LIVE
Thu, 17 February 2022
Outsiders' views not acceptable: MEA on hijab row
Timeline Refresh
23:49 12 Pak prisoners repatriated after completion of jail terms
Twelve Pakistani prisoners were on Thursday repatriated to Pakistan via the Attari-Wagah land border following completion of their sentences, the ministry of external affairs ministry said.
It said India attaches the highest importance to addressing all humanitarian matters, including the early release and repatriation of Indian prisoners and fishermen from Pakistan.
"The government's persistent efforts, have succeeded in the release and repatriation of 20 Indian fishermen from Pakistan's custody in 2022 so far," the MEA said in a statement.
The Pakistan high commission in India also said that 12 Pakistani nationals were repatriated on Thursday.
"In close coordination with @ForeignOfficePk as well as the Indian side, 12 Pakistan nationals, including 6 fishermen, who were under imprisonment in India, were repatriated today via Attari-Wagah border on completion of their sentences," it tweeted.
The high commission said it will continue its efforts for the early repatriation of all those Pakistani prisoners who have completed their sentences in India.
"Among those reuniting with their families in Pakistan today is a senior citizen (80 year plus), Muhammad Nazir s/o Fateh Din," it added. -- PTI
Representational image
23:32 Outsiders' views not acceptable: MEA on hijab row
The ministry of external affairs on Thursday reiterated its stand on criticism by some countries over the simmering dress code row in Karnataka, saying comments by outsiders on internal issues will not be acceptable.
Responding to a question on the hijab row at a media briefing in New Delhi, ministry of external affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said, "This is not a topic of the ministry of external affairs. We don't have a direct comment. You would have seen our statements that this being an internal matter of India, any comment on it by an outsider or another country is not welcome."
He asserted that India has a constitutional mechanism, judicial system and democratic ethos which gives a framework to find solutions to such things.
"And this issue is sub-judice. The Karnataka high court is looking into it," he added.
Comments by outsiders on internal issues and matters relating to India's Constitution and its people will not be acceptable, Bagchi said.
India had last week also rejected criticism by some nations over the row and said that "motivated comments" on the country's internal issues are not welcomed.
Bagchi had said that those who know India well would have a proper appreciation of the realities.
India on Tuesday had also slammed the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation for its "motivated" comments against it and accused the grouping of having a "communal mindset", a day after the bloc expressed concerns over the Haridwar hate speeches and the dress code row in Karnataka. -- PTI
Representational image
22:58 RPF rescued 1,045 children from trafficking this January
The Railway Protection Force personnel in January this year saved a total of 1,045 children, including 344 girls, who were vulnerable to being exploited and trafficked, if not secured in time, the Railways said on Thursday.
This was part of 'Operation Nanhe Fariste' carried out by RPF.
Presently Child Help Desks are functional at 132 railway stations across the Indian Railways.
According to the official release, RPF under 'Mission Jeewan Raksha', saved 42 persons, including 20 males and 22 women, under this mission during January 2022.
The RPF has been saving lives of persons in danger of coming under the wheels of running trains at various railway stations and railway areas night and day going beyond their call of duty risking their own lives.
The release also read that to provide better security to women passengers, several new initiatives were taken under the code name "Mahila Suraksha".
During the month of January 2022, the RPF deployed 'Meri Saheli' teams at major railway stations with an objective to provide security to women passengers especially travelling alone and vulnerable to crime and covered approximately 13,000 trains all over India for this purpose.
Taking other preventive measures RPF arrested five persons in cases of molestation and eve-teasing and arrested 2,185 persons found travelling in ladies coaches.
"RPF personnel especially ladies' personnel, who currently form about 9 per cent of the total strength, go out of the way to help pregnant women who go into labor during their train journeys, in childbirth under 'Operation Matrishakti'," reads the release. -- ANI
22:33 Jaishankar to visit Germany and France from Feb 18 to 23
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will embark on a six-day visit to Germany and France from Friday during which he will attend a key security conference and a ministerial meet on the Indo-Pacific besides holding bilateral talks.
Making an announcement on the two-nation visit, the ministry of external affairs said on Thursday that Jaishankar will participate in the Munich Security Conference in Germany and will also hold talks with foreign ministers and other senior delegates attending it.
The MSC is expected to extensively deliberate on the escalating tension between the NATO countries and Russia over Ukraine.
At MSC, he will participate in a panel discussion on the Indo-Pacific and will also lead discussions at an 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav' event, being hosted by the Indian consulate in Munich and the Observer Research Foundation.
From Germany, Jashankar will travel to France where he will hold bilateral talks with his French counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian on February 20, MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said at a media briefing.
"At Le Drian's invitation, the external affairs minister will also attend the EU Ministerial Forum for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific on February 22," he said.
The forum is an initiative of the French Presidency of the European Council.
"The external affairs minister will hold bilateral meetings with counterparts from the EU and other Indo-Pacific countries on the sidelines of the forum. He will also give an address at the French Institute of International Relations (IFRI)," Bagchi said.
The 27-nation European Union has been in touch with India over the Ukraine crisis. -- PTI
22:22 DGCA to probe Vistara plane's emergency landing
An Amritsar-bound Vistara plane, carrying 146 passengers, on Thursday made an emergency landing at the airport in the national capital soon after takeoff due to a technical snag and aviation regulator DGCA is probing the incident, according to officials.
The officials said the aircraft suffered hydraulic power failure and landed back at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport at around 9.45 am.
A Vistara spokesperson said a technical snag was detected on flight UK 697 operating from Delhi to Amritsar.
As a precautionary step, the pilots decided to turn-back and landed safely at the airport, the spokesperson said in a statement.
According to the airline, it was only an precautionary turnback and not an emergency landing.
However, the officials said the plane made an emergency landing.
Representational image
21:25 Govt panel lifts ban on use of diesel generator sets in Delhi-NCR
A sub-committee of the Centre's air quality panel on Thursday lifted the ban on diesel generator sets in Delhi-NCR with immediate effect, observing that air quality has improved in the last few days and is expected to get better in the coming days.
According to an order, the sub-committee on Graded Response Action Plan of the Commission for Air Quality Management met on Wednesday and reviewed the status of air quality, after which it was decided that the measures under 'very poor' category of GRAP, including the ban on use of diesel generator sets in Delhi-NCR, be lifted with immediate effect.
"It was observed that the AQI in the last 4 to 5 days has been between moderate and poor category and a meeting was convened to review the status on February 16. As per the inputs received from the representative from IMD during the meeting, the air quality in Delhi is not likely to reach the very poor category and is expected to get better in the coming days due to improved meteorological conditions favouring dispersion of pollutants. Based on this forecast and prediction, the sub-committee on GRAP has decided that the measures under very poor category of GRAP including the ban on use of diesel generator sets in Delhi-NCR be lifted with immediate effect," the order said.
The ban on the use of diesel generator sets was enforced in October 2021, along with other measures to check air pollution. -- PTI
21:06 Govt may postpone NEET-MDS exam by 4-6 wks
NEET-MDS examination 2022 may be postponed by four to six weeks and the date of completion of a compulsory rotating internship for eligibility for admission to MDS courses may be fixed at July 31, 2022 instead of March 31, 2022, said the Union ministry of health and family welfare on Thursday.
"It is informed that the matter has been examined in this ministry and in order to bring parity between the NEET-MDS 2022 and NEET-PG 2022 examination, it has been decided by the competent authority that the date for the conduct of NEET-MDS examination 2022 may be postponed by 4-6 weeks and preferably around the same date as that for NEET-PG 2022," reads the health ministry's letter.
"It has also been decided by the competent authority that the date of completion of a compulsory rotating internship for eligibility for admission to MDS courses may be fixed at July 31 2022 instead of March 31 2022," said the ministry. -- ANI
20:41 Campaign ends for TN urban civic polls, voting on Feb 19
The high-decibel campaign by the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and main opposition All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam besides others for the urban civic polls witnessed in the past 10 days in Tamil Nadu ended on Thursday and the stage is set for voting on February 19.
The no-holds-barred campaign, especially during the past 10 days, ended at 6 pm across Tamil Nadu.
As many as 57,778 candidates are in the fray for 12,607 posts of ward members in 648 urban local bodies.
However, a variation is likely considering the death of candidates in some wards.
The TN State Election Commission has made elaborate arrangements to ensure peaceful voting on February 19 which includes appropriate security arrangements, moving EVMs to voting centres and flying squads.
Counting of votes would commence on February 22.
Jibes, accusations and counter allegations on several issues including over the NEET dominated the urban civic poll campaign.
While Chief Minister and DMK president M K Stalin accused the AIADMK as a 'comedy drama company,' the main opposition retorted saying the DMK is a 'corporate' company.
The DMK, which is focusing on fulfilling majority of its promises made in the run-up to the 2021 Assembly election, and its allies are facing polls together.
However, it is the DMK which is fighting in most wards.
During the campaign, the ruling party has repeatedly underscored fulfilling assurances including a cut of Rs 3 per litre in milk prices, fare-free travel for women in town buses and Rs 4,000 pandemic relief to people.
It has also assured that other promises including the Rs 1,000 assistance per month to women would be implemented soon.
AIADMK top leaders O Panneerselvam and K Palaniswami listed Rs 1,000 per month assistance to women family heads, Rs 100 subsidy for cooking gas cylinders and a cut in petrol prices among other assurances made ahead of last year's election by the DMK and slammed it for hoodwinking people by such 'false' promises.
The duo appealed to people to vote for two-leaves symbol for good governance in local bodies.
The BJP too is straining every nerve in a host of regions including Coimbatore and Kanyakumari to make a mark. -- PTI
One of the 7 Pak boats seized by BSF
20:16 BSF seizes 7 more Pak fishing boats from Bhuj
The Border Security Force on Thursday seized seven more Pakistani fishing boats in the general area of Harami Nalla in the Creek area in Gujarat's Bhuj.
These boats were seized at about 12 noon, said BSF's public relation officer Gujarat Frontier.
The operation was carried out by BSF's Creek Crocodile Commando Teams.
"Seven more Pakistani fishing boats with rotten fish were seized in general area of Harami Nalla by BSF Bhuj. Intensive search operation continues," the PRO said in a statement.
Questioning of apprehended Pakistani nationals is on and all escape routes have been effectively plugged and a massive combing operation is still in progress, said the BSF.
On February 9, the BSF had also seized 11 Pakistani fishing boats and apprehended six Pakistani fishermen in the general area of Harami Nalla.
In this operation conducted in extremely inhospitable terrain, the BSF troops with the help of Army supported by Indian Air Force succeeded in seizing 11 Pakistani fishing boats and apprehended six Pakistani nationals then. -- ANI
Novak Djokovic
19:52 Poonawalla urges Djokovic to get vaccinated against Covid
Serum Institute of India CEO Adar Poonawalla on Thursday urged Serbian tennis superstar Novak Djokovic to get vaccinated against COVID-19.
The 20-time Grand Slam winner has remained unvaccinated against coronavirus and has maintained that he is willing to miss out on future tennis trophies than be forced to take the jab.
Posting a video of himself playing tennis, Poonawalla, whose Pune-based firm manufactures anti-COVID-19 vaccine Covishield, tweeted, "I respect your personal views on not getting vaccinated @DjokerNole and love watching you play, but I hope you change your mind. In the meantime, the rest of us now might stand a chance at a Grand Slam."
Last month, Djokovic was prevented from participating in the Australian Open tournament due to his unvaccinated status.
The 34-year-old tennis superstar was detained and eventually deported from Australia for failing to meet that country's strict vaccination requirements.
A few days ago, Djokovic was quoted as saying that he is still not vaccinated and prepared to sacrifice titles to stay that way.
However, the No 1-ranked tennis player has maintained he is not opposed to vaccinations. -- PTI
19:24 Shiv Sena veteran, ex-mayor Sudhir Joshi is dead
Senior Shiv Sena leader and former minister Sudhir Joshi died of a brief illness in Mumbai on Thursday, party sources said.
Joshi was 81 and is survived by his son.
The senior leader was the nephew of former chief minister Manohar Joshi and was a minister in the latter's cabinet in 1995. He held the portfolios of school education and revenue.
According to party sources, Joshi had contracted COVID-19, but had recovered last week.
Joshi began his political career as a corporator in 1968 and went on to serve as a city mayor in 1973-74.
Joshi was among the first generation Sena leaders and was actively involved in the party's Stanik Lokadhikar Samiti, which was set up to provide jobs to locals.
19:15 Explosive found in abandoned bag in Delhi
An IED has been found in an abandoned bag found in Delhi on Thursday.
The Delhi police received a phone call regarding a suspicious object found on the road in Seemapuri in the northeastern part of the city and special cell teams were rushed to the spot to verify it, reports PTI.
ANI reported that during the Ghazipur IED case investigation, the special cell got information about a house in Old Seemapuri where they found a suspicious bag nearby.
The fire department and National Security Guard were immediately alerted to rush to the spot, and on ascertaining that the bag contained an IED the bomb disposal squad was summoned.
On January 14, an unclaimed bag was recovered in front of Gate No 1 of Ghazipur Mandi, Delhi. An IED was found inside the bag which was later defused by NSG.
19:03 SC advises high courts not to make general observations
The Supreme Court Thursday advised the high courts not to make general observations that are not warranted in the case.
A bench of Justices M R Shah and B V Nagarathna said the high courts shall refrain from making sweeping observations that are beyond the contours of the controversy involved.
"We advise the high courts not to make general observations which are not warranted in the case. The high courts shall refrain from making sweeping observations which are beyond the contours of the controversy and/or issues before them," the bench said.
The top court was hearing an appeal filed by the Centre against a Delhi high court order.
Bharat Fritz Werner Limited had assailed before the high court, the Letter of Acceptance issued by the Union of India in its favour in respect of the award of the tender.
The high court had declined to interfere in the proceedings and disposed of the writ petition reserving liberty in favour of the original writ petitioner to raise all its pleas and claim the reliefs available to him at this stage in an appropriate civil proceeding.
It, however, had made certain observations against which the Centre moved the top court for expunging those remarks.
The apex court said that the observations made by the high court were absolutely unwarranted.
"The high court was not deciding a public interest litigation. The high court did not even decide the writ petition on merits. On the contrary, in the earlier paragraph, it was observed that it had not gone into the merits of the writ petitioner's claim or the respondent's defence,' the bench said. -- PTI
18:37 Water taxi services inaugurated in Mumbai
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbanand Sonowal flagged off Mumbai's first water taxi service via video conference.
It will link Navi Mumbai to south Mumbai, and the Belapur jetty in the neighbouring township.
Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray was also present on the occasion.
Thackeray said the water taxi service is the first such facility in the country. -- PTI
Representational image
18:04 Suspicious object found in Delhi, NSG alerted
The Delhi police on Thursday received a phone call regarding a suspicious article in Seemapuri in the northeastern part of the city, a senior officer said.
A threat call was received regarding a suspicious article in Seemapuri and special cell teams were rushed to the spot to verify it, said the officer, reports PTI.
According to ANI, a suspicious bag was found on the road in the Old Seemapuri area of Delhi on Thursday.
According to Delhi police sources, during the Ghazipur IED case investigation, the special cell got information about a house in Old Seemapuri. When the Delhi police's special cell team reached the place, they found the house closed and a suspicious bag was seen on the road.
The fire department and National Security Guard were immediately alerted to rush to the spot.
On January 14, an unclaimed bag was recovered in front of Gate No 1 of Ghazipur Mandi, Delhi. An IED was found inside the bag which was later defused by NSG.
The Delhi police suspect Pakistan's intelligence agency ISI hand in the case.
17:54 The states with the most Covid numbers
Kerala, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu retain top three slots.
17:41 UP's dynasts question India's achievements: Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said the dynasts of UP had termed the covid vaccine as the BJP's vaccine and they always question the country's achievements.
Addressing a rally in UP's Fatehpur, Modi said only two entities are afraid of the coronavirus vaccine and the ones who oppose it.
The PM also predicted the BJP win in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls, saying people have made up their mind to celebrate Holi on March 10, referring to the day of counting.
In a apparent jibe at the Samajwadi Party, Modi said, "The BJP government is giving free vaccine to the entire country but these "parivarwadi" (dynasts) are saying this is BJP's vaccine."
"These 'parivarwadis' of UP never liked the might of the country and they question whatever good the country does," the PM alleged.
The PM also claimed that the support for the BJP is on the rise in the state.
"Your enthusiasm shows a glimpse of the next five phases," he told people at the rally referring to the remaining rounds of the UP polls. People have decided to celebrate Holi on March 10 itself," he added. PTI
17:34 Modi dislikes dynasties. But he dislikes BJP losing elections even more
Modi is right, dynasty is one of the biggest evils in Indian politics. So, why is he nuancing his approach? Read Vir Sanghvi's column here.
17:16 India's food grain production since 2007
India is not dependent on imports of food grain anymore.
17:14 The big losers at the markets today
Equity benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty ended lower for a second day on Thursday after a volatile trade triggered by a selloff in banking shares. After oscillating over 700 points between gains and losses during the day, the 30-share BSE Sensex finally ended 104.67 points or 0.18 per cent lower at 57,892 points.
17:11 No immediate evacuation plans from Ukraine: MEA
MEA on Ukraine situation: "When we issue an advisory, we take on board developments that are happening as well as our assessment of how we can assist our citizens there.
"Our focus is and remains on Indian citizens, Indian students, Indian nationals rather than anything larger than that.
"India has no immediate evacuation plans, so don't have any special flights. However, there were limited number of flights under air bubble arrangements, restrictions on number of flights and passengers removed. Indian carriers being encouraged to operate chartered flights between India-Ukraine."
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has removed the restriction on the number of flights that can be operated between India and Ukraine under the bilateral air bubble arrangement to facilitate the travel of Indians from the eastern European country.
17:07 Beijing expresses concern over ban on Chinese apps in India
Beijing has expressed concerns over the ban on more than 220 Chinese mobile applications in India, saying it affected the Chinese companies' interests, reported Sputnik.
Chinese Commerce Ministry's spokesperson Gao Feng during a press briefing on Thursday said that the ban damages the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies.
"For a certain period of time, the relevant Indian departments have been taking several measures to put pressure on Chinese enterprises and related services in the country, which has seriously damaged the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies, with China expressing serious concern in this regard," said Gao.
He expressed hope that India would be able to take appropriate measures to maintain the positive dynamics of economic cooperation between the two countries, noting that bilateral trade increased by 43 per cent in 2021 in per year terms, reaching USD 125.7 billion, according to Sputnik.
It came after sources said on Monday that India will ban 54 more Chinese apps that pose a "threat" to India's security, informed sources on Monday.
Bill Gates with a minister in Pakistan
17:04 Bill Gates make his first-ever visit to Pakistan
Billionaire philanthropist and Bill Gates on his first-ever visit to Pakistan on Thursday called on Prime Minister Imran Khan and was briefed about efforts to tackle the coronavirus pandemic and eradicate poliovirus from the country.
Gates also exchanged views on the prevailing situation of COVID-19, state-run Radio Pakistan reported. Khan also hosted a luncheon in honour of Gates who is here on a day-long visit.
Gates attended a session of the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC), the top anti-coronavirus body and also met Planning Minister and NCOC Chief Asad Umar. According to a statement by the NCOC, the Microsoft founder was informed about the NCOC performance, the coronavirus situation in the country and the systematic efforts to control it through the non-pharmaceutical interventions.
He was also briefed about genome sequencing and coronavirus variants detected in Pakistan, the statement added.
"Gates appreciated Pakistan's success against COVID-19 despite resource constraints and introducing excellent initiatives and measures for public health safety," according to the statement.
Gates also talked about the pandemic and efforts to tackle it through vaccination. He took interest in various initiatives by the NCOC, particularly smart lockdown and micro-smart lockdown strategy enforcement measures and Pakistan's vaccine administration regime.
Umar later tweeted about hosting Gates at the NCOC. "(We) shared with him the work which has been done for covid response in Pakistan and the role played by @OfficialNcoc. Thanked him for the support provided by the @gatesfoundation."
Pic: Sahil Salvi
16:53 The technicolour Mr Lahiri
An artist paints legendary composer, singer and music director Bappi Lahiri at the Gurukul school of art at Lalbaug in Mumbai.
Bappi Lahiri, who enthralled Hindi cinema lovers with his disco-infused tunes in the 80s and 90s, was cremated in Mumbai in the presence of family, friends and industry colleagues on Thursday.
Lahiri, 69, died following multiple health issues on Tuesday night at the CritiCare Hospital in Juhu. Police had barricaded the lane of the singer's Juhu residence, Lahiri House, with nearly 15 cops present on the ground to manage the crowd.
Lahiri's mortal remains with the singer's trademark black sunglasses still intact were placed in an open truck, which was decorated with marigold and chrysanthemums flowers.
The singer-composer's pictures were placed in the front and the side of the truck with "Bhavpurna Shradhanjali" written on it.
Lahiri's family, including wife Chitrani, son Bappa and daughter Reema boarded the open truck along with other relatives. The truck was followed by a convoy of cars, including police vans and two ambulances.
16:45 Need to set aside political differences: Uddhav
Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday stressed on the need to set aside political differences while working for the welfare of people and development of the country.
His comments came in the wake of the ruling Maha Vikas Aghadi (comprising the Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress) and the opposition BJP in the state levelling charges of corruption and other allegations against each other in the last few days. Thackeray was speaking virtually after the inauguration of a water taxi service, linking Navi Mumbai to south Mumbai, and the Belapur jetty in the neighbouring township.
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbanand Sonowal flagged off the service via video conference.
Thackeray said the water taxi service is the first such facility in the country.
The first railway service had started between Mumbai and Thane and the network then expanded all over the country, he noted. "It is a known fact that what starts from Mumbai is emulated by the entire country," he said.
16:34 Now, Channi explains his 'bhaiyya' remark
Punjab CM Charanjit Singh Channi explains his remark: 'Don't let UP, Bihar ke bhaiya enter Punjab': "My statement is being misconstrued. All migrant workers who came to Punjab till date, have toiled and taken it on path to development. We have only love for them, nobody can change it.
"I was talking about people who come from outside and create disruptions here. Punjab is as much of the people of UP-Bihar, Rajasthan and elsewhere, who come here and work, as much as it is ours. So, it is not right to present it in any other manner."
16:07 Priyanka defends Channi's 'bhaiyya' remark
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra in Ludhiana, Punjab, responds to Punjab CM Charanjit Singh Channi's comment on 'bhaiyyas'. During a roadshow in Ropar, Channi said he "wont let UP, Bihar ke bhaiyya enter the state," as a laughing and clapping Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (Congress in-charge for UP) stood by him.
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra retorts to the criticism that Channi has faced since the remark went viral.
"All that CM Charanjit Channi said was that Punjab should be run by Punjabis. His statement was misconstrued. I don't think anyone from UP is interested in coming to Punjab and ruling.
"You (BJP) have insulted UP farmers, the way innocent farmers were killed by the son of your ministers...The PM is visiting Punjab only when elections are near, but not during farmers' protests. Inflation and unemployment is at a high.
"They (BJP and Aam Aadmi Party) are in Punjab only to fulfil their own desires. Channi Ji has clearly said that the state needs a strong and stable government that works for its people...I can see a Congress wave in Punjab."
File pic
16:01 Maha: Thermal power station worker killed in tiger attack
A 59-year-old contractual worker of the Chandrapur Super Thermal Power Station was killed in a tiger attack here in Maharashtra, an official said on Thursday.
Human-animal conflict in Chandrapur:
In the recent past, three to four tigers, as well as some leopards and bears were sighted in a jungle near the thermal power station here, according to sources.
On Wednesday night, the victim, Bhojraj Meshram, was returning from work when a tiger attacked him and dragged him into the jungle, range forest officer Rahul Karekar said. After being alerted, forest officials reached the spot. The body was later shifted to the civil hospital for postmortem.
The family of the deceased was given an initial compensation of Rs 20,000 (out of the total Rs 15 lakh), the official said. The remaining compensation will be paid after completion of the due formalities, he added.
On Tuesday, a tiger was spotted by some people near the thermal power plant, triggering panic among its workers. -- PTI
15:57 Karnataka govt lifts mandate on RT-PCR report for travellers
The government of Karnataka discontinues the mandate of carrying RT-PCR negative test report for those arriving from Goa and Kerala. Travellers from these states will have to present their full vaccination certificates.
To reiterate, Covid testing is down, which does not mean Covid infections are down. Possibly the contrary, so do not drop your guard.
15:47 Channi is like a commander without an army: Rajnath
Referring to the "infighting within the Congress party" in Punjab, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday took a dig at Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi and said that he is like a Commander without an army.
Addressing a rally in Amritsar, Singh said, "I see the Chief Minister of Punjab. Ye to bina sainiko wale senapati hain (He is like a Commander without army). He has become the Senapati (Chief Minister), but he does not have any army. But Congress is fighting within itself."
The Defence Minister further said that there are two batters in Congress fighting for the same crease and both of them are certain to get out (in the language of Cricket)."You know there are two batters in the Congress party at the moment. Both of them want to bat together. None of them wants to be the non-striker. Both batters are fighting on one crease. So, it is certain that they will get out. Nobody can prevent it," he said. -- PTI
15:23 Caulk made us baulk
Yesterday's Worldle word, Caulk, had many stumped and annoyed that the NYT choose a word that wasn't familiar to most. In fact, Wordle fans said the difficulty level had moved from Std X vocabulary to wordsmith Shashi Tharoor's vocabulary.
This thread on Twitter...
Barkha Dutt on tripping over caulk: "Level 1:The number of us baulking at caulk. Lol. @ShashiTharoor - tell me even you did not know the meaning?"
To which, writer Amitabh Mattoo replies, "Level 2: Well my mother guessed it and knew the meaning. Old School, Barka!"
And finally, Shashi Tharoor slays it with his reply and this screenshot of his Wordle grid yesterday: "@ShashiTharoorLevel 2: What was the fuss about @BDUTT ?"
15:17 Report on India's Covid deaths inaccurate: Centre
The government of India slams as fake, a report that said India's Covid death rate is higher than what the government figures state.
"There have been some media reports based on a published research paper alleging that mortality due to Covid-19 in India is much higher than the official count and actual numbers have been undercounted... These reports are fallacious and completely inaccurate," the Centre said.
"India has a robust system of recording Covid-19 deaths based on a statutory framework. Transparency has been maintained in regularly updating Covid-19 deaths," the Centre said.
Indias actual Covid-19 toll could be six times the reported figure, with a study published in the Science journal on Thursday estimating it to be 3.2 million. A total of 483,178 Covid-19 deaths have been officially recorded so far since the pandemic began.
The study was conducted by researchers from India, Canada, and the US, including Dr Prabhat Jha from the Centre for Global Health Research at the University of Toronto and Dr Paul Novosad from the department of economics at Dartmouth College.
"Indias official cumulative Covid death count of 0.48 million implies a Covid death rate of approximately 345/ million population, about one-seventh of the US death rate. Indias reported Covid death totals are widely believed to be under-reports because of incomplete certification of Covid deaths and misattribution to chronic diseases and because most deaths occur in rural areas, often without medical attention, the study states.
14:57 Dhankhar urges Mamata to provide information sought at earliest
West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar has urged Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to provide information sought by him on various issues at the earliest.
Dhankhar, who has been at loggerheads with the TMC government, claimed that his queries have not been responded to.
He had on February 15 urged Banerjee to visit him at Raj Bhavan during the week ahead to discuss several issues to avert a "constitutional stalemate".
The governor, however, said that he has not received any response from her so far.
"Hon'ble CM Mamata Banerjee has been urged to make it convenient for an interaction at Raj Bhavan anytime during the week ahead as lack of response to issues flagged has potential to lead to constitutional stalemate which we both are ordained by our oath to avert.
"Impressed upon Hon'ble CM Mamata Banerjee that 'Dialogue, discussion and deliberation, particularly amongst constitutional functionaries, like the Chief Minister and the Governor, are quintessential to democracy and inseparable part of constitutional governance'," he said in a series of tweets on Thursday.
Dhankhar urged Banerjee to respond to all issues flagged thus far by him at the earliest. "There has been no response, now for long, to issues legitimately flagged," he said in a letter to Banerjee dated February 15, a copy of which was attached to the tweet.
He said it was the chief minister's constitutional duty under Article 167 to impart information to the governor. PTI
14:51 Mulayam Singh campaigns in Mainpuri
Samajwadi Party founder-patron and MP Mulayam Singh Yadav campaigns in Mainpuri. "Farmers, youth and businessman will make India strong. A huge number of people are present here in the rally, I assure you we will work for development," Mulayam Singh said.
Priyanka Gandhi and the Punjab CM campaign in Ropar
14:41 Appalling! Nitish on Channi's bhaiyya comment
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday lambasted Punjab CM Charanjit Singh Channi over his remarks on "bhaiyyas" (migrants), calling it appalling.
Talking to reporters, Kumar sought to know if Channi was unaware how much people of Bihar have served Punjab.
"This is nonsense. I am appalled at how people can say such things. Does he (Channi) not know how many people from Bihar live there (in Punjab) and how much they have served that land," he said.
Kumar, however, ducked queries about criticisms aimed at Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra whom the BJP, his ally, has accused of having egged on Channi.
Channi courted controversy during a rally in poll-bound Punjab by asking people not to let the "bhaiyyas" of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Delhi enter the state.
In a video that went viral on social media, Vadra was seen beside Channi clapping when he made the remarks during a roadshow in Rupnagar on Tuesday.
"Priyanka Gandhi is the daughter-in-law of Punjab. Will not let the 'Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Delhi de bhaiyye', who have come here to rule, enter the state," Channi said, a remark apparently aimed at AAP leaders.
The comment has drawn sharp criticism from the opposition BJP, Akali Dal and the AAP. AAP national convener and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal termed the comment "very shameful". -- PTI
14:40 PM couldn't travel 5 km to meet farmers: Priyanka
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra in Pathankot:
"Punjabiyat is the sense that doesn't bow down before anyone but the almighty. Out of all the political parties that come before you and talk about Paunjabiyat, one has already bowed down before its industrialist friends.
"PM came to Pathankot yesterday for the polls, but he couldn't travel 5-6 km from his residence to meet farmers. He made the farmers agitate for 1 year. He visited the US, Canada, travelled all over the world, and bought two Rs 16,000 crores-worth choppers for himself.
"He didn't pay the outstanding amount of Rs 14,000 crores of sugarcane farmers. Not even once did he meet the agitating farmers... Instead, son of his minister mowed down six farmers with his vehicle."
14:11 Indian startup earns a million dollars by finding bugs for Google, Apple
A young man's Startup from Indore turned into a million-dollar company by finding bugs in the applications made by Google, Samsung, and Apple. Aman Pandey started his company "Bugsmirror" after he was paid Rs 70,000 by Google for finding a bug in one of their applications in 2019, while he was still studying.
Speaking to ANI, Aman said, "I along with the Co-founder of "Bugsmirror", Manas, have found more than 600 bugs in various applications of Google, and the company has paid us crores of rupees in return. We have also found bugs in the applications of companies like Samsung and Apple." Pandey said that his company is now getting businesses from Indian companies as well now.
"Till now we had only international clients but now Indian customers are also coming to us for security audits of their products," he said.
The Startup has 15 employees, including two founders. -- ANI
14:03 SC sets aside HC order on quota in pvt sector jobs for Haryana residents
The Supreme Court on Thursday set aside a Punjab and Haryana High Court order granting an interim stay on a Haryana law providing 75 per cent quota in private sector jobs for residents of the state.
A bench of justices L Nageswara Rao and Pamidighantam Sri Narasimha also directed the Haryana government not to take coercive action against employers.
"We do not intend to deal with merits of matter as we propose to request the high court to decide expeditiously and not later than four weeks. Parties are directed not to seek adjournment and be present before court for fixing the schedule for hearing.
"Haryana is directed not to take coercive action against employers. The impugned order passed by the high court is set aside as the high court has not given sufficient reasons for staying the legislation," the bench said.
At the outset, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Haryana government, informed the bench that similar laws have been passed in four states Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, Maharashtra and Haryana.
The bench then asked Mehta what his instructions were as it had earlier sought to know whether parties concerned are agreeable that cases pertaining to quota in the private sector on the basis of domicile be considered together.
"Do you want us to transfer all the pending cases back here? Should we decide or decide on the stay and send the matter back to the high court," the bench asked.
The solicitor general suggested that the top court should examine the issue and meanwhile the Punjab and Haryana High Court order should be stayed. He said the law only applies to those who get a salary less than Rs 30,000 and it is not for high-paid jobs.
He submitted that the Haryana State Employment of Local Candidates Act, 2020 was a means to regulate migrants from settling in other states. Mehta referred to several judgements in which it has been held that there is presumption of legality of statute and it not stayed unless prima facie illegal.
"We are only concerned with employment as we have migrant labour of over four crore in this country. We are first concerned with livelihood," the bench said. -- PTI
13:21 Hijab row: 60 students go home from Udupi college
Around 60 final year students of the government G Shankar memorial women's first grade degree college in Udupi on Thursday returned home after they were told to take off their hijabs by college authorities.
Though the Muslim students argued with the authorities saying the chief minister has clarified that uniforms are not mandatory in degree colleges, the authorities said it is the college development committee that fixed the rules.
The girls, who insisted that they will not attend classes without the headscarves, said hijab and education are important to them.
They also wanted the college committee to give in writing if the state government has decided to introduce dress code in degree colleges. A girl student who talked to reporters said the CM has made clear that hijab rule is not enforced in degree colleges.
"When we asked about it, they say only college committee's decision applies here," she said.
She said hijab is part of their lives and they have been wearing it all along to classes. "It cannot be removed when someone suddenly asks you to do it. We have asked the college to hold online classes for us," the student said.
The students said they will not attend physical classes till the High Court takes a decision on the issue. Classes are being conducted smoothly in the college. Police force has been deployed in the college premises to check any untoward incident. -- PTI
13:05 Disco King Bappi Lahiri cremated
Singer-composer Bappi Lahiri, who enthralled Hindi cinema lovers with his disco-infused tunes in the 80s and 90s, was cremated here in the presence of family, friends and industry colleagues on Thursday.
Lahiri, 69, died following multiple health issues on Tuesday night at the CritiCare Hospital in Juhu. Police had barricaded the lane of the singer's Juhu residence, Lahiri House, with nearly 15 cops present on the ground to manage the crowd.
Lahiri's mortal remainswith the singer's trademark black sunglasses still intactwere placed in an open truck, which was decorated with marigold and chrysanthemums flowers.
The singer-composer's pictures were placed in the front and the side of the truck with "Bhavpurna Shradhanjali" written on it. Lahiri's family, including wife Chitrani, son Bappa and daughter Reema boarded the open truck along with other relatives.
The truck was followed by a convoy of cars, including police vans and two ambulances.
The distance of 10 minutes from his residence to the Vile Parle's Pawan Hans Crematorium was covered in nearly an hour, as the lorry made its way amidst fans and family members.
Bappa, who reached Mumbai from the US with his family around 3 am on Thursday, performed the last rites, often breaking down during the rituals. At the cremation, daughter Reema seemed inconsolable.
From the film industry, actors Vidya Balan, Shakti Kapoor, Roopali Ganguly, Deb Mukherjee, singers Udit Narayan, Shaan, Abhijeet Bhattacharya, Mika Singh, producer Bhushan Kumar, filmmaker KC Bokadia, who had worked with the composer in his 1990 Amitabh Bachchan starrer "Aaj Ka Arjun", attended the cremation. -- PTI
12:42 Relationships don't improve with hugs: Manmohan
Former PM, Congress leader and the man responsible for India's economic renaissance, Dr Manmohan Singh speaks on the Punjab Assembly election:
"People are remembering our (Congress) good work. They (BJP) tried to dishonour Punjab CM and people of the state over the security issue of PM Modi. Rich people are getting richer while the poor people are getting poorer.
"They (BJP-led govt) have no understanding of economic policy. The issue is not limited to the nation. This govt has also failed on foreign policy. China is sitting at our border and efforts are being made to suppress it.
"Relationships do not improve by giving hugs to politicians, or by going to eat biryani without invitation. Their (BJP govt's) nationalism is based on the Britain's divide and rule policy. Constitutional institutions are being weakened."
12:37 Covid linked with increased risk of mental health disorders: Study
Covid-19 is associated with an increased risk of mental health disorders, including anxiety, depression, substance use, and sleep disorders, up to one year after the viral infection, according to a US study.
The findings, published in The BMJ on Wednesday, suggest that tackling mental health disorders among survivors of Covid-19 should be a priority. More than 403 million people globally and 77 million in the US have been infected with the virus since the pandemic started.
"To put this in perspective, Covid-19 infections likely have contributed to more than 14.8 million new cases of mental health disorders worldwide and 2.8 million in the U.S," said senior author of the study Ziyad Al-Aly, referring to data from the study.
"Our calculations do not account for the untold number of people, likely in the millions, who suffer in silence due to mental health stigma or a lack of resources or support," Al-Aly, a clinical epidemiologist at Washington University, said.
The researchers used data from the US Department of Veterans Affairs national healthcare databases to estimate the risks of mental health outcomes in people who survived at least 30 days after a positive PCR test result between March 2020 and January 2021.
They compared mental health outcomes in the COVID-19 dataset with two other groups of people not infected with the virus: a control group of more than 5.6 million patients who did not have COVID-19 during the same time frame; and a control group of over 5.8 million patients from March 2018 through January 2019, well before the pandemic began. The majority of study participants were older white males.
However, because of its large size, the study included more than 1.3 million females, more than 2.1 million Black participants, and large numbers of people of various ages.
The COVID-19 group was further divided into those who were or were not admitted to hospital during the acute phase of infection. Information was also collected on potentially influential factors including age, race, sex, lifestyle, and medical history.
The researchers then followed all three groups for one year to estimate the risks of prespecified mental health outcomes, including anxiety, depression and stress disorders, substance use disorders, neurocognitive decline, and sleep disorders.
Compared with the non-infected control group, people with COVID-19 showed a 60 per cent higher risk of any mental health diagnosis or prescription at one year. -- PTI
12:10 I-T dept raids former NSE MD Chitra Ramkrishna
The Income Tax Department on Thursday raided premises linked to former NSE MD and CEO Chitra Ramkrishna in Mumbai as part of a tax evasion investigation against her and others, official sources said.
Ramkrishna is in the news after a recent Sebi order said she was steered by a yogi, dwelling in the Himalayan ranges, in the appointment of Anand Subramanian as the exchange's group operating officer and advisor to the managing director (MD).
Officials said the searches are aimed to check charges of tax evasion and financial irregularities against her and others.
Apart from this, the order said, Ramkrishna had shared certain internal confidential information, including financial and business plans of NSE, dividend scenario and financial results, with the yogi and even consulted him over the performance appraisals of the exchange's employees. Ramkrishna was MD and CEO of NSE from April, 2013 to December, 2016. -- PTI
11:50 Did Savarkar influence Godse on women?
Nathuram Godse's choice fitted with the Hindutva world view in which the assertion of masculinity, power and virility occupied the central position.
His close association with Savarkar seems only to have sharpened his uncompromising views on women.
A revealing excerpt from Dhirendra K Jha's Gandhi's Assassin: The Making Of Nathuram Godse And His Idea Of India.
11:45 'My India', Rahul tweets pic of schoolgirls
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi tweets on the hijab row with this picture of schoolgirls in Udupi, Karnataka.
"United we stand.
My India," Gandhi said.
ST Siddalingappa, Additional SP, Udupi, said, "There is no tension in Udupi. The situation is 100% peaceful. We're executing the High Court's (interim) order."
The Karnataka high court, in its interim order pending consideration of all petitions related to the hijab row, last week, had requested the state government to reopen educational institutions and restrained all the students from wearing saffron shawls, scarves, hijab and any religious flag within the classroom.
For Rahul Gandhi's Congress party, it's one loss after another after several senior leaders have quit in the last 10 days, including RPN Singh and Ashwani Kumar. Several of its leaders in Punjab have also joined the AAP.
11:34 Despite recent peace moves, Ukraine situation is uncertain
Though war hysteria has been dialled down, differences between Russia and NATO remain. India's moderate stance has been commendable, writes MK Bhadrakumar. Read the column here.
Ukrainian Armed Forces drive a tank during exercises in the Kharkiv region
11:31 India removes curbs on flights to Ukraine
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has removed the curbs on the number of flights operated between India and Ukraine under the bilateral air bubble arrangement to facilitate travel of Indians from the eastern European nation
Amid the prevailing situation in Ukraine with Russia, India has advised its citizens to temporarily leave Ukraine.
The ministry has removed the restrictions on the number of flights and seats between India and Ukraine under the air bubble arrangement.
Any number of flights including chartered flights can be operated between the two countries, the official said on Thursday.
The official said that Indian carriers have been asked to look at having flights to Ukraine due to the increase in demand, adding that the ministry is coordinating with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) regarding the flight services.
On Wednesday, Indian embassy in Kyiv said more flights are being planned in the near future to meet the additional demand. "The embassy of India has been receiving several appeals about non-availability of flights from Ukraine to India.
In this regard, students are advised not to resort to panic, but book the earliest available and convenient flights to travel to India," it had said in a statement. It had also said the Ukrainian International Airlines, Air Arabia, Fly Dubai and Qatar Airways are operating flights at present from Ukraine.
11:25 Bappi Lahiri's funeral procession heads to crematorium
Funeral procession of legendary singer and music composer Bappi Lahiri is on the way to the Vile Parle crematorium in Mumbai where his last rites will be performed.
11:01 3 Cong leaders join AAP in Punjab
Another big blow for the Congress party in Punjab days ahead of the Assembly polls.
As many as three leaders of the party's Amritsar unit joined the Aam Aadmi Party on Thursday.
Priyanka Sharma, Mandeep Ahuja and Gurjeet Kaur joined the AAP in the presence of party leader Manish Sisodia.
Notably, the Mayor of Amritsar, Karamjit Singh Rintu, had joined the Aam Aadmi Party yesterday.
10:45 DU colleges reopen, students back after 2 years
Colleges in the city reopened on Thursday after being shut for almost two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with students saying that they are excited to be back on campus.
The Vishwavidyalaya Metro Station, near the Delhi University, was jampacked as a large number students made their way to colleges in the north campus.
Gajendra Mohan Thakur, a 26-year-old Campus Law Centre student, said, "I am excited to go back to the campus. The university was shut for around two years. The online mode of study was not efficient enough to substitute the offline mode of education. It is a time to reclaim our lost years."
Delhi University colleges were closed in March 2020 following the outbreak of the coronavirus infection.
"There has been drastic changes in lives of students, with particular emphasis on online classes, but now, when lives are coming back on track, we students are super excited to join offline classes as it provides a whole new bunch of opportunities and exposure to shape our future", Kalyani Harbola, a first-year student, said.
"Offline classes also provide a better platform for student-teacher interaction and better learning," Harbola said.
Student bodies held protests earlier this month, demanding the reopening of the campus.
The decision to reopen the institutions came after a decline in the number of COVID-19 cases in the national capital. Delhi reported 766 COVID-19 cases along with five fatalities, while the positivity rate declined to 1.37 per cent, according to data shared by the Health Department here on Wednesday. -- PTI
Still no booster doses for the below 60 age group
10:26 India logs 30,757 fresh COVID infections, 541 deaths in past 24 hours
India reports 30,757 fresh Covid cases, 541 deaths, and 67,538 recoveries in the last 24 hours.
Active case: 3,32,918
Daily positivity rate: 2.61%
Total recoveries: 4,19,10,984
Total vaccination: 1,74,24,36,288
Before you think 'Covid has gone' remember: Covid tests have dropped drastically. If you don't know you had Covid and thought it was a viral flu, the numbers will stay down.
10:19 'Babu, don't worry. The Army has come'
Babu R was trapped in a mountain gorge without food or water for two days till the Indian Army rescued him in a daring mission.
Archana Masih/Rediff.com recounts what transpired during Operation Palakkad, a daring military mission that stunned the nation.
Read the heartwarming story here.
10:15 The well of death
Visuals from the spot where 13 women lost their lives during a wedding event last night at Kushinagar.
On Wednesday night, the pre-wedding ritual of "haldi" was being performed. Some women and children were sitting on the iron grille covering the well when it suddenly broke and they fell into the well, District Magistrate S Rajalingam said.
At least 10 people were also injured in the incident at the village under the Nebua Naurangiya police station area, he said, adding that they have been hospitalised.
Amitabh in 'Namak Halaal'
10:05 His songs for my films shall remain eternal: Amitabh on Bappi Lahiri
Megastar Amitabh Bachchan on Thursday mourned the death of Bappi Lahiri and said the songs the singer-composer gave for his films are remembered with joy even after decades.
The 69-year-old musician, who passed away at a Mumbai hospital on Tuesday night, had composed several chartbusters for Bachchan for films like Namak Halaal (1982) and Sharaabi (1984).
Their hit film tracks include Pag Ghungroo Bandh, Thodi Si Jo Pee Li Hai, Aaj Rapat Jaye To, Jahan Chaar Yaar, De De Pyar De, Inteha Ho Gayi Intezar Ki and Raat Baaki, Baat Baaki.
The 79-year-old megastar remembered the composer on his blog, saying that he was "shocked and surprised" by Lahiri's demise.
"Bappi Lahiri .. music director extraordinaire passes away .. shocked and surprised and in the misery of these tragic events of 'passing' in the rapid succession of times ..
"His songs of films with me are and shall I believe remain eternal .. they are played hummed sung along in these modern generation times with alacrity and rejoice," he wrote.
Bachchan wrote Lahiri had a remarkable "sense of success" and recalled a conversation with him at London's Heathrow airport on their way back to Mumbai.
"'Your this film is going to be very successful and the song I just gave, shall be remembered for ages'. He was right... and learning the graphs of some, at his modest home, in rehearsal, an even greater experience. Slowly they all leave us," he added.
Lahiri last scored for Bachchan's 1990 crime drama Aaj Ka Arjun, which featured the chartbuster Gori Hai Kalaiyaan, Tu Laade Mujhe Hari Hari Choodiyaan.
09:32 Singapore PM invokes Nehru to argue how democracy should work during a parliamentary debate
Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong invoked India's first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru while arguing how democracy should work in the city-state during a passionate debate in Parliament.
"Most countries are founded and start off on the basis of high ideals and noble values. But more often than not, beyond the founding leaders and the pioneer generation, over decades and generations, gradually things change," Lee said on Tuesday during the debate on the Committee of Privileges' report on complaints about untruths told by former Workers' Party lawmaker Raeesah Khan.
"Things start off with passionate intensity. The leaders, who fought for and won independence, are often exceptional individuals of great courage, immense culture, and outstanding ability. They came through the crucible of fire and emerged as leaders of men and nations. They are the David Ben-Gurions, the Jawaharlal Nehrus, and we have our own too," he said.
Imbued with enormous personal prestige, they strive to meet the high expectations of their peoples to build a brave new world, and shape a new future for their peoples, and for their countries. But beyond that initial fervour, succeeding generations often find it hard to sustain this momentum and drive, Lee said.
The texture of politics changes, respect for politicians declines. After a while, the electorate comes to think this is the norm, and you cannot expect better. So, standards get debased, trust is eroded, and the country declines further, the prime minister said.
"Many political systems today would be quite unrecognisable to their founding leaders. Ben-Gurion's Israel has morphed into one which can barely form a government, despite four general elections in two years. Meanwhile, a stream of senior politicians and officials in Israel face a litany of criminal charges, some have gone to jail.
"While Nehru's India has become one where, according to media reports, almost half the MPs in the Lok Sabha have criminal charges pending against them, including charges of rape and murder. Though it is also said that many of these allegations are politically motivated," Lee said.
The 70-year-old prime minister said each succeeding generation must protect and build upon the system that Singapore has inherited.
"This requires us to uphold integrity, enforce rules and standards, apply the same rules equally to everyone, make sure nobody is above the law. If we can do that -- consistently, persistently, unflinchingly -- then we have a shot at making things work. People can trust our leaders, our systems, and our institutions. -- PTI
09:24 13 killed after falling into well at wedding in UP
Thirteen women and children, all girls, died after falling into a well while performing a marriage ritual in Uttar Pradesh's Kushinagar district, police said on Thursday.
The incident, in which at least 10 people were also injured, took place at Naurangiya Tola village when an iron grille, they were sitting on, broke, they said.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have expressed grief over the incident.
On Wednesday night, the pre-wedding ritual of "haldi" was being performed. Some women and children were sitting on the iron grille and it suddenly broke and fell into the well, District Magistrate S Rajalingam said.
At least 10 people were also injured in the incident at the village under the Nebua Naurangiya police station area, he said, adding that they have been hospitalised.
According to information received so far, 13 people have died -- Pooja (19), Shashi Kala (15), Shakuntala (35), Mamta Devi (35), Meera (25), Pooja (20), Pari (1), Jyoti (15), Radhika (16), Sundari (15), Aarti (10), Pappi (20) and Manu (18), officials said.
They said that an assistance of Rs 4 lakh will be to the family of each the deceased.
The bodies have been sent for post-mortem and the case is being investigated, Rajalingam said.
Condoling the loss of lives, Prime Minister Mod described the incident as heart-rending.
He extended his condolences to the families of victims and wished a quick recovery for the injured. The local administration is offering all possible help, Modi said in a tweet. -- PTI
08:14 Russian invasion of Ukraine can happen anytime now: US
A Russian invasion of Ukraine can happen anytime now, the White House said Wednesday as President Joe Biden announced plans to dispatch Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of State Tony Blinken to attend the Munich conference to meet world leaders and unite them against Moscow.
White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki anticipated that an attack could take place at any time.
"We are in the window where we believe an attack could come at any time, and that would be preceded by a fabricated pretext that the Russians use as an excuse to launch an invasion," Psaki told reporters at her daily news conference.
"We have talked about this a bit here, we've seen these tactics used in the past. Those could include but not be limited to the report you just referenced, claims of provocation in Donbass, false state media reports, which I think you should all, everybody should keep their eyes open and be aware of potentially fake videos and accusations about chemical weapons or accounts of attacks on Russian soldiers that have not actually occurred," she said.
In response to a question, Psaki told the reporters that there could be a range of false flags and pretexts that would proceed to an invasion. "And again, we remain in that window."
Both Harris and Blinken are now flying to Germany to attend the Munich security conference from February 18 to 20.
"She will build on the President's and the national security team's intensive engagement with European allies and partners and continue to emphasize with our partners our ironclad commitment to our NATO allies, underscore our commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and reaffirm our shared interest in upholding the principles that have underpinned European peace and security," Psaki said.
"She'll be participating in the formal programme of the conference as well as engaging with allies and partners and meeting with leaders on the margins," the press secretary said.
The Kremlin has repeatedly denied it has plans to attack Ukraine but demanded that NATO never admit Ukraine and other ex-Soviet nations as members and the military alliance roll back troop deployments in former Soviet bloc nations.
00:21 Delhi govt gets 5500 citizen ideas for budget
From investor-entrepreneur programmes for small traders on the lines of 'business blasters' to the promotion of e-bikes, the national capital's residents have sent an array of suggestions for Delhi's budget for the 2022-23 fiscal year.
The Delhi government, which sought public responses for its Swaraj Budget, received 5,500 suggestions till Tuesday, which was the last day of submissions.
According to officials, a resident, impressed by the education system developed by the AAP government, called for a similar facility for adults too.
"They say that with the Delhi government having developed infrastructure and a variety of curriculums for schools, adults could benefit from the same as well. They have pitched for life-long learning as a fabric for development and progress, and asked for evening classes for adults in these schools," said an official.
A city-based journalist sought the development of 'mohalla libraries' on the lines of 'mohalla clinics' and said such a system can vastly help those who live in densely-populated areas and do not have privacy to study.
Another resident suggested entrepreneur-investor conclaves and programmes for small businesses on the lines of 'business blasters'.
A resident called for a policy to mandate electric vehicles for porters and couriers.
According to him, porters and transport work at a large-scale, from wholesale to retail markets, and such a system could be covered by EVs easily.
"Similarly, another resident called for cheaper parking for electric vehicles, suggesting the move may further incentivise people to adopt the greener mode of transport. A young student has suggested that e-bikes be promoted in Delhi by putting up e-bike rental points near educational institutes and crowded colonies," the official said.
Other innovative responses suggest the concept of small-scale community solar power plants, localised biogas plants and sewage treatment plants, use of treated water for irrigation of parks and e-waste collection from doorsteps. -- PTI
TOP STORIES
© 2024 Rediff.com - Investor Information - Advertise with us - Disclaimer - Privacy Policy - Feedback - About us - Terms of use - Grievances