Chief wildlife warden Samir Sinha has been entrusted with the probe and officials have been asked to expedite the search for the missing official, Uniyal said. 

Expressing grief at the loss of lives, the minister said the Chilla barrage is being scoured in search of wildlife warden Aloki Devi, who fell into the canal after the accident on Monday. 

The accident took place when an electric vehicle crashed into a tree after one of its tyres burst near the Chilla canal Rishikesh. 

It first hit the tree beyond the Chilla powerhouse and then collided with the canal wall. 

The electric vehicle was to be used for patrolling. 

Such electric vehicles have been bought by tiger reserves in different parts of the country, Uniyal said. -- PTI

Competitions on writing essays, poetry, and painting will be held under 'Maryada Purushottam Prabhu Shriram Jeevan Charitra Spardha', said Lodha. 

"The upcoming consecration of Lord Ram's temple in Ayodhya is a historic moment for our country. This competition is being organised with the objective that the new generation knows about Lord Ram and Ramrajya," the guardian minister of the Mumbai suburban district said while addressing a press conference at the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation headquarters in Mumbai. 

He said the participation of students in these competitions is voluntary. Lodha dismissed allegations that the BJP was trying to saffronise schools run by the Mumbai civic body. 

"Lord Ram is beyond religion and castes," he said. Earlier in the day, Lodha announced that 'Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Krida Mahakumbh' or sports event will be organised in Mumbai city and suburbs from January 26 to February 19 to mark the 350th anniversary of the coronation of the Maratha king. -- PTI

The 'Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, Ayodhyadham' has become the 68th civil airport terminal in the country to come under the umbrella of the specialised aviation security group of the central force. 

 The Central Industrial Security Force will provide an anti-terrorist and anti-sabotage cover to the Ayodhya airport that was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in December 2023, official sources said. 

The force will frisk passengers and their baggage and secure the perimeter of the facility, like what is done at other national and international airports, they said. 

An armed contingent of more than 150 CISF personnel under the command of a Deputy Commandant rank officer has been sanctioned by the ministry of home affairs for securing the Ayodhya airport that will be enhanced in phases over the 821 acres of land sanctioned for it, they said. -- PTI

Addressing a press conference after taking charge of the office from Mumbai police commissioner Vivek Phansalkar, Shukla said ensuring the safety of women and curbing cyber crime will be among her priorities and identified narcotics as a big menace. 

"I will continue all positive work to maintain law and order situation. Ensuring women's safety and checking cyber crime will be my priority. Every woman should feel safe on the street," Shukla said, adding that injustice will not be done to anyone. She said police will spread awareness among people about highway accidents. 

Queried on Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange's call to Marathas to gather in Mumbai on January 20, Shukla said she would hold meetings with police officers in this regard. 

"Today is my first day in office. I will discuss with senior officers," she added. 

When asked about the investigation into a rape case registered against industrialist Sajjan Jindal in Mumbai, Shukla said nobody is above the law. According to Shukla, narcotics are a big menace and regular meetings will be held by the police department. -- PTI

The man, Venkat Raman, arrived at Chitradurga in Karnataka, and gave his consent to the local authorities to conduct a post-mortem on his son's body, they said. 

The child was allegedly smothered to death by his mother, Suchana Seth, who is the chief executive officer of an Artificial Intelligence start-up. 

The incident took place in a service apartment at Candolim in North Goa between January 6 and 8, the police said. 

The woman had checked into the service apartment with her son on January 6. 

After staying there for two days, she left for Bengaluru in a taxi on January 8 morning. 

When the apartment staff went to clean the room in which she stayed, they found blood stains on a towel. 

The staff immediately informed the police and told them that she carried an unusually heavy bag, and her was not seen with her, officials said. 

The police in Goa contacted their counterparts in Chitradurga, who checked the woman's bag in which they found the body of the child. 

She was arrested there and later brought to Goa, where a court remanded her in police custody for six days, they said. -- PTI

On the second day of his five-day state visit to China, Muizzu in his address to the Maldives Business Forum in Fujian Province on Tuesday termed China as the island nation's "closest" ally. 

"China remains one of our closest allies and development partners," he said. 

He praised the Belt and Road Initiative projects launched by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2014, saying that they "delivered the most significant infrastructure projects witnessed in Maldivian history", according to his speech. 

He urged China to bolster the flow of its tourists to the Maldives. 

"China was our (Maldives') number one market pre-Covid, and it is my request that we intensify efforts for China to regain this position," according to a readout posted on his official website. 

Also, Maldivian media reported that the two countries have signed a $50 million project to develop an integrated tourism zone in the Indian Ocean island. -- PTI

The officials have seized 472.40 grams of gold with an estimated worth of Rs 26.62 lakhs based on specific intelligence forwarded to them by the Special Investigation and Intelligence Branch. 

The passenger arrived on a Thai AirAsia flight. 

"During a personal search, seven gold bars weighing 472.40 grams wrapped in black adhesive tape were found concealed inside a compartment of his wallet which was glued to its side," an official said. 

An appropriate penalty was imposed on the foreigner under relevant provisions of the Customs Act. -- PTI

Directed by Aishwarya Rajnikanth, the film was previously scheduled to be released during the Pongal festival in January. 

Production house Lyca Productions shared the new release date on its official X page. 

"LAL SALAAM hits the big screen on February 9th 2024! Save the date!" the banner announced on Tuesday. 

Presented by A Subaskaran, the film has AR Rahman on board as music composer. 

Rajinikanth's last big-screen outing was Nelson Dilipkumar's Jailer, backed by Sun Pictures.

Residents are advised to store sufficient quantity of water in advance according to their requirements, it said, adding that water tanker will be available on request. 

The affected areas include, Nangloi, Mundka, Hiran Kudna, Kamruddin Nagar, Nihal Vihar, Ranholla Village, Bakkarwala, Rajdhani Park, Friends Enclave, Dichaon Kalan, Jhroda Village, Mitraon Village, Chhawla Village, Jaffarpur Kalan and Dhansa. 

"Water supply to the areas and colonies will not be available from 10 am to 10 pm on Thursday for attending the leakage at 1,500 mm line opposite Neelkanth Vatika near Karala chowk by M/s NWS Pvt. Ltd. under Nangloi WTP," the DJB said. -- PTI

Even the Election Commission has recognised that the majority of Shiv Sena lawmakers were with his faction, Shinde told reporters in Mumbai. 

"Numbers are important in democracy. We have a majority in the assembly and Lok Sabha. The Election Commission has allotted the official name and symbol to our party. I am confident and I hope that the decision would be based on merit," he said. 

In June 2022, Shinde and dozens of other Shiv Sena MLAs rebelled against then chief minister Uddhav Thackeray, leading to a split in the Sena and fall of the Maha Vikas Aghadi coalition government. 

The Thackeray and Shinde factions then filed petitions against each other's legislators, seeking disqualification under the anti-defection law. -- PTI

Akhtar urged the high court to dismiss the petition filed by the Queen actor. 

Earlier this month, Ranaut approached the high court for a stay on Akhtar's criminal defamation complaint filed against her in 2020. 

She urged the HC to hear the case along with a cross-complaint filed by her against Akhtar. 

The defamation case against Ranaut is in the magistrate's court in Andheri. 

A sessions court had stayed Kangana's complaint against Akhtar. 

In her petition before the HC, Ranaut stated that both cases should be tried together as they had genesis in a meeting (between Ranaut and Akhtar) in 2016. 

Akhtar submitted an affidavit through his advocate Jay Bharadwaj stating Ranaut has not challenged any order passed by the magistrate's court, and without any basis, has sought a stay on the proceedings of the defamation complaint. 

This was nothing but an attempt to delay the proceedings, Akhtar stated. -- PTI

The incident occurred in the Surya Nagar area of Kalyan around 11.15 pm on Monday, an official said. 

The victim, Rajan Yerkar, was consuming alcohol with four of his friends when an altercation took place between them. 

One of the accused produced a country-made revolver and shot the victim from a point-blank range, he said. 

Yerkar was rushed to a hospital, where he was declared brought dead, the official said. 

A case has been registered under various Sections 302 (murder), 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace), 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code and provisions of the Arms Act and Maharashtra Police Act, he said. 

The accused, Rohit Bhalekar, Parvez Sheikh, Sunil Waghmare, and Sameer Chouhan, are yet to be apprehended, the official said. -- PTI

Ghaziabad Municipal Corporation mayor Sunita Dayal said the three names -- Harnandi Nagar, Gaj Prastha and Doodheshwernath Nagar -- will sent to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath who will take a final call. 

However, any such change of name will ultimately require the Centre's nod. 

"A proposal for changing the name of Ghaziabad was passed by an absolute majority of the councillors. The new name will be decided by the CM," Dayal said. 

The names have been suggested keeping in mind the demands of the people of Ghaziabad and Hindu outfits, the mayor said. 

Bharatiya Janata Party MLA from Sahibabad constituency Sunil Sharma said last year he had tabled a proposal in this regard in the state assembly, suggesting that Ghaziabad be renamed as Gaj Prastha. 

Meanwhile, head priest of Doodheshwer Nath temple Mahant Narayan Giri told PTI that he had suggested the three names to the chief minister last year. -- PTI

The weapon, developed at the Armament Research and Development Establishments, the DRDO's Pune-based laboratory, is designed to meet the Indian Army's General Staff Qualitative Requirement of a rifle weighing less than four kg, said a release. 

The operational prototype of the 7.62 x 51mm assault rifle was unveiled by Dr SV Gade, director general (armament & combat engineering cluster) in the presence of A Raju, director of ARDE. 

Raju said this was a "monumental moment" for DRDO and ARDE. 

"We have been working on the design part of assault rifle for the last two-three years and with the help of Dvipa Armour India Ltd, we could realise this product in record time. This weapon is fully indigenous and matches international standards of similar calibre weapons," he was quoted as saying in the release. 

Special care has been taken to ensure reliable functioning with the in-service ammunition, and steel construction of all critical components ensures "ruggedness and intuitive operations", as per the release. -- PTI

Shukla, a 1988 batch Indian Police Service officer, was posted as the director general of the Sashastra Seema Bal in New Delhi.

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the proposal of the ministry of home affairs for premature repatriation of Shukla to her parent cadre with immediate effect, said a personnel ministry order dated January 8.

The Maharashtra government had last month issued an order appointing Shukla as the state's director general of police. -- PTI

In a communication, the ministry of home affairs has asked the West Bengal government to send a detailed report on the circumstances leading to the attacks that left ED officials injured. 

The home ministry also asked the state government to send details of the action taken following the attacks on the central probe agency teams, the sources said. 

Three ED officials were injured and their mobile phones, laptops and wallets "looted" when they went to Sandeshkhali in North 24 Parganas district to search the premises of Shajahan Sheikh, a leader of the ruling Trinamool Congress in the state, on January 5. 

Sheikh is absconding and the ED has issued a look-out circular against him, alerting all land, air and sea ports to stop his exit from the country. 

A second agency team was attacked and their vehicle damaged during the arrest of another TMC leader, Shankar Adhya, in Bongaon of the said district on the same day. -- PTI

Before their roadshow, Modi welcomed the United Arab Emirates president on the latter's arrival at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad. 

After that, the two leaders began their roadshow on a three kilometre-long route starting from the airport. 

It will culminate at the Indira Bridge, which connects Ahmedabad with Gandhinagar. From the bridge circle, both of them will head to their respective destinations in Gandhinagar, officials have said. 

Elaborate security arrangements have been put in place and stages have been set up for cultural performances on the route that the two leaders will jointly cover. 

Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the 10th edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit at the Mahatma Mandir Convention Centre in Gandhinagar on Wednesday. -- PTI

The change of guard ceremony is a military tradition that is held every week to enable a fresh group of the President's Bodyguards to take charge. 

"The change of guard ceremony will not take place between January 13 and 27, 2024 (i.e. January 13, 20 and 27) due to rehearsals of the Republic Day parade and Beating Retreat ceremony,' it said in a statement. -- PTI

Attal will be the country's youngest prime minister since the founding of the French Fifth Republic in 1958, CNN reported. 

Attal will also be the first openly gay man to serve as the country's second-most powerful politician. 

Gabriel has served as France's Minister of Education and National Youth since July, 2023. 

During his tenure, he enacted a controversial ban on the wearing of the Abaya in French public schools and has worked on raising awareness of bullying in schools. 

Following the announcement, Macron said in a post on X, "I know I can count on your energy and your commitment." 

Before leading the education ministry, Attal served as the government spokesman and then as minister of public works and public accounts. 

He replaces Elisabeth Borne, who resigned from her post on Monday after a tumultuous 20-month tenure marked by an unpopular decision to raise the retirement age and urban riots over the summer after police shot and killed a teenage boy of Algerian descent, as per CNN. -- ANI

The CM has also said that liquor shops will remain closed in the state on the day of Ram temple consecration. 

More details awaited. -- ANI

Irani, also serving as the Union minister for women and child development, was accompanied by Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan. 

The session provided valuable insights on the best global practices and facilitated the exchange of ideas and information which would prove useful in improving the Haj experience for Indian pilgrims, a statement from the ministry of minority affairs said. 

"Discussion also held with deputy governor of Makkah Region and minister of Haj and Umrah, KSA, on the scope for further close cooperation to improve facilities and services for Indian pilgrims during Haj 2024," the statement said. 

"Grateful for the gracious invitation extended by the Saudi ministry of Haj and Umrah Affairs @HajMinistry, underscoring the significance of our shared values. Had an insightful meeting with H.R.H. Prince Saud bin Mishal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, deputy governor of Makkah Region, and H.E. @tfrabiah, Minister of Haj and Umrah, KSA. Discussed enhancing facilities and services for Indian Haj pilgrims during Haj 2024," Irani said in a post on X. -- PTI

Born in April 1941, the war veteran, breathed his last on Monday at Command Hospital, Chandimandir in Haryana. 

He was suffering from age-related issues, they said. 

His last rites will be held in Chandigarh on Wednesday, they said. 

Behl was commissioned into the Indian Army in 1961. 

"He was an artillery officer from 17 Para Field Regiment and participated in 1962, 1965 and 1971 wars. As a young officer, he fought valiantly against the Chinese forces at Namka Chu as part of 7 Infantry Brigade during October 1962," a source said. 

Behl was taken prisoner along with his men during the 1962 India-China war. 

He was repatriated to India the next year and served in his unit again, according to the sources. 

An account of his role in the war is given in the book 1962: The War That Wasn't. 

During his service, he also participated in the 1965 Rann of Kutch operations and the 1971 India-Pakistan war. 

Behl retired from service as the deputy director general, NCC, Jammu and Kashmir in April 1995, the sources said. -- PTI

He was 55. 

"We tried our best but failed. He passed away at around 3:45 pm," an official of the private hospital where Khan was admitted said. 

The chief minister who visited the hospital said, "This is a great loss for the entire country and the entire music fraternity. I am in a lot of pain as I still can't believe that Rashid Khan is no more." -- PTI

The Shiv Sena-UBT leader Uddhav Thackeray on Tuesday said his party has filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court, objecting to the meeting between Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and state Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar before the verdict on the Shiv Sena MLAs' disqualification petitions.

  

Thackeray told reporters here that the affidavit was filed on Monday.

Narkwekar is scheduled to deliver the verdict at 4 pm on January 10.

"If the judge (Narwekar) is going to meet the accused, what should we expect from that judge? Uddhav Thackeray asked, in his media interaction at Matoshree, his residence in suburban Bandra.

Narwekar met Shinde at Varsha, the chief minister's official residence, on Sunday. The two also met in October last year.

In June 2022, Shinde and several MLAs had rebelled against then chief minister Uddhav Thackeray, leading to a split in the Sena and fall of the Maha Vikas Aghadi, which also comprised the Nationalist Congress Party and the Congress.

Cross petitions were filed by the Shinde and Thackeray factions seeking action against the other under anti-defection laws. -- PTI

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has kept its stand on contesting in an alliance with the Congress in five states, including Punjab, and the discussion has so far been positive, party's Delhi convener Gopal Rai said on Tuesday.

   

The AAP and the Congress are part of the INDIA bloc and held discussions on Monday to discuss seat-sharing for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.

"The (seat-sharing) talks have begun between the two parties. We kept our stand on contesting in an alliance in Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Goa and Gujarat. Till now, there has been positive discussions," he said on the sidelines of a press conference.

When asked about the seats the party is willing to contest, the AAP leader said that there was "no discussion" on specific seats in these states.

The AAP is in power in Delhi and Punjab. The Congress units in both the states are opposed to any truck with the AAP.

In Punjab, the Congress and the AAP have openly traded barbs over contesting the elections in an alliance.

"We want to contest the elections in an alliance. In the next meeting, the talks about seats will be held. When we are in an alliance, we have to take an official stand. For that (official stand), both the parties will make their preparations and then discuss," Rai added.

The Congress and the AAP discussed seat-sharing prospects for the Lok Sabha polls in Punjab, Delhi and other states on Monday. They decided to meet again to give a final shape to the arrangements between the two key constituents of the INDIA opposition bloc. -- PTI 

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday said the Shiv Sena-BJP government will remain stable, remarks coming a day ahead of the verdict to be pronounced by the assembly speaker on disqualification petitions against CM Eknath Shinde and other MLAs of Shiv Sena. 

The senior BJP leader stressed that the alliance government is "legal" and hoped the speaker's ruling will give justice to them. 

Maharashtra assembly speaker Rahul Narwekar will deliver the verdict on the disqualification petitions against Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and several MLAs whose rebellion had split the Shiv Sena in June 2022, Vidhan Bhavan officials said on Monday.

The Supreme Court had set the deadline for delivering the ruling on December 31, 2023, which was subsequently extended till January 10.

"The speaker will take a proper and legal decision. Our side is strong. The government formed by us (BJP and Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde) is legally strong. We expect that we will get justice from the Speaker....Our government was stable yesterday and it will remain stable tomorrow as well," Fadnavis told reporters in Nagpur. 

In June 2022, Eknath Shinde and several MLAs rebelled against the then chief minister Uddhav Thackeray, leading to a split in the Shiv Sena and fall of the Maha Vikas Aghadi, which also comprised the Nationalist Congress Party and the Congress.

Cross petitions were filed by the Shinde and Thackeray factions seeking action against each other under anti-defection laws.

 

"The verdict is expected to be out after 4pm on January 10. The Speaker's office is finalising the verdict," Vidhan Bhavan officials said. -- PTI 

The gas leaked from cylinders kept in an open field, they said, adding that security officials rushed people to safety immediately after being informed about the incident and no damage was reported. 

The district control room here was informed about the incident in the morning, the officials said. 

The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) commandant and chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear experts, with necessary equipment, rushed to the spot and found out that two of the six cylinders kept in the field were leaking, they added. 

National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and fire brigade personnel were also called to the spot, the officials said, adding that people living in the nearby areas were rushed to safe locations. Chlorine causes a burning sensation in the eyes, breathing problems and headache. 

A joint operation is underway to stop the gas leakage and remove the cylinders elsewhere, the officials said.

Chattopadhyay, the state's agriculture minister, also claimed that such attacks will take place in other parts of the country, too, where probe agencies conduct raids. 

"We have seen the explosion of public grievance at one place in the state Such incidents will happen at other places in India as well in future," he said at a programme. 

Three ED officers were injured and several of their vehicles vandalised, as hundreds of supporters of TMC leader Shajahan Sheikh attacked them on January 5, when the team went to conduct a raid at his house in Sandeshkhali in connection with alleged irregularities in the state's ration system.

 Chattopadhyay also claimed that the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has unearthed scams worth several crores of rupees in the present BJP-led regime at the Centre, but the party sends probe agencies to only non-BJP states. 

Another local BJP leader called for Chattopadhyay's arrest for his remarks against central agencies. Left Front leader Sujon Chakraborty said that Chattopadhyay was trying to score political points with such statements. PTI

Madhav Oza, Director of Blue Star Air Travel Services, sheds light on the impact, stating, "In an overall analysis, let's first delve into a sector-specific examination. If we look at India-Maldives direct flights, there are 7 to 8 such flights across the country, with Mumbai hosting 3 direct flights. According to my analysis, the direct flight capacity from India is around 1200 to 1300 passengers per day, and this is likely to significantly impact expectations, leading to a cancellation rate of 20 to 30 percent in bookings. People are grappling with concerns about whether they should proceed with their travel plans."

Oza also notes that celebrity statements across India have heightened apprehensions, with the prevailing love and respect for Prime Minister Modi being cited as reasons. He anticipates that current bookings may face cancellations in the range of 15 to 20 percent.

"Looking ahead, forward bookings are expected to be severely affected. Consequently, people are exploring alternative destinations such as Lakshadweep or Andaman Nicobar, or even considering international options. The evolving scenario prompts a reconsideration of travel plans for many individuals" he added.

Meanwhile, Mohan Vinod, President of the Association of Tour Operators Andaman and Nicobar Islands and State BJP Vice President, echoes the sentiment, highlighting the beauty and cleanliness of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands compared to the Maldives.

"PM Narendra Modi is providing a direction to the entire world, and the unjust criticism from the Maldivian ministers is unfounded. India is set to lead the world, and what does the Maldives have in comparison? The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are ten times more beautiful and clean than the Maldives. I fully support #BoycottMaldives," he said.

Former Member of Parliament from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Bishnu Pada Ray, condemned the unjust criticism from Maldivian ministers.

"Recently, Prime Minister Modi visited Lakshadweep, an island located far from the Maldives. During Congress's era, despite being represented by the Prime Minister and Speaker, the region saw limited development. PM Modi's visit to Lakshadweep highlighted the potential for tourism development. What the ministers of our neighbouring country, the Maldives, said about PM Modi is not correct. This led to the suspension of three Maldivian ministers by the President. By uttering these words, plenty of damage has been done to your country's tourism. Consequently, negative opinions about Modi are impacting tourism. People are cancelling their tickets. Today, people across India, including film stars, cricket players, and other patriotic individuals, are not expressing positive opinions about you in the media. I also oppose these actions. In the future, with Modi's efforts, Lakshadweep is going to become a tourist destination surpassing even the Maldives" he said.

Tourists from India have also expressed their disappointment over Maldivian ministers comments on Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

 In an interview with ANI, Bisaria stated that Pakistan had a credible threat regarding India using missiles and it was amplified to them directly or through diplomats of other nations. 

He noted that then-Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan attempted to call PM Narendra Modi as the threat of force was very "credible to return the pilot" in order not to escalate the situation. 

 In his latest book, 'Anger Management: The Troubled Diplomatic Relationship between India and Pakistan, former Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan Ajay Bisaria claims that Pakistan had credible information on nine missiles India had prepared to launch into Pakistani territory. He has mentioned receiving a call from Pakistan's High Commissioner to Sohail Mahmood, who said that Imran Khan was keen to speak to PM Modi. 

 Asked about being contacted by Sohail Mahmood and Pakistan suspecting that India would launch a missile strike, he stated, "After Pulwama, India had taken action in Balakote and that was followed by Pakistan's operation which it called swift retort in India and as a result of which an Indian pilot Abhinandan was captured, he fell in Pakistan and he was captured." 

 "So what I tried to do is present an account of the coercive diplomacy that took place after that, to get the pilot back and there was a very credible threat of force of the use of nine missiles and I've given an account of how that played out in Pakistan that Pakistan had this credible threat which was amplified to them through various means directly and also through other diplomats of other countries.

"And as a result Pakistan made the choice of returning the pilot, not wanting to escalate that conflict and being assured that if the pilot was not returned, there would be huge consequences and as a result of that, in trying to de-escalate the situation, the Prime Minister of Pakistan attempted to call the Prime Minister of India and the point also here is that the Prime Minister of Pakistan was then felt obliged to take a decision because the threat of force was very credible to return the pilot in order not to escalate the situation," he added.

Out of 22 samples found positive for JN.1 subvariant in Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) analysis, 19 were from Mumbai, Daksha Shah, executive health officer of the BMC told PTI. 

 Two samples belonged to patients from outside the city, and one was a duplicate, she said. 

 According to a release issued by the civic body, these samples were sent for testing last month, and the reports arrived on Monday. All 19 patients who tested positive for JN.1 in the city suffered mild symptoms, and two of them had comorbidities.

 The patients have recovered from the infection, it stated. Most of the samples were tested at private laboratories, the release said. Of the 8,262 samples tested between December 1, 2023 and January 8, 2024, only 394 tested positive for coronavirus, it stated. -- PTI

ED has named Bihar's former CM Rabri Devi, her daughters Misa Bharti and Hema Yadav, Hridyanand Chaudhary and Amit Katyal. Two firms, AB Export and AK Infosystems, have also been accused.

 Special CBI judge Vishal Gogne directed ED to file an e-copy of the charge sheet and documents today itself. The matter has been listed for consideration on cognizance January 16, 2024. 

ED's Special Public Prosecutors Manish Jain and advocate Ishan Baisla apprised the court that the Yadav family members are beneficiaries of the proceeds of crime. -- ANI

Suchana Seth, CEO of artificial intelligence start-up Mindful AI Lab, was arrested in Karnataka's Chitradurga on Monday with her son's body in a bag. She allegedly killed her young son in an apartment in north Goa's Candolim. 

The motive for the shocking crime is not known yet but police suspect the estranged relationship with her husband as a possible reason behind the killing.

Seth checked into the Sol Banyan Grande in North Goa's Candolim with her son on Saturday. 

On Monday, she checked out of the room alone and asked the hotel staff to book her a taxi to Bengaluru. She insisted on taking a taxi despite being advised to take a flight, the staff said.

 Beckenbauer, who won the World Cup as a player and a coach, and became one of Germany's most beloved personalities, died at 78, media reports said on Monday. 

In his latest book, 'Anger Management: The Troubled Diplomatic Relationship between India and Pakistan, Ajay Bisaria former India High Commissioner in Pakistan, claims that opposition was breathing down Khan's neck, reminding him of his promises to resolve the Kashmir issue.

"PM Imran Khan was calling India's PM a 'fascist ' and deploying all social media assets for a new war against 'Hindutva'," as per the book.

Describing the events that precipitated the fall of former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his ouster from power nearly three years after the abrogation of Article 370, the former diplomat writes, "As the Pakistani army turned 'neutral', Khan floundered. His government fell in a parliamentary no-confidence vote, held past midnight on 10 April 2022. A new coalition regime of the Sharifs and Bhuttos emerged from the political debris, again enabled by the army, with Shehbaz Sharif as prime minister and Bilawal Bhutto as finance minister. Pakistan's shaky new coalition did not seem to have the power to make any major departure in the India policy, with Imran Khan snapping at their heels".

"On August 5, India's parliament revoked Article 370. Jammu and Kashmir's special status was now extinguished and it became a union territory, at a par with others in the Indian union. Home Minister Amit Shah said in parliament that the revocation of Article 370 was meant to bring an end to the bloodshed and violence in Kashmir. With 41,000 lives lost in Kashmir, he asked, should we wait to lose 10,000 more before we changed the status quo?" says the book.

Bilateral relations nosedived between India and Pakistan following the Centre's decision to abrogate the special status of Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 and split the region into two union territories.

"The opposition was already critical of Khan, reminding him that he had said that Modi would be good for resolving the Kashmir issue if he was re-elected, the former diplomat wrote in his book.

To mobilise international opinion against the Kashmir cause, the book went on to say that Pakistan started to raise the issue at international forums.

"Pakistan's best hope was that there would be a violent pushback on the Article 370 move within Kashmir. Any bloodshed there would give Pakistan the basis to raise the issue in international fora from a 'peace and security' and also a 'human rights' perspective.

"At the Organisation of Islamic Countries, a group of 57 states that represent the Muslim world, Pakistan was trying to make the latest Kashmir issue a common cause for the Muslim ummah," the book says.

The action comes under an ongoing investigation launched in November 2023 following intelligence inputs about illegal activities and anti-national plans linked to ISIS.

According to the official press release issued by the UP ATS, Amas was arrested on January 8th, 2024, from Aligarh after evading capture since the arrest of his associates in November 3.

Prior to his apprehension, a reward of Rs 25,000 was declared for information leading to his arrest. Abdul Samad Malik, carrying a similar reward, had already surrendered before the court.

ATS had received information that some people are working for ISIS and are involved in anti-national activities. After confirming this information, ATS registered a case on November 3, 2023 and arrested seven people, including Abdullah Arsalan, Maaz Bin Tariq and Wajihuddin.

The ED chief, who landed in Kolkata midnight, is also expected to meet the injured officials along with senior officials of the agency's Kolkata-based regional office on Tuesday, the sources said.

 He may also call on Governor C V Ananda Bose at the Raj Bhavan in Kolkata. 

 Three ED officials were injured and their mobiles, laptops and wallets were "looted" when they reached Sandeshkhali in North 24 Parganas district to search the premises of TMC leader Shajahan Sheikh on January 5. Sheikh is currently absconding and the ED has issued a look-out circular (LC) against him alerting all land, air and sea ports to stop his exit from the country. 

 A second agency team was attacked and their vehicle was damaged during the arrest of another TMC leader Shankar Adhya in Bongaon of the said district on the same day. 

  The ED claimed in a press statement that the magnitude of this "scam" was "enormous" and proceeds of crime transferred by a suspect amounts to Rs 9,000-10,000 crore, out of which Rs 2,000 crore are "suspected to be transferred to Dubai either directly or through Bangladesh". It arrested West Bengal minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Jyotipriya Mallick and his aide Bakibur Rahaman in this case investigation last year while Adhya was arrested last week. A money laundering charge sheet against Mallick, Rahaman and a company NPG Rice Mill was filed by the agency before a Kolkata court in December last year. PTI

Israeli diplomat Avia Levi shared the news of Amedi's injury in a post on microblogging site X. 

 "Idan Amedi, one of 'Fauda's' actors, has been seriously injured in a battle in Gaza. We pray and pray for your speedy recovery," Levi posted.

According to Times of Israel, Amedi, 35, was fighting as an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reservist. He was airlifted to a hospital on Monday where he was sedated and received treatment. 

 His father later told an Israeli news outlet that his son was no longer in danger. 

 As a reservist, Amedi was serving in the Combat Engineering Corps when he was injured. He was brought to Sheba Medical Centre in Ramat Gan at about 4 pm on Monday and underwent urgent, serious and lengthy surgery, according to media reports. 

 Hours before he was injured, Amedi was interviewed by an Israeli channel where he said a little tired, but fine. Asked about his current mission, the actor had said, "It's crazy, what they built here. The operation here is on a very central (Hamas tunnel) route. We found kilometers of tunnels here, weaponry, even special weaponry. We've been busy the past two days trying to destroy it." 

 The actor is best known for playing Sagi Tzur, a soldier in an elite IDF unit, in "Fauda", which means chaos in Arabic. He enlisted as a reservist after Israel announced a war against Hamas in October. Lior Raz, the lead star of "Fauda", and the show's co-creator Avi Issacharov have also returned to the military. -- PTI

 About seven locations in Mumbai are being searched by the agency, they said. These include the premises of Waikar and some of his partners and others, the sources said. 

 Waikar, 64, is a Sena MLA from the Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray faction and represents the Jogeshwari east constituency in the Maharashtra assembly. 

 The money laundering case of the ED stems from a Mumbai Police economic offences wing (EOW) FIR that accuses the legislator of illegally obtaining approval for the construction of a five-star hotel on a plot reserved for a garden. It is alleged that this deal caused a huge loss to the BMC. -- PTI

In his latest book, 'Anger Management: The Troubled Diplomatic Relationship between India and Pakistan, Ajay Bisaria former India High Commissioner in Pakistan, claims that Pakistan had credible information on nine missiles India had prepared to launch into Pakistani territory.

"India was asked to desist, since this was an unprecedented act of aggression and an action tantamount to open war. While Pakistan's media reported the demarche on ceasefire violations by India, the story of the potential missile launch was held back that night but released in a background briefing by ISPR on March 4, with some embellishments. Several media reports appeared in March, detailing the conversations around the missiles between India and Pakistan and through global interlocutors," Bisaria wrote in his book.

Anticipating an Indian missile attack, a frightened Imran Khan pulled out all the stops and requested a midnight call with PM Modi to bring the situation under control. The call was arranged by the then-Pakistani High Commissioner, Sohail Mehmood, who contacted his counterpart in Delhi.

"At around midnight, I got a call in Delhi from Pakistani high commissioner Sohail Mahmood, now in Islamabad, who said that PM Imran Khan was keen to talk to Prime Minister Modi. I checked upstairs and responded that our Prime Minister was not available at this hour but in case Imran Khan had any urgent message to convey, he could, of course, convey it to me. I got no call back that night," Basaria mentions in his book.

The events unfolded a day after the Balakot airstrikes conducted by the Indian Air Force on terror hideouts in Pakistan on February 26, 2019.
-- ANI

Saraswati Devi started her vow on the day Babri Masjid was demolished in 1992, promising to break it only when the Ram temple was inaugurated, her family claimed. 

 The Dhanbad resident left for the temple town in Uttar Pradesh aboard a train on Monday night to witness the inauguration of the temple. Devi, who is popularly known as 'Mauni Mata' in Ayodhya, used to communicate with family members through sign language but wrote down complicated sentences. 

 Though she took a break from 'maun vrat' and spoke for an hour at noon every day till 2020, she went completely silent the day the foundation for the temple was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 

 "The day Babri Masjid was demolished on December 6, 1992, my mother took a vow to observe silence till the Ram Mandir was constructed in Ayodhya. She has been jubilant ever since the date of consecration of the temple was announced," 55-year-old Hare Ram Agarwal, Devi's youngest child, told PTI. 

 "She left for Ayodhya on Monday night aboard Ganga-Sutlej Express from Dhanbad Railway Station. She will break her silence on January 22," Hare Ram, a resident of Bhowra in Baghmara block, said. 

 He said Devi has been invited by disciples of Mahant Nritya Gopal Das to participate in the Ram temple inauguration event. A mother of eight children, including four daughters, Devi devoted her life to Lord Ram after the death of her husband Devkinandan Agarwal in 1986, spending most of her time in pilgrimages, family members said. 

 Devi is currently living with her second-eldest son Nand Lal Agarwal, an official with Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL), an arm of Coal India, at Dhaiya in Dhanbad. Nand Lal's wife Innu Agarwal (53) said that a few months after her marriage, she saw her mother-in-law embracing the vow of silence in devotion to Lord Ram. 

 "Mostly, we understood her sign language. But she used to write down complicated sentences on a piece of paper," Innu Agarwal said. 

 "After the demolition of Babri Masjid, my mother-in-law visited Ayodhya and took a pledge of 'maun vrat' till Ram Mandir was constructed. She used to remain silent for 23 hours a day, taking an hour-long break only at noon. The rest of the time, she communicated with us through pen and paper," she said. 

"However, when the foundation of the Ram Mandir was laid in 2020 by PM Modi, she went for a 24-hour 'maun vrat' and pledged to speak only after the temple was inaugurated," Innu said. 

 In 2001, Devi did 'tapasya' (penance) for seven months at Chitrakoot in Madhya Pradesh where Lord Ram is believed to have spent a major part of his exile, Innu claimed. 

 "Besides, she also went on pilgrimages across the country," she said. According to Innu Agarwal, her mother-in-law wakes up around 4 am every morning and undertakes 'sadhana' (meditation) for around six to seven hours in the morning. 

 "She studies religious books such as Ramayana and Bhagavad Gita in the evening after 'Sandhya Aarti'," she said. Devi eats food only once a day and consumes a glass of milk in the morning and evening. She maintains a vegetarian diet consisting of rice, pulses and roti. -- PTI

A day after Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's party emerged victorious at the polls, the US and UN voiced concern over violence and reports of irregularities on the day of elections, with Washington noting that the polls were not free or fair and regretted that not all parties participated in the ballot.

The US State Department, in a press statement Monday, said that Washington remains concerned by the arrests of thousands of political opposition members and by reports of irregularities on elections day in Bangladesh.

"The United States shares the view with other observers that these elections were not free or fair and we regret that not all parties participated," the State Department said.

While noting that Hasina's Awami League won a majority of seats in the January 7 parliamentary elections, the State Department said that Washington condemns violence that took place during elections and in the months leading up to it.

"We encourage the Government of Bangladesh to credibly investigate reports of violence and to hold perpetrators accountable. We also urge all political parties to reject violence," it said.

The State Department added that the US supports the people of Bangladesh and their aspirations for democracy, freedom of peaceful assembly, and freedom of expression. 

"Looking ahead, the United States remains committed to partnering with Bangladesh to advance our shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific, to supporting human rights and civil society in Bangladesh, and to deepening our people-to-people and economic ties," it said.

UN Human Rights Chief Volker Trk called on Bangladesh's newly elected government to take steps to renew the country's commitment to democracy and human rights, voicing distress that the environment for Sunday's poll was marred by violence and repression of opposition candidates and supporters.

"In the months leading up to the vote, thousands of opposition supporters have been detained arbitrarily or subjected to intimidation. Such tactics are not conducive to a truly genuine process," Trk said.

The top UN human rights official noted that democracy was "hard won" in Bangladesh and "must not become cosmetic."

Underlining that Bangladesh has been a role model of development, Trk said he "fervently hopes this will translate into the political and institutional spheres too. The future of all Bangladeshis is at stake."

The UN official noted that mass arrests, threats, enforced disappearances, blackmailing and surveillance were all methods reportedly used by law enforcement officials prior to the ballot, which was boycotted by the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party. Acts of political violence, including arson attacks allegedly committed by opposition groups, have also been reported.

Around 25,000 opposition supporters have been arrested, including key party leaders, since October, the UN official said. At least 10 opposition supporters reportedly died or were killed in custody in the last two months, raising serious concerns about possible torture or harsh conditions of detention, the UN Human Rights chief said. -- PTI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday extended greetings on Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas, hailing the dedication of the Indian diaspora worldwide towards preserving India's rich heritage and strengthening global ties.

He said in a post on X, "Greetings on Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas. This is a day to celebrate the contributions and achievements of the Indian diaspora worldwide."

"Their dedication towards preserving our rich heritage and strengthening global ties is commendable," he said.

The Indian diaspora embodies the spirit of India across the globe, fostering a sense of unity and diversity, the prime minister said. -- PTI 

 One person was injured in the incident which took place in Magaria area on Monday evening, a police official said, adding that adequate security has been deployed in the area and an FIR registered in this connection. Shajapur Collector Riju Bafna in a post on X said Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) has been imposed with immediate effect in three areas -- Magaria, Kachhiwada and Lalpura.

The situation is currently peaceful and a case has been registered against the miscreants and further legal action is being taken, he said. 

 Seven-eight persons stopped a group of people on Nag-Nagin Road near a mosque at around 8.30 pm on Monday when the latter were taking out a routine evening procession ahead of the Ram temple consecration ceremony in Ayodhya, as per the First Information Report (FIR) registered on a complaint by one Mohit Rathore, who was part of the procession. 

 The persons told them not to take out the procession from the area and a group of people gathered there subsequently, the FIR stated. 

 The procession participants were manhandled and stones were pelted at them, it said. The complainant claimed they were also attacked with swords and stones were hurled from rooftops.

 Following the complaint, the police registered the FIR against 24 identified people and 15-20 unidentified persons. Ujjain's divisional commissioner Sanjay Goyal and Inspector General Santosh Kumar Singh reached the spot after the incident.

Lakshadweep Lok Sabha MP Mohammed Faizal on Monday criticised Maldives ministers' statements against Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his social media post on the tourism potential of the archipelago, urging them to "think twice" before commenting on India's internal matters.

  

"The Hon'ble Prime Minister's remarks pertained to Lakshadweep tourism, which is entirely an internal matter of India. The comments made by Maldivian deputy ministers on this matter are unwanted and uninvited," Faizal told PTI over phone.

The government of the Maldives on Sunday suspended three deputy ministers for derogatory social media posts against Modi.

The three deputy ministers used disparaging comments against Modi for his post on 'X' following his visit to Lakshadweep, inferring that it was an attempt to project the union territory as an alternative tourist destination to the Maldives.

Faizal said Lakshadweep is a union territory under the control of the Union Home Ministry and of course under the Prime Minister.

"When the Hon'ble Prime Minister of India speaks about its own territory and discusses the development of tourism there, it doesn't make any sense for Maldives officials to make statements on that. It is unwanted," Faizal said, amid the ongoing diplomatic row over remarks on social media against Prime Minister Modi by several ministers of the Maldives.

According to Maldivian media reports, deputy ministers in the youth ministry Malsha Shareef, Mariyam Shiuna and Abdulla Mahzoom Majid have been suspended over their posts.  

Amid the ongoing spat between the Maldives and India, the Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI) has strongly condemned derogatory remarks made by officials in the tourism-dependent country against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

 

 Terming India as one of the closest neighbours and allies of the Maldives, MATI noted that India has always been a first responder to various crises throughout the history of the island country.  

 

 "India is one of our closest neighbours and allies. India has always been a first responder to various crises throughout our history and we are immensely grateful to the close relationship that the government as well as the people of India have maintained with us," MAITI said in a statement.

 

 It stressed that India has been a "consistent and significant contributor to the tourism industry of the Maldives." 

It stated that India has "greatly assisted" Maldives recovery efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic after the borders were reopened. 

 

 In a press release, MATI stated, "Since then, India has continued to remain as one of the top markets for the Maldives."

 

"It is our sincere wish that the close relationship between our two nations endures for generations to come and as such, we refrain from actions or speech that may have any negative impact on our good relationship," it added. 

 

A massive row was triggered after the Maldives deputy minister, along with other cabinet members and government officials, made disparaging and unsavoury references to Modi's Lakshadweep visit.

Passengers will have to dole out up to Rs 2,000 for front seats having more leg room in IndiGo flights, with the airline hiking the charges.

 

As per the fees and charges mentioned for various services on the airline's website, selecting a window or aisle seat in the front row of an A321 aircraft having 232 seats will cost Rs 2,000, while the amount is Rs 1,500 if it is the middle seat.

The charges are the same for these seats in an A321 plane that has 222 seats and in an A320 aircraft having 186 seats. The same tariff is applicable for selecting these seats in an A320 aircraft with 180 seats, according to the airline's website.

In the case of ATR planes, the charge for seat selection is up to Rs 500.

Aviation analyst Ameya Joshi said the airline has increased the seat selection charge for the front row seats with extra legroom to up to Rs 2,000.

Earlier, it was up to Rs 1,500, he added.

There was no immediate from IndiGo on hiking the seat selection charge to up to Rs 2,000.

Changes in charges for selecting seats in other rows could not be immediately ascertained.

Last week, the airline withdrew the fuel charge that was collected from passengers, a move that will reduce airfares by up to Rs 1,000 on certain long routes.

In the wake of a spike in jet fuel prices, the airline started levying the fuel charge on each domestic and international ticket from October 6, 2023. The quantum of the fuel charge varied from Rs 300 to up to Rs 1,000, depending on the distance. -- PTI 

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has said if Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray had been alive, he would have patted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's back for the Ram temple construction in Ayodhya and scrapping of Article 370 that gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir.

Shinde was addressing a rally on Monday at Rajapur in Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg Lok Sabha constituency of Maharashtra as part of his party's 'Shiv Sankalp' mass outreach programme for the general elections due in a few months.

The Ram temple consecration ceremony would be held in Ayodhya city of Uttar Pradesh on January 22.

In 2019, the Centre abrogated provisions of the Article 370, which bestowed special status on the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.

"The abrogation of Article 370 and construction of the Ram temple were Balasaheb Thackeray's dreams. These have now materialised because of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Had Balasaheb been alive, he would have patted Modi's back in appreciation," Shinde said.

Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray died in 2012.

         

On his rebellion in June 2022 against the Shiv Sena leadership which split the party and brought down the Uddhav Thackeray-led Maha Vikas Aghadi government, CM Shinde said the move was not for selfish reasons but to keep "Balasaheb's thoughts alive".

         

"We are the true descendants of his thoughts. When the Shiv Sena-UBT asked for Rs 50 crore lying in the accounts of Shiv Sena, we gave the money. We are not here for money," he said.

         

After the split, the Election Commission gave the Shiv Sena name and 'bow and arrow' symbol to Shinde's faction. The Shiv Sena-UBT led by Uddhav Thackeray has the flaming torch as its symbol. -- PTI 

The Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has cancelled a procession scheduled for January 17 that would have allowed devotees catch a glimpse of the new idol of Ram Lalla across the Ayodhya city ahead of the consecration ceremony.

   

Instead, the trust will arrange a tour of the new idol inside the premises of the Ram Janmabhoomi on the same day (January 17), a senior functionary of the Trust said, citing crowd management concerns raised by the security agencies.

The decision was taken by the officials of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust after a meeting with the Acharyas of Kashi and senior administrative officials.

According to the Ayodhya district administration, it was discussed in the meeting that it would be difficult to control the crowd as devotees and pilgrims will rush to have 'darshan' of the new idol of Ram Lalla when it is taken out in the city. -- PTI 

Singh is accompanied by a Ministry of Defence delegation comprised of senior officials from the Defence Research and Development Organisation, Service Headquarters, Department of Defence, and Department of Defence Production. 

Besides a bilateral meeting with his UK counterpart, Defence Secretary Grant Shapps, he is also expected to meet Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Foreign Secretary David Cameron.   

During his visit, he will hold a bilateral meeting with his UK counterpart Secretary of State for Defence, Mr Grant Shapps. 

They are expected to discuss a wide range of defence, security and industrial cooperation issues,  the ministry of defence in New Delhi said in a pre-visit statement over the weekend.   

Rajnath Singh is also expected to call on UK Prime Minister Mr Rishi Sunak and hold a meeting with Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Affairs David Cameron. 

He will also interact with the CEOs and industry leaders of the UK Defence Industry and meet with the Indian community there,  the statement added.

A ceremonial Guard of Honour, visits to Mahatma Gandhi and Dr B.R. Ambedkar memorials, a defence industry roundtable and community interactions with the Indian diaspora at Neasden Temple and India House are on the agenda during what is seen as a significant visit, given that the last Indian defence ministerial-level visit to the UK took place 22 years ago. -- PTI

As per the fees and charges mentioned for various services on the airline's website, selecting a window or aisle seat in the front row of an A321 aircraft having 232 seats will cost Rs 2,000, while the amount is Rs 1,500 if it is the middle seat. 

The charges are the same for these seats in an A321 plane that has 222 seats and in an A320 aircraft having 186 seats. 

The same tariff is applicable for selecting these seats in an A320 aircraft with 180 seats, according to the airline's website. 

In the case of ATR planes, the charge for seat selection is up to Rs 500. 

Aviation analyst Ameya Joshi said the airline has increased the seat selection charge for the front row seats with extra legroom to up to Rs 2,000. 

Earlier, it was up to Rs 1,500, he added. 

There was no immediate from IndiGo on hiking the seat selection charge to up to Rs 2,000. -- PTI

No such incident has taken place and the signatures on the letter, which has been mischievously circulated, are fake, the official asserted. 

The letter being circulated on social media alleged three officers of Mumbai police's motor transport department had sexually harassed women drivers. 

"We will find out who is behind this letter and take strict action. Our probe has found some anti social elements prepared the letter, forged signatures of some women personnel and circulated it," he added. -- PTI

He will also inspect the water works at Amani Ganj, the police control room and the tent cities being constructed by the Ayodhya Municipal Corporation, district magistrate Nitish Kumar said. 

In the afternoon, he will visit exhibitions organised by the forest and urban development departments at the Circuit House here, the official said. 

The meeting to discuss the preparations for the January 22 consecration ceremony at the Ram temple will be held in the evening, Kumar said. -- PTI

Rajagopal, the former union minister who was defeated by Tharoor in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections from the Kerala state capital, said the Congress MP has been able to sway the minds of the people, which was the reason for his repeated wins from Thiruvananthapuram. 

"That is why he is able to win again and again from Thiruvananthapuram. I doubt that anyone else will get an opportunity to win (from Thiruvananthapuram) in the near future," he said while speaking at the N Ramachandran Foundation award ceremony. 

Rajagopal, the first ever BJP MLA from the state after his win in the 2016 assembly polls, also expressed pride that such a person -- Tharoor -- hails from Palakkad. 

The veteran BJP leader himself also hails from Palakkad. -- PTI

Congress candidate Rupinder Singh Koonar won the seat with 94,950 votes as against Singh's 83,667. 

The Bharatiya Janata Party nominee was inducted into the Bhajanlal Sharma ministry on December 30, ahead of the polling on January 5. 

The minister of state (Independent charge) was later allocated the agriculture marketing board, Indira Gandhi Canal Department and minority affairs department. 

Under the rules, he had to get elected as an MLA within six months of his appointment as a minister. 

Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma forwarded the resignation letter of minister of state (independent charge) Surendra Pal Singh and it has been accepted by the Governor with immediate effect, a Raj Bhavan spokesperson said. -- PTI