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Thu, 18 May 2023
Student shoots classmate in Noida varsity, kills self
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23:54 Student shoots classmate in Noida varsity, kills self
A Bachelor of Arts student was shot dead allegedly by her classmate, moments before he killed himself too on a private university campus in Greater Noida on Thursday, the police said.
Both students were aged around 21 years and knew each other well but the cause of the murder-suicide is yet to be ascertained, they said.
The incident took place around 1.30 pm at the Shiv Nadar University in the Dadri police station area of Greater Noida, a police spokesperson said.
"The accused has been identified as Anuj Singh, a third-year sociology (BA) student. On Thursday afternoon, they met outside the dining hall of the university where they were seen talking and hugging," the police said in a statement.
"After the meeting, Singh shot the woman student with a pistol and rushed to his room in the boys' hostel of the university where he shot himself dead," they said.
Deputy commissioner of police (Greater Noida) Saad Miya Khan said the woman was taken to a private hospital, where she was declared brought dead by doctors.
Both the students were good friends but had some disputes of late, he added.
Singh hailed from Amroha district, while the other student was identified as Sneha Chaurasia of Kanpur, he said. -- PTI
VHP leader Sadhvi Prachi
23:45 Sadhvi Prachi booked over communal remarks post 'Kerala Story' screening
An FIR has been registered against Vishva Hindu Parishad leader Sadhvi Prachi for allegedly making communal remarks at a movie hall after the screening of the controversial film The Kerala Story, the police said on Thursday.
The case was registered after a video of her speech surfaced on social media.
"We have booked Sadhvi Prachi and two others over their comments which are likely to disturb communal harmony. The co-ordinator of the event and other office-bearers who organised the programme will also be questioned," Jaipur police commissioner (north) Rashi Dogra Dudi said.
Vidyadhar Nagar circle officer Virendra Kuril said the first information report comes in the wake of a complaint by assistant police sub-inspector Madanlal.
The police said the video is said to be of May 14.
In the footage, the firebrand VHP leader can be heard asking the women audience to be cautious of the minority community and also reminding them of violence and arson during Ram Navami processions across the country. Daughters pay attention, these people are only 32 per cent.
The situation has become such that even Ram Navami processions are not allowed.
If they exceed 40 (per cent), it will be difficult for our daughters to go out.
This is what The Kerala Story is trying to explain, she says in the viral video. -- PTI
23:13 What the Karnataka governors invitation to Sidda says
Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot on Wednesday invited Congress leader Siddaramaiah to form the next government in Karnataka.
The swearing-in of the new government will take place on Saturday at 12.30 pm, at Bengaluru's iconic Kanteerava stadium.
23:00 Tribal leader and former Cong MLA Dhiru Bhil joins BJP
Tribal leader and former Congress MLA Dhiru Bhil joined the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party in Gujarat's Chhota Udepur district on Thursday.
Along with him, several Congress members of district and taluka panchayats also joined the BJP.
State BJP chief CR Paatil welcomed Bhil into the party fold by offering him a saffron scarf and a cap at a function at Kesarpura village in Naswadi tehsil.
Bhil, a four-time MLA, lost to the BJP's Abhesinh Tadvi from Sankheda Assembly seat in the 2022 election.
Paatil was at Kesarpura, Bhil's native village, to inaugurate a model school. Bhil had announced on Wednesday that he was joining the ruling party to ensure development of the region and said he held no grudge against the Congress.
He was advised by his supporters to "join the flow" so as to bring development to the tribal-dominated district, he had said.
It was for the first time that his taluka, and more specifically his village, was getting a model school built at a cost of Rs 22 crore, Bhil had said. -- PTI
22:35 Bribery case: Sameer Wankhede skips CBI quizzing
Former Narcotics Control Bureau officer Sameer Wankhede did not appear for questioning before the Central Bureau of Investigation on Thursday in connection with a case of alleged demand of Rs 25-crore bribe from superstar Shah Rukh Khan, officials said.
It is alleged that Wankhede and others demanded the bribe to not implicate his son Aryan Khan in the 2021 Cordelia cruise ship drug bust case.
The NCB did not name Aryan Khan in its charge sheet in the case because of lack of evidence against him.
Wankhede had offered to appear before the agency on Thursday after an FIR was registered against him and four others for allegedly trying to extort the bribe from Shah Rukh Khan on the basis of a NCB inquiry referred to it by the home ministry, sources said.
They said Wankhede did not appear for questioning on Thursday and the Central Bureau of Investigation will decide on the future course of action.
The officials said a special enquiry team of the NCB had red-flagged several lapses and irregularities in the operation on the cruise ship conducted under the "monitoring" of Wankhede. -- PTI
Pic: Phurba Tenjing Sherpa/Reuters
22:24 4 Indians scale Mt Everest
At least four Indian mountaineers successfully scaled Mt. Everest on Wednesday, the organisers said on Thursday.
Yashi Jain, 25, Mithil Raju, 17, Sunil Kumar, 32 and Pankhi Haris Chhed, 32, reached the 8,848.86 metres-high peak, according to Rishi Bhandari, managing director of Satori Adventure, which organised the expedition.
Among them, Sunil and Yashi also successfully climbed Lhotse, the fourth-highest peak on Thursday, according to Bhandari.
Sunil scaled Lhotse 23 hours after he scaled Mt Everest, the world's highest.
Similarly, Yashi climbed Lhotse after over 26 hours after she successfully scaled Everest.
Lhotse is the fourth tallest peak in the world with a height of 8,516 metres.
Nineteen mountaineers, including five foreigners, reached the summit of the world's highest peak this weekend.
Sherpa guides will fix ropes and make the paths for the hundreds of climbers who will attempt to scale the peak over the next few weeks.
On Sunday, five foreigners climbed the summit of Mount Everest.
Nepal has issued a record 466 permits to climb Mount Everest this spring, officials said.
Nepal is home to eight of the world's 10 highest peaks.
Representational image
22:00 Ex-cricketer arrested for illegal phone exchange
A former cricketer who represented Jharkhand in the Ranji Trophy is among three people arrested by the Uttar Pradesh police as it busted an illegal telephone exchange operating in Noida, officials said on Thursday.
Located in Sector 132 of the city, the telephone exchange was used to illegally connect international calls to Indian numbers using VOIP-based bypass, they said.
"The UP Special Task Force had been receiving inputs about an illegal telephone exchange which was being operated from Noida. During investigation, the police traced the server of this exchange and tracked it down at a location in Sector 132 here," Additional Superintendent of Police (STF) Raj Kumar Mishra said.
"Officials of the Department of Telecommunications and Tata Tele Services were also roped in for the verification after which three accused were also arrested from the Sify Data Centre in Block B of Sector 132," Mishra said.
Those arrested have been identified as gang's mastermind Ashutosh Bora, Abhishek Shrivastava and Mohammad Shoib, the investigation agency said.
"During questioning, Bora (35) told officials that he is a BA graduate and a former cricketer who has represented Jharkhand in Ranji Trophy in under 19 and under 23 categories of the tournament," Mishra said.
"Bora said his cricket career did not flourish and he got engaged in cheating and thuggery. He also revealed that he cheated young players on the pretext of getting them to play in the Ranji Trophy and the Indian Premier League (IPL)," the officer said.
Bora has previously been booked by the Mumbai Police and the Haryana police for cheating and forgery in 2021, he said.
A fresh FIR has been lodged against him in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, he added.
Congress delegation, including CM-designate Siddaramaiah and deputy CM-designate DK Shivakumar, meets Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot at Raj Bhavan/ANI
21:39 Sidda to be sworn-in at Kanteerava stadium on Sun
Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot has invited CM-designate Siddaramaiah and deputy CM-designate DK Shivakumar to take oath along with team members.
The oath ceremony will take place at 12.30 pm on May 20 (Sunday) in Kanteerava Stadium, in Bengaluru.
Details soon.
File image
21:29 Ganeshotsav: Mumbai civic body bans domestic Ganpati idols made of PoP
Mumbai's civic body on Thursday banned domestic Ganpati idols made of Plaster of Paris and said such idols with a height of up to four feet must be made of 'shadu' (fine, dry clay) soil and eco-friendly materials.
The decision, which was taken during a meeting chaired by municipal commissioner IS Chahal, was aimed at promoting environmentally friendly Ganeshotsav celebrations this year, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation said in a release.
"As part of the initiative, Chahal has instructed civic officials to provide free space in each ward for the production of eco-friendly Ganpati idols. To encourage idol makers to adopt eco-friendly practices, he has directed officials to offer a free supply of Shadu soil on trial basis," the release informed.
The civic body has also announced a waiver of fees and deposits for erecting Ganpati pandals.
The BMC had last year given permission as a special case to buy and sell PoP Ganpati idols but had said at the time that such idols would be completely banned from next year (2023).
In 2022, the BMC had made it mandatory for all such PoP idols to be immersed only in artificial lakes. -- PTI
21:18 Siddaramaiah meets Guv, stakes claim to form govt
Just in: Congress leader and CM-designate Siddaramaiah met Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot at the Raj Bhavan in Bengaluru on Thursday night, and staked claim to form government.
A meeting of the Congress Legislature Party on Thursday formally elected Siddaramaiah as its leader and Chief Minister of Karnataka.
Siddaramaiah
20:55 Siddaramaiah formally elected CLP leader
A meeting of the Congress Legislature Party on Thursday formally elected Siddaramaiah as its leader and Chief Minister of Karnataka.
Ending days of suspense, the Congress central leadership earlier on Thursday announced that Siddaramaiah would be the chief minister, while state party chief D K Shivakumar would be his only deputy in the soon-to-formed cabinet.
The meeting of newly-elected Congress MLAs, MLCs and MPs, which took place at Indira Gandhi Bhavan in Bengaluru was also attended by AICC general secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala and two other central observers, namely former Maharashtra Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde and AICC general secretary Jitendra Singh.
According to Surjewala, Shivakumar moved a resolution to elect Siddaramaiah as the new leader of the Congress Legislature Party in Karnataka.
All the members of CLP endorsed it unanimously.
Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar, who were in a tight race for the top post, will take oath on May 20 at 12.30 pm along with a group of ministers-designate.
The CLP had earlier met on May 14, a day after the announcement of the poll results, during which a one-line resolution was passed authorising AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge to decide on the new Chief Minister.
The three central observers who had come that day had also gathered opinions of the MLAs, which they shared with Kharge. -- PTI
20:35 Tiger Zakhmi Hai, says Salman Khan after sustaining shoulder injury
Superstar Salman Khan on Thursday said he has suffered an injury in his shoulder.
In a tweet, Salman hinted he was hurt on the set of his much-awaited film Tiger 3.
"Wen u think u r carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders, he says duniya ko chodo paanch kilo ka dumbbell utha ke dikhao (Let the world be, try lifting a 5 kg dumbbell). Tiger Zakhmi Hai (Tiger is injured). #Tiger3 (sic)" the 57-year-old actor wrote on the microblogging site.
In his post, Salman also shared a picture of his back with a pain-relieving patch on his left shoulder.
Tiger 3, backed by Yash Raj Films, will see the star return as the titular Indian spy alongside Katrina Kaif's Zoya, a Pakistani spy and his wife.
Directed by Maneesh Sharma, the action thriller will hit the screens in November.
Salman was last seen in Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan, a family entertainer produced by Salman Khan Films. -- PTI
Congress Legislature Party meeting begins in Bengaluru/ANI
20:33 CLP meet to elect Siddaramaiah as leader begins
A meeting of the Congress Legislature Party began in Bengaluru on Thursday to formally elect Siddaramaiah as its leader and next Chief Minister.
Ending days of suspense, the Congress central leadership earlier on Thursday announced that Siddaramaiah would the chief minister, while state party president D K Shivakumar would be his only deputy in the soon-to-formed cabinet.
The meeting of newly-elected Congress MLAs, MLCs and MPs is taking place at Indira Gandhi Bhavan.
The two leaders who were in a tight race for the top post would take oath along with a group of ministers-designate on May 20.
The CLP had earlier met on May 14, a day after the announcement of poll results, during which a one-line resolution was passed, authorising AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge to decide on the new Chief Minister.
Three central observers who had come that day had also gathered the opinions of the MLAs, which they shared with Kharge. -- PTI
20:04 Siddaramaiah, Shivakumar at Cong office in Bengaluru for CLP meeting
Just in: Karnataka CM-designate Siddaramaiah and deputy CM-designate DK Shivakumar reached the Congress office in Bengaluru for Congress Legislative Party meeting.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee
19:59 Mamata likely to skip Siddaramaiah swearing-in, send representative
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who was invited to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Congress leader Siddaramaiah as the Karnataka CM, is likely to skip the event, a top source at the state secretariat said on Thursday.
A representative of Banerjee will, however, be attending the programme, he added.
"The CM is likely to skip the swearing-in-ceremony. She may be assigning someone to represent the state there," the bureaucrat told PTI.
Banerjee has received an invitation from Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge to participate in the swearing-in ceremony on May 20 in Bengaluru.
The Trinamool Congress supremo's presence at the swearing-in programme of Siddaramaiah is considered crucial for opposition unity, especially after her recent statement that in next year's Lok Sabha elections, her party will support the Congress where it is strong.
"Wherever the Congress is strong, let them fight. We will give them support, there is nothing wrong (in that). But they have to support other political parties also," Banerjee has said.
Her statement came soon after Congress scored an emphatic victory over the BJP in the southern state.
In the May 10 elections to the 224-member Karnataka assembly, the Congress scored an emphatic victory by bagging 135 seats, while the ruling BJP secured 66 seats.
The Congress on Thursday announced Siddaramaiah as the next chief minister of Karnataka and state party president D K Shivakumar as his only deputy in the soon-to-formed cabinet.
The two leaders, who were in a tight race for the top post, would take oath along with other ministers on May 20. -- PTI
19:50 Parameshwara, other Cong MLAs reach party office in Bengaluru for CLP meet
Just in: Former Karnataka deputy chief minister G Parameshwara and other Congress MLAs reached the party office in Bengaluru for Congress Legislative Party meeting on Thursday.
The Congress on Thursday announced Siddaramaiah as the next chief minister of Karnataka and D K Shivakumar as his only deputy in the soon-to-formed cabinet ending days of suspense after the party won the May 10 assembly election in the state.
19:27 Siddaramaiah, Shivakumar reach Bengaluru from Delhi
Karnataka chief minister-designate Siddaramaiah and his deputy CM-designate DK Shivakumar have reached their Bengaluru homes from Delhi on Thursday evening.
Ending days of suspense, the Congress on Thursday announced Siddaramaiah as the next chief minister of Karnataka and D K Shivakumar as his only deputy in the soon-to-formed cabinet.
File image/Boeing
19:17 Indian Navy deploys P8I aircraft for search op as Chinese fishing vessel sinks
The Indian Navy deployed a P-8I maritime patrol aircraft to help in the search and rescue of a Chinese fishing vessel with 39 crew members onboard that sank in the Indian Ocean.
The P8I aircraft carried out multiple and extensive searches on Wednesday despite adverse weather and located multiple objects possibly belonging to the sunken vessel, the Navy said.
In a swift humanitarian action on May 17, Indian Navy deployed its air maritime reconnaissance assets in the Southern Indian Ocean Region approximately 900 nautical miles from India, in response to sinking of the Chinese fishing vessel Lu Peng Yuan Yu 028, it said.
The crew includes nationals from China, Indonesia and Philippines.
"In a display of India's obligations as a credible and responsible partner for ensuring safety at sea, the Indian Navy units also coordinated search and rescue efforts with other units in the area and guided the PLA Navy warships transiting to the scene of incident," it said. -- PTI
Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge meets party leaders Siddaramaiah (right) and DK Shivakumar (left)
19:08 Sidda-DKS swearing-in to showcase Oppn CMs
The Karnataka Congress has extended invitations to Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra to attend the swearing-in of the Siddaramaiah-D K Shivakumar government on Sunday.
Others who have been invited are Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel, Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot, Himachal Pradesh's Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren, Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin, Telangana CM K Chandrashekar Rao, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav, NCP chief Sharad Pawar, former Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray, Bihar Deputy CM Tejashwi Yadav, NC chief Farooq Abdullah and Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik.
18:44 India in touch with US over Rana extradition
India is in regular touch with the US authorities for a speedy and early extradition of Tahawwur Rana, foreign secretary Vinay Kwatra said on Thursday against the backdrop of a US court approving extradition of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks accused.
In a major victory for India's fight in bringing perpetrators of the 26/11 attacks to justice, US magistrate Judge Jacqueline Chooljian of the US district court of the central district of California issued a 48-page order on May 16, saying Rana should be extradited to India.
"Insofar as the question of Tahawwur Rana is concerned, we are in very regular touch with the US authorities to ensure that there is speedy and early extradition of Tahawwur Rana. We have all seen the judgement which was given by the local US court there. That conversation of ours with the US side is continuing," Kwatra said.
He was replying to a question at a media briefing on whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi will take up the issue of Rana's extradition to India if there is a bilateral meeting between him and US President Joe Biden on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Hiroshima.
Kwatra did not confirm a bilateral meeting between Modi and Biden. -- PTI
File image
18:36 Haryana police block over 20,000 mobile numbers issued on fake documents
The Haryana police blocked 20,545 mobile numbers issued on fake and forged documents, officials said on Thursday.
Most of the blocked SIM cards were issued in Andhra Pradesh, followed by West Bengal and Delhi, among others, a police spokesperson said.
A total of 34,000 mobile numbers involved in cyber fraud operating across the state including 40 hotspot villages of Nuh district had been identified and reported on the designated portal.
"The remaining about 14,000 mobile numbers involved in cyber frauds will also be blocked soon through the department of telecom, government of India," he said in an official statement.
He said the state crime branch is currently monitoring all mobile numbers involved in cybercrime and is taking reports from the districts in this regard on a daily basis.
Recently, 102 teams consisting of 5,000 personnel of the Haryana police raided 14 cybercrime hotspots villages in Nuh district.
"The maximum number of mobile numbers involved in cybercrimes have been issued from Andhra Pradesh and they are being operated in the state to commit cybercrimes," he said. -- PTI
18:13 Man kills parents, grandmother, burns their bodies in Chhattisgarh; held
A 24-year-old man allegedly killed his parents and grandmother and burnt their bodies in Chhattisgarh's Mahasamund district, the police said on Thursday.
Accused Udit Bhoi (24), who was held on Wednesday, is a drug addict and allegedly carried out the killings after being refused money by his father, an official said.
"The incident took place last week in Putka village under Singhoda police station limits. On May 12, Udit had lodged a complaint claiming his father Prabhat Bhoi (53), mother Jharna (47) and grandmother Sulochana (75) had gone missing after going to Raipur on May 8 for medical purposes," Mahasamund superintendent of police Dharmendra Singh said.
"During our probe, some residents informed us Udit had purchased a bed, almirah, air conditioner, mobile phone and other materials after his family members went missing. He had asked some villagers about the procedure of getting a job on compassionate grounds. All this raised suspicion," Singh said.
Udit's younger brother, who is an MMBS student in a college in Raipur, reached Putka and found ashes in the vegetable garden in the house's backyard as well as blood stains on the walls and bone fragments, after which he called the police, the official said.
"The accused initially tried to mislead the probe but then confessed that he used to be scolded often by his parents for his addiction and other undesirable habits. On May 7, he had an argument with his father over money," the SP said. -- PTI
17:37 Siddaramaiah to stake claim to form govt today
After the announcement of the chief ministerial face for Karnataka, Congress leader Siddaramaiah on Thursday spoke to Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot over the phone and will stake claim to form the government on Thursday evening, sources said.
The Raj Bhavan sources said the swearing-in ceremony will take place on May 20 at 12.30 pm in Bengaluru, for which Congress MLA G Parameshwara went to Raj Bhavan as a representative of the party and met the Governor.
"Karnataka CM-designate Siddaramaiah spoke with Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot over the phone. Siddaramaiah wished him on his birthday and discussed the date for the swearing-in ceremony. The ceremony will be held on May 20 at 12.30 pm. Siddaramaiah today evening will stake the claim to form the government," sources said.
"Congress MLA G Parameshwara went to Raj Bhavan as a representative of the Congress Party and met Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot and gave information about the formation of the government by the Congress Party which has won victory in 135 seats in the 2023 elections," they added.
Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar, who were camping in the national capital for days after winning the Karnataka Assembly polls, left for Bengaluru this afternoon.
A Congress Legislative Party meeting will be held in Bengaluru on Thursday at 7 pm. -- ANI
17:30 Medicines worth Rs 8 crore destroyed in Kerala drug warehouse fire
Kerala Health Minister Veena George on Thursday said medicines and materials, worth around Rs 8 crore, were destroyed during a fire that gutted a warehouse of the state-run Kerala Medical Services Corporation Limited in Kollam district on Wednesday night.
The district drug warehouse of KMSCL in Kollam was engulfed in fire on Wednesday night.
It was a major supply source for medicines at state-run hospitals and PHCs in the district.
There were no casualties in the incident.
"The total loss due to the fire is estimated at Rs 8 crore. But the corporation need not suffer this much loss as the medicines are insured," she said.
A comprehensive probe would be conducted into the reasons that led to the massive fire, she told reporters in Thiruvananthapuram.
A scientific investigation report at various levels should be carried out to know how the blaze started, George said. -- PTI
Pic: Hitesh Harisinghani
17:05 Juhu beach gets a facelift for G20
Preparations begin at Mumbai's famous Juhu beach to welcome G20 delegates. Trees are being painted, the beach cleaned and spruced up for the arrival of around 250 delegates to the city between May 23 and 25th. They will also visit the stunning BMC heritage building at CST, where meetings will be held and they will feast on local Maharashtrian food.
16:56 Sebi issues Rs 5.35-cr demand notice to Mehul Choksi
Sebi on Thursday sent a notice to fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi asking him to pay Rs 5.35 crore in a case pertaining to fraudulent trading in the shares of Gitanjali Gems Ltd and warned of arrest and attachment of assets as well as bank accounts if he fails to make the payment within 15 days.
The demand notice came after Choksi failed to pay a fine imposed on him by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi). Choksi, who was the chairman and managing director as well as part of promoter group of Gitanjali Gems, is the maternal uncle of Nirav Modi.
Both of whom are facing charges of defrauding state-owned Punjab National Bank (PNB) of more than Rs 14,000 crore. Both Choksi and Modi fled India after the PNB scam came to light in early 2018.
While Choksi is said to be in Antigua and Barbuda, Modi is lodged in a British jail and has challenged India's extradition request.
16:47 Shivakumar: Why should I be upset?
Congress leader DK Shivakumar, who was announced to be sworn in as the Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka, on Thursday said that there was nothing to be upset about and there is a "long way to go".
"When people have given such a big mandate, we should definitely be happy and deliver and fulfil the promises. That is our main motto and agenda.
"Why should I be upset? There is a long way to go," he said. Earlier in the day he said, everything is well in the party and everyone will work together after the Congress decided on the posts after hectic deliberations following the party's emphatic win in the recent assembly elections in the State.
16:30 15 days since Manipur violence but PM mum: Cong
The Congress on Thursday hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his silence on the Manipur violence even 15 days after it erupted.
Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said while every activity in Manipur has been affected and internet banned, Union Home Minister Amit Shah or any other cabinet minister is yet to visit the violence-hit northeastern state.
"15 days since the horrific violence erupted in Manipur and internet was banned. Yesterday, the ban was extended for another 5 days. "Banking, e-commerce, payments of e-bills, e-tickets, businesses, work from home, education, and many other essential services have come to a grinding halt," he said on Twitter.
"Meanwhile, Not a single word issued by Prime Minister appealing for peace. Not a single visit by the Union Home Minister or any other Cabinet Minister to the state," Ramesh said.
Clashes broke out in Manipur after a 'Tribal Solidarity March' in all its 10 districts on May 3 to protest against the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.
The violence was preceded by tension over the eviction of Kuki villagers from reserve forest land, which had led to a series of smaller agitations. Meiteis account for about 53 per cent of Manipur's population and live mostly in the Imphal Valley.
Tribals -- Nagas and Kukis -- constitute another 40 per cent of the population and reside in the hill districts. The ethnic clashes claimed more than 70 lives and some 10,000 army and paramilitary personnel had to be deployed to bring back normalcy in the northeastern state. PTI
16:07 SP Baghel moved to health ministry
Professor SP Singh Baghel, Minister of State will take over as Minister of State in the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in place of Minister of State in the Ministry of Law and Justice.
16:03 Tata's Chandrasekaran gets France's highest civilian award
Tata Group Chairman N Chandrasekaran has been given France's highest civilian award Chevalier de la Legion d'honneur for his contributions to strengthen the trade relationship between India and France. French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Catherine Colonna gave the award to Chandrasekaran on behalf of the French President on Tuesday evening.
15:59 How Congress broke the logjam over K'taka CM
Several top Congress leaders from party chief Mallikarjun Kharge to former party chiefs Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi were involved in hectic parleys with Siddaramaiah and D K Shivakumar which finally helped to break the logjam over the top post in Karnataka.
Ever since the Karnataka Assembly results were declared on May 13, both the leaders started garnering support of MLAs close to them while mustering support for themselves.
The supporters of both, meanwhile, started building up the momentum in support of their respective leader and a poster war erupted.
As the race for the top post heated up, Kharge appointed three observers -- Sushilkumar Shinde, Jitendra Singh and Deepak Babaria -- and the first meeting of the Congress Legislature Party was convened on May 14. Supporters of both the leaders continued to raise the pitch by raising slogans in support of their leaders outside the CLP meeting venue.
All Congress MLAs authorised the party chief to appoint a leader of the Congress Legislature Party (CLP), who would also be the new chief minister. Keeping the consultation process alive, the newly-elected MLAs had authorised Kharge to appoint the new CLP leader, after which the scene shifted from Bengaluru to Delhi.
The observers also held one-on-one consultations with all MLAs and sought a secret ballot from all of them, the results of which were tabulated and shared with party chief the next day.
In the national capital, the three observers along with party general secretary (organisation) K C Venugopal and AICC general secretary in-charge Randeep Surjewala arrived and held a meeting with Kharge.
With Siddaramaiah emerging as the frontrunner in the race and after the report of observers, the party leadership asked him and Shivakumar to arrive in Delhi for further consultations. While Siddaramaih arrived on Monday evening, Shivakumar cancelled the meeting citing health issues.
This complicated the situation for the party as it hardened its stand against Shivakumar, who arrived the next day. Tuesday saw the entry of Rahul Gandhi in the consultation process, who drove down to Kharge's residence and held a meeting on the Karnataka government formation for over an hour-and-a-half.
A series of fresh consultations started once again with Kharge meeting both of them separately, as also with the two general secretaries on Tuesday.
The final round of talks started on Wednesday when both the leaders met Rahul Gandhi at his residence. In the meantime, Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah also spoke to Sonia Gandhi, who was away in Shimla on a vacation. Sonia also asked Shivakumar to speak to Kharge and Rahul to sort out the matter, sources said.
The hectic parleys continued from Monday and went on till the wee hours of Thursday to break the deadlock in deciding on the Congress' chief ministerial pick in Karnataka as both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar presenting their cases before the top brass.
The leadership issue in Karnataka lingered as Shivakumar had dug his heels in and asserted that he be made the chief minister as the party staged a stunning victory in the southern state under his presidency.
Sources said after Rahul Gandhi told both the leaders to sit together and work out a solution with Kharge, it was the party chief who told Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar to hold talks with Venugopal and Surjewala, and sort out the differences and agree to Siddaramaiah as chief minister, whose leadership abilities and mass support helped him clinch the top post.
The decision, sources said, was chalked out in the wee hours of Thursday when all parties agreed to accommodate confidantes of both the leaders and asked Shivakumar to continue on the post of state Congress chief till the next year's Parliamentary elections.
To maintain his number 2 position in the Karnataka government, Shivakumar was made the only deputy chief minister. The chief minister and his deputy along with over 20 ministers in the cabinet would take oath on May 20 in Bengaluru, where leaders of several political parties would also be invited.
15:55 Want to visit Rashtrapati Bhavan? Here's how
Rashtrapati Bhavan will be open for public viewing for six days in a week from June 1, 2023. The tour of Rashtrapati Bhavan will be available from Tuesday to Sunday (except on gazetted holidays) in seven time slots between 09:30 am and 4:30 pm. Rashtrapati Bhavan Museum Complex is also open for visitors from Tuesday to Sunday (except on gazetted holidays). People can witness the Change of Guard Ceremony at Forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan every Saturday between 8 am and 9 am. Visitors can book their slots online at the website http://rashtrapatisachivalaya.gov.in/rbtour.
15:50 Flying out of Mumbai? Drop into IKAI
Mumbai International Airport launched IKAI Maharashtra, a unique outlet that promotes the authentic flavours and ingredients from the state of Maharashtra. The core of IKAI Maharashtra lies around a commitment to crafting original and innovative sweet and savoury offerings that showcase the best ingredients the state has to offer.
15:45 SC wants disclaimer on conversions in Kerala Story
Update: The West Bengal government's ban on the movie 'The Kerala Story' was paused by the Supreme Court on Thursday, which said statutory provisions cannot be used to "put a premium on public intolerance".
A bench headed by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud said it is the duty of the state government to maintain law and order as the film has been granted certification by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).
"Bad films bomb at the box office," the bench said.
The legal provision cannot be used to put a premium on public intolerance. Otherwise, all films will find themselves in this spot," the bench, also comprising justices PS Narasimha and JB Pardiwala, said during the hearing.
The court said asks 'The Kerala Story' producer to put disclaimer by 5 pm on May 20 in film on allegations of conversion of 32,000 women to Islam.
The states cannot sit in appeal over the grant of certification to the movie, said senior advocate Harish Salve appearing for the producer of the movie.
Salve said nobody has filed any statutory appeal against the grant of certification to the film and referred judgements to buttress his submissions that it was held that the Supreme Court cannot sit in appeal over the CBFC certification.
The SC says it would like to watch the film before proceeding to decide pleas challenging grant of certification. It will hear in second week of July pleas challenging grant of CBFC certification.
The court also takes on record the assurance of Tamil Nadu that there is no direct or indirect ban on the film. It directed adequate security should be provided in every cinema hall and requisite arrangements shall be made to ensure the safety of moviegoers.
15:35 Creeping military rule?
"The battle lines had long been drawn. Now the fight has reached a critical stage. The May 9 attacks on military installations in some cities seem to be a turning point. Enraged PTI supporters directly took on the security establishment. Former prime minister Imran Khan has lashed out at the army chief, thus crossing the Rubicon.
Now the empire has struck back. Thousands of PTI leaders and supporters have been arrested in a countrywide crackdown. Some of them could face trial under the Army Act. The creeping shadow of army rule is becoming more pronounced." Read the column here.
15:25 SC pauses WB govt order banning Kerala Story
Supreme Court pauses West Bengal government order banning 'The Kerala Story'. Details in a bit.
15:07 Minor girl gang-raped in moving car in Assam
A 13-year girl was allegedly raped by four youths in a moving car in Assam's Kokrajhar district of Assam, police said on Thursday. The incident took place on Tuesday evening when the four youths forcibly took the girl inside a vehicle and raped her while driving it on National Highway 31C, a senior police officer said. All the four accused have been arrested, the officer said.
"The area falls near Dotma town. After getting information, police launched a manhunt and nabbed all the four culprits on Wednesday evening," he added.
A case has been registered at Dotma Police Station under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 (POCSO). "The accused have been produced before a court in Kokrajhar and they have been sent for three days of police remand," the officer said. PTI
14:51 Siddaramaiah heads to Bangalore for CLP meet
Karnataka CM-designate Siddaramaiah, along with other leaders of the party including MB Patil, arrive at the Delhi airport as they leave for Bengaluru. The Congress Legislative Party meeting has been called in Bengaluru today at 7pm.
After the announcement of their names as the new chief minister and deputy chief minister of Karnataka respectively on Thursday, Siddaramaiah and D K Shivakumar have both expressed their commitment to work unitedly for the welfare of the people of the state.
After being named the Karnataka Deputy CM-designate DK Shivakumar said, "When people have given such a big mandate, we should definitely be happy and deliver and fulfill the promises. That is our main motto, agenda. Why should I be upset? There is a long way to go."
14:45 Tahawwur Rana should hang: 26/11 survivor
A 24-year-old woman who was injured in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks on Thursday welcomed a US court's approval for the extradition of accused Tahawwur Rana to India, but said she will be happier if he is hanged to death or given a strict punishment.
Devika Natwarlal, who claimed to be youngest eyewitness to the attack in November 2008 when she was just nine years' old, said bringing Rana to India and keeping him in jail will not serve any purpose and more information should be gathered from him (about the terror attack).
Natwarlal said she was shot in the right leg and many people were killed in front of her at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) during the attack. Rana is currently in the federal lockup in Los Angeles.
As many as 166 people, including six Americans, were killed during the attacks by the Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists in November 2008. In a significant legal victory for India, a US court in California has approved the extradition of Rana to India where he is sought for his involvement in the horrific 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.
US Magistrate Judge Jacqueline Chooljian of the District Court of the Central District of California released a 48-page order on Wednesday, saying 62-year-old Rana "should be extradited to India" under the extradition treaty between India and the United States.
Recalling the incident, Natwarlal said, "I was shot in the terror attack. Many people were killed in front of me. I have come to know that Rana will be brought to India. I am happy, but I'll be happier only if he is hanged to death or strict action is taken against him."
Bringing him here and keeping him in jail will not do anything, she said, adding that information (pertaining to the terror attack) should come out from him. "He (Rana) knew the attack was going to happen and people would be shot...ten terrorists come to our city and open fire," she said.
14:38 Gyanvapi: SC agrees to hear plea of Muslim side on Shivling age
The Supreme Court agreed to hear on Friday a plea challenging the Allahabad High Court order of conducting a scientific survey, including carbon dating, to determine the age of a Shivling' which was said to have been found at the Gyanvapi mosque complex in Varanasi. \
A bench comprising Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and justices P S Narasimha and J B Pardiwala took note of the submissions of senior advocate Huzefa Ahmadi, appearing for the Gyanvapi mosque management committee, and agreed to list the plea for hearing on Friday.
The Allahabad High Court has passed an order pending the appeal, the senior lawyer said. The high court, on May 12, ordered determination of the age of the structure claimed to be a Shivling in the mosque in Varanasi using modern technology. It set aside an October 14 order of the Varanasi District Court that rejected a plea for scientific investigation, including carbon dating, of the structure found in May 2022 during a court-mandated survey of the Gyanvapi mosque located next to the Kashi Vishwanath temple.
14:26 Meghwal assumes charge as law minister
Bureaucrat-turned-politician Arjun Ram Meghwal on Thursday assumed charge as the minister of law and justice, succeeding Kiren Rijiju, who was removed from the high-profile ministry in a surprise development.
Rijiju has been given the earth sciences ministry.
A three-term Lok Sabha member from Bikaner, Meghwal is only the third person to hold the law and justice portfolio as a minister of state with Independent Charge.
The appointment of Meghwal, who is also the minister of state for parliamentary affairs and culture, comes ahead of the Rajasthan assembly election slated for later this year.
"My topmost priority will be to ensure speedy justice to all," Meghwal told reporters after assuming charge.
He also said there was no confrontation between the government and the judiciary.
Rijiju met Meghwal and extended best wishes on the new responsibility.
In a surprise move on Thursday, Rijiju was divested of the Law and Justice portfolio, which was handed over to Meghwal.
Rijiju was given the earth sciences ministry, which was earlier held by Jitendra Singh.
In 1996, Ramakant Khalap, a Lok Sabha member of the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party, helmed the Law Ministry in the rank of Minister of State (independent charge) under Prime Minister Inder Kumar Gujral.
Later, Arun Jaitley held the portfolio in the same rank for nearly two years from 2000-02 under Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
He had a brief stint in the Bharatiya Janata Party as general secretary and national spokesman, before rejoining the government in the Cabinet rank in January 2003. -- PTI
13:27 Shifting Rijiju out of law ministry victory of judiciary system: Raut
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Thursday claimed the central government has taken note of the judiciary's "resentment" to Kiren Rijiju and hence he has been moved out of the Union law ministry.
This is a victory of the judicial system, the Rajya Sabha member told reporters. In a sudden development, Rijiju was moved out of the law ministry and replaced by Arjun Ram Meghwal on Thursday. Rijiju was named as law minister on July 7, 2021.
As law minister, Rijiju had been the most vocal in the government in criticising the collegium system of appointing Supreme Court and high court judges and described it as being "alien" to the Constitution. His recent remarks on some retired judges being part of an anti-India gang had evoked strong reactions.
He had claimed that a few retired judges and some activists who are part of the "anti-India gang" were trying to make the Indian judiciary play the role of opposition party.
13:19 Rahul, Kharge said we must work together: DKS
Voices:
DK Shivakumar, Karnataka Deputy CM-designate: "Everything is well and will be well. Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge said that we all have to work together and we accepted it."
Congress General Secretary-Organisation KC Venugopal: "We will work unitedly' - speaks about the success Congress's election campaign in Karnataka which led to the party's electoral victory in the state."
Randeep Singh Surjewala, AICC in-charge of Karnataka: "Our only formula is the service of people. Whoever wants to serve the people can do so, as much as they want. All our allies will be invited (to the oath-taking ceremony). This is not a celebration but Congress's dedication to democracy...those who want to fight for democracy and save the Constitution, can attend the event..."
12:41 Cong makes it official: Sidda CM, DKS only Dy CM
The Congress party makes its official announcement on the Karnataka CM post. "Ours is a democratic party, we believe in consensus, not dictatorship," says Congress General Secretary Venugopal on Karnataka CM selection. "We have decided on Siddaramiah as CM of Karnataka; D K Shivakumar will be the only Deputy CM. Shivakumar to continue as party's Karnataka state president till Parliamentary elections. Newly elected MLAs' meeting this evening in Bengaluru to formally elect new Karnataka CM; Swearing-in ceremony on May 20."
Asked about the much-talked-about power-sharing formula between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar, Venugopal said the only power-sharing formula is to share the power with the people of Karnataka.
Earlier Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress President, shared this picture alongside tweeting, "Team Congress is committed to usher progress, welfare and social justice for the people of Karnataka.
We will implement the 5 guarantees promised to 6.5 Cr Kannadigas."
@INC tweeted this image writing, 'Wah... Kya scene hai'
12:22 Only JPC probe will reveal truth of Modani scam: Cong
The Congress on Thursday said only a Joint Parliamentary Committee probe into the Adani issue will reveal "the full truth of the Modani scam". Senior leader Jairam Ramesh, in a tweet, cited a news report that has alleged a "cover up".
The Congress has been alleging that the money of LIC policyholders has been invested in the Adani Group. It has also claimed that LIC share prices have declined drastically since the Hindenburg Research report, which alleged stock price manipulation by the Adani Group, came out.
The Adani Group has denied the allegations. Sharing the link to a news report on Twitter, Ramesh said it is an "expose of the anatomy of a Modani cover-up".
Citing the report, he said, "Hire a tiny accounting firm to audit gigantic companies. Get auditors to make identical 'qualified opinions', the minimum needed to comply with the law, without saying why or how it affects investors. "Claim an 'independent review' has been done by an unnamed law firm but without disclosing any details. Avoid a forensic audit at all costs that could expose what actually happened. No one is any wiser as to how you used related-party transactions to launder money and inflate earnings. This is why we need a JPC. Everything will be investigated, the full truth of the Modani scam will be revealed," Ramesh added.
The Congress has been demanding a Joint Parliamentary Committee probe into the Adani issue and even stalled proceedings in both Houses of Parliament during the Budget Session. On Wednesday, Ramesh had expressed concern over the 35 per cent decline in the market capitalisation of LIC and blamed "Modani" for the steep decline.
12:16 Sidda, DKS hold idli-vada-dosa power b'fast meet
Karnataka Congress leaders Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar along with the party's state in-charge Randeep Surjewala held a breakfast meeting with the party's general secretary-organisation KC Venugopal earlier today.
Arrangements are afoot at the Kanteerava stadium in the city where the swearing-in ceremony will take place on Saturday.
Security has been stepped up near the residence of the Leader of Opposition in the outgoing Assembly and in and around the stadium where the ceremony will take place.
According to party sources, AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge along with other stakeholders held parleys past midnight to hammer out a solution between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar -- the two chief ministerial aspirants.
12:14 Grab this book in September
Aakar Patel, journalist, former head Amnesty International in India, announces his new book -- After Messiah -- What comes after a Great Leader goes. The book will be out in September.
In Aakar's own words, it tells the story of a woman who comes into power accidentally. She is faced with a choice -- her dilemma is whether to use her authority to bring about the change she has worked for all her life or to stand by the principles she has held on to. The book is about how she resolves these contradictions in the end. The book is aimed at those who want to understand modern India, how government and politics, work and it's just a good fun light read for those who are looking to read some fiction.
Aakar Patel is also the author of The Anarchist Cookbook, Price of the Modi Years and Our Hindu Rashtra.
11:57 Indians will spend more on online gaming than films
Online gaming revenues are set to exceed those of filmed entertainment by 2025.The filmed entertainment segment's 2019 pre-pandemic revenue of Rs 19,100 crore was nearly three times that of online gaming's (Rs 6,500 crore), shows data from the Ficci-EY media and entertainment (M&E) sector report released earlier this month.
The pandemic brought down movie revenues by 62 per cent. It is only estimated to recover to pre-pandemic levels in 2023 with Rs 19,400 crore in revenue.
The online gaming industry, meanwhile, continued to grow. It is estimated to have revenues of Rs 16,700 crore in 2023. This is expected to reach Rs 23,100 crore by 2025, higher than film revenues of Rs 22,800 crore for the same year. This would mark online gaming's decisive move ahead of films, aside from the fluctuations seen during the pandemic when films were virtually shut down.
Filmed entertainment mainly consists of money from theatre releases. But it also includes broadcast rights and revenue from platforms like Netflix and in-cinema advertising.
Online gaming includes transaction-based game revenues such as through rummy and poker. Esports and casual gaming as well as advertising revenue contribute the rest.
The report reveals that as interest in online gaming increases, the segment is expected to demonstrate a compound annual growth rate of 19.5 per cent till 2025, compared to 9.8 per cent for filmed entertainment.
The overall media and entertainment sector is expected to grow at 10.5 per cent, led by growth in digital media and other segments. The least growth is shown by the print segment, with an overall growth down to 3.7 per cent.
-- Ashli Varghese/Business Standard
@INC tweeted this image saying, 'Stronger together'
11:55 Siddaramaiah, Shivakumar meet Kharge together
Congress leader Siddaramaiah and Karnataka party president DK Shivakumar arrived together at party president Mallikarjun Kharge's residence in Delhi today.
Both Karnataka leaders earlier in the day met at party General Secretary-Organisation KC Venugopal's residence.
Kharge taking to Twitter said that Congress is committed to ushering progress, welfare and social justice for the people of Karnataka."Team Congress is committed to usher progress, welfare and social justice for the people of Karnataka. We will implement the 5 guarantees promised to 6.5 Cr Kannadigas," he tweeted.
11:34 SC upholds validity of Jallikattu
The Supreme Court upholds validity of Tamil Nadu law allowing bull-taming sport Jallikattu.
The court is pronouncing its judgement on a batch of petitions challenging Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra governments' laws allowing the bull-taming sport 'Jallikattu' and bullock cart races.
A five-judge Constitution bench of Justices KM Joseph, Ajay Rastogi, Aniruddha Bose, Hrishikesh Roy and CT Ravikumar are pronouncing the verdict. The Tamil Nadu government had defended the event of 'Jallikattu' and told the apex court that sporting events can also be a cultural events and there is no cruelty on the bulls in 'Jallikattu'.
11:25 Random checks on EVs
The government is considering random checks on electric vehicles (EVs) after recent lapses under the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid and) Electric Vehicles (FAME) II scheme, according to government officials.
The checks will be conducted by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI). This follows the recent government action against two key players in the EV market -- Hero Electric and Okinawa Autotech.
"The ARAI will select a vehicle at random from the market and test it to check if the manufacturer is following the guidelines. If there is any violation, the ministry (of heavy industry) will take the same action it took aainst localisation and ex-factory price defaulters,' a government official said.The ARAI, established in 1966, is the leading automotive R&D organisation of the country set up by the automotive industry with the Government of India. It is an autonomous body affiliated to the Ministry of Heavy Industries.
The ministry sent recovery notices to Hero Electric and Okinawa Autotech over a supposed breach of localisation norms.
Both companies have been "deregistered' from the government's subsidy scheme to promote electric vehicles.
The FAME scheme was introduced to facilitate India's transition to EVs. While FAME II has been successful in encouraging the adoption of EVs, allegations relating to the misappropriation of funds by bypassing localisation and ex-factory price norms have dampened sentiment.
Currently, inspection is done on a yearly basis to reduce the compliance burden on companies and promote ease of doing business. The testing agencies '" IARI and ICAT '" do their inspection annually before issuing a certificate of FAME India Phase II eligibility fulfilment.
"Because of recent events we would have to start random checks,' a senior official said. Under the FAME scheme, in order to be eligible for the subsidy, 50 per cent of the components in an EV should be domestically manufactured and sourced.
Based on a complaint that companies were not following localisation norms, the ministry halted the claims of a dozen original equipment manufacturers in September until the ongoing audit is completed.
-- Ruchika Chitravanshi and Nitin Kumar/Business Standard
11:17 Why Rijiju was moved out of law ministry
Kiren Rijiju, who had frequent run-ins with the Supreme Court over judicial appointments, was named as law minister on July 7, 2021. The Sports Minister and the Minister of State for Minority Affairs at that time, Rijiju got the coveted portfolio following the resignation of senior BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad.
Rijiju had in November last year said the collegium system of making appointments in the apex court and high courts was "alien" to the Constitution. In January, he wrote to Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud for the inclusion of government nominees in the collegium system.
He had also sought R&A) recommendations for appointment of judges to High Courts and the Supreme Courts. Rijiju had told Parliament, The Supreme Court Collegium vide its Minutes dated 18th January, 2023 cited the reports of the Research & Analysis Wing which inter-alia mentioned the sexuality of an Advocate whose name has been recommended for appointment as Judge of the Delhi High Court.
President Droupadi Murmu, as advised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has reallocated portfolios among ministers in the Union Council of Ministers, a brief statement issued by the Rashtrapati Bhavan said.
"The portfolio of (the) Ministry of Earth Sciences be assigned to Shri Kiren Rijiju," it said. Union Minister Jitendra Singh was holding charge of the Ministry of Earth Sciences. Meghwal is currently the Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs and the Minister of State for Culture. He has been assigned independent charge as Minister of State in the Ministry of Law and Justice in addition to his existing portfolios, in place of Rijiju, according to the statement.
11:13 'Harry-Meghan car chase could've been fatal'
"Last night, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex and Ragland were involved in a near catastrophic car chase at the hands of a ring of highly aggressive paparazzi. This relentless pursuit, lasting over two hours, resulted in multiple near collisions involving other drivers on the road, pedestrians and two NYPD officers. While being a public figure comes with a level of interest from the public, it should never come at the cost of anyone's safety," said the official statement from a spokesperson representing the couple.
Member of their security team, Chris Sanchez, told CNN that he "had never' come close to the chaos he experienced.
"What we were dealing with was very chaotic. There were about a dozen vehicles: cars, scooters and bicycles. The public [was] in jeopardy at several points. It could have been fatal. They were jumping curbs and red lights. At one point they blocked the limousine and started taking pictures until we were able to get out," Chris Sanchez said.
The New York Police said in a statement, On Tuesday evening, May 16, the NYPD assisted the private security team protecting the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
11:03 Drive to weed out bogus GST invoices
Thousands of entities and their beneficiaries that allegedly created multiple shell firms to represent fake transactions without any underlying goods and services for availing of input tax credit (ITC) are under the scanner of tax authorities.
Goods and services tax (GST) officials have prepared a detailed list in this regard and will target such entities during a two-month-long special drive starting May 16.Some of these entities showed a jump in their annual turnover in FY21, FY22, and FY23, raising suspicion, a senior official privy to the development said, adding that the matter required a thorough examination.
The special drive by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) is aimed at weeding out fake ITC claims by using forged GST registration.
The exercise will be conducted by all central and state tax administrations and will continue till July 15. The list of suspected entities has been prepared based on the CBIC's data analytics, along with information and data from intelligence agencies and the income-tax department, the official said. Suspicious GSTINs are being shared with the tax administration concerned for initiating a verification drive and taking necessary action subsequently.
The systems analysed various risk parameters, including corporate tax returns filed by businesses with the I-T department and GST registration data, to identify businesses and traders and even masterminds who are expected to take GST registration but have not done so, the official explained.
Currently, there are 13.9 million taxpayers registered under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime.
The National Coordination Meeting of the State and Central GST officers on April 24 discussed the issue of unscrupulous elements misusing the identity of other persons to obtain fake/bogus registration under GST.
If, after detailed verification, it is found that the taxpayer is non-existent and fictitious, then the tax officer may immediately initiate action for suspension and cancellation of the registration.
-- Shrimi Choudhary/Business Standard
11:01 Blinken will feel compelled to approve Rana's extradition to India
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will feel compelled to approve the extradition of Pakistani-origin Canadian businessman Tahawwur Rana to India as Washington is "joined at the hip with every nation that suffers from foreign terrorism, according to a prominent Indian-American attorney.
In a major victory for India, US Magistrate Judge Jacqueline Chooljian of the US District Court of the Central District of California issued an order on Wednesday, saying 26/11 Mumbai attacks accused Rana should be extradited to India under the extradition treaty between India and the US.
"Based on the foregoing, the court concludes that Rana is extraditable for the offences for which extradition has been requested and on which the United States is proceeding and hereby certifies this finding to the United States Secretary of State," the order said.
Reacting to the 62-year-old Rana's extradition order, Indian-American attorney Ravi Batra told PTI that Chooljian's "thorough and scholarly Certification of Extraditability and Order of Commitment lays out in horrifying, albeit, objective details, the cold and calculated essence of the campaign of terror that was unleashed upon India.
He said the order is transparent about our legal protocol - given our bilateral extradition treaty -- that is needed to pass constitutional muster in our lofty American federal courts. Batra noted that the decision now legally goes from a court of law to the Executive Branch's Secretary of State Blinken who will "feel compelled to approve the extradition request as 9/11 was worse than Pearl Harbor and we, the United States are joined at the hip with every nation that suffers from foreign terror.
He stressed that nations must secure public safety, even as they have the right to wage war. "Terror, however, beyond being cheap and evil, is unlawful as non-state actors -- even if supported by a state - are targeting innocent civilians (a war crime, even amongst nations at war) to cause maximum fear, death and destruction," he said.
Batra noted that Rana has received significant judicial consideration over almost two years since the hearing, and can still seek, as a right, a direct appeal to the Circuit Court.
10:35 Siddaramaiah's village, Mysuru district celebrate
Celebrations broke out near the residence of Siddaramaiah and at his native village in Mysuru district on Thursday morning after it emerged that he will be the next Chief Minister.
Siddaramaiah's supporters shouted slogans in his favour as the news came out that he would take oath as the CM on May 20.
The residents of Siddaramanahundi, the native village of Siddaramaiah were, in fact, jubilant since Wednesday following reports that their leader would become the chief minister again.
The villagers set off crackers, raised slogans hailing Siddaramaiah and distributed sweets. His brother Sidde Gowda was confident that Siddaramaiah will be chosen for the top post.
"There's a guarantee that Siddaramaiah will become Chief Minister. He has done good for the people. He introduced 'Anna Bhagya' scheme giving free rice to the poor people," Sidde Gowda told reporters in Siddaramanahundi on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, arrangements were afoot at the Kanteerava stadium in the city where the swearing-in ceremony will take place. Security has been stepped up near the residence of the Leader of Opposition in the outgoing Assembly here and in and around the stadium where the ceremony will take place.
10:34 Cabinet rejig: Arjun Ram Meghwal replaces Kiren Rijiju as law minister
Update: Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal on Thursday replaced Law Minister Kiren Rijiju, who has been moved to the Union Ministry of Earth Sciences. President Droupadi Murmu, as advised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has reallocated portfolios among ministers in the Union Council of Ministers, a statement issued by the Rashtrapati Bhavan said.
"The portfolio of (the) Ministry of Earth Sciences be assigned to Shri Kiren Rijiju," it said. Union Minister Jitendra Singh was holding charge of the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
Meghwal is currently the Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs and the Minister of State for Culture. He has been assigned independent charge as Minister of State in the Ministry of Law and Justice in addition to his existing portfolios, in place of Rijiju, according to the statement.
10:20 Rijiju moved to Earth Sciences, Meghwal gets law
Arjun Ram Meghwal appointed as law minister, Kiren Rijiju shifted and assigned Ministry of Earth Sciences.
10:05 I wish Shivakumar was CM, but...:Brother
Congress MP & DK Shivakumar's brother, DK Suresh: "I am not fully happy but in the interest of Karnataka we wanted to fulfil our commitment...That is why DK Shivakumar had to accept. In future we will see, there is a long way to go. I wished it, (CM post for DK Shivakumar) but it didn't happen, we will wait and see."
09:54 What to do, I had to bow down: DKS on being Dy CM
DK Shivakumar tells reporters that he agreed to the formula, "In the larger interests of the party."
"What to do? I have to bow to the AICC president and the Gandhi family," DKS says "The party high command has taken a decision. The Congress party has a commitment to the people of Karnataka. Parliament elections are ahead. Ultimately, there is more responsibility," Karnataka's next Deputy CM said.
Siddaramaiah will be the next chief minister of Karnataka. The party arrived at a consensus on government formation in the state following hectic parleys.
The Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee chief has written to all legislators, asking them to attend the meeting of newly-elected MLAs, MLCs and MPs at the Indira Gandhi Bhavan on Queen's Road at 7 pm.
09:43 BJP MP Rattan Lal Kataria dies after illness
Former Union minister and the BJP's Ambala MP Rattan Lal Kataria died on Thursday. He was 71.
Senior BJP leaders, including Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and the party's state unit chief Om Prakash Dhankar expressed their condolences. Kataria had been admitted at the PGIMER here for the past month following an illness. He died around 3.30 am, an aide told PTI. Kataria is survived by his wife, two daughters and a son. "I am deeply saddened by the demise of former Union Minister of State and MP from Ambala Ratan Lal Kataria," Khattar said in a tweet in Hindi.
09:41 Siddaramaiah, DKS to take oath on Saturday
Banners put up outside the residence of Karnataka Congress President DK Shivakumar who has been named as the next Karnataka deputy CM Senior Congress leader Siddaramaiah to be Karnataka CM and Karnataka Congress President DK Shivakumar to be Deputy CM. Oath ceremony will take place on 20th May.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge to invite opposition leaders to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the new Karnataka CM and Dy CM. The Gandhis, Congress CMs and senior Congress leaders to attend the event in Bengaluru.
09:24 Siddaramaiah to be Karnataka CM, Shivakumar his deputy
Update: Siddaramaiah will be the next chief minister of Karnataka and DK Shivakumar his deputy, Congress sources said on Thursday after the party arrived at a consensus on government formation in the state following hectic parleys. Sources said the swearing-in ceremony will be held in Bengaluru on May 20.
They said Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge along with other stakeholders held parleys past midnight to hammer out a solution between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar -- the two chief ministerial aspirants.
A Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting has been called by Shivakumar, the party's state unit chief, in Bengaluru on Thursday evening. The decision will be announced there.
The Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee chief has written to all legislators, asking them to attend the meeting of newly-elected MLAs, MLCs and MPs at the Indira Gandhi Bhavan on Queen's Road at 7 pm. Sources close to Shivakumar said he decided to make the "sacrifice" and agreed to be deputy chief minister in the interest of the party.
Hectic parleys were held on Wednesday to break the deadlock in deciding on the Congress' chief ministerial pick in Karnataka with both the hopefuls presenting their cases before the top brass even as the party asserted that an outcome is likely within a day or two.
In the May 10 elections to the 224-member Karnataka Assembly, the Congress scored an emphatic victory by bagging 135 seats while the ruling BJP and the former prime minister HD Deve Gowda-led Janata Dal (Secular) secured 66 and 19 seats, respectively. PTI
09:21 Meghalaya CM says second round of border talks with Assam may start next week
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said he is likely to meet his Assam counterpart Himanta Biswa Sarma next week in Guwahati for the second round of border talks.
Speaking to reporters, Sangma Wednesday said the logistics were being worked out for the meeting, which is likely to be held on May 24.
This would be the first meeting for the second round of border talks between the two states, aimed at resolving the remaining six areas of differences, he said.
Sangma said he has been in touch with Sarma over the skirmishes that have been taking place at the villages located in the disputed Block I and Block II at the inter-state border.
"We have already decided to visit both Block I and II to send a message of peace and restraint from both sides," he said.
Last week, two huts were set on fire at Khanduli village in Block I.
"We appeal for peace. There are too many things that are happening on both sides. We will go to ground zero to find a solution to the problems," Sangma said.
The first round of border talks concluded in March last year when the two chief ministers signed an agreement in Delhi in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, resolving differences in six areas. -- PTI
Speaking to reporters, Sangma Wednesday said the logistics were being worked out for the meeting, which is likely to be held on May 24.
This would be the first meeting for the second round of border talks between the two states, aimed at resolving the remaining six areas of differences, he said.
Sangma said he has been in touch with Sarma over the skirmishes that have been taking place at the villages located in the disputed Block I and Block II at the inter-state border.
"We have already decided to visit both Block I and II to send a message of peace and restraint from both sides," he said.
Last week, two huts were set on fire at Khanduli village in Block I.
"We appeal for peace. There are too many things that are happening on both sides. We will go to ground zero to find a solution to the problems," Sangma said.
The first round of border talks concluded in March last year when the two chief ministers signed an agreement in Delhi in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, resolving differences in six areas. -- PTI
09:20 Banners come up congratulating Sidda, Shivakumar
Heavy security deployed outside the residence of senior Congress leader Siddaramaiah who has been named as the next Karnataka chief minister.
His supporters put up banners outside his residence celebrating the upcoming announcement, which is expected to made after a Congress Legislature Party meeting in Bengaluru in the evening.
Banners have also been put up outside the residence of Karnataka Congress president D K Shivakumar who has been named as the next deputy CM.
Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar will be sworn-in on May 20. -- ANI
08:32 PM to flag off Puri-Howrah Vande Bharat Express today
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will flag off the Vande Bharat Express between Puri and Howrah today via video conferencing.
The ultra-modern semi-high-speed train is equipped with state-of-the-art passenger amenities.
According to Prime Minister's Office (PMO), the train will pass through Khordha, Cuttack, Jajpur, Bhadrak and Balasore districts in Odisha and Paschim Medinipur and Purba Medinipur districts in West Bengal.
The train will provide a faster, more comfortable and convenient travel experience to passengers, boost tourism and promote economic development in the region.
Last month, the railways conducted the trial run of Vande Bharat Express, India's indigenously designed semi-high-speed train, between Howrah and Puri on Friday.
Modi will lay the foundation stone and dedicate several railway projects worth more than Rs 8,000 crore in Odisha via video conferencing on Thursday.
The prime minister will lay the foundation stone for Puri and Cuttack railway station redevelopment. The redeveloped stations will have all modern amenities providing a world-class experience to the rail passengers, said PMO statement.
The PM will dedicate 100 per cent electrification of the rail network in Odisha. This will reduce the operating and maintenance cost and reduce reliance on imported crude oil.
Modi will also dedicate the doubling of the Sambalpur-Titlagarh rail line; a new broad gauge rail line between Angul-Sukinda; the third line connecting Manoharpur-Rourkela-Jharsuguda-Jamga and a new broad-gauge line between Bichhupali-Jhartarbha.
These will cater to the increased traffic demands as a result of rapid industrial development in steel, power and mining sectors in Odisha and will also help ease the pressure on passenger traffic in these rail sections, said the PMO statement. -- ANI
08:12 Karnataka: Cong Legislature Party to meet today
A Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting has been called by the party's state unit chief D K Shivakumar in Bengaluru on Thursday evening.
The Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) chief has written to all the legislators, asking them to attend the meeting of newly-elected MLAs, MLCs and MPs at the Indira Gandhi Bhavan on Queen's Road in Bengaluru at 7 pm.
After hectic parleys on Wednesday to break the deadlock on the chief ministerial pick in Karnataka, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge reportedly arrived at a consensus for government formation late at night.
As per sources, Siddaramaiah will take oath as the chief minister on May 20 with D K Shivakumar as his deputy.
In the May 10 elections to the 224-member assembly, the Congress scored an emphatic victory by bagging 135 seats, while the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the former prime minister H D Deve Gowda-led Janata Dal-Secular secured 66 and 19 seats respectively. -- PTI
01:39 Injured in Manipur violence, Assam Rifles jawan dies in Kolkata hospital
An Assam Rifles jawan, who was injured in an attack by terrorists during the ethnic violence in Manipur a week ago, died in a hospital in Kolkata on Wednesday, an official said.
Soldiers on an area domination exercise were fired on by unknown militants at 11 am at Dolaithabi area in Imphal East district on May 10 leaving Rifleman Alok Rao injured.
After initial treatment, he was taken to the Command Hospital in Kolkata.
"Rifleman Alok Rao of 18 Assam Rifles, who suffered a gunshot wound on May 10 in an operation in Manipur, succumbed to his injury at Command Hospital in Kolkata on May 17," the defence PRO said.
Clashes broke out in Manipur after a 'Tribal Solidarity March' was organised in the hill districts on May 3 to protest against the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe status.
The violence was preceded by tension over the eviction of Kuki villagers from reserve forest land, which had led to a series of smaller agitations. Meiteis account for about 53 per cent of Manipur's population and live mostly in the Imphal Valley. Tribals -- Nagas and Kukis -- constitute another 40 per cent of the population and reside in the hill districts. -- PTI
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01:22 Yatra to Adi Kailash resumes after 9 days
The yatra to Adi Kailash resumed after a gap of nine days on Wednesday with 71 devotees leaving Dharchula for the pilgrimage site.
"The road to Adi kailash was blocked at Garbadhar for the past nine days due to snowfall and landslide," said Dhan Singh, incharge of base camp at Dharchula said.
Eleven of the pilgrims were hosted by the Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam, which is a nodal agency for conducting the yatra, while 60 others sponsored were hosted by private agencies.
"The snow on way to Adi Kailash peak beyond Kuti village has now been cleared and the new batches of pilgrims can now have darshan of the sacred peak," he said.
The government is trying to develop the Adi Kailash Yatra as an alternative for the Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra, which remains suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic since 2020. -- PTI
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00:41 Will get Shivaji's sword from UK, says Maha minister
Maharashtra minister for cultural affairs Sudhir Mungantiwar on Wednesday said he would visit the UK next month and try to bring back a sword and metal claws used by warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in the 17th century.
The metal claws or wagh nakh is a weapon designed to fit over the knuckles or be concealed under and against the palm.
It consists of four or five curved blades affixed to a crossbar.
This weapon was used by Shivaji Maharaj to kill Afzal Khan, the general of the Adil Shahi dynasty of Bijapur Sultanate.
"I had a discussion with the British deputy high commissioner earlier on making available the Jagdamba sword and wagh nakh here. We are signing an memorandum of understanding regarding the same," Mungantiwar said.
The minister had held a meeting with Alan Gemmell, British deputy high commissioner for Western India and Imogen Stone, deputy head, political and bilateral affairs on April 16.
"We are celebrating the 350th anniversary of the coronation of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. More than 100 events will be held in the state to commemorate the occasion starting from June 2 this year. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, descendants of Shivaji Maharaj and others will be invited for the event," he said. -- PTI
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