LIVE
Mon, 07 November 2022
Rishi Sunak rushed out of COP27 event in Egypt
Timeline Refresh
23:43 Maratha outfit stalls show of Marathi movie 'Har Har Mahadev'
Members of a Maratha outfit on Monday stalled the screening of the Marathi movie Har Har Mahadev at a theatre in Pune city of Maharashtra over the "distortion of history".
A day earlier, former Rajya Sabha member and Kolhapur royal family scion Sambhaji Chhatrapati had warned that if facts are found distorted in any upcoming films based on legendary warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, he would oppose such movies and take all efforts to stall their release.
Sambhaji Chhatrapati, who is a descendent of Shivaji Maharaj, had also expressed displeasure over the Marathi films 'Har Har Mahadev' (released recently) and 'Vedat Marathe Veer Daudale Saat' (an upcoming project).
"Members of 'Sambhaji Brigade' stalled the screening of Har Har Mahadev at a theatre in Pune and warned the theatre owner. The history is distorted in Har Har Mahadev while in Vedat Marathe Veer Daudale Sath, the depiction of Mavle (soldiers of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj ) is frightful," alleged Sambhaji Brigade leader Santosh Shinde. -- PTI
23:20 Rishi Sunak rushed out of COP27 event in Egypt
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was abruptly rushed out of the COP27 event on Monday, leaving dozens of audience members baffled at the strange turn of events.
"UK prime minister @RishiSunak has just been rushed out of the room by his aides during the middle of the launch for forests partnership at #COP27," Leo Hickman, Director of UK-based Carbon Brief, said in a tweet.
According to Hickman who posted a video of the incident, Sunak was on stage for a climate change event when his aides interrupted him.
n quick succession two of his aides came and persuaded Sunak to leave the event.
"About 2 mins before he left, an aide came onto stage and was whispering in his ear for more than a minute...there was a discussion going on about, it seems, whether to leave at that moment. Sunak stayed but another aide made decision to go back to him and urge him to leave," he added.
Though Sunak abruptly left the COP27 event, it is unclear what information Sunak received from his aides.
The United Nations Climate Change Conference, commonly referred to as Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC, or COP27, opened in the Egyptian resort town of Sharm el-Sheikh on Sunday.
-- ANI
23:04 Long awaited appointments in law panel made
Retired high court chief justice Rituraj Awasthi was on Monday appointed as the chairperson of the Law Commission, Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju said.
Justice KT Sankaran, professor Anand Paliwal, professor DP Verma, professor Raka Arya and M Karunanithi have been appointed as members of the commission, he said.
"The central government is pleased to appoint Justice Rituraj Awasthi, retired HC chief justice as chairperson, Law Commission of India, and Justice KT Sankaran, Prof. Anand Paliwal, Prof. DP Verma, Prof.(Dr) Raka Arya and Shri M. Karunanithi as members of the commission," Rijiju tweeted. -- PTI
22:47 Equatorial Guinea detains 16 Indian sailors
Sixteen Indian sailors are reportedly in detention in Equatorial Guinea and the Indian mission in the central African country is working closely with the authorities concerned for their release.
In a letter to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Rajya Sabha MP AA Rahim said the crew of ship 'MT Heroic Idun' included the Indians and they were in detention since mid-August.
On Twitter, the parliamentarian requested Jaishankar to "urgently intervene" in the matter of "illegal detention" of the 16 Indian crew members.
The Indian embassy in that country said on Monday that it has been in regular contact with the crew members over phone.
"This embassy and our high commission in Abuja are closely working with authorities of Equatorial Guinea and Nigeria for the early release of crew members of MV Heroic Idun. All crew members are safe and those in the Detention Centre have been shifted to the ship," the Indian embassy in Equatorial Guinea tweeted.
"Since their detention in mid-August, this Mission has been in regular contact with the crew members over phone. We have also had several consular access/ visits to them. We are closely monitoring developments and are actively engaged for an early resolution of the issue," it added. -- PTI
Representational image
22:02 Maha govt transfers 109 DCP and SP-rank officers
The Maharashtra home department on Monday transferred 109 deputy commissioner of police and superintendent of police-rank officers.
As per the orders issued this evening, at least 14 DCP-rank officers were transferred to the Mumbai police force.
IPS officers Abhinav Deshmukh, M Ramkumar, Anil Paraskar, Manoj Patil, Amogh Gaonkar, Tejaswi Satpute, and Gaurav Singh have been transferred to the Mumbai police.
Pravin Mundhe, Dixit Gedam, Mangesh Shinde, Ajay Bansal, Mohit Garg, Purushottam Karad are also among the officers who are shifted to Mumbai police, as per the orders.
DCP Akbar Pathan has also returned to the Mumbai Police force.
The Marine Drive police station had lodged an FIR for extortion and other charges against Pathan, former Mumbai police commissioner Param Bir Singh, four other police officers, and two others on a complaint filed by a builder.
Pathan was transferred to the prevention of civil rights wing of police in Nashik. -- PTI
21:47 Guru Nanak's life is a beacon showing world the way: Modi
The teachings of Sikh Gurus and the life of Guru Nanak are like a beacon of light showing the way to the world which is passing through a difficult phase, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Monday.
Addressing a gathering at a function held here to celebrate the 553rd birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev that will be marked on Tuesday, Modi said that inspired by Guru Nanak Dev's thoughts, the country is moving ahead with the spirit of welfare of 130 crore Indians.
Modi also listed the efforts made by his government for Sikhs and for preserving Sikh heritage.
"We made efforts to pave the way for citizenship to Sikh and Hindu families that were victims of Partition by bringing the CAA law," Modi said at the event held at National Commission for Minorities chairperson Iqbal Singh Lalpura's residence.
Recently in Gujarat, by giving citizenship to Sikh families facing persecution abroad, they have been assured that Sikhs may be anywhere, but India is their home, he said.
The prime minister also participated at a prayer meeting held on the occasion.
Union ministers Hardeep Singh Puri and John Barla also attended the function.
21:44 Hindu group files complaint against Vir Das show
Right-wing group 'Hindu Janajagruti Samiti' on Monday approached the police in Bengaluru, seeking cancellation of a show by stand-up comedian Vir Das, alleging that it will hurt the religious sentiments of Hindus and show India in bad light to the world.
They have lodged a police complaint in this regard at the Vyalikaval police station in Bengaluru.
"It has been noticed that the controversial comedian Vir Das is holding a comedy show on November 10 at Chowdiah Memorial Hall in Malleshwaram, Bengaluru. Earlier, he had made derogatory statements against women, our prime minister and India at John F Kennedy Center in Washington DC, America, and denigrated the nation," Mohan Gowda, state spokesperson, Hindu Janajagruti Samiti said in a statement.
Pointing out that Das had said "in India, we worship women in the day and rape them at night" during the performance, the outfit said a case was registered by the Mumbai police in this regard, and it is a serious offence under the Indian Penal Code.
In this background, it is not right to allow such a controversial person to hold such a programme in a "communally sensitive area like Bengaluru", the statement further said, "When Karnataka is already facing many law and order problems due to communal incidents, such events which could vitiate the law and order should not be allowed. We demand that this programme should be cancelled immediately." -- PTI
21:08 West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee joins Koo
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has joined social media platform Koo, a statement said on Monday.
Banerjee, who has 7 million followers on Twitter and 4.9 million followers on Facebook, joined Koo on November 1.
"Her handle is @Mamtaofficial on Koo. In her first Koo, Mamata Banerjee announced the milestone of 50 lakh rural households having access to clean potable water through tap connections. She congratulated everyone involved in achieving this," the statement issued by Koo said.
Koo co-founder Aprameya Radhakrishna said the TMC and other leaders of the party have also joined the platform.
"Millions of Bengali users across the world and many Indians across the country would want to get updates from Mamata Ji directly," he said. -- PTI
Representational image
20:48 Ban on BS III petrol, BS IV diesel vehicles to continue till Nov 13: Delhi govt
Movement of BS III petrol and BS IV diesel vehicles in Delhi will remain banned till November 13, while trucks will be allowed to enter the national capital, according to officials.
As the city's air quality improved, the Delhi government on Monday also decided to reopen primary classes from November 9 and revoke the order that asked 50 per cent of its staff to work from home.
"BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers in Delhi will remain banned under Stage 3 of the graded response action plan," Delhi environment minister Gopal Rai said at a press conference in New Delhi on Monday.
The transport department, in an order, said the vehicles found plying in violation of the rule will be prosecuted under the Motor Vehicles Act, which could invite a fine of Rs 20,000.
Vehicles deployed for emergency services, and government and election-related work do not come under the ban's purview.
"As per the directions provided under Stage III of revised GRAP, there will be a restriction to ply BS- III petrol and BS- IV diesel light motor vehicles (four-wheelers) in the jurisdiction of NCT of Delhi. The above directions will remain enforced till November 13 or downward revision in GRAP stage, whichever is earlier. The restrictions will continue beyond November 13, if CAQM (Centre for Air Quality Management) orders GRAP-III and above restrictions," the order read.
"If any BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel LMV is found plying on roads, it will be prosecuted under the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988," it further stated.
The department, in another order, said there will be no ban on the entry of trucks into Delhi and Delhi-registered diesel operated medium goods and heavy goods vehicles. -- PTI
20:21 Court asks Twitter to block Cong, Yatra accounts
A Bengaluru court on Monday directed Twitter to temporarily block the accounts of Congress party and Bharat Jodo Yatra for allegedly infringing the statutory copyright owned by MRT Music by illegally using sound records of the film KGF Chapter-2.
A complaint in this regard was filed by MRT Music and an FIR was registered against Rahul Gandhi, Jairam Ramesh and Supriya Shrinate at Yeshwanthpur police station.
More details soon. -- ANI
Representational image
19:39 TMC ex-youth wing leader declared proclaimed offender in cattle smuggling case
A Delhi court on Monday declared former TMC youth wing leader Vinay Mishra a proclaimed offender in a money laundering case linked to the alleged cattle smuggling racket across the India-Bangladesh border.
Special judge Raghubir Singh passed the order on an application moved by the Enforcement Directorate's special public prosecutor Nitesh Rana.
In the application, Rana told the court that Mishra, who was the alleged kingpin in the smuggling racket, failed to appear before the court despite being summoned by the judge and even an arrest warrant has been issued against him for his non-appearance in the matter.
Rana said that Mishra was required to be declared a PO for further course of action against him which includes a Red Corner Notice.
The court had in April taken cognisance of the charge sheet filed by the ED against Mishra, Mohammad Enamul Haque, and others and the judge had issued a summons for the accused to appear before it. -- PTI
19:22 Ban on drones, helicopters ahead of Modi's HP visit
A complete ban on paragliding, drones, helicopters and other aerial objects has been imposed ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh on November 9, officials said on Monday.
The decision has been taken keeping in view the security arrangements of the prime minister, district magistrate Nipun Jindal said.
The hill state will go to the poll on November 12 and the results will be declared on December 8.
"A complete ban has been imposed on paragliding, drones, helicopters, hot air balloons and other aerial sports in the district. This ban will be in effect from 5 pm on November 8 to 5 pm on November 9," stated the order by the district magistrate.
"Any person or institution violating the order will be punished under section 188 of the Indian Penal Code," it said. -- PTI
18:58 Jimmy Kimmel to host 95th Academy Awards
Late-night star Jimmy Kimmel will be returning as the host of the Oscars for the third time, Glenn Weiss and Ricky Kirshner, the executive producers and showrunners behind the the Academy Awards announced on Monday.
Kimmel, who hosted the 2017 and 2018 ceremonies, will be the solo host of the 95th Oscars on March 12.
"Being invited to host the Oscars for a third time is either a great honor or a trap. Either way, I am grateful to the Academy for asking me so quickly after everyone good said no," Kimmel said in a statement.
Prior to the "Jimmy Kimmel Live' star, Jerry Lewis, Steve Martin, Conrad Nagel and David Niven have hosted the Oscar ceremony thrice.
"We're super thrilled to have Jimmy score his hat trick on this global stage. We know he will be funny and ready for anything," Weiss and Kirshner said in a joint statement.
The announcement comes days after Kimmel extended his deal to continue at ABC for at least three more years, through the 23rd season of "Jimmy Kimmel Live".
Nominations for the 95th Academy Awards will be announced on January 24. -- PTI
Satish Jarkiholi/ANI
18:38 Word Hindu Persian, has dirty meaning: Cong leader
Stirring up controversy, Karnataka Congress working president Satish Jarkiholi has claimed that the word 'Hindu' is Persian and has a very dirty meaning.
He also said that "a word and a religion from elsewhere is being forcefully imposed on people here", and demanded that there should be a proper debate in this regard.
Reacting to its own party leader's statements, the All India Congress Committee has termed it as deeply unfortunate and rejected it "unequivocally".
Jarkiholi said, "They speak about Hindu Dharm...this that, where did the Hindu word come from? Is it ours? It is Persian. Persian is from Iran, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan. What is Bharat's relationship with it? Then, how did Hindu become yours? There should be a debate on this."
He said, "Look at 'Wikipedia', where this word (Hindu) comes from? It is not yours. Then why are you placing it at such a high position? If you understand its meaning, you will be ashamed. The meaning of the word Hindu, is very dirty. I'm not saying this, Swamiji has said this, it's on websites."
"A religion and a word from somewhere else is being forcefully imposed on us, there should be a debate on this," he further added.
The MLA from Yamakanmardi was speaking at Nippani in the district during an event organised by "Manav Bandhutva Vedike'' on Sunday.
Responding to this, AICC general secretary in-charge of Karnataka, Randeep Singh Surjewala said "the statement attributed to Satish Jarkiholi is deeply unfortunate and deserves to be rejected. We condemn it unequivocally." -- PTI
18:23 Imran Khan's party to resume long march on Wednesday instead of Tuesday
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's long march, which was suspended after the failed assassination attempt on party chief Imran Khan last week, will resume on Wednesday instead of Tuesday, senior party leader Fawad Chaudhry said on Monday.
Chaudhry, former information minister and senior vice president of the party, made the announcement in a tweet in which he said the party's long march will resume on Wednesday instead of Tuesday at 2 pm local time.
Earlier, former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said that the long march would resume on Tuesday from the same location where the attack on party chief Imran Khan took place.
During a press conference in Lahore, Qureshi said that the move sent a clear message to party workers and the nation that the march would continue on its journey until haqeeqi azadi (real freedom) is obtained". Qureshi said that Khan, who is currently recovering from his injuries, would give speeches via video link as the march moves onward.
Khan was discharged from the hospital on Sunday after undergoing successful surgery.
He has now been moved to a private residence in Lahore. -- PTI
17:55 EWS ruling a setback to social justice: Stalin
The Supreme Court judgment upholding 10 per cent reservation to people belonging to economically weaker sections in upper caste in admissions and government jobs is a setback to the century-long social justice struggle, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin said on Monday.
Political parties and all like-minded organisations in Tamil Nadu should come together to protect social justice and ensure it is heard across the country, Stalin, who is the president of the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam said, reacting to the Supreme Court's Monday judgment upholding the validity of the 103rd Constitution amendment providing 10 per cent reservation to the EWS in admissions and government jobs.
The top court said the law on EWS quota does not violate the basic structure of the Constitution.
Recalling the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam's legal struggle against the reservation system brought by the Central government, Stalin said "today's judgment in this case should be considered as a setback in the century-long struggle for social justice."
However, after a thorough analysis of the judgment, legal experts would be consulted and a decision will be taken on the next step to continue the struggle against the EWS reservation, he said.
"From the land of Tamil Nadu, which made the first constitutional amendment to protect social justice, I request like-minded organisations to unite to make the voice of social justice resound throughout the country," he said. -- PTI
17:36 CRPF constable, ASI among 4 held in JK police recruitment scam
The Central Bureau of Investigation has arrested four people including a Jammu and Kashmir police assistant sub-inspector and a Central Reserve Police Force constable in connection with sub-inspectors' recruitment scam in the Union Territory, officials said Monday.
The CBI has taken into custody Ashok Kumar, ASI, J-K police, Surender Singh, constable, CRPF, and two civilians -- Pradeep Kumar, packing in-charge at the printing press where papers were getting printed, and one Bajinder Singh, they said.
The CBI probe in the scam has shown that Rs 20-30 lakh were allegedly paid by some aspirants to get advance copy of the papers, they said.
"CBI has so far arrested 13 accused including two constables of J-K police, one CRPF official, one ex-constable of CRPF, one teacher of govt of J-K, one commandant of BSF and one ASI of Jammu and Kashmir police," the agency said in a statement. -- PTI
17:06 LIVE! BJP may finalise tickets for Gujarat polls on Wed
The Bharatiya Janata Party will hold a meeting of its Central Election Committee (CEC) on Wednesday evening in a bid to finalise the first list of candidates for the upcoming Gujarat Assembly polls.
This meeting will take place in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP national president JP Nadda, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and BJP state president CR Patil and other members of the CEC and the state unit. The meeting is scheduled at the party headquarters in Delhi.
"An initial round of the meeting has taken place at the state headquarters in Gandhinagar over three days during which a shortlist of candidates has already been prepared which will be brought for consideration and finalisation to the CEC," a source told ANI.
"Ahead of the meeting of the CEC, the BJP Gujarat core group will also have a separate meeting with JP Nadda and Amit Shah," another source told ANI.
Another source told ANI, "Since all the central and state leadership may be present during this meeting. It is also likely that a separate discussion will take place with the top brass on planning the campaigning for the upcoming polls especially with PM Narendra Modi having instructed them to target the highest poll numbers ever."
16:40 Enjoyed journey of 37 years in Supreme Court: CJI UU Lalit
Outgoing Chief Justice of India Uday Umesh Lalit turned nostalgic on Monday as he recalled his journey of nearly 37 years in the Supreme Court, saying he enjoyed his stint both as a lawyer and a judge.
CJI Lalit, who is set to retire on November 8, was speaking as he sat on the ceremonial bench in the apex court for the last time with his designated successor Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justice Bela M Trivedi this afternoon.
He said it was a great feeling to pass on the baton to the senior-most judge, Justice Chandrachud, as he began his stint in the top court by appearing before his father and16th Chief Justice Yeshwant Vishnu Chandrachud.
"I have spent something like 37 years in this court. My journey in this court began through Court Number 1. I was practicing in Bombay and then I came here to mention a case before CJI Y V Chandrachud.
"My journey began from this court and today it ends in the same court. The person before whom I mentioned the matter, he passed on the baton to subsequent Chief Justices.
"I now pass the baton to a very distinguished person and the son of that man himself. It is a beautiful occasion for me and I couldn't have asked for anything greater than that," CJI Lalit said.
Referring to forming several Constitution benches, CJI Lalit said it has been a very memorable and satisfactory feeling "to have done something for the Bar".
"I feel a judge who gets to be a judge of the Supreme Court would be good enough for everything and he or she must have an equal chance to be part of the Constitution benches.
"The day I started, it was 30, today it is 29 and tomorrow it will be 28 so it is good for anything and thus all of them can be part of Constitution benches. I have practised here and I never saw two Constitution benches sitting simultaneously.
"But on a particular day, there were three Constitution benches simultaneously. It is very memorable and gives me a sense of great satisfaction. "I am a product of this Bar and at the same time, I have a feeling that I was able to do something for the bar. That is a very great feeling as I will be walking out of this court for the last time," CJI said.
Justice Chandrachud, who is set to take over as India's 50th CJI, said CJI Lalit has the unique distinction of being called to the senior advocateship by this court and then rising to become an SC judge.
"Today, we have the three generations of the Lalit family here. Father of CJI Lalit, CJI himself and the next generation. CJI Lalit has the unique distinction of being called to the senior advocateship by this court and then becoming an SC judge. Your tenure as Chief Justice saw a large number of reforms. The CJI-designate assured him that there would be a sense of continuity in the reforms adopted by him in the apex court.
"I have known the Chief Justice for a long time though I opposed him on one only one matter," he said, without elaborating.
Justice Lalit's bid to fill up all the remaining vacancies of judges in the Supreme Court remained unfinished as his successor Justice Chandrachud and Justice S A Nazeer objected to the procedure of seeking written consent to the proposal for the recommendation of names for appointment by the five-member collegiums.
Praising the CJI for his "nuanced understanding of not only the law but of Indian social life," Justice Chandrachud said it has added to the stability of this court.
"He has had a great sense of stability in turbulent times. All the best for the future. Thank you for the way you have been," Justice Chandrachud said.
Attorney General R Venkataramani said he is deeply indebted to the CJI and finds it difficult to gather his thoughts. "You are leaving without leaving. There have been many subjects on which we had a common understanding.
"I am deeply indebted to your lordship for having marvelled over very intricate issues before this court and showing how the court can be held," he said.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said CJI Lalit has had a successful tenure as a lawyer and an equally successful tenure as a judge. Senior advocate K K Venugopal said CJI Lalit's tenure will be remembered for years to come since there were three constitution benches functioning at the same time. -- PTI
16:31 Kerala guv asks 2 channels to 'get out' of presser
Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan barred two Malayalam channels from his press meet at Kochi on Monday.
The Governor asked the reporters from Kairali News and Media One channels to leave the place and said that he will not meet these two channels, accusing them of "masquerading" as political persons.
Asking them to get out, he said "I considered the media as very important. I have always responded to the media but I am not now able to persuade myself to those that masquerade as media. They are not media, they are masquerading as media but are basically political allies."
Aaditya Thackeray in rural Maharashtra
16:25 Maha will face mid-term polls: Aaditya Thackeray
Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) leader Aaditya Thackeray on Monday said the Eknath Shinde-led government in Maharashtra will collapse in coming months and asked party workers to gear up for mid-term elections.
Addressing a rally in Akola district, the former minister attacked the Shinde-led dispensation over four major projects picking other states over Maharashtra and claimed the state has lost potential employment for 2.5 lakh people.
Notably, Aaditya's father and former chief minister Uddhav Thackeray had last week spoken about the possibility of mid-term elections in the state.
"This government of traitors will surely collapse in coming months. Midterm polls are around the corner," Aaditya said, asking workers to gear up to face early elections.
Hitting back at state Agriculture minister Abdul Sattar for calling him chhota pappu, Aaditya said, "I may be chhota pappu, but if the name calling helps in serving (the interest of) Maharashtra, then you can keep doing it. This chhota pappu is making you run in Maharashtra. I will make you run because Maharashtra has not accepted this treachery (the revolt in Shiv Sena that led to the collapse of the Udhav Thackeray government)."
Making a dig at Shinde, Aaditya said one cannot identify who is the chief minister between Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadanvis, who belongs to Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
He said ever since an unconstitutional government was formed in Maharashtra, there is no one to listen to the issues of farmers and youths as he sought to draw a parallel between the tenure of Uddhav Thackeray and the incumbent government. He demanded the government declare a wet drought in the state to address the losses faced by farmers due to unseasonal rains.
Rahul Gandhi gets a kiss from a tot
16:05 Aaditya Thackeray may join Cong Yatra
Aaditya Thackeray could participate in the Congress's 'Bharat Jodo Yatra' led by Rahul Gandhi, which is slated to enter Maharashtra on Monday night, a leader from the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena faction said.
Talking to reporters, Sena leader Sachin Ahir said the Thackeray scion is touring Marathwada and the yatra would also be passing through the region.
"The possibility of Aaditya Thackeray attending the Bharat Jodo Yatra cannot be ruled out. The decision will be taken after discussions with the party chief (Uddhav Thackeray). Coincidentally, he is also touring the region (Marathwada) and attempts are being made to see if it (his visit) can coincide with the rally," Ahir said.
"The idea behind Bharat Jodo Yatra is to bring everyone together and knowingly or unknowingly, people from every section of the society are supporting it. This is to be welcomed if they are coming to Maharashtra," the Sena MLC said.
Ahir is a member of the Maharashtra Legislative Council and is the spokesperson for the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction of the Shiv Sena. The 'Bharat Jodo Yatra' will enter Maharashtra on Monday night and reach Deglur in Nanded district from neighbouring Telangana.
The yatra will pass through 15 Assembly and six parliamentary constituencies in the state, mostly in the Marathwada and Vidarbha regions, during its 14-day sojourn. -- PTI
Elon Musk
15:30 Twitter fires 90% of staff in India
Twitter has fired 90% of its employees in India, say reports.
Co-founder and former CEO of Twitter, Jack Dorsey, issued an apology on Saturday to those who were working at present and had been laid off since Elon Musk's takeover of the microblogging site.
In the midst of the massive layoffs at the San Francisco-based social media behemoth, Dorsey asserted that he was to blame for everyone's present situation and that he was aware that many people were 'angry' with him.
He expressed regret for growing the "company too quickly."
"Folks at Twitter past and present are strong and resilient. They will always find a way no matter how difficult the moment is. I realize many are angry with me. I own the responsibility for why everyone is in this situation: I grew the company size too quickly. I apologize for that," he wrote on Twitter.
Hundreds of employees in the US were handed the pink slips at Twitter on Friday as Musk, 51, started overhauling the social media platform which he bought for a whopping USD 44 billion late last month.
In a letter to employees obtained by multiple media outlets on Friday, the company said employees would find out by 9 am Pacific Standard Time if they had been laid off. The email did not say how many people would lose their jobs.
Some employees tweeted early Friday that they had already lost access to their work accounts.
Pic: Umar Ganie
15:25 Heavy snowfall in Gulmarg
Heavy snowfall draped Gulmarg resort in Jammu and Kashmir in a white blanket on Monday much to the delight of tourists there, even as most places in the Union territory received snowfall and rains, bringing down the day temperature, officials said.
Gulmarg, in north Kashmir's Baramulla district, recorded around 9 to 12 inches of fresh snowfall, they said.
Another tourist destination, Sonamarg, in central Kashmir's Ganderbal district, recorded about three inches of fresh snowfall. Sadhna Pass, on Srinagar-Tangdhar road in Kupwara, received about two feet of snow, while Machil received about five inches of snow, they said.
Gurez, in north Kashmir's Bandipora, received three inches of fresh snow. There are reports of fresh snowfall in other areas in the higher reaches of Jammu and Kashmir as well, the officials added. The plains of the Valley, including Srinagar, were lashed by rains. -- PTI
15:10 Uma Bharti seeks EWS quota in pvt sector also
Senior BJP leader and former Union minister Uma Bharti on Monday welcomed the Supreme Court's decision upholding 10 per cent reservation for the economically weaker sections (EWS) in admissions and government jobs, and demanded quota in the private sector also.
The former Madhya Pradesh chief minister also said that 27 per cent reservation for the Other Backward Classes can also be implemented under special circumstances in states like MP, where the OBC population is high.
In a landmark verdict, the Supreme Court by a majority view of 3:2 on Monday upheld the validity of the 103rd Constitution amendment providing 10 per cent reservation to the EWS in admissions and government jobs.
The court said the quota does not violate the basic structure of the Constitution.
A five-judge constitution bench headed by Chief Justice U U Lalit pronounced four separate verdicts on 40 petitions challenging the validity of the 103rd Constitution amendment promulgated by the Centre in 2019. Welcoming the decision, Uma Bharti in a tweet said, "All the poor people have the same caste, they are poor. This reservation will bring unity in the country. My appeal is that all the needy people in the world unite and fight their battle for a better life."
"We should implement the system of reservation in the private sector also, she said in another tweet. PTI
14:36 Festive fervour puts automobile retail sales in fast lane in October
Aided by robust festive season offtake, automobile retail sales in India witnessed a 48 per cent annual jump in October, automotive dealers' body Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations said on Monday.
The total retail sales last month stood at 20,94,378 units, up 48 per cent from 14,18,726 registrations in October 2021.
The registrations last month were even better by 8 per cent as against October 2019, a pre-COVID month.
The festive season this year turned out to be the best for the industry in the last four years.
Last month, all the vehicle segments like passenger and commercial vehicles, two-wheelers, tractors and three-wheelers performed better as compared to the year-ago period.
Passenger vehicle retails stood at 3,28,645 units last month, up 41 per cent from 2,33,822 units in October 2021. Similarly, two-wheeler registrations witnessed a 51 per cent jump last month at 15,71,165 units compared with 10,39,845 units in October 2021.
One of the 6 cheetahs that arrived from Namibia
14:28 Cheetahs make 1st kill on Indian soil
Two male cheetahs brought from Namibia to the Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh, have made their first kill within 24 hours of their release from to a larger enclosure, an official said.
The cheetahs hunted down a cheetal (spotted deer) either on Sunday night or in the wee hours of Monday, the official said.
This was their first prey after their translocation from Namibia to India in mid-September along with six other cheetahs, the official said. The cheetahs - Freddie and Elton - were the first pair to be released into the larger enclosure on November 5 after being quarantined since September 17.
14:12 Eau de Musk: Gigi Hadid quits Twitter
American supermodel Gigi Hadid is no more on Twitter, all thanks to Elon Musk, the new boss of the microblogging site.
Taking to Instagram, Gigi announced that she has deactivated her Twitter account amid the mass layoffs, including the human rights team, Page Six reported. Criticising Musk over his leadership, Gigi wrote, "For a long time, but especially with its new leadership, it's becoming more and more of a cesspool of hate & bigotry, and its [sic] not a place I want to be a part (sic) of."
She also apologised to her fans for deactivating her Twitter account.
"Only sorry to the fans, who I have loved connecting with for a decade via Twitter, but I can't say "I can't stay it's a safe place for anyone, nor a social platform that will do more good than harm," she concluded.
Alongside her statement, she posted Human Rights Counsel Shannon Raj Singh's tweet about being laid off from the tech giant.
Last week, Musk fired hundreds of employees after taking control of Twitter. -- ANI
13:58 Virat Kohli named ICC Men's Player for Oct
Virat Kohli named the ICC Men's Player of the Month for October 2022 after some outstanding performances in the shortest format of the game: International Cricket Council.
13:48 Delhi ends WFH, starts schools after AQI improves
The Delhi government on Monday decided to reopen primary classes from November 9 and revoke the order asking 50 per cent of its staff to work from home in view of improvement in the city's air quality.
At a press conference, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai said there has been a rapid improvement in the air pollution situation in Delhi and farm fires have also reduced.
"Therefore, it has been decided to lift the curbs imposed under stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan in compliance with the direction from the Commission for Air Quality Management," he said.
"Primary schools will reopen from November 9 and the order asking 50 per cent of the government staff to work from home is being revoked," the minister said.
As the air pollution in Delhi-NCR ameliorated over the last two days, the Centre's air quality panel Sunday directed authorities to lift the ban on plying of non-BS VI diesel light motor vehicles in the region and the entry of trucks into the capital imposed under the final stage of the Graded Response Action Plan. The CAQM order recommending the restrictions was issued on Thursday.
High pollution levels had prompted the Delhi government to announce additional measures on Friday, including the closure of primary schools from Saturday and work from home for 50 per cent of its staff.
The 24-hour average air quality index of Delhi improved from 447 on Friday to 381 on Saturday and further to 339 on Sunday, primarily due to favourable wind speed and a drop in the contribution of stubble burning. PTI
13:41 Rishi Sunak joins climate meet in Egypt
UK PM Rishi Sunak tweets, "Today I will join leaders from across the world at @COP27P. For our children and grandchildren, we must deliver on the legacy of Glasgow and protect the future of the planet."
The UN's climate change summit has opened in Egypt with a warning that our planet is "sending a distress signal".
13:05 HC issues notice to Guj govt on bridge collapse
The Gujarat High Court on Monday took suo motu cognisance of the Morbi bridge collapse tragedy and issued notices to the state government and local authorities and also sought a status report in the matter by November 14.
The collapse of the British-era suspension bridge in Morbi on October 30 claimed 135 lives. A division bench of Chief Justice Aravind Kumar and Justice Ashutosh Shastri issued notices to the Gujarat government through the chief secretary, state home department, commissioner of municipalities, Morbi municipality, district collector and State Human Rights Commission and relisted the matter on November 14.
It also sought a status report from the chief secretary and home secretary by next Monday when the matter will come up for hearing.
The State Human Rights Commission has also been directed to file a report in the matter by November 14. The court took suo motu (on its own) cognisance of the incident on the basis of a newspaper report. PTI
12:36 Shruti Haasan wishes her 'bapuji' on his birthday
Veteran actor Kamal Haasan turned a year older today and his daughter Shruti Haasan dropped a sweet birthday wish on social media.
Taking to Instagram Story, the 'Ramaiya Vastavaiya' actor shared a childhood picture of the birthday boy along with a caption.
She wrote, "Happy birthday bapuji." Ahead of his birthday on Sunday, Kamal Haasan took to social media to announce the news.
The movie 'KH 234' will be out in theatres in 2024. It is being produced by Kamal Haasan, Mani Ratnam, R Mahendran, and Siva Ananth under their respective banners Raaj Kamal Films International and Madras Talkies.
Sukesh said he had paid Rs 50 cr to AAP
12:29 Con man Sukesh wants FIR against AAP
Jailed con man Sukesh Chandrasekhar, who is facing several cases of corruption under the Prevention of Corruption Act and Money Laundering Act has written another letter to Delhi LG Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena requesting a CBI probe against Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).
In his latest letter to Delhi LG, Chandrashekhar wrote, "I request you to direct an urgent CBI investigation and allow me to file an FIR as the pressure is getting too much and any undue event may take place before the truth about AAP is exposed," he wrote.
Alleging that he is being threatened by AAP leader Satyendar Jain and ex-DG (Prisons) of Tihar jail after his complaint to the Delhi L-G went public, he said, "After my last application was released on media, from last two days there has been a severe threat that I have been receiving from the jail administration on behalf of Mr Satyendar Jain and DG prison Sandeep Goel."
Earlier on Friday, the LG informed about the transfer of DG Prison Sandeep Goel with immediate effect via an official order from the Home Department of the Government of National Capital of Territory of Delhi read.
Sukesh also alleged that a total amount of Rs 50 crore was paid to the AAP as he was promised an important party position in south India.
"If I was the country's biggest thug then why during 2016 when I personally delivered Rs 50 crores to Mr Satyendra Jain in the presence of Kailash Gahlot in his farm at Asola, and thereafter the same evening, Mr Kejriwal and Mr Jain had visited me for the dinner at Hyatt, Bhikaji Kama Place where I was staying," he alleged in the letter.
"Kejriwal Ji why you forced me to bring 20-30 individuals to contribute Rs 500 cr to the party in return of seats," reads Sukesh Chandrashekhar's letter that has been confirmed by his lawyer.
Earlier in his letter to Delhi LG, Sukesh had alleged that he was forced to pay Rs 10 crore "protection money" to the Aam Aadmi Party minister Satyender Jain.
He had also asked for LG to direct the CBI to file a case on a complaint which has been also given to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
"I am ready to give all evidence supporting my Complaint against Satyender Jain of AAP. I am also ready to record my 164 Statement before Court and Judge. But the truth has to be out, as I am not able to keep it inside me anymore, I am being harassed, they and their so-called honest government have to be exposed and shown that even in Jail they are involved in high-level corruption," he said in a letter confirmed by his lawyer.
He further said, "I have been lodged in Delhi jail since 2017 for the case under PC Act and a few economical offences. I have been associated with AIADMK, the Sasikala faction politically involved in Tamil Nadu and have been in the business of construction, media, mining and corporate lobbying."
In his letter dated last month, Chandrashekar claimed that the AAP has promised him an important post in the party in the south zone and also to help him to be nominated to Rajya Sabha following the expansion.
"I (Sukesh) have known, Satyender Jain of AAP since 2015, and have contributed more than 50 crores to AAP in the promise of giving me an important post in the party in the south zone and also helping me to be nominated to Rajaya Sabha following the expansion," said Chandrashekhar.
He also alleged that Satyender Jain had visited him in Tihar Jail several times.
"After my arrest in 2017 for the two leaf symbol corruption case, I was lodged in Tihar Jail and was visited by Satyender Jain who holds the Portfolio of Jail minister is for multiple times, asking me if I had disclosed anything related to my Contribution to AAP to the investigating agency which arrested me, stated the letter," he said.
"Thereafter in 2019 again I was visited by Satyender Jain and his Secretary and his close friend Sushil in Jail, and asking me to pay Rs 2 crores every month to him as protection money to live safely in Jail, and to get even basic facilities provided. Also, he asked me to pay Rs 1.50 crore to DG prison Sandeep Goel. Minister's close aid forced me to pay and the total amount of 10 crores in matter of two-three months was extorted from me through constant pressure," he added.
The con man said that all the amounts were collected in Kolkata through his associate Chatturwedi. -- ANI
12:08 Pawar will join Yatra if health permits: Cong
Senior Congress leader Ashok Chavan has said the participation of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar in the 'Bharat Jodo Yatra' in Maharashtra will depend on his health condition.
The 'Bharat Jodo Yatra', a mass outreach initiative of the Congress which began on September 7 from Kanyakumari, is scheduled to enter Maharashtra's Nanded district on Monday night from neighbouring Telangana.
The Congress had invited NCP president Pawar, 81, to participate in the foot march and the latter earlier said he would join the yatra. Pawar was recently hospitalised in Mumbai for fever and other health issues.
The NCP chief on Saturday flew to Shirdi from Mumbai with doctors and addressed the party convention briefly.
Talking to reporters in Nanded on Sunday evening, former chief minister Chavan said, "There seems to be a change in Sharad Pawar's programmes. I have come to know that he may join the yatra on November 10, but it will depend on his health condition."
The state Congress leadership plans to highlight the participation of the NCP and the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena faction in the yatra as a show of solidarity of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Chavan also said the 'Bharat Jodo Yatra' led by senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will enter Deglur in Maharashtra's Nanded district on Monday.
The Congress state unit has planned to hold a welcome ceremony for the yatra participants at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue in Deglur, as per the schedule shared by the party. After the welcome ceremony, the yatra will resume at night in which the participants will carry 'Ekta Mashals' (Unity Torches).
Post mid-night, the marchers will take a break at a gurdwara in Deglur and later, they will take a night halt at the Chidravar Mill there. The yatra will resume on Tuesday morning. PTI
11:53 Imran Khan better actor than SRK, Salman: Pak neta
Imran Khan has outclassed Bollywood stars Shahrukh Khan and Salman Khan in acting skills, veteran Pakistani politician Maulana Fazlur Rehman has said, expressing his doubts on the former prime minister's injuries during an assassination attempt.
Khan, who suffered bullet injuries in the right leg on Thursday was discharged from the hospital on Sunday after undergoing successful surgery. He has now been moved to a private residence in Lahore.
Casting doubts on the injuries sustained by Khan, the 70-year-old chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's (PTI), the chief of Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), Rahman has said that Khan has "outshined Bollywood stars Shahrukh Khan and Salman Khan in acting skills," the Express Tribune reported.
"Initially I had sympathised with Imran Khan upon hearing about the Wazirabad episode, but now it seems that it was a drama," Rahman, also the chief of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) party was quoted as saying by the Dawn newspaper on the cricketer-turned-politician.
He said the confusion surrounding Khan's injuries was enough to raise eyebrows. "It was not clear whether a single shot was fired at Imran or more and whether the injury was on one leg or on both,'' the report added.
Maulana Fazl also said that it was intriguing that Khan was taken to Lahore instead of being admitted to a nearby hospital (in Wazirabad).
The JUI-F chief contested the PTI's claim that Khan was injured by broken pieces from bullets fired by a man during the long march at Gukkhar on Thursday.
"How is it possible that a bullet broke into pieces? We have heard about a piece from a bomb, but not a bullet. Blind people have accepted Khan's lies. We also condemned the (shooting incident) when we heard about the attack on Khan... whether he was hit by one, two, or four bullets or fragments. We have heard bomb fragments but heard of bullet fragments for the first time," the PDM chief remarked.
"Why is he being treated at a cancer hospital for bullet injuries," Fazl wondered.
Khan underwent surgery for bullet injuries at the Shaukat Khanum Hospital owned by his charitable organisation. The JUI-F chief while referring to a statement of the PTI chief's physician said he heard for the first time that the aorta is also present in the shin. There are contradictions in the statements of the doctors, he was quoted as saying by the Express Tribune newspaper. Fazlur said that Imran, who would label others as thieves', turned out to be a "thief" himself. -- ANI
11:35 Supreme Court clears 10% quota for poor
Update: The Supreme Court, by a majority view of 3:2, on Monday upheld the validity of the 103rd Constitution amendment providing 10 per cent reservation to people belonging to economically weaker sections (EWS) in admissions and government jobs.
The top court said the law on EWS quota does not violate the basic structure of the Constitution.
At the outset, Chief Justice U U Lalit said there are four different judgements on pleas challenging the EWS quota.
Justice Dinesh Maheshwari, who read the judgement for himself, said the 103rd constitutional amendment cannot said to breach the basic structure of the Constitution. Justice Bela M Trivedi said the 103rd constitutional amendment cannot be struck down on grounds of being discriminatory. Justice J B Pardiwala concurred with their views and upheld the validity of the amendment. Justice S Ravindra Bhat, in a minority view, dissented and struck down the constitution amendment on EWS quota. CJI Lalit concurred with the view of Justice Bhat.
Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg
11:15 Facebook parent Meta to sack thousands this week
Facebook parent Meta is preparing for large-scale layoffs this week which is expected to affect many thousands of its workforce.
In a recent spate of tech job cuts after the industry's rapid growth during the pandemic, Meta Platforms Inc is planning to begin large-scale layoffs this week, according to people familiar with the matter, reported The Wall Street Journal (WSJ).
The layoffs are expected to affect many thousands of employees and an announcement is planned to come as soon as Wednesday, according to the people familiar with the matter.
Meta reported having more than 87,000 employees at the end of September. Company officials already told employees to cancel non-essential travel beginning this week, the people said.
The planned layoffs would be the first broad head-count reductions to occur in the company's 18-year history. The number of Meta employees expected to lose their jobs could be the largest to date at a major technology corporation in a year that has seen a tech-industry retrenchment, reported WSJ.
The Wall Street Journal reported in September that Meta was planning to cut expenses by at least 10 per cent in the coming months, in part through staff reductions.
11:02 SC upholds 10% quota for EWS
10% quota for poor (EWS) upheld, Supreme Court says it doesn't violate basic structure of Constitution.
The five-judge Constitution bench of the Supreme Court upholds the validity of the Constitution's 103rd Amendment Act 2019, which provides for the 10 per cent EWS reservation amongst the general category. Four judges uphold the Act while one judge passes a dissenting judgement.
People queue up to withdraw money
10:52 Demo anniv: Kharge reminds PM about epic failure
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday over his government's 2016 demonetisation move, saying the PM is yet to acknowledge this "epic failure" that led to the "fall of the economy".
Kharge's remarks, a day before demonetisation's sixth anniversary, came over a media report which said that the currency with the public has jumped to a new high of Rs 30.88 lakh crore as of October 21.
"Demonetisation was promised to free the country of black money. But it destroyed businesses and ruined jobs. 6 years after the 'masterstroke' the cash available in public is 72% higher than that in 2016," Kharge said in a tweet.
"PM is yet to acknowledge this epic failure that led to fall of economy," the Congress president said.
According to the fortnightly data on money supply released by the RBI on Friday, the currency with the public increased to Rs 30.88 lakh crore as on October 21. The central bank data for Reserve Money had put the currency in circulation at Rs 17.7 lakh crore on November 4, 2016.
Currency with the public refers to notes and coins used by people to transact, settle trades, and for buying goods and services. The figure is arrived at after deducting cash with banks from the currency in circulation.
On November 8, 2016, Prime Minister Modi had announced the decision to withdraw Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 denomination notes with the ultimate aim of reducing corruption and black money in the economy. PTI
That's what Delhi looks like today
10:36 Meeting today on Delhi WFH order, schools shut
Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai will chair a high-level meeting Monday to discuss the new directions by the Centre's air quality panel about revoking curbs imposed under the final stage of the Graded Response Action Plan, officials said.
A decision on reopening primary schools and revocation of order asking 50 per cent of the government staff to work from home is likely to be taken at the meeting.
The Centre's air quality panel on Sunday had directed authorities to lift the ban on plying of non-BS VI diesel-run light motor vehicles in Delhi-NCR and entry of trucks into the capital imposed under the final stage of the Graded Response Action Plan.
The restrictions were imposed three days ago.
As Delhi's air quality index spiralled to 450, just a notch short of the "severe plus" category, on Thursday, the Commission of Air Quality Management had directed authorities to ban the plying of non-BS VI diesel light motor vehicles in the city and adjoining NCR districts and the entry of trucks into the national capital as part of anti-pollution measures under stage IV of GRAP.
The high pollution levels had prompted the Delhi government to announce additional measures on Friday, including closure of primary schools from Saturday and work from home for 50 per cent of its staff.
As the air pollution in the capital ameliorated marginally to the lower end of the "very poor" category on Sunday, the CAQM directed authorities to lift the curbs. The decision regarding revoking work-from-home order and reopening primary schools has to be taken by the Delhi government. PTI GVS
The two missing men
10:08 Did China abduct two men missing in Arunachal?
Two youths who went missing on August 24 along the Indo-China border in the Anjaw district of Arunachal Pradesh are yet to be traced.
Two men identified as Bateilum Tikro aged 33 years and Bayingso Manyu aged 35 years had left home on August 19 and went to the mountains in search of medicinal plants, were reported to be last seen on August 24 by some fellow villagers. They carried with them their bedding and food items that could last for 15-20 days.
When the two youths did not return after more than one and half months, the family members lodged a missing complaint at Khupa village police station on October 9.
The missing duo was from Duliang village and Chiprugam village, respectively, in Goliang circle of 45 Hayuliang constituency.
The family members of the missing youths doubt that they might have crossed Indian territory mistakenly and entered China where they are abducted by the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA).
Notably, five youths were abducted from the Upper Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh earlier in September 2020 by PLA and were released after a few weeks. A boy named Miram Tarom was also abducted by PLA on January 18 this year from the Upper Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh.
10:03 Raut delays Adipurush release to June 2023
Filmmaker Om Raut on Monday announced the release of his upcoming film "Adipurush" has been postponed till June 16, 2023, as its team needs time to present a "complete visual experience" to the viewers.
The news comes a month after the first teaser of the big-budget movie was heavily criticised on social media for the quality of visual effects as well as its depiction of Hindu deities.
The movie, featuring "Baahubali" star Prabhas in the title role of Lord Ram, was earlier set for release on January 12, 2023. "'Adipurush' is not a film, but a representation of our devotion to Prabhu Shri Ram and commitment towards our sanskriti and history.
"In order to give a complete visual experience to the viewers, we need to give more time to the teams working on the film. 'Adipurush' will now release on June 16th, 2023," Raut said in a statement posted on Twitter.
Adipurush is Raut's follow-up project to his 2020 blockbuster movie Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior, which recently won the National Award for Best Popular Film.
The multilingual period saga also features Saif Ali Khan as the 10-headed demon king called Lankesh, Kriti Sanon as Janaki and Sunny Singh as Lakshmana. The filmmaker said the team is committed to make a film that will make the country proud.
"Your support, love and blessings is what keeps us going," he added. "Adipurush" is produced by Bhushan Kumar and Krishan Kumar of T-series, Raut, Prasad Sutar and Rajesh Nair of Retrophiles. PTI
09:33 Delhi AQI 326, almost like smoking 14 cigarettes
Air Quality Index (AQI) in the national capital Delhi on Monday morning came down and stopped at a 'very poor' category, after continuing to slide from the 'severe' category, which was recorded for three straight days last week, said the forecast system SAFAR.
Even though the air quality in Delhi continued to slide for the second consecutive day from the 'upper end of very poor' to the 'very poor' category, still, it is touching an alarming level on Monday morning as the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of the city stood at 326.
Using Berkeley Health's formula, we can translate this to around 308 micrograms of PM2. 5 per cubic meter, which gives us an AQI value of 358. This means that for air pollution to be as harmful as smoking 14 cigarettes a day, the AQI in a region must be above 358.
The National Capital Region (NCR) continued to witness bad air as Noida, which is part of the national capital region, recorded an AQI of 356, in the 'very poor' category, while Gurugram's AQI stood at 364 and continued to remain in the 'very poor category, as per data released by SAFAR (System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research) India.
Air Quality Index from 0 to 100 is considered as good, while from 100 to 200 it is moderate, from 200 to 300 it is poor, and from 300 to 400 it is said to be very poor and from 400 to 500 or above it is considered as severe.
08:58 AirAsia India's Pune-Bengaluru flight aborts take off at last minute
A Bengaluru-bound AirAsia India flight from Pune aborted take off at the last minute on Sunday due to a technical issue.
The number of passengers on board the A320 aircraft was not known.
AirAsia India in a statement confirmed that its Bengaluru flight from Pune returned to bay owing to a technical issue.
"AirAsia India flight i5-1427 operating from Pune to Bengaluru cancelled take-off and returned to bay due to a technical reason," an AirAsia India spokesperson said in a statement.
The spokesperson, however, did not share any other details.
Earlier a passenger tweeted, "For some reason Air-Asia Pune-Bengaluru Airbus A-320 aircraft suddenly aborted t-off at Pune airport. After rolling on RWY 28 At almost 50knots the aircraft aborted take off and went back to the apron." -- PTI
08:23 Twitter impersonators will be permanently suspended: Musk
Twitter's new owner Elon Musk on Sunday tweeted that the microblogging site will permanently suspend any account that impersonates another.
"Going forward, any Twitter handles engaging in impersonation without clearly specifying "parody" will be permanently suspended," Musk wrote.
In a separate tweet, Musk said Twitter previously issued a warning before suspension, but as Twitter is rolling out widespread verification, there will be no warning as well as "no exceptions."
"This will be clearly identified as a condition for signing up to Twitter Blue," Musk said, adding any name change at all will cause temporary loss of verified checkmark.
Musk's warning came after some celebrities changed their Twitter display names -- not their account names -- and tweeted as Elon Musk in reaction to the billionaire's decision to offer verified accounts to all comers for $8 month.
TOP STORIES
© 2024 Rediff.com - Investor Information - Advertise with us - Disclaimer - Privacy Policy - Feedback - About us - Terms of use - Grievances