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Thu, 03 August 2023
Think of leaving but CM post isn't leaving me: Gehlot
Timeline Refresh
Screen grab from the video/Mumbai Congress/Twitter
23:49 Video of instructor hitting students with stick goes viral; college assures probe
A video of an instructor hitting some students on the back with a stick while they are in push-up position in muddy rain water reportedly in a college in Thane in Maharashtra went viral on Thursday.
While the police said they had not received any complaint in connection with the incident, the college authorities claimed they would institute a probe to find out details.
The video drew condemnation from netizens as well as local leaders, who sought a police case against the instructor.
The video has apparently been shot by one of the students of the college. -- PTI
Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot
23:37 I think of leaving but CM post isn't leaving me: Gehlot
"I sometimes think of leaving but the post of chief minister is not leaving me," Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot said on Thursday almost tongue-in-cheek.
The Congress veteran's remark came in response to a woman from Alwar who expressed her wish to see Gehlot continuing as the chief minister after the assembly elections slated for later this year.
"The post of CM...I sometimes think of leaving but the post of chief minister is not leaving me. Let's see what happens going ahead," he said.
Gehlot's remark, though made on a lighter note, assumes significance as he has been engaged in a power tussle with his former deputy Sachin Pilot since the last assembly elections in 2018.
During her interaction with the chief minister, Dholi Devi, the woman from Alwar, also expressed her gratitude to him for launching the Chiranjeevi health insurance scheme under which she underwent heart transplant at a private hospital free of cost.
On Indian Organ Donation Day, the chief minister interacted with some organ transplant recipients through video conference.
He also laid the foundation or inaugurated various medical institutions. -- PTI
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22:59 Modi to attend BRICS summit in Johannesburg
With the upcoming BRICS summit in South Africa set to discuss admitting new members, India on Thursday dismissed as "baseless" reports that it is opposed to the expansion of the five-nation grouping.
In a telephonic conversation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa that he looked forward to visiting Johannesburg to participate in the BRICS Summit.
"President Ramaphosa invited the prime minister for the BRICS summit being hosted by South Africa on August 22-24, and briefed him on the preparations for the same," the ministry of external affairs said.
"The prime minister accepted the invitation and conveyed that he looked forward to his visit to Johannesburg to participate in the summit," it said following the Modi-Ramaphosa phone talks on Thursday.
The summit scheduled from August 22 to 24 is set to extensively deliberate on expansion of BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa).
The United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Argentina, Iran, Indonesia and Kazakhstan are among countries which have shown keen interest in joining the grouping.
"We have seen some baseless speculation that India has reservations against the expansion. This is simply not true," MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said at a media briefing earlier in the day. -- PTI
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22:38 Deserter Army officer escapes from custody
An army officer of the rank of major, declared a deserter, managed to escape from custody during a family meeting at Kamptee Cantonment in Nagpur, the police said on Thursday.
Rajeev Dhalsingh Bopche (35), who had disappeared while posted at the military station in Bhatinda, Punjab, in January 2020, had been recently intercepted at an airport and was held at Kamptee cantonment in transit custody, a defence spokesperson said.
On the evening of July 30, he was allowed to meet his mother and brother at the Officer's Mess where he had been temporarily held, according to the police.
During the meeting, Bopche went to the washroom.
When he failed to return, the jawan assigned to guard him checked the washroom and found that the major had escaped by breaking the aluminum grill of the window, a police official said.
A search was launched for him but he remained untraceable, the official added.
A complaint was lodged at the Old Kamptee police station by a Guards Regimental official and a First Information Report was registered under section 224 (escaping from lawful custody) of the Indian Penal Code. -- PTI
22:12 Elderly woman dies after lift malfunctions in Noida society
A 73-year-old woman died of possible cardiac arrest on Thursday after the cable of a lift at a housing complex in Noida snapped, leading to a free fall between floors, police officials said.
The lift did not hit the ground but was caught between some of the middle floors of the building, a police official said as details about the incident that took place in a high-rise society were being ascertained.
The woman was alone in the lift when its wire snapped, leading to a free fall, the official said, citing preliminary findings.
"Today, a woman going in the lift fainted due to breaking of the lift wire in Paras Tierra Society in Sector 137, under Police Station Sector 142 area. The woman was alone in the lift. She was admitted to Felix Hospital but died during treatment," the police said in a statement.
The incident took place around 4.30 pm and the woman passed away after an hour in the hospital.
"The woman had injuries on the back of her head and soma abrasion on her elbows, which appears to have been caused due to the fall of the lift. There was no pulse and her eyelids were dilated when she was brought to the hospital, suggesting a possible cardiac arrest because of the suddenness of the event," a doctor of the Felix Hospital said. -- PTI
Wani's family weep after he went missing.
21:49 Missing Army jawan in J-K has been rescued: Police
The Army jawan who went missing from Kulgam in Jammu and Kashmir has been rescued, the police said on Thursday night.
Javaid Ahmed Wani, a 25-year-old Indian Army jawan, was reported missing from Kulgam district in Jammu and Kashmir.
Wani is from the Army's 3 J&K Light Infantry and had been visiting his home on leave.
The soldier was posted in Ladakh and was to rejoin his unit on Monday.
His disappearance had triggered the suspicion that the jawan was abducted by terrorists.
A massive search operation had been launched by security personnel to locate the missing soldier.
21:25 Over 1K private buses of BEST stay off roads in Mumbai as drivers' strike enters Day 2
More than 60 per cent of the total 1,671 private buses of the civic transport service BEST in Mumbai did not ply on Thursday on the second day of drivers' strike for salary hike and other demands.
As many as 1,009 of the 1,671 buses hired from private operators did not leave 12 depots of the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport Undertaking across the city, causing immense inconvenience to commuters.
The buses leased by BEST from the private firm SMT, also known as Daga Group, were the worst affected on the second day; 473 of its 579 buses remained off the roads.
In addition, 369 of 400 buses of Mateshwari, 155 of 340 buses of Tata Motors and 12 of 280 buses of Hansa stayed inside the depots.
The drivers of the buses of other private operators, namely Olectra, E-Trans and Switch Mobility, did not take part in the strike.
A BEST spokesperson said that it is trying to run as many of its own buses as possible.
The undertaking has directed the private operators to resolve the issue as early as possible, and necessary action was being taken against these companies as per the terms and conditions of the lease agreements, he added.
More than 2,000 drivers of private bus operators gathered at Azad Maidan in south Mumbai on Thursday afternoon as part of the protest.
On Wednesday, drivers of the Daga Group went on a flash strike at the Ghatkopar and Mulund depots over their demand of salary hike.
The strike intensified on Thursday as drivers of Mateshwari and Tata Motors also joined in. -- PTI
AAP Lok Sabha member Sushil Kumar Rinku
21:09 AAP MP Rinku suspended for Monsoon session
The Lok Sabha on Thursday suspended newly-elected Aam Aadmi Party member Sushil Kumar Rinku for the remaining part of the Monsoon session for unruly behaviour in the House.
As the Lok Sabha passed the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, Rinku came to the well of the house, tore some papers and threw them in the direction of Speaker Om Birla.
After the Bill was passed, Birla objected to Rinku's conduct in the House and asked Parliametary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi to move a resolution for the AAP member's suspension.
Birla formally named Rinku for conduct unbecoming of a member of the Lok Sabha following which the minister moved a resolution for his suspension for the remaining part of the Monsoon session.
The motion was adopted by a voice vote.
The Monsoon session is scheduled to end on August 11.
Rinku, who was elected to the Lok Sabha in a bypoll in May, took oath as member on July 20, the first day of the ongoing Parliament session. -- PTI
Ex-CM Amarinder Singh
20:52 Punjab Vigilance books ex-CM Amarinder's aide in disproportionate assets case
The Punjab Vigilance Bureau on Thursday booked Bharat Inder Singh Chahal, the former advisor to former chief minister Amarinder Singh, in a disproportionate assets case, officials said.
The case was registered against Amarinder's close-aide under the Prevention of Corruption Act, said an official spokesperson of the bureau.
During investigation, the vigilance bureau found that the income of Chahal and his family members from March 2017 to September 2021 was Rs 7.85 crore against the expenditure of Rs 31.79 cr almost 305 per cent more than his known sources of income.
Chahal had made properties in his own and his family members' names, the bureau official said.
Among properties he allegedly got through illicit money were Dashmesh Luxury Wedding Resort (Alcazar) situated on Sirhind Road in Patiala, a five-storey commercial building built over 2,595 yards on the Mini Secretariat Road in Patiala, and 72 kanals 14 marla land at Kalyan village near a toll plaza on Nabha Road, said the spokesperson.
Apart from this, Chahal is also alleged to have bought land in Malaheri and Harbanspura villages in Fatehgarh Sahib district, the spokesperson added.
Chahal, now under questioning by the bureau, had earlier failed to appear before the vigilance bureau despite being summoned several times.
He was Amarinder's advisor from 2017 till September 2021 and also his media advisor from 2002 to 2007.
Former Telangana minister Jupally Krishna Rao along with others joins Congress in presence of party chief Mallikarjun Kharge/ANI
20:41 BRS leader Jupally Krishna Rao, other leaders join Cong in Kharge's presence
Former minister in the Bharat Rashtra Samithi government Jupally Krishna Rao, former MLA Gurunatha Reddy, along with some other leaders from Telangana, joined the Congress on Thursday in the presence of party chief Mallikarjun Kharge.
The joining of the leaders comes as a boost for the Congress ahead of the assembly polls in the southern state later this year.
The Congress is looking to mount a stiff challenge to the K Chandrashekar Rao-led government and seeking to dislodge it from power.
"We welcome several prominent leaders from Telangana in the Congress party. The political tide in Telangana is turning for the good and the people of the state want a Congress government at the helm for overall progress and prosperity," Kharge said on Twitter along with photographs of him welcoming several former BRS leaders into the Congress.
"The entry of former minister Jupally Krishna Rao, Former MLA Gurunatha Reddy, KR Nagaraju and other grassroots leaders into the Congress party, shall further strengthen our endeavour to provide true social welfare in the state," Kharge said.
Telangana Congress chief A Revanth Reddy, AICC in-charge of state Manikrao Thakre and AICC general secretary (organisation) KC Venugopal were also present on the occasion. -- PTI
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20:20 Nuh violence: Panel formed to monitor social media
The Haryana government has constituted a committee that will monitor social media platforms to prevent the circulation of provocative material, including videos, photographs, and hate speeches, to maintain law and order and communal harmony in the state.
The committee has been formed in the wake of communal violence in Nuh.
According to an order issued on Thursday by additional chief secretary (home), TVSN Prasad, the committee will coordinate with all relevant agencies to take "remedial/corrective measures in this regard".
Special secretary, home -I will be the committee's chairman.
It will have a superintendent of police, CID, Haryana, deputy secretary, Information Technology and an interception assistant from the office of the ACS, Home Department, as members.
Six people, including two home guards and a cleric, have died in the clashes that erupted in Nuh over an attempt to stop a Vishva Hindu Parishad procession and spread to Gurugram over the past few days.
Haryana's Home Minister Anil Vij on Wednesday said social media has played a significant role in fuelling the violence in Nuh. -- PTI
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20:06 Assam bats for mandatory Sanskrit knowledge for Ayurvedic courses
The Assam government has decided to send a proposal to the Centre to make the knowledge of Sanskrit mandatory for taking admission to Ayurvedic courses.
The decision was taken at a cabinet meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, on Wednesday night.
The state government will propose the Union Ministry of Ayush and the National Council for Indian System of Medicine to make "Sanskrit as a compulsory criterion" for admission to Bachelor of Ayurveda Medicine and Surgery.
The proposal will incorporate that candidates must pass Class 10 with Sanskrit as a subject, according to an official communique shared by Sarma on Twitter.
It also said candidates must clear the Sanskrit test of Class 10 in entrance examinations conducted by the university or board, and preference may be given, initially for five years, to candidates "who passed the 10th standard with Sanskrit," the communique said.
Assam Ayurvedic Education Service Rules, 2023 will be framed for uniform enforcement of service policies for teaching staff, medical officers of the government ayurvedic college and hospital, the document said.
The cabinet also approved a total investment of Rs 2,963.15 crore for five projects at various locations in Assam.
"The proposed projects will generate employment for 4,700 people (1,220 directly and 3,480 indirectly). The mega projects will accelerate economic progress by creating job opportunities, boosting local businesses and bringing in investment, besides helping modernise infrastructure, improving the people's standard of living," the cabinet note said. -- PTI
19:50 LS passes Delhi services bill by voice vote
The Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023, which will replace an ordinance promulgated for handling the transfers and postings of senior officers in the city government, was passed in Lok Sabha on Thursday amid a walkout by opposition parties.
The Delhi services bill was passed after a nearly four-hour-long debate which was replied to by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Shah made it clear that the central government has the power to make laws on Union territories and Delhi, being a Union Territory, the Centre enjoys full rights to make rules also.
Launching a scathing attack on the opposition for joining hands against the central government's move to bring the bill, Shah predicted that once the bill is passed, the opposition alliance will collapse.
He alleged that the Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP government in Delhi has not been not functioning within rules and it is even not convening assembly session regularly.
Even the cabinet meeting of the Delhi government is not convened regularly, he said.
"The bill is constitutionally valid and it is for the benefit of the people of Delhi," he said.
Shah also asked the opposition parties to support the bill, saying it is for the welfare of the people of the national capital.
As the bill was being passed, members of several opposition parties walked out of the Lok Sabha as a mark of protest. -- PTI
19:45 Climate protesters held for draping UK PM Sunak's home in black cloth
Four climate protesters from Greenpeace were arrested on Thursday after they draped the home of British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in northern England in black cloth, in protest against his recent backing for an expansion of North Sea oil and gas drilling.
The Greenpeace activists had climbed onto the roof of Sunak's sprawling constituency home in Richmond, North Yorkshire, to unfold 200 square metres of "oil-black fabric' to cover one side of the mansion.
The local North Yorkshire Police issued a statement to say that its officers had responded to the protest activity at the Prime Minister's home in Kirby Sigston.
"Officers have contained the area and no one has entered the building. The PM and his family are not at home," the police said.
It confirmed the arrests on Thursday afternoon after the four protesters finally climbed down from the roof after around three hours and were seen being led away into the back of police vans.
Sunak, along with wife Akshata Murty and daughters Krishna and Anoushka, is currently away on a week-long holiday in California.
Asked about the incident, deputy prime minister Oliver Dowden told the BBC he thought the British people were "sick of these stupid stunts".
Two other Greenpeace activists unfurled a banner emblazoned with the words 'Rishi Sunak' -- Oil Profits or Our Future?' on the grass in front of the home.
"Just as wildfires and floods wreck homes and lives around the world, Sunak is committing to a massive expansion of oil and gas drilling," said Philip Evans, Greenpeace UK's climate campaigner. -- PTI
United Kingdom MP Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi/Twitter
19:11 UK Sikh MP Dhesi stopped at Amritsar airport for 2 hours
United Kingdom MP Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi was allegedly stopped for around two hours by immigration officials after he landed at the Shri Guru Ramdas ji International Airport in Amritsar on Thursday, the police sources said.
Though there was no official word about stopping the MP, the sources said the Labour MP from Slough was not carrying his Overseas Citizen of India card.
Dhesi, who is known to be outspoken on Sikh issues, was made to wait for two hours before being allowed to leave the airport, they said.
A Punjab police official said Dhesi arrived from Birmingham at around 9 am and he did not complain of any difficulty or problem faced inside the airport.
The official posted at the airport said Dhesi is on a personal visit and has refused police security during his stay in the city. -- PTI
A view of Bombay high court
18:46 After 2016 attempt, no proposal to change names of HCs: Govt
There is no proposal at present to change the name of various high courts, Rajya Sabha was informed on Thursday.
In July 2016, the government had brought the 'High Courts (Alteration of Names) Bill to change the names of the high courts of Bombay, Calcutta and Madras as high courts of Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai respectively.
Later, some fresh names were added to the list.
But amid divergent views, the bill could not be taken further and lapsed due to dissolution of the 16th Lok Sabha, Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal said in a written reply.
Giving out the history of the proposal to alter the names of some of high courts, he said with the enactment of the city of Madras (Alteration of Name) Act, 1996, the city of Madras was renamed as Chennai, following which the Tamil Nadu government sent a proposal for changing the name of the Madras high court to the high court of Chennai in 1997.
Since the names of the cities of Bombay and Calcutta were also changed to Mumbai and Kolkata, and the respective high courts of the states are located in these cities, it was considered appropriate to change the names of these two high courts as well, he pointed out.
"The government brought a legislation titled 'The High Courts (Alteration of Names) Bill, 2016' regarding changing the names of High Courts of Bombay, Calcutta and Madras as high courts of Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai respectively, and the same was introduced in the Lok Sabha on July 19, 2016," he said. -- PTI
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18:30 Nuh unrest: Muslims to offer Friday namaaz at home
Muslims in Gurugram will not offer Friday namaaz at any public place or mosques in view of violence that flared up in Nuh, Sohna, and Gurugram earlier in the week, a community leader has announced.
Mufti Saleem Qasmi, president of Jamiat Ulama in Gurugram, appealed through a video message to people to refrain from praying in public places or gathering in mosques for prayers.
Qasmi said it is the responsibility of the people to maintain brotherhood.
The decision comes in the wake of the communal clashes that broke out on Monday in Nuh district during a Vishva Hindu Parishad rally.
Six people including a cleric were killed in the violence that ensued after the clashes and several cars and food joint were set on fire.
"I appeal to the people to offer namaaz at home. Only those people who live in a masjid can offer namaaz in the masjid. No one else is allowed to enter it. May Allah protect our brotherhood," Mufti said on Thursday.
Hindu-right outfits had on Wednesday submitted a memorandum to a deputy commissioner of police demanding, among many other things, a ban on namaaz in public places.
DC Prashant Panwar and SP Varun Singla of Nuh held a meeting with the Ulemas in Nuh on Thursday and appealed to them to pray at their homes.
Ulemas assured police that there will be public namaaz. -- PTI
17:59 India summons German envoy seeking return of baby Ariha
India summoned German Ambassador Philipp Ackermann this week and pressed for the return of an Indian baby girl, who has been living in a foster care in Berlin for over 20 months.
Ariha Shah, aged seven months then, was placed in the custody of Germany's Youth Welfare Office (Jugendamt) on September 23, 2021 after she suffered an accidental injury.
She has been in foster care since then.
External affairs ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said Ackerman was summoned earlier this week on the Ariha issue.
India has been maintaining that it is important for the child to be in her linguistic, religious, cultural and social environment.
Last December, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar conveyed to his German counterpart Annalena Baerbock concerns over the girl. -- PTI
17:42 College teacher held in Pune for religious slur
A college teacher was arrested in Pune on Thursday for allegedly making disrespectful comments about Hindu deities, the police said.
Members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, student organisation affiliated to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, also staged a protest outside the college seeking action against the teacher.
A video purportedly showing the teacher, identified as Ashok Dhole, making certain remarks in classroom had emerged earlier.
The Symbiosis College of Arts and Commerce in the city, where he taught, said it has suspended him.
Dr Hrishikesh Soman, the college principal, said that a student shot the video during a class.
"Later, some members of an outfit approached us with the video and sought action against him. We have suspended him, and this being a government-aided college, the process of initiating inquiry has started," he said.
Senior inspector VV Hasabnis of Deccan Gymkhana police station said Dhole was arrested under Section 295 (deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings) of the Indian Penal Code and he will be produced before a court on Friday. -- PTI
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17:36 8.38 lakh voters in Mizoram: State election department
There are over 8.38 lakh voters, including 4.31 lakh female voters, in Mizoram, according to the draft voters' list published on Wednesday, officials said. Female voters outnumbered their male counterparts again by 24,545.
As per the draft rolls published by the state election department, out of 8,38,039 electorates, 4,06,747 are males and 4,31,292 females, officials said.
There are 5,021 service voters, including 89 females in the state, they said.
The draft electoral rolls were prepared for special summary revision of voter list to include people attaining 18 years of age on October 1, 2023, they said. Aizawl district with 12 assembly constituencies has the highest number of voters at 2,81,192 followed by south Mizoram's Lunglei district at 98,516 and Lawngtlai at 89,749.
There are six assembly constituencies in Lunglei district. Hnahthial district, which was created in 2019, has the least electorates at 15,875.
The last date for filing claim (inclusion) and objection is August 31.
There are 40 assembly constituencies and 1,276 polling stations in Mizoram. Elections to the 40-assembly seats are due later this year. -- PTI
17:07 Married for 45 yrs: Dhankar's reply to Kharge on...
Amid heated exchanges between the opposition and the ruling party members over the Manipur issue, Rajya Sabha on Thursday witnessed some lighter moments when Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge asked Chairman Jagdeep Dhakhar why he is angry to which he responded that he never does as he is married for 45 years.
After the chairman allowed Kharge to speak, the Congress leader said he is made to sit within two seconds. "'Aap jara gusse mein the shayad' (You were probably a little angry)," Kharge said, to which Dhakhar responded: "Sir (Kharge), I am a married man for 45 years. Mein kabhi gussa nahin karta (I never get angry)," leading to laughter from the members.
"'Kabhi gussa nahi karta'. And Mr (P) Chidambaram, a very distinguished senior advocate, will know as senior advocates, we have no right to show our anger at least to the authority. You are an authority," Dhankhar said while pointing towards Kharge.
The chairman also said he cannot discuss about his wife in the house as she is not a member of the house. He then urged Kharge to "modify" the comment that he gets angry.
At this, Kharge said, "Aap gussa nahi karte. Dekhate nahi. Lekin barabar andar se karte ho (You don't show your anger, but from within, you get angry)." This lead to another round of laughter in the house, with both sides enjoying the lighter moments. PTI
REUTERS/Souleymane Ag Anara
16:49 France evacuates Indians from riot-torn Niger
Following the military coup in Niger, the French Government evacuated over 990 of its citizens including Indian nationals over the past two days.
Taking to Twitter, the French ambassador to India, Emmanuel Lenain said that the French government had around 992 people, out of which 560 are its citizens while the rest of them includes nationals from many other countries, including Indian citizens.
"Following the military coup in #Niger, France has evacuated 992 people from the country through several rotation flights over the past two days. In addition to 560 French citizens, the flights evacuated nationals from many other countries, including Indian citizens," Lenain said in a tweet. Till now 4 flights carrying French and other national citizens have departed from Niger.
16:26 Muslim body moves SC over ASI survey of Gyanvapi
Muslim body Anjuman Intezamia Masjid committee on Thursday moved the Supreme Court against the Allahabad High Court order permitting an Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) survey at the Gyanvapi mosque.
The matter was mentioned by advocate Nizam Pasha before Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud, who was heading a five-judge constitution bench hearing the arguments in the Article 370 issue and was rising for the day, seeking urgent hearing.
"The Allahabad High Court has passed an order today. We have filed an SLP against the order. I have sent an email (seeking urgent hearing). Let them not proceed with the survey... ," Pasha said. The CJI said, "I will look at the email right away."
One of the parties from the Hindu side has also filed a caveat in the apex court saying that no orders be passed without hearing them in the matter.
Earlier in the day, the high court dismissed a petition filed by the Gyanvapi committee challenging a district court order directing the ASI to conduct the survey to determine if the mosque was built upon a temple.
The Varanasi district court order was issued on July 21 and was challenged by the Anjuman Intezamia Masjid Committee. Chief Justice Pritinker Diwakar had reserved the order on the committee's petition on July 27 after hearing the counsels for both parties. PTI
16:23 Amrit Udyan at the Rashtrapati Bhavan reopens to public
Amrit Udyan at the Rashtrapati Bhavan will be open for the public from August 16 for one month (except on Mondays), under the Udyan Utsav-II. On September 5, it will be exclusively open for teachers to mark Teachers' Day. Amrit Udyan was formerly called Mughal Gardens.
The Udyan Utsav-II aims to showcase the blossom of summer annuals to the visitors. Visitors can visit the gardens from 1000 hrs to 1700 hrs (last entry 1600 hrs). Bookings can be made online from August 7 on Rashtrapati Bhavan website (https://visit.rashtrapatibhavan.gov.in/).
Walk-in visitors can get passes from Self Service Kiosks placed near Gate no. 35. Entry to the Amrit Udyan is free of cost.
16:03 Smelly onions may have led to return of Kochi flight
A combination of "pungent" and "burning smell" inside an Air India Express flight forced about 175 passengers bound for Sharjah to return after takeoff from here.
The culprit -- possibly a box of onions in the cargo hold area of the flight. At first, one of the passengers on the Sharjah-bound Air India Express flight (IX 411) that took off from Kochi on August 2 night, complained of a smell of something "burning" inside the flight, an airline source said.
Later, some more passengers joined and said there was some "pungent smell" in the flight that had just taken off, forcing a turn around and making a precautionary landing at the Cochin International Airport (CIAL).
The engineering team inspected the aircraft, and initial findings showed no evidence of smoke or technical issues, the airline source said.
"The preliminary feedback suggests that the source of the odour may have been attributed to the presence of onions or vegetables being carried in the aircraft", the source said.
As somebody had reported a bad smell inside the aircraft, as a precautionary measure, it was decided to turn back, the source added. Congress MLA Mathew Kuzhalnadan, who was travelling in the aircraft, said there was uncertainty and confusion among the passengers, but it landed safely.
"To be honest, I fell asleep as soon as I boarded. However, when I woke up with the announcement, there was an uncertainty and confusion among the people. When the captain announced we are landing back then, everyone got concerned and slightly nervous. However, it didn't get worse as we landed back soon," the Muvattupuzha MLA, who is on a private visit to Sharjah, told PTI.
The Air India Express expressed regret for the inconvenience caused and made arrangements for guests on another aircraft, which departed at 5.14 am. -- PTI
15:53 Extension for Rajiv Gauba
Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba gets one-year extension beyond August 30, 2023.
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15:24 Teen girl raped, body thrown into kiln in Rajasthan
The burnt body of a 14-year-old girl has been recovered from a brick kiln in the Bhilwara district of Rajasthan, police said. Locals alleged that the girl was raped before she was thrown into the kiln.
Late on Wednesday night, while looking for the girl who went missing in the morning, her family members spotted her footwear near a brick kiln. On peeping inside, they found her bangle and a few bones, the police said.
Locals caught hold of a few persons of the Kalbelia nomadic tribe, suspecting their involvement in the crime, and handed them over to the police, they said.
Around 4-5 persons from the nomadic community who operate the kiln and live near it have been detained and are being interrogated at the Kotda police station, they added.
BJP leader Kalulal Gurjar who reached the village and met the victim's family members alleged that the girl was raped and her body was burnt in the kiln. Gurjar alleged that the police did not act promptly in the case and detained the suspected accused only after the villagers caught them. Police said they have not yet ruled out the possibility of rape in the matter, adding that further probe is on. -- PTI
15:24 Cong tells HM in LS: You invoke Nehru when you...
Union Home Minister Amit Shah speaks in the Lok Sabha as the House takes up the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023 for consideration and passage.
"This ordinance refers to the order of the Supreme Court which says that the Parliament has the right to make laws on any issue related to the National Capital Territory of Delhi.
"There are provisions in the Constitution that allow the Centre to make laws for Delhi. I appeal to the opposition MPs to think about Delhi not their alliance. Even after (the opposition) forming alliance, Narendra Modi will become PM again with full majority...
"Pt Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Patel, Rajaji, Rajendra Prasad and Dr Ambedkar were opposed to Delhi being given the status of a full state," Shah said on the National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023.
Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury retorted saying, "When you need, you take the help of former PM Jawaharlal Nehru. If you had actually taken the help of Nehru then the country would not have witnessed Manipur and Haryana."
14:12 When fashion got outrageous!
If you think Bollywood's kitschy overkill from the 1980s is stuff of throwback terror, wait till the big, bad, bold fashion of the 1970s is unleashed upon you. Sukanya Verma lists some trends we hope NEVER make a comeback. Take a look
Charred remains of a shop in Gurugram
14:01 Man urinates at RSS office gate in Shahjahanpur, UP
A ruckus erupted at the local office of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh in Shahjahanpur with a group of people hurling brickbats and opening fire after the outfit workers objected to a man urinating at their office gate, police said.
The man and two of his co-accused have been arrested, they added.
The incident took place on Wednesday night when the RSS workers accosted the man who allegedly urinated at the office's gate and 3-4 persons accompanying him, Superintendent of Police Ashok Kumar said.
The workers got into an argument with the group which was soon joined in by around 50 more people, Kumar said. RSS office bearer Ravi Mishra alleged that the accused pelted stones at the office workers and fired at them, during which three RSS workers sustained minor injuries, the police said.
The injured workers were hospitalised following the incident and have been discharged after treatment, they added.
Based on Mishra's complaint, an FIR has been registered against 5 unidentified and 40-50 unidentified people under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, including Section 307 (attempt to murder), the SP said.
Shashank Gupta, Shivank Gupta and Mukesh Gupta have been arrested in this connection and the police are analysing the CCTV footage of the incident to trace the other accused, he added. Four teams have been formed to arrest the other accused and a police force has been deployed at the RSS office, the SP said, adding that strict action will be taken against the offenders. PTI
13:19 Autopsy report says Nitin Desai died due to hanging
The post-mortem report of the body of acclaimed art director Nitin Desai has confirmed that he died due to hanging, an official said on Thursday. Desai was found dead on the premises of his N D Studios at Karjat in Maharashtra's Raigad district on Wednesday morning.
A post-mortem was conducted on his body by a team of four doctors at the state-run J J hospital in Mumbai on Wednesday night, he said. As per the post-mortem report, the death was due to hanging, said Somnath Gharge, Raigad superintendent of police.
The body has been kept at the J J hospital and it will be handed over to Desai's family on Friday, he said. Desai's last rites will be performed at N D studios on Friday, he said. PTI
13:14 India imposes import curbs on laptops, tablets
The government on Thursday imposed import restrictions on laptops, tablets, all-in-one personal computers, ultra small form factor computers and servers with immediate effect.
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) in a notification said that exemption from import licensing is provided for up to 20 items per consignment for R&D, testing, benchmarking and evaluation, repair and return, product development purposes. The move is expected to cut imports from countries like China.
"Import of laptops, tablets, all-in-one personal computers, and ultra small form factor computers, servers... is 'restricted' with immediate effect," it said. Products under restrictions need license or permission from the government. PTI
RAF personnel in Nuh
13:01 News at this hour...
-- Haryana government partially lifts mobile internet suspension from 1300 hours to 1600 hours today in Nuh, Faridabad and Palwal districts and territorial jurisdiction of Sub division Sohna, Pataudi and Manesar of district Gurugram.
-- Day curfew reimposed in Imphal valley as precautionary measure.
-- Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi here. Siddaramaiah met Modi in the Parliament complex. This is his first meeting with the prime minister since becoming the chief minister of Karnataka in May.
12:49 Terrified at night, say Nuh locals; curfew imposed
Paramilitary forces on Thursday conducted a flag march in Nuh after a curfew was imposed in the district following the clashes between the group in the state. Streets were deserted in the district amid the curfew imposed in the area.
A local said that the public is facing issues in procuring ration items from the shop.
"We are facing trouble when it comes to procuring ration items. There is an atmosphere of fear around. We are not sending the children outside. We are very scared at night as well, don't know what will happen," a local told ANI.
Another local who deals in the sale of vegetables said that their income has been affected since customers are not coming for the purchases.
"I deal in selling vegetables but for the past 2-3 days the sales have been affected...If customers don't come, how will we earn a living? Since nobody is coming, the vegetables are getting spoiled. We are very troubled," he said.
Six deaths have been confirmed in the violence in the Nuh district of Haryana. -- ANI
12:27 Manipur HC orders status quo on graveyard for Kukis
The Manipur High Court on Thursday directed that the status quo be maintained at the proposed burial site in Haolai Khopi village of Churachandpur district where the Kuki-Zo community had planned a burial service for 35 people who were killed in ethnic riots in the state.
A leading Kuki-Zo organisation also said they were postponing plans for the burial service following requests from Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The HC order was passed by a bench headed by Acting Chief Justice MV Muralidaran after a hearing at 6 am.
The court directed the state and central governments and their law-enforcing agencies as well as the public to maintain status quo with regard to the land in question.
The bench also took into consideration the potentiality of aggravating the already volatile law and order situation and the possibility of igniting a fresh wave of violence and bloodshed due to gathering of a large mob at the land in question.
The Centre, the state government and aggrieved parties are also directed to make an effort for an amicable settlement in the matter, the bench, also comprising Justice A Guneshwar Sharma, said.
The order was passed hours before the commencement of the proposed burial service for 35 Kuki-Zo community people killed in the ethnic violence in the northeastern state. The Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum, an organisation of the Kuki-Zo community, agreed to conditionally postpone the burial for five days after requests from the Union home minister. They said Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga also requested the same. -- PTI
RS chairperson Jagdeep Dhankar
12:02 RS chair on Manipur: I'm not required to defend PM
Rajya Sabha chairperson invites floor leaders for a meeting at 1300 hours to find a way forward for discussion on Manipur. LoP Mallikarjun Kharge says, "I suggest the House should be adjourned till then".
Soon after the Rajya Sabha House met for the day, Jagdeep Dhankhar said that the debate on Manipur violence under Rule 176 will not be restricted to 2.5 hours.
"There is no time limit for discussion on Manipur situation under Rule 176," he said, adding that the parties "will have full say".
He said 60 notices were submitted under Rule 267 for discussion on Manipur violence but he has already conveyed his decision.
Over the opposition's demand for the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the House during the debate on Manipur, the Chairman said he cannot issue a directive.
"Directive from the chair cannot be issued. I can't give that directive. I shall not," he said.
"The PM is not required to be defended by me. I am not required to defend anyone. I am required to defend the Constitution... your rights. Such an observation from LoP is not very wholesome," says Dhankhar after LoP Mallikarjun Kharge questioned why the Dhankar was defending the PM over the Opposition's demand on Manipur debate.
Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge said he had given notice for discussion under Rule 267 and other opposition MPs also pressed over their demand.
Dhankhar said he gave the floor to the Leader of Opposition but the opportunity "was not wholesomely utilised".
Congress and other Opposition parties staged a walkout against the stance of the government on their demand, which they have been raising since the beginning of the monsoon session of Parliament on July 20. Congress and 25 other opposition parties have joined hands to form I.N.D.I.A bloc.
Chetan Singh
11:32 ATS questions train firing case accused for hours
The Anti Terrorist Squad (ATS) of Mumbai Police interrogated the Railway Protection Force (RPF) constable, Chetan Singh, accused of killing four people, including a 57-year-old assistant sub-inspector (ASI), onboard Jaipur-Mumbai Express train, officials said on Thursday.
According to officials, Chetan, who is presently in the custory of Mumbai Government Railway Police (GRP), was grilled for questioned by the ATS for hours. The accused RPF constable Chetan Singh allegedly shot dead Assistant Sub-Inspector Tikaram Meena and three passengers on the moving Jaipur -- Mumbai Superfast Express near Palghar station in Maharashtra on July 31.
A five-member high-level committee has been constituted to investigate the incident.
The Borivali GRP has recorded the statement of over 20 people. "Police are reaching out to those present on the train at the time of the incident to get a better understanding of the situation. They have requested people to come forward so that the sequence of events can be understood properly," a senior official with GRP said. -- ANI
Filmmaker Hansal Mehta
11:01 I went through a similar time: Hansal Mehta on Nitin Desai
Filmmaker Hansal Mehta on the death of art director Nitin Desai. Desai had a debt of Rs 252 crore.
Mehta writes, "Financial pressures in an industry run on emotions can be debilitating. I have faced many a crisis particularly after Omerta and Simran. The failure of the film and the cycle of debt I got into had led me towards a very dark place.
"The involvement of 'powerful' mediators or shall I say coercive forces made things even worse. It was a scary time. I fought the impulse very often in the not so distant past to do something harmful to myself.
"This was mostly because of the comfort given by family and some true friends who I could talk to. But in times that I Was alone it always felt like a deep, dark and endless tunnel. I wouldn't have original ideas to share, I wouldn't have any creative thoughts and I often succumbed to considering myself much inferior to many around me - both as an artist and as a human being.
"Somehow the faith that this darkness would end and even more by seeking professional help and of course being blessed enough to be immersing myself in work I've managed to emerge out of that awful phase. The great Nitin Desai's tragic passing away and talks of his troubles got me revisiting that time. Am terribly sad at the loss of a remarkable artist. Om Shanti."
10:52 Is BJP MP Brij Bhushan involved in illegal mining?
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has formed a Joint Committee to verify the factual position and take appropriate remedial action on allegations of illegal mining by BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh in Uttar Pradesh's Gonda district.
The NGT formed a panel to investigate allegations made by Raja Ram Singh who claimed that Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, a Member of Parliament from Kesar Ganj, was involved in illegal mining in villages such as Majharath, Jaitpur, and Nawabganj in Tehsil Tarbganj and District Gonda.
Singh also alleged that over 700 overloaded trucks were used every day for the illegal transportation, storage, and sale of about 20 lakh cubic meters of minor minerals. Additionally, he claimed that the Patpar Ganj Bridge and Road were damaged by these overloaded trucks.
The bench of Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi (Judicial member) and Dr A Senthil Vel (Expert Member) on August 2, said that "Prima facie, the averments made in the application raise questions relating to the environment arising out of the implementation of the enactments specified in Schedule I to the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010."
The bench said that "in view of the averments made in the application, we consider it appropriate that a Joint Committee be constituted to verify the factual position and take appropriate remedial action."
The NGT seeks a factual and Action taken Report to be submitted within two months, while fixing the matter for the next hearing on November 7, 2023. -- ANI
10:43 We need a new way to swear one that doesnt demean the women of India
Most Indian profanities are profoundly sexist, and so deeply ingrained that even women use curses that humiliate their sisters. Let's find a way to express anger without misogyny, writes Nilanjana Bhowmick. Read the column here.
10:39 ASI survey of Gyanvapi complex excludes wuzu khana
Update: The Allahabad High Court on Thursday allowed the Archaeological Survey of India to conduct a survey of the Gyanvapi mosque complex in Varanasi.
"Allahabad High Court has said that ASI survey of the Gyanvapi mosque complex will start. Sessions court order is upheld by the High Court," Vishnu Shankar Jain, representing the Hindu side in Gyanvapi survey case told reporters.
The Allahabad High Court dismissed Anjuman Intezamia Masjid Committee's plea, challenging the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) survey of the mosque complex, adjacent to Kashi Vishwanath temple in Varanasi.
The Anjuman Intezamia Masjid Committee had challenged the Varanasi District Judge's July 21 order.
On July 21, Varanasi district judge AK Vishvesha ordered the ASI survey of the Gyanvapi complex on an application moved by four Hindu women on May 16, 2023. The order of the district judge, however, excluded the Wuzu Khana (ablution pond area) of the complex, which has been sealed on the order of the top court.
10:19 HC allows ASI survey of Gyanvapi complex
Allahabad High Court dismisses Anjuman Intezamia Masjid Committee's challenge, clears way for ASI survey of Gyanvapi complex. No digging permitted during survey without separate permission.
10:17 Rahul on private visit to Goa, dines with Cong MLAs
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who is on a private visit to Goa, had a dinner with party MLAs from the coastal state the previous night, a party leader said on Thursday.
In the 40-member Goa Assembly, the Congress has three MLAs. Gandhi arrived at the Dabolim airport in Goa on Wednesday night and then went to stay at a hotel near capital Panaji, a senior party office-bearer said.
He had a late night dinner with the Congress MLAs from the state, a party leader said. Gandhi does not have any official engagement during his stay, Goa Congress MLA Carlos Ferreira told PTI. He is scheduled to return to New Delhi later in the day, the MLA said. PTI
10:07 Will 'supermom' cheetahs prevent Kuno deaths?
Younger cheetahs that are habituated to management vehicles and human presence are preferred candidates for relocation to India, international experts involved in the Project Cheetah have told the government based on the lessons learnt from the initial experience in Madhya Pradesh's Kuno National Park.
In a status report submitted to the government recently, the experts said these attributes enable easier monitoring of health-related issues, simplify stress-free veterinary and management intervention, and enhance tourism value.
Kuno, where two batches of cheetahs from Namibia and South Africa have been introduced, is set to open for tourism and these qualities in cheetahs can enhance the park's appeal to visitors, they said.
They emphasised that young adult cheetahs are more adaptable to their new environments and have higher survival rates compared to older cheetahs.
Younger males display "lower aggression" towards other cheetahs, reducing the risk of intraspecific competition mortality, commonly known as cheetah infighting. Considering the costs associated with relocating cheetahs to India, the experts highlighted that younger cheetahs have a longer life expectancy post-release, offering higher conservation value and breeding potential.
They emphasised that although the cheetah mortalities recorded at the Kuno National Park are unfortunate and have attracted negative media attention, they are within the normal parameters for wild cheetah reintroduction. Nine of the 20 adult cheetahs relocated to Kuno from Africa have died since March this year -- the latest being on Wednesday.
The experts drew the government's attention to the initial difficulties faced during cheetah reintroduction attempts in South Africa, where nine out of 10 attempts failed. These experiences led to the establishment of best practices for wild cheetah reintroduction and management.
They said the first litters with realistic prospects of survival to adulthood are likely to be born in 2024. However, cheetah cub mortality is expected to be high initially as reintroduced female cheetahs adapt to the different birthing intervals in Asia.
The report also underscored the importance of "supermoms" -- highly successful, fit and fertile female cheetahs that sustain wild cheetah populations in Southern Africa.
Out of the seven wild females relocated to India, only one is likely to be a "supermom", the experts said.
09:49 Gyanvapi: Verdict on survey by ASI likely today
The Allahabad High Court on Thursday is expected to give its judgment related to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) conducting a survey of the Gyanvapi mosque complex in Varanasi, except the Wazukhana that contains a structure claimed to be a Shivling.
Meanwhile, a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed in the Allahabad High Court on Wednesday demanding to seal plot number 9130 on the Gyanvapi campus.
The PIL stated that the entry of non-Hindus should be banned so that the symbols found in the survey (Trident, Lotus and Swastika) are not harmed.
"A PIL has been filed inAllahabad High Courtdemanding that plot number 9130 in the Gyanvapi campus should be sealed. According to it, the entry of non-Hindus is also banned so that the symbols found in the survey (Trident, Lotus and Swastika) should not be harmed,' petitioner Advocate Saurabh Tiwari told ANI.
Earlier the Allahabad High Court asked the Archaeological Survey of India to not start the survey of Gyanvapi mosque in Varanasi as the hearing on the matter is underway after Supreme Court put on hold till 5 pm July 26 a detailed scientific survey by the ASI to determine if the mosque located next to the Kashi Vishwanath temple in Varanasi was built upon a temple.
09:32 Victims of Manipur clashes to be buried today
The Kuki-Zo community will hold a burial service for 35 people who died in the ethnic strife in Manipur at Lamka town in Churachandpur district on Thursday, a tribal organisation said.
The Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF) is organising the burial programme at the Tuibong peace ground. The ITLF, an organisation of the Kuki-Zo community, said in a statement that its chairman Pa Gin Haokip will give a farewell speech on the occasion.
More than 160 people lost their lives and several hundred were injured since the ethnic clashes broke out in Manipur on May 3, after a 'Tribal Solidarity March' was organised in the hill districts to protest against the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.
Meiteis account for about 53 per cent of Manipur's population and live mostly in the Imphal Valley. Tribals -- Nagas and Kukis -- constitute little over 40 per cent and reside in the hill districts. PTI
Representative image
09:16 Doctors remove 30 kg of plastic from stomach of cow in Odisha
Doctors at a government-run veterinary hospital in Odisha's Berhampur have removed plastic bags weighing around 30 kg from the stomach of a cow.
It took a four-hour long operation for a team of veterinary doctors, led by Satya Narayan Kar, to remove the undigested polythene bags from the stomach of the 10-year-old cow on Wednesday, Chief District Veterinary Officer of Ganjam, Manoj Kumar Sahu, said.
The stray cow, which used to feed on leftovers dumped in polythene bags by people, ended up with its stomach full of plastic and subsequently its intestines were impacted.
If left unattended for long, the animal would have died, Kar said.
The cow is stable now and it will stay in the hospital for a week in observation.
Last year, the doctors at the hospital had similarly removed around 15 kg from another stray cow in Berhampur.
"The incident highlights the severity of plastic pollution, despite a government ban on its use, transport and manufacture for five years," said Sudhir Rout, founder of Aryabhatt Foundation, an organisation spearheading a campaign against the use of plastic.
"We appeal to the Berhampur Municipal Corporation to enforce the ban properly," Rout said. -- PTI
09:14 Molotov cocktails thrown at two mosques in Nuh
Molotov cocktails were thrown at two mosques in Haryana's Nuh on Wednesday night, the police said.
Six people, including two home guards and a cleric, have died in the clashes that erupted in Nuh over an attempt to stop a Vishva Hindu Parishad procession and spread to Gurugram over the past two days.
The Haryana government on Wednesday said mobile internet and SMS services in Nuh and some other places in the state will remain suspended till August 5 to prevent any disturbance to peace and public order in the wake of the communal clashes.
08:54 Judge's car set on fire during Nuh violence
An additional chief judicial magistrate of Nuh and her three-year-old daughter had a narrow escape when their car was attacked and set on fire by a mob during the attack on a religious procession in the district, an FIR has revealed.
Anjali Jain, the additional chief judicial magistrate (ACJM), and her daughter had to run for their lives on Monday, as the attackers were pelting stones and firing at them, said the FIR registered at City Nuh police station on Tuesday.
The judge, her daughter and staff had to take shelter in a workshop of the old bus stand in Nuh. Later, they were rescued by some advocates.
The FIR was registered against unknown people on the complaint of Tek Chand, who works as a processor server in the court of ACJM, Nuh.
According to the FIR, at around 1 pm on Monday, the ACJM, her three-year-old daughter, and gunman Siyaram went to the SKM Medical College at Nalhar for purchasing medicines in her Volkswagen car. Around 2 pm when they were returning from the medical college, about 100-150 rioters attacked them near the old bus stand on Delhi-Alwar road.
"The rioters were pelting stones at them. Some stones hit the car's back glass, and the rioters opened fire in the area. All four of us left the car on the road and ran to save our lives. We hid at a workshop of the old bus stand and later some advocates rescued us. On the next day, when I went to check on the car, I found out that the rioters had torched it," read the FIR.
The FIR was registered under sections 148 (riots), 149 (unlawful assembly), 435 (fire with intent to cause damage), 307 (attempt to murder) of the Indian Penal Code and relevant sections of the Arms Act.
Six people, including two home guards and a cleric, have died in the clashes that erupted in Nuh over an attempt to stop a Vishva Hindu Parishad procession and spread to Gurugram over the past two days. -- PTI
08:16 Supports direct dialogue between India and Pak: US
The United States supports direct dialogue between India and Pakistan, a senior administration official said on Wednesday.
"As we have long said, we support direct dialogue between India and Pakistan on issues of concern. That has long been our position," State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller told reporters at his daily news conference.
01:20 Minor cannot be in live-in relationship: Allahabad HC
The Allahabad high court has observed that a person below the age of 18 cannot be in a live-in relationship and this would be an act not only immoral but also illegal.
A bench of Justices Vivek Kumar Birla and Justice Rajendra Kumar made the observation in a recent judgment dismissing a petition filed by Ali Abbas, a 17-year-old boy, and his live-in partner Saloni Yadav, 19.
"There are several conditions for a live-in relation to be treated as a relation in nature of marriage and in any case, a person has to be major (above the age of 18 years), although he may not be of marriageable age (21 years). Hence, a child cannot have a live-in relationship and this would be an act not only immoral but also illegal," the bench observed.
"An accused who is below 18 years of age cannot seek protection on the ground of having a live-in relationship with a major girl and thus, he cannot seek quashing of the criminal prosecution against him as his/her activity is not permissible in law and is thus illegal," the bench added.
The petitioners in their joint petition had requested the high court to quash the FIR lodged against the boy under IPC sections 363 and 366 for allegedly abducting the girl with an additional prayer not to arrest the boy in the case.
The FIR was lodged by the family members of the girl.
The court observed that if this is permitted, this would amount to putting premium on an illegal activity and thus would not be in the interest of society.
"We are not inclined to put a seal of approval on such legally impermissible activities," it said. -- PTI
01:00 Maharashtra ATS arrests 9 Bangladeshi nationals for illegal stay
Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad has arrested nine Bangladeshi nationals who were staying illegally in the country in separate operations across Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, an official said on Wednesday.
Among them, two Bangladeshi nationals were wanted in connection with a rape case registered at Navi Mumbai's Nerul police station in 2022, he said.
The operations at multiple locations and spread over a week were part of a drive against Bangladeshi nationals staying in the country without valid documents, said the official.
On July 26, a raid was conducted at Nerul village in Navi Mumbai where ATS officials nabbed a Bangladeshi woman.
She was wanted in a case registered by the Mumbai Crime Branch in 2009, he said.
Besides her, two men, wanted in the rape case, were also apprehended from the satellite city, said the official.
The next day, ATS sleuths conducted a raid at Byculla in the metropolis and arrested four Bangladeshi nationals wanted in a case registered under the Passport Act, he said.
In another raid, two citizens of the neighbouring country were apprehended from central Mumbai, the official said. -- PTI
00:50 Rahul Gandhi arrives in Goa on private visit
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi arrived in Goa on Wednesday night on a private visit, a senior party office-bearer said.
Gandhi arrived at the Dabolim airport around 11 pm, he said.
He will be in the coastal state till Thursday afternoon, the Congress functionary added.
There is no official engagement of the Congress leader during his stay, he said. -- PTI
Representational image
00:46 Mumbai college bars students in burqa, relents
A college in Mumbai on Wednesday stopped girl students from entering the premises while wearing burqa, but relented after a protest by parents and students and intervention by senior police officials.
The security guards at the Chembur-based college asked students to remove their burqas (Islamic veil) before entering as the college has its own uniform, said a police official.
It led to a row as the girls' parents also reached the college and videos of the scenes outside the gate began to circulate, he said.
Senior police officials rushed to the spot and discussed the issue with the parents and the college authority.
The Muslim girl students said they were ready to remove the burqa inside but will wear scarves in the classroom, the official said.
The tension was defused after the college management agreed to this.
The girls shall take off the burqa in the washroom before attending classes, it said. -- PTI
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