that the central bank is likely to go on a long pause and monitor macroeconomic trends before deciding its next course of action. This may create room for a potential possibility of the RBI slashing rates by the end of the next CY.
Having said that, we believe the repo rates have peaked with the current hike, and that the central bank is likely to go on a long pause and monitor macroeconomic trends before deciding its next course of action. This may create room for a potential possibility of the RBI slashing rates by the end of the next CY.
This rate hike can have an adverse impact on home sales. However, it seems unlikely considering how we are witnessing strong traction, as most buyers are looking for self-use and not investment. Going forward, we expect the demand for projects developed by reputed names to continue witnessing strong demand with pricing power.
Shishir Baijal, Chairman & Managing Director, Knight Frank India: 'The RBI has been extremely judicious in their decision to raise repo rate by 35 bps as against the previous revisions, which were much sharper. The move is a balanced approach towards continued economic growth despite the higher than tolerance level of inflation.
This hike in the repo was within expectation as the inflation has reduced and is expected to further reduce in the next few quarters, while the concern around domestic economic growth emerges amidst the current global vulnerabilities.
Since the rate hike cycle in May 2022, home loan products have become expensive by around 150 bps before today's hike. The lending rates have risen significantly, especially for the loans linked to External Benchmark based Lending Rate (EBLR) where there has been a 100% transmission of repo rate. Loan products linked to MCLR rate are also up by around 108 bps during this period.
This hike will further impact EMIs and reduce home affordability. Simply based on the interest rate impact in this rate cycle, the Knight Frank Affordability Index has recorded a cumulative deterioration of an average of 3% across the country.
Arvind Kejriwal campaigning for the MCD polls last month
14:10 'Acche honge 5 saal, MCD mein bhi Kejriwal' rings out in AAP offices
The mood at the AAP's office on Rouse Avenue was celebratory since morning with songs blaring through loudspeakers and the entire premises decked up with colourful balloons.
Supporters and leaders, including Gopal Rai, Atishi and Durgesh Pathak, started gathering at the office as counting progressed and numbers swung in favour of the AAP.
Hoardings reading 'acche honge 5 saal, MCD mein bhi Kejriwal' lined the street outside as supporters revelled to the AAP's official poll song 'MCD mein Arvind Kejriwal'.
14:05 AAP wins MCD polls, ends BJP's 15-year-reign
The AAP has won the prestige battle for the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), unseating the BJP's 15-year-reign. AAP has won the 126 seats required for majority in the House of 250, and is leading on 10 more, taking its number possibly to 136.
AAP MP Raghav Chadha
13:30 AAP surges ahead: 'Dirt on Kejriwal wiped out'
AAP MP Raghav Chadha on the party's huge lead in the MCD polls: "BJP got a befitting reply from the people of Delhi. People have voted for the one who works for development. Today, Delhi has wiped out the 'keechar' that BJP tried to throw on Arvind Kejriwal. We'll transform Delhi into the most beautiful city in the world."
As the counting of votes progresses in the Municipal Corporation of Delhi polls, both Bharatiya Janata Party and the Aam Aadmi Party are claiming to win the polls but the latest trends suggest AAP securing 107 seats so far and leading in 25; while the BJP is leading on 20 wards (winning 85) so far.
AAP leaders went into a huddle as the counting threw up a contest much tighter than the AAP sweep predicted by exit polls. Manish Sisodia and Raghav Chadha rushed to Delhi Chief Minister and AAP boss Arvind Kejriwal's residence. They were joined by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.
13:09 SC reserves judgement on demo
Just in: Supreme Court reserves judgement on various petitions challenging 2016's decision of the Central Government to demonetise the old notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1000. Supreme Court says "judgement reserved".
13:01 Supriya Sule wants Amit Shah to speak on Maha border issue
NCP MP Supriya Sule in Lok Sabha: "For the past 10 days, a new issue has cropped up in Maharashtra. The CM of our neighbouring state, Karnataka has been speaking nonsense. Yesterday, people of Maharashtra wanted to go to the Karnataka border but they were thrashed.
"There is a conspiracy against Maharashtra going on for the past 10 days. The Karnataka CM is speaking about disintegrating Maharashtra. Both states are BJP-ruled. People of Maharashtra were beaten up yesterday. This can't be allowed. This is one country. I urge Amit Shah to speak up."
12:55 For 15 long years BJP ruled MCD, but now...
AAP workers celebrate at the party office in Delhi as the party wins 106 seats and leads on 26 others as per the official trends. Counting is on.
Delhi BJP chief Adesh Gupta says, "BJP contested well on issues and exposed lies and corruption of the AAP. They had said BJP will get 20 seats and AAP will get 230. It's a neck-to-neck fight. Polls results could be anything. Final results yet to come, but BJP hopeful of majority."
The BJP, which exit polls predicted to suffer a massive defeat, put up a spirited fight, winning 83 wards and leading in 19, as its leaders hoped for a reversal of trends.
According to figures available at 12.30 pm, the AAP has won 104 seats and was ahead in 31, totalling up to 135. The MCD has 250 wards, and the simple majority mark is 126.
12:51 RS MP PT Usha thanks PM
Rajya Sabha MP PT Usha, in the House: "My special thanks to the Prime Minister for his concern for the marginalised. It is a grace for the nation that our President belongs to tribal community. It is a great honour for the tribal community. A son of a farmer is now the Vice President. This is a new India where the republican spirit is now transferred from symbolism to substantive form," Usha said.
NSA Ajit Doval
12:47 Look who arrived in Parliament today!
NSA Ajit Doval arrives at the Parliament. The Winter Session commenced today.
Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar will uphold democratic values as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
"Our Vice President is a Kisan Putra and he studied at a Sainik school. Thus, he is closely associated with Jawans and Kisans," said the prime minister as the House met for the first day of Winter Session of Parliament.
Modi also said President Droupadi Murmu hails from the tribal community and her predecessor Ram Nath Kovind too belonged to the marginalised sections of society.
In his address to welcome the new Chairman of the Upper House, Modi said Dhankhar has great knowledge of legal matters with more than three decades of experience as an advocate.
12:14 BJP's 15-year-rule in MCD will end: Punjab CM
MCD polls update: The latest results and trends show the Aam Aadmi Party has crossed the magic figure of 126 in the MCD polls, but the lead over the BJP was just marginal.
According to figures available at 11.30 am, the AAP has won 56 seats and was ahead in 77, totalling up to 133.
Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann says, "Arvind Kejriwal uprooted 15-year-long Congress rule in Delhi and now the 15-year-long (BJP) rule in MCD. It shows people of Delhi don't like politics of hatred, they vote for schools, hospitals, electricity, cleanliness and infrastructure."
The BJP on the other hand has won 46 and was leading in 58, adding up to 104. The Congress on the other hand was lagging far behind, winning just four seats and leading in six.
The MCD has 250 wards, and the simple majority mark is 126.
Independent candidate Shakeela Begum has won the Seelampur seat in northeast Delhi.
The counting of votes began at 8 am, and initial trends (at 9:30 am) put the BJP ahead of the AAP by a significant margin, but the pendulum swung in the AAP's favour soon after.
This was the first election after the MCD was reunified earlier this year. In 2017, the BJP had clinched 181 of the then 270 municipal wards while AAP had won only 48 and the Congress finished third with 30.
12:08 Lalu's daughter chats with Tejashwi as she recuperates
If you haven't seen this yet, here's a warm picture of RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav's daughter, Rohini Acharya, recuperating in a hospital in Singapore. Her brother, Tejashwi Yadav, shares the picture, praising Rohini for donating her kidney to her father.
The former Bihar chief minister's family was with Lalu through the process while others are said to have been in constant communication.
Arvind Kejriwal campaigning for the MCD polls last month
11:59 MCD: Cong office deserted, AAP's has balloons
Just a few metres away from the Aam Aadmi Party office where preparations for celebrations are in full swing, Delhi Congress office wears a deserted look as the party headed for another drubbing in the MCD election.
AAP wins 75 seats and leads on 60, BJP wins 55 seats and leads on 48 seats as counting continues. Congress wins 4, leads on 5 and Independent candidates win 1 and lead on 2.
The party seemed to have no hopes pinned on the results, as no leader or worker was seen at its local office, Rajiv Bhawan in Rouse Avenue.
However, security in and around the Delhi Congress office has been beefed up to ensure no untoward incident occurs.
AAP and BJP offices, on the other hand, were a study in contrast, where party workers and leaders started gathering early as trends forebode a close fight between the two.
Counting of votes polled in the Delhi Municipal Corporation elections began Wednesday morning amid tight security arrangements.
The high-stakes election to the 250 wards of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi was held on December 4, sealing the electoral fate of 1,349 candidates in voting machines.
A voter turnout of 50.48 per cent was registered in the elections. The results of this election, largely touted as a three-cornered contest among a spirited AAP, a confident BJP, and a hopeful Congress, may have ramifications beyond the national capital. -- PTI
A still from the film, Main Hoon Na
11:51 'RBI has given a Main Hoon Na policy'
The Reserve Bank on Wednesday expectedly raised the benchmark lending rate by 35 basis points -- the fifth increase since May -- saying it remains focussed on bringing down the inflation to a tolerable limit.
Reactions to the rate hike:
Nilesh Shah, Managing Director, Kotak Mahindra Asset Management Company: The RBI has given a "Main Hoon Na' policy, reassuring the market. In a world where central banks are fighting to regain credibility, the RBI stands tall managing conflicting objectives of growth and inflation admirably. A data-driven RBI will keep on playing balls on merit and continue to keep the growth score board moving with inflation under check.
Rahul Kalantri, VP Commodities & Currency, Mehta Equities Ltd: The RBI raised its key repo rate by 35 bps to 6.25%, the sixth rate hike in a row, amid slowing inflation due to moderation in food prices, as widely expected. Although inflation hit a three-month low in October, it remained above the RBI's tolerance range.
Nikhil Gupta, Chief Economist, Motilal Oswal group: The RBI Governor made it clear that the fight against inflation will continue, while India's growth remains more resilient. It is, thus, clear that there will be at least one more rate hike of 25bp in CY23.
Madhavi Arora, Lead Economist, Emkay Global Financial Services: We note that while the governor justified INR's resilience on net, a relatively dovish tone would not have augur well for INR which has seen sharp correction vs peers in last couple of days.
This has been on account of already low forward premia in FX, and signalling of a pause would have further pressured the FX fwd premia on the downside, making carry trades less attractive for FPIs, implying fears of unwinding of these trades, ceteris paribus.
A 35bps hike today implies the ex-post real rates still sub 1% -- RBI's estimated real neutral rate, keeping 6-month ahead inflation as an anchor (a more certain trajectory vs one-year ahead), which may imply more space for another shallow hike of up to 25bps to reach a neutral rate (albeit not necessarily implying end of cycle) .
At this point, we still think that the RBI would not turn too restrictive however, the extent of global disruption will remain key. We are closely watching the global pace of inflation deceleration and how the impending recession will shape DM central bank policies, which could influence the RBI's reaction function. The still-fluid global situation might require frequent adjustments in macro and policy assessments ahead as far as terminal rates are concerned.
Sandeep Bagla, CEO, Trust Mutual Fund: RBI policy was partly as per expectations and partly a surprise for the market participants. Market was expecting RBI to take the foot off the pedal by providing an accompanying commentary which was dovish.
RBI appears to be focused on bringing inflation down over the medium term, and rightly so. RBI hardly mentioned the importance of supporting growth, calling it resilient and robust. The focus on inflation control should eventually soothe bond markets as lower inflation in the medium term is good for bond holders.
Markets should also take relief from the tumbling crude oil prices in the international markets. Rate hike as per expectations, commentary hawkish which was not expected but is appropriate and overall, a good policy which should give confidence to bond markets in the long run.
Nish Bhatt, Founder & CEO, Millwood Kane International: The repo rate is now at a more than 4-year high. The softness in retail inflation has been the primary reason for the slower rate hike. The RBI has hiked rates for the fifth consecutive time this calendar year.' The central bank is expected to maintain the status quo in H1CY23, the cumulative rate hike has been 225 bps till now in this cycle. The economic growth, the trajectory of crude oil, inflation, and the geopolitical situation will guide RBI's action in H2CY23.
Bobi is the transgender candidate from Sultanpuri-A ward
11:44 AAP's transgender candidate wins in MCD polls
Bobi, the AAP candidate from Sultanpuri-A ward, wins. For the first time, the MCD will have a member of the transgender community.
The Aam Aadmi Party crossed the halfway mark in the counting of votes in 250 wards of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi elections, as per the latest trends on Wednesday, hinting that the exit polls which predicted the party's edge were right.
11:36 RBI's new repo rate will make home, auto loans dear
Update: The Reserve Bank on Wednesday expectedly raised the benchmark lending rate by 35 basis points (bps) -- the fifth increase since May -- saying it remains focussed on bringing down the inflation to a tolerable limit.
The move to raise the rate will make loans -- including housing, auto -- and corporate credit expensive.
Terming the Indian economy a bright spot in the otherwise gloomy world, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) lowered its estimate of GDP growth to 6.8 per cent in the fiscal ending March 31, 2023, from an earlier forecast of 7 per cent.
It, however, kept the inflation forecast unchanged at 6.7 per cent for the current fiscal and projected it to come down below the upper tolerance limit of 6 per cent in the fourth quarter of the current financial year.
The Consumer Price Index based inflation, which RBI factors in while fixing its benchmark rate, stood at 6.7 per cent in October.
Retail inflation has been ruling above the RBI's comfort level of 6 per cent since January this year.
RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das said the central bank remains nimble and flexible in its approach to deal with the price situation. The six-member monetary policy committee headed by RBI Governor raised the key lending rate or the repo rate by 35 basis points to 6.25 per cent.
With the latest hike, the repo rate or the short-term lending rate at which banks borrow from the central bank has now crossed 6 per cent.
This is the fifth consecutive rate hike after a 40 basis points increase in May and 50 basis points hike each in June, August and September. In all, the RBI has raised the benchmark rate by 2.25 per cent since May this year. Consequently, the standing deposit facility (SDF) rate is adjusted to 6 per cent and the marginal standing facility (MSF) rate and Bank rate to 6.50 per cent.
The MPC also decided to remain focused on the withdrawal of the accommodative stance to ensure that inflation remains within the target going forward while supporting growth.
The panel also decided by a majority -- 5 out of 6 members -- voted to increase the policy repo rate by 35 basis points while Jayanth R Varma voted against the hike.
11:23 AAP leads in 127 seats, crosses halfway mark
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) crossed the halfway mark in the counting of votes in 250 wards of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) elections, as per the latest trends on Wednesday, hinting that the exit polls which predicted the party's edge were right.
According to the latest data by the Election Commission till 11 am, the AAP is leading in 102 seats (plus 25 wins) breaching the halfway mark with a total of 127 wards.
Meanwhile, the BJP is leading in 83 wards (plus 26 wins). Congress is leading in 8, independent in 2 as per the trends at 11 am.
This was the first election after the MCD was reunified earlier this year. AAP chief spokesperson Saurabh Bharadwaj exuded confidence his party will emerge victorious.
The polls for 250 wards in the national capital were held on December 4 with about 50 per cent voter turnout and a total of 1,349 candidates were in the fray. However, the low voter turnout may not be an indicator of pro-incumbency with the exit polls predicting the AAP win in the MCD polls.
10:48 MCD polls: BJP wins 10 seats, AAP 6 so far
The BJP has won 10 seats and the AAP six in the MCD polls, according to the State Election Commission, as the counting of votes continues.
The counting of votes polled in the December 4 MCD elections commenced at 8 am Wednesday at 42 counting centres across Delhi amid tight security.
Sultana Abad of the AAP won the Jama Masjid ward, while the party's Sarika Chaudhary defeated Congress' Farhad Suri by a margin of 244 votes in the Daryaganj seat.
The BJP's Alka Raghav emerged victorious in Laxmi Nagar by a margin of 3,819 votes, while the party's Rohini D candidate Smita also registered a win. The AAP's Ankush Narang has won from the Ranjeet Nagar seat. PTI
10:46 PM urges parties to understand new MPs' pain
PM Narendra Modi speaks outside Parliament as it is set to convene on the 1st day of the Winter Session today.
"In this session, efforts will be made to take important decisions while keeping in mind taking the country to new heights of development and new opportunities to take the country forward amid current global situation. I'm confident that all parties will add value to discussions.
PM urges parties to "understand pain of new MPs", avoid disruptions in parliament ahead of start of winter session.
"When I unofficially met MPs of almost all political parties in past few days, they said that when ruckus takes place in House and it gets adjourned, it affects MPs. Youth MPs say that when proceedings don't go on and discussions aren't held, they get devoid of learning and understanding," Modi said.
"The manner in which India has made a space in global community, the manner in which expectations with India have risen and the manner in which India is increasing its participation on global platform, at a time like this, India receiving theG20 Presidency is a huge opportunity.
"This is important because we met before 15th August. 75 years of Independence was completed on 15th August and we are going ahead in Azadi ka Amrit Kaal. We are meeting at a time when India has received the opportunity to preside over the G20."
10:23 Oppn strategises on Winter Session of Parl
Opposition leaders hold a meeting in Parliament at the chambers of Opposition leader Malikarjun Kharge to discuss the strategy for the Winter Session. TMC is also participating in the meeting. The Winter Session of Parliament begins today.
10:17 MCD polls: Now, AAP has slight edge over BJP
In a neck-and-neck contest so far, the Aam Aadmi Party has gained an edge over the Bharatiya Janata Party as per the initial trends in the counting of votes for the Delhi civic body polls on Wednesday.
As per the official data by the Election Commission till 10 am, the AAP which was trailing since the counting began at 8 am, gained a lead over the ruling BJP.
The latest data shows the AAP leading in 114 municipal wards as against the BJP which is leading in 110.Congress, which was trailing since morning on the third spot, maintains its position with its lead in 11 wards, while the BSP is leading 1n 1 ward. 4 independents are also leading.
The high-decibel battle which was fought in the election campaign ahead of the polling on December 4, witnessed the claims and counter-claims by both parties (BJP, AAP) of winning the elections, however, it all boils down to December 7 when the outcome of the election would be revealed.
The polls for 250 wards in the national capital were held on December 4 with about 50 per cent voter turnout and a total of 1,349 candidates were in the fray.
The low voter turnout may not be an indicator of pro-incumbency with the exit polls predicting the AAP win in the MCD polls.
10:12 RBI raises repo rate to 6.25%
RBI raises repo rate by RBI raises repo rate by 35 basis points to 6.25%.
RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das says, "The Monetary Policy Committee meeting met on 5th, 6th and 7th December. Based on an assessment of the macroeconomic situation and its outlook, MPC decided by a majority of 5 members out of 6 to increase policy reported by 35 basis points to 6.25% with immediate effect.
09:42 MCD polls: Trends will change, says AAP
The Aam Aadmi Party exuded confidence it will emerge victorious by winning more than 180 of the total 250 seats in the MCD polls, even though initial trends put the BJP in the lead.
Early trends showed the BJP was ahead in 97 seats while the AAP was leading in 53. The Congress was a distant third with lead in five seats.
AAP chief spokesperson Saurabh Bharadwaj told reporters, "The trends will change and we will emerge victorious in more than 180 seats. We have decked up our office and as soon as trends change we will celebrate. The BJP did not cite any achievement of their 15-year tenure in the MCD during the campaigning."
Most exit polls have predicted a huge win for the AAP over the BJP with the Congress being a distant third. Delhi BJP vice-president Virendra Sachdeva said it is going to be a tough contest.
"However, we will prove the exit polls wrong and the BJP will come to power in the MCD for a fourth consecutive term," he told PTI.
The results of this election, largely touted as a three-cornered contest among a spirited AAP, a confident BJP and a hopeful Congress, may have ramifications beyond the national capital. Both the AAP and the BJP have expressed confidence that they will emerge victorious in the polls, as the Congress seeks to regain lost turf. PTI
09:38 India is home to a great diversity of faiths: US
India, the world's largest democracy, is home to a great diversity of faiths, the United States said Tuesday noting that it will continue to encourage New Delhi to uphold its commitments to protect religious freedom for all.
The United States has designated 12 countries, including China, Pakistan and Myanmar, as "countries of particular concern" for the current status of religious freedom in these nations. Announcing this on Friday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said around the world, governments and non-state actors harass, threaten, jail, and even kill individuals on account of their beliefs.
"India of course, is the world's largest democracy. It's home to a great diversity of faiths. Our annual report on international religious freedom outlines some of the concerns we've taken note of when it comes to India. We continue to carefully monitor the religious freedom situation in all countries and that includes in India, State Department spokesperson Ned Price told reporters here.
The Biden Administration, he said, will continue to encourage the Indian government to uphold its commitments to protect religious freedom for all.
"We engage officials regularly on steps they can take to advance religious freedom. As the world's two largest democracies, the United States and India, we're also committed to an enduring project," he said.
"This is the project that Secretary (of State, Tony) Blinken spoke to previously. The project that as our founders put it, of striving to form a more perfect union. This is a project for both of our countries. We have worked together, and we can work together to show that our democracies can meet our peoples' needs. We must continue to hold ourselves to our core values including respect for human rights like freedom of religion and freedom of belief or expression," he said in response to a question.
"That, in turn, makes our respective democracies even stronger. Secretary Blinken, given the totality of the facts and the circumstances, determined that religious freedom concerns in India do not warrant a country of particular concern designation or placement on the special watch list. But of course, these are conversations that we continue to have with our Indian partners and with partners around the world," Price said.
Ahead of the announcement of the annual designation by the State Department, there were massive lobbying efforts by groups like Indian American Muslim Council and pressures from organisations like the US Commission for International Religious Freedom to designate India as a Country of Concern. -- PTI
09:35 Probe launched as 'blast-like' sound heard near key Jammu bridge
Police have launched an investigation after a "blast-like" sound was heard near a checkpoint on a vital bridge here, officials said on Wednesday.
The sound was heard late Tuesday night near a bridge over the Tawi river, the officials said.
There was no report of any casualty or damage in the "blast", they said.
Jammu Senior Superintendent of Police Chandan Kohli said "a blast-like sound was heard near Sidhra bridge checking point. A thorough search is being carried on the spot to verify the matter".
Officials said police reinforcements including Special Operations Group (SOG) personnel have rushed to the area.
A thorough search operation was carried out but no one was arrested during the night-long operation, they said.
Since the bypass is connected with the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, an alert was also sounded and checking of vehicles was intensified.
The officials said forensic teams are visiting the spot to carry forward the probe. -- PTI
09:17 MCD polls: Early trends show BJP leading AAP
The Bharatiya Janata Party is leading in 66 seats and the Aam Aadmi Party in 30, according to early trends as the counting of votes polled in the Delhi municipal corporation elections began on Wednesday morning.
The Congress was ahead on just three seats, according to trends at 8.57 am.
The counting of votes polled in the elections began 8 am Wednesday amid tight security.
The high-stakes election to the 250 wards of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi was held on December 4, sealing the electoral fate of 1,349 candidates in voting machines.
A voter turnout of 50.48 per cent was registered in the elections.
09:09 Mirabai clinches silver at World Championship despite wrist issue
Star Indian weightlifter Mirabai Chanu was not at her best due to a wrist injury but still won a silver medal at the World Championships with a total lift of 200kg, in Bogota, Colombia.
The Tokyo Olympic silver medallist, competing in 49kg category, managed to lift 87kg in snatch and in 'clean and jerk' her best effort was a lift of 113kg, on Tuesday night.
The Indian finished behind China's Jiang Huihua, who won the gold with a total effort of 206kg (93kg+113kg) while her compatriot and Tokyo Olympics champion Hou Zhihua 198kg (89kg+109kg) took home the bronze medal.
"We were not taking any pressure for this event. This is the weight Mira lifts regularly. From now we will start increasing the weights and improving," head coach Vijay Sharma told PTI.
Chanu, the 2017 world champion, had hurt her wrist during a training session in September. She had also participated in the National Games with the injury in October.
"We couldn't do much (about the injury) because we didn't want to skip the World Championships. Now, we will focus on her wrist because we have a lot of time before the next event," Sharma said.
While the 11-lifter field was highly competitive, most lifters refrained from stretching themselves. Zhihua even skipped her final clean and jerk attempt to settle for bronze.
Competing in her first international tournament since winning a gold at the Commonwealth Games, Chanu had an underwhelming snatch session. She started with an 84kg lift but her second attempt of 87kg was deemed a no lift.
Expectedly, Chanu didn't go for the much-awaited 90kg lift.
In her final attempt, the 28-year-old, who had her wrist bandaged, wobbled a little but was able to hoist the 87kg barbell, which is a kilogram less than her personal best in the section.
Fifth after the snatch section, Chanu set the highest clean and jerk entry weight but her first attempt of 111kg was deemed a no lift as her left elbow wobbled a little.
The Indian camp challenged the decision but the judges upheld it.
However, Chanu, the world record holder in the category, succeeded in her final two attempts of 111kg and 113 kg to collect the overall and clean and jerk silver. He also took silver in snatch category.
It is the Manipuri's second Worlds medal, she had won a gold in 2017.
08:09 Counting of votes for Delhi civic polls begins
The counting of votes for the elections to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi is underway.
Elections to the 250-ward Municipal Corporation of Delhi were held on December 4.
Twenty companies of paramilitary personnel and over 10,000 officers of Delhi Police have been deployed at the 42 centres where votes for the civic polls in the national capital will be counted on Wednesday, officials said.
Exit polls have predicted a clear win for the AAP in the MCD polls, with the BJP emerging a distant second.
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02:09 Charas, drug pills found near barrack of undertrials in Mumbai's Arthur Road jail
A case was registered after the recovery of charas and drug pills in the high-security Arthur Road Jail in Mumbai, the police said on Tuesday.
A police official said 134 grams of Charas and half a dozen drug pills were found stuffed in polythene near one of the barracks where prisoners arrested in sensitive cases are lodged.
The drugs were spotted by a jail constable on November 30.
An FIR was registered on Sunday.
The police suspected that someone had thrown the bag from outside.
The bag was found lying near barrack number 11 which houses undertrials in sensitive cases.
The police will check CCTV footage of the area, the official added. -- PTI
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02:07 Three wheels of locomotive derail near Thane, none hurt; train traffic hit
Three wheels of a banker locomotive, used for pushing trains from the rear end in hilly areas, derailed near Kasara station in Thane district of Maharashtra on Tuesday night disrupting train movement on the route, Central Railway officials said.
Nobody was injured in the incident.
A banker is a locomotive that assists in hauling a train up a steep gradient.
CR officials said three wheels of the banker were on one of the three lines between Kasara and Igatpuri stations at around 8.15 pm prompting the railway authorities to take an immediate power block on all three lines.
A CR spokesperson said three trains including Nashik-bound Panchvati Express were detained due to the power block that ended around 8.45 pm, besides bunching of the trains.
According to railway officials, the accident relief train and other necessary equipment reached the derailment spot and the efforts are on for the re-railment (to restore a derailed locomotive or train to its rails) of the engine. -- PTI
01:01 Mallika Sarabhai appointed chancellor of Kerala Kalamandalam
The Kerala government on Tuesday appointed eminent dancer Mallika Sarabhai as the chancellor of Kerala Kalamandalam Deemed to be University for art and culture.
An order issued by the cultural affairs department said that she has been chosen for the top post as per a clause of the memorandum of association of the Kalamandalam which says that "the chancellor shall be an eminent person in the field of art and culture appointed by the sponsoring body."
State cultural affairs minister V N Vasavan's office later said in a statement that the LDF government believes that the appointment of Sarabhai as chancellor would be highly beneficial for the institution.
Born as the daughter of renowned dancer Mrinalini Sarabhai and space scientist Vikram Sarabhai, Mallika Sarabhai is a world renowned Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi performer, an official statement said.
Apart from being a dancer, she has also proved her abilities in the areas of theatre, film and television and also established herself as a writer, publisher and director, it added.
Sarabhai's appointment comes weeks after the Pinarayi Vijayan government had amended the rules of the Kalamandalam to remove Governor Arif Mohammed Khan as its chancellor. -- PTI
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00:42 J-K police arrests Kashmiri journalist in 2017 case
The police on Tuesday arrested a journalist from Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir in connection with a 2017 case, officials said.
Khalid Gul, one of the several journalists whose residence was raided by police last month in connection with online threat to scribes, was arrested from Anantnag town, they said.
Gul was associated with local daily Greater Kashmir for many years.
The daily, however, said he had parted ways with the publication earlier this year. -- PTI
00:38 Modi likely to speak to media ahead of Parl session
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to interact with the media on Wednesday ahead of the first day of the winter session of Parliament, the Lok Sabha secretariat informed on Tuesday.
The winter session of Parliament will begin on Wednesday and continue till December 29.
Earlier in the day, an all-party meeting, chaired by defence minister and deputy leader of the Lok Sabha Rajnath Singh, was held on the Parliament premises.
The Rajya Sabha secretariat, meanwhile, released a Code of Conduct for its members, a day of the winter session.
The Lok Sabha will pay tributes to members who passed away during the inter-session period, on the first day.
Samajwadi Party patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav, who passed away in October after a prolonged illness, will be among the departed members to be remembered.
This will be the inaugural session where Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar will officiate proceedings in the Rajya Sabha as the ex-officio chairman of the Upper House.
The monsoon session of Parliament was held between July 18 and August 8. -- ANI
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