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Mon, 23 May 2022
Sheikh Abdullah dropped from JK police medals
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23:50 HC stays case against K'taka MLA for breaking Covid rules
The high court of Karnataka on Monday stayed the proceedings in the case filed against Kunigal MLA Dr H D Ranganath for allegedly breaking COVID-19 rules.
The Kunigal police had initiated proceedings against Ranganath and 12 others for breaking the standard operating procedures in place on June 19, 2021, and assembling before the police station.
Ranganath, a medical practitioner, in his petition before the high court, submitted that he had gone to the station to disperse over 200 people who had gathered there to protest against the alleged police inaction in an accident case in which a person had died.
The orthopaedic surgeon and others were booked under the Karnataka Epidemic Diseases Act 2020.
The court stayed further proceedings in the case and issued notices to the respondents. -- PTI
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23:48 Sheikh Abdullah dropped from JK police medals
The Jammu and Kashmir government on Monday announced that the image of National Conference founder and former chief minister 'Sher-i-Kashmir' Sheikh Abdullah embossed on the J&K police medals for gallantry and meritorious service will be replaced with the national emblem.
An order to this effect was issued by the home department.
The government had earlier renamed Sher-i-Kashmir police medals' as Jammu and Kashmir police medals'.
"It is hereby ordered that in modification to the Para 4 of the Jammu & Kashmir Police Medal Scheme, the Sher-i-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah embossed on one side of the medal shall be replaced with the National Emblem of Government of India and the other side inscribed with the J&K state emblem shall be inscribed as Jammu and Kashmir Police Medal for Gallantry' and Jammu and Kashmir police medal for meritorious service' in case of gallantry/meritorious medal, as the case may be, financial commissioner and additional chief secretary Raj Kumar Goyal said in the latest order.
In another order issued on January 25, the general administration department had said the nomenclature of Sher-i-Kashmir police medals' has been changed to Jammu and Kashmir police medals'.
The January order came days after the government cancelled holiday on the birth anniversary of Sheikh Abdullah, popularly known as Sher-i-Kashmir'. -- PTI
23:30 Modi says goals set up by his govt are ambitious and challenging
Prime Minister Narendra Modi told the Indian community members on Monday that the goals set up by his government are ambitious and challenging but the teachings and values he has received have helped him develop a habit to face challenges with great courage.
Addressing the Indian diaspora here on the first day of his two-day visit to Tokyo, Modi said India is on its way to preparing a roadmap to achieve the ambitious goals as the country enters into the Amrit Kaal.
"Mujhe makkhan par lakeer karne mein maza nahi aata hain, main patthar par lakeer karta hoon (I do not enjoy drawing a line on butter, I enjoy drawing a line on stone)," he told the cheering crowd.
Modi said the goals set up by his government are very ambitious and challenging but the teachings and values he has received have helped him develop a habit to face challenges with great courage.
He also highlighted the various socio-economic developments and reform initiatives in India in recent years, particularly in the domains of infrastructure, governance, green growth, digital revolution.
Modi thanked the Indian community in Japan for their warm reception.
22:53 JD-U's Anil Hegde elected unopposed to Rajya Sabha
Janata Dal-United leader Anil Hegde was on Monday declared elected unopposed to the Rajya Sabha from Bihar in a by-poll which was necessitated by the death of a party MP.
Hegde collected his winner's certificate from the assembly premises and drove straight to the residence of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to thank the party's de facto leader who sprang a surprise by choosing the top-ranking but low key office bearer for a Rajya Sabha ticket.
The by-election was necessitated by the death of Mahendra Prasad in December last year.
The tenure of Karnataka-born Hegde, who was introduced to Kumar by the late George Fernandes, himself a Kannadiga who made Bihar his adoptive home, will continue till 2024.
Meanwhile, all eyes are now fixed on the five seats in the biennial polls in the state for which the process will be set in motion with issuing of notification on Tuesday.
Among the seats for which elections are due, two each are held by the JD-U and ally BJP while one was with the RJD.
However, on account of diminution in its strength in the assembly, the JD-U is likely to settle with just one seat this time, which will be the RJD's gain.
The primary claimant for the JD-U ticket is Union minister RCP Singh, whose term is about to expire.
A former UP cadre IAS officer who took voluntary retirement to enter politics, Singh has experienced a meteoric rise since his induction into the JD-U in 2010. -- PTI
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22:22 Delhi may be lashed by thunderstorms tonight
The national capital is likely to see another spell of thunderstorms and heavy rain on Monday night after the first bout early this morning brought in much-needed respite from the scorching sun and brought down the mercury by 11 degrees Celsius.
"Delhi is likely to witness another spell of thunderstorm and heavy rain on Monday night," the Indian meteorological department predicted.
Rains accompanied by strong winds lashed Delhi and the National Capital Region on Monday morning, leading to a sharp fall in temperature.
"Today, just from 5:40 am till 7 am, the temperature fell by 11 degrees Celsius, from 29 degrees Celsius to 18 degrees Celsius," the IMD said.
Rain and thundershowers also affected road and air traffic during the rush hours and brought down houses and trees at some places.
Power disruptions was reported in several parts.
Flight operations at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport were also affected in the morning due to the weather conditions.
The Met department has predicted that the maximum temperature in the city could remain below 40 degrees till May 26 and is likely to rise to 41 degree Celsius by May 28. -- ANI
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21:50 Mumbai reports 150 new coronavirus cases, zero death
Mumbai reported 150 new coronavirus cases on Monday, 63 less as compared to the previous day, but no death due to the infection was registered in the city, the civic body said.
With this, Mumbai's overall tally of COVID-19 cases rose to 10,63,058, while the death toll remained unchanged at 19,566, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation said in a bulletin.
On Sunday, the financial capital had logged 213 COVID-19 cases and zero fatalities.
The city's daily COVID-19 cases have surged to three digits this month after remaining under 100 for several weeks.
With 74 more patients getting recovered from the infection in the last 24 hours, their cumulative count increased to 10,42,122, the bulletin said.
Mumbai's active tally climbed to 1,370, while the case doubling rate dipped to 3,954 days and the growth rate of COVID-19 cases stood at 0.017 per cent between May 16 and 22, the BMC said.
The coronavirus recovery rate was 98 per cent, the bulletin said.
The number of tests conducted in the metropolis so far reached 1,70,71,921 with an addition of 5,173 tests in the last 24 hours, it said.
As per the bulletin, out of 150 new COVID-19 cases, only 6 patients were symptomatic and hospitalised, but none of them was on oxygen support, the bulletin said.
The civic body said only 43 of the 24,488 beds earmarked for COVID-19 patients are currently occupied in Mumbai.
The metropolis has been free of sealed buildings and containment zones for several weeks now. -- PTI
21:15 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2' mints over Rs 55 cr on opening weekend
Actors Kartik Aaryan and Kiara Advani-fronted horror comedy Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 has earned Rs 55.96 crore in three days, the makers said on Monday.
The film, a sequel to Akshay Kumar and Vidya Balan-starrer 2007 psychological horror comedy of the same name, released on Friday.
Bhool Bhulaiya 2 had an opening of Rs 14.11 crore, followed by an impressive Rs 18.34 crore on Saturday.
The film's Sunday collection of Rs 23.51 crore took its opening weekend collection to Rs 55.96 crore.
The film's success has ended the dry spell at the Bollywood box office, which saw only two other Hindi films doing impressive business -- Alia Bhatt's February release Gangubai Kathiawadi and The Kashmir Files, which opened in March.Produced by Bhushan Kumar and Murad Khetani, Bhool Bhulaiya 2 is directed by Anees Bazmee and also features Tabu. -- PTI
Vinai Kumar Saxena/Twitter
21:12 Vinai Kumar Saxena is new Lt Guv of Delhi
Vinai Kumar Saxena has been appointed as the new Lieutenant Governor of Delhi with effect from the date he assumes charge of his office, said a statement of the press secretary to the President on Monday.
The President has accepted the resignation of Anil Baijal as the lieutenant governor of Delhi, it said.
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20:54 Centre relaxes family pension rules for missing Central govt employees
In a major relief, the Centre on Monday relaxed family pension rules for missing central government employees, particularly those serving in militancy affected areas like Jammu and Kashmir, North-East as well as Maoist-prone pockets.
As per the new office memorandum, in all cases where a government servant covered by National Pension System goes missing during service, the benefits of the family pension will be immediately paid to the family of the employee and in case he re-appears and resumes service, the amount paid as family pension during the intervening time of his missing period can be accordingly deducted from his salary.
According to the earlier rule, the next of kin of an employee would not receive the family pension, if he went missing and the family pension would not be paid till he was declared dead in accordance with the law or till seven years had passed since he went missing.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh made the announcement on Monday.
Referring to the new OM of the department of pension in this regard, the minister said, this is going to provide huge relief, particularly in those regions where instances of government employees going missing are reported more frequently.
The changes in the pension rules were brought about following cases of abduction of central government employees working in violence-prone areas, said the minister, adding the move was taken "to instil confidence and to protect them and their family interests".
Minister informed that if a government servant covered by the CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972 goes missing, the benefits of arrears of salary, family pension, retirement gratuity and leave encashment are paid to the families of the missing employees in accordance with the instructions issued dated June 25, 2013. -- ANI
20:40 Lt Guv Sinha meets protesting Kashmiri Pandits
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday met with the agitating Kashmiri Pandits against the killing of Chadoora tehsil office employee Rahul Bhat in Budgam recently.
Bhat was shot dead by terrorists on May 12 inside the office in Kashmir.
"The LG assured us that he will look into our grievances," a local said.
The Kashmiri Pandit employees said that talks will continue and they demanded relocation to safe places outside the Kashmir Valley.
"We will not join duty until the demand is met. Protest will continue,' said the Kashmiri Pandit employees said after meeting Sinha. -- ANI
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20:06 Sarpanch's killers among 5 Lashkar terrorists nabbed in J-K
The Jammu and Kashmir police on Monday said they have arrested five 'hybrid' terrorists of the proscribed Lashkar-e-Tayiba outfit, three of whom were allegedly involved in the killing of a sarpanch in Baramulla district last month.
The arrests were made during separate police actions -- two of them were held with arms and ammunition in the Srinagar city on Monday, while the rest three from Baramulla.
'Hybrid' militants are those who are not listed as terrorists but are radicalised enough to carry out a terror strike and then slip back into the routine life.
Those arrested in Srinagar has been identified by the police as Aamir Mushtaq Ganai alias Mussa, a resident of Khan Colony Chanpora, and Ajlan Altaf Bhat, a resident of Butpora Chanpora.
"The Srinagar police arrested two local hybrid terrorists of proscribed terror outfit LeT/TRF. Incriminating materials, arms and ammunition, including 15 pistols, 30 magazines, 300 rounds and a silencer were recovered," Kashmir inspector general of police Vijay Kumar tweeted.
TRF or The Resistance Front is an offshoot of the LeT.
"It is a big success for the police," the IGP said, adding a case has been registered and an investigation was underway.
Later, a police spokesman said the arrests were made during a cordon and search operation in Chanpora area of the city.
A case has been registered under relevant sections of Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, Arms Act and Indian Penal Code, the spokesman said.
He said it came out in the initial examination that these weapons were sent by Pakistan-based handlers of LeT/TRF and they were to be used for targeting killing of civilians and security personnel in the Srinagar city.
The arrested duo was to distribute these pistols to other terrorists in Srinagar, the spokesman said.
Separately, Baramulla senior superintendent of police Rayees Mohammad Bhat told reporters in Pattan that three hybrid' terrorists of LeT have been arrested in connection with the killing of a sarpanch last month.
"On April 15, terrorists had fired upon Manzoor Ahmad Bangroo, sarpanch of Goshbugh B at Chanderhama orchards in Wussan area of Palhallan in Pattan and his body was recovered," Bhat said.
After the attack, searches were launched in the area by security forces and a case was also registered, he said. -- PTI
19:48 Rupee recovers from record lows to end 15 paise higher at 77.55 against USD
Rupee recovered from record lows and settled 15 paise higher at 77.55 (provisional) against the US dollar on Monday, supported by a weak greenback overseas.
At the interbank forex market, the domestic unit opened at 77.69 against the US dollar.
It moved in a range of 77.51 to 77.69 during the session.
The rupee finally snapped its three-session losing streak and closed at 77.55, registering a rise of 15 paise over its previous close.
On Friday, the rupee had settled at a record low of 77.70 against the American currency. -- PTI
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19:36 Govt scientist jumps to death from Shastri Bhavan
A 55-year-old scientist working with the ministry of electronics and Information Technology died after allegedly jumping-off from the seventh floor of the Shastri Bhawan in central Delhi on Monday, the police said.
The man has been identified as Rakesh Mallik, a resident of Peeragarhi in west Delhi, they said, adding that the body was found in front of gate number two of Shastri Bhawan which houses several Union government ministries.
Deputy commissioner of police (New Delhi) Amrutha Guguloth said, "Information was received regarding a person who had jumped from the Shastri Bhawan. When the local police reached at the spot, the man was identified as Rakesh Mallik."
"A team of officers from the Parliament Street police station and a crime team with ambulance reached the spot. Further enquiry is underway and legal action is being taken," the DCP added. -- PTI
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19:22 PM to lead main International Day of Yoga event at Mysuru
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the mass Yoga demonstration event in Mysuru on June 21 on the International Day of Yoga.
The programme is being held in the physical mode after a gap of two years due to the coronavirus pandemic.
As the country is celebrating the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, the day will be observed at 75 iconic locations across the country and will focus on branding India on a global scale, ayush minister Sarbananda Sonowal said.
A series of mega events are being planned in the run up to day with a 25-day countdown to observed in Hyderabad on May 27, wherein around 10,000 Yoga enthusiasts will participate in the Yoga demonstration.
The earlier mega countdown events were organised at Shivdol (50-day countdown on May 2) and at the Red Fort here (75-day countdown on April 7).
Apart from the main event at Mysuru, another attraction on June 21 this year will be the Guardian Ring -- a relay Yoga streaming event -- which will capture and weave together digital feed of International Day of Yoga programmes organised by Indian missions abroad.
The proposed plan is to initiate the streaming from Japan, the land of the rising sun, at 6 am local time, and it will culminate in New Zealand, Sonowal stated.
Around 70 countries are likely to participate in the relay event. Union ministers, film and sports personalities, Yoga experts and enthusiasts will be among those who will attend the event. -- PTI
18:57 BJP rule worse than that of Hitler, Stalin: Mamata
Alleging that the Union government was using central agencies to interfere into state affairs, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday said that the Bharatiya Janata Party-led dispensation was bulldozing the country's federal structure.
Banerjee, addressing a press meet here, claimed that the "saffron party rule was worse than that of Adolf Hitler, Joseph Stalin or Benito Mussolini".
She stated that central agencies "should be given autonomy" to protect democracy.
"The BJP-led central government is using the central agencies to interfere into the state's affairs. It is bulldozing the federal structure of the country. There is Tughlaqi rule in force," she said.
"The agencies must be granted autonomy and allowed to work impartially without any political interference," the CM added. -- PTI
18:40 Remove dargah from Telangana temple: BJP MLA
Bharatiya Janata Party MLA from Telangana, Raja Singh on Monday wrote to the Archaeological Survey of India and raised the issue of a dargah created in the temple premises in Jogulamba temple demanding the immediate removal of the non-Hindu religious construction.
In the letter, Singh stated that Jogulamba Temple is one of the old Hindu temples dedicated to Goddess Jogulamba, a form of Shakti located in Alampur of Jogulamba Gadwal district in Telangana.
"It is observed that, long back, a dargah appeared all of a sudden in the temple premises and a Kaman constructed overnight. But, there is no action initiated by the government departments for this illegal encroachment into the Hindu temple," the MLA said.
Further, he requested the ASI to remove the non-Hindu religious constructions from the ancient Jogulamba Shakti Peetham premises at the earliest as a token of respect for Hindus in secular India. -- ANI
17:58 Chinese fume over govt order to have more kids
As China faces a scenario of negative population growth, the government has started to force its citizens to marry early and have at least three children each.
The administration has also begun rolling out various contests as bait.
The stiff opposition to bearing children comes as most would-be parents claim they just cannot guarantee enough financial security to look after the wellbeing of their children as their own lives are so much under pressure due to forced quarantines and unending lockdowns.
The frustration of being forced to stay locked inside homes, food shortages, lack of income, rising prices, health problems, etc., have led to disillusionment among the country's people, the Hong Kong Post reported. It added that the Chinese government is beginning to realise that most of the citizens are agitated with the growing official pressure on them to produce more children.
According to China's National Bureau of Statistics, in the six-year period between 2013 and 2019, the number of Chinese marriages has nose-dived by 41 per cent, with only 7.6 million couples registered for marriage last year. This is the lowest figure in the last 36 years.
As a result, the birth rate of China has dropped to 7.5 births per 1000 people. Nine provinces and regions have registered negative population growth, the report added.
17:56 Sensex closes 38 points down in volatile session
The Indian stock markets key indices, Sensex and Nifty, closed in the red in a volatile session on Monday after the government announced a slew of fiscal measures on the weekend to ease inflationary pressure. The 30 stock S&P BSE Sensex closed 37.78 points or 0.07 per cent down at 54,288.61 points against its previous session's close at 54,326.39 points.
17:18 Gyanvapi: Varanasi court completes hearing, reserves decision
The Varanasi district court on Monday completed the hearing of arguments in the Kashi Vishwanath temple-Gyanvapi mosque case and reserved its decision until tomorrow. Varanasi Distinct Judge Dr AK Vishvesha heard a civil suit in the case.
"The hearing was completed and the decision has been kept reserved. The next date of hearing will be given. We had given an application to provide us with a CD and photographs of the report submitted by the commission," Advocate Vishnu Jain, representing the Hindu side told media persons.
Only 23 people, including 19 counsels and four petitioners, were allowed inside the courtroom during the hearing today, police said.
17:08 24 hrs on fire at Maharashtra paper mill rages on
Twenty-four hours on, the fire that broke out at a paper mill in Maharashtra is still not under control.
A massive fire broke out in a wood depot of a paper mill in the Ballarpur area on Sunday.
Police and fire service personnel rushed to the spot on getting the information. As many as 25 fire tenders were engaged in dousing the flames.
"Fire is still not under control. 25 fire tenders are engaged in dousing ops. The reason for the accident is yet to be ascertained," Ballarpur Tehsildar, Sanjay Rainchwar told ANI on Monday.
16:34 Love for India never fades: PM tells diaspora
With chants of "Modi Modi and Jai Shri Ram," PM Modi is welcomed by the Indian diaspora in Tokyo, Japan.
"Whenever I come to Japan, I get extreme love from the people here. Some of you have been staying in Japan for years and have adapted to the culture of this country. Still, the dedication toward Indian culture and language is ever-growing," PM Modi interacting with Indian diaspora in Tokyo.
"We Indians get attached to our 'Karmbhoomi' with all our hearts but the love for our 'Matribhoomi' never fades away. We cannot stay away from our motherland. This is one of our biggest strengths."
A poster from the film, Se7en
16:30 Man reaches police station after hacking nephew to death with an axe
A man on Monday in a village in Kannauj hacked his nephew to death with an axe and reached police station with the blood-stained murder weapon in his hands.
Like something out of the David Fincher film, Se7en...
The man, Suraj Pal, killed his nephew, Sunil, 32, attacking him with an axe during an argument, Superintendent of Police Prashant Verma said. "One Suraj Pal of Dariya village came to Saurikh Police Station on Monday.
He was holding a blood-stained axe and informed the police personnel that he had killed his nephew, one Sunil Kumar with it," he said.
Sunil worked as a labourer, and according to locals, his father Bhikam Singh is lodged in jail for killing his wife.
Bhikam Singh was recently admitted in a hospital in nearby Kanpur district by jail authorities after his health deteriorated. Suraj Pal had planned to visit Bhikham Singh in the hospital but Sunil was against it.
The two had an argument over the matter during which Pal attacked Sunil with an axe, police said.
Police recovered Sunil's body and sent it for a post mortem examination. An FIR has been lodged in the matter and police have arrested Pal, the SP said. PTI
16:05 Somaiya's wife sues Raut for Rs 100 cr
BJP leader Kirit Somaiya's wife Medha Somaiya on Monday filed a civil defamation suit against Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut and sought damages of Rs 100 crore in the wake of the latter accusing the couple of wrongdoing and being involved in a "toilet scam".
Medha Somaiya sought that the court direct Raut to either pay her Rs 100 crore or deposit the amount towards the Chief Minister's Relief Fund.
She said Raut had repeatedly made defamatory public statements against her and her husband, particularly about their alleged involvement in a "toilet scam worth Rs 100 crore."
She also sought that as an interim relief, Raut be restrained by the high court from making any public statements against her and her family members. The HC is yet to assign a date of hearing for the suit. -- PTI
Mourners at Kashmiri Pandit Rahul Bhatt's cremation
15:42 Hybrid terrorists who killed J-K sarpanch arrested
Three hybrid' terrorists of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) outfit have been arrested in connection with the killing of a sarpanch in Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir in April, police said on Monday.
"On April 15, terrorists had fired upon Manzoor Ahmad Bangroo, sarpanch of Goshbugh B at Chanderhama orchards in Wussan area of Palhallan in Pattan and his body was recovered, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Baramulla, Rayees Mohammad Bhat, told reporters in Pattan.
After the attack, searches were launched in the area by security forces and a case was also registered, he said.
"On the basis of various leads, investigation was vigorously pursued... After a lot of hardwork, we have been able to crack this conspiracy which went into the killing of the PRIs and soft targets," the SSP said.
He said three hybrid terrorists have been arrested who had been planning the conspiracy for about six to seven months. The current case has links to a grenade attack in Palhallan highway last year.
The main conspirator in that case was Mohammad Afzal of Barthipora, Naidkhai in Hanjin area of Bandipora. In this case as well, the links to Afzal have come forward. -- PTI
15:06 Ukraine, Indo-Pacific focus at Quad meet
Laying a long-term strategic groundwork to further solidify cooperation for a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific and delving into the implications of the Russian invasion of Ukraine are expected to be the central focus of the second in-person summit of Quad leaders in Tokyo on Tuesday.
The leaders of the Quad comprising India, the United States, Australia and Japan are set to demonstrate that the grouping is a "force for global good" and has a unifying commitment to a rules-based international order amid China's increasingly intimidatory behaviour.
The summit is taking place at a time when relations between China and the member countries of the Quad have become tense in the last few years with Beijing increasingly challenging democratic values and resorting to coercive trade practices.
At the summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to delve into India's perspective and vision for the Indo-Pacific as well as ways to boost cooperation in multiple domains including ensuring resilient supply chains.
In a statement, before he left for Japan on Sunday, Modi said the summit will provide an opportunity for the leaders to review the progress of the Quad initiatives and exchange views about developments in the Indo-Pacific region and global issues of mutual interest.
There have been indications that the four-nation grouping may further resolve to expand cooperation in areas of emerging technologies, supply chain security, clean energy, connectivity, digital trade and infrastructure. US President Joe Biden is likely to use the summit to showcase Washington's strong commitment to the Indo-Pacific region and may call for further revitalising the grouping's framework for cooperation.
In line with its long-term vision for the region, Biden is launching on Monday the ambitious Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF), which is an initiative aimed at deeper cooperation among like-minded countries in areas like clean energy, supply-chain resilience and digital trade.
The rollout of the IPEF is expected to send across a signal that the US is focused on pushing forward a strong economic policy for the region to counter China's aggressive strategy on trade in the region. -- PTI
14:51 Delhi rains: 8 injured in houses collapses
Eight people were injured as houses collapsed in different parts of Delhi following heavy rain and storm on Monday morning, officials said.
The houses collapsed in the Jawalpuri, Gokalpuri, Shankar road and Moti Nagar areas of the city, officials of the fire department said. Delhiites woke up to thunderstorm and rains on Monday morning that brought a much-needed respite from the sweltering heat.
Trees were uprooted in some parts of the capital and traffic snarls were reported on various stretches, including ITO, DND and near AIIMS.
The weather department said this was the first moderate-intensity storm of this season. According to the fire department, three persons received minor injuries after a house collapsed in west Delhi's Jawalpuri.
The trio are being treated at the Sanjay Gandhi Hospital.
A call about the collapse in Jawalpuri was received at 5.51 am and two fire tenders were rushed to the spot, they said. In a related development, another house collapse was reported in northeast Delhi's Gokalpuri following which two fire tenders were rushed to the spot.
No one was injured in the incident, Atul Garg, Director, Delhi Fire Services said. This was followed by another call about a house collpase in west Delhi's Moti Nagar area at around 6:36 am where two rescue vehicles were rushed to the spot, he said.
14:41 No Monkeypox case reported in Mumbai so far: BMC
No case of Monkeypox has been reported in Mumbai so far, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) confirmed on Monday.
"As on date (May 23, 2022), no suspected or confirmed cases of Monkeypox have been reported in Mumbai," said BMC in a notification.
The BMC informed that Airport authorities are screening the passengers coming from endemicand non-endemic countries showing outbreaks. For isolation of suspected cases separate ward at Kasturba Hospital is prepared, and their testing samples will be sent toNIV Pune laboratory. All Health facilities of Mumbai are being informed to notify and refer any suspected case to Kasturba Hospital, BMC said.
According to BMC, Monkeypox is a viral zoonotic disease that occurs primarily in tropicalrainforest areas of Central and West Africa and is occasionally exported to other regions.
Monkeypox typically presents clinically with fever, rash and swollen lymph nodes and may lead to a range of medical complications. It is usually a self-limited disease with symptoms lasting from 2 to 4 weeks. Severe cases can occur.
Case fatality rate may vary from 1-10 per cent. Monkeypox can be transmitted from animal to human as well as human to human. The virus enters the body through broken skin (even if not visible), respiratory tract, or the mucous membranes (eyes, nose, or mouth).
MNS chief Raj Thackeray
13:55 MNS claims 2 dargahs in Pune built on temple land
Amid the Gyanvapi mosque row, the MNS has claimed that two dargahs had been built on the Punyeshwar temple land in Maharashtra's Pune city. MNS general secretary Ajay Shinde on Sunday said they have launched the 'Punyeshwar Mukti' (free the temple land) campaign, and appealed to people to support the Raj Thackeray-led party's fight in restoring the temple land.
Citing a recent survey of the Gyanvapi mosque, Shinde said government has started waking up in the wake of Raj Thackeray's stand on Hindutva. "Like Gyanvapi, we are also fighting for the Punyeshwar temple in Pune," he said. Shinde claimed that a commader of Khilji dynasty ruler Alauddin Khilji had demolished the Punyeshwar and Narayaneshwar temples in Pune and later dargahs were built on the land. PTI
13:54 Gyanvapi: Hindu devotees refer to 1936 suit
Hindu women plaintiffs who have filed a civil suit before Varanasi court seeking declaration and asserting the right to Darshan and worship Hindu deities whose idols are located on an outer wall of the Gyanvapi mosque in Varanasi has referred to stand taken by the British government in a 1936 suit seeking it to be declared as Waqf property.
In an affidavit filed through advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, three of the five women devotees said that in 1936 one Deen Mohammed has filed a civil suit without impleading any member of the Hindu community but impleading only the Secretary of State for India through District Magistrate, Benares and Anjuman Intajamia Masajid, Benares for granting declaration that the land bearing situated in the city measuring (1 Bigha 9 Biswa and 6 Dhurs) together with enclosure all-around described in the plaint was Waqf in possession of that plaintiff (Mohammed).
The affidavit has been filed in response to the plea of the Committee of Management Anjuman Intezamia Masjid which manages Gyanvapi mosque in Varanasi seeking quashing of the recent survey of the mosque.
The affidavit said that the 1936 suit said that Muslims had the right to say their prayers especially Alvida' prayers and to exercise other religious and legal rights as the need and occasion arise.
It is submitted that the Muslims had filed the above-mentioned suit only for declaration without seeking any consequential relief. This suit was filed even without impleading any person from the Hindu community.
Therefore, the judgement passed in the suit is not binding upon any member of Hindu community but any document, map, evidence or statement of any witness can be referred to or relied upon by the members of Hindu community, the affidavit said.
It referred to a written statement filed in the Civil Suit on behalf of the Secretary of State for India in Council refuting the plaint allegations and it was stated that the idols and the temple which stand there exist since long before the advent of the Mohammedan Rule in India''.
The affidavit said that in substance the Government of India (during British era) in the written statement filed in Civil Suitstated that--'' The entire plot of land on which the Mosque, pacucca' courtyard stray grave, staircase in front of the gate, together with pucca' enclosures all around and a pipal' tree stand belongs to Government and has never been dedicated nor could have been dedicated to the Mosque.
It further stated the written statement had said that the idols and the temple which stand there have existed since long before the advent of the Mohammedan Rule in India. The other allegations made in the said paragraph are denied. It is submitted that the non-Muslims have been using the land for their religious purposes as a matter of right and have got a right of way over it. The allegation that they were permitted by persons in charge of the Mosque is unfounded and baseless.
Representational image
13:10 Delhi MCD schools: Girls forced to defecate in open
The Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) initiated an enquiry into the condition of safety and security of girl students in four schools after a recent horrific case of molestation of girls in a Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) school, said the authorities on Monday.
A team of the Commission comprising DCW Chairperson Swati Maliwal and others surveyed four MCD schools.
The commission was shocked to see the conditions at Bhai Mandeep Nagpal Nigam Vidhyalaya, Nigam Pratibha Sah Shiksha Vidhyalaya, Purvi Dilli Nagar Nigam Pratibha Vidhyalaya, Dakshini Dilli Nagar Nigam Prathmik Sah Bal Balika Vidhyalaya, between May 20 and 21.
"I am shocked to see the hopeless conditions at these MCD schools. These schools are horror houses where students and teachers are extremely unsafe. MCD is running schools where girls are forced to defecate in the open! So much so for the Total Sanitation Campaign!," said Maliwal.
Aditi Ashok
13:07 Star golfer Aditi Ashok's kit bag goes missing
Indian golf star Aditi Ashok on Monday has called out France airlines for immediate action over her missing kit bag and said she needs it for an upcoming tournament.
Raising the issue that her golf kit bag didn't make it to the flight from the Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris, the Indian golf sensation took to Twitter and requested the airlines to take action immediately and said she needs the kit bag immediately for a forthcoming tournament.
"Need your immediate response @airfrance my golf bag didn't make it on the flight from CDG. I have already shared the bag tag details on DM. I need it immediately as I have a tournament. Respond immediately and make sure my bag arrives by tomorrow. #MissingGolfBag," Aditi Ashok tweeted.
Deaflympics star last played in the Founders Cup tournament at the Upper Montclair Country Club course, which was held from May 12-15.
12:57 Air pollution linked to deadly heart rhythm disorder: Study
Exposure to high levels of air pollution is associated with a life-threatening heart condition, according to a study.
The research, presented last week at the scientific congress of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) in Madrid, Spain was conducted in patients with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), enabling them to track the occurrence of arrhythmias.
"Our study suggests that people at high risk of ventricular arrhythmias, such as those with an ICD, should check daily pollution levels," said study author Alessia Zanni, who works at Maggiore Hospital, Bologna and was previously at Piacenza Hospital, Italy.
"When particulate matter (PM) 2.5 and PM 10 concentrations are high -- above 35 microgrammes per cubic metre (g/m3) and 50 g/m3, respectively -- it would be sensible to stay indoors as much as possible and wear an N95 mask outside, particularly in areas of heavy traffic.
An air purifier can be used at home," Zanni said in a statement. PM 2.5 refers to tiny pollution particles in the air that are two and half microns or less in width, while those with a diameter of 10 microns or less are called PM10.
12:40 Sidhu wants gluten-free diet in jail
Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu, lodged in Patiala central prison to serve a one-year jail term in a 1988 road rage death case, was taken to Rajindra Hospital in Patiala under heavy security on Monday morning for medical examination, official sources said.
The cricketer-turned-politician's counsel HPS Verma said Sidhu has sought a special diet in jail. He said a board of doctors will carry out a detailed medical examination of Sidhu at the hospital.
"The board of doctors will see what special diet is required and then it will submit its report in a local court (in Patiala)," Verma said over the phone.
According to the counsel, Sidhu cannot consume wheat, sugar, 'maida' and some other food items. "He can have berries, papaya, guava, double-toned milk and food items which do not have fibre and carbohydrates," Verma said. After the board of doctors carry out a medical examination, a report will be submitted in the court of chief judicial magistrate, he said.
The 58-year-old Congress leader suffers from medical conditions like embolism and has a liver ailment. In 2015, Sidhu also underwent treatment for acute deep vein thrombosis (DVT) at a hospital in Delhi.
DVT is caused by a blood clot in a deep vein which hinders the normal blood flow.
12:28 Tharoor makes a jibe at Modi
Shashi Tharoor has a point:
"Unfamiliar Expressions Deptt: "play possum": definitions: (1) pretend to be asleep or unconscious (as an opossum does to avoid attack)
(2) feign ignorance
USAGE: Why does our PM play possum when heinous atrocities are committed by his worst supporters?" the Congress MP tweeted.
"Unfamiliar Expressions Deptt: "play possum": definitions: (1) pretend to be asleep or unconscious (as an opossum does to avoid attack)
(2) feign ignorance
USAGE: Why does our PM play possum when heinous atrocities are committed by his worst supporters?" the Congress MP tweeted.
12:09 We have unmatched opportunities for Japan: Modi
Ahead of a bilateral meeting with his Japanese counterpart, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that he sees Japan as an indispensable partner in India's continuing transformation, asserting that New Delhi's speed and scale combined with ease of doing business, attractive incentives, bold reforms and ambitious plans create unmatched opportunities for Japanese businesses.
Prime Minister Modi, who is in Japan on a two-day visit to attend a summit of the Quad leaders at the invitation of his Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida, penned an op-ed on the vibrant relations between India and Japan in the Yomiuri Shimbun.
Modi will have a bilateral meeting with Kishida on Tuesday, their second meeting in two months.
In the article titled India-Japan: A Partnership for Peace, Stability and Prosperity', he said that in the last few years, India has embarked on a journey to build a strong foundation for the manufacturing sector, services, agriculture and digital technology infrastructure.
"I see Japan as an indispensable partner in India's continuing transformation," Modi said.
For Japan, India's speed and scale combined with ease of doing business, attractive incentives, bold reforms and ambitious plans create unmatched opportunities, he said.
"We have also fostered a dynamic startup ecosystem in India, with over 100 unicorns. Japanese capital is already playing an important role in this effort. And there is potential for a great deal more," said Modi.
India and Japan have collaborations in a number of developmental projects, including the Indian government's ambitious Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project. The iconic Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail project symbolises Japan's extensive collaboration in some of the most important endeavours to build a New India, Prime Minister Modi said.
11:49 Quad can get things done, says US president
US Pres Joe Biden at the US-Japan joint statement in Tokyo: "Tomorrow, we're going to meet our fellow Quad partners- Australia & India -- for our Leaders' Summit and our 2nd meeting together in person. Quad is showing the world that cooperation among democracies can get big things done," Biden said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who arrived in Tokyo on Monday, will meet top business leaders of Japan while he will also be attending the Indo-Pacific economic framework event (IPEF).
The US President will launch IPEF this evening. The IPEF is an initiative of the US President which is seen as a move to counter Chinese influence in the region. Biden will unveil the IPEF while more details of the initiative are still to be known.
The Quad, or Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, which comprises India, the US, Japan, and Australia is a regional formation based on shared interests over cooperation in the strategic Indo-Pacific region. The member nations say they share values of "democracy, freedom and rule-based international order".
11:25 Navjot Sidhu taken for medical check-up
Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu brought to Rajindra Hospital, Patiala for a medical checkup. He was lodged in Patiala central jail on May 20th after the Supreme Court imposed a one-year rigorous imprisonment on him in the 1988 road rage case.
11:18 No possibility of 4th Covid wave: Maha govt
Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope on Monday said there is no possibility of a fourth wave of Covid-19 looking at the current situation.
Tope said nearly 200 to 250 cases were being reported in the state everyday and there was not much increase in these numbers.
"The COVID-19 recovery rate is very good and Maharashtra has seen very good vaccination results. Hence, I feel that in the present situation, there is no possibility of a fourth wave (of the viral infection)," the minister said.
On Sunday, Maharashtra reported 326 COVID-19 cases, taking the state's tally to 78,82,802, while the death toll stood at 1,47,856 as no fresh fatality was recorded.
As per the state health department, 251 patients were discharged on Sunday, leaving the state with 1,903 active COVID-19 cases. Asked if the booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine was mandatory for everyone, Tope said there is no compulsion, but health and frontline workers, essential service employees and senior citizens were being given the booster shots as per the central government's guidelines.
"However, we have not made the booster dose mandatory for everyone as there are no such guidelines from the central government," he said.
11:00 US model's murder leads Maha police to Prague
A police team from Thane in Maharashtra has gone to Prague in the Czech Republic to extradite a man hailing from Gujarat in connection with the murder of a US model in February 2003, an official said on Monday.
Notably, the Bombay High Court had issued a non-bailable warrant against US citizen Pranesh Desai and his friend Vipul Patel, who is currently in Prague, for failing to appear for hearings on an appeal challenging their acquittal in the case.
Hence, a team lead by a deputy commissioner of police left for Prague on Saturday to get Patel, the official from Kashimira police station said.
A Thane sessions court had acquitted the duo in 2003 in the case of murder of US model Leona Swinderski (33).
Desai and Swinderski were apparently in a relationship and were to get married in May 2003.
On February 7, 2003, soon after the duo arrived at the airport in neighbouring Mumbai, the model had gone missing. Her body was found the next day on a highway in Kashimira area of Thane district, the official said.
Police then alleged that Desai had taken the help of his friend Patel to kill the model to claim her insurance sum of USD one million. It was also then alleged that Patel had hired two men to kill the model when she got into a cab at the airport. The body was later dumped on the highway.
While Desai was arrested from Vadodara in Gujarat earlier this year, the police were searching for Patel, and the Interpol had also issued a Red Corner Notice against the latter, the official said.
The police here coordinated with the Ministry of External Affairs and the Interpol and then left for Prague to get the accused. They are likely to return later this week, the official added. PTI
File pic
10:44 Thunderstorms lead to traffic snarls in Delhi
Delhiites woke up to thunderstorm and rains on Monday morning that brought a much-needed respite from the sweltering heat as the city recorded a minimum temperature of 18 degrees Celsius.
Trees got uprooted in some parts of the national capital and traffic snarls were reported in various stretches, including ITO, DND and near AIIMS, on the first working day of the week. According to the weather department, this was the first moderate-intensity storm of this season.
However gusty winds and rain affected flight operations at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport on Monday.
All departures and arrivals have been affected due to inclement weather. Airlines have also requested passengers to check on their flight status before heading to the airport as the flight operations have been kept on hold.
Hundreds of passengers have been stranded since early morning as flights departing from the airport are being rescheduled.
Several passengers at the airport posted pictures of being stranded on the runway and waiting for take-off due to weather conditions.
10:26 Simply a bad idea
A man fell down the wall of Srinivasa Sagara Dam in Chikkaballapur, Karnataka, and was injured while he was attempting to scale the wall. The incident occurred yesterday.
10:15 Active Covid-19 cases dip to 14,832
India added 2,022 new coronavirus infections taking the total tally of Covid-19 cases to 4,31,38,393, while the active cases dipped to 14,832, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Monday.
The death toll climbed to 5,24,459 with 46 fresh fatalities, the data updated at 8 am stated. The active cases comprise 0.03 per cent of the total infections, while the national Covid-19 recovery rate was recorded at 98.75 per cent, the ministry said.
A decrease of 123 cases has been recorded in the active Covid-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours. The daily positivity rate was recorded at 0.69 per cent and the weekly positivity rate at 0.49 per cent, according to the ministry.
The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 4,25,99,102, while the case fatality rate was recorded at 1.22 per cent. The cumulative doses administered in the country so far under the nationwide COVID-19 vaccination drive has exceeded 192.38 crore.
10:12 Deepika reveals her retro side in green polka-dotted jumpsuit
Bollywood star Deepika Padukone is making the nation proud at Cannes 2022. She has been attending the Cannes Film Festival for years, representing the cosmetic brand L'Oreal.
Jury member Deepika Padukone has been consistently sharing her stunning looks.
The 'Padmaavat' actor took to her Instagram handle and shared a new picture and a video. She smiled while striking some candid poses in front of the camera. Her Sunday outfit was a stunning Louis Vuitton green jumpsuit with white polka dots all over it. She accessorized her look with silver jewellery such as a chain, hoop earrings, and a bracelet.
Deepika's makeup was flawless, and her brown lip colour complemented her look even more. Her hair was pulled back in a messy ponytail, and she completed the look with a pair of white stiletto heels.
10:03 Sensex jumps 311 points in early deals
Equity benchmarks started the trade on a firm note on Monday, with the Sensex jumping nearly 311 points in early deals, amid mixed trends from Asian markets. The 30-share BSE benchmark Sensex jumped 310.91 points to 54,637.30. The broader NSE Nifty gained 83.35 points to 16,349.50. From the Sensex firms, Maruti, M&M, Asian Paints, Titan and Kotak Mahindra Bank were the early gainers. In contrast, Tata Steel, ITC, Power Grid and Reliance Industries were among the laggards.
09:36 Anthony Albanese sworn in as Australia's new PM
Australia's Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese was sworn in as the country's new prime minister before flying out to attend an international summit in Tokyo.
Taking to Twitter, Albanese said, 'I am deeply honoured to serve as Australia's Prime Minister. As Prime Minister, I want to bring people together and lead a government that is as courageous, hard-working and caring as the Australian people. That work starts today.'
Albanese claimed the victory on Saturday night in the election, ending his wait for power after nine years and with this Anthony Albanese became the country's 31st prime minister.
After winning the election, Anthony Albanese thanked people for voting for him.
'Thank you Australia,' he Tweeted.
'Tonight the Australian people have voted for change,' he added.
The Summit in Tokyo is the fourth interaction of Quad Leaders since their first virtual meeting in March 2021, in-person Summit in Washington, DC in September 2021 and virtual meeting in March 2022.
The leaders will review the progress of Quad initiatives and Working Groups, identify new areas of cooperation and provide strategic guidance and vision for future collaboration. -- ANI
IMAGE: Anthony Albanese leaves for Tokyo to attend Quad Summit soon after being sworn-in as the Australian prime minister. Photograph: Kind courtesy @AlboMP/Twitter
09:29 Rains in Delhi NCR: Temp drops by 11 degrees
Giving respite from the scorching sun, thunderstorms and rain brought down the temperature drastically in Delhi-NCR on Monday morning.
Rains accompanied by strong winds lashed over Delhi NCR on Monday morning, leading to a sharp fall in temperature.
'Today, just from 5.40 am till 7 am, the temperature fell by 11 degrees Celsius, from 29 degrees Celsius to 18 degrees Celsius,' said the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
IMD predicted the rain and thunderstorm to continue in Delhi NCR for the next two hours.
'Thundershower with light to moderate intensity rain and gusty winds with speed of 30-40 Km/h would continue to occur over and adjoining areas of entire Delhi and NCR,' said IMD.
The strong winds uprooted trees in several parts of Delhi.
Meanwhile, flight operations at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport were affected on Monday morning due to the weather conditions.
The airport authorities have requested the passengers to contact the airline concerned for updated flight information.
'Due to bad weather, flight operations at Delhi airport are affected. Passengers are requested to get in touch with the airline concerned for updated flight information,' Delhi Airport tweeted.
Vistara Flight UK974 (PNQ-DEL) has been diverted to Indore (IDR) due to bad weather in Delhi. -- ANI
08:33 In Tokyo to attend Quad, Modi gets warm welcome
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday arrived in Japan on a two-day visit to attend a summit of the Quad leaders which is aimed at further bolstering cooperation among the member nations of the influential grouping and discussing developments in the strategic Indo-Pacific region.
'Landed in Tokyo. Will be taking part in various programmes during this visit including the Quad Summit, meeting fellow Quad leaders, interacting with Japanese business leaders and the vibrant Indian diaspora,' Modi tweeted in both Japanese and English.
'Ohayo, Tokyo! PM @narendramodi arrives to a warm welcome in Tokyo on what is his fifth visit to Japan in the last 8 years,' External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi tweeted.
Prime Minister Modi interacted with children outside the hotel in Tokyo.
He also saw the drawing of a young girl and signed an autograph for her during his interaction with the children.
He then interacted with a boy who was waiting for him with a drawing of the tricolour.
Prime Minister Modi asked him from where he learnt Hindi and praised him for his fluency in the language.
'Japan's Indian community has made pioneering contributions in different fields. They have also remained connected with their roots in India. I thank the Indian diaspora in Japan for the warm welcome,' Modi said on Twitter after his interaction with the community.
Besides Modi, the Quad summit in Tokyo on May 24 will be attended by United States President Joe Biden, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Australian prime minister-elect Anthony Albanese.
'In Japan, I will also participate in the second in-person Quad Leaders' Summit, which will provide an opportunity for the leaders of the four Quad countries to review the progress of Quad initiatives,' Modi said in his departure statement.
'We will also exchange views about developments in the Indo-Pacific region and global issues of mutual interest,' said Modi, whose visit to Japan is taking place under the shadow of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
The Quad or Quadrilateral Security Dialogue comprises India, the US, Japan and Australia.
Modi, who is visiting Tokyo at the invitation of his Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida, will hold separate bilateral meetings with Biden, Kishida and Albanese on the sidelines of the summit.
He had hosted Kishida for the 14th India-Japan Annual Summit in March 2022.
'During my visit to Tokyo, I look forward to continuing our conversation further, with an aim to strengthen the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership,' Modi said ahead of his visit.
He said economic cooperation between India and Japan is an important aspect of their Special Strategic and Global Partnership.
Modi also said that he is looking forward to a bilateral meeting with newly-elected Australian Prime Minister Albanese during which the multifaceted cooperation between the two countries under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and regional and global issues of mutual interest will be discussed.
Noting that Japan is home to nearly 40,000 members of the Indian diaspora, who are an important anchor in India's relations with Japan, Modi said he looks forward to interacting with them. -- PTI
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