LIVE! HC suspends UP minister's jail term in assault case

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Mon, 20 March 2023

HC suspends UP minister's jail term in assault case

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23:50 Mumbai civic body asked to install devices to curb pollution caused by dust

The Maharashtra government has directed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation to install anti-pollution equipment such as fogging machines and water sprinklers within the next 8 to 15 days to curb deteriorating air quality in the metropolis, state minister Deepak Kesarkar told the Legislative Council on Monday.

Kesarkar, who holds the school education and Marathi language portfolios, has been given the temporary charge of the environment department during the ongoing budget session of the state legislature.

Environment is one of the portfolios held by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

Speaking in the House, Kesarkar said, "In Mumbai dust is very high and it is a major cause of pollution. Construction work on several infrastructure projects, including the coastal road, is going on in Mumbai. I have given directives to officials tackle dust generation at source."

He said a review meeting was held on Sunday, where directives were given to the municipal corporation to prevent dust generation and install machines for the air pollutant's suppression.

The BMC has been asked to buy fogging machines (deployed for dust suppression using high pressure water fogging and air flow).

It will be made compulsory to sprinkle water periodically at construction sites, Kesarkar said, adding, "All this will be done in 8 to 15 days."

"We have been studying technology available in India and across the world to tackle pollution caused by dust. We are also studying if any such technology can be installed on road sides," he added. -- PTI

The Allahabad high court on Monday suspended the one-year sentence awarded to Uttar Pradesh cabinet minister Nand Gopal Gupta 'Nandi' in a case related to alleged attack on the members of Scheduled Caste community.

The court also directed that Nandi be released on bail in this case.

On January 25 this year, an MP/MLA court in Prayagraj had awarded Nandi one-year imprisonment and Rs 10,000 fine in the case.

However, while awarding the sentence, the MP/MLA court had acquitted him from the charges of allegedly committing atrocities on the members of Scheduled Caste community.

Hearing a criminal appeal on Monday filed by Nandi, Justice Rajiv Gupta passed the above directives, observing,

It is evident that the maximum sentence awarded to the appellant is one year and he has no criminal history to his credit and the appellant is already on interim bail.

The final disposal of appeal will take a long time on account of heavy dockets, as such the appellant has made out a case for bail.

Nandi was a candidate of the Congress in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections.

During the campaign, one Venkat Raman Shukla had registered a criminal case against Nandi, alleging that at Nandi's instigation, his supporters attacked the workers of Samajwadi Party, fired at them and used caste-based language. -- PTI

Amazon CEO Andy Jassy

23:07 Amazon announces 9,000 job cuts

Amazon announced on Monday it will lay off 9, 000 corporate and technology workers, eliminating jobs in addition to the 18,000 job cuts undertaken by the company in the last few months.

"As we've just concluded the second phase of our operating plan this past week, I'm writing to share that we intend to eliminate about 9,000 more positions in the next few weeks'" mostly in AWS, PXT (People, Experience, and Technology), Advertising, and Twitch. This was a difficult decision, but one that we think is best for the company long term," Amazon CEO Andy Jassy said in a statement.

The 9,000 job cuts, which will be completed by mid to late April, are in addition to the massive 18, 000 layoffs that the company undertook since November last year.

Jassy said that "given the uncertain economy in which we reside, and the uncertainty that exists in the near future, we have chosen to be more streamlined in our costs and headcount' adding that the "overriding tenet of our annual planning' this year was to be leaner.

Jassy acknowledged people may question why the additional 9,000 job cuts were not announced together with the previous lay-offs. -- PTI

File image/R Senthil Kumar/PTI

22:31 Sukhoi jet engages aircraft arrester barrier on landing, probe on

A Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter jet of the Indian Air Force had to engage an arrester barrier to stop the aircraft because of inadequate deceleration experienced by the pilots due to a technical snag on Monday, said the Indian Air Force.

The incident, which basically involved the use of a speed control technique, took place in the morning at the Air Force Station in Lohegaon in Pune after a routine training sortie, and a probe has been ordered.

Wing Commander Ashish Moghe, IAF public relations officer, said, "Today, a Su-30 MKI of the Indian Air Force engaged the aircraft arrester barrier at the Air Force Station, Pune. The event occurred after a routine training sortie, following inadequate deceleration experienced by the pilots, on the landing roll due to a technical snag. Engaging of an arrester barrier gear is a planned activity for stopping of a fighter aircraft."

The runway, which was closed for sometime, was made operational again, he said, adding a probe has been ordered into the incident.

The Pune international airport is a civil enclave operating from the IAF station at Lohegaon.

It is a base for the IAF's frontline Sukhoi aircraft. -- PTI

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22:17 Prevent attacks on consulates, India tells US

India on Monday lodged a strong protest with the US charge d'affaires in New Delhi over vandalism at the Indian consulate general in San Francisco by some pro-Khalistan elements.

The ministry of external affairs (MEA) said the US government was asked to take appropriate measures to prevent recurrence of such incidents.

India conveyed its strong protest at the vandalisation of the property of the consulate general of India in San Francisco, it said.

"The US government was reminded of its basic obligation to protect and secure diplomatic representation. It was asked to take appropriate measures to prevent recurrence of such incidents," the MEA said.

"Our embassy in Washington, DC, also conveyed our concerns to the US state department along similar lines," it said in a brief statement.

Media baron Rupert Murdoch on Monday announced that he is ready to marry for the fifth time at the age of 92.

The billionaire announced his engagement to Ann Lesley Smith, a 66-year-old former police chaplain.

They met in September at an event at his vineyard in California. Murdoch told the New York Post, one of his own publications:

"I dreaded falling in love -- but I knew this would be my last. It better be. I'm happy."

He split with fourth wife Jerry Hall last year.

The wedding will take place in late summer.

Murdoch was previously married to Australian flight attendant Patricia Booker, Scottish-born journalist Anna Mann, and Chinese-born entrepreneur Wendi Deng.

Murdoch said that he proposed to Smith on St Patrick's Day.

Smith's late husband was Chester Smith, a country singer and radio and TV executive.

For us both it's a gift from God. We met last September," she told the newspaper.

I'm a widow of 14 years. Like Rupert, my husband was a businessman... So I speak Rupert's language. We share the same beliefs," she said.

Murdoch, who has six children from his first three marriages, added: "We're both looking forward to spending the second half of our lives together."

Murdoch's business empire includes Fox News in the US and the tabloid The Sun in the UK.

A sessions court in Mumbai on Monday rejected veteran lyricist-poet Javed Akhtar's plea challenging summons issued against him by a magistrate in connection with a criminal case filed by a lawyer over his alleged objectionable remarks against the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.

The lawyer, Santosh Dubey, had in October 2021 filed a complaint against Akhtar before the metropolitan magistrate court in suburban Mulund under Indian Penal Code Sections 499 (defamation) and 500 (punishment for defamation).

The magistrate, after hearing arguments of both sides, had issued summons to the veteran lyricist in December last year.

The 78-year-old Bollywood personality, through his lawyer, filed a petition before the sessions court against the summons.

"The session court has rejected the revision application filed by renowned writer Javed Akhtar against the Mulund court's order,' Dubey said.

Akhtar has to appear before the Mulund court on March 31, he added. -- PTI

Actor and politician Kirron Kher on Monday tested positive for COVID-19.

Taking to Twitter, Kirron shared the news and wrote, "I have tested positive for COVID. So anyone who has come in contact with me please get yourself tested."

Kirron was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer. She bounced back after her cancer recovery and was one of the judges on the reality show, India's Got Talent.

Loved by many, Kirron has delivered memorable performances in several Bollywood films. Kirron has played a lot of motherly roles throughout her career which is why she is now known as the quintessential mother in Bollywood films.

She has earned a lot of praise for her roles in Devdas, Rang De Basanti, Hum Tum, Dostana, Main Hoon Na and others.

She is the wife of actor Anupam Kher. -- ANI

A screen grab taken from video of Khalistani supporters attempt to pull down tricolour at the high commission of India, in UK

21:03 ISI organising Khalistan supporters' stir: Officials

Pakistani intelligence agency ISI has instigated overseas Khalistan supporters to organise protests and demonstrations abroad including London, San Francisco and Canberra as part of its plan, officials said on Monday.

While pro-Khalistan supporters vandalised the Indian high commission in London and the Indian consulate in San Francisco, there were sporadic protests in Australia.

All theses acts by the pro-Khalistan elements were orchestrated by ISI agents operating in different countries, the officials said.

Citing recent incidents in different parts of the world, they said there has been a design by ISI agents to organise protests, vandalism of places of Indian interests through Khalistani elements exploiting their religious sentiments.

Last week, the honorary consulate of India in Australia's Brisbane city was forced to close down due to safety concerns after Khalistan supporters organised an unauthorised gathering and blocked the entry of the office, days after Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese assured India that his government will not tolerate "extreme actions".

Several Hindu temples in Melbourne were also vandalised by Khalistan supporters in recent months.

Canada has also seen a rise in anti-India activities recently by Khalistani supporters who have vandalised some Hindu temples. -- PTI

20:46 RBI imposes Rs 2.27 cr penalty on RBL Bank

The Reserve Bank of India on Monday said it has imposed a penalty of Rs 2.27 crore on RBL Bank Ltd for non-compliance with norms related to recovery agents.

In a statement, the Reserve Bank of India said the penalty has been imposed for non-compliance with certain provisions of the directions issued by it on 'Internal Ombudsman Scheme, 2018', 'fair practices code for lenders', 'credit card operations of banks', 'managing risks and code of conduct in outsourcing of financial services by banks' and 'recovery agents engaged by banks'.

RBI, however, said the penalty is based on the deficiencies in regulatory compliance observed relating to the period fiscal 2018-19 to 2021-22 and is not intended to pronounce upon the validity of any transaction or agreement entered into by the bank with its customers.

Meanwhile, the central bank has also imposed penalties on several cooperative banks for contravention of its different norms.

The cooperative banks on which penalties have been imposed include Lokmangal Co-operative Bank, Solapur; Jila Sahakari Kendriya Bank Maryadit, Raisen; Smriti Nagrik Sahakari Bank Maryadit, Mandsaur; Raigad Sahakari Bank, Mumbai; Noble Co-operative Bank, Noida; and Imperial Urban Co-operative Bank, Jalandhar.

The penalties are based on the deficiencies in regulatory compliance is not intended to pronounce upon the validity of any transaction or agreement entered into by the bank with its customers, RBI said. -- PTI

Several people belonging to the Sikh community gathered outside the British high commission in Chanakyapuri in New Delhi on Monday to protest pro-Khalistan separatists pulling down the Indian flag at the Indian high commission in London a day earlier.

Carrying the tricolour and placards, protesters raised the slogan Bharat humara swabhiman hai (India is our pride) and said that they will not tolerate any insult to the national flag.

A protester said, "What happened in London was unfortunate. We are proud of our nation and we urge the British government to take necessary action against the culprits. A person who cannot respect our national flag will never be able to respect another person, country or any religion."

Another protester demanded legal action against the perpetrators.

"They should not be spared," he said.

"We Sikhs are an essential part of our country. Every Sikh is united and wants to send across a message of peace but if our national flag is insulted, we will not tolerate it," the protester said.

The tricolour flying atop the Indian high commission in London was grabbed by a group of protesters waving separatist Khalistani flags and chanting pro-Khalistani slogans on Sunday, leading to an arrest related to the violent disorder. -- PTI

The Mumbai police stepped up the security of Bollywood superstar Salman Khan after he received a threatening e-mail, which had led to cops earlier registering an FIR against gangsters Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldy Brar, an official said on Monday.

According to the official, two assistant police inspector-rank officers and eight to ten constables will be part of Khan's security detail round the clock.

Also, fans will not be allowed to assemble outside the 57-year-old actor's residence-cum-office in Galaxy Apartments in suburban Bandra, he said.

Khan was earlier provided with Y plus category security by the police and he moved around in a bullet-proof car along with his personal security guards.

Now, the police have taken additional security measures for the safety of the Dabangg actor, the official said.

On Saturday, the Bandra police registered an FIR (first information report) against three persons -- gangsters Bishnoi, Brar and one Rohit -- for allegedly sending a threatening e-mail to Khan's office.

The FIR was registered on the basis of a police complaint lodged by one Prashant Gunjalkar, who according to cops, frequently visits the Bandra-based residence of the popular filmstar and runs an artist management company. -- PTI

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20:11 Mumbai-bound Indigo flight diverted to Myanmar due to medical emergency

A Mumbai-bound IndiGo flight from Bangkok was diverted to Rangoon (Yangon) in Myanmar due to a medical emergency on-board on Sunday, the airline has said.

However, "on arrival", the passenger was declared dead by the "airport medical team", IndiGo said in a statement on Monday.

"IndiGo flight 6E-57, operating from Bangkok to Mumbai was diverted to Rangoon due to a medical emergency on board. Unfortunately, on arrival, the passenger was declared dead by the airport medical team," the airline said in a brief statement.

IndiGo, however, did not reveal other details.

This is the second incident of an IndiGo passenger falling sick mid-air on a flight and subsequently passing away.

Earlier on March 17, a Ranchi-Pune IndiGo flight was diverted to Nagpur airport after a passenger had a medical emergency.

The passenger was taken to a hospital on arrival where he was pronounced dead. -- PTI

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday said he cannot be intimidated by the repeated political attacks on him, the police being sent to his house numerous times or the many cases lodged against him as he believes in the truth and always stood with it.

Gandhi's remarks came in the wake of a Delhi police team reaching his residence on Sunday to inquire about his "women are still being sexually assaulted" statement made during the nationwide Bharat Jodo Yatra.

"Many people may be scared of the Prime Minister, BJP, RSS and the police, but I am not. I am not scared of them in the least and that is their problem. Their problem is why I am not scared. The reason is I believe in the truth," he said in Wayanad, Kerala.

"It does not matter how much I am attacked, how many times police are sent to my house or how many cases are there on me, I always stand for the truth. That is the way I am," Rahul said.

The Wayanad MP was speaking after handing over keys of new homes provided to several families in Wayanad district. -- PTI

India has asked the United Kingdom to quickly arrest and prosecute those involved in pulling down the Indian flag at its mission in London on Sunday, Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra said on Monday.

Kwatra said that India lodged a strong protest and clearly indicated to the British authorities the need for putting up adequate security at the Indian high commission.

The national flag at the Indian high commission was pulled down during a protest by pro-Khalistan activists.

Following the incident, India summoned the senior-most British diplomat in Delhi and demanded an explanation over complete 'absence of security' at the mission.

Kwatra, replying to a question at a media briefing, said the British deputy high commissioner was summoned and India demanded that the culprits and perpetrators of what happened in London on Sunday be quickly 'arrested and prosecuted'.

The foreign secretary referred to a statement issued on Sunday night by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on the matter.

He, however, did not respond to a query on reports of pro-Khalistan protesters attacking the Indian Consulate in San Francisco. -- PTI

18:50 Gainers and losers in Sensex pack

Snapping its two-day gaining streak, the 30-share BSE Sensex declined by 360.95 points or 0.62 per cent to close at 57,628.95 as 23 of its stocks ended in the red. The index tanked more than 900 points to touch a low of 57,084.91 before recovering some losses at the fag end.

The broader Nifty of the NSE plunged by 111.65 points or 0.65 per cent to close below the 17,000-level at 16,988.40. As many as 40 Nifty stocks declined while 10 advanced.

Among Sensex shares, Bajaj Finserv fell the most by 4.08 per cent. Bajaj Finance declined by 3.01 per cent, Tata Steel by 2.2 per cent, Wipro by 2.09 per cent, Tata Motors by 1.96 per cent, IndusInd Bank by 1.9 per cent, SBI by 1.75 per cent, Tech Mahindra by 1.66 per cent and HCL Tech by 1.2 per cent.

TCS, Infosys, Power Grid, Maruti, Reliance, HDFC twins, L&T, M&M, NTPC and Ultratech Cement were also among the losers.

Hindustan Unilever bucked the trend to emerge as the biggest Sensex gainer, rising by 2.45 per cent. ITC, Kotak Bank, Sun Pharma and Nestle also closed higher.

Harsh Mander

18:39 CBI to probe Harsh Mander's NGO for forex violation

The Union ministry of home affairs (MHA) has recommended a CBI inquiry against Aman Biradari, an NGO established by writer and human rights activist Harsh Mander, for alleged violation of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, officials said on Monday.

Mander, who was a member of the Sonia Gandhi-led National Advisory Council during the previous UPA government, has established Aman Biradari -- "a people's campaign for a secular, peaceful, just and humane world".

A CBI inquiry has been recommended against Aman Biradari for violation of various provisions of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, they said.

All NGOs receiving foreign funding has to mandatorily register with the home ministry under the FCRA.

A day after TV screens installed at platform number 10 at Patna railway station played a porn clip, the Railways on Monday said it has cancelled the contract of the agency responsible for relaying advertisements on the screens.

In a statement, Virendra Kumar, chief public relations officer, East Central Railway (ECR), said that two FIRs have been registered against the agency, one each by the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and the Government Railway Police (GRP).

"Taking the abhorrent incident that took place on platform number 10 of Patna Junction on March 19 very seriously... Two FIRs have been registered against Dutta Studio Company Private Limited. One FIR was lodged by RPF and the other by GRP under the IT Act.

"Also, action is being taken to blacklist the said agency by terminating its contract and all TV screens operated by it have been disconnected/logged out. The incident is being investigated by RPF and GRP so that legal action can be taken," the statement from ECR said.

The clip which was purportedly recorded by a passenger and the blurred version went viral on the web.

Dutta Studio, a Kolkata-based agency, had been contracted to make announcements on the TV screens about arrival and departure of passenger trains at the junction.

18:11 Sisodia's judicial custody extended by 14 days

Former Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia's judicial custody was extended till April 3 on Monday by a court in Delhi in a case related to the excise policy being probed by the CBI.

He is at present in the Enforcement Directorate (ED) custody in a related case.

Special judge M K Nagpal extended the judicial custody of the senior AAP leader in the CBI case after he was produced in the court virtually.

His bail plea in the matter will be heard by the court on Tuesday.

The ED arrested Sisodia on March 9 evening in the Tihar jail, where he was lodged in connection with the case being probed by the CBI pertaining to alleged corruption in the formulation and implementation of the now-scrapped Delhi Excise Policy for 2021-22.

The CBI arrested Sisodia on February 26.

17:54 Maharashtra government employees call off stir

Maharashtra government employees agitating for restoration of the old pension scheme on Monday called off a week-long strike after a successful meeting between their representatives and Chief Minister Eknath Shinde over key demand, a union leader said.

Vishwas Katkar, the striking unions coordination committee's convenor, said the state government has 'in principle' agreed to extend monetary benefits equivalent to the OPS to employees who are part of the New Pension System (NPS).

The government employees were on an indefinite strike since March 14 demanding restoration of the OPS, which was discontinued in 2005.

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Monday said the state was on high alert and security has been beefed up along the border with Punjab in view of the crackdown against radical preacher Amritpal Singh.

Strict vigil is being maintained along the border with Punjab, he told media persons in Shimla.

Directions have been issued to ensure tourists coming from outside the state do not face any inconvenience and no unwanted element is allowed entry, the chief minister added.

"There is nothing to worry and we are ready to deal with any circumstance," he said.

Referring to recent clashes between local people and tourists from Punjab that led to a tense atmosphere in the state, the chief minister said there are some anti-social people trying to spoil the environment but 'we all are citizens of this country and people of Punjab and Himachal are like brothers'.

"I will speak to the chief minister of Punjab if the need arises," Sukhu added.

The Punjab Police on Saturday launched a major crackdown against Amritpal and members of his outfit 'Waris Punjab De'.

The elusive preacher, however, gave police the slip and escaped their dragnet when his cavalcade was intercepted in Jalandhar district. -- PTI

IMAGE: RAF and police personnel conduct a flag march to prevent any untoward incident amid a search to nab 'Waris Punjab De' chief Amritpal Singh, in Jalandhar on Sunday. Photograph: ANI Photo

The Supreme Court on Monday clubbed three FIRs lodged against Congress leader Pawan Khera for allegedly making objectionable remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and transferred them to the Hazratganj police station in Uttar Pradesh's Lucknow.

Extending the interim bail till April 10, a bench comprising Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justices P S Narasimha and K B Pardiwala took note of the facts that three FIRs were lodged against Khera.

Out of the three FIRs, two were lodged at the Cantonment police station in Varanasi and the Hazratganj police station in Lucknow. The third FIR was lodged in Assam.

The apex court bench directed that the three FIRs stand transferred to Hazratganj police station in Lucknow.

Khera, whose interim bail was extended till April 10, will have to appear before the court of competent jurisdiction in Lucknow to seek regular bail in the matter.

The apex court, from time to time, had been extending the interim bail of Khera who was arrested by the Assam police on February 23 in connection with his alleged remarks against Modi made at a press conference in Mumbai on February 17.

The Congress spokesperson was arrested from Delhi airport after he was de-boarded from a plane that was supposed to take him to Raipur. He obtained bail from a magisterial court in Delhi on February 23 after the CJI-led bench granted him interim bail during an urgent hearing earlier in the day.

17:09 Tipu controversy: Move to make film dropped

Amid the raging controversy regarding Uri Gowda and Nanje Gowda, the Vokkaliga chieftains who according to a section of people allegedly killed erstwhile Mysuru ruler Tipu Sultan, a prominent seer of the community on Monday urged for putting an end to the issue, citing lack of historical evidence in this regard.

Some leaders of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party have also been backing the claims that the Gowdas killed Tipu.

Nirmalanandanatha Mahaswamiji, the chief pontiff of Sri Adichunchanagiri Mahasamsthana Math, which is highly regarded by the dominant Vokkaligas, has called for gathering of information, edicts and historical records about the duo, before arriving at any decision.

On Monday, he also summoned Horticulture Minister Munirathna, a producer-turned-politician, whose studio has planned to make a movie by registering a title 'Uri Gowda and Nanje Gowda', and directed him not to go ahead with the project.

The minister paid heed to the pontiff's direction. A section of people in the old Mysuru belt claims Tipu Sultan did not die fighting the British, but was killed by the two Vokkaliga chieftains, which has been contested by some historians.

"At a time when there is no clarity on the historical background, it is not right to make a cinema on the two personalities who represent a community. I have also told him (Munirathna) as to why it is not right.

"After realising things, he said he has no intention to hurt anyone and assured he would not make any effort in this direction, not just for now but never in the future," the Swamiji told reporters in Mandya.

He said, as Bharatiya Janata Party leaders from the Vokkaliga community including national general secretary C T Ravi, and Ministers Ashwath Narayan and Gopalaiah have been made aware of the historical background and facts, he expects them to keep quiet on the issue.

"They will be quiet."

"That which is written based on imagination becomes 'kadambari' (novel), that which is written based on shasana (edicts) and historical background will become strength for the future generation; as nothing of that sort has been found till now on the issue, no statements should be made that will create confusion among people and the contemporary world, will bring down the strength of personalities, and will cause disrepute the community," the seer added.

If any historical evidence or edicts are found regarding Uri Gowda and Nanje Gowda, they should be handed over to the Adichunchanagiri Mahasamsthana Math, the seer said, adding 'there are scholars, there is carbon dating technology, there are great critics, the matters gathered will be placed before them to arrive at a decision'.

"The current confusion is causing hurt to the feelings of a community, and I urge it should be stopped immediately," he said.

While, the Congress and the Janata Dal-Secular leaders have maintained that Uri Gowda and Nanje Gowda did not even exist, and might just be fictional characters, the BJP, which is trying to make inroads into the Vokkaliga dominated 'Old Mysuru' region ahead of polls, seems to be using the duo as their latest mascots.

The BJP is also using them to target Tipu Sultan, and accuse the Congress and the JD-S of indulging in appeasement politics by celebrating the Muslim ruler.

After meeting the seer, Munirathna said he has assured the Swamiji he will drop the plan to make a movie on the chieftains.

"I have said I will not hurt anybody's feelings, after seer's advice I will drop the plan to do this movie, and will neither do this move or speak about it here on," he said.

Clarifying he was not working on the movie as he was part of the BJP, Munirathna said he is a producer and has been making movies for the past 25 years, and will find a new story.

Stating he was speaking only as a producer, and would wait for what the party leaders would say on the issue, he said, ".....cinema cannot be made entirely based on actual true events; certain adaptations will have to be made."

The names of Uri Gowda and Nanje Gowda came to the limelight after the release of a play Tippuvina Nija Kanasugalu (The True Dreams of Tipu) last year by Rangayana director Addanda Cariappa, though there has been a debate on the issue in the past.

The Congress and the JD-S leaders including Siddaramaiah, D K Shivakumar and H D Kumaraswamy have charged the BJP with 'misleading' the people, especially the Vokkaligas, by using fictional characters and saying they killed Tipu Sultan.

BJP leaders like Union Minister of State Shobha Karandlaje, C T Ravi, and Ashwath Narayan among others have maintained that there is historical evidence about Uri Gowda and Nanje Gowda, that their names are mentioned in plays and ballads, and they fought Tipu to safeguard the family of Mysuru Maharajas and to protect the state. -- PTI

Haryana assembly speaker Gian Chand Gupta on Monday barred lone INLD MLA Abhay Singh Chautala from attending House proceedings for the remainder of the day over his alleged unparliamentary behaviour.

It is the second time within a month that the Ellenabad MLA has been named and suspended by the House.

Monday's action followed Abhay Singh Chautala's argument with the chair during the Question Hour. Haryana Deputy Chief Minister Dushyant Chautala, who is Abhay Chautala's nephew, condemned his behaviour and said there have been similar incidents involving the INLD legislator in the past as well.

During Question Hour, Abhay Chautala had sought to know whether any step had been taken by the government to raise the level of groundwater in the 'dark zones'.

A dark zone is an area where the groundwater level has fallen considerably.

While asking a supplementary question, he said the government should give details on how much money it has spent on the upkeep of ponds and their beautification.

The speaker asked him to put a separate question on the issue he was raising in his supplementary question.

Abhay Chautala started arguing with the chair after this, following which the speaker asked him to refrain from using unparliamentary language.

Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar intervened, saying argument with the chair was disrespect to the entire House.

"The member should maintain decorum. If such behaviour continues, then cognisance should be taken by the chair," he said.

Responding to allegations of bias by the INLD member, the speaker asserted that he has been conducting House proceedings in an impartial manner.

"You should take back your words, otherwise you leave the House," Gupta told Chautala. However, as there was no response from the INLD MLA, the speaker said, "I name Abhay Singh Chautala, your behaviour is unparliamentary. During Question Hour, you can ask supplementary question, but you cannot argue with the chair."

The Delhi government has the highest budgetary allocation for the education sector among all states, with 20.5 per cent of the budget estimates earmarked for the department, according to the Economic Survey of Delhi 2022-23.

The survey report that was presented in the Assembly on Monday, also mentioned that the Delhi Skill and Entrepreneurship University increased its intake capacity to 7,933 (during 2022-23) as compared to 6,258 during 2021-22.

It further mentioned that the government schools recorded a pass percentage of 98 per cent in class 12 and 97 per cent in class 10 during the academic session 2021-22. The survey also said that 32,406 students got admission via centralised online draw of lots for admission under Economically Weaker Section and Disadvantaged Group (EWS & DG) category for the academic session 2022-23.

Meanwhile, the Delhi government's outcome budget which was also presented in the assembly on Monday, said that more than 90 per cent of government schools have been marking the attendance of their students online every day.

CCTV Cameras have been commissioned in 83 per cent of Delhi government schools and 11 new Schools of Specialised Excellence (SoSE) have been added to the existing schools during 2022-23, it said. The Business Blasters programme provided seed money of Rs 2,000 each to 2 lakh students and generated 41,000 new business ideas in 2022-23, according to the outcome budget. PTI A

The Punjab Police on Monday said it has invoked the stringent National Security Act (NSA) against five people linked to radical preacher Amritpal Singh's 'Waris Punjab De'.

Addressing the media in Chandigarh, Punjab Inspector General of Police (Headquarters) Sukhchain Singh Gill further said the preacher was on the run and efforts were on to nab him. He said six FIRs have so far been registered and 114 people arrested in the crackdown against elements of the Waris Punjab De outfit.

Gill also said that police suspect an "ISI angle" and foreign funding in the matter. The NSA has been invoked against five people linked to the outfit, he said in response to a question. The stringent law has been invoked against four detenues -- Daljit Singh Kalsi, Bhagwant Singh, Gurmeet Singh and Pradhanmantri' Bajeke, who have been shifted to the Dibrugarh Central Jail in Assam.

He further said that the NSA has also been invoked against Harjit Singh, who surrendered on Saturday night in Jalandhar. Harjit Singh, the uncle of Amritpal Singh, will also be taken to Dibrugarh Central Jail, the police said. PTI

Pic: KBK Graphics

15:48 Centre's new Covid guidelines: No antibiotics...

Antibiotics should not be used in Covid cases unless there is clinical suspicion of bacterial infection, according to a revised guideline for the treatment of adult coronavirus patients issued by the Centre.

The revised guidelines, issued on Sunday amid an uptick in coronavirus cases, stated that drugs such as Lopinavir-ritonavir, hydroxychloroquine, Ivermectin, Molnupiravir, Favipiravir, Azithromycin and Doxycycline should not be used for the treatment of adult COVID-19 patients in India.

The AIIMS/ICMR-COVID-19 National Task Force met on January 5 to revise the clinical guidance protocol. It has also advised doctors not to use convalescent plasma therapy. "Antibiotics should not be used unless there is clinical suspicion of bacterial infection. Possibility of co-infection of COVID-19 with other endemic infections must be considered," the guidelines said.

Additionally, in moderate or severe diseases at high risk of progression, Remdesivir may be considered for up to five days. It should be started within 10 days of onset of symptoms in those having moderate to severe disease with a high risk of progression (requiring supplemental oxygen) but who are not on IMV or ECMO.

There is no evidence of benefit for the treatment of more than five days and is not to be used in patients who are not on oxygen support or in home setting, the guidelines stated.

Besides, in rapidly progressing moderate or severe disease, Tocilizumab should be considered preferably within 24-48 hours of the onset of severe disease/ICU admission. India saw a single-day rise of over 1,000 fresh COVID-19 cases on Sunday after 129 days. On Monday, the country reported a single-day rise of 918 cases while the active caseload has increased to 6,350. PTI

Shraddha Walkar

15:38 Walkar murder: Prosecution arguments end

Delhi Police on Monday completed its arguments on charges against Aaftab Amin Poonawala, accused of killing his live-in partner Shraddha Walkar and chopping her body into pieces.

Additional Sessions Judge Manisha Khurana Kakkar posted the matter for further proceedings on March 25. Special Public Prosecutors (SPP) Amit Prasad and Madhukar Pandey appeared for Delhi Police.

SPP Prasad said incriminating circumstances are clearly revealed through reliable and clinching evidence and they form a chain of events.

The chain of events leads to an irrefutable conclusion about the guilt of the accused, he added. Advocate Javed Hussain, legal aid counsel (LAC) for Poonawala, sought time to respond to the arguments. Earlier on February 21, a magisterial court committed the case to the sessions court after taking cognisance of the charge sheet filed by the police. Delhi Police had filed a 6,629-page charge sheet on January 24. -- PTI

To escape her parents' wrath for not faring well in exams, a 14-year-old girl "harmed" herself with a blade and made up a false story alleging that she was injured during a scuffle and also molested, police said on Monday.

The police had initially registered a case under relevant sections of POCSO Act and Indian Penal Code sections of molestation and kidnapping, but later withdrew it when the girl confessed that she had made up the story, they said.

The incident was reported on March 15 at Bhajanpura police station in northeast Delhi, they said. The girl had claimed that after school, three boys allegedly got into a scuffle and also took her a few metres away and harmed her causing injuries to her hands, police said, adding that based on her complaint, a case was registered.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Northeast) Joy Tirkey said, "When we scanned CCTV footage, we spotted the child roaming alone. Then we counselled the child and our female staff spoke to her and finally, the girl revealed that on March 15, her social studies examination did not go well and she was afraid that her parents would scold her. So, she went to a general store near the school and purchased some eatables and a blade. While she was sitting alone, she harmed herself with the blade," he said.

After the girl revealed the true story, she was taken to a magistrate and her statement was recorded wherein she confessed that she had harmed herself and levelled false allegations, he added. "Based on her statement, the case has been cancelled," the DCP said. -- PTI

Sheikh Hasina

15:19 Bangladesh PM offers use of Chattogram, Sylhet ports to India

Stressing on the need for enhancing regional connectivity for boosting trade and commerce, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has offered the use of Chattogram and Sylhet ports to India, according to report by Bangladesh's National News Agency Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS).

"India can use our Chattogram and Sylhet ports if they want," PM Hasina said on Sunday when Member of the Governing Council of India Foundation Ram Madhav called on her at her official residence Ganabhaban.

Hasina's Deputy Press Secretary K M Shakhawat Moon briefed the reporters after the meeting.

Sheikh Hasina mentioned that increased connectivity in the regions would help enhance people-to-people contact, BSS reported. She also conveyed her greetings to the Indian Prime Minister through Ram Madhav.

Ram Madhav highly appreciated the socioeconomic advancement in Bangladesh under the unparallel leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, saying, "Bangladesh and India have excellent friendship as neighbouring countries and hope that this relationship will continue in future."

Ambassador at large M Ziauddin, State Minister for Foreign Affairs M Shahriar Alam and PM's Principal Secretary M Tofazzel Hossain Miah were among those who were present at the meeting. Chattogram, also known as Chittagong, is a large port city on the southeastern coast of Bangladesh. Sylhet post is located in eastern Bangladesh, on the Surma River, known for its Sufi shrines.

File pic

14:49 Farmers' outfit warns of another protest if...

Farmers' outfit Samyukta Kisan Morcha on Monday said it will be forced to launch another protest if the government does not fulfil its demands, including a law on minimum support price (MSP), debt waiver and pension.

A 15-member SKM delegation met with Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar at Krishi Bhawan in the afternoon and submitted a demand charter, farmer leader Darshan Pal said.

"There are several unresolved issues and these demand another 'andolan'. We will convene another meeting on April 30 in Delhi. I ask all farmers unions to take out rallies in their respective states and hold panchayats in the run-up to the meeting," he said, addressing the farmers who gathered at the Ramila Maidan in New Delhi.

"We do not want to protest daily but we are forced to do it. If the government does not heed our demands, we will launch another andolan which will be bigger than the protest against the farm laws," he said.

Pal said the demands included a law for MSP, complete debt waiver, pension, crop insurance, withdrawal of cases registered against farmers and compensation to families of farmers who died during the protest against now-repealed farm laws.

The farmers also demanded the dismissal and incarceration of Union Minister of State for Home Ajay Mishra and compensation for crop damage due to hail storm and unseasonal rains. Pal said Tomar told the delegation that power subsidies to farmers have been exempt from the Electricity Act. "This demand has already been met. It a big win for the SKM," he said.

The minister told the delegation that the government has already issued directions to provide compensation for crop damage due to hail and unseasonal rains.

"We also discussed the issue of a legal guarantee for MSP with the minister. Tomar said he will personally intervene so that cases registered against farmers are withdrawn and compensation to families of deceased farmers is provided," the farmer leader said.

"There are several unresolved issues and these call for another 'andolan'. We will convene another meeting on April 30 in Delhi. I ask all farmers unions to take out rallies and hold panchayats in the run-up to the meeting," Pal said. PTI

Amritpal Singh

14:35 Punjab govt can handle law & order: AAP

The Aam Aadmi Party said Monday the police crackdown on radical Sikh preacher and Khalistan sympathiser Amritpal Singh in Punjab proves that its government has the capability to manage the law-and-order situation in the state.

The hunt for Singh, which is underway for there days now, is a government operation and not a political one, AAP national spokesperson Saurabh Bharadwaj said.

"When AAP came to power in Punjab, we were told that we will not be able to manage a border state. By launching an operation against Amritpal Singh, our party has proved that we can manage the law-and-order situation very well," he said.

On the suspension of mobile internet and SMS services in Punjab, Bhardwaj said it was done to prevent circulation of fake news about the matter. Authorities in Punjab had on Saturday suspended the internet and SMS services in the state. The curbs will be in place till Tuesday noon.

"When a government deals with such sensitive issues, they need to ensure that people don't circulate fake news about it. It is done to maintain peace in the state. Calling services were available for people to communicate," the AAP leader said.

The Punjab government on Saturday launched a major crackdown against Amritpal, with the police arresting 78 members of an outfit headed by him. Senior AAP leader Atishi alleged that the previous governments in Punjab "protected" radical Sikh preachers like Amritpal.

"Previous governments protected these elements trying to breach peace and harmony in Punjab. Stern action by Mann government in Punjab shows AAP does not tolerate or compromise with any law-and-order situation," she said.

The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed a PIL seeking framing of norms for registration of every live-in relationship with the Centre and termed it a "hare-brained" idea.

A bench, headed by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud, asked the counsel for petitioner, lawyer Mamta Rani if she wanted to foster the security of these people or wanted them not to get into live-in relationships. The counsel replied that the petitioner wanted the relationship to be registered to enhance their social security.

"What does the Centre have to do with registration of live-in relationships? What kind of hare-brained idea is this? It is high time this court start imposing cost on petitioners who file these kinds of PILs. Dismissed," the bench also comprising Justices P S Narasimha and J B Pardiwala said.

The PIL was filed by Rani seeking a direction to the Centre to frame rules for registration of live-in relationships as it cited increase in crimes like rape and murder allegedly committed by live-in partners.

The plea, which referred to the recent killing of Shraddha Walkar allegedly by her live-in partner Aaftab Amin Poonawala, also sought framing of rules and guidelines for registration of such relationships.

The PIL said registration of live-in relationships would lead to accurate information being available to both the live-in partners about each other and also to the government about each of them regarding their marital status, criminal history and other relevant details.

Besides the increase in crimes like rape and murder, the plea said there has been a "huge increase in false rape cases filed by women wherein they claim to be living in live-in relationships with the accused, and it is always difficult for the courts to find out from the evidence whether the fact of living in live-in relationships is proved by the backing of evidence".

Urination man Shankar Mishra

13:38 AI pee victim moves SC for SOPs on such incidents

A 72-year-old woman, at the centre of headlines after a co-passenger allegedly urinated on her on board a New York-Delhi Air India flight last November, has moved the Supreme Court seeking a direction to the DGCA and airlines to frame SOPs to deal with such incidents.

The woman said she was constrained to approach the court because Air India and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) failed to treat her with care and responsibility after the incident.

"In addition, the wide-ranging national press reportage full of conjecture and surmises has severely undermined the petitioner's rights as a victim under Article 21 of the Constitution, and in fairness has also affected the rights of the accused as well. Their rights to a free and fair trial have also been substantially affected due to a selective leaking of the 'AIR SEWA' complaint of the petitioner, the FIR and selective witness statements being released to the media to match specific narratives," she said in her plea.

The petition said an absence of clear guidelines for media outlets on what requires reporting, whether they ought to make conjectures where matters are sub-judice, and the impact of media coverage based on unverified statements end up impacting the victim as well as the accused.

The petitioner further said her intentions were inspired and motivated in the interest of the general public and are a sincere attempt to set up a framework within the airline industry so that such incidents are prevented, and if they do occur, they are dealt with in a manner that does not cause additional trauma to the passengers.

She also sought a direction to the Union Civil Aviation Ministry and the DGCA to ensure that Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) norms adhere to the highest standards laid down internationally. The woman sought directions to the DGCA and the airline companies to comply with legal requirements of the SOPs, operation manuals and reporting protocols to be followed by airline crew and staff.

On January 31, a Delhi court granted bail to Shankar Mishra, who has been accused of urinating on the woman on the Air India flight from New York to Delhi.

The trial court had granted the relief to Mishra on a personal bond of Rs 1 lakh and a surety of the like amount. It had also imposed various conditions on him, including that he will not tamper with evidence, influence witnesses or contact them in any manner. Mishra was asked not to leave the country without permission and to join the investigation and trial as and when called upon by the investigating officer or the court concerned.

He was arrested from Bengaluru on January 6 and sent to judicial custody by a court in New Delhi on January 7. The accused allegedly urinated on the woman in an intoxicated state in the business class of the Air India flight on November 26 last year.

A magisterial court had on January 11 denied bail to Mishra, saying his act was "utterly disgusting and repulsive, shocked the civic consciousness and needed to be deprecated". -- PTI

An unambiguous apology from Rahul Gandhi can end the logjam in Parliament, Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri said on Monday as he slammed the Congress leader for his recent remarks in the United Kingdom.

Addressing a press conference, the BJP leader categorically rejected Gandhi's claims on the prevailing situation in India and urged him to clarify if he was "playing to an agenda.

During his interactions in the United Kingdom recently, Gandhi alleged that the structures of Indian democracy are under attack and there is a "full-scale assault" on the country's institutions.

His remarks triggered a massive political row, with the BJP accusing him of maligning India on foreign soil and seeking foreign interventions and the Congress hitting back, citing instances of Prime Minister Modi raising internal politics abroad.

"If any individual goes outside the country, he has the freedom to speak. But along with that freedom of speech comes the need to have a sense of responsibility," Puri said.

He said India is the world's largest and oldest democracy and there is no doubt about that.

"But for Mr Gandhi to go to the United Kingdom and say that the basic structure of Indian democracy is facing attack... Anyone who suggests, even as a private citizen, that Indian democracy is under threat, requires serious introspection, Puri added.

The Housing and Urban Affairs minister demanded that the Congress leader unequivocally apologise for his remarks to bring the issue to a closure.

"To begin with, I think, you need closure and the closure will only come if he apologises. And, he should apologise categorically, unequivocally," he demanded.

When asked how the logjam in Parliament would end, the minister said, "This is absolutely a call that he (Gandhi) has to make."

"He should apologise unambiguously and say that he made a mistake and hence, he apologises," he said, adding "My understanding is that it will pave the way and facilitate the functioning of Parliament." -- PTI

Amid the repeated disruptions in Parliament, Congress Rajya Sabha MP Pramod Tiwari on Tuesday attacked the Bharatiya Janata Party-led centre for "not letting" the Parliament function.Talking to the media, the Rajya Sabha MP said,

"The drama that has been going on since March 13, can't be happening without a signal from the Prime Minister".

"Today, once again Parliament wasn't allowed to function. What are we demanding? Just a JPC investigation into the biggest scam after Independence," Tiwari further said.

He alleged that if JPC takes place, the "mask of BJP" would fall off. "Why is BJP scared of JPC? If JPC is taken up, BJP's mask would fall off and all those -- from top to bottom -- who filled the coffers of Adani by snatching away the rights of the middle class and the poor will be exposed," he said.

Earlier in the day, Pramod Tiwari gave a suspension of business notice under rule 267 to discuss the need to constitute a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) into the Adani issue.

The Congress leader said in a statement that he had moved the motion to discuss the need to constitute a JPC to investigate the "government's role in promoting the business interests of Adani Group".

"That this House do suspend Zero Hour and relevant rules relating to Question Hour and other businesses of the day to discuss the need to constitute a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) to investigate the Government's role in promoting business interests of the Adani Group, including through inaction on serious charges of corporate fraud, political corruption, stock-market manipulation and financial mismanagement, illegal coal mine allocations, negotiations with foreign countries for big-ticket projects, etc," the Rajya Sabha MP said in his statement. -- ANI

Former NITI Aayog VC Arvind Panagariya

12:19 Poverty did not increase during Covid: Panagariya

Claims of a spike in poverty and inequality in India during the Covid-19 pandemic are patently false as such claims are based on incomparable different surveys, according to a paper co-authored by eminent economist Arvind Panagariya.

The paper also noted that inequality fell in the country during Covid years, both in rural and urban areas as well as nationally.

Panagariya, Columbia University Professor and former Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog and Vishal More of Intelink Advisors, New Delhi have co-authored a detailed paper 'Poverty and Inequality in India: Before and After Covid-19'.

The paper will be presented at a forthcoming conference on the Indian Economy at Columbia University organised by the Deepak and Neera Raj Center on Indian Economic Policy at Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs.

The paper analyses poverty and inequality before and after the Covid-19 pandemic in India using data on household expenditures reported in the periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) conducted by the National Statistical Office (NSO) of India.

The main findings of the paper say that poverty levels derived from the periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) are not comparable to those derived from Consumer Expenditure Surveys (CESs) conducted in 2011-12 and earlier due to differences in sample design.

"Claims of increase in poverty in 2017-18 based on a comparison of estimates derived from the CES in 2011-12 and the PLFS in 2017-18 or later must be rejected," the paper says.

Sample designs of PLFS and CES are vastly different, it said. The findings also state that on a quarterly basis, rural poverty rose marginally in the strict lockdown quarter (April-June 2020) but fell below the pre-Covid-19 level soon after and continued to decline. On an annual basis, inequality fell during the post-Covid-19 era in both rural and urban areas and in rural and urban areas combined.

Overall, "claims of massive increases in poverty and inequality during Covid-19 are patently false," the paper's findings said. "On an annual basis, poverty continued to fall in rural areas during the Covid year of 2019-20 albeit at a significantly lower rate. Rural poverty saw the same sharp decline in 2020-21 as in the pre-Covid year of 2018-19," it said.

"On the quarterly basis, rural poverty saw a modest rise only during the strict lockdown quarter of April-June 2020," the paper said, adding that these results are consistent with the robust performance of agriculture in 2019-20 and 2020-21.

The paper also notes that urban poverty saw a modest rise on an annual basis in 2020-21. On a quarterly basis as well, it saw only a modest rise though it lasted for four quarters beginning with the strict lockdown quarter of April-June 2020.

"But by April-June 2021 quarter, the decline in urban poverty had resumed. While the rise in urban poverty for four quarters was consistent with the large decline in the production of contact-intensive industries, free distribution of additional 5 kg food grain perhaps helped arrest the sharper decline in urban poverty," it said.

Then lieutenant colonel Israr Rahim Khan at the Golden Temple

12:05 'Khalistan would have been in existence today, but for the army'

As a massive manhunt has been launched to arrest pro-Khalistan radical Amritpal Singh in Punjab, the situation brings back memories of the rise of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, the militant who subsequently moved into the Golden Temple with armed terrorists in December 1983.

The Indian Army launched Operation Blue Star six months later to flush out the terrorists.

"We were in a built-up area that extended from the basement to the 2nd-3rd floor. There were rooms after rooms, alleys after alley -- everything was fortified with weapons," recalls retired Brigadier Israr Rahim Khan, commanding officer, 10 Guards, which was the first to enter the Golden Temple. Read the interview with Archana Masih/Rediff.com here.

The Supreme Court on Monday refused to accept the Centre's sealed cover note about its views on the payment of One Rank One Pension (OROP) arrears to ex-service personnel.

"We need to put an end to this sealed cover practice in the Supreme Court... This is fundamentally contrary to basic process of fair justice," said a bench of Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justices P S Narasimha and J B Pardiwala. "I am personally averse to sealed covers. There has to be transparency in court... This is about implementing orders. What can be secret here," the CJI said.

The bench is currently hearing the Indian Ex-Servicemen Movement's (IESM) plea over payment of OROP dues. The top court, on March 13, came down heavily on the government for "unilaterally" deciding to pay OROP dues in four instalments.

The defence ministry has recently filed an affidavit and a compliance note in the top court, giving the time schedule for payment of the arrears of Rs 28,000 crore to ex-servicemen for years 2019-22. -- PTI

Rajinikanth with his daughter, Aishwarya

11:37 Diamond sets stolen from Rajini's daughter's home

Vetreran actor Rajnikanth's daughter Aishwarya has filed a police complaint at Chennai's Teynampet police station alleging that diamond and gold jewellery had been stolen from her residence.

In her complaint filed on February 27, Aishwarya alleged that "multiple pieces of valuable jewellery of mine which had been in my locker" was stolen. The incident came she said came to light on February 10.

The filmmaker stated that she suspected three of her household staff -- one driver and two maids -- for the theft.

She said that she had kept the jewellery in her locker after using them at her younger sister's wedding in 2019. The locker had been shifted to three places since the wedding. Till August 2021, it was at her St Mary's Road apartment. It was then shifted to her residence in CIT Colony, where she lived with actor Dhanush after marriage. The locker was again moved back to the St Mary's Road apartment in September 2021. On April 9, 2022, it was taken to actor Rajinikanth's Poes Garden residence.

According to Aishwarya, the locker keys were kept in her personal steel cupboard at St Mary's Road apartment, a fact that she said her staff was aware of.

"Recently, when I opened the locker on February 10, I was shocked to find that out of my valuable jewels, only a few valuable jewels were found. Till today, I have been searching for them in the house but could not be found. Kindly note all the valuable jewels were accumulated during the last 18 years, since my marriage," the complaint stated.

Describing the stolen jewels, the complaint stated, "Diamond sets, uncut diamond in temple jewellery, antique gold pieces, Navarathnam sets, antique gold pieces, and full antique uncut diamond with gold set of two neck pieces with matching earrings, Aram, necklace, bangles around 60 sovereign".

The estimated total value of the jewels is Rs 3,60,000, as per the complaint.

"I request you to register a case in this regard and to recover the stolen valuable jewellery and also to take appropriate legal action as deemed fit," Aishwarya stated in her complaint. -- ANI

11:18 Cong: Mamata defames Rahul because...

Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury on Monday alleged that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have a deal to "defame the image of Rahul Gandhi and the Congress."

Speaking to ANI, Chowdhury said, "Mamata Banerjee is speaking on the directions of the PM. PM and 'didi' have a deal to defame the image of Rahul Gandhi and Congress."

"She wants to save herself from ED-CBI raids that's why she is against Congress and with this PM will be happy," he added.

Earlier on Sunday, while addressing party workers at an internal party meeting in Murshidabad district the Trinamool Congress leader had accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of attempting to shift attention from current issues by attempting to portray Congress leader Rahul Gandhi as a "hero" and stalling Parliament proceedings over his comments in the UK.

"BJP is trying to make a hero out of Rahul Gandhi so that no one questions PM Modi," she told party workers. "The BJP is trying to divert attention from the burning issues by stalling the parliament proceedings over Rahul Gandhi recent remarks in the UK," she said. -- ANI

The Maharashtra cabinet has cleared a proposal to set up a cow service commission to strictly implement a 2015 law to ban beef and take measures for the overall betterment of livestock, an official said.

The decision was taken in the state Cabinet meeting held on March 17. The 'Maharashtra Gau Seva Aayog' (Maharashtra Commission for Cow Service) will supervise the rearing of livestock and assess which of them are unproductive and rendered unfit for milking, breeding, and carrying agricultural works etc, said the animal husbandry department official.

The Cabinet has approved funds of Rs 10 crore for setting up the commission and a draft bill for its formation as a statutory body is likely to be placed before the state legislature this week.

According to the official, the state government has estimated that the population of livestock will go up owing to the beef ban. The cow service commission is being formed by the Eknath Shinde-BJP government on the lines of similar bodies set up by other BJP-ruled states such as Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.

"The commission is expected to coordinate with various government agencies to stop non-productive cattle from going to slaughterhouses, which is now illegal under the Maharashtra Animal Preservation (Amendment) Animal Act, 1995, passed in March 2015," the official said. He said the commission will also monitor all gaushalas (cowsheds) formed to shelter stray and unproductive cattle and has the power to provide them financial assistance wherever required.

The commission will be a 24-member body and its chairman will be nominated by the state government. "It comprises 14 senior officers from various government departments including commissioners from animal husbandry, agriculture, transport, and dairy development departments, a deputy inspector general of police, and nine nominated members who are associated with either cow protection organisations or NGOs involved in running gaushalas," said another senior official.

He said the commission will not only execute all the existing schemes for gaushalas in the state but will also introduce new schemes and programmes for the betterment of the livestock.

"The cow commission has also been mandated to take up the cultivation of improved breeds of cattle with the help of gaushalas and launch research schemes to increase local varieties.

"It is expected to take up schemes for generating biogas and power from cow dung and their urine and coordinating with universities and other research institutes that are working in the field of cattle and cattle development among others," the official added. PTI

Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi outside Parliament. File pic

10:35 Oppn meets ahead of 2nd week of Parl session

A meeting of leaders from like-minded opposition parties is underway at the office of LoP Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge in Parliament to chalk out the strategy for the floor of the House on Monday, All India Congress Committee (AICC) informed.

Notably, the proceedings in the two Houses of Parliament were disrupted for the fifth day on Friday as the ruling BJP and opposition parties sought to vociferously raise their issues. The acrimony continued to play out outside the Parliament with leaders from BJP and Congress targeting each other over Rahul Gandhi's remarks and the Adani issue.

After the Lok Sabha met for the day, opposition members came near the Speaker's podium over their demand for a Joint Parliamentary Committee probe into the Hindenburg-Adani row. The BJP members raised the demand for an apology from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his remarks in the United Kingdom, alleging that they had maligned institutions in the country.

Congress alleged that the audio was muted after they raised slogans that Rahul Gandhi should be allowed to respond to allegations of BJP leaders against him.

Congress members alleged that there was no audio for about 20 minutes of the House proceedings.

Government sources said the audio was muted due to a "technical fault".

The Rajya Sabha also witnessed disruptions and was adjourned for the day. The House earlier took up some of the listed business.

The second part of the Budget session began on March 13.BJP leaders continued to mount an attack on Rahul Gandhi outside the Parliament over his remarks during his visit to the United Kingdom.

--ANI.

File pic

10:03 Rahul to address youth rally in Karnataka today

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will be addressing "Yuva Kranti Samavesha", a youth convention, organised by the party's state unit in Belgavi on Monday.

This will be the former AICC President's first visit to poll-bound Karnataka, months after the 'Bharat Jodo Yatra', led by him, marched its way through parts of the State.

AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge, the party's state unit chief D K Shivakumar, Legislature Party leader and Leader of the Opposition Siddaramaiah among several leaders will be taking part in the mega rally organised at the CPED ground in Belgavi, this afternoon.

According to party sources, the Member of Parliament from Wayanad, is likely to announce the Karnataka Congress' fourth poll 'guarantee', which is likely to be focused on the youth, ahead of the Assembly polls, by May.

The Congress has already announced three poll guarantees' 200 units of free power to all households (Gruha Jyoti), Rs 2,000 monthly assistance to the woman head of every family (Gruha Lakshmi), and 10 kg of rice free to every member of a BPL household (Anna Bhagya).

The Congress, which is aiming to come to power with an absolute majority, has set a target of winning at least 150 of the total 224 seats in the Assembly polls. PTI

Samyukta Kisan Morcha leaders Darshan Pal and Hannan Mollah

09:46 Kisan rally in Delhi today; roads to avoid...

Thousands of farmers will gather at Ramlila Maidan here on Monday for the 'Kisan Mahapanchayat' to press for a legal guarantee on the minimum support price amid heightened security.

The Delhi Police has deployed over 2,000 security personnel at the venue. Elaborate security arrangements have been put in place to ensure that the event goes smoothly, the police had said on Sunday.

The police personnel have also been deployed for crowd management and to ensure that no unauthorised person gains entry and disrupts law and order, they said.

According to an advisory by the Delhi Traffic Police, around 15,000-20,000 people are likely to participate in the mahapanchayat. They are expected to start arriving at Ramlila Maidan from Sunday night. The public and motorists have been advised to avoid roads around the Ramlila Maidan, especially JLN Marg from Delhi Gate to Ajmeri Gate Chowk, a traffic police official said.

"The Kisan Mahapanchayat is being held to press for legal guarantee on the minimum support price (MSP)," the Samyukt Kisan Morcha, an umbrella body of farmer unions, said in a statement on Sunday. Lakhs of farmers from various states and Union territories are headed to Delhi to attend the event, it said.

Addressing a press conference in Delhi, Morcha leader Darshan Pal said, "The Centre must fulfil the assurances it gave to us in writing on December 9, 2021, and also take effective steps to mitigate the ever-increasing crisis faced by farmers."

The Morcha spearheaded an over a year-long agitation against the central government's now-repealed farm laws. The Morcha suspended the movement in December 2021 following a government assurance to consider the farmers' pending demands, including the withdrawal of cases lodged against farmers during the agitation and legal guarantee for MSP. The farmers body has also urged the Centre to dissolve the committee on MSP, alleging that it was contrary to their demands. -- PTI

Pic: REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz

09:35 New York Community Bank to buy Signature Bank

New York Community Bank will buy a large part of the failed Signature Bank in a USD 2.7 billion deal. The 40 branches of Signature Bank will become Flagstar Bank, starting today. Flagstar is one of New York Community Bank's subsidiaries. The deal will include the purchase of USD 38.4 billion in Signature Bank's assets, a little more than a third of Signature's total when the bank failed a week ago.

Signature Bank was the second bank to fail in this banking crisis, roughly 48 hours after the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank.

09:07 Security upped at Salman's home after threats

Mumbai Police beefed up security outside actor Salman Khan's residence after he received threats by email. Bandra Police registered a case under sections 506(2),120(b) and 34 of IPC.

Earlier on Saturday, Mumbai Police booked jailed gangsters Lawrence Bishnoi, Goldie Brar and Rohit Garg for allegedly sending threatening emails to actor Salman Khan's office.

The e-mail written in Hindi, said: "Goldy Bhai (Goldy Brar) wanted to talk with Salman Khan face to face to close the matter", adding, "Agli baar, jhatka dekhne ko milega (You'll see something shocking)".

Apart from Bishnoi and Brar, the FIR, which was registered on Saturday, names one Rohit, the official said on Sunday. Bishnoi, currently lodged in the Bathinda jail, and Goldy Brar are accused in the Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala murder case. The complaint was lodged with Bandra Police by one Prashant Gunjalkar, who according to police frequently visits the Bandra-based residence of Khan and runs an artist management company.

When Gunjalkar was present in Khan's office in Galaxy Apartment on Saturday afternoon, he noticed an email had come from the ID "Rohit Garg", the official said quoting the FIR.

The e-mail stated Salman Khan must have seen the interview given recently to a news channel by Lawrence Bishnoi, and if not, he should see it. Addressing Gunjalkar, it said if Khan wants to close the matter, he should talk face-to-face with Goldy bhai, adding "there is still time but agli bar, jhatka dekhne ko milega".

The FIR was registered under sections 120-B (Punishment for criminal conspiracy), 506-II (Punishment for criminal intimidation) and 34 (common intention) under the Indian Penal Code. An interview with Bishnoi was broadcast recently by a private news channel.

Notably, in June 2022, an unidentified person had threatened Salman Khan via a handwritten note. Khan is provided with Y+ category security by the Mumbai police as the actor is perceived to be under threat.

Last year, Salman and his father Salim Khan received a death threat. Salim Khan's security team found the letter outside their Mumbai home near the Bandra Bandstand promenade, where he goes for his routine morning jog.

After the threat letter, Salman submitted an application to the Mumbai Police seeking a weapon licence for his own protection.

In October last year, the Delhi Police made a sensational revelation in the case pertaining to the alleged plot to kill Salman Khan. Police said that the Lawrence Bishnoi gang members tried to befriend the staff of the actor's farmhouse in Mumbai to ascertain the details about the timings of his entry and exit.

08:54 Japan PM in India, may talk China with Modi

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida arrived in New Delhi on Monday morning to explore ways to boost bilateral ties in a range of areas, including defence and security, trade and investment, and high technologies.

In their talks later in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Kishida are also set to discuss priorities for India's presidency of G20 and Japan's presidency of the G7. The Japanese prime minister is expected to unveil his plan for a "free and open Indo-Pacific" with a focus on India's increasingly significant role for the region during the visit.

The evolving situation in the Indo-Pacific in the backdrop of China's rising military assertiveness is also likely to figure in the wide-ranging talks between Modi and Kishida. The Japanese prime minister's visit is expected to last around 27 hours.

He is expected to unveil his 'Free and Open Indo-Pacific Plan for Peace' during a lecture at a leading think-tank in the afternoon.

The plan is expected to highlight India's significance for the Indo-Pacific. Delivering the prestigious Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore in June last year, Kishida said he would lay out the plan for Indo-Pacific next spring.

"I will lay out a 'Free and Open Indo-Pacific Plan for Peace' by next spring which will strengthen Japan's efforts to further promote the vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific, with an emphasis on providing patrol vessels and enhancing maritime law enforcement capabilities, as well as cyber security, digital and green initiatives, and economic security," he had said.

The plan is expected to provide details of Japan's policy and approach towards the Indo-Pacific. In the last few years, almost all leading powers have come out with their strategies for the Indo-Pacific. Japan has been pushing for a free and open Indo-Pacific with a view to maintaining and strengthening the rules-based international order in the region.

08:10 Amritpal Singh's uncle, driver surrender

Radical preacher Amritpal Singh's uncle and driver have surrendered before the police in Jalandhar while the Khalistan sympathiser was still on the run, police said on Monday.

Amritpal's uncle Harjit Singh and driver Harpreet Singh surrendered near a gurdwara in the Mehatpur area in Jalandhar late Sunday night, Jalandhar Senior Superintendent of Police (Rural) Swarandeep Singh said.

The hunt for Amritpal, however, is still on, the SSP said.

The state police has so far arrested 112 supporters of Amritpal. on Sunday, it conducted flag marches and searches across the state in their manhunt for Amritpal.

The day before, the Punjab government launched a major crackdown against Amritpal and his Waris Punjab De, with the police arresting 78 members of the outfit on that day.

The preacher, however, escaped their dragnet somehow after his cavalcade was intercepted in Jalandhar district. -- PTI

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