LIVE
Wed, 15 March 2023
Air India fliers stranded in Chicago for 2 days
Timeline Refresh
23:55 Maha CM Shinde to visit Ayodhya after end of budget session
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde will visit Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh after the ongoing budget session of the state legislature ends later this month, his close aide said on Wednesday.
Shinde will travel to Ayodhya to offer prayers to Lord Ram after the budget session ends on March 25, he said.
A grand temple dedicated to Lord Ram is coming up in the Uttar Pradesh town.
Incidentally, Shinde was in Ayodhya with then-Maharashtra cabinet minister Aaditya Thackeray in mid-June 2022, just days before raising a banner of revolt against the Shiv Sena leadership which eventually triggered the collapse of the Maha Vikas Aghadi government. -- PTI
23:39 Air India fliers stranded in Chicago for 2 days
Around 300 passengers of Air India are stranded at Chicago airport since Tuesday after their flight to the national capital was cancelled due to technical reasons, with some passengers complaining that there is still no clarity on when they will be able to fly to Delhi.
The flight was to depart from Chicago O'hare International Airport at 13.30 hours (local time) on Tuesday and land in Delhi at 14.20 hours on March 15.
Gopal Krishan Solanki Radhaswami, who was to take the flight, told PTI on Wednesday that passengers have been waiting for around 24 hours and still the "airline does not have an answer for us".
"We don't know what exactly is going on... we don't know when we are going to fly," he said in a video message that was recorded from the Chicago airport.
Another passenger said over the phone that they have been waiting at the airport for nearly 24 hours and are not sure when they can take the flight to Delhi.
According to the two persons, there are around 300 Air India passengers, including foreigners.
When contacted, an Air India spokesperson said that flight AI 126 had to be cancelled due to technical reasons on March 14. -- PTI
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22:57 Fire breaks out at Mumbai residential building; 80 rescued, 10 hospitalised
Around 80 persons were rescued while ten including three children were hospitalised after a fire broke out at a seven-storey residential building in suburban Mulund on Wednesday afternoon, a civic official said.
Fire Brigade vehicles rushed to the spot and extinguished the blaze within 15 to 20 minutes, he said.
The flames, which erupted around 2.45 pm, were confined to electric wiring, installation, meters and switches in the common electric meter cabin on the ground floor of Jagruti building, he said.
As the entire staircase was filled with smoke, some residents were trapped inside. Some 80 persons were rescued.
Ten persons were found unconscious or otherwise unable to move in the staircase and were rushed to the nearby Agrawal Hospital, the official said.
Their condition was said to be stable, he added.
The cause of the fire was yet to be ascertained, the official said.
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22:43 Russia says jet didn't come in contact with drone
A day after Russian Su-27 jet collided with a US MQ-9 Reaper drone over the Black Sea, Russian defence ministry said that its aircraft did not use on-board weapons, did not come into contact with the unmanned aerial vehicle, and returned safely to their home airfield.
The ministry said that the country's airspace control systems detected an American MQ-9 unmanned aerial vehicle flying over the Black Sea near the Crimean Peninsula in the direction of the state border of the Russian Federation on Tuesday.
"Fighter jets of the air defence force on duty scrambled to identify the intruder. As a result of quick manoeuvring around 9.30 am (Moscow time), the MQ-9 drone went into an unguided flight with a loss of altitude and collided with the water surface,' said the Russian defence ministry. -- ANI
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21:58 Data shows ESIC added 16.27 lakh new members in January
Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) added 16.27 lakh new members in January, according to payroll data released on Wednesday.
Around 22,800 new establishments have been registered in the month of January 2023 under the Employees' State Insurance Corporation ensuring social security cover to their employees, a labour ministry statement said.
Of the total 16.27 lakh employees added during the month, 7.52 lakh employees aged up to 25 years got registered.
This shows that the youth of the nation are getting good employment opportunities, it stated.
Gender-wise analysis of payroll data indicates that enrolment of net female members has been 13.22 lakhs in January 2023.
The data also shows that a total 44 transgender employees have got registered under ESI Scheme in the month of January.
This shows that ESIC is committed to deliver its benefits to every section of society, it stated.
The payroll data is provisional since the data generation is a continuous exercise, it said.
Screen grab from animated video/BJP on Twitter
21:39 BJP launches Modi's animated video for 2024 polls
The Bharatiya Janata Party has released a short animated video showing Prime Minister Narendra Modi marching ahead in his mission to serve various sections of society and firmly on course to make India a five-trillion dollar economy, brushing aside abuses and allegations showered on him by the Opposition.
The four-minute-thirty-second video animation, titled Mujhe Chalte Jaana Hai (I have to keep walking), shows Modi's journey from becoming the chief minister of Gujarat to the prime minister amid barbs by Congress leaders such as Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Mani Shankar Aiyar and Digvijaya Singh.
The video makes no mention of the 2024 parliamentary elections and shows Modi climbing a flight of stairs past the 2014 and the 2019 Lok Sabha elections towards a five-trillion-dollar economy with a trademark jhola on the shoulder, walking past opposition leaders levelling allegations against him and unveiling government schemes for the poor after becoming prime minister.
Opposition leaders are shown shouting maut ka saudagar, chaiwallah, chowkidar chor hai and "Gautam Das" which seem to have no impact on Modi's journey.
The prime minister is shown doing a tightrope walk over a deep valley carrying a huge syringe of indigenously developed vaccine during the COVID-19 pandemic.
US President Joe Biden, his predecessor Barack Obama, and former British premier Boris Johnson also make cameo appearances in the short video, which was shared by several Union ministers.
Obama is first seen alongside Sonia Gandhi as the US denied a visa to Modi when he was the chief minister of Gujarat.
Obama is shown running up the stairs with a US visa in hand after Modi became prime minister in 2014, leaving Gandhi grimacing. -- PTI
21:20 Mamata asks actor-MP Dev to be new brand ambassador of Bengal tourism
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday asked actor-turned-MP Deepak Adhikari, popularly known as Dev, to be the new brand ambassador of the state's tourism department.
Noting that Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, the incumbent brand ambassador of the state's tourism sector, remains "busy", Banerjee requested the 40-year-old actor to take up the responsibility.
Khan had accepted Banerjee's proposal to become West Bengal's brand ambassador in 2012.
"We have Shah Rukh (Khan). He also made a video, but he is usually very busy. Dev you will do a bit of work as the brand ambassador for the tourism department. I will ask the tourism department to make him the new ambassador. Let (film director) Goutam Ghose prepare a video (on tourism), and Dev, along with others, will promote it," Banerjee, who chaired the Industrial Promotional Board meeting at Nabanna Sabhaghar during the day, stated.
Dev, surprised by the request, said that he was privileged to have been chosen for the role.
"I was quite surprised when the proposal came my way. I am elated by this decision, and will try to perform to the best of my abilities," the TMC Lok Sabha member from Ghatal in Paschim Midnapore district said.
Notably, Bengal, earlier this month, bagged the International Travel Award 2023 from the Pacific Area Travel Writers Association, having been adjudged the 'Best Destination for Culture'. -- PTI
20:52 Mamata to meet opposition parties, may skip Cong
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is likely to visit the national capital to meet the opposition parties over the alleged misuse of central agencies against them.
This comes after the showdown in the Parliament between the BJP-led central government and the Opposition parties regarding Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's remarks in the UK and the demand for a joint parliamentary committee into the Hindunberg report against Adani.
A top Trinamool Congress leader told ANI that the party chief is likely to embark on a visit to Delhi, however, the schedule for the same is yet to be finalised.
"...but it is likely she will be in Delhi towards the end of March or early April," the leader said.
However, the sources stated that the TMC chief meeting with the Congress leaders is unlikely.
"Those that the TMC chief is likely to meet when in the national capital include the political parties who issued a jointly signed letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the opposition being at the receiving end of the Central agencies," sources said. -- ANI
20:41 Real estate developer shot dead in Navi Mumbai
A Navi Mumbai-based real estate developer was shot dead by two motorbike-borne assailants on Wednesday evening, police said.
The unidentified attackers fired a couple of shots at Saujibhai Patel, the owner of real estate group Emperia, while he was driving his car in the Nerul area in the satellite town of Mumbai, they said.
Patel was rushed to a hospital in Belapur where doctors declared him brought dead, said the police.
The motive behind the murder was not immediately known. Senior police officers visited the crime spot and initiated a probe.
The Emperia group, which has its head office in Belapur, a prominent business district of Navi Mumbai, is currently executing several real estate projects in Nerul MIDC, Panvel and Rasayani.
An official from the Navi Mumbai police said a manhunt was underway for the killers.
The Nerul police have initiated the process to register a case of murder and also invoke the Arms Act. -- PTI
20:20 Union minister Pratima Bhoumik quits as MLA in Tripura
Union minister Pratima Bhoumik, who had recently contested and won elections from Dhanpur seat, resigned on Wednesday as the member of legislative assembly.
She thanked the electors of Dhanpur constituency for ensuring her victory in the "relatively tough" contest from the seat that was earlier held by former chief minister Manik Sarkar.
"The BJP high command allowed me to contest the assembly election, despite I being an MP and a Union minister. Rules don't permit me to work as MP and MLA simultaneously. I have tendered my resignation as MLA today," she told reporters outside the assembly.
The minister of state for social justice and empowerment promised the people of Dhanpur that "all commitments of development that she had made before elections will be fulfilled" by the BJP-IPFT government.
Protem Speaker Binoy Bhusan Das said that her resignation has been accepted.
With Bhoumik resigning as MLA, Dhanpur assembly constituency is set to witness byelection in next six months.
During the day, two senior members of Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council have also quit the body in the wake of their election to assembly.
Both of them are members of Tipra Motha. Newly elected MLAs are scheduled to take oath as members of Assembly on Thursday and Friday, while the first House session is set to commence on March 24. -- PTI
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20:12 Isro to launch 36 satellites for OneWeb on March 26
Indian Space Research Organisation is set to launch 36 low earth orbit satellites for UK-based OneWeb later this month that will complete its first-generation constellation for providing internet through space across the world.
"Exciting news from India as we confirm the encapsulation of our 36 satellites ahead of OneWebLaunch18; our final launch which will complete our Gen 1 constellation," OneWeb said on Twitter.
"Target date is March 26th Go OneWeb," Massimiliano Ladovaz, chief technology officer of OneWeb, tweeted.
The private satellite communications company has India's Bharti Enterprises as a major investor and shareholder.
The 36 satellites of OneWeb reached India on February 16 from the satellite manufacturing unit in Florida for integration with the Launch Vehicle Mark III.
In October last year, the ISRO successfully launched the first batch of 36 satellites by OneWeb from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, marking the entry of LVM-3 into the global commercial launch service market. -- PTI
Chief Minister M K Stalin
19:44 AIADMK targets Stalin over law and order situation after attack on Trichy MP
All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam's interim general secretary and Tamil Nadu Leader of Opposition Edappadi K Palaniswami on Wednesday targeted Chief Minister M K Stalin over law and order in the state, following an attack on DMK MP Trichy Siva's residence.
On his Twitter account, EPS, as Palaniswami is known, uploaded two viral videos, of which one shows Siva's house being attacked by a group of people.
The incident was reportedly a fallout of DMK's internal politics.
The other video shared by Palaniswami showed ruckus inside a police station.
Referring to this, he asked if "law and order in this rule is in the control of rowdies".
People are apprehensive and "what is the response of the chief minister who holds the Police portfolio," the LoP asked.
Meanwhile, the DMK announced the suspension of four party workers belonging to its Tiruchirappally Central unit, for violating party discipline.
DMK general secretary Duraimurugan said, in a statement, that the four men were being suspended from all party positions, including its primary membership, for violating party discipline and bringing disrepute to the organisation. -- PTI
19:16 Sindhu crashes out of All England C'ship
There was no end to P V Sindhu's poor run as the star Indian shuttler made a first round exit from the All England Championship after losing to Zhang Yi Man of China in straight games in Birmingham on Wednesday.
The world number nine Sindhu, a double Olympic medallist, lost 17-21, 11-21 in the 39-minute women's singles contest.
19:13 President Murmu's Kerala, TN, Lakshadweep visit begins tomorrow
President Droupadi Murmu will visit Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Lakshadweep from March 16 to 21, said a statement from Rashtrapati Bhavan on Wednesday.
Accordingly, her trip begins with a visit to INS Vikrant in Kochi on Thursday where she will present the President's Colour to INS Dronacharya.
Murmu will visit Mata Amritanandamayi Math in Kerala's Kollam on March 17.
The same day, she will attend a civic reception to be hosted in her honour in Kerala's capital, Thiruvananthapuram.
At the civic reception function, the President will also inaugurate Kudumbashree@25 through Rachna: contemporary stories of women in Kerala and Unnathi for comprehensive development of Scheduled Tribe.
Murmu will pay tributes at Vivekananda Smarak and statue of Thiruvalluvar and visit the Vivekananda Kendra in Kanniyakumari in Tamil Nadu on March 18.
In the evening, she will attend a civic reception to be hosted in her honour at Kavaratti, Lakshadweep.
The President will interact with members of Self Help Groups at Kavaratti on March 19.
Deepak Sawant/ANI
19:01 Jolt to Uddhav as ex-min Sawant joins Shinde camp
In a setback to Uddhav Thackeray, former Maharashtra health minister Deepak Sawant on Wednesday joined the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena.
Sawant joined the Sena in the presence of chief minister Shinde.
Sawant was an MLC of then united Shiv Sena and was cabinet minister for public health from 2014 to 2018 in the Devendra Fadanvis-led government.
He was dropped from the cabinet and denied ticket for legislative council election by Uddhav Thackeray in 2018. -- PTI
Maharashtra farmers march towards Mumbai/ANI
18:45 Farmers' Mumbai march enters Thane, govt may talk
Thousands of farmers and tribals marching towards Mumbai from Nashik district in North Maharashtra in support of their demands entered Thane district on Wednesday.
The protesters started their foot march from Dindori town in Nashik district, around 200km from Mumbai, on Sunday in support of their various demands, including an immediate financial relief of Rs 600 per quintal to onion growers, uninterrupted electricity supply for 12 hours and a waiver of agriculture loans.
The march, organised by the Communist Party of India-Marxist, has crossed Kasara town in Thane district located adjoining Mumbai, said CPI-M MLA Vinod Nikole.
The protesters are likely to reach Mumbai on March 20, Nikole said.
The MLA said a delegation of Maharashtra ministers is slated to hold talks with representatives of the protesting cultivators. -- PTI
A scene from Disco Dancer
18:28 Musical on Mithun's cult classic 'Disco Dancer' to premiere in April
A musical stage production titled Disco Dancer - The Musical, adapted from Mithun Chakraborty's 1982 hit film, is all set for a grand premiere in the city next month, the organisers announced Wednesday.
The musical is being brought to India by Saregama and actor Suniel Shetty after sold-out shows at the UK's West End last November.
A Saregama LIVE production, Disco Dancer - The Musical will premiere on April 14 at the NSCI dome in Mumbai.
Tickets are available on BookMyShow.
The musical adapts the iconic film, which followed the rags-to-riches story of street performer Jimmy (Chakraborty), who scaled dizzying heights as a disco singer and dancer.
The film, directed by Babbar Subhash, was a musical blockbuster with its songs gaining popularity across the world.
It also featured Om Puri and Rajesh Khanna in pivotal roles.
Disco Dancer - The Musical will also feature the late Bappi Lahiri's chartbusters tracks in a reimagined score by Salim-Sulaiman.
The stage production is described as a celebration of Bollywood, bringing back the grandeur of the '80s, unforgettable songs, disco style dancing and memorable dialogues for audiences of all generations to India.
Shetty, who has joined hands with Saregama to bring this venture to India, said the musical serves as a reminder to the movie industry "to not lose sight of what sets our films apart and makes them so unique'. -- PTI
Indian consulate in Brisbane/ANI Photo
18:10 Khalistanis force Brisbane's Indian consulate to shut
Days after Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's assured to curb anti-India elements in the country, the Indian consulate in Brisbane was forced to close down on Wednesday by Khalistan supporters, reported The Australia Today.
"Slogans were raised against Hindus calling them supremacists with Khalistan Zindabad," said The Australia Today at the Indian consulate located on Swann Road in the Taringa suburb of Brisbane.
The Queensland police said it was an unauthorised gathering.
Notably, Albanese on March 11th gave assurances that Australia won't tolerate any extreme actions and attacks that took place in religious buildings, and that there is no place for such action against Hindu temples while addressing a press conference in New Delhi.
"Indian consulate was forced to close today (Wednesday) due to safety concerns after Sikhs for Justice targeted them with their propaganda," Sarah L Gates, director of Hindu Human Rights, told The Australia Today.
"They have been shouting Khalistan Zindabad slogans, " Gates said, adding that there is a heavy police presence in the area.
"These thugs should not be allowed to dictate how we live our life in Australia, " Parvinder Singh, a resident of Queensland who took leave from work to attend an appointment at the Indian consulate, told The Australia Today. -- ANI
17:53 Sibal backs Rahul, says criticising govt at home or abroad citizen's right
Amid a political storm over Rahul Gandhi's "democracy under attack" remarks made in the UK, Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal on Wednesday said criticising the government whether at home or abroad is a citizen's right and does not amount to criticising India or being unpatriotic.
Gandhi's remarks during his recent trip to the United Kingdom have rocked Parliament, with both Houses failing to transact any significant business on the first three days of the budget session's second half.
In a tweet, former Union minister Sibal said, "House Logjam, Why? Government is not synonymous with India, India is not synonymous with the Government. Criticising the Government whether at home or abroad is a citizen's right. That does not amount to criticising India or being unpatriotic."
"Modi ji did it often in the past," added Sibal, the eminent lawyer who on Saturday had laid down the agenda and a new vision for the country with his newly-launched platform 'Insaaf' that is aimed at fighting injustice.
During his interactions in the UK, Gandhi alleged that the structures of Indian democracy are under attack and there is a "full-scale assault" on the country's institutions.
The former Congress president also told British parliamentarians in London that microphones are often "turned off" in Lok Sabha when an opposition member raises important issues. -- PTI
Bommai and Bellie with Stalin
17:38 Stalin gifts funds, houses to elephant whisperers
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on Wednesday felicitated Bomman and Belli -- who had featured in the Oscar-winning documentary "The Elephant Whisperers", in Chennai.
The couple, caretakers of elephants at Mudumalai in the Nilgiris district, met the Chief Minister, days after the documentary bagged the Academy Award. Stalin presented each of them cheques of Rs 1 lakh, besides a shield and shawl to honour them, an official release said.
"The Elephant Whisperers", in its 39-minute runtime, depicts an unbreakable bond between two abandoned elephant calves Raghu and Amu and their caretakers, Bomman and Belli. It is produced by Guneet Monga and Achin Jain of Sikhya Entertainment. The release said the documentary showcased the Tamil Nadu forest department's functioning and the efforts towards elephant caretaking.
The CM has announced Rs 1 lakh each to the 91 persons working in the two elephant camps in Tamil Nadu -- Mudumalai and Anaimalai. He has also announced Rs 9.10 crore towards constructing houses for them.
The elephant camp located in the Anaimalai tiger reserve in Coimbatore district will be upgraded at a cost of Rs 5 crore. An elephant camp with all required facilities will be established at Savadivayal in Coimbatore district, the release added. Later, speaking to reporters, Bomman said rearing of elephants was not easy and that they showed the same care to the calves like that being showed to children.
Pic: KBK Graphics
17:01 Sensex, Nifty bleed over health of banks
Benchmark BSE Sensex trimmed all its early gains to close down by 344 points at a five-month low on Wednesday due to heavy selling in banking, financial and telecom stocks as lingering concerns over banks' health and high inflation dented sentiments.
Besides, persistent foreign capital drain from the domestic market and the sliding rupee kept the pressure on equities, traders said.
Falling for the fifth straight session, the 30-share BSE Sensex closed lower by 344.29 points or 0.59 per cent at 57,555.90.
During the session, it touched a high of 58,473.63 and a low of 57,455.67. The broader NSE Nifty declined 71.15 points or 0.42 per cent to end at 16,972.15, with 28 of its stocks ending with losses.
IndusInd Bank was the biggest loser in the Sensex pack, shedding nearly 2 per cent, followed by Bharti Airtel, Reliance Industries, HDFC twins, SBI, HUL, Tata Motors, Nestle India and Axis Bank. On the other hand, Asian Paints, Tata Steel, Titan and L&T were among the gainers, rising up to 3.03 per cent.
Imran Khan's supporters outside his home. REUTERS/Akhtar Soomro
16:47 Court relief for Imran Khan, no arrest for now
Pakistani court orders halt to police operation to arrest former PM Imran Khan. A Lahore court has ordered Pakistan police to give up their attempt to arrest Imran Khan.
The order came after high drama on Lahore's streets after police laid siege at Imran Khan's residence to arrest him. Police had fought pitched battles with Khan's supporters throughout the night, firing fusillades of teargas and dodging rocks thrown by angry crowds.
Imran Khan on Wednesday alleged that the "real intent" of Pakistan Police was to "abduct and assassinate" him.
"Clearly 'arrest' claim was mere drama because real intent is to abduct & assassinate. From tear gas & water cannons, they have now resorted to live firing. I signed a surety bond last evening, but the DIG refused to even entertain it. There is no doubt of their mala fide intent," Khan posted on Twitter today.
16:28 Daughter held for murdering mother in Mumbai
The daughter of a woman whose decomposed body was found in a plastic bag has been arrested. The victim, a 53-year-old woman was found in a plastic bag in the Lalbaug area of Mumbai.
The 22-year-old daughter of the deceased woman was taken into custody by the police for questioning. Thereafter, the Mumbai's Kalachowkie police arrested the daughter by registering a case under section 302 of the IPC and the Arms Act. The arrested accused has been identified as Rimple Prakash Jain.
16:21 Kharge: How did Adani make 13L cr in few years?
Reiterating the Opposition's demand for a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe into the Adani issue, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday said they want to know how businessman Gautam Adani "made crores of rupees within 2.5 years."
Talking to ANI, Mallikarjun Kharge said, "All of us are going to meet the Director of ED to submit a memorandum into Adani's scam. But the government is not letting us anywhere near Vijay Chowk. They have stopped us. There is a scam of lakhs of Rupees. LIC, SBI and other banks are destroyed."
The Congress national president said that there should be an inquiry in the Adani issue.
Attacking the Centre further, Kharge said, "The government is giving money to one man to purchase government properties. PM is encouraging someone who had few assets earlier but now expanded to Rs 13 Lakhs Crores worth of assets. How did it happen? Who is responsible? Who is giving the money? There should be an inquiry. What is the relation between PM Modi and Adani?"
The Leader of Opposition in the Upper House further alleged that the government wants to "suppress" their voices. "We all MPs from 17-18 political parties are here and we want to know how Adani made lakhs and crores of rupees within 2.5 years? They have stopped us here. We are 200 and there are 2000 police personnel here, so they want to suppress our voices," Kharge further said.
Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury also attacked the Centre and said that a JPC probe will "expose" BJP. "We demanded a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for investigation of Adani issue. However, the BJP doesn't want a JPC as it will bring out the corruption and expose their real face. They wanted a JPC till they were in opposition, now they are scared," the Congress leader said.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Sanjay Singh also hit out at the centre stating, "ED should register an FIR and start probing the matter. Why is the Adani issue not being investigated? PM Modi is India's Prime Minister or Adani's Prime Minister? The nation wants to know".
Amid the ongoing second phase of the Parliament Budget Session, leaders of several opposition parties on Wednesday afternoon started a protest march from the Parliament to Enforcement Directorate (ED) office here. Notably, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Trinamool Congress (TMC) are not participating in the protest march.
Heavy security has been deployed at the Vijay Chowk in wake of the protest march by the leaders of the Opposition parties. The police made announcements at Vijay Chowk and told the marching Opposition MPs not to march ahead as Section 144 CrPC is imposed and no agitation is allowed in the area.
15:50 Key Adani investor Elara co-owner with Adani in defence firm
Elara isn't just another investor. Records investigated by The Indian Express show that along with the Adani Group, it is a promoter entity in a defence company, Bengaluru-based Alpha Design Technologies Private Limited. Read the report by the Indian Express.
15:42 Amit Shah to visit Gujarat on March 19
Union Home Minister Amit Shah will undertake a visit to Gujarat on March 19 during which he will lay the foundation stone of the Junagadh district bank headquarters and offer prayers at the Somnath temple, officials said on Wednesday.
During his tour to Gujarat, the Home minister will inaugurate APMC Kishan Bhawan at Junagarh besides laying the foundation stone of the headquarters of the Junagadh district bank, they said.
He will also offer prayers at the Somnath temple, launch Somnath Trust's mobile app and e-launch various development works, officials said. In the evening, Shah will attend the convocation ceremony of the Gujarat central university. PTI
15:12 Oppn MPs raise hell over Adani in defence sector
Several Opposition leaders, including former Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, on Wednesday attacked the government over a media report claiming that a key Adani Group investor is also the co-owner in a defence firm of the conglomerate.
Gandhi asked why India's national security is being "compromised" by giving control of strategic defence equipment to unknown foreign entities.
A report in The Indian Express claimed that ELARA India Opportunities Fund (Elara IOF), a venture capital fund managed by Elara Capital, is one of the top four entities registered in Mauritius that holds shares predominantly in Adani Group companies.
According to the report, records show that along with the Adani Group, it is a promoter entity in a defence company, Bengaluru-based Alpha Design Technologies Private Limited.
This defence company, incorporated in 2003, works closely with ISRO and DRDO and has a Rs 590 crore contract with the Union Ministry of Defence in 2020 to upgrade and digitise the ageing Pechora missile and radar systems, the report said.
Sharing the screenshot of the media report on Twitter, Gandhi said, "India's missile and radar upgrade contract is given to a company owned by Adani and a dubious foreign entity called Elara. "Who controls Elara? Why is India's national security being compromised by giving control of strategic defence equipment to unknown foreign entities?"
Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra also shared screenshots of the report on Twitter and took a swipe at the government. "The 'Chhupa Rustom' category award at the Oscars goes to @DRDO_India and @PIBHomeAffairs. Happy to have unknown foreign funds controlling sensitive defense contracts! Only for their best friend Mr Adani," she tweeted.
Citing the same media report, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi said on Twitter, "This is in India's Defence space, a key investor in Adani Group, Mauritius based Elara IOF, with 96% of its corpus invested in the group till Dec, '22 is also co-owner in a Defence company, the firm works closely with ISRO & DRDO, both jointly hold over 51% stake. Amazing coincidence!"
14:52 Rahul apology: Parliament adjourned for the day
Proceedings in both houses of Parliament were disrupted yet again with the treasury benches demanding an apology from Rahul Gandhi over his remarks in Cambridge, UK.
Lok Sabha proceedings were adjourned till 2 pm on Wednesday amid slogan shouting by opposition and treasury benches over Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's "democracy under attack" remarks made in the UK.
It was then adjourned for the day.
As soon as the House assembled for the day, the opposition members began shouting slogans with some holding placards in their hands, demanding a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe into alleged stock manipulation by the Adani Group. Members of treasury benches also raised counter slogans, demanding an apology from Gandhi for his remarks.
Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla repeatedly urged the members to allow the House function. As the members refused to relent, he adjourned the House till 2 pm.
Rajya Sabha proceedings were adjourned for the day on Wednesday amid uproar over the BJP's demand for an apology from Rahul Gandhi for his remarks on democracy made in London.
When the Upper House resumed for the afternoon session following an adjournment earlier in the day, Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar gave the floor to Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge.
However, his speech was disrupted by the ruling party members who shouted that Rahul Gandhi must apologise for his remarks discrediting the country. Dhankhar asked them to maintain order. But his appeal went in vain and he adjourned the proceedings for the day.
14:40 Couple found hanging from tree in UP village
The bodies of a young couple were found hanging from a tree in a village in this district on Wednesday, police said. The incident took place in Sausrapur village, they said.
The villagers have expressed apprehension that the two were hanged after the murder. Police reached the spot after being informed about the incident and sent the bodies for post-mortem.
The villagers have alleged that the shoes of the youth were found a little distance away from the body and dragging marks were also seen on the ground and apprehended that the two were hanged after the killing. Superintendent of Police Kunwar Anupam Singh said police had recovered a suicide note from the spot. The boy and the girl and both belong to the same community, the SP said, adding that the matter is being investigated. PTI
14:20 Plea in SC seeks National Commission for Men
A petition has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking guidelines to deal with suicide by married males subjected to domestic violence and a 'National Commission for Men'.
The plea filed by advocate Mahesh Kumar Tiwari cited the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data published in 2021 on accidental deaths in India which claimed 1,64,033 people died by suicide across the country that year.
Out of these, 81,063 people who ended their lives were married men, while 28,680 were married women, the petition said.
"Around 33.2 per cent men ended their lives because of family problems and 4.8 per cent due to marriage related issues in the year 2021. In this year total 1,18,979 men have committed suicides which are about (72 per cent) and total 45,026 women have committed suicides which are about 27 per cent," the plea said while referring to data provided by the NCRB.
The petition has also sought direction to the National Human Rights Commission to deal with the issue of suicide by married men and accept the complaints of men suffering domestic violence.
"Issue direction to the respondent no.1 (Union of India) to issue proper guidelines through the Ministry of Home Affairs to the police authority/ Station House Officer of every Police Station to accept/ receive the complaint of victims of domestic violence or those are under stress due to family problems and marriage related issues and refer the same to the State Human Right Commission for its proper disposal, till the proper legislation is enacted by the Government of India.
"Issue a direction/ recommendation to the Law Commission of India to carry out research on the issue of suicides of married men who are suffering from domestic violence or under family problem and marriage related issues and make necessary report in order to constitute a forum like National Commission for Men," the plea said. PTI
14:10 'Pathaan' clocks 50 days in theatres worldwide
High-octane espionage thriller Pathaan, the all-time number one Hindi film in India, has completed 50 days in cinema halls across the globe, the makers said Wednesday.
Fronted by Shah Rukh Khan, the Siddharth Anand directorial released in theatres on January 25 and has raised over Rs 1,000 crore worldwide at the box office.
Produced by Yash Raj Films, Pathaan also stars John Abraham, Deepika Padukone, Dimple Kapadia and Ashutosh Rana.
Rohan Malhotra, Vice President, Distribution, YRF, expressed gratitude to fans and movie goers around the world for the film achieving the milestone of 50 days in theatres.
"As Pathaan, our latest offering from YRF Spy Universe, completes 50 days in theatres, we would like to thank everyone, across the world, for giving love and support to our film.
"The fact that Pathaan continues to run in theatres is a sign that audiences want to support cinema if it delivers on the promise of giving them a never seen before experience. We are glad that we could give them that," Malhotra said in a statement.
Pathaan follows the titular spy (Shah Rukh) who comes out of exile to stop terrorist group Outfit X from launching a debilitating attack on India.
It is the fourth film in producer Aditya Chopra's spy universe, following Salman Khan's Ek Tha Tiger and Tiger Zinda Hai, and War, featuring Hrithik Roshan. -- PTI
Maha CM has appealed to employees to resume work
13:32 Maha strike day 2: Hospitals, govt offices affected
Lakhs of Maharashtra government employees on Wednesday continued their strike on the second day to demand the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), a day after Chief minister Eknath Shinde appealed to them to resume work.
Smooth functioning in government hospitals and offices was affected due to the agitation.
Vishwas Katkar, the convenor of the committee of nearly 35 state government employees, semi-government employees and teachers, said employees from 36 districts have joined the ongoing strike.
He rejected Shinde's appeal made in the Assembly on Tuesday and insisted that their demands be met. On Monday, Shinde had also announced a panel comprising senior bureaucrats to look into the demand of state government employees to revert to the Old Pension Scheme. The panel will give its report in a time-bound manner, he said.
Katkar said the state government employees held similar protests in 2018, following which a panel was formed but there was no movement on its report.
The employees also resorted to strike in 2022. However, there was no progress on the fulfilment of the demand. Sumitra Tote of the Maharashtra Nursing Association said its branches in 30 districts are participating in the strike. PTI
K Kavitha
13:02 SC to hear KCR's daughter's plea on March 24
The Supreme Court on Wednesday agreed to hear on March 24 a plea by K Kavitha, Bharat Rashtra Samithi leader and daughter of Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, seeking protection from arrest and challenging the summons by the Enforcement Directorate in a money laundering case arising out of the alleged Delhi excise policy scam.
A bench comprising Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justice P S Narasimha took note of the submissions by Kavitha, who is also a member of legislative council (MLC), and agreed to hear the plea on March 24.
On March 11, the 44-year-old BRS leader deposed before the ED to record her statement and was summoned again on March 16 for questioning.
"Can a woman be called to the office of the Enforcement Directorate? her lawyer said while seeking an urgent hearing of the plea. It is "completely against the law", the lawyer said.
As per official sources, Kavitha, during the nine hours she spent at the ED office last week, was confronted with the statements made by Hyderabad-based businessman Arun Ramchandran Pillai, an accused arrested in the case, apart from those of a few others involved in the case.
Kavitha's statement was recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Pillai was arrested by the ED earlier. He has moved a city court accusing the ED of forging his statements.
The ED had said Pillai "represented the south group", an alleged liquor cartel linked to Kavitha and others that paid kickbacks amounting to about Rs 100 crore to the Aam Aadmi Party to gain a larger share of the market in the national capital under the now-scrapped Delhi excise policy for 2020-21.
12:39 Stalin meets elephant whisperers Bomman, Bellie
Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin felicitates elephant whisperers Bomman and Bellie following the Oscars win for the documentary 'The Elephant Whisperes'. The documentary is based on the life and work of Bomman and Bellie who foster elephant calves, Ammu and Raghu.
12:18 Sunak in trouble again, walks dog without leash
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty were "reminded of rules" by the police after they were spotted walking their dog in Hyde Park here without a lead -- in an area where dogs are not allowed to roam free, officials said.
In a clip posted on TikTok, Sunak's two-year-old Labrador Retriever, Nova, is seen wandering around near the edge of Serpentine lake on Saturday, in an area where signs clearly state that dogs must be kept on leads to avoid disturbing the local wildlife, the Telegraph newspaper reported.
The 42-year-old Indian-origin prime minister and his family were filmed apparently breaking the rules of Hyde Park in central London. The police officer involved was one of the prime minister's close protection team, the BBC reported.
The Metropolitan Police force said: An officer, who was present at the time, spoke to a woman and reminded her of the rules, apparently referring to Sunak's wife Akshata.
The police said the dog was then put back on the lead, adding they would take no further action. It is not clear when the video was filmed.
A Downing Street spokesperson said it would not comment on the video when asked if Sunak would apologise.
This is not the first time a video has got the prime minister in trouble. It comes less than two months after Sunak was fined by police for failing to wear a seatbelt in a moving car.
Sunak apologised for an error of judgment and was handed a fixed-penalty notice by Lancashire police for the offence, which can result in a fine of up to 500 pounds. The incident came to light after Sunak posted a video of himself to social media while travelling in the back seat of a car. PTI
12:00 Kharge: Remember when PM insulted Indians abroad?
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday said there is no question of an apology over Rahul Gandhi's remarks in the UK and that those demanding so must answer on Prime Minister Narendra Modi "humiliating" the people of the country with his comments abroad.
The BJP and several senior ministers have been demanding an apology from Gandhi over his "democracy under attack" remarks in the UK.
"I would like to ask a question to the people demanding an apology (from Rahul Gandhi) that (what about) when Modi ji went to five-six countries and humiliated the people of our country and we were told by him that being born in India is a sin," Kharge said.
"Democracy is diminishing here, freedom of expression and speech are being weakened, TV channels are being pressured and people speaking the truth are being jailed, so if this is not the process of ending democracy then what is?" the Congress president told reporters in Delhi. "So, there is no question of an apology," he added.
Gandhi's remarks during his recent trip to the United Kingdom have rocked Parliament, with both Houses failing to transact any significant business on the first two days of the budget session's second half.
The former Congress president told British parliamentarians in London that microphones are often "turned off" in the Lok Sabha when an opposition member raises important issues. Gandhi's remarks triggered a political slugfest, with the BJP accusing him of maligning India on foreign soil and seeking foreign interventions, and the Congress hitting back at the ruling party by citing instances of Prime Minister Modi raising internal politics abroad. PTI
Lalu and his family in court today
11:38 Lalu, Rabri, Misa get bail
Update: Land-for-job case: A Delhi court grants bail to ex-Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, ex-Bihar CM Rabri Devi, their daughter-RJD MP Misa Bharti and other accused. The court noted that the CBI filed the chargesheet without arrest. The court directed every accused to furnish Rs 50,000 personal bail bond and a like amount surety.
Shankar Mishra urinated on a woman on board an AI flight
11:33 DCW gives 4 guidelines for handling drunk pax
These measures include: 1. prevent highly intoxicated travellers from boarding the aircraft, 2. limit alcohol intake, 3. install CCTV cameras and 4. sensitise staff about sexual harassment.
The DCW has given four guidelines to prevent the repeated horrors of drunk passengers aboard airlines.
These are part of the detailed guidelines given by DCW to the aviation regulator DGCA amid rising incidents of unruly passengers on flights.
In a letter to the DGCA, the Delhi Commission for Women said it has observed increasing incidents of disruptive and unruly passengers on flights in recent months, adding such incidents are extremely unpleasant and traumatising for the passengers.
"Media has reported recent cases of harassment and misconduct by passengers in two flights, one on 26 November, 2022 in which a man reportedly flashed his genitals and urinated on a 70-year-old woman in an Air India flight from New York to New Delhi and another on 6 December, 2022 in which a man again urinated on the seat of a woman passenger on an Air India flight from Paris to New Delhi. It has been reported that both these men were in a highly inebriated state," the panel said.
It said it has taken suo-moto cognizance of these incidents and issued a notice to DGCA, seeking details of the action taken by them in these mentioned incidents along with the guidelines issued by the body to airlines for tackling such cases.
"In response, the panel was provided a copy of certain guidelines by DGCA along with a copy of the advisory issued by DGCA dated 06/01/2023 to be followed by all airlines.
"Upon examining the guidelines and the advisory, the commission has observed that these do not provide specific instructions to airlines to properly handle, report, and redress cases of sexual harassment of female passengers at airport or on flights. Further, they don't list out any steps to deal with highly intoxicated passengers," it noted.
The commission has drafted detailed recommendations on the amendments that should be made to the prevalent guidelines so that cases of sexual harassment and unruly behaviour are dealt with strictly on flights and in airports. PTI
11:26 Lalu, Rabri in court in land-for-job scam case
RJD leader and former railway minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, his wife and former Bihar chief minister Rabri Devi and their daughter Misa Bharti appeared before a Delhi court on Wednesday in connection with a case related to the alleged land-for-job scam.
Yadav, 74, who underwent a kidney transplant recently and was in a wheelchair, reached the Rouse Avenue court around 10 am but proceedings were delayed. The family appeared before Special Judge Geetanjali Goel around 11 am.
The case relates to alleged appointments made in the railways in return for land parcels gifted or sold to Prasad's family when he was the minister of railways between 2004 and 2009.
The CBI, in its charge sheet, alleged that irregular appointments were made in the railways, violating the laid down norms and procedures of Indian Railways for recruitment.
It alleged that as a quid pro quo, the candidates directly or through their immediate relatives and family members sold land to the family members of RJD chief Prasad, then railway minister, at highly discounted rates up to one-fifth of the prevailing market rates.
Special judge Goel had on February 27 issued summons to the accused persons, including Prasad's daughter Misa Bharti, and directed them to appear before the court on March 15. PTI
11:17 Opposition MPs to march to ED office over Adani
Leaders of several opposition parties on Wednesday will take out a protest march from Parliament House to the Enforcement Directorate's office here and hand over a complaint to the probe agency on the Adani issue.
The leaders met in the office of Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge in Parliament House complex to coordinate their joint strategy on the issue. The protest march will begin at 12:30 pm from Parliament House and MPs from several opposition parties will take part, party sources said.
The opposition has been demanding a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe into the Adani-Hindenburg issue and has been stalling proceedings of Parliament over their demand.
US short seller Hindenburg Research had alleged that the Adani group was "engaged in a brazen stock manipulation and accounting fraud", and used offshore shell companies to inflate stock prices.
The group had denied the allegations, calling them "malicious", "baseless" and a "calculated attack on India The Trinamool Congress separately staged a protest in front of the Gandhi statue in Parliament complex over the LPG price hike and demanded answers from the government.
TMC MPs raised slogans against the government over the LPG price hike and demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should give them answers. Stepping up their attack on the government on the Adani issue, the Congress on Tuesday asked why it has taken the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) "more than eight years" to complete its investigation into the imports of power equipment by the Adani Group and whether the contents of its report will be made public.
Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh also asked why the DRI did not appeal against the ruling of the Customs, Excise and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal that set aside a 2013 order imposing a fine on Adani companies for circular trading of diamonds and claiming export subsidies. PTI
10:46 My arrest part of London plan: Imran Khan
Pakistan's former Prime Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chairman Imran Khan accused the federal government of planning his arrest saying this is all part of a "London plan" to finish all cases against the country's former premier Nawaz Sharif.
In a video message, Imran said, "This is part of the London plan and an agreement has been signed there to put Imran in jail, make the PTI fall and finish all cases against Nawaz Sharif."
He further stated that he doesn't understand the reason behind the attack on people as he had already assured that he will be present in court on March 18.
These comments came as the tension prevailed in Lahore in the early hours of Wednesday. More contingents were called to PTI chairman's Zaman Park residence -- where a stand-off between party supporters and law enforcers has been going on for more than 14 hours -- for the former prime minister's arrest.
Imran said to prevent any chaos, he had given an undertaking to the Lahore High Court Bar Association president who then attempted to forward it to the DIG who was coming to arrest the PTI chief but the latter did not meet the president.
"According to Code of Criminal Procedure Section 76, if this surety bond is given to the arresting officer, then I cannot be arrested," Imran said.
The PTI chief said the DIG had no reason to not accept the undertaking and pointed to ill intentions.
The protests broke out in Islamabad, Peshawar, and Karachi after Imran called on his supporters to "come out" following police's use of tear gas and a water cannon on supporters outside Zaman Park.
The Punjab police sought more water cannons on both sides of Canal Road and also fired tear gas shells at PTI workers, Samaa English reported.In Peshawar, a large number of PTI supporters demonstrated outside the press club. After holding the demonstration, PTI workers blocked Sher shah Suri road and started marching towards the Governor House.
Islamabad police said PTI protesters had blocked Tarnol Road but timely action had been taken to reopen it for traffic.
"A case has been registered in Tarnol Police Station against the PTI workers who blocked the road on the orders of Imran Khan," a police officer said.
10:42 IIT-Madras student dies by suicide, 2nd in a month
A third-year B Tech student of IIT Madras died by suicide on Tuesday, said the police.The deceased was identified as Vaipu Pushpak Sree Sai native of Andhra Pradesh. He was found hanging in his Alakananda hostel room on the IIT-Madras campus.
This is the second such suicide in a month reported at the institution, officials pointed out.
According to the police officials, Pushpak didn't attend yesterday's classes in the afternoon. His friends got suspicious and checked into his room. The room was locked from the inside. The students somehow opened the room and found him hanging.
"We are investigating this matter and further details are awaited," they said.
Kotturpuram Police have recorded the matter and sent the body to Royapet Government Hospital for post-mortem examination.
Following the incident, the institution has formed an internal inquiry committee to look into the incident.
"A standing Institute Internal Inquiry Committee, including elected student representatives, which has been recently constituted will look into such incidents," said the release by IIT Madras.
Madras IIT also mentioned their condolences to the Pushpak family and said the Pushpak family has been informed.
10:39 Nukkad actor Sameer Khakhar dies at 71
Veteran actor Sameer Khakhar, best known for his roles in TV shows such as ''Nukkad'' and ''Circus'', passed away at a hospital here on Wednesday morning due to multiple organ failure, his younger brother Ganesh Khakhar said. He was 71.
Ganesh said Sameer Khakhar was admitted to MM Hospital in Borivali in suburban Mumbai on Tuesday morning following respiratory issues.
"He had respiratory problems since yesterday and later he went into an unconscious state, so we had called the doctor at home and he asked us to hospitalise him. "He was admitted to the intensive care unit of MM Hospital. Slowly and gradually, he suffered multiple organs failure, he was unconscious and then he collapsed. He passed away at 4.30 am today," Ganesh Khakhar told PTI on Wednesday.
Some of Sameer Khakhar's notable work includes TV show "Shrimaan Shrimati", and films such as "Parinda", Salman Khan-starrer "Jai Ho", Sidharth Malhotra and Parineeti Chopra's "Hasee Toh Phasee", Sudhir Mishra-directed "Serious Men", and Vikas Bahl's web-series "Sunflower". His most memorable role perhaps was Khopdi in the classic TV serial "Nukkad". Sameer Khakhar is survived by his wife. The last rites will be held at 10.30 am at a crematorium in Borivali. PTI
10:05 Long queues back at Delhi airport 3 months later
Long queues at immigration, and security checkpoints have become a nightmare for passengers travelling to and from Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi.
On Wednesday, many passengers took to social media to raise their plight of inconvenience they were facing at the airport. In December last year, Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia made a surprise visit to Terminal 3 of the IGI airport in Delhi amid complaints of congestion and overcrowding and also held meeting with concerned stakeholders to overcome the issue.
The passengers complained of three-hour-long queues to get clear through immigration and security at Delhi airport. Frequent passengers travelling through Delhi airport called it a perennial problem.
"This problem is eternal. I have stopped being an optimist when a problem needs to be solved via a politician. Till we have politicians who are interested in garnering media attention, nothing concrete will change on the ground," said Mohit, a passenger.
Another passenger Manas said, "The worst airport of all time! Not sure who gives them the best award and they flaunt about it ... my experiences with Delhi international have always been horrible, the apathy of the officials is even more appealing, blore airport is much better comparatively."
The passengers were even found complaining about the long queue at the entry to the lounge. -- ANI
09:38 'Govt positive on OPS demand': Maha CM urges govt employees to withdraw strike
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Tuesday urged state government staffers, who have gone on an indefinite strike seeking restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), to call off their agitation, stressing that the government was positive and sympathetic about their demand.
Speaking in the assembly, Shinde said one can take an extreme step when there is no scope for a discussion, but in the present case the government is ready for talks with agitating employees as any decision on the pension scheme will have financial implications.
"I request them (government employees) to hold a discussion and withdraw the strike. They have to think and discuss the issue with the government and withdraw the strike in view of problems being faced by people," he said.
Lakhs of state government employees went on an indefinite strike from Tuesday seeking restoration of the OPS, a defined pension scheme offering 50 per cent of the last drawn salary, hampering functioning of various services and facilities at hospitals.
He said there was a lot of time for employees who have joined service after 2005, when the National Pension System (NPS) was introduced in place of the OPS, to retire.
"You can decide to go on a strike whenever you want. But it is not necessary to go on a strike today. We also told them (employee associations) that those who will retire before a decision is taken (by the government on OPS) will get full benefits," the CM said.
The new pension scheme was implemented in the state on November 1, 2005.
Shinde said his government is committed to ensure employees get a dignified and secured life post-retirement.
"But it is necessary to think about all available options before implementing the Old Pension Scheme and this has been brought to the notice of all employees," he said.
The CM said after a meeting with employee associations on Monday a decision was taken to form a committee to study the new and old pension schemes. The panel will submit its report in the next three months.
"The government will take a sympathetic view (of employees demand for OPS). There are financial implications of whatever decisions we take and it has to be well thought about. The government has not taken any negative view (of the demand) and a solution will only come through dialogue," he said. -- PTI
09:16 McMahon Line official border between India, China: US
The United States recognises the McMahon Line as the international boundary between China and Arunachal Pradesh, according to a bipartisan Senate resolution which sees Arunachal Pradesh as an integral part of India.
"At a time when China continues to pose grave and gathering threats to the Free and Open Indo-Pacific, it is critical for the United States to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our strategic partners in the region, especially India," Senator Bill Hagerty, who along with Senator Jeff Merkley introduced a resolution in the Senate, said.
"This bipartisan resolution expresses the Senate's support for unequivocally recognising the state of Arunachal Pradesh as an integral part of India, condemning China's military aggression to change the status quo along the Line of Actual Control, and further enhancing the US-India strategic partnership and the Quad in support of the Free and Open Indo-Pacific," he said on Tuesday.
The resolution, which comes following the biggest clash between the Republic of India and China in the Eastern Sector along the Line of Actual Control in six years, reaffirms that the United States recognises the McMahon Line as the international boundary between China and the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh.
The resolution also pushes back against People's Republic of China (PRC) claims that Arunachal Pradesh is PRC territory, which is a part of the PRC's increasingly aggressive and expansionist policies.
"America's values supporting freedom and a rules-based order must be at the center of all of our actions and relationships around the world, especially as the PRC government pushes an alternative vision," Merkley said.
"This resolution makes clear that the United States views the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh as part of the Republic of India -- not the People's Republic of China -- and commits the US to deepening support and assistance to the region, alongside like-minded international partners and donors," he said.
The bipartisan Senators' resolution condemns additional China's provocations, including the People's Republic of China's use of military force to change the status quo along the Line of Actual Control, construction of villages in contested areas, publication of maps with Mandarin-language names for cities and features in the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh, and expansion of PRC territorial claims in Bhutan.
Furthermore, the resolution commends the Government of India for taking steps to defend itself against aggression and security threats from the People's Republic of China. These efforts include securing India's telecommunications infrastructure; examining its procurement processes and supply chains; implementing investment screening standards; and expanding its cooperation with Taiwan in public health and other sectors.
The resolution serves to further strengthen the US-India bilateral partnership regarding defense, technology, economics, and people-to-people ties and promotes enhancing our multilateral cooperation with India through the Quad, the East Asia Summit alongside our partners in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and other international fora.
This resolution is co-sponsored by Senator John Cornyn. -- PTI
08:20 Clashes in Pakistan as Imran Khan faces arrest
Supporters of former Pakistan premier Imran Khan on Tuesday clashed with the police outside his residence in Lahore to foil his arrest on corruption charges, wounding several policemen and workers of his party and sparking protests in several cities across the country.
Khan in a video message asked his supporters to "come out" to fight for real freedom and continue the struggle even if he is killed or arrested.
Khan's video message was released by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on social media as police arrived at his Zaman Park residence to arrest him in the Toshakhana case.
Despite an over eight-hour-long police operation outside the Zaman Park Lahore residence of Imran Khan the police could not arrest him due to strong resistance from PTI workers.
Scores of PTI workers and policemen suffered injuries in the violent clashes. So far, no casualty has been reported.
Police have arrested a number of PTI workers. The PTI workers in huge numbers are braving massive shelling. Zaman Park turned out to be a battleground.
Lahore Police chief Bilal Saddique Kamayan said that Lahore police are assisting the Islamabad police in the arrest of Khan.
"We will make sure that the court's arrest warrants are executed," he said. Three police vans were present outside Khan's residence.
Police fired tear gas and used water cannons to disperse Khan's supporters, who reportedly hurled stones at policemen, resulting in injuries.
In the video message, 70-year-old Khan said: "They (the government) think that after my arrest, the nation will fall asleep. You have to prove them wrong," 70-year-old Khan said in the video.
"God has given me everything, and I am fighting this battle for you. I have been fighting this battle all my life, and I will continue to do so," he said.
"If something happens to me and I am sent to jail or if I am killed, you have to prove that you will struggle without Imran Khan and not accept the slavery of these thieves and of the one person who has been making decisions for the country," he said.
Soon after his speech, protests broke out in Islamabad, Peshawar, Karachi, Faisalabad, Sargodha, Vehari, Peshawar, Quetta, and Mianwali.
02:05 Mann Ki Baat: Modi's radio programme turns 100 in April 2023
Mann Ki Baat, the monthly radio programme of Prime Minister Narendra Modi aired on All India Radio will complete its 100th edition on April 30.
The programme which was started on the occasion of Vijayadashami on October 3, 2014 has completed its 98 editions till date.
In the run-up to the centenary episode, All India Radio is launching a unique campaign from March 15 to focus on the impact of the program on the transformation of India, according to a statement.
The campaign will bring out 100 identified themes highlighted by Prime Minister in Mann Ki Baat episodes till date.
The relevant sound bytes of the Prime Minister from each episode of Mann ki Baat shall be broadcast in all Bulletins and other programmes across the AIR network.
The campaign shall be on-Air from March 15 and concludes on April 29, a day before the momentous 100th episode.
The campaign shall be carried by various AIR stations including 42 Vividh Bharati stations, 25 FM Rainbow channels, 4 FM Gold channels and 159 Primary channels in the country.
The bytes shall be aired in all major bulletins across all regions.
Citizens can also listen to the Program on 'News On AIR' App and YouTube channels of All India Radio. -- ANI
01:54 Karni Sena founder Lokendra Singh Kalvi dies in Rajasthan
Rajput leader and Karni Sena founder Lokendra Singh Kalvi passed away at a state-run hospital in Jaipur on Tuesday.
Family sources said he suffered a cardiac arrest late in the night and breathed his last.
Kalvi was admitted to the Sawai Man Singh Hospital for the past few days.
His funeral was conducted at his ancestral village, Kalvi, in Nagaur district.
His elder son Bhawani Singh lit the funeral pyre.
Food and civil supplies minister Pratap Singh Khachariyawas, RTDC chairman Dharmendra Rathore and other leaders paid floral tributes to Kalvi before the funeral.
Earlier, Governor Kalraj Mishra, BJP state president Satish Poonia, former chief minister Vasundhara Raje, Shri Kshatriya Yuvak Sangh patron Bhagwan Singh Rolsahabsar and other leaders expressed condolences on the demise of Kalvi.
Kalvi suffered a brain stroke in June last year and he was not well since then.
The son of former Union minister Kalyan Singh Kalvi, Lokendra was the patron of Shree Rajput Karni Sena, which had led the 2018 protests against Sanjay Leela Bhansali's film "Padmaavat" for alleged distortion of historical facts. -- PTI
01:14 UP CM calls on Prime Minister Modi
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi here, an official statement said.
The Uttar Pradesh government described it as a courtesy call. It also shared pictures of the meeting, which comes days before the Yogi government completes one year in office.
This is Adityanath's second term as chief minister of the state. Adityanath is also likely to attend the marriage ceremony of Union minister Anupriya Patel's close relative here. -- PTI
00:55 Delhi entry-level classes admission 2023: EWS first list released
The first list of around 42,000 children from EWS and disadvantaged group for admission to entry-level classes in Delhi's private schools was published on Tuesday, a senior official of the directorate of education said.
"Names of students for nearly 42,000 seats were shortlisted via computerised draw of lots on Tuesday. The draw was held successfully," a senior officer of the directorate said.
Private schools here have reserved 25 per cent seats for students from economically weaker sections and disadvantaged group as well as for the differently-abled, according to the directorate of education.
The first computerised draw of lots of EWS, DG and differently-abled children for admission to entry-level classes was conducted on Tuesday afternoon, the DoE said.
"The data has been shared with the UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India) and the Delhi Police for further necessary action as per their policy and regulation," it said. -- PTI
00:45 AgustaWestland scam: No bail to Christian Michel
A Delhi court on Tuesday dismissed the bail application of alleged middleman Christian Michel in a corruption case related to alleged AgustaWestland scam considering the "serious nature of accusations' and "gravity of offence'.
Special Judge Arvind Kumar dismissed the application moved by Michel, claiming parity with other accused in the case.
The judge also said the accused was a British National having no roots in India and, therefore, a flight risk.
He said Michel "cannot claim parity with other accused" in view of his conduct.
The judge dismissed the contention of the accused that on the same set of charges a trial was conducted against him in Italy and the Italian court acquitted him of the same allegations, noting the judgment of the court there was in respect of other accused persons and on different issues like international bribery and tax fraud committed in 2009-2010.
The judge said in the present case the accused is facing criminal proceedings for corruption, cheating and other offences punishable under the Indian Penal Code which are altogether distinct and separate offences.
"Hence the decision of Italian Court does not have any bearing on the proceedings of the present case.
The alleged offences have been committed within the jurisdiction of this Court,' the judge said.
The judge said the allegations against the accused are serious in nature. -- PTI
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