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Sun, 17 December 2023
Bhujbal slams govt for going soft on Jarange threats
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Maharashtra minister and OBC leader Chaggan Bhujbal
22:23 Bhujbal slams own govt for going soft on Jarange threats
Maharashtra minister and OBC leader Chaggan Bhujbal on Sunday accused Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange of issuing open threats and also took on his own government in the state.
Addressing a rally of the Other Backward Classes in Bhiwandi in Thane district, he said the state government was bending to accommodate Jarange, which was making him more aggressive. Jarange is issuing threats to him, Bhujbal alleged and showed clippings of newspapers to underline his claim.
"However, when I speak on this issue, I am told to have patience," said Bhujbal, who is part of the Ajit Pawar faction of the Nationalist Congress Party that joined the Eknath Shinde government on July 2.
Bhujbal told the gathering they must give a befitting reply to those who have opposed OBCs.
Jarange has said the Marathas must be given reservation in jobs and education by recognising them as Kunbis, which is part of the Other Backward Classes segment in the state.
However, OBCs groups, led by leaders like Bhujbal, have opposed this move, saying Marathas must be given quota without affecting benefits of the OBCs. -- PTI
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22:05 Tiger found dead in farm well in Maharashtra's Nagpur district
A tiger was found dead in a farm well in Narkhed forest range of Maharashtra's Nagpur district, forest officials said on Sunday.
A release by deputy conservator of forests Bharat Singh Hada said that the carcass of the big cat was discovered in a well of a farm in Mouza Pipla Khurd area on Saturday evening.
The forest department has registered a case under the Wildlife Act and further investigations are going on, it said. -- PTI
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21:35 Govt may table Telecom Bill 2023 in LS tomorrow
The government is likely to table the Telecommunications Bill 2023 in Lok Sabha on Monday, according to sources.
The Telecommunications Bill 2023 aims to replace the 138 years old Indian Telegraph Act that governs the telecom sector.
"The President has been informed about the Telecommunications Bill 2023. It is likely to be introduced in Lok Sabha on Monday, December 18," a source told PTI.
The Cabinet had cleared the bill in August.
The draft Telecommunications Bill released in 2023 had proposed to bring over-the-top or the internet based calling and messaging apps under the definition of telecommunications to enhance users' safety.
The bill had also proposed to curb the power of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, on which industry players had raised concern.
According to government officials, the issues around over-the-top players and Trai were resolved before it was cleared by the Cabinet.
The draft had proposed to ease some of the rules like refund of fees for licence, registration etc. in case a company surrenders its permit.
The new bill proposes the government to be vested with the power to waive off entry fees, licence fee, penalty etc. in the interest of consumers, ensuring competition in the market, availability or continuity of telecom networks, and national security. -- PTI
People push a car on a snow-covered road after fresh snowfall in Gulmarg/ANI Photo
21:31 Chinar Warriors rescue over 60 stranded tourists in J-K's Gulmarg
As many as 61 tourists stuck at Gulmarg in northern Kashmir were rescued by the Chinar Warriors on Saturday.
The tourists, including women and children, were stuck after incessant snow in the area on Saturday.
According to a press release by the Indian Army, the dip in temperature due to snowfall left the tourists stranded.
The Army jawans provided them with heating arrangements, sleeping bags and hot meals to alleviate the hardships.
Gulmarg, in J&K, is a world-renowned tourist destination.
The place turned into a winter wonderland after a fresh spell of snowfall on Saturday.
According to reports, several roads were blocked in the area due to the snowfall, mounting the hardships of the residents.
This, however, isn't the first time that the Chinar Warriors have helped residents of the valley. -- ANI
21:02 Veteran actor Tanuja hospitalised in Mumbai
Bollywood actor Tanuja was admitted in a hospital here on Sunday evening due to age related issues.
A source said the 80-year-old actor is admitted in the ICU of a Juhu hospital.
"She is under observation. She is doing well. There's nothing to worry about," the source told PTI.
Tanuja, a popular actor, has worked in several Hindi and Bengali films.
She is the daughter of yesteryear star Shobhna Samarth and producer Kumarsen Samarth.
She is the sister of Nutan and the mother of popular star Kajol.
Tanuja is known for her roles in films such as Baharein Phir Bhi Ayengi, Jewel Thief, Haathi Mere Saathi and Mere Jeevan Sathi. -- PTI
20:52 Mamata in Delhi; to meet PM, attend INDIA bloc meeting
West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee on Sunday arrived in Delhi on a four-day visit, during which she is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, her party's MPs and attend a meeting of the opposition INDIA bloc.
Before leaving Kolkata, she told reporters at the airport there that she will meet the prime minister to seek the release of central funds due to West Bengal.
"They (the Centre) have stopped our funds and are not willing to release our dues. Bengal is the only state whose funds have been withheld," the chief minister said.
"We will raise our voice against this and we are raising our voice against this. This will be a part (of the meeting with the PM). This is why I am going to Delhi," she said.
She also expressed concern over the December 13 Parliament security breach and said it was a "serious matter".
In the national capital, Banerjee will hold a meeting with Trinamool Congress MPs on Monday, and on Tuesday, she will participate in the meeting of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance. -- PTI
A view of the oil spillage at Kadalum in Chennai./ANI
20:24 Oil trapped inside Chennai's creek, nil egress: ICG
In the matter of oil spillage, the Coast Guard on Sunday said the oil spill is trapped inside the Ennore creek area here and there is 'nil' egress.
Coast Guard ships and helicopters immediately responded to the spill on December 10, and it was appropriately 'neutralised,' a defence release said.
Oil spills mixed with floodwaters were observed in Ernavur, in north Chennai, which made its way till Ennore creek and Buckingham canal.
"Traces of oil were also seen in the coastal waters close to Kosathalaiyar river mouth on December 10."
The oil spill spread to about 20 square km, which was 'light sheen to dark brown' in colour and was estimated to be approximately 10 tonne as per the standard method of spill quantity calculation.
"No oil spill was found extending into the sea thereafter as the flood water outflow into the sea through Kosathalaiyar river was less and the oil got trapped inside the creek area which is being responded by the contractors," the press release said.
"ICG ships and helicopters have been continuously monitoring the situation, and it is confirmed that there is nil egress of oil slick into the coastal area." -- PTI
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19:58 'My First Prayer to Lord Ram': Tulisdas' prayer translated into English
The English translation of Tulsidas' prayer from its original Awadhi text will teach young readers about the quality of Lord Ram, according to publishers.
My First Prayer To Lord Ram, written by Chitwan Mittal and Sarita Saraf, with illustrations by Aparajitha Vasudev, aims to introduce children to the character and qualities of this beloved Hindu figure.
It is published by Adidev Press as part of its bestselling prayer series.
"This book is a labour of love, born out of my own childhood memories of being taught the Shri Ram stuti. We were so overwhelmed by the positive response to 'My first Hanuman Chalisa' that we thought we simply must bring out another book in the series. And what better prayer to introduce young children to than Tulsidas' beautiful hymn to Lord Ram?" said Chitwan Mittal, founder and editorial director of AdiDev Press, in a statement.
Besides the text, the book uses stunning illustrations to bring the story behind this prayer to life and teaches children moral values, compassion and valour. -- PTI
19:39 President Murmu to visit Bengal, Telangana and Rajasthan from Dec 18 to 23
President Droupadi Murmu will visit West Bengal, Telangana and Rajasthan from December 18 to 23 to attend different programmes, a Rashtrapati Bhavan statement said on Sunday.
On December 18, the President will attend the 69th convocation of IIT Kharagpur in West Bengal and later arrive at Rashtrapati Nilayam in Telangana's Secunderabad, the statement said.
On December 19, Murmu will grace the centenary celebrations of Hyderabad Public School Society.
She will visit the handloom and spinning unit as well as theme pavilion of the ministry of textiles at Pochampally in Telangana on December 20.
She will also interact with weavers on the occasion. On the same day, she will attend the golden jubilee celebrations of MNR Educational Trust in Secunderabad.
On December 21, President Murmu will inaugurate various projects at Rashtrapati Nilayam.
She will host an At Home reception at Rashtrapati Nilayam for dignitaries, including leading citizens of the state and academics, etc. on December 22.
"On December 23, the President will witness the live firing exercise at Pokhran, Rajasthan," the statement said. -- PTI
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19:09 Two Bangladeshi smugglers shot dead by BSF in West Bengal's Nadia
Two Bangladeshi smugglers were shot dead by the Border Security Force in West Bengal's Nadia district, officials said on Sunday.
The incident happened at the international border in Govindpur in Krishnaganj police station area around midnight, they said.
At first, a group of Bangladeshi smugglers tried to sneak into India by cutting the newly-built barbed fence but when the force's patrol unit fired a few rounds in the air they fled, BSF's DIG (Eastern Command) SS Guleria told PTI.
"After some time, when a BSF search party was patrolling the area, this group attacked them with weapons. In self-defence, the BSF personnel had to open fire in which two Bangladeshi smugglers were killed," he said.
The BSF informed the local police and handed over the bodies to them.
The bodies were sent to the Shaktinagar District Hospital for post-mortem examination, a police officer said. -- PTI
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19:07 Tension in Bihar after temple staff's body surfaces
Tension erupted in Gopalganj district of Bihar on Sunday after the body of a local temple staff, who went missing a week ago, was found in a mutilated condition on the outskirts of a village, the police said.
The deceased, Manoj Kumar Sah, was last seen venturing out of the temple in Manjha village in Danapur area on Monday and his body was found on Saturday, Gopalganj superintendent of police Swarn Prabhat said.
"A rumour is being spread that he was the priest of the temple. He was a caretaker who used to sleep inside the temple premises. Locals say they had last seen him locking the temple's gate on Monday night and going out. Further details will be known after an investigation," Prabhat said.
Asked about reports of bullet injuries found on the body, eyes missing and cuts on private parts, the SP said, "We must await the post-mortem report before addressing these queries."
On the possible motive behind the murder, Prabhat said the temple was embroiled in a land dispute.
The case is being probed from all angles and the culprits will be brought to book at the earliest, he added. -- PTI
18:46 Vivo PMLA case: Delhi court seeks report from Tihar officials on shifting of accused
A Delhi court has sought a report from Tihar authorities regarding the reported shifting of Lava International managing director Hariom Rai, arrested in a money-laundering case against Chinese smartphone maker Vivo, to a separate jail in Tihar in Delhi.
Additional sessions judge Kiran Gupta issued notice to jail authorities concerned on December 16 on an application moved by Rai's advocate, who questioned his shifting and raised the issue of his safety, and directed the officials to file the report by December 18.
Advocate Nitesh Rana, appearing for Rai, submitted before the court that there were concerns regarding the safety of the accused.
"The grave threat continues to persist and there is a continual threat to the life and security of the applicant," Rana told the court.
The counsel submitted that Rai was lodged in Jail Number 7, Tihar Jail Complex, to ensure his safety and security and where he is being provided regular medical supervision to prevent any untoward incident.
"The applicant is now being transferred out of Jail No. 7. However, there is no reason/ground for the said transfer to take place. The shifting of the applicant is likely to result in a situation where the safety and security of the applicant are put in jeopardy," the application claimed. -- PTI
18:20 16-year-old boy shot dead in UP's Bareilly
A 16-year-old boy was shot dead by two youths in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh on Sunday, the police said.
The incident happened in Bhamora police station area.
Suryansh alias Titu was riding on a motorcycle when he met two youths on a bicycle,
Amla police officer Rajkumar Mishra. One of the accused shot Suryansh from the front, he said.
The police reached the spot and took the injured to the district hospital but he died on the way, he said.
Prima facie, the reason behind the incident is said to be personal rivalry, but the police are still investigating the matter, the CO said.
After committing the crime, the two youths fled from the spot, he said. -- PTI
18:09 Woman among 3 held with heroin in Punjab
Three people, including a woman, were arrested and 550 grams heroin was recovered from them in two separate incidents in Punjab, the police said on Sunday.
Senior Superintendent of Police Vatsala Gupta said two brothers, allegedly involved in drug smuggling, were going towards Amritsar on a motorcycle.
They were intercepted by police on Jalandhar-Amritsar national highway near Subhanpur village.
During the search, 300 grams of heroin was recovered from them, she said.
In Kapurthala, the police recovered 250 grams of heroin from a woman and arrested her.
The police said cases have been registered against the accused. -- PTI
Kerala health minister Veena George/File image
17:43 No need to worry on Covid sub-variant JN.1: Kerala
Kerala health minister Veena George on Sunday said the COVID-19 sub-variant JN.1 that has been detected in the state was not a cause for concern.
The new case was detected as part of an ongoing routine surveillance activity of the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium, a senior official from the Indian Council of Medical Research said on Saturday.
Speaking to the media about the new variant, George said this was detected months ago in Indian passengers who were screened at Singapore Airport.
"There is no need for any concern. It's a sub-variant. It was just found here. Months ago, this variant was detected in a few Indians who were screened at the Singapore Airport. It's just that Kerala has identified the variant here through genome sequencing. There is no need to worry. The situation is being closely monitored," she said.
The minister, however, asked people to remain cautious and said those with comorbidities should be careful.
She added that the new variant exists in other parts of the country too and there was no need for any worry in Kerala due to its robust health system. -- PTI
17:25 ED attaches Madurai firm's assets worth Rs 207 cr in money laundering probe
The Enforcement Directorate on Sunday said it has attached immovable properties worth Rs 207 crore located in Tamil Nadu as part of a money laundering probe linked to an alleged fraud perpetrated by a Madurai-based group.
The ED investigation stems from an FIR registered by Tamil Nadu Police's Economic Offences Wing.
The police FIR was registered following complaints lodged by investors against Neomax Properties Pvt Ltd and its group companies that allegedly "cheated several investors into depositing lakhs of money in various projects (plot development) by promising high returns with 12-30 per cent interest", the ED said in a statement.
The company and its promoters "failed" to fulfil their promise, it claimed.
Neomax group of companies collected funds from the public running into hundreds of crores and cheated them by "diverting" these funds to shell entities, group companies and other entities (outside the group), the ED said.
The group "manipulated" its books of accounts to conceal the proceeds of crime and the auditor of the group has confessed this in his statement, it said. -- PTI
PM Narendra Modi's convoy makes way for an ambulance during his roadshow in Varanasi/ANI on X
17:09 Modi's cavalcade makes way for ambulance in Varanasi
The cavalcade of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday gave way to an ambulance in Varanasi.
A video showed the ambulance overtaking the cavalcade as people lined up on the road to catch a glimpse of the prime minister.
The prime minister is in his Lok Sabha constituency Varanasi to inaugurate various development project. -- PTI
BJP MLA Raman Singh (third from left) submits the nomination papers for the post of Speaker in Raipur/ANI Photo
16:52 Ex-CM Raman Singh files nomination for Chhattisgarh assembly speaker post
Senior Bharatiya Janata Party MLA and former Chhattisgarh chief minister Raman Singh on Sunday filed his nomination for the post of speaker of the newly-elected state legislative assembly, officials said.
Earlier in the day, senior BJP MLA Ramvichar Netam was sworn in as the pro-tem speaker by the governor ahead of the first session of the sixth assembly of Chhattisgarh scheduled to start from December 19.
Raman Singh, the 71-year-old legislator from Rajnandgaon seat, filed the nomination papers for the speaker's post in the assembly building premises, an assembly official said.Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, deputy CMs Arun Sao and Vijay Sharma, Congress legislature party leader Charan Das Mahant, who was speaker in the outgoing Chhattisgarh assembly, and former CM Bhupesh Baghel were present on the occasion.Senior leaders from both the ruling and opposition sides submitted proposals supporting Singh's nomination, the official said.
After filing the nomination, Singh told reporters that his new responsibility will be to take everyone together in the Chhattisgarh. -- PTI
Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange
16:32 Marathas will chart next move on Dec 23: Jarange
Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange on Sunday said if the state government fails to fulfil the reservation demands, the community will chart its next course of action at a meeting in Beed on December 23.
Speaking to reporters during a meeting at Antarwali Sarati village of Jalna district, Jarange said that Maharashtra Chief Minister Ekanth Shinde is scheduled to make a statement in the assembly, whose winter session is underway in Nagpur, on December 18.
The activist claimed that state minister Uday Samant phoned him in the morning to assure that the chief minister and the deputy CMs were committed to granting reservation.
The government had sought "one month to pass the act", but if it fails to comply, he said the next strategy will be decided on December 23 at Beed.
Jarange announced that the agitation would continue if the government failed to fulfil the demand for reservation and urged it to issue Kunbi certificates to Marathas for their inclusion in the Other Backward Classes category and pass the act accordingly. -- PTI
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16:24 Drone, heroin recovered from field near IB in Punjab
A drone and over 500 grams of heroin were recovered from a field near the International Border in Punjab's Amritsar, a Border Security Force spokesperson said on Sunday.
Acting on specific information, BSF troops and Punjab police carried out a search operation on the outskirts of Dhanoe Khurd village in Amritsar on Saturday evening.
During the search, a China-made quadcopter and a packet of heroin weighing 545 grams were recovered from the field, the spokesperson said. -- PTI
A water-logged road in Tamil Nadu's Tirunelveli after heavy rain/ANI on X
15:54 Parts of Tamil Nadu to witness rainfall over next seven days
Several parts of Tamil Nadu are likely to witness rainfall over the next seven days, the India meteorological department said on Sunday.
According to IMD, a cyclonic circulation that was over the Equatorial Indian Ocean and adjoining southwest Bay of Bengal off the south Sri Lanka coast now lies over the Comorin area and neighbourhood.
Due to this meteorological condition, light to moderate rain is likely at many places over South Tamil Nadu and at a few places over North Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal on Sunday.
Similarly, heavy to very heavy rain is likely to occur today at one or two places over Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi and Tenkasi districts.
Heavy rain is likely to occur at one or two places over Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, Thanjavur, Pudukkottai, Ramanathapuram, Sivagangai and Virudhunagar districts of Tamil Nadu.
The southern districts of Tamil Nadu have already been witnessing heavy rains since the early morning hours of Sunday.
On Monday, light to moderate rain is likely at many places over South Tamil Nadu, at one or two places over North Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal.
Heavy to very heavy rain is likely to occur at one or two places over Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi and Tenkasi districts of Tamil Nadu.
Heavy rain is likely to occur at one or two places over Ramanathapuram, Sivagangai, Virudhunagar, Thanjavur, Pudukkottai and Theni districts of Tamil Nadu. -- ANI
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15:24 India logs 335 Covid cases; active tally rises to 1,701
India on Sunday logged 335 new COVID-19 infections while the number of active cases increased to 1,701, according to the Union health ministry.
India's COVID-19 caseload stands at 4.50 crore (4,50,04,816) and the death toll at 5,33,316, the data updated at 8 am stated.
The number of people who have recuperated from the disease has increased to 4,44,69,799.
The national recovery rate stands at 98.81 per cent, according to the health ministry's website.
The case fatality rate stands at 1.19 per cent.
According to the ministry's website, 220.67 crore doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in the country so far. -- PTI
15:03 Modi reaches Varanasi today for 2-day visit on Sunday, will launch projects
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be arriving on a two-day visit in his parliamentary constituency Varanasi on Sunday during which he will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of 37 projects valued worth over Rs 19,000 crore for the development of the Varanasi and the Purvanchal region.
Modi, who will reach here on Sunday afternoon, will be welcomed by Governor Anandiben Patel and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, after which he will spend about 25 hours in Varanasi, an official statement said in Varanasi.
On the first day of his visit to Varanasi, Modi will launch the second edition of Kashi Tamil Sangamam in the evening at the Namo Ghat.
At this event, he will flag off the Kashi Tamil Sangamam Express, which is to ply between Kanyakumari and Varanasi.
The Kashi Tamil Sangamam, which will be held from December 17-31, will witness the participation of 1,400 dignitaries from Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, who will visit Varanasi, Prayagraj and Ayodhya, it said.
The first batch of Tamil delegation comprising a group of students from various parts of Tamil Nadu named 'Ganga' reached Varanasi on Sunday. The group visited the Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
During their stay, they will also visit Prayagraj and Ayodhya. -- PTI
14:46 Police stop Youth Cong workers' march to Punjab CM Mann's house
The police on Sunday used water cannon to disperse Youth Congress workers who tried to force their way through barricades while marching towards Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's residence in Chandigarh to protest alleged deterioration of law and order.
Several Youth Congress leaders were also detained, the police officials said.
The police had placed barricades near Punjab Congress Bhawan in Chandigarh to prevent the protesters from moving towards Mann's residence.
When the protesters tried to force their way through the barricades, the police used a water cannon to disperse them.
Before the protest march, the Youth Congress staged a dharna and raised slogans against the AAP government.
In a series of posts on X, Punjab Youth Congress chief Mohit Mohindra alleged law and order in the state has "collapsed" under the AAP government.
"We stand united against the tide of deteriorating law and order in Punjab. The @AAPPunjab government's incapability is evident, but the @IYCPunjab is resolute in our commitment to fight for a safer and better Punjab," he said. -- PTI
14:24 IAF successfully testfires 'SAMAR' air defence missile system
In a major success for its in-house design and development efforts, the Indian Air Force has successfully testfired its SAMAR air defence missile system.
The IAF has developed the Surface to Air Missile for Assured Retaliation air defence missile system by using its old Russian-origin air-to-air missile systems.
"The Indian Air Force has carried out the successful firing trials of its in-house designed and developed SAMAR air defence missile system during exercise AstraShakti-2023 at Air Force Station Suryalanka held recently. The air defence system 'SAMAR' (surface-to-air missile for assured retaliation) has been developed by a unit under the IAF's Maintenance Command," the IAF officials said.
The missile system participated for the first time in the exercise to test its surface-to-air weapon systems and carry out their operational field trials.
The missile system successfully achieved firing trial objectives in different engagement scenarios, they said.
The system can engage aerial threats with missiles operating at a speed range of 2 to 2.5 Mach.
The SAMAR system consists of a twin-turret launch platform with the capability of launching two missiles in single and salvo mode, depending on the threat scenario, the IAF officials said. -- ANI
J-K police chief RR Swain
14:04 3 'hybrid' terrorists behind attack on J-K cop held: DGP
Three 'hybrid' terrorists involved in last week's attack on a policeman in Bemina area of Srinagar city have been arrested, director general of police Jammu and Kashmir RR Swain said on Sunday.
Constable Mohammad Hafeez Chak was attacked on December 9 while he was returning home.
The DGP said the conspiracy was hatched by one Pakistan-based terrorist Arjumand alias Hamza Burhan who got in touch with a local mastermind Danish Ahmad Malla to carry out the attack.
"The hybrid terrorists who were involved in the attack have been arrested. This briefing is about the success that the J&K police has achieved in tracing the killers (attackers) of one of our policemen," Swain told reporters in Srinagar.
"Constable Mohammad Hafeez Chak fortunately survived the attack. We hope and pray that he will be back hale and hearty. As far as the killers (are concerned), they had done their job. Six bullets were fired, three hit the cop and three did not," he added.
Hybrid terrorists are those who carry out attacks and then slip back into their routine lives, the police said. -- PTI
Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri
13:39 Puri visiting Kuwait as PM's special envoy to condole demise of Emir: MEA
Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri is travelling to Kuwait on Sunday as Prime Minister Narendra Modi's special envoy to pay condolences on the demise of Emir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, ministry of external affairs said.
Puri will also deliver personal letters of condolences from President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Modi to Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the new Emir of Kuwait, the ministry said. Kuwaiti state TV on Saturday announced that Emir Jaber Al-Sabah has died at the age of 86.
New Delhi has declared "state mourning" on December 17 as a mark of respect for the departed leader.
"The government and people of India express their deepest condolences on the passing away of His Highness Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Amir of the State of Kuwait on December 16," the MEA said. -- PTI
Ravi Teja
13:28 Ravi Teja announces new film titled 'Mr Bachchan'
Actor Ravi Teja on Sunday announced that his next film is titled Mr Bachchan after his favourite megastar Amitabh Bachchan.
Directed by Harish Shankar, the tagline of the upcoming Telugu movie is "Naam Tho Suna Hoga (You must have heard the name)".
Also starring Bhagyashri Borse, Mr Bachchan is backed by People Media Factory, Panorama Studios and T-Series. Ravi Teja shared the film announcement on his official X page.
"#MrBachchan Naam tho suna hoga. Honoured to play the character with the name of my favourite @SrBachchan saab @harish2you @peoplemediafcy @TSeries," the actor wrote.
The makers also released the first look of the film in which Ravi Teja can be seen riding a scooter with shades on and a haircut resembling Bachchan from his 1970s films. -- PTI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi
12:52 Parl breach serious issue, avoid bickering on it: PM
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the seriousness of the security breach in Parliament cannot be underestimated, and called for no squabbling over the issue amid Opposition's protests over it in Parliament.
In an interview to Hindi daily Dainik Jagran, Modi said probe agencies are investigating the incident and taking stringent measures, noting that it is equally necessary to go to the root of people behind it and their motives.
The newspaper said he described the breach as painful and a matter of concern.
"Efforts should also be made to look for a solution with collective spirit. Everyone should avoid squabbling over such an issue," he said.
The gravity of the incident which happened in Parliament should not be underestimated, the prime minister said, adding that the Speaker has also been taking necessary steps with all seriousness.
Two persons jumped from visitors' gallery into the Lok Sabha chamber on December 13, with opposition parties, demanding a statement from Home Minister Amit Shah.
Some members have also sought Shah's resignation. -- PTI
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12:37 Arms, ammunition recovered during road excavation in Jammu's Akhnoor
A large number of rusted arms and ammunition were found during the excavation work for road construction in the Kacharaila area of Akhnoor district, a senior official said.
The police rushed to the spot on Saturday and later, Army personnel called in, sub-divisional police officer Akhnoor Mohan Sharma said.
In visuals, Army personnel's can be seen disposing of the ammunition, which includes several mortar shells and LMG and SLR rounds.
Apart from that, a substantial cache of warlike stores was discovered on December 15 and 16 in the Thanamadi area of Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district.
This was the result of a sustained operation by the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir police, and Central Reserve Police Force in the Dadruni area near Darhal amidst challenging weather conditions and heavy snow.
The recovery, a result of continued efforts following the intense heat on terrorists, includes pistols, magazines loaded with ammunition, hand grenades, and various administrative materials.
This successful operation amidst adverse weather conditions marks a pivotal moment in averting the potential threats posed by anti-national elements. --ANI
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12:09 10 TN fishermen held in British overseas waters handed over to Coast Guard
Around 10 fishermen from Tamil Nadu who were arrested earlier this month from near the British Indian Ocean Territory in the Indian Ocean, and tried and fined 60,000 Pounds Sterling, were on Sunday handed over to the Indian Coast Guard.
The fishermen had ventured into fishing areas in the deep sea, around 230 nautical miles near the BIOT -- an archipelago of 58 islands covering some 640,000 sq km of ocean, a defence statement said.
The area is a British Overseas Territory, located approximately halfway between East Africa and Indonesia, and administered from London, the statement said.
The fishermen were arrested on December 6, tried at BIOT and fined 60,000 Pounds Sterling, it said and added that information regarding the same was communicated to the Indian Ocean Directorate of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office on December 14.
The fishermen's boat has been seized as the fine was not paid and the 10 crew were released, it said.
The fishermen have 30 days from December 12 till January 11, 2024 to pay the fine, the statement said.
They were brought off Vizhinjam on BIOT patrol vessel 'Grampien Endurance' and were handed over at sea to Indian Coast Guard ships 'Arnavesh' and 'C 427', the statement said. -- PTI
11:52 9 killed in blast at explosives making unit in Nagpur
Nine people were killed in a blast at an explosives manufacturing factory in Maharashtra's Nagpur district on Sunday, the police said.
The blast took place at 9 am in a cast booster unit of the Solar Industries in Bazaargaon area, a senior police official said.
Nine people were killed, he said.
The explosives used in coal mining blast were manufactured at the factory, as per sources.
The work of packaging explosives was on when the blast occurred, they said. -- PTI
PM Narendra Modi inagurates new terminal building of Surat airport/ANI
11:46 Modi inaugurates new terminal building of Surat airport
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday inaugurated the new terminal building of Surat airport in Gujarat.
The new integrated terminal building at the airport is equipped to handle 1,200 domestic passengers and 600 international passengers during peak hours.
It has a provision for further increasing the peak hour capacity to 3,000 passengers with the annual handling capacity increasing to 55 lakh passengers, as per an official statement.
As the gateway to the Surat city, the terminal building has been designed with its local culture and heritage ensuring that the essence should reflect both in the interior and exterior, creating a sense of place for the visitors, it said. -- PTI
Ramvichar Netam/Courtesy X
11:33 BJP's Ramvichar Netam appointed pro-tem speaker of Chhattisgarh assembly
Senior Bharatiya Janata Party MLA Ramvichar Netam was on Sunday sworn in as the pro-tem Speaker of the newly-elected Chhattisgarh legislative assembly.
Governor Biswabhusan Harichandan administered the oath of office to 61-year-old Netam at a function held at the Raj Bhawan here. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, deputy CMs Arun Sao and Vijay Sharma, Congress legislature party leader Charan Das Mahant, former chief minister Bhupesh Baghel and various officials were present at the occasion.
The first session of the sixth assembly of Chhattisgarh is scheduled to start from December 19.
Pro-tem speaker is a temporary speaker appointed for a limited period of time to conduct the business of the House in the absence of a regular speaker.
Netam won from Ramanujganj seat in the recently held state assembly elections, defeating Congress' Ajay Tirkey by a margin of 29,663 votes.
A six-term MLA, Netam was also elected as the Rajya Sabha member in 2016.
He served as a minister twice in the Raman Singh-led BJP government in Chhattisgarh (2003 and 2008). -- PTI
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11:20 3 killed as car catches fire in Rajasthan
Three men were burnt alive when their car caught fire after colliding with a divider in Ajmer district of Rajasthan, the police said on Sunday.
Two others sustained critical burn injuries in the accident that took place on Lohagal road late Saturday, they said.
Sohail Khan, Jai Sankhla, and Shakti Singh were killed while Krishna Murari and Umesh Kumar sustained injuries, the police said.
The group of friends was returning from Pushkar, the police said.
Some passersby broke the windows of the car and pulled out Murari and Kumar but the others could not be rescued, they said. -- PTI
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10:51 CRPF sub-inspector killed in Naxal encounter
A sub-inspector of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) was killed and a constable injured in an encounter between security personnel and Naxalites in Chhattisgarh's Sukma district on Sunday, police said.
The incident took place in the morning under Jagargunda police station area when a team of the CRPF's 165th battalion was out on an anti-Naxal operation, a police official said.
The operation was launched at around 7 am from Bedre camp towards Ursangal village, he said.
During the operation, an exchange of fire broke out in which sub-inspector Sudhakar Reddy was killed and constable Ramu sustained bullet injuries, he said.
After the exchange of fire stopped, four suspects were rounded up from the spot, he said, adding a joint team of security personnel was carrying out a search in the area.
The injured constable was being shifted to hospital for treatment, the official said.-- PTI
10:47 India announces one-day state mourning for Emir of Kuwait
The government has announced one-day state mourning on Sunday following the demise of Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.
The ruling emir died on Saturday at the age of 86.
In a communication to all states, the Union home ministry said during the period of state mourning on December 17, the national flag will fly half mast where it is flown regularly throughout India and there will be no official entertainment.
'His Highness Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Amir of the State of Kuwait, passed away on December 16, 2023. As a mark of respect to the departed dignitary, the government of India has decided that there will be one day's state mourning on December 17,' the communication said.
'On the day of mourning, the national flag will be flown at half mast throughout India on all buildings where the national flag is flown regularly and there will be no official entertainment on the day,' it said. -- PTI
10:00 PIL in Rajasthan HC challenges swearing-in of deputy CMs
A public interest litigation (PIL) was filed in the Rajasthan high court on Saturday challenging the 'swearing-in' of Diya Kumari and Prem Chand Bairwa as deputy chief ministers, claiming that the Constitution does not recognise this post.
Petitioner Om Prakash Solanki, a lawyer, has also sought cancellation of the appointments.
'Deputy chief minister post is unconstitutional and there is no such post mentioned in the Constitution of India,' he said.
On Friday, while Bharatiya Janata Party leader Bhajan Lal Sharma took oath as chief minister, Diya Kumari and Bairwa were sworn in as deputy chief ministers at a ceremony, which was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the top leadership of the party. -- PTI
IMAGE: BJP leader Diya Kumari takes oath as the Deputy Chief Minister of Rajasthan during the swearing-in ceremony, in Jaipur on Friday. Photograph: ANI Photo
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09:45 US destroyer shoots down wave of Houthi drones
A United States destroyer shot down a wave of Houthi drones over the Red Sea on Saturday morning, the US Central Command (Centcom) announced.
Centcom said the USS Carney, a guided missile destroyer, 'successfully engaged 14 unmanned aerial systems launched as a drone wave from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen'.
It added that the drones were determined to be one-way attack drones and that the interception caused no injuries or damage.
Centcom did not indicate what the drone wave was targeting.
Since November 9, the Iran-backed Houthis have launched ballistic missiles and aerial drones at Israel.
All were intercepted by Israeli or American air defence systems or fell short of their targets.
From bases along the Yemeni coast, Houthi rebels are also able to threaten shipping in the Red Sea as they traverse the Bab el-Mandeb Straits, a narrow maritime chokepoint between the Arabian Peninsula and Africa.
The majority of the world's oil passes through the strait from the Indian Ocean towards the Suez Canal and the Mediterranean Sea.
The Houthis recently announced that they would target any Israel-bound ship in the Red Sea, regardless of its ownership.
They have attacked or harassed a number of ships, including the Galaxy Leader.
The cargo ship and its crew of 25 are being held hostage in the Yemeni port of Hodeidah. -- ANI/TPS
09:01 JN.1 sub-strain found in Kerala: Centre swings into action
The Union Ministry of Health has initiated preparedness measures after a case of the JN.1 subvariant of COVID has been identified in Kerala as part of the ongoing routine surveillance conducted by the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG), said a government release on Saturday.
Dr Rajiv Bahl, Director-General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), confirmed this development during a press briefing in New Delhi.
A mock drill is underway in health facilities across states, evaluating public health and hospital readiness. This exercise, overseen by district collectors, commenced on December 13 and is scheduled for completion by December 18, 2023.
The Union Ministry of Health maintains regular communication with the State Department of Health in Kerala and closely monitors various points of entry.
While the majority of cases in Kerala are reported to be clinically mild, the health authorities emphasise the importance of ongoing vigilance and preparedness to effectively manage the evolving situation related to COVID-19 variants.
The India SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG), a network of Genomic Laboratories, has been actively monitoring the genomic aspects of COVID-19 in India.
The detection of the JN.1 subvariant is in line with revised surveillance guidelines that involve testing patients with Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) for COVID-19.
Positive cases are then referred for Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS).
The specific case of JN.1 was identified in an RT-PCR positive sample from Karakulam, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, on 8th December 2023. The patient, who initially tested positive on November 18, 2023, experienced mild symptoms of ILI and has since recovered from COVID-19. -- ANI
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