LIVE! Nikki Haley launches formal bid for US president

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Wed, 15 February 2023

Nikki Haley launches formal bid for US president

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23:11 Gangster Lawrence Bishnoi brought to Jaipur for questioning

Gangster Lawrence Bishnoi was brought here from Punjab on Wednesday for questioning in connection with a firing incident at a nightclub recently, the police said.

The gangster was brought here from Bathinda on a production warrant and taken to Jawahar Circle police station, where the case was registered.

A team of Jaipur police had left for Punjab on Tuesday evening.

It took him in custody at around 10 am on Wednesday at the Bathinda Central Jail and left for Jaipur.

Six people who were suspected to be associates of a member of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang were arrested for firing outside a club in Jaipur on January 29.

A hotel manager was among those arrested. PTI

Indian-origin Republican leader Nikki Haley formally launched her 2024 presidential bid on Wednesday, casting herself as a younger, fresher alternative to her one-time boss and former US President Donald Trump.

Haley, 51, is the two-term Governor of South Carolina and the former US Ambassador to the United Nations.

Addressing her enthusiastic supporters at an event in South Carolina, she declared: "For a strong America... For a proud America... I am running for President of the United States of America!".

"When America is distracted, the world is less safe... And today, our enemies think the American era has passed. They're wrong. America is not past our prime. It's just that our politicians are past theirs! "We won't win the fight for the 21st Century if we keep trusting politicians from the 20th Century. And so, I have an announcement to make. I stand before you as the daughter of immigrants -- as a proud wife of a combat veteran -- and as the mom of two amazing children," she said.

Her formal declaration means she will be the first contender to join the contest against her former 76-year-old boss Trump, who announced his third bid for the White House late last year. -- PTI

A Delhi court on Wednesday sent businessman Gautam Malhotra, the son of former Shiromani Akali Dal MLA and liquor baron Deep Malhotra, to judicial custody in a money laundering case related to the alleged Delhi excise scam.

Special Judge MK Nagpal sent Malhotra to jail after he was produced before the court on expiry of his seven-day custodial interrogation.

The court passed the order on an application moved by the Enforcement Directorate which said his further custody was not required.

The ED had earlier told the court that the accused was part of a cartel formed between liquor manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers in violation of the excise policy as he, being a manufacturer owning or having different units, was also able to get a wholesale licence and two retail zone licences in the names of some other entities belonging to or being controlled by him.

The judge had noted that there were specific allegations which surfaced during the course of investigation that the accused had generated proceeds of crime to the extent of Rs 2.5 crore and handed it over to co-accused Amit Arora.

Arora further handed over the POC to another accused Dinesh Arora, who has now turned approver, for its onward transmission to AAP leaders through co-accused Vijay Nair and it was done in pursuance of the said conspiracy and out of 12 per cent profit margin fixed for the wholesalers.

The ED was represented by Special Public Prosecutor NK Matta and advocate Mohd Faizan Khan.

Malhotra, promoter of the Oasis group of Punjab, was taken into custody under the criminal sections of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. -- PTI

22:17 Modi speaks to Spanish counterpart

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Spanish counterpart Pedro Sanchez reviewed their countries' ties in a telephonic talk and agreed to collaborate in the fields of digital infrastructure, climate action, clean energy transition and sustainable development.

The PMO said Modi briefed Sanchez on India's priorities for its G20 presidency and focus on its promotion of oneness based on the theme of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbkam" (One Earth, One Family, One Future).

Sanchez in turn extended full support to India's initiatives under its presidency of the elite global bloc.

"The leaders discussed a number of bilateral and international issues of mutual interest. They reviewed ongoing bilateral initiatives and expressed satisfaction at the recent high-level exchanges and growing cooperation in defence, economic and commercial sectors," the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said.

Modi tweeted, "Glad to speak with Prime Minister of Spain @sanchezcastejon. We discussed ways to further strengthen our growing bilateral relationship. Look forward to continuing our close cooperation as part of India's G20 Presidency."

The Spanish leader said they had a fruitful conversation.

"I have reiterated Spain's support for the Indian G20 presidency and we have agreed to continue strengthening our bilateral relations, especially in the areas of economy and trade," Sanchez said in a tweet.

An Army jawan, who was severely thrashed allegedly by a Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam functionary and his accomplices, succumbed and six people have been arrested in connection with the crime, said the police on Wednesday.

The 29-year-old Lance Naik M Prabhu was ambushed by Chinnaswamy and others and was brutally beaten up, they said.

He was admitted to hospital with grievous injuries and succumbed on Wednesday.

On February 8, an altercation ensued between Prabhakaran and his brother Prabhu with the DMK functionary Chinnaswamy at Velampatti in Pochampally over washing clothes near the town panchayat's water tank.

Later, in the evening, Prabhakaran and his brother were attacked allegedly by Chinnaswamy and his men.

Prabhu was admitted to a private hospital in Hosur.

The Nagarasampatty police altered the case from IPC section 307 -- attempt to murder to section 302 -- murder.

"Chinnaswamy, a DMK councillor in Pochampally area, beat up an army soldier Prabhu to death @CMOTamilnadu must initiate appropriate action. As Akhil Bharatiya Poorva Sainik Seva Parishad senior vice president, I strongly condemn this act," Lt Col N Thiagarajan tweeted.

Bharatiya Janata Party state chief K Annamalai expressed shock and anger over the incident and said in a tweet "soldiers are not safe in their hometown due to DMK anarchy. The DMK and its allied parties have turned to the extent of threatening their families, attacking and even killing soldiers who are protecting the country at the border, risking their lives." -- PTI

Multinational fast food restaurant chain KFC cannot claim any exclusive rights in relation to the use of the word 'chicken', the Delhi high court has said.

The court's observation came on appeal by Kentucky Fried Chicken International Holdings LLC against the refusal by the senior examiner of trademarks to register "chicken zinger' as its trade mark.

While setting aside the order, the court directed the trademark registry to proceed with the advertisement in relation to registration application for the mark 'Chicken Zinger' within three months and decide any opposition to the registration.

"It is clarified that Appellant shall not have any exclusive rights in the word 'chicken'. Trademarks registry shall reflect this disclaimer at the time of advertisement of subject mark and also if subject mark ultimately proceeds for registration," said Justice Sanjeev Narula in a recent order.

The court observed that the mark in question consisted of two words -- 'chicken' and 'zinger' and their use together "does not draw an instant connection".

"The dictionary meaning of 'zinger' is 'a thing outstandingly good of its kind' or 'a wisecrack; punch line' or 'a surprise question; an unexpected turn of events'. Use of 'Zinger' in conjunction with 'Chicken' does not draw an instant connection with the kind of goods/ services and may at best, be considered suggestive," noted the court.

The court further observed that KFC nonetheless holds registration of the word marks 'zinger' and 'paneer zinger' and the rejection of registration for 'chicken zinger' seemed to be based on the use of the word "chicken', over which, the restaurant chain cannot have any exclusivity and no such claim was also being asserted. -- PTI

Nalin Kumar Kateel/ANI Photo

21:16 No place for Tipu Sultan lovers: K'taka BJP chief

Karnataka Bharatiya Janata Party president Nalin Kumar Kateel stoked a controversy by saying the people of Yelburga in Koppal district who sing devotional songs on Lord Rama and Lord Hanuman should stay here, and not those who love 18th century Mysuru ruler Tipu Sultan.

Kateel was speaking at a public meeting on Tuesday in the run-up to the Karnataka assembly election, which is less than three months away.

"We are the devotees of Rama and Anjaneya (Hanuman). We do the work of Anjaneya. We are not the children of Tipu Sultan. We are the ones who will drive home Tipu's children," Kateel said.

He then asked the cheering crowd, "I want to ask the people of Yalaburga whether you worship Anjaneya or sing praises of Tipu Sultan. Won't you drive away those singing praises of Tipu to the forest?"

The BJP leader invoked the name of Anjaneya in Koppal district, which is believed to be Kishkindha Kshetra, the monkey kingdom as mentioned in the Hindu epic Ramayana.

The place is also believed to be the birthplace of Hanuman at Anjanadri the hill of Hanuman's mother Anjana.

"Take oath whether you want Tipu's children or the devotees of Lord Rama and Anjaneya in this state. I am asking you this question in the holy town of Anjaneya that those who love Tipu should not stay in this land. Only those who sing Rama Bhajan (devotional songs) should remain here," the BJP leader said. -- PTI

Nicola Sturgeon/Reuters

20:56 Scotland First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announces resignation

In a surprise move, Nicola Sturgeon on Wednesday announced her decision to resign as the First Minister of the devolved UK region of Scotland and leader of the governing Scottish National Party.

As one of the most prominent Scottish leaders campaigning for Scotland's independence, the 53-year-old said that now felt like the right time for her to take a step back after eight years of leading the SNP.

Sturgeon described it as "the very best job in the world" but one that had also taken its toll.

"In my head and in my heart I know that time is now, that it is right for me and my party and for the country," Sturgeon told reporters.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak thanked her for her "long-standing service" to the country, with many other leaders echoing a similar sentiment.

The longest-serving and first woman First Minister of Scotland insisted her decision was not the result of "short-term pressures", with reference to some ongoing divisions within the SNP about the issue of transgender rights.

Instead, she said her decision to make way for a new leader frees the SNP to choose the path it believes to be the right one when it comes to Scottish independence, which is due to be discussed at a special conference next month.

She added: "I am not expecting violins here, but I am a human being as well as a politician. Giving absolutely everything of yourself to this job is the only way to do it. The country deserves nothing less". -- PTI

A court in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra has rejected a petition seeking temporary injunction to restrain streaming of teasers of Shah Rukh Khan-starrer Pathaan movie and its Besharam Rang song on YouTube without showing U/A censor certificate.

PA Patel, joint civil judge at Shrirampur court in Ahmednagar, rejected the plea on February 8, stating that a plaintiff must produce something to show the foundation for his claim.

Suresh Patil, who claims to be a social worker, had moved the court ahead of the release of the movie, which hit the screens on January 25.

Perusal of the complaint and documents filed on record show that the plaintiff is claiming temporary injunction to restrain the defendants (Yash Raj Films) from showing the teaser and Besharam Rang song of Pathaan movie without showing U/A certificate, the court said.

The court also said that from the contentions of the plaintiff, it appears that he has seen the song and teaser on YouTube and also noticed that U/A certificate is not shown before streaming of the content.

"Therefore he got confused," it said.

Patil himself stated that the meaning of U/A certificate (unrestricted public exhibition subject to parental guidance for children below the age of twelve), the court noted.

Thus, no injury is caused to the plaintiff, it said.

On perusal of record, it shows that the main relief claim by Patil in present suit is same as the temporary injunction sought by him. -- PTI

Army trucks move along a highway leading to Ladakh/Danish Ismail/Reuters

20:14 Centre approves construction of Shinkun La tunnel connecting Ladakh

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday gave its nod for the construction of the 4.1-km Shinkun La tunnel on the Nimu-Padam-Darcha road link to provide all-weather connectivity to the border areas of Ladakh.

Providing details of the cabinet decision, Union minister Anurag Thakur said the tunnel will be completed by December 2025 at a cost of Rs 1,681 crore.

The length of the tunnel will be 4.1 km.

An approach will also be built by December 2025.

The Shinkun La tunnel will provide all-weather road connectivity to Ladakh and this will be the shortest route to the border areas of the Union territory, the minister said.

"The Cabinet Committee on Security today (Wednesday) approved the Shinku La tunnel for Ladakh area which will provide all-weather connectivity to the Ladakh region with the entire country," the minister said.

"This (project) is also very important as far as the security and safety of the country is concerned.... It will also help in the movement of our security forces in that region," Thakur said. -- PTI

The family of an IIT-Bombay student who died allegedly by suicide has claimed that he faced discrimination at the premier institute for belonging to a Scheduled Caste community and that there is a strong possibility that he was "murdered'.

The Powai-based institute in Mumbai has rejected allegations of bias and has urged students to wait till the police and internal probes are over.

Darshan Solanki (18) died allegedly after jumping off the seventh floor of a hostel building on the Powai campus of the IIT on Sunday.

Hailing from Ahmedabad, he was a first-year student of B.Tech (Chemical) course.

His family members, who live in the Maninagar area of Ahmedabad city, claimed that though Darshan faced "discrimination for being a Dalit', he could not have taken his own life.

"I strongly believe that my son was murdered. Hours before his death, he had called us but he talked normally and gave no indication that he was under any tension. However, when he came home during Makar Sankranti, he informed his aunt that other students were keeping their distance from him. They were upset because Darshan made such progress," said his mother Tarlikaben Solanki.

Darshan's father Rameshbhai alleged that the institute as well as hospital authorities had tried to cover up the matter and performed a post-mortem even before he reached Mumbai. -- PTI

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19:30 All flights diverted from Frankfurt amid Lufthansa IT glitch

Germany's air traffic control agency said Wednesday that it is diverting all flights away from the country's busiest airport, Frankfurt, after a problem with Lufthansa's computer systems caused major disruption at the German airline.

Agency spokesman Robert Ertler said all plane parking spots in Frankfurt were full because passengers and crews are unable to board the airline's flights.

"All incoming planes are being diverted to alternative airports" such as as Munich, Nuremberg and Duesseldorf, Ertler told The Associated Press.

Lufthansa Group, which also includes subsidiaries such as Swiss International Air Lines and Eurowings, confirmed that the IT outage was caused by construction works in the Frankfurt region.

"This is causing flight delays and cancellations," the company said.

"We regret the inconvenience this is causing our passengers." German news agency dpa reported that all of Lufthansa's domestic flights were cancelled and passengers were urged to switch to alternative forms of travel, such as trains.

Frankfurt Airport confirmed that technical problems at Lufthansa were causing "flight disruptions and cancellations.'

"Please check the status of your flight before traveling to the airport and allow extra time for your journey,' the airport said.

"We also recommend that you check in as early as possible for your flight," the airport said. -- PTI

The National Investigation Agency on Thursday declared a cash reward of Rs 15 lakh against absconding terror accused Lakhbir Singh Sandhu alias Landa.

A resident of Harike village in Punjab's Tarn Taran district, Landa is currently residing in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

NIA had registered a case against Canada-based gangster Lakhbir Singh Landa on August 20 last year under Sections 120B, 121, 121A of IPC and Sections 17, 18, 18-B and 38 of Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, 1967 for his involvement in unlawful activities in various parts of the country. -- ANI

To commemorate the 368th death anniversary of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, entry to the Taj Mahal in Agra will be free for three days starting February 17, officials said on Wednesday.

Various rituals such as chadar poshi, sandal, gusul and kul among others will be held on the occasion, they said.

Superintending archeologist of Archaeological Survey of India, Agra Circle, Raj kumar Patel said, "There will be free entry for tourist in Taj Mahal from February 17, 18 and 19 on the occasion of the annual Urs of Shah Jahan.

"Tourists will get free entry on 17 and 18 February after 2 pm till sunset and on February 19 entry, it will be free from sunrise to sunset."

Shamsuddin Khan, president of the Approved Tourist Guides Association said various rituals which will be held during the three days.

"On the last day of the 'Urs' an 1,880 meter-long chadar would be offered.The 'chadar poshi' attracts people from all religions," he said.

Arti Rana, a resident of Agra said during three days, qawwalis in praise of the emperor and his wife Mumtaz are sung and the tourists also get a chance to visit the graves in the basement that are usually closed. -- PTI

Nikki Yadav's body being brought to Delhi's Deen Dayal Upadhyay Hospital/ANI Photo

18:08 Dhabha murder: Sahil sent to 5-day police custody

Delhi's Dwarka court on Wednesday granted five days' remand of Sahil Gehlot to the crime branch of police to interrogate him and to ascertain the route where he went after the commission of the alleged crime.

Chief metropolitan magistrate Archana Beniwal granted five days of police custody.

The Delhi police sought five days of police custody of Sahil Gehlot.

He was produced in Dwarka court on Wednesday.

ACP Rajkumar led the team.

The investigation officer submitted before the court that the place of the alleged offence is to be ascertained.

The route he adopted after the crime is also to be ascertained.

The court asked why five days of police custody is required.

The IO submitted that the accused be taken to places where he went with the deceased.

He also submitted that some searches also to be done and recovery has to be made. Sahil was arrested on Tuesday by the crime branch.

He allegedly murdered Nikki, his live-in partner, on February 9. -- PTI

Rishi Sunak, wife Akshata Murthy and their daughters Krishna and Anoushka/Reuters

18:01 UK First Lady Akshata Murty, daughters spotted holidaying in Goa

Akshata Murty, the wife of UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, their two daughters and her mother Sudha Murty were spotted holidaying at Benaulim beach in south Goa, about 40 km from state capital Panaji.

A fisherman named Francis Fernandes, locally known as Pele, said he immediately identified the UK First Lady when she approached him on Monday inquiring about water sports at the popular tourist attraction.

In a video shot by locals, Pele can be seen interacting with Akshata, whose father Narayana Murthy co-founded Infosys.

Later, he also uploaded his picture with her and Sudha Murty on social media.

"She (Akshata) asked me, is water sports safe in Goa? I told her, Ma'am, it is 100 per cent safe and I will keep you and your family safe if they wish to enjoy water sports," he said.

Sharing a few more snatches of his conversation with the 10 Downing Street resident, Pele said, "Before they got on our speed boats, I told her that there are many Goans living in the UK and I want her to see that they are safe too. Akshaya replied done," he said with a wide grin.

Pele called the meeting with Akshata and Sudha Murty, who is an author, philanthropist and the chairperson of non-profit Infosys Foundation, a humbling experience.

"I feel every politician in India should learn from them. They are so down to earth."

Rishi Sunak and Akshata Murty married in 2009 and the couple has two daughters Anoushka and Krishna. -- PTI

17:46 Tripura set for assembly elections on Thursday

All preparations for conducting free, fair and peaceful elections to the 60-member Tripura Assembly on Thursday have been completed, Chief Electoral Officer Gitte Kirankumar Dinakarro said.

The voting will be held under tight security between 7 am and 4 pm at 3,337 polling stations.

The visa processing centre of the Indian high commission in Sri Lanka has been closed temporarily due to a security incident reported there on Tuesday night, the mission announced here on Wednesday.

According to a police source, an alleged break-in took place at the visa centre, prompting the Indian high commission to close the visa processing operation.

"Due to a security incident reported last night, visa application centre, IVS Pvt. Ltd, Colombo would remain closed until further notice," the mission said in a statement.

"All applicants are requested to reschedule their appointments with IVS Pvt. Ltd accordingly," it said.

The police launched an investigation into the incident. -- PTI

Accused Sahil Gehlot

17:00 Dhaba murder: CCTV images of victim emerges

Police on Wednesday retrieved footage from a CCTV camera installed at Nikki Yadav's Uttam Nagar house and it shows the 23-year-old performing menial tasks, hours before she was killed allegedly by her boyfriend.

The footage are from February 9, the day of her boyfriend Sahil Gehlot's engagement.

Yadav allegedly called to meet Gehlot and express her displeasure at his decision to get married. The first footage, which bears a timestamp of 1.10 pm, shows Yadav taking clothes upstairs to her rented home.

The second footage, timestamped at 9.27 pm, shows her peeping out of a door of her rented house before leaving the premises. She is seen returning within a minute.

A senior police officer said, "We are looking into the CCTV footage and also scanning for more to collect evidence and ascertain the sequence of events that unfolded on the day of the murder."

Yadav was allegedly strangled to death by her 24-year-old boyfriend who stuffed her body inside a refrigerator of his dhaba (eatery) in southwest Delhi and went off to marry another woman the same day, police said on Tuesday.

Accused Gehlot, a resident of Mitraon village in southwest Delhi, has been arrested.

The incident came to light Valentine's Day and it was on the instance of the accused that four days after the murder that Yadav's body was recovered on Tuesday morning from the refrigerator at the eatery, which was locked since the day of the murder.

The police said the accused had hidden from his girlfriend the fact that his marriage was fixed with another woman. When Yadav came to know about the wedding, she had a heated argument with Gehlot which led to her murder.

"It has been claimed that she was threatening to implicate the man in a case if he married another woman," a source said.

The couple had been in a relationship for the past few years and Yadav wanted to marry the accused, the police said. The alleged murder took place on the intervening night of February 9 and 10 when the victim confronted the accused about his marriage, a senior police officer said, adding that he killed her using the data cable of his mobile phone in his car and then kept the body in the refrigerator.

Narrating the sequence of events, the officer said Yadav was unhappy with the fact that Gehlot was getting married. On February 9 -- the day the accused got engaged -- she called him up and told him to come to her flat in Uttam Nagar.

"The accused went to the victim's place in his car and picked her up from there. She kept pressuring him to not get married. "She had already planned to go with him to Goa and had booked tickets for February 9. She asked him to accompany her to Goa but he refused.

This led to an argument and in anger, he killed her inside his car," the officer said. The accused then took the body to the dhaba, which had not been operational for a long time.

After stuffing the body inside the fridge, he locked the eatery, the officer added. The body was found intact inside the refrigerator and started decomposing at a slow pace, the police said, adding only strangulation marks were found on her body. Police suspect that the accused committed the crime near Kashmere Gate but the location of the murder is yet to be verified.

Pic: KBK Graphics

16:42 Top gainers at the markets today

Benchmark Sensex pared early losses to close 242 points higher while Nifty settled above the 18,000-mark on Wednesday following gains in IT, oil and select banking stocks amid mixed global trends.

Extending gains for a second day, the 30-share BSE Sensex advanced 242.83 points or 0.40 per cent to close at 61,275.09 with 20 of its constituents ending in the green.

The index opened lower at 60,990.05 but later regained foot to touch a high of 61,352.55 in day trade. The broader Nifty of NSE rose by 86 points or 0.48 per cent to settle above the 18,000-mark at 18,015.85, following gains in RIL, Tech Mahindra and Adani Enterprises.

Among Sensex stocks, Tech Mahindra rose the most by 5.79 per cent. Index major Reliance Industries spurted 2.22 per cent, while Bajaj Finserv, Bharti Airtel, Tata Steel, M&M, Nestle Industries, HCL Tech, Kotak Bank, Tata Motors, ICICI Bank and Titan also advanced. Hindustan Unilever fell the most by 1.22 per cent. ITC, Sun Pharma, L&T, HDFC twins and IndusInd Bank were among the major losers. -- PTI

Pic: KBK Graphics

16:24 Inflation figures over 6 months

Wholesale inflation in India based on the Wholesale Price Index continued to stay moderate and was at 4.73 per cent (provisional) in January 2023, against the previous month's 4.95 per cent, official data showed on Tuesday. The index for fuel and power group (with an overall weightage of 13.15 per cent) declined by 1.39 per cent to 155.8 in January, data showed.

16:12 Soon there won't be any media: Mamata on BBC

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday described as very unfortunate the Income Tax department's survey on BBC India's offices and alleged that it is political vendetta of the BJP-led central government.

The Income Tax department's action came weeks after the broadcaster aired a two-part documentary, "India: The Modi Question", on the prime minister and the 2002 Gujarat riots.

"It is very unfortunate; it is a political vendetta of the BJP government," Banerjee said at her chamber in the West Bengal assembly.

"Such actions affect freedom of the press, she said alleging that the saffron party is controlling the media. One day there will be no media in the country. They (BJP leaders) don't care about people's mandate, their only mandate is dictatorship. (They are) more than Hitler," she said.

The tax department had begun the survey on Tuesday at the BBC's Delhi and Mumbai offices along with at least two linked premises as part of an investigation into alleged tax evasion against the British broadcaster in India. The operation continued on Wednesday. PTI

China has temporarily closed down the consular section of its embassy in Pakistan due to "technical issues', days after advising Chinese citizens in this country to be cautious due to the deteriorating security situation.

The embassy announced this on its website, refraining from providing specific information about the nature of the "technical issue" or the timeline for the closure.

"Due to technical issues, the consular section of the Chinese Embassy in Islamabad will be temporarily closed from February 13, 2023, until further notice," the notice said.

The notification follows last week's notice by the Chinese government, advising Chinese citizens to be cautious while in Pakistan, saying they might be at risk due to a deteriorating security situation.

Pakistan has seen a rise in terror attacks since late last year when the Pakistani Taliban group called off a fragile truce with the government.

15:57 Flying Lufthansa today?

Lufthansa airlines has been affected by an IT outage causing flight delays and cancellations.

15:54 FS Kwatra meets B'desh PM

Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra paid a courtesy call to Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in Dhaka. Kwatra conveyed the warm wishes of PM Modi to PM Hasina and reaffirmed India's support for wider and deeper development and economic partnership with Bangladesh.

In the background is a portrait of the founding father and first President of Bangladesh, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Sheikh Hasina is his daughter.

15:32 Our balance sheet is very healthy: Adani Group

Billionaire Gautam Adani's embattled conglomerate said its balance sheet is "very healthy" and is laser focused on continuing business momentum, as it looked to reassure investors to keep faith in the conglomerate despite a share rout triggered by a damning report by a US short-seller.

Group CFO Jugeshinder (Robbie) Singh in an earnings call said the group is confident of its internal controls, compliance and corporate governance. Separately, it released a compendium of group companies to highlight that it has adequate cash reserves and has ability to refinance debt.

"Our balance sheet is very healthy. We have industry-leading development capabilities, strong corporate governance, secure assets and strong cash flows," Singh said.

"Once the current market stabilises, we will review our capital market strategy, but rest assured we are confident in our continued ability to deliver business that provides superior returns to shareholders."

The group has been under pressure since the Hindenburg Research on January 24 accused it of accounting fraud and stock manipulation, allegations that the conglomerate has denied as "malicious", "baseless" and a "calculated attack on India".

Listed companies of the group lost over USD 125 billion in market value in three week. Stocks of most group firms were up on Wednesday. "We are laser focused on continuing our business momentum, in this market volatility," Singh said.

"We are confident in our internal controls, compliance and corporate governance."

Adani group's gross debt stood at Rs 2.26 lakh crore as on September 2022 and had cash of Rs 31,646 crore. "Our businesses operate on long-term annuity contracts generating assured and consistent cash flows with no market risk," it said in the credit report.

Despite the ports-to-energy conglomerate denying allegations, the report triggered a massive sell-off in the group firms' shares. -- PTI

15:16 Cong tweets: Gautam Adani and his shadow...

The Congress party shares this image of industrialist Gautam Adani and says, "Gautam Adani and his shadow."

The image is self-explanatory but for those who haven't been abreast with news, the Congress and the opposition parties have accused PM Narendra Modi of colluding with Adani in the wake of the Hidenburg report that says this and this.

The Congress party has demanded a JPC probe into the allegations against the Adani Group

His calculated neglect of the threat to the CRPF has the same origins as his government's abysmal failure in virtually every department. Read the column here.

14:39 India is #1Test cricket team

India topple Australia to become no 1 Test team, becoming the number one team in all formats of Cricket.

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14:34 Hundreds of Kashmiri Pandits detained in Jammu

Scores of migrant Kashmiri Pandit employees demanding a transfer from the Valley and release of salary dues were detained on Wednesday, shortly after they assembled in Jammu for a protest to press for their demands, officials said.

The employees were supposed to stage a protest outside the Press Club but were not allowed by police.

As the employees assembled in the nearby chowk and started to raise slogans in support of their demands, the police detained nearly 50 protesters. They were shifted to the Police Lines in a bus.

"We tried to persuade them to disperse but since they were adamant about continuing the protest, we took them into preventive custody," a government official said.

When asked if prohibitory orders had been implemented outside the Press Club - the scene of frequent protests -- the official said prolonged protests in the area have become a public nuisance.

"There are no restrictions on peaceful protests for half an hour or one hour but they are occupying the space for hours till midnight, causing hardship to commuters and preoccupying the administration and the police," he said.

Hundreds of Kashmiri Pandits employed in the Valley under the Prime Minister's package moved to Jammu last May following the killing of two colleagues -- Rahul Bhat and Rajini Bala -- by terrorists.

While Bhat was shot dead inside his office in central Kashmir's Budgam on May 12, schoolteacher Bala was gunned down in south Kashmir's Kulgam on May 31.

On February 4, Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha said many of the employees had resumed their duties in the Valley and directions were issued to release their pending salaries.

Sinha had said the administration and the security forces were working with dedication to ensure the community's safety. However, the protesters claimed that only a few hundred employees had resumed their duties under compulsion while many are not willing to return to the Valley due to a "sense of insecurity". -- PTI

Ramdas Athawale

14:13 Athawale wants probe into IIT student's death

Union Minister of State for Social Justice Ramdas Athawale on Wednesday visited the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay on Wednesday and demanded a thorough probe into the death of a first-year "Dalit" student and the allegations that he was facing caste discrimination.

Darshan Solanki (18) died allegedly after jumping off the seventh floor of a hostel building on the Powai campus of the premier institute on Sunday. Solanki, who hailed from Ahmedabad, was a first-year student of the BTech (Chemical) course.

The IIT Bombay on Tuesday rejected charges of caste bias in the institute and said initial inputs from the deceased's friends suggested there was no discrimination, and urged students to wait till police and internal probes into the case are over.

Speaking to reporters in Mumbai on Wednesday, Athawale said, "I have demanded a thorough probe into the matter. There are allegations of the BTech student facing caste discrimination. I have asked the authorities to probe this angle as well. Action should be taken if required."

Athawale said Solanki called his father on Sunday and informed him that except one paper, his other first semester exams went well. His father had assured him not to worry and told him he would visit Mumbai soon.

However, half-an-hour later, Solanki jumped from his hostel and died, he said.

"It is a very serious incident. In 2014, a Dalit student ended his life in a similar way. Six months back, another student outside IITB had died by suicide. I am also aware that two students from IIT Madras had also died by suicide. Such incidents are increasing and they should be probed properly," the minister said.

Athawale also said he will make efforts to facilitate some financial aid to Solanki's family members from Maharashtra and Gujarat governments.

Karnataka BJP president Nalinkumar Kateel

13:25 India only for Ram bhakts: Karnataka BJP chief

Karnataka BJP president Nalinkumar Kateel's rant against 'Tipu Sultan's descendants' (Muslims).

"We're devotees of Lord Ram & Hanuman. We're not Tipu's descendants, we sent his descendants back. So I ask the people of Yelaburga, do you worship Hanuman or sing Tipu's bhajans? Will you chase away people who sing Tipu's bhajans?

"So, think if this state requires Tipu's descendants or Lord Ram's and Hanuman's devotees? I challenge on the land of Hanuman -- people who love Tipu should not stay here, people who sing Lord Ram's bhajans and celebrate Lord Hanuman should stay here."

Kateel had sparked a new controversy earlier after asking his party workers not to talk about small issues like roads and sewage but raise bigger issues like love jihad.

Karnataka is due for an assembly election around April-May this year, and the poll-bound state has witnessed increasing instances of moral policing and communal clashes, specifically in the Dakshina Kannada region.

Air India's record deal for 470 planes from Airbus and Boeing has happened at a time when the carrier plans to become "a world-class proposition", in the words of N Chandrasekaran, chairman of Tata group, which owns the airline.

12:58 'Coterminous': Bommai describes Congress

Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai on corruption allegations made by the Karnataka Congress: "The Congress's name starts with 'C' and corruption also starts with 'C'. So, they are coterminous. There are more than 60 charges against them and they have been charged by Lokayukta also," Bommai said.

Coterminous refers to having the same boundaries or or meaning.

Former Karnataka Chief Minister and leader of opposition Siddaramaiah on Wednesday accused the Basavaraj Bommai-led government of taking "40 per cent commission" and giving tenders to those who paid more commission.

"The government is giving tenders to those who paid more commission. Instead, the government should give tenders to those who need them. This is the part where 40 per cent commission is advanced," said Siddaramaiah.

"We are investigating those who are accused of corruption and favouritism. We warned the government and contract officials earlier. We will go to court," said Siddaramaiah.

The Central Bureau of Investigation has quizzed Delhi's Minister Satyendar Jain in Tihar Jail in connection with alleged corruption in the implementation of the Delhi Excise Policy.

He was questioned in the Tihar jail on Tuesday in relation to a matter of excise.

Jain is presently lodged in Judicial Custody in connection with another case related to money laundering case registered by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

He has not been made an accused in Excise Policy case. His name surfaced in the matter along with other cabinet minister's of Delhi and Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

According to the concerned lawyers, the CBI has also quizzed Vijay Nair, who is also lodged in Tihar Jail in connection with the ED case related to the Excise policy. Nair was granted bail in a CBI case by the Trial court earlier.

Recently, CBI and ED have made several arrests for alleged corruption in the implementation of the Delhi Excise Policy.

The ED last week has also arrested Raghav Magunta, son of YSR Congress Party MP Magunta Srinivasulu Reddy, in the Delhi excise policy money laundering case Earlier, CBI also questioned Raghava Reddy and asked whether the liquor cartel paid bribes to AAP government functionaries in Delhi through a middleman.

The victim's father

12:27 Dhaba-freezer murder: Father wants death penalty

The father of 25-year-old Haryana woman Nikki Yadav, who was murdered allegedly by her live-in partner, demanded that he be hanged to death.

Spreaking to ANI on Tuesday, Sunil Yadav, father of the deceased woman, Nikki Yadav, said, "The accused should be hanged till death. We got to know about my daughter's death yesterday. She had visited us one-and-a-half months ago."

The 25-year-old woman from Jhajjar, Haryana was strangled allegedly by her partner using the data cable of a mobile phone, informed the deputy commissioner of police, Crime Branch, on Wednesday.

The accused was identified as Sahil Gehlot, police said.

Delhi Police Crime Branch, meanwhile, said it has recovered the car in which Sahil allegedly murdered Nikki. He also transported her mortal remains to the dhaba (eatery) in the same vehicle, police added.

According to police, Nikki called Sahil after learning that he was going to marry another woman.

"Sahil allegedly murdered his live-in partner Nikki by strangling her using a mobile (data) cable after she called him after learning that he was about to marry another woman. Sahil took her body to his dhaba and stuffed it in a refrigerator," the DCP told ANI.

The woman's body was recovered from a freezer in New Delhi's Najafgarh area, police said on Tuesday.

The victim was a resident of Uttam Nagar in Delhi, they said.

"Initial probe suggests that the accused was about to get married to another woman, and, the victim, after coming to know of it, raised an objection and insisted he marries her," a police officer told ANI earlier.

In a fit of rage, the accused killed her hid the body in a freezer at his dhaba, the officer said, adding, "The incident occurred around two to three days ago."

12:12 'Kohli wanted to teach Ganguly a lesson'

The chairman of the BCCI's national selection committee Chetan Sharma landed in a major soup after he disclosed behind-the-scenes talks regarding team selection and also made startling revelations on star batter skipper Viral Kohli's alleged feud with former Board president Sourav Ganguly, to a television channel, during a sting operation aired Tuesday.

Sharma claimed that alleged strained relationship between Ganguly and Kohli involved 'ego issues'.

The chief selector claimed that Kohli had started considering himself "bigger than the Board" and had tried to "hit back" at the former BCCI president as he felt that Ganguly had removed him from ODI captaincy.

"When the player becomes popular, he considers himself to be bigger than the Board and thinks that nobody can touch him. He feels that cricket in India would stop without him. But has that ever happened? Some of our biggest cricketing stars came and went but cricket remained the same. So he (Kohli) tried to hit back at the (former) president at that time. It was a damaging controversy. It was a classic case of a player going against the BCCI. The president represents the BCCI, isn't it?

"As to whose fault it was will be judged in time but it was an attack on the BCCI. All our players are discouraged from doing this because the loss will be theirs as everyone will go against them even if the president is at the fault. There has to be some respect for the chair," said Sharma during the sting operation.

He further claimed that ahead of the 2022 India tour of South Africa in January, Kohli brought up the matter of being removed from ODI captaincy on purpose in front of reporters because he felt that Ganguly had played a role in removing him from leadership in the 50-over format.

He also accused Kohli of lying in front of the media about being removed from ODI captaincy without any communication, in order to defame Ganguly.

"Virat was going to South Africa as captain (of the Test side). Press conferences should be about team matters and not selections. There was no need to bring up this topic (Virat being removed from ODI captaincy) during the press conference. But he did so intentionally. He felt that he had lost his ODI captaincy because of Ganguly. Ganguly hold told reporters that he had asked him not to step down (as ODI captain) but Virat claimed before the media that the president never said this to him. This created a major controversy," Chetan said.

"Ganguly had told him once during a video conference to think it (stepping down as ODI skipper) over. But Virat did pay heed. There were nine people at the conference, including all the selectors. I am not sure if Virat heard Ganguly correctly. Ganguly later claimed that Virat lied to the media about him. As to why he did so, nobidy knows. It is his personal matter. It sparked off a controversy and matters escalated to the extent where it became an issue of a player against the Board," Sharma said.

"Rohit Sharma had volunteered (to take over ODI captaincy). It was an ego clash. Virat felt he was removed from captaincy by Ganguly and wanted to teach him a lesson. So he made the statements to the media to defame him. But it backfired on him," added the national selector.

He said the reason why Kohli was removed from ODI captaincy was that the Board did not want two skippers for two-white ball formats, but rather one for red-ball cricket and another for white-ball cricket.

"Removing someone from captaincy is the job of selectors. We removed him the ODI captaincy as we wanted to have one white-ball captain. This is normal procedure and even he (Kohli) knows it. After Virat announced that he was giving up the T20I captaincy, the selectors made up their minds to remove him from the ODI captaincy as well," said Sharma.

"The Board and the selectors sits with the captain before removing him from the job. Virat knows this and this is why he felt that Ganguly had a big role in his removal from ODI captaincy. But the thinking of selectors was different. We wanted separate captains for red-ball and white-ball formats," the chief selector added.

Chetan also shed new light inon the relationship between Kohli and current all-format skipper Rohit Sharma, who had earlier been alleged to share a strained relationship.

"There is no rift. It's just media speculation. When there are two big leaders in a team, there could be an ego clash every now and then. It is like Amitabh Bachchan ji and Dharmendra ji. It is just ego. The media made up stories that weren't true," Sharma said.

The chairman of selectors further revealed that both players have supported each other in their bad times. -- ANI

The Supreme Court on Wednesday agreed to hear on February 17 a fresh plea of a Congress leader seeking investigation under the supervision of a sitting apex court judge against the Adani Group of companies in light of the allegations made by the US-based Hindenburg Research.

A bench comprising Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justice P S Narasimha took note of the submissions of a lawyer, representing Congress leader Jaya Thakur, that the plea needed urgent hearing.

The bench initially agreed to list the PIL for hearing on February 24 and later decided to hear on Friday after the lawyer pointed out that two other PILs are listed on February 17.

Thakur has also sought a direction for investigating the role of the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) and the State Bank of India (SBI) in investing huge amounts of public money in the FPOs (follow on public offer) of Adani Enterprises, allegedly at a much higher rate than the prevailing share price in the secondary market.

A follow on public offer is a process by which a company already listed on a stock exchange issues new shares to the investors or shareholders, usually the promoters.

On Monday, the Centre had agreed to the apex court's proposal to set up a panel of experts to look into strengthening the regulatory mechanisms for the stock market following the recent Adani group shares crash triggered by Hindenburg Research's fraud allegations -- PTI

The Supreme Court on Wednesday agreed to hear a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking direction to all the State governments to frame rules for menstrual pain leaves to the female students and working-class women at their respective workplaces and compliance of section 14 of the Maternity Benefit Act 1961.

A bench headed by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud posted the matter for hearing on February 24 after advocate Shailendra Mani Tripathi mentioned the matter and sought an early hearing of the case.

According to the petition, the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961, makes provisions for almost all the problems faced by women related to maternity in their true spirit.

The provisions of the Act have made it mandatory for employers to grant paid leave to its women employees for a certain number of days during her pregnancy, in case of miscarriage, for tubectomy operation, and also in case of illness as well as medical complications arising out of these stages of maternity.

Ironically, the most disappointing aspect in the direction of respecting the rights of working women, is that in spite of a provision under section 14 of the Maternity Benefit Act that there will be an inspector for a particular area to monitor the implementation of such great provisions, no government in India has created the post of inspectors, forget about the appointment of such inspectors, the plea said.

These provisions of law under the Maternity Benefit Act are one of the greatest steps taken by Parliament or by the people of the country to recognise and respect the motherhood and maternity of working women, the petition pointed out. -- ANI

11:13 Bommai govt takes 40% cuts, says Siddaramaiah

The government is giving tenders to those who paid more commission. Instead, the government should give tenders to those who need them. This is the part where 40 per cent commission is advanced," said Siddaramaiah.

"We are investigating those who are accused of corruption and favouritism. We warned the government and contract officials earlier. We will go to court," said Siddaramaiah.

Senior Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP Randeep Singh Surjewala hit out at the Bharatiya Janata Party, saying that it is mobilising money and raising funds for elections through corruption.

"The Bommai government has the plan to further 40% commission. Rs 20,000 crore pending dues for the contractors. BJP is mobilising money and raising funds for elections through corruption," said Surjewala.

Surjewala said that once Congress comes to power an enquiry will be constituted.

"We are warning all the people involved that when Congress comes into power we will constitute an enquiry," he said. -- ANI

The Pakistan government on Tuesday released two Indians prisoners and sent them back to country via the Attari-Wagah border.

One of the prisoners revealed that about 700 more Indians are serving their sentences in Pakistan.

According to Protocol Officer Arun Pal, Raju entered Pakistan by mistake, five years ago and the second prisoner Gembra Ram spent around two-and- a-half years in prison in Pakistan.

Gembra Ram said that he had crossed the Pakistan border in pursuit of a girl.

"I crossed the Pakistan border in pursuit of a girl. When I got there, I was tortured a lot for six months. After six months, I was sent to another jail where I spent 21 months.

"There are 700 more Indian in the jail that I have come from. They have gone mad and are crying a lot. Even I cannot explain their condition," Gembra Ram said.

He requested the government to get all the Indians out as soon as possible because many have gone mad in the jails, and are in miserable condition.

Income Tax survey operation will continue for the 2nd day at the BBC offices in Delhi and Mumbai.

The UK government is 'closely monitoring' the situation as the BBC said some of its staff have been asked to remain at their Delhi and Mumbai offices to cooperate with the 'ongoing enquiries' of the Income Tax authorities on Tuesday.

In New Delhi and Mumbai, officials said the surveys were being carried out to investigate issues related to international taxation and transfer pricing of BBC subsidiary companies, and alleged that the broadcaster was served with notices in the past, but was "defiant and non-compliant" and had significantly diverted its profits.

The action comes weeks after the UK-headquartered public broadcaster aired a controversial two-part documentary in the UK, India: The Modi Question, referencing Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the 2002 Gujarat riots.

"The Income Tax authorities remain at the BBC offices in New Delhi and Mumbai. Many staff have now left the building, but some have been asked to remain and are continuing to cooperate with the ongoing enquiries," a BBC spokesperson said in a statement.

TMC MP Mohua Moitra on the income-tax surveys conducted at the BBC's offices in New Delhi and Mumbai. The MP who has never minced words inside and outside Parliament tweeted, "IT "Survey' continuing at BBC offices. Closest anyone in BJP has ever come to fighting the British."

Yesterday, former Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh and Veteran Congress Leader Digvijaya Singh reacted to the Income Tax department surveys saying, ""Probably for the first time in the 100-year history of BBC, such a raid has been conducted against them. Their only fault is that they made a documentary of Gujarat riots in which everyone's side was included."

DMK MP Senthilkumar S had also condemned the survey saying, "Strongly condemn the raids at BBC @BBCIndiaoffice Delhi. This is throttling the freedom of expression and particularly the press. This government is hitting back for release of BBC Gujarat riots documentary. The 56-inch chest has started to feel the heat. Downfall starts."

The era when progress was equated with westernisation is now behind us and many languages and traditions that were suppressed during the colonial era are once again finding a voice on the global stage, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said in Fiji on Wednesday.

Asserting that globalisation does not mean uniformity, Jaishakar while delivering the inaugural speech at the 12th World Hindi Conference at Denarau Convention Centre Nadi said in fact, it is only by understanding and accepting the diversity of our world that we can do it full justice.

"Indeed, that is the real meaning of a democratic world order", he added.

Noting that more countries gained independence over the last 75 years resulting in a rebalancing of the international system, Jaishankar said initially, this took an economic form, but soon enough, it developed a political facet as well.

"The trend in the global order is gradually creating greater multi-polarity and if it is to develop faster, it is essential that there is also cultural rebalancing", the minister said.

"In such a situation, the world must be informed about all cultures and societies and one way of doing that is by broadening the teaching and usage of languages, including Hindi," he added.

"The era when progress was equated with westernisation is now behind us. Many languages and traditions that were suppressed during the colonial era are once again finding a voice on the global stage," he said. -- PTI

10:16 Cong urges RBI, SEBI to probe Adani Group

Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has written to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Shaktikanta Das and Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) Chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch and sought an investigation into allegations of financial irregularities and stock manipulation against the Adani Group.

In his letter to Das posted on Twitter on Wednesday, Ramesh urged the RBI to ensure that "excessive debt exposure" by the Adani Group currently and in the future does not destabilise India's banking system.

"The Adani Group has been described as 'deeply over-leveraged' -- if the Adani Group has artificially inflated the value of its stock through manipulation by offshore shell companies and raised funds by pledging those overvalued shares, the recent sell off in stock prices is creating vulnerabilities for the Adani Group to find financing, and by implication for India's banking system," the Congress MP said in his letter dated February 14.

Ramesh called on the RBI to look into two aspects what is the true Adani Group exposure of the Indian banking system and what are the explicit and implicit guarantees that the Adani Group has been given that it will be bailed out by Indian banks if foreign funding dries up.

"Will the RBI ensure that Indian banks are not forced to step in to substitute for any shortfall in foreign financing, especially given the Adani Group's political connections," Ramesh asked.

Public sector financial institutions like the Life Insurance Corporation of India and the State Bank of India have been "unusually generous" to the Adani Group in recent years, the Congress leader alleged.

The RBI must ensure that risks to financial stability are investigated and contained, he said in his letter. The risks of contagion from any collapse in the Adani Group's ability to secure financing must be monitored constantly, Ramesh argued.

"As the steward of the financial system, the RBI must do everything possible to protect India's banks and financial institutions, and we urge you to act in the national interest to ensure that India's taxpayers do not pay the price for the 'misgovernance' and potential 'illegalities' of one influential business house," he wrote to Das.

At the 12th Vishwa Hindi Sammelan held in Nadia, Fiji, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar emphasized promoting the Hindi language across the world.

"In events like World Hindi Conference, it is natural that our focus should be on various aspects of the Hindi language, its global use, and its dissemination. We will discuss issues like the status of Hindi in Fiji, the Pacific region and indentured countries," said Jaishankar.

He said that the era of aping western languages and traditions is over.

"The era when we equated progress & modernity with westernization is behind us. Many such languages and traditions which were suppressed during the colonial era are again raising their voice on the global stage," Jaishankar said at the 12th World Hindi Conference in Nadi.

He said that it is necessary that the world should know about all cultures and societies.

"In such a situation, it is necessary that the world should know about all the cultures and societies," added EAM Jaishankar.External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday inaugurated the 12th Vishwa Hindi Sammelan in Nadi, Fiji.

Fiji's President Ratu Wiliame Maivalili Katonivere was also present at the event.

Notably, the World Hindi Conference will be co-hosted by the governments of India and Fiji from February 15-17 in Nadi, Fiji. It is External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's first visit to Fiji," the Ministry of External Affairs said in a press release. -- ANI

Law Minister and BJP leader Kiren Rijiju said he is suffering from viral fever and will not be campaigning in Meghalaya on Wednesday for assembly polls.

Rijiju had been campaigning in Tripura ahead of Thursday's assembly polls.

"Suffering from acute viral fever since last 24 hours ... I've been asked to remain indoor and take rest," he wrote on Twitter. The minister said he will miss Wednesday's public meetings in Meghalaya. The state goes to poll on February 27. -- PTI

09:38 One person cannot break a country: RSS chief

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Tuesday said that one ideology or person cannot make or break a country and that "good countries" of the world have a multitude of ideas.

While speaking at an award function organised by the Rajratna Puraskar Samiti in Nagpur, he said, "Society functions on the basis of qualities and a nation becomes great on the basis of the qualities of society. Any one person, one group, or one ideology does not make or break a country. Good countries in the world have all kinds of ideologies."

"You will also find good leaders in those countries that are not in good condition. It means that all these factors are subsidiaries. The main thing is quality and solidarity in society," he added.

"Good countries of the world have all kinds of thoughts. They also have all kinds of systems, and they are growing with this multitude of systems," he added.

On February 10, Bhagwat received threats from ISI, Naxalites and fundamentalists, ahead of his visit to Bhagalpur, the Senior Superintendent of Police Anand Kumar informed. -- ANI

A 29-year-old caretaker of an elderly couple in Mumbai allegedly attacked his employers, killing the man and injuring his wife, police said.

The incident took place on Monday night in suburban Jogeshwari and the caretaker, identified as Pappu Gawali, was later nabbed at Dadar railway station when he was trying to flee to his native place, they said.

Senior citizen Sudhir Chiplunkar (70) died, while his wife Supriya Chiplunkar (69) was injured after they were attacked by the caretaker at their residence in a housing society in Jogeshwari, according to the Meghwadi police.

Gawali entered the house of his employers allegedly with an intention to commit robbery and attacked the couple with a sharp weapon, they said.

While Sudhir Chiplunkar died on the spot, his wife, though badly injured, started throwing household items out of the windows of the flat to draw the attention of her neighbours and other residents of the building, said an official.

One of the neighbours alerted the police who arrived at the spot and shifted the couple to a nearby hospital where Sudhir Chiplunkar was declare dead, he said. Special police teams were formed to nab the caretaker who was eventually caught, the official said, adding the accused has been booked under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, including 302 (murder). -- PTI

09:06 AI-Boeing deal to create 1mn jobs in US: Biden

The "landmark" Air India-Boeing deal will create up to 1 million jobs across 44 states in the US, President Joe Biden told Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a call on Tuesday.

While announcing the Boeing-Air India deal on Tuesday, Biden asserted that together with Prime Minister Modi, he was looking forward to deepen the ties between India and the US.

As per an announcement from the White House, Boeing and Air India have reached an agreement under which the airline will purchase 190 B737 MAX, 20 B787, and 10 B777X for a total of 220 firm order valued at USD 34 billion at list price.

The deal will also include customer options for an additional 50 Boeing 737 MAX and 20 Boeing 787, totalling 290 airplanes for a total of USD 45.9 billion at list price. Biden spoke with Modi of India to discuss the "landmark" agreement.

This purchase will support over one million American jobs across 44 states, and many will not require a four-year college degree, Biden said in the call.

The Air India order is Boeing's third biggest sale ever in dollar value and second in terms of number of planes.

During the call, the two leaders also reaffirmed the strength of the US-India relationship and committed to continue working together and in groups like the Quad to advance economic growth for our two countries and expand cooperation on our shared priorities. This announcement follows the inaugural launch of the US-India initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) last month.

The United States on Tuesday said it is aware of the survey operation conducted by the Indian tax authorities at the BBC office in Delhi but is not in a position to offer its judgement.

The Income Tax officials said the operation was part of a tax evasion investigation.

"We are aware of the search of the BBC offices in Delhi by Indian tax authorities. I would need to refer you to Indian authorities for the details of this search. Beyond this discrete action, what I'll say more broadly is the general point that I've consistently made in this context, but in a universal context as well," State Department Spokesperson Ned Price told reporters here.

"We support the importance of free press around the world. We continue to highlight the importance of freedom of expression and freedom of religion or belief as human rights that contribute to strengthening democracies around the world. It has strengthened this democracy here in this country. It has strengthened India's democracy," Price said.

These universal rights are the bedrock of democracies around the world, he asserted.

When asked if this action went against some of the spirit or value of democracy, Price said, "I couldn't say. We're aware of the facts of these searches, but I'm just not in a position to offer a judgement."

The Income Tax Department on Tuesday conducted a survey operation at the British Broadcasting Corporation's offices in Delhi and Mumbai.

The surprise action comes weeks after the broadcaster aired a two-part documentary on the 2002 Gujarat riots and India.

Tax officials said the department is looking at documents related to the business operations of the company and those related to its Indian arm. -- PTI

Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut on Tuesday said democracy in India is facing trouble, comments coming in the backdrop of the Income Tax department survey at the BBC's offices in the country.

He said the Bharatiya Janata Party, in its earlier avatar as the Bharatiya Jana Sangh (BJS), had opposed the Emergency (1975-77), but the same outfit is now targeting the judiciary and the media.

The Income Tax department on Tuesday conducted survey operations for over ten hours at the BBC's offices in Delhi, Mumbai and two other linked locations as part of an investigation into alleged tax evasion, officials said in the national capital.

"When questions are asked to the government or Prime Minister, such raids take place (referring to I-T survey at BBC offices) or arrests are made. Democracy in this country is in trouble.

"During the Emergency, when censorship was forced on newspapers, the BJP (in its previous avatar BJS) had agitated against it. Now, when their government is in power, they are targeting the judiciary and the media," Raut said.

The Rajya Sabha member questioned the rationale behind issuance of a notice to Congress MP Rahul Gandhi for some of his statements made in Parliament.

"When Rahul Gandhi asked questions in the Lok Sabha, he was given a notice, when the BBC made a documentary on a particular subject (Gujarat riots of 2002) their offices in Mumbai and Delhi were raided, Raut said.

He said the BJP will face defeat in the upcoming bypolls to Kasba and Chinchwad Assembly seats in Pune district.

"People have rejected the BJP (in the just held Legislative Council polls) and the same result will be seen in Kasba and Chinchwad Assembly bypolls," said the Shiv Sena (UBT) leader.

"The Shiv Sena and our chief Uddhav Thackeray have a separate identity, Raut said when asked about Thackeray meeting the Dawoodi Bohra community's religious head in Mumbai. -- PTI

The 246-km Delhi-Dausa-Lalsot section of the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway will open to commuters from 8 am on Wednesday, officials said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had inaugurated the section, which is set to reduce the travel time from the national capital to Jaipur from five hours to around three and a half hours, on Sunday.

"The expressway will be opened for the common people from Wednesday. The first toll plaza has been made near Nuh, where the car FASTag will be scanned... Basic facilities will be made available on the expressway soon," Mudit Garg, project director of NHAI, said on Tuesday.

Those going from Delhi to Jaipur will have two alternative routes.

Drivers will be able to reach Dausa in Rajasthan from Alipur in Sohna via Rajeev Chowk using the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, he said.

The expressway was kick started in 2018, with the foundation stone being laid on March 9, 2019.

It is expected to halve the commute time between Delhi and Mumbai from nearly 24 hours to 12 hours and shorten the distance by 130 km. -- PTI

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01:05 OYO hotel staff assaults 2 guests for demanding refund in Rajasthan

Two friends staying at an OYO hotel in Bilaspur were allegedly thrashed by the staff for demanding a refund, the police said.

According to the complaint lodged by Sandeep Kumar and Vikas, the incident took place on February 11 at 'Happy Stay OYO Hotel' on the Delhi-Jaipur Highway.

The duo checked-in at 9 pm and there was a power cut at around 11.30 pm.

When the electricity did not get restored till 1 am, Kumar approached the hotel staff who told him that there will be no power till the morning, the complaint said.

"So, we demanded that our money be returned following which, an argument ensued and the staff thrashed us and locked us in our room," Kumar said in the complaint.

"Later, three of the staffers -- Sonu, Monu and Rahul -- forcibly took us to a deserted spot at gunpoint and beat us again. They then left the spot after threatening to kill us if we told anyone about the incident," he said.

Following the complaint, an FIR was registered under sections 148 (armed with deadly weapon), 149 (unlawful assembly), 323 (causing hurt), 342 (wrongful confinement), 365 (kidnap), and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code and sections 25, 54, 59 of the Arms Act at the Bilaspur police station on Monday, said police. -- PTI

NCP leader Anil Deshmukh/ANI Photo

00:38 I never expressed wish to join BJP: Anil Deshmukh

Nationalist Congress Party leader Anil Deshmukh on Tuesday denied that he had ever expressed desire to join the Bharatiya Janata Party.

Maharashtra BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule had claimed earlier that Deshmukh had inquired about whether he could join the BJP before the last assembly polls.

Addressing a press conference in Nagpur, Deshmukh claimed that Bawankule was quoting him out of context and he never wished to join the BJP. -- PTI

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