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Tue, 09 July 2024
Satyendar Jain's interim bail plea rejected
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23:43 Modi flies to Austria, first PM to visit in over 40 years
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday departed for Austria after a fruitful two-day visit to Russia during which the two countries discussed ways to further shore up bilateral cooperation in sectors such as energy, trade, manufacturing and fertilisers.
Prime Minister Modi on Monday began a high-profile visit to Russia to hold the 22nd India-Russia annual summit with President Vladimir Putin, in his first trip since the start of Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.
Last night, the Russian president hosted a private dinner for the Indian prime minister at the former's residence on the outskirts of Moscow.
The Ukraine conflict also came up during Modi's talks with Putin.
Modi told Putin that a solution to the Ukraine conflict is not possible on the battlefield and that peace talks do not succeed amidst bombs, guns and bullets.
Earlier in the day, President Putin thanked Prime Minister Modi for trying to help find a peaceful solution to the Ukraine crisis.
"I am grateful to you for the attention you pay to the most pressing issues, particularly trying to find ways to resolve the Ukraine crisis, primarily through peaceful means, Putin was quoted as saying by the official TASS news agency.
Modi was on Tuesday officially conferred the 'Order of St Andrew the Apostle' award by President Putin for his contribution to fostering bilateral ties between the two countries. The award was announced in 2019.
When Modi lands in Vienna, it will be the first visit by an Indian prime minister to Austria in over 40 years, the last being of Indira Gandhi in 1983.
23:30 Satyendar Jain's interim bail plea rejected
A court in New Delhi on Tuesday rejected the plea of senior Aam Aadmi Party leader Satyendar Jain, an accused in a money laundering case, seeking interim bail for four weeks to take care of his injured wife and ailing daughter.
According to jain's application, his wife Poonam Jain, also an accused in the case, has fractured her right foot, requiring 'constant personal attention and care'.
It said their younger daughter was also suffering from some ailments and needed continuous care.
'That the wife of the applicant (Jain), apart from taking care of herself and managing other affairs, on account of her present situation is also unable to take care of her younger daughter. There is no one else in the family for her support as the other daughter is married, staying at her matrimonial home and has a 7-month-old child to take care of,' the application said.
The ED had arrested Jain, a former cabinet minister in the Arvind Kejriwal government, on May 30, 2022 on the charge of laundering money through four companies allegedly linked to him.
It had arrested Jain on the basis of a CBI FIR registered against him in 2017 under the Prevention of Corruption Act. -- PTI
23:28 Engineering student ends life after losing fees in betting
A 21-year-old engineering student allegedly died by suicide at Ghatkesar near in Hyderabad on Tuesday after losing the college fee to 'betting'.
The victim, a third-year BTech student and native of Nalgonda district, jumped in front of a goods train early today and died, Government Railway Police (GRP) said.
According to police, the student's parents had given him Rs 1.03 lakh to pay his college fees, but he utilised the amount for betting and incurred a loss.
His parents came to know about the non-payment of the fees recently after the college officials had sent a message to them. When they enquired, he confided that he had lost that money gambling.
Later, the student went into depression over the financial loss and allegedly took the extreme step, police said based on preliminary investigation.
A case was registered. -- PTI
22:35 Several central govt officers get suspicious email
Several central government employees on Tuesday got a potentially suspicious identical email prompting an association representing them to seek a probe into the matter.
The emails sent to Central Secretariat Service (CSS) officers working in various ministries asked them to click on a link to ensure their official mail accounts were not cancelled.
'Several officers in Central Secretariat received a potentially suspicious email today.
'NICMeity @GoI_MeitY, please look into this matter and take necessary action. #CyberAlert #CyberSafety @AshwiniVaishnaw #CentralSecretariat,' read a post on 'X' by the CSS Forum, a body of CSS officers.
The CSS officers form the backbone of the central secretariat. The Forum asked the National Informatics Centre (NIC) and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (Meity) to look into the issue.
Ashutosh Misra, general secretary of the CSS Forum told PTI that this suspected phishing attack needs to be investigated thoroughly and asked the officers to remain vigilant.
"As the entire work of the central secretariat is online now, immediate action is required to curb such instances," he said.
Misra said that the CSS officers have been asked to remain vigilant and report any suspicious emails immediately.
"The safety and security of our communication are of utmost importance," he added. -- PTI
The fire in Kamala Mills compound 7 years ago
22:13 Mumbai's Kamala Mills owner arrested for Rs 67cr fraud
The Mumbai police's Economic Offences Wing (EOW) on Tuesday arrested Kamala Mills owner and real estate developer Ramesh Govani in connection with a Rs 67.50 crore fraud case, an official said.
Govani, who also serves as a director of a private land development company, allegedly purchased a project in the Khar Danda area in Mumbai's western suburbs but failed to pay the consideration amount of Rs 67.50 crore to the complainant, the official stated.
Repeated demands for payment were ignored by Govani, prompting the complainant to approach the EOW and lodge a complaint.
Subsequently, a case was registered against Govani under sections 409 (criminal breach of trust), 420 (cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property), and 34 of the Indian Penal Code.
Govani was summoned for questioning at the EOW office on Tuesday, where he was arrested for his alleged involvement in the cheating case, the official said.
Notably, Govani was in the past arrested in connection with a massive blaze that swept through two roof-top pubs in Kamala Mills compound in central Mumbai on December 29, 2017, killing 14 people.
Image only for representation
21:55 Lizard found in breakfast of students in Telangana
A lizard was allegedly found in the breakfast served to students of a girls' hostel attached to a government school in Medak district of Telangana on Tuesday, an official said.
As many as 17 students who had eaten the breakfast were taken to a primary health centre in Ramayampet mandal and two students among them who had stomach pain were shifted to another hospital.
The remaining 15 students were discharged from the health centre, they said.
A cook and an assistant cook were terminated for alleged negligence after a 'lizard was found' in the breakfast while the caretaker and the Special Officer of Model School Girls' Hostel were served show cause notices, Medak District Educational Officer (DEO) said.
The DEO dismissed the reports that appeared in a section of the media stating that the students had fallen ill due to food poisoning.
The DEO, who enquired into the issue, in a report submitted to higher officials including the District Collector said that when upma was served to the students, one of the students noticed a 'lizard' in the breakfast.
Immediately, the caretaker instructed all the students to stop eating and the caretaker then took 17 students who had eaten the dish to the nearby Primary Health Centre in Ramayampet.
Later, 70 students were also taken to the health centre for checkup. The doctor examined all the students and they were kept under observation for six hours to check for symptoms like vomiting, loose motions and high fever which would indicate food poisoning.
However, no such symptoms were observed, the report said.
'Except two students who were suffering with stomach pain, all the remaining 15 students were discharged from the hospital. Both the students have been shifted to the District Headquarters Hospital in Medak,' the DEO said in the report.
Meanwhile, a video purportedly showing a rat scurrying through a container of food cooked at the hostel canteen of a state-run Engineering College in Sangareddy district went viral on social media on Tuesday.
A Sangareddy District official told media that after some students posted the video, they visited the institute for inspection and were verifying the facts. -- PTI
21:37 Some turncoat MLAs met Jayant Patil: Sharad Pawar
Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar president Sharad Pawar on Tuesday said some MLAs from the breakaway NCP faction led by his estranged nephew Ajit Pawar have met his party's senior leader Jayant Patil.
Pawar senior was replying to a question here about the possibility of MLAs from the NCP led by Ajit Pawar, Maharashtra deputy Chief Minister, returning to NCP-SP.
"I have not met anyone who left our party and now wants to join back, but I learnt that some of them met Jayant Patil," he told reporters.
Jayant Patil heads the Maharashtra unit of the NCP-SP.
Talking about his party's electoral symbol which is 'man blowing turha (a trumpet-like traditional instrument)', Pawar said they faced many problems as some independent candidates were allotted `tutari' or trumpet as the symbol.
"In Satara, we had problems during the Lok Sabha election over these symbols....Now, this issue is before the court, a hearing is scheduled for the next week," he added.
The NCP-SP had claimed earlier that in Satara, where its candidate lost to his Bharatiya Janata Party rival, the confusion between the two symbols cost the former a significant number of votes.
Talking about the coming assembly elections in Maharashtra, Pawar said the people thwarted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's attempt to take the country in the wrong direction during the Lok Sabha elections, and a similar mandate will be delivered in the state polls. -- PTI
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman
21:22 Police book US resident for Sitharaman deep fake
The Gujarat police have registered an FIR against a person for sharing a deepfake video of Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on GST, state minister Harsh Sanghavi said on Tuesday.
The video clip shows Sitharaman purportedly giving a byte to the media and terming Goods and Services Tax as the "Gopaniya Suchna Tax". It was shared by one Chirag Patel on his X handle.
As per his X (formerly Twitter) profile, Patel is based in the USA.
Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghavi said the "deceptive act of spreading deep fake videos to mislead citizens is abhorrent".
"Gujarat police have registered an FIR against this person for spreading this deep fake video. Trying to mislead citizens. Let's not fall prey to such manipulative tactics and prioritise truth and accountability in our digital spaces," he tweeted.
21:12 HC dismisses Chinese woman's petition seeking nod to go home
The Karnataka high court has dismissed a petition filed by a Chinese national accused in alleged loan app scams, seeking permission to travel back to her country pending trial on the grounds of meeting her ailing father.
A single judge bench of Justice M Nagaprasanna passed the order on the plea by 42-year-old Hu Xiaolin, who is allegedly involved in a series of Chinese loan app scams known as Power Bank app scam , in which customers were coerced and cheated of several crores of rupees in Karnataka and Kerala.
The court took note of the Chinese Criminal Code, according to which once a person becomes an accused, he is not permitted to move out of the country till the trial gets completed.
"The petitioner being a Chinese national is undoubtedly aware of the law that prevails in China in treatment to (of) a foreign national or an alien, as described in its laws. If laws in China prohibit such exit of a foreign national under the aforesaid circumstances, laws of India cannot be made flexible on any score whatsoever, as it is a case of a Chinese national who is involved in multiple crimes," it said.
The court also said that, if the petitioner is permitted to move out of the shores of the nation, despite the plethora of crimes pending against her, it would become impossible to conclude trial, as it would be permitting her to flee justice and create a dent in the majesty of law.
According to sources, Xiaolin had come to India in 2017 and married Anas Ahmed, an Indian national, and is residing at present in Bengaluru.
The cases were registered against Xiaolin and her husband based on the complaint filed by Razorpay Software Private Limited, a payment gateway.
The petitioner was arrested and released on bail conditions which include that she would not leave the country without prior permission from the court.
According to sources, the petitioner submitted that the Kerala high court had permitted her to visit China and come back in connection with cases registered in Kerala.
To this, the Karnataka HC said: "The high court of Kerala granting permission to travel will not bind this Court to consider the issue on merits, as the order passed by the high court of Kerala does not indicate the crimes or the practice prevailing in China to other nationals including Indian nationals. Therefore, seeking permission to travel abroad does not merit any consideration in the peculiar facts of this case." -- PTI
20:52 Soumya Swaminathan is principal advisor for TB elimination programme
Soumya Swaminathan has been appointed principal advisor for the Union health ministry's National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme on a pro bono basis.
Swaminathan is a former chief scientist of the World Health Organization and earlier served as director general of the Indian Council of Medical Research.
As principal advisor for the programme, Swaminathan will provide technical advice on the overall strategy to achieve its goals, suggest policy directions and necessary course corrections for optimal outcome, and advise on research strategy, the health ministry said in a statement.
She will also assist in the formation of expert groups with top talent globally.
Additionally, she will support the ministry, state officials and development partners in assessing the programme's impact, it added.
20:33 Wimbledon quarters: Sinner returns to court after medical timeout
World No 1 Jannick Sinner was back on court after calling a medical time-out and leaving the court during his Wimbledon clash with Daniil Medvedev, after his heart rate was checked by the doctor at Wimbledon.
Sinner has taken the first set 7-6 (7).
20:18 It's official, Gambhir named India head coach
Just In: Former opening batter Gautam Gambhir named head coach of India men's cricket team.
Details soon.
19:43 Uddhav's son dances at Ambani sangeet, BJP takes a dig
Shiv Sena-UBT leader Uddhav Thackeray's son Tejas was recently seen shaking a leg at the Anant Ambani-Radhika Merchant sangeet in Mumbai.
However, going by the response in some Maharashtra political circles, not everyone seems to be in step with the 29-year-old.
Videos of the young man grooving to 'Yeh Ladki Hai Allah' from the movie 'Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham', along with Sara Ali Khan, Janhvi Kapoor, Ananya Panday and other celebrities at the much discussed pre-wedding function last week, excited several comments, particularly from political rivals.
Mumbai BJP president Ashish Shelar said Tejas had never been seen dancing during 'dahi handi' celebrations to the tune of 'Govinda Re Gopala' nor tapping his feet during the Ganeshotsav festival.
'But now this handsome young face of Maharashtra was standing in the last row and dancing at the Ambani wedding,' he said in a post in Marathi on X on Tuesday.
Reacting to the widely circulated video, his party colleague Nitesh Rane, son of former Union minister Narayan Rane, said, "One the one hand, you attack Gujaratis but on the other hand, this fellow is dancing at the Ambani wedding."
Leader of the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena Sheetal Mhatre also reacted with a barbed comment.
"Hey, this background dancer at the Ambani wedding looks familiar...His father is a master of taunts. The son is a dance star."
Despite being a member of a high profile political family always in the news, Tejas has been largely successful in staying out of the limelight and following his passion to become a conservationist and wildlife researcher.
Tejas is the younger of Uddhav Thackeray's two sons. The elder Aaditya is a former state minister and his political heir.
The festivities around the wedding of billionaire Mukesh Ambani's youngest son to Radhika, daughter of industrialist Viren Merchant, have been the subject of much discussion and attention, beginning from the glittering Jamnagar jamboree in March, going on to a cruise party last month and now the sangeet. The couple gets married on July 12.
Among those who have performed at the events are Justin Bieber, Rihanna, Katy Perry, Backstreet Boys and Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli. -- PTI
However, going by the response in some Maharashtra political circles, not everyone seems to be in step with the 29-year-old.
Videos of the young man grooving to 'Yeh Ladki Hai Allah' from the movie 'Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham', along with Sara Ali Khan, Janhvi Kapoor, Ananya Panday and other celebrities at the much discussed pre-wedding function last week, excited several comments, particularly from political rivals.
Mumbai BJP president Ashish Shelar said Tejas had never been seen dancing during 'dahi handi' celebrations to the tune of 'Govinda Re Gopala' nor tapping his feet during the Ganeshotsav festival.
'But now this handsome young face of Maharashtra was standing in the last row and dancing at the Ambani wedding,' he said in a post in Marathi on X on Tuesday.
Reacting to the widely circulated video, his party colleague Nitesh Rane, son of former Union minister Narayan Rane, said, "One the one hand, you attack Gujaratis but on the other hand, this fellow is dancing at the Ambani wedding."
Leader of the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena Sheetal Mhatre also reacted with a barbed comment.
"Hey, this background dancer at the Ambani wedding looks familiar...His father is a master of taunts. The son is a dance star."
Despite being a member of a high profile political family always in the news, Tejas has been largely successful in staying out of the limelight and following his passion to become a conservationist and wildlife researcher.
Tejas is the younger of Uddhav Thackeray's two sons. The elder Aaditya is a former state minister and his political heir.
The festivities around the wedding of billionaire Mukesh Ambani's youngest son to Radhika, daughter of industrialist Viren Merchant, have been the subject of much discussion and attention, beginning from the glittering Jamnagar jamboree in March, going on to a cruise party last month and now the sangeet. The couple gets married on July 12.
Among those who have performed at the events are Justin Bieber, Rihanna, Katy Perry, Backstreet Boys and Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli. -- PTI
19:02 Putin confers Russia's highest civilian honour on Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on Tuesday officially conferred the 'Order of St Andrew the Apostle' award by Russian President Vladimir Putin for exceptional services in promoting bilateral ties between the two countries.
"Honoured to receive the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle. I dedicate it to the people of India," Modi said in a post on X after receiving the award at a ceremony in Moscow.
Established in 1698 by Tsar Peter the Great in honour of Saint Andrew, the first apostle of Jesus and patron saint of Russia, the Order of St Andrew the Apostle is the highest State decoration of Russia.
Sikhs for Justice founder Gurpatwant Singh Pannun
18:50 Centre extends ban on Sikhs For Justice
The Union Home Ministry has extended the ban imposed on pro-Khalistan group Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) for five years for its anti-India activities.
In a notification issued on Tuesday, the Home Ministry said the SFJ was declared a banned organisation five years ago under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act for its anti-national activities which are prejudicial to the internal security and integrity of the country.
The SFJ continues to involve in anti-national and subversive activities in Punjab and elsewhere and intended to disrupt the sovereignty and territorial integrity of India, it said.
The ministry said the SFJ is encouraging and aiding the activities for secession of a part of the Indian territory from the Union of India and supporting separatist groups fighting for this purpose in India and elsewhere by indulging in activities and articulations intended to disrupt the sovereignty and territorial integrity of India.
Considering the role of SFJ in various subversive activities, the Home Ministry extended the ban imposed under the UAPA for five years with effect from July 10, the notification said. -- PTI
18:41 NEET-UG leak case: CBI arrests 2 more persons from Patna
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested two more persons, including a candidate, from Patna in connection with the alleged leakage of NEET-UG paper, taking the total number of arrests by the agency to 11, officials said Tuesday.
NEET-UG aspirant Sunny who hails from Nalanda and father of another candidate Ranjit Kumar who is from Gaya have been arrested, they said.
The CBI has so far arrested eight persons in Bihar NEET-UG paper leak case and one each in connection with alleged manipulation in Gujarat's Latur and Godhra, and one from Dehradun in connection with general conspiracy, the officials said.
The agency had earlier arrested principal and vice principal of Hazaribagh-based Oasis school in the case and two persons who allegedly provided safe premises to NEET candidates where burnt question papers were recovered by the Bihar Police.
The CBI, which is probing the alleged irregularities in the medical entrance exam, has registered six FIRs.
The FIR from Bihar pertains to leakage of paper while the remaining from Gujarat, Rajasthan and Maharashtra are linked to impersonation of candidates and cheating.
The agency's own FIR on a reference from the Union Education Ministry pertains to a 'comprehensive investigation' into the alleged irregularities in the examination.
NEET-UG is conducted by the NTA for admissions to MBBS, BDS, AYUSH and other related courses in government and private institutions.
This year, the exam was conducted on May 5 at 4,750 centres in 571 cities, including 14 abroad. More than 23 lakh candidates had appeared for the test. -- PTI
18:09 Encounter breaks out in J-K's Doda
An encounter broke out between security forces and terrorists in a remote forest area in Jammu and Kashmir's Doda district on Tuesday, officials said.
The gunfight started when security forces launched a search and cordon operation in Ghadi Bhagwah forest following information about the presence of terrorists in the area, they said.
Heavy firing was going on between the two sides when last reports were received, the officials said.
Further details are awaited. -- PTI
17:54 4 Indian-Americans arrested for running trafficking racket in Texas
Four Indian-Americans, including a woman, have been charged with allegedly running a human labour trafficking scheme out of a home in the US state of Texas, a media report said.
The Princeton Police Department released details of an investigation that led to four people being arrested after 15 women were found inside the home as alleged victims of human labour trafficking, news portal Fox4News.com said on Monday night.
Chandan Dasireddy, 24, Dwaraka Gunda, 31, Santhosh Katkoori, 31, and Anil Male, 37, all arrested in March, are now charged with trafficking of persons, a second-degree felony, and more arrests are expected, the channel reported, quoting police.
The authorities found that all the young women, living in the same home, were forced to sleep on the floor at a home on Ginsburg Lane in Collin County, Princeton.
"There was basically no furniture inside the home at the centre of human trafficking, just a bunch of computer electronics and blankets," police said.
Another news portal, McKinney Courier-Gazette said officers with the Princeton Police Department were dispatched on March 13 to a residence regarding a welfare concern and suspicious circumstance.
'After further investigation of the initial report, Princeton Police CID detectives obtained a search warrant for the home of Santhosh Katkoori, where 15 adult females were located. During the investigation, it was discovered that the females were forced to work for Katkoori and multiple programming shell companies owned by him and his wife, Dwaraka Gunda,' it said.
While the search warrant was executed, multiple laptops, cell phones, printers and fraudulent documents were seized. It was later determined that multiple locations within Princeton, Melissa, and McKinney were involved in the forced labouring of the victims, including adult males, the portal said, adding, additional laptops, cell phones, and documents were seized from the other locations.
The original concern was raised by a pest control company, which was called for possible bed bugs.
'Once inside, the inspector noticed that each room had 3-5 young females sleeping on the floors. There were also large amounts of suitcases. The company contacted police,' Fox4News.com added.
The news portal quoted Princeton Police Sgt Carolyn Crawford who said over 100 more people are involved, 'more than half of them victims'.
However, she did not reveal what type of labour operation was happening.
The Princeton Police Department released details of an investigation that led to four people being arrested after 15 women were found inside the home as alleged victims of human labour trafficking, news portal Fox4News.com said on Monday night.
Chandan Dasireddy, 24, Dwaraka Gunda, 31, Santhosh Katkoori, 31, and Anil Male, 37, all arrested in March, are now charged with trafficking of persons, a second-degree felony, and more arrests are expected, the channel reported, quoting police.
The authorities found that all the young women, living in the same home, were forced to sleep on the floor at a home on Ginsburg Lane in Collin County, Princeton.
"There was basically no furniture inside the home at the centre of human trafficking, just a bunch of computer electronics and blankets," police said.
Another news portal, McKinney Courier-Gazette said officers with the Princeton Police Department were dispatched on March 13 to a residence regarding a welfare concern and suspicious circumstance.
'After further investigation of the initial report, Princeton Police CID detectives obtained a search warrant for the home of Santhosh Katkoori, where 15 adult females were located. During the investigation, it was discovered that the females were forced to work for Katkoori and multiple programming shell companies owned by him and his wife, Dwaraka Gunda,' it said.
While the search warrant was executed, multiple laptops, cell phones, printers and fraudulent documents were seized. It was later determined that multiple locations within Princeton, Melissa, and McKinney were involved in the forced labouring of the victims, including adult males, the portal said, adding, additional laptops, cell phones, and documents were seized from the other locations.
The original concern was raised by a pest control company, which was called for possible bed bugs.
'Once inside, the inspector noticed that each room had 3-5 young females sleeping on the floors. There were also large amounts of suitcases. The company contacted police,' Fox4News.com added.
The news portal quoted Princeton Police Sgt Carolyn Crawford who said over 100 more people are involved, 'more than half of them victims'.
However, she did not reveal what type of labour operation was happening.
The magazine highlighted areas of "significant Muslim population growth"
17:31 RSS-linked magazine highlights 'demographic imbalance'
An RSS-linked magazine has stressed the need to introduce a comprehensive national population control policy, pointing to a "demographic imbalance" emerging in certain areas of the country with a "significant Muslim population growth".
An editorial published in the latest edition of Organiser Weekly also flagged concerns over "regional imbalances" in terms of population and pitched for policy intervention, saying states from the west and south were doing "relatively better" in implementing population control measures but they "fear losing a few seats" in Parliament if the base population was changed after the Census.
"Despite stabilising the population at the national level, it is not the same in all religions and regions. There is a significant Muslim population growth in certain areas, especially bordering districts," the editorial noted. Frontier states such as West Bengal, Bihar, Assam and Uttarakhand are witnessing "unnatural" population growth due to "illegal migration" across the borders, it added.
"In a democracy, when numbers are critical regarding representation and demography decides the destiny, we must be even more cautious of this trend," the editorial said.
"Politicians like Rahul Gandhi can afford to insult Hindu sentiments now and then. (West Bengal Chief Minister) Mamata (Banerjee) can play the blatant Muslim card even to accept the atrocities on women by the Islamists, and Dravidian parties can take pride in abusing Sanatan Dharma only because of their confidence in the consolidation of the so-called minority vote bank developed with the population imbalance," it charged.
"Learning from the horrors of the Partition and what is happening with the politically correct but socially and culturally incorrect migration from West Asian and African countries, we have to address this issue urgently, as pointed out by various Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) resolutions and judicial pronouncements," it added. The editorial further noted that regional imbalance was another "critical dimension" that would impact the delimitation process of parliamentary constituencies in the future.
17:10 Putin talking about peace gives me hope: PM
Russia: In Moscow, PM Narendra Modi tells President Putin, "Perhaps this is such a meeting that the focus of the entire world is on this visit of mine. The entire world is drawing out different meanings of this visit. Yesterday, you invited me to your residence and like a true friend we spent 4-5 hours together. We discussed several topics. I am happy that we openly discussed the issue of Ukraine in detail and we tried to listen and respectfully understand each other's opinions.
"There was a great challenge of fuel before the world. At a time like this, with your cooperation, we were able to save the common public from difficulties pertaining to petrol-diesel. Not only this, the world will have to accept that the agreement regarding fuel between India and Russia, indirectly gave market stability to the world in a way.
"For restoration of peace, India is ready to cooperate in all ways...I assure you and the world community that India is in favour of peace. Listening to my friend Putin talk about peace yesterday, gives me hope. I would like to say to my media friends - Possible.
"The last 5 years were very concerning, challenging for entire world, entire humankind. We had to go through several problems. First, due to COVID and later the era of conflicts and tensions in various parts caused several issues for humankind...
"Even in such a situation, when the world was facing a food-fuel-fertiliser crisis, due to India-Russia friendship and cooperation I did not let the farmers of my country face a crisis of fertiliser...
"Our friendship has played a huge role towards this. We are committed to the interest of farmers. Even in the days to come, we would want our cooperation with Russia to further advance in the interest of farmers."
The BMW at the police station
16:36 Mumbai police arrest 24-year-old absconding after BMW crash
Update: Mumbai police on Tuesday arrested Mihir Shah, two days after the 24-year-old allegedly rammed his BMW car into a two-wheeler, killing a woman and leaving her husband injured. Mihir, whose father is a leader of the ruling Shiv Sena, had fled after the fatal crash.
Mihir was arrested near Mumbai, a police official said. Police said Mihir Shah's father Rajesh Shah took an active part in ensuring his son's escape and also had plans to tow away the offending vehicle. Mihir Shah was allegedly driving the BMW car which fatally knocked down Kaveri Nakhwa (45) and injured her husband Pradeep while the couple was on their two-wheeler in Mumbai's Worli area Sunday morning, police said. Mumbai police had formed 11 teams and also roped in the Crime Branch to nab Mihir Shah.
A Look Out Circular (LOC) had also been put out against him, the official said. Rajesh Shah and the family's driver Rajrishi Bidawat, who were arrested in the case earlier, were produced in a Mumbai court on Monday and remanded in 14-day judicial and one-day police custody, respectively. Rajesh Shah was, however, later granted bail by the court.
16:28 BMW hit-and-run: Mihir Shah arrested
24-year-old Mihir Shah, who was absconding in BMW hit-and-run case arrested: Mumbai police official. The Mumbai Police had formed 14 teams to arrest Mihir Shah who has been missing since the car he was allegedly driving hit a scooter on Dr Annie Besant Road in Worli. A lookout notice had also been issued for Mihir, who was absconding.
The probe into the BMW hit-and-run case has found that victim Kaveri Nakhwa was run over by accused Rajrishi Bidawat just before Bandra Worli Sea Link after being dragged there by main accused Mihir Shah as the two fled, an official said.
15:49 PM pays tribute at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
rime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, on a two-day visit to Russia, paid tribute at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier' in Moscow on Tuesday. Modi, who is here to hold the 22nd India-Russia annual summit with President Vladimir Putin.
He also laid a wreath at the Tomb.
"A solemn homage to the brave! PM @narendramodi laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Moscow, saluting valour, sacrifice and indomitable human courage," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on 'X'. This is Modi's first trip since the start of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier' is a war memorial located at the Kremlin Wall, in Moscow. It features a dark red porphyry monument adorned with a bronze sculpture of a laurel branch and a soldier's helmet placed upon a banner. It is dedicated to the Soviet soldiers who lost their lives during World War II.
15:28 Jagannath temple's treasury may be opened on July 14
The high-level committee, set up to supervise the making of an inventory of valuable items stored in 'Ratna Bhandar' of Puri Jagannath temple, has decided to recommend the Odisha government to reopen the inner chamber of the treasury on July 14, a panel member said on Tuesday.
The decision was taken during a meeting of committee members in Puri. "We have unanimously decided that the committee would request the government to reopen the inner chamber of the 'Ratna Bhandar' on July 14," said Justice Biswanath Rath, who is the chairman of the panel. The treasury was last opened 46 years ago in 1978. The chief administrator of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), who is the member convenor of the panel, was asked to produce the duplicate key of the 'Ratna Bhandar' before the committee during this meeting, Rath said.
"However, the SJTA administration could not produce the duplicate key as the temple authority was busy conducting Rath Yatra. The chief administrator is now asked to submit the key before the panel on July 14," Rath said.
It was also decided that the treasury would be opened by breaking the lock if the duplicate key would not function, he said. A detailed discussion was held on several standard operating procedures (SOPs) needed for making an inventory of ornaments and repairing the 'Ratna Bhandar'.
15:03 India to open two more consulates in Russia
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday announced that India has decided to open two new consulates in Kazan and Yekaterinburg cities of Russia in a bid to further boost travel and trade with the country. India currently has two consulates in Russia at St Petersburg and Vladivostok.
The Prime Minister made the announcement of the opening of new consulates at Kazan and Yekaterinburg while addressing the Indian diaspora here during his two-day visit to Russia.
"I want to share some good news with you all. We have decided to open new consulates in Kazan and Yekaterinburg. This will enhance travel and business trade," Modi said.
Yekaterinburg is Russia's fourth largest city which has emerged as an important economic centre. The city had hosted four FIFA World Cup matches in 2018 when the sporting event was held in Russia. Located on the confluence of the Volga and Kazanka rivers, Kazan is a cultural and educational hub and an emerging economic centre in Russia.
Russia will also host the BRICS Summit in October in Kazan. Modi on Monday began a high-profile visit to Russia for the 22nd India-Russia annual summit with President Vladimir Putin, his first trip since the start of Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.
14:47 Zelenskyy upset to see PM hugging 'bloody criminal'
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed disappointment over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Russia, which he termed as a "devastating blow to peace efforts."
On Monday, PM Modi who is on a two-day visit to Russia met with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the latter's house in suburban Moscow and images from the meeting showed the two leaders exchanging hugs and chatting.
Zelenskyy took to social media platform X to post that on the same day that 37 people, including three children, were killed and 170 others were injured due to Russia's missile strike at the largest children's hospital in Ukraine's capital city Kyiv.
"In Ukraine today, 37 people were killed, three of whom were children, and 170 were injured, including 13 children, as a result of Russia's brutal missile strike. A Russian missile struck the largest children's hospital in Ukraine, targeting young cancer patients. Many were buried under the rubble. It is a huge disappointment and a devastating blow to peace efforts to see the leader of the world's largest democracy hug the world's most bloody criminal in Moscow on such a day" the Ukrainian leader said.
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh also criticised PM Modi for meeting Putin amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
"Self-styled Vishwaguru, who also gave himself the title of Vishwabandhu, is in Moscow the day a children's hospital in Ukraine is bombed. What happened to the 'Ukraine mein war rukwa di' boast?" Jairam Ramesh said in a post on X.
The Moscow visit of PM Modi marks his first visit to Russia since the conflict between Russia and Ukraine started in 2022. India has always advocated for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the conflict between Russia and Ukraine and restore peace.
PM Modi expressed gratitude to the Russian President for hosting him and stated that he looks forward to their talks, which will strengthen India-Russia friendship.
14:27 What do you do when Mumbai's local trains are suspended in rains? Rename stations
The Maharashtra legislative council on Tuesday unanimously passed a resolution to rename seven stations on the Mumbai local train network. The Mahayuti government, comprising Shiv Sena led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, the BJP, and NCP led by Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, will now submit the new names to the Union government for approval.
The resolution, moved by state Parliamentary Affairs Minister Chandrakant Patil, was adopted unanimously. Names of most of the stations on the Mumbai local train network are in English, and it has been argued that they carry a colonial legacy.
As per the resolution, Currey Road station will be renamed Lalbaug, Sandhurst Road as Dongri, Marine Lines as Mumbadevi, and Charni Road will be named as Girgaon. The renaming of Sandhurst Road will be effective on the Central Line as well as the Harbour Line. Among other stations, Cotton Green station will be renamed Kalachowki, Dockyard Road as Mazgaon, and King's Circle as Tirthankar Parswanath.
Notably, Mumbai had witnessed such changes before, with iconic stations like Victoria Terminus (VT) renamed to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and Elphinstone Road to Prabhadevi, which adding to the momentum of embracing culturally resonant nomenclature for public spaces.
14:20 Modi govt's job is to keep youth unemployed: Kharge
Citing an International Labour Organisation report claiming that "83 per cent of unemployed in the country are youth", Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday held Prime Minister Narendra Modi solely responsible for shattering the dreams of crores of youth in the last ten years.
In a long series of tweets, Kharge said, "Modi Govt may be refuting independent economic reports like Citigroup on unemployment, but how will it deny government data? The truth is that Modi Govt is solely responsible for shattering the dreams of crores of Youth in the last 10 years!".
Kharge added: "The latest government data punctures their claims - According to NSSO's Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises (ASUSE). In the manufacturing sector, 54 lakh jobs have been lost in unincorporated units in 7 years! (Between the year 2015 to 2023). In 2010-11, 10.8 crore employees were employed in unincorporated, non-agricultural enterprises across India, which has become 10.96 crore in 2022-23 - that is, a marginal increase of only 16 lakh in 12 years!"
"According to the latest Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), the Urban Unemployment Rate is at 6.7%. (Q4, FY24). Modi Govt beats the drum of employment generation in the Formal sector by showing EPFO data, but even if we assume that data to be true, it has seen a 10% decline in new jobs in 2023.
A report by IIM Lucknow, after analysing government data, shows that unemployment growth, high unemployment among the educated, and low participation of women in the workforce are prevalent in the country. (2024)", the Congress Chief added in his post.
"Modi Govt rejects independent economic reports because they expose their shameless attempt to whitewash," Kharge said, adding, "According to the CMIE, the current Unemployment Rate in the country has reached 9.2%, and among women, it is a whopping 18.5%. According to the ILO report, 83% of the unemployed in the country are youth. According to the India Employment Report 2024, between 2012 and 2019, about 7 crore youth joined the labour force, but there was zero growth in employment - only 0.01%!".
"According to the 2023 report of Azim Premji University, 42.3% of graduates under the age of 25 in the country are unemployed. According to the latest report of Citigroup, India needs 1.2 crore jobs annually, and even 7% GDP growth will not be able to create enough jobs for our youth. Under the Modi Govt, the country has achieved an average of only 5.8% as GDP growth," Kharge added.
Further attacking the Narendra Modi government, Kharge said, "Be it government jobs, or private sector, self-employment or unorganised sector - Modi Govt has only one mission -- "Keep the youth Jobless".
The stunning Capitol building in the US
13:34 Student from Andhra drowns in waterfall in US
A student from Andhra Pradesh G Sai Surya Avinash accidentally slipped into a waterfall and died in the US recently. The Consulate General of India in New York said Avinash from Chitalya in East Godavari district, drowned on Saturday, July 7 at Barberville Falls in Albany, New York.
"We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Mr. Sai Surya Avinash Gadde, a student at Trine University, who drowned on 7th July at Barberville Falls, Albany, NY," the Consulate said in a post on X on Tuesday. Extending condolences to the deceased student's family and friends, the Consulate noted that it is extending all the necessary assistance to repatriate Avinash's mortal remains to India.
Meanwhile, a relative from Avinash's hometown Chityala, said he went to the US 18 months ago and was on the verge of completing the MS course. "I am his (Avinash's) uncle and he went to the US 18 months ago. His MS course is getting over. He went to the waterfalls with his friends but accidentally fell into it," the relative told a vernacular news channel.
Terming Avinash's death as an irreparable loss to their family, he said that Telugu Association of North America (TANA) received his body, which could reach Chityala by Friday. PTI
13:22 World needs confluence, not influence: PM in Moscow
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday described Russia as India's "all-weather friend" and hailed President Vladimir Putin's leadership in strengthening the bilateral relationship over the past two decades.
The Prime Minister's praise of Putin, during an address to the Indian diaspora here, came amid attempts by Western powers to isolate the Russian leader over the war in Ukraine. "On hearing the word Russia, the first word that comes to mind of every Indian is India's all-weather friend (sukh-dukh ka saathi) and a trusted ally, Modi said. No matter how low the temperature dips below minus during Russian winter, India-Russia friendship has always remained in 'plus', it is full of warmth. This relationship is built on the strong foundation of mutual trust and mutual respect, the Prime Minister said. Modi said he had a special appreciation for his friend President Putin for steering India-Russia friendship to greater heights over the last two decades. The Prime Minister said for a long time the world had seen an influence-oriented global order.
"But, what the world needs right now is confluence not influence and no one can deliver this message better than India which has a strong tradition of worshipping confluences," Modi said. The Prime Minister said India was undergoing a transformation and the pace of development over the past 10 years has taken the world by surprise.
Rahul Gandhi meets families of the Hathras victims
12:44 Cannot rule out conspiracy behind Hathras stampede: SIT
The Uttar Pradesh government on Tuesday suspended the local SDM, a circle officer and four others on the basis of the SIT report on the Hathras stampede that did not rule out a "big conspiracy" behind the incident.
The SIT report also flagged lapses on the part of the local administration that led to the incident that claimed 121 lives on July 2. The report held the organisers responsible for the stampede, claiming they did not make arrangements to manage the crowd and also fixed the responsibility of administration, according to official sources.
It said the local police and administration did not take the event seriously and failed to provide proper information to senior officers. On the basis of the SIT report, six people, including and SDM, circle officer, and a tehsildar have been suspended by the government. PTI
12:31 We call our relationship with Russia, dosti: PM
Moscow, Russia: Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaking to Indian diaspora:
"The world is surprised to see the pace of development that the country has achieved in the last 10 years. When people from the world come to India, they say 'Bharat badal raha hai'. They are clearly able to see the transformation of India, the reconstruction of India. When India organises successful events like G20, the world speaks in one voice, 'Bharat badal raha hai'. When India doubles the number of its airports in just 10 years, the world says, 'Bharat badal raha hai'. When India electrifies more than 40,000 kilometres of railway lines in just 10 years, the world also realises the power of India, they say the country is changing.
"Today when India builds the world's tallest railway bridge, world's tallest statue, the world says, India is changing and how is India changing because India trusts the support of its 140 crore citizens, trusts the support of Indians spread across the world. Because 140 crore Indians now want to fulfil the dream of making India a developed country by taking a resolution. Today my Indian brothers and sisters who live in different parts of the world are proud of the achievements of your motherland.
"I just want to ask you, has the world's perspective towards you changed or not? Today 140 crore Indians believe in solving the problems that have been going on for decades.
"India is sending a great team to the Paris Olympics. You will see how the entire team and athletes will show their strength. This self-confidence of the youth is the real capital of India and this youth power shows the biggest potential to take India to new heights in the 21st century.
"During the elections, I used to say that the development that India has done in the last 10 years is just a trailer, in the coming 10 years, we are going to grow even faster. From semiconductors to electronic manufacturing, from green hydrogen to electric vehicles and world-class infrastructure, India's new pace will write a new chapter of world development. From global poverty to climate change, India will be at the forefront in challenging every situation.
"I am happy that India and Russia are working shoulder to shoulder to give new energy to Global Prosperity. All of you present here are giving new heights to the relations between India and Russia. You have contributed to Russian society with your hard work and honesty.
"On hearing the word Russia, the first word that comes to every Indian's mind is India's partner in happiness and sorrow, India's trusted friend, we call it 'Dosti'... No matter how much the temperature goes down to minus during the winter season in Russia but India-Russia friendship has always been in Plus, it has always been warm. This relationship is built on the strong foundation of Mutual Trust and Mutual Respect."
Jawan Adarsh Negi was martyred in the attack
12:26 Kathua massacre won't go unavenged: Govt
The killing of five Army personnel in a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district will not go unavenged and India will defeat the evil forces behind it, Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane said on Tuesday. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed deep anguish over the killing of the soldiers and asserted that the armed forces are determined to usher in peace in the region.
Five Army personnel were killed and as many injured on Monday when a group of heavily-armed terrorists ambushed a patrolling party in Badnota area in Kathua.
A massive search operation has already been launched to hunt down terrorists responsible for the attack.
"I am deeply anguished at the loss of five of our brave Indian Army Soldiers in a terrorist attack in Badnota, Kathua (J&K)," the defence minister said on X. "My deepest condolences to the bereaved families, the Nation stands firm with them in this difficult time. The Counter Terrorist operations are underway, and our soldiers are determined to usher in peace and order in the region," he said.
"I pray for a speedy recovery to those who sustained injuries in this dastardly terror attack," Singh added. Defence Secretary Aramane too expressed his "profound grief on the loss of five Bravehearts" in the attack and extended deepest condolences to the bereaved families.
"Their selfless service to the nation will always be remembered and their sacrifice will not go unavenged and India will defeat the evil forces behind the attack," he said. Aramane's remarks were shared on 'X' by a spokesperson of the defence ministry. PTI
11:55 I have come with fragrance of India: PM in Russia
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the Indian community in Moscow, Russia. He says "I want to thank all of you for coming here. I have not come here alone, I have come with a lot of things. I have brought with me the fragrance of the soil of India. I have brought with me the love of 140 crore countrymen.
"This is my first conversation with the Indian diaspora after forming the govt for the third time. Today, on 9th July and it has been a full month since I took oath as the PM of India for the third time and I took a vow that I will work with 3 times more strength, at 3 times more speed and it is also a coincidence that the number 3 is also present in many of the government's goals. The government's goal is to make India the third largest economy in the world in the third term.
"In the third phase, the government's target is to create 3 crore houses for the poor, to create 3 crore 'Lakhpati Didi'. We want to empower the women self-help groups running in villages in India, we want in my third phase, 3 crore women from among the poor women of villages become 'Lakhpati Didi', that is, their annual income should be more than Rs 1 lakh..."
The site of the stampede
11:39 Have ordered listing of PIL on Hathras: CJI
The Supreme Court on Tuesday said that a date of hearing has been accorded to a PIL seeking probe into the Hathras stampede that left 121 dead. "I have ordered listing of the plea yesterday itself," Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud said when PIL petitioner and advocate Vishal Tiwari mentioned his petition for urgent hearing.
The PIL sought appointment of a five-member expert committee under the supervision of a retired apex court judge to probe the stampede. It also sought a direction to the Uttar Pradesh government to submit a status report on the July 2 incident and to initiate legal action against the authorities, officials and others for their negligent conduct.
The stampede at a religious congregation in Hathras on Tuesday last left 121 people dead. Over 2.5 lakh devotees had gathered in Hathras district's Phulrai village for the 'satsang' conducted by Baba Narayan Hari, who is also known as Saakar Vishwahari Bhole Baba. PTI
11:17 The illusion Of LAC Disengagement
"Disengagement from the LAC will remain a chimera because China has given enough indications that the PLA will not move back any more. China has even deployed drones to monitor and deny any patrolling by Indian troops even in the buffer zones which are all in Indian territory," explains Lieutenant General Prakash Katoch (retd).
Read the column here.
The Powai lake in Mumbai overflowed yesterday
11:07 Finally, water levels in reservoirs rise!
Amid heavy rains across India, the water level of the country's main reservoirs has risen for the first time since September last year, the Central Water Commission (CWC) said.
Despite the marginal rise of 2 per cent from the previous week, this marks a departure from the consistent week-on-week decline reported since the bulletin issued on September 29, 2023, when the storage capacity stood at 73 per cent, according to the analysis of the data.
This improvement comes amid widespread rainfall across the country. The CWC, which monitors the live storage status of 150 reservoirs across India, released its latest bulletin detailing these developments on July 4.
The CWC issues a weekly bulletin every Thursday, providing updates on the status of these reservoirs.
According to the bulletin, out of the 150 reservoirs, 20 are dedicated to hydroelectric projects, with a total live storage capacity of 35.30 billion cubic meters (BCM). The CWC bulletin on July 4 said the live storage available in these reservoirs was 39.729 BCM, which is 22 per cent of their total live storage capacity.
In comparison, the live storage available during the corresponding period last year was 50.422 BCM, with a normal storage level of 44.06 BCM. This indicates that the current live storage is 79 per cent of last year's corresponding period and 90 per cent of the normal storage level, the CWC said. The northern region, comprising Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Rajasthan, has 10 reservoirs with a total live storage capacity of 19.663 BCM.
10:48 What Modi will tell Putin today on Ukraine war
Ways to further shore up India-Russia cooperation in sectors such as energy, trade, manufacturing and fertilisers are expected to be the focus of summit talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin here on Tuesday.
The war in Ukraine is also set to figure prominently at the talks. Top sources said the Indian side is likely to reaffirm its position that dialogue and diplomacy are the only way forward to resolve the conflict as there can't be any solution on the battlefield.
Prime Minister Modi on Monday began a two-day high-profile visit to Russia to hold the 22nd India-Russia annual summit with President Putin, in his first trip since the start of Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.
Last night, the Russian president hosted a private dinner for the Indian prime minister at the former's residence in Novo-Ogarevo on the outskirts of Moscow.
The focus of the prime minister's visit is to advance an economic agenda, especially in areas of energy, trade, manufacturing and fertilisers, the sources said.
Shortly after landing in Moscow, Modi said he is looking forward to deepening bilateral partnership in futuristic areas and that stronger ties between India and Russia will "greatly benefit our people". India seeks to play a "supportive role" for a peaceful and stable region, the prime minister said in his departure statement in what is seen as an apparent reference to the Ukraine conflict.
In the talks, Modi is expected to urge the Russian end recruitment of Indians as support staff to the Russian military and ensure return to home of those still operating in the force.
It is Modi's first trip to Russia since 2019, the first after the start of the Ukraine conflict in February 2022 and first in Modi's third term as the prime minister.
"The special and privileged strategic partnership between India and Russia has advanced over the past 10 years, including in the areas of energy, security, trade, investment, health, education, culture, tourism and people-to-people exchanges," Modi said in his departure statement.
"I look forward to reviewing all aspects of bilateral cooperation with my friend President Vladimir Putin and sharing perspectives on various regional and global issues," he said. New Delhi has been stoutly defending its "special and privileged strategic partnership" with Russia and maintained the momentum in the ties notwithstanding the Ukraine conflict. India has not yet condemned Russia's attack on Ukraine and consistently pitched for resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy.
The annual summit between the prime minister of India and the president of Russia is the highest institutional dialogue mechanism in the strategic partnership between the two countries. The annual summits are held alternatively in India and Russia. The last summit was held on December 6, 2021 in New Delhi. President Putin had visited India to attend the summit.
The godman's ashram
10:30 SIT: Satsang organisers responsible for stampede
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the stampede in Hathras has recorded 119 statements and submitted a report on Tuesday stating that the committee that organized the 'Satsang' was responsible for inviting more people than permitted.
According to sources, the report indicated that the committee responsible for organizing the religious event, 'Satsang,' was accountable for the stampede incident. The committee invited more people than the permitted number, failed to make adequate arrangements, and the officials had not inspected the site despite granting permission.
Statements from 119 people, including family members of the deceased and injured devotees, were recorded in the nearly 300-page report.
The SIT also recorded statements from DM Hathras, Ashish Kumar, SP Nipun Agarwal, SDM, and CO Sikandrarao, who gave permission for the Satsang, as well as police personnel on duty for the Satsang that took place on July 2.ADG Agra Zone Anupam Kulshreshtha and Aligarh Commissioner Chaitra V were present. The report has been submitted to the government.
Earlier on Monday, an eyewitness to the incident claimed that the attempt by a large number of devotees to collect "Baba's Charan Dhul" (soil from the feet of the godman) led to the stampede.
Sudhir Pratap Singh from Mughalgarhi village said, "The incident happened after 'Baba' announced that devotees should take soil from around his feet. The devotees rushed to collect the soil in a hurry but started falling over and piling up."
"Baba's convoy left the spot amid the stampede. Only locals and the administration helped the devotees who were present there," Singh said.
The Uttar Pradesh Judicial Commission team recorded statements from several eyewitnesses in the Hathras stampede case.
Meanwhile, the godman's advocate, AP Singh, claimed that the mishap was caused by unidentified men who sprayed poison during the event. Singh asserted that the group of conspirators fled the venue after causing the stampede. "The stampede incident at the Satsang was not an accident but a conspiracy," the lawyer said.
Chunabhatti station yesterday
10:19 Red alert for Mumbai, traffic still disrupted
Normal life in Mumbai continued to be disrupted on Tuesday morning due to heavy rain that caused traffic snarls and street inundations. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall in the city on Tuesday, issuing a red alert.
From Monday 8:30 AM to Tuesday 5:30 AM, Santacruz received 154.2 mm of rainfall, Colaba 161.2 mm, Byculla 167.0 mm, Sion 158.5 mm, Dahisar 113.0 mm, Ram Mandir 156.0 mm, and Vikhroli 124.0 mm, according to the IMD. The University of Mumbai has postponed all exams scheduled for July 9, with new dates to be announced soon.
The Harbour line track of the Mumbai Suburban Railway was operational by 4:30 am on Tuesday after the water receded. Both fast and slow locals on the Main Line are running 2-3 minutes behind schedule, while Harbour Line locals are almost on time, stated the Central Railway.
The IMD also issued a high tide alert for Mumbai on Tuesday. In response to the rainfall warning issued by the Regional Meteorological Center, schools across several districts have been instructed to remain closed on July 9.
10:04 Girl's foster uncle gets 20-year RI for raping her
A Thane court has sentenced a man to 20 years rigorous imprisonment for raping a minor girl, who considered him her "mama" (maternal uncle), observing the crime was "heinous and disgusting" and needed to be dealt with a heavy hand.
The 54-year-old accused does not appear to have honoured the relationship of a foster maternal uncle with the girl, special POCSO court judge Ruby U Malvankar said in an order on July 5. A copy of the order was made available on Monday.
The man was convicted on charges of rape, criminal intimidation and under various sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POSCO) Act. Special Public Prosecutor Rekha Hiwrale told the court that the victim, then aged 16, approached the police in 2018 with a complaint, saying she lived with her father and two brothers in Manpada area of Maharashtra's Thane district.
In August 2017, her foster maternal uncle, a cook by profession and hailing from Ahmednagar, came to stay at their place. He behaved well for a few days, but from September he started touching her under some pretext when no one else was at home.
One night, when the girl's father was inebriated and asleep, the accused touched her inappropriately and raped her, the prosecution told the court. When the girl shouted, the accused gagged her and threatened to kill her if she informed about the incident to anybody. Following the threat, the girl did not tell anyone about the offence and thereafter, the accused frequently touched her inappropriately.
When she told him that she would inform her father, the accused left their place. Based on the girl's complaint, the police registered an FIR on June 16, 2018. The judge in her order said the offence proved against the accused is "very heinous and disgusting".
"He committed the said offence on a girl below 16 years of age who used to treat and call him as 'mama'," the court said. "The accused does not appear to have honoured the relationship of a foster maternal uncle with his niece-like girl. Such kind of act between such relations is certainly not acceptable and deserves to be condemned and dealt with a heavy hand in order to send appropriate message in the society to like-minded persons to act as a deterrent," it said.
09:53 SIT probing Hathras stampede submits report to UP govt
A special investigation team (SIT) constituted to probe the Hathras stampede has submitted its report to the Uttar Pradesh government, a senior official said on Tuesday.
The SIT was led by Additional Director General of Police (Agra Zone) Anupam Kulshrestha.
"The SIT has submitted its report to the government," Director Information, Shishir said. He, however, did not reveal the contents of the report. A separate judicial commission headed by retired Allahabad High Court judge Brijesh Kumar Shrivastava, and retired IPS Hemant Rao is also probing the Hathras stampede case. PTI
An injured jawan being taken to hospital after the attack in Kathua
09:52 Kathua attack: Search ops launched to track down terrorists
A massive joint search operation was launched on Tuesday to track down terrorists responsible for the deadly attack on an army patrol party in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district that left five personnel dead, officials said.
They said the ground search teams are being supported by helicopter and UAV surveillance. Sniffer dogs and metal detectors are also being employed in the operation with a focus on some dense forest areas in the belt. Officials said the joint cordon and search operation was launched by army, police and CRPF in in Machedi, Badnote, Kindli and Lohai Malhar areas and a large area has been put under cordon.
Five army personnel, including a Junior Commissioned Officer, were killed and as many were injured on Monday when heavily armed terrorists ambushed a patrolling party in the remote Machedi area.
According to sources, three to four terrorists, mostly foreigners, are believed to have executed the attack. They are part of the same group which was involved in Basangarh attack in which a village defence guard Mohd Sharief was killed in an encounter with terrorists on April 28 in Panara village.
Security forces had in June picked up movement of one group in the upper reaches of Bani, Daggar and Kindli areas of Kathua district and conducted search operations. PTI
09:45 Putin promises return of Indians in Russian Army
In a significant diplomatic win for India, sources have told ANI that Russia will discharge and facilitate the return of all Indians who are reportedly working for the Russian Army.
This matter was raised by PM Modi in his interaction with the Russian President Vladimir Putin. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had met Russian President Vladimir Putin at the President's House in Moscow on Monday. Putin welcomed PM Modi and the two leaders shared a hug.
The two leaders shook hands and warmly greeted each other before proceeding to the meeting. They also had a private meeting and dinner together.
In a post on X PM Modi said "Gratitude to President Putin for hosting me at Novo-Ogaryovo this evening. Looking forward to our talks tomorrow as well, which will surely go a long way in further cementing the bonds of friendship between India and Russia."
The issue of Indians working for the Russian Army had also been raised by the opposition with the Congress questioning the government's stance on the issue. Congress RS MP Jairam Ramesh raised the issue in a series of questions to the PM saying "According to the Indian Embassy in Moscow, at least 50 Indian nationals have joined the Russian Army. At least two individuals have already been confirmed as fatalities of the war. Many others have been 'duped' into fighting a war where they have no stake, aside from a chance to escape the poverty and unemployment crisis that the non-biological Prime Minister has perpetuated domestically. Will the non-biological Prime Minister take up the cause of these youth? Will he ensure their safe return to India as soon as possible?"
09:34 Challenge me at DNC, Biden dares detractors
United States President Joe Biden dared his detractors on Monday to challenge him at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago next month, amidst increasing voices from within his own party colleagues that he should step down from the November 5 presidential election.
Biden, 81, who has been attacked by his own party colleagues after his poor performance at the Atlanta debate on June 27 against his Republican rival Donald Trump, adopted a defiant approach on Monday.
He called the popular Morning Joe show challenging his opponents to bring this issue in Chicago next month. Later in the evening, he told his national finance committee members that he is done talking about the debate.
"We need to move forward. Look, we have roughly 40 days till the convention, 120 days till the election. We cannot waste any more time being distracted," Biden said in a private call with donors on Monday, according to a recording obtained by Politico.
"I have one job and that is to beat Donald Trump. I am absolutely certain I am the best person to be able to do that. So we are done talking about the debate, it is time to put Trump in a bulls eye," the president said, according to Politico.
Earlier in the day, he gave a phone interview to MSNBC.
"I am getting so frustrated by the elites -- now I am not talking about you guys -- the elites in the party, 'Oh, they know so much more.' Any of these guys that do not think I should run, run against me. Announce for president, challenge me at the convention," Biden told the news channel.
During the interview, Biden asserted that he will be the Democratic nominee. "I am not going to explain anymore about what I should or I should not do. I am running. I am running, and if you want to stop me, come...," he said.
08:51 US House urges India to probe Stan Swamy's death
Three American lawmakers have introduced a resolution in the US House of Representatives, encouraging India to pursue an independent investigation into the arrest, incarceration and death of Father Stan, a human rights activist who died in custody on July 5, 2021.
Introduced by Congressman Juan Vargas along with lawmakers Jim McGovern and Andre Carson, the resolution expresses concern at the alleged misuse of anti-terror laws to target human rights defenders and political opponents, applauds a recent ruling by the Supreme Court of India to suspend a controversial colonial-era sedition law and urges India's Parliament to make the suspension permanent.
The resolution "makes it clear to the Indian government and all governments around the world that freedom of expression is a fundamental human right, as written in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948, that enshrines the rights and freedoms of all human beings".
"Father Stan dedicated his life to giving a voice to the voiceless. He was a tireless advocate for the rights of the indigenous Adivasi people, trained young community leaders, and worked for justice for many communities in India," Vargas said.
"As a former Jesuit, I am horrified that Father Stan faced relentless abuse and was denied medical care while in custody. I introduced this resolution to make sure Father Stan and his lifelong commitment to the greater good is never forgotten," he added.
Father Stanislaus Lourduswamy, known as Father Stan, was born on April 26, 1937 in a village called Viragalur in Tiruchirappalli district in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, and inspired by the work of Jesuit priests from an early age, studied theology starting in 1957, the resolution said. -- PTI
08:39 Rahul to visit his constituency Raebareli today
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will visit his parliamentary constituency Raebareli on Tuesday, an office-bearer of the party said.
Congress' district unit chief Pankaj Tiwari said Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, will reach Bhuemau guest house in Raebareli at 10 am and meet party workers.
In the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections, Gandhi won from Rae Bareli seat by a margin of more than 3.90 lakh votes.
After winning the election, he had held a meeting with the workers along with party general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. -- PTI
01:19 Mumbai's Powai Lake overflows amid heavy rains
Mumbai's Powai Lake began overflowing on Monday as heavy rains lashed the city for the last couple of days, a civic official said.
The lake, which has a storage capacity of 545 crore litres, started overflowing at 4.45 am, the official said.
However, the water from the lake is not potable and is used only for industrial purposes.
When the lake is full, the water area is around 2.23 square kilometres, while the catchment area is 6.61 square kilometres.
Located around 27 kilometres from the BMC headquarters, Powai Lake was built in 1890 for Rs 12.59 lakh.
Seven reservoirs, namely Bhatsa, Upper Vaitarna, Middle Vaitarna, Tansa, Modak Sagar, Vihar and Tulsi, supply 385 crore litres of potable water to the megapolis. -- PTI
00:38 Rahul to visit his constituency Rae Bareli today
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will visit his parliamentary constituency Rae Bareli on Tuesday, an office-bearer of the party said.
Congress' district unit chief Pankaj Tiwari said that Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, will reach Bhuemau guest house in Raebareli at 10 am and meet party workers.
In the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections, Gandhi won from Rae Bareli seat by a margin of over 3.90 lakh votes.
After winning the election, he had held a meeting with the workers along with party general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. -- PTI
A nine-year-old Indian-origin girl Pranysqa Mishra/Courtesy Pranysqa on X
00:26 9-year-old Indian-origin girl wows American audiences with her singing talent
A nine-year-old Indian-origin girl is wowing American audiences with her singing prowess, receiving rave reviews for her performance on a popular US talent show.
Pranysqa Mishra from Florida took the TV talent show America's Got Talent by storm last week when she belted out the Tina Turner classic River Deep, Mountain High.
Her powerful rendition of the song left the judges on the show Simon Cowell and Heidi Klum hugely impressed.
The news about Mishra's singing prowess emerged days after Maya Neelakantan, a 11-year-old guitar prodigy from Chennai, captivated audiences on the latest episode of America's Got Talent.
Reports from the US said that she impressed the judges with her rendition of Papa Roach's Last Resort with an amazing performance with her guitar.
A report in billboard.com said Mishra's spell-binding performance earned her the coveted 'Golden Buzzer' from Klum.
"I always just love singing. It makes me feel happy. Even when I was four years old, I would pretend that I have a microphone, and I would sing like I'm singing to the whole world," the report quoted Mishra as saying. -- PTI
Vehicles wade through a waterlogged King Circle area, in Mumbai/ANI Photo
00:18 Woman dead; 40 trees uprooted amid Mumbai rains
Mumbai's island city received an average of 47.93mm of rainfall in the 10-hour period ending at 6pm on Monday, while the figure was 18.82 mm and 31.74 mm for eastern and western parts of the metropolis, respectively.
"In the 24 hour period ending at 8 am, Mumbai's island city recorded an average rain of 115.63 mm, Eastern Mumbai 168.68 mm and Western Mumbai 165.93 mm rainfall. The city reported 40 incidents of tree or branch fall, but there was no report of any death. Some vehicles suffered damage," a civic official said.
"The city reported 12 incidents of short-circuit, which claimed the life of a 72 year old woman at Santacruz East. The lady sustained burn injuries in the fire triggered due to a short circuit in a room of Haji Siddhiki Chawl on Datta Mandir Road. Mumbai also witnessed 10 incidents of house or wall collapse since morning, but there was no report of any fatality in the incidents," he added. PTI
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