PM Modi Greets People Of Various States On Their Formation Day

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday greeted the people of Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Haryana and Chhattisgarh on their states' formation day.

In posts on X, PM Modi highlighted various features of these states as he extended his wishes to the people living there.

'Kannada Rajyotsava' is a very special occasion, recognising the exemplary culture and traditions of Karnataka, he said.

"This state is blessed with outstanding people, who are powering growth and innovation across sectors. May the people of Karnataka always be blessed with happiness and success," he added.

PM Modi noted that Madhya Pradesh is blessed with bountiful natural resources and cultural heritage and described Chhattisgarh as a state known for its impressive folk traditions and tribal culture, wishing the states continued development.

He said in another post, "Kerala is known for its mesmerising landscapes, vibrant traditions and hardworking people. People from Kerala have made their mark all over the world, across different fields. May the people of the state keep progressing in the times to come." Haryana is known for its rich and historic heritage and has always made important contributions to the country's development, the prime minister added. 

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

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CCTV Shows Firing Outside Singer AP Dhillon's House In Canada, Cars On Fire

A video has emerged purportedly showing several rounds being fired at Punjabi singer AP Dhillon's house in Canada. It also shows two vehicles set on fire during the September 2 incident in Vancouver. The singer was not injured in the shooting.

The Lawrence Bishnoi gang had claimed they carried out the firing since the singer featured actor Salman Khan in a music video. The notorious gang, which is being probed for the Sidhu Moose Wala and Baba Siddique murders, has also threatened to kill the actor.

Canadian cops have arrested an Indian man named Abhijeet Kingra, 25, from Ontario for his alleged involvement in the firing case. An arrest warrant has also been issued for Vikram Sharma, also Indian.

Kingra has been charged with the discharge of a firearm with intent and arson and will appear in the Ontario court today, said Canadian Police in a statement.

The cops don't have any photo of Sharma, 23, but described him as a South Asian male, 5 feet 9-inch-tall man with black hair and brown eyes. They suspect he's currently in India.

AP Dhillon is known for popular Punjabi songs like 'Brown Munde', 'Excuses', 'Summer High', 'With You', 'Dil Nu', and 'Insane', among others.

The Lawrence Bishnoi gang had claimed it was also behind another firing incident at a jeweller's house in Canada. Gangster Rohit Godara, who claims he is associated with Bishnoi, had also issued death threats to Mr Dhillon in a social media post.

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BJP Leader Devender Singh Rana Dies At 59

Senior BJP leader and Nagrota MLA Devender Singh Rana, brother of Union minister Jitendra Singh, died on Thursday at a private hospital in Haryana's Faridabad. He was 59.

According to a senior BJP leader, Rana was undergoing treatment at the hospital. He is survived by his wife, Gunjan Rana, their daughters Devyani and Ketki, and son Adhiraj Singh.

As the news of Rana's death spread, hundreds of people, including political leaders, gathered at his residence in the Gandhinagar area of Jammu. Union Minister Jitendra Singh also rushed to his house.

Rana, who turned to politics from business as he built a multi-crore business from scratch, was a strong voice for Jammu's Dogra community.

Rana was recently re-elected to the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly from the Nagrota segment of Jammu district, securing the seat for a second term.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed shock and grief over Rana's sudden demise. "In his passing, we have lost a patriotic and widely respected leader who was committed to the well-being of the people of J&K. I extend my deepest condolences to his family and friends. Om Shanti," the LG's office posted on X.

Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary also expressed condolences. "This news is especially disheartening on an auspicious day (Diwali). My condolences are extended to his family and PMO @DrJitendraSingh ji on the loss of his younger brother. Deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. Om Shanti," Mr Choudhary wrote on X.

PDP chief and former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti also offered her condolences. "Shocked to hear about the sudden demise of Devender Rana Ji. Deepest condolences to his family and loved ones," Mufti said on X.

The Jammu and Kashmir BJP said his untimely demise is a great loss to the party and to the people of J&K. "His contribution and dedication to society will always be remembered. May his soul rest in peace, and may God provide strength to his family to bear this irreparable loss," the party posted on X.

Congress National General Secretary and MLA Ghulam Ahmed Mir expressed his shock and sorrow over Rana's death.

"My heartfelt condolences to the family, relatives, and friends of the deceased. Having interacted with him in politics and beyond, Rana was a great, supportive, and visionary leader, an entrepreneur whose business acumen created opportunities for many in J&K," Ghulam Ahmed Mir wrote on X.

Other political leaders including Sajad Lone, Junaid Matoo, Sunil Sharma, Tarun Chugh, Sham Lal Sharma, Choudhary Zulfikar Ali also offered their condolences on Rana's passing.

Once a trusted lieutenant of National Conference leader Omar Abdullah and his political advisor during his previous tenure as chief minister, Rana held considerable sway among Muslims, particularly the Gujjar community in Jammu.

Born into a Dogra family in Jammu's Doda district in 1965, he was the son of former bureaucrat Rajinder Singh Rana and the brother of Union Minister Jitendra Singh.

After earning a degree in civil engineering from NIT Kurukshetra, Rana ventured into business, founding his own automobile company. He led the creation of the Jamkash Vehicleades Group, a multi-crore enterprise, and a cable TV channel from scratch, establishing himself as a top entrepreneur in Jammu and Kashmir.

Rana began his political career with the National Conference (NC), where he rose to prominence as a key strategist and advisor, expanding the party's base in Jammu as Provincial President.

As a trusted aide to Omar Abdullah, he played a significant role in shaping party strategies in Jammu. In his debut bid for the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, Rana contested from the Nagrota assembly segment -- a BJP stronghold -- and won it for the NC, defeating the BJP's Jugal Kishore Sharma, a three-time MP.

This victory underscored his ability to connect with a diverse voter base. He had previously served as an MLC and as NC's Provincial President since 2009.

After the abrogation of Article 370, Rana became a vocal advocate for the Jammu Declaration, calling for statehood restoration specifically for the Jammu region. His stance clashed with the People's Alliance for Gupkar Declaration, a coalition seeking the restoration of Article 370 and statehood for the entire Jammu and Kashmir region.

In October 2021, after more than two decades with the NC, Rana resigned and joined the BJP. His deep roots in the Jammu region and close connections with local communities made him a prominent figure in J&K politics, particularly for the BJP. 

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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Railways Safely Returns Passenger's Gold Ornaments Left On Train

A team of officials from the South Western Railway successfully recovered and returned a bag containing gold ornaments valued at approximately Rs 5.4 lakh, which was left behind on a Yesvantpur bound train, to a passenger.

Upon receiving information from the Tumakuru outpost regarding a misplaced bag, the railway team promptly sprang into action. The bag was located in the rear general coach of the train at Yesvantpur station, officials said.

The recovered bag contained a mangal sutra weighing 40 grams and valued at approximately Rs. 2,80,000, a necklace weighing 20 grams and valued at Rs. 1,40,000, a pair of earrings weighing 10 grams and valued at Rs. 50,000, and a neck chain weighing 10 grams and valued at Rs 70,000.

"After a thorough verification and documentation process, including photographing the recovered items, the valuables were handed over to the passenger following all legal formalities," a senior official said.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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BJP Criticises Nawab Malik's Candidature Again. Why Ajit Pawar Backed Him

The BJP today issued a scathing criticism of the candidature of Nawab Malik, one of the key leaders of the Ajit Pawar faction of the Nationalist Congress Party, who was backed by the party at the last minute for the Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar seat in the coming assembly election in Maharashtra. Mr Malik, accused in an alleged money laundering case involving mafia don Dawood Ibrahim and his associates Chhota Shakeel and Tiger Memon, had filed two nominations. One of these was as a member of the NCP and the other as an Independent. But after the party backing, he called himself the official candidate.

"The BJP's stance is very clear. All the parties in the alliance should decide their own candidate," said the party's Maharashtra unit chief Ashish Shelar later today.  

"The issue is only about Nawab Malik's official candidature from NCP. Devendra Fadnavis has time and again clarified the stance of the party, I say it again: The BJP will not campaign for Nawab Malik. There is no question of us campaigning for him, because we won't endorse anyone who's related to any Dawood or Dawood related case," he added, underscoring the reservations they expressed earlier as well. 

But the party gave the benefit of the doubt to Mr Malik's daughter Sana Malik, who is the NCP's official candidate from the Anushakti Nagar seat, where her father is the sitting MLA. 

"As long as we don't get any proof and information about her, all Mahayuti candidates are BJP's candidates," Mr Shelar said. 

NCP sources said there has been BJP pressure on Ajit Pawar not to give nomination to Nawab Malik. But Mr Pawar has also been facing criticism from closer quarters - his partymen, who feel that he has been compromising a little too much.

In the Lok Sabha election, the NCP was allowed to contest only four seats. In the assembly polls, they got the smallest share of Maharashtra's 288 seats - this even after bringing the same number of MLAs as Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to the ruling alliance.

Sources indicated that Mr Pawar had to assert himself somewhere - and this was an apt case since Nawab Malik is one of the top five leaders of his party. Mr Malik is a prominent face in the Muslim community and the loss of their support had cost the party a lot during the Lok Sabha election. 

The NCP traditionally had good relations with the Muslim community and Pawar Junior's alliance with the BJP has eroded this base.

But in view of the alliance and the BJP's reservations, sources said, the party did not make its support to Nawab Malik public till the last moment - that was at 2.55 pm, five minutes before the expiry of the deadline.

Mr Malik's big rival from Mankhurd, Samajwadi Party's three-time sitting MLA Abu Azmi, has said the BJP's reservations are an eyewash. His presence in the contest is expected to split the Muslim vote, if not beat the SP candidate outright.  

That would play into the hands of the ruling alliance. The BJPs' Kirit Somaiya has posted on X, formerly Twitter, that Shiv Sena's Suresh Krishna Patil is its official candidate.  

"Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar Legislative Assembly Shiv Sena candidate Suresh Krishnarao Patil (' popularly known as 'Bullet Patil') came to my office this evening. I assured him of my full support and wished him well," read his message posted this evening.
 

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Navi Mumbai Cops Seize Drugs Worth Rs 26 Lakh, 20 Nigerians Arrested

In a significant crackdown, Navi Mumbai Police arrested 20 Nigerian nationals, including 13 women and seven men, who were partying in the Kharghar area and seized Mephedrone drug with an estimated value of Rs 26.77 lakh, officials said on Tuesday.

Acting on a tip-off, sleuths of the Anti-Narcotics Cell (ANC), including five police inspectors, 150 constables, personnel of the anti-riot squad and members of a forensic team, raided two food joints on Monday late at night.

Police seized 107 grams of Mephedrone, valued at Rs 26,77,500, and liquor from the possession of the Nigerians, an official statement said.

The arrested persons were produced before a local magistrate court that remanded them to judicial custody.

Police registered an FIR under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, the Prohibition Act, the Registration of Foreigners Act and the Passports Act. 

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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As Samajwadi Party Waits, Suspense In A Mumbai Seat Over Nawab Malik's Move

Nawab Malik, leader of Nationalist Congress Party's Ajit Pawar faction and a big face in Maharashtra politics, has announced that he will contest from Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar - where Samajwadi Party's Abu Azmi is the three-time sitting legislator. The Samajwadi Party is still waiting for a decision on seat sharing from the Maha Vikas Aghadi. It had asked for two seats and the party is far from pleased about the delay. Abu Azmi has given several deadlines to the MVA, but is yet to act on it.

Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar, part of the North East Mumbai Lok Sabha constituency, is a Muslim-dominated area. So while Abu Azmi is confident, if Nawab Malik files nomination, it may no longer be an easy election for the SP candidate.

Nawab Malik's party has been silent about his candidature, although it has announced 49 candidates already. There is still no clarity on how many seats each party of the ruling alliance is contesting.

Sources in the BJP have indicated that the party is not in favour of candidates accused in criminal cases. Many believe his ticket was cut by NCP due to the BJP opposition, which has created sympathy for him among the Muslim voters, who form a substantial chunk of the electorate.

Nawab Malik was arrested in February 2022 by the Enforcement Directorate in an alleged money laundering case involving mafia don Dawood Ibrahim and his associates. He was granted bail in July by the Supreme Court on health grounds.

In this backdrop, Mr Malik's comments on has candidature has triggered speculation on whether he would be backed by his party or contest as Independent.

"I will be filing my nomination on October 29 from the Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar Assembly constituency,' Mr Malik had said. "The public has urged me to contest elections from here. The public is very upset with the hooliganism and drug business which is going on in Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar... I don't care who is opposing me, the public is supporting me and I will contest the elections," he was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.

Mr Azmi has remarked that Nawab Malik's candidature is a BJP ploy and their outward reluctance to field him just an eyewash. Many say his presence in the contest will split the Muslim vote, and help the BJP/Sena/NCP candidate win. 

In this year's Lok Sabha elections, the North East Mumbai seat was won by Sanjay Patil of Sharad Pawar's faction of the NCP. The BJP-Shiv Sena-NCP (Ajit Pawar) alliance or the Mahayuti had fielded Mihir Kotecha.

Nawab Malik's daughter Sana Malik is a NCP (Ajit Pawar) candidate from the Anushaktinagar seat. She will contest against Fahad Ahmed of Sharad Pawar's NCP on this seat. Fahad is the husband of film actress Swara Bhaskar.

Polling for Maharashtra assembly elections will be held in one phase on November 20. Counting of votes will be done on November 23.

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On Illegal Migrants From Bangladesh, Himanta Sarma's Appeal To Bengal

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said today that 138 people trying to enter India from Bangladesh have been detected in the last two months in Assam and Tripura and that the border states must stay vigilant to avoid such infiltration. 

Addressing a press conference, Mr Sarma said, "Every day for the last two months, we have been capturing either one or a group of foreigners in our state. Basically, my feeling is that because of the porous boundary between India and Bangladesh, in spite of the best effort by the BSF, there are some people who are still coming into our country." 

States need to play a proactive role to prevent illegal immigration from Bangladesh into our country, Mr Sarma said, adding that Assam and Tripura are working very closely in this direction. He called on the West Bengal government to also cooperate with the Border Security Force and start detecting infiltrators. 

"Tripura is identifying a few foreigners, and Assam is also identifying...We are coordinating with the BSF. Sometimes, people are identified through a joint operation, sometimes by the BSF, and sometimes by the state police. It is a coordinated exercise," Mr Sarma said. 

"Every state government must remain vigilant and they must work very, very closely with the BSF. So, Assam and Tripura, we are working very closely. We are detecting people. If the Bengal government also starts detecting people, I think this will be well-orchestrated and this will be a systematic effort," he added.

Mr Sarma also said that contrary to the expectation that Hindus from Bangladesh would try to enter India due to the "instability" there, it is mostly Rohingya Muslims who are being detected infiltrating. 

"So I think, first, the perception about Hindu-Bengalis is wrong, that is what the data says. Second, Second, the Rohingya Muslims are still trying to come into the various states of our country," he said. 

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Prime Accused In Assam Trading Scam Arrested From Goa

The prime accused in the online trading scam case, Deepankar Barman, was arrested by the Assam Police from Goa on Sunday, DGP GP Singh said. The arrest came after an intense cross-country search for two months. 

The multi-crore online trading scam in the state came to light in August when investors, who had put in huge amounts of money in 29-year-old Barman's company, complained that they were not paid due returns. They also complained that Deepankar Barman's office had been closed.

Guwahati's Police Commissioner Diganta Barah said a team led by ACP Amit Mahato made the arrest.

"Finally, Dipankar Burman arrested at Goa. The run ends. Congratulations Team @GuwahatiPol," Mr Singh posted on X.

Finally, Dipankar Burman arrested at Goa. The run ends. Congratulations Team @GuwahatiPol pic.twitter.com/K6gHrO1Ymf

— GP Singh (@gpsinghips) October 27, 2024

The accused will likely be produced before a court in Goa on Monday and brought to Guwahati on transit remand, said another police officer.

While over 65 people, including those allegedly running similar scams, were arrested, Barman was at large. 

Barman's parents, Chabin Barman and Deepali Talukdar, along with Mukesh Agarwal, a chartered accountant and financial planner for the consultancy, were arrested by police last month.

Assamese actor Sumi Borah and her photographer husband Tarkik Borah were among those arrested in the scam.

The state government had handed over the investigation in 41 cases registered in connection with the scam to the CBI.

Several firms, promoted mostly by men and women in their 20s, allegedly raised hundreds of crores of rupees from people across the state with the promise that they would get huge returns by investing in the stock markets.

As these firms failed to repay their investors, the scam came to light. 

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"GST A Classical Example Of Cooperative Federalism": Chief Justice

Introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in India was a "classical example of cooperative federalism," Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud said on Saturday.

The courts have, over the last few decades, evolved a robust framework on federalism to ensure that the states' rights are protected, he said, speaking on `Understanding Federalism and Its Potential" at the inaugural annual lecture series organized by the Marathi daily `Loksatta'. Federalism, for Indians, is not a "monolithic concept" but has multiple facets, the CJI said.

Cooperative federalism is a system of governance where the Centre and the states work together to "iron out differences to achieve the common goal of development," he said.

The dialogue between the Union government and the states must be placed on "two ends of the spectrum," Chandrachud said, adding that at one end are collaborative discussions that cooperative federalism fosters, while "interstitial contestation" between the states and the Union are at the other end.

"Both forms of dialogue are equally important for federalism and for our nation to flourish, and what better example (one can think of) than the introduction of the GST," the CJI added.

Post 1990, when the Indian economy underwent market reforms, the economy has come to occupy the centrestage of the political discourse, he said.

"The amendment in the Constitution to reflect and embody the GST, is to my mind a classical example of collaborative, cooperative federalism," Chief Justice Chandrachud added.

The courts have played an important role in developing the principles of Indian federalism, said the chief justice.

"The courts have been at the forefront of this development, bringing out the nuances of the doctrine to protect the interests of the states in terms of identity and efficiency," he said.

Further, in the last few decades, "the courts evolved a robust jurisprudential framework on federalism to ensure that the state's rights are protected, identity of various communities is fostered and the value of representation is promoted," he noted.

The federal nature of our Constitution has undergone a change by the actual operation of the democracy, Chef Justice Chandrachud said.

"The concept of federalism that was envisaged by our founding fathers and mothers has not remained static, it's a concept which has evolved keeping in view the realities of the evolution, the maturity and strength of our political system to incorporate more autonomy for the state," he added.

The Indian Constitution was meant to be a "transformative document", the CJI said, while also noting that issues like climate change, AI, data privacy and cyber crime transcend the territorial boundaries which form the basis of federal units.

"These new challenges ill-fit the conventional modes of union and state subjects.....some Indian states are severely impacted by the perils of climate change, while some may be more prone to cyber attacks due to the greater volume of virtual transactions," he said.

If federalism in the years gone by was adjusting to the political realities of the country in terms of legislative powers, in the years to come it should also be evaluated based on its ability to foster democracy and constitutional ideals of equality, liberty, dignity and fraternity, Chief Justice Chandrachud added.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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"Lady Don" Who Lured Shooting Victim To Burger King Arrested In UP

Anu Dhankar, a 19-year-old who allegedly led a 26-year-old man into the hands of a gang who shot him dead at a Delhi Burger King outlet in June, was arrested from Uttar Pradesh while she was trying to cross over to Nepal on Friday.

CCTV footage showed the victim, Aman Joon, entering the Burger King outlet in Rajouri Garden and sitting at a table where the 19-year-old was already waiting. Moments later, the men come and spray him with bullets. The woman runs away reportedly taking Aman's phone and wallet.

Preliminary investigations said the murder of Aman Joon was an act of revenge for a 2020 murder in Haryana. Fugitive gangster Himanshu Bhau, suspected to be in Portugal now, claimed responsibility for the murder in a social media post.

The gangster, whose gang operates across Delhi and Haryana, said that Aman was involved in the murder of "our brother" Shakti Dada and "this was revenge". He warned the others involved and said their "turn will come soon".

Accused Anu, also known as "Lady Don" among her gang members, told the police that Himanshu Bhau had promised her a luxurious life in America.

Post the murder, Anu Dhankhar visited her rented room in Mukherjee Nagar and collected her belongings, said police. She then took a bus to Chandigarh, said police, and stopped at Amritsar and Katra.

In Katra, she stayed at a guest house but upon orders from Himanshu Bhau took a train to Jalandhar, the cops added. She again visited Chandigarh and then arrived in Haridwar, the cops said.

She was in Haridwar for 3-4 days and then shifted base to Kota in Rajasthan, where she stayed for the next four months.

During this period, the gangster kept sending her money, said cops.

On October 22, the gangster asked her to move out again as the case has gone cold, the cops added.

She was asked to come to America via Nepal and Dubai route.

The woman reached Lucknow and was about to cross into Nepal from Lakhimpur Kheri when she was arrested by the special cell of the Delhi Police.

The woman, police say, has a criminal record and was also responsible for getting shots fired at Maturam Halwai in January. 

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"Pak Terrorists Trying To Evoke Fear": Army On J&K Attack Which Killed 4

The attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla on Thursday, in which two Indian Army soldiers were killed in action and two civilian porters lost their lives, is proof that Pakistani terrorists are deliberately targeting Kashmiri locals to evoke fear in the Valley, the Army has said.

In a statement on Friday, the Srinagar-based Chinar Corps of the Indian Army said the brave soldiers, whose vehicle was attacked in Baramulla's Butapathri area, demonstrated their commitment to countering the "inimical agenda of Pakistan-abetted terrorism in Kashmir".

The Army vehicle was targeted on Thursday and two soldiers, Rifleman Kaisar Ahmad Shah and Rifleman Jeevan Singh from Kashmir's Anantnag and Haryana's Sirsa, were killed in action. The statement said the response by the two soldiers and other troops forced the terrorists to retreat, leaving a weapon behind.  

"Indian Army salutes the bravery of Rifleman Kaisar Ahmad Shah and Rifleman Jeevan Singh, who despite being hit responded and forced the terrorists to flee, before laying down their lives in this cowardly terrorist attack," the Chinar Corps said. 

"Actions by these brave soldiers prevented the terrorists from causing any further damage and demonstrated unwavering courage and commitment to safeguard the National Security and counter the inimical agenda of Pakistan abetted terrorism in Kashmir. Their selfless act is a testament to the Indian Army's resolve to safeguard our Nation and the citizens," it added.

The Chinar Corps also saluted Kashmiri porters Zahoor Ahmad Mir and Mushtaq Ahmad Choudhary who lost their lives in the attack. 

"It is evident that Pakistani terrorists are, deliberately and unregretfully, targeting Kashmiri locals to evoke fear and terror in Valley, which is progressing towards peace and stability. The only ideology these terrorists espouse is of 'The Reign of Terror in Valley'... The sacrifices of these brave Kashmiris and Indian Army Soldiers will inspire the future generations to stand against the perpetrators of terror," it said in the statement.

On Sunday, six construction workers and a doctor were killed after terrorists opened fire on a camp housing workers of a private company, who were building a tunnel in Jammu and Kashmir's Ganderbal district. A labourer from Uttar Pradesh, Shubam Kumar, was also shot at in Pulwama's Tral on Thursday morning. 

Farooq Abdullah, president of the National Conference, which formed a government in Jammu and Kashmir last week, also called out Pakistan as the source of terror attacks.

"Many of our colleagues have been martyred... but it continues every year and you know the ones responsible for it. They mistakenly think this will help them unite Kashmir with Pakistan," Mr Abdullah said on Friday. 

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Baba Siddique Shooter Was Promised Passport For Fleeing Country

The masterminds of the murder of NCP leader Baba Siddique had promised to obtain a passport based on fake documents for one of the shooters so that he could escape abroad, police said here on Thursday.

They also paid the shooter, Gurnail Singh (23), Rs 50,000, a police official told PTI.

Siddique, a former Maharashtra minister, was shot dead outside the office of his MLA son Zeeshan Siddique in the Bandra area here on October 12.

Gurnail and another alleged shooter Dharmaraj Kashyap were arrested immediately after the attack, whereas their accomplice Shivkumar Gautam managed to flee.

Gurnail Singh, a resident of Kaithal in Haryana, had a murder case registered against him in 2019, the official said.

He had fear of being convicted in that case and wanted to flee the country, as per the probe. The conspirators promised to help him leave India by obtaining a passport based on fake documents for him, the police official said.

Shivkumar, Dharmaraj and Gurnail were from the "second module" of the shooters who were in contact with `conspirator' Shubham Lonkar and `mastermind' Mohammed Zeeshan Akhtar, he said.

Shivkumar and Dharmaraj were allegedly paid Rs 1.5 to 2 lakh to execute the killing.

As per the Mumbai crime branch which is investigating the case, a "module" based in Thane, comprising Nitin Sapre and Ram Kanoujia, initially received the contract to kill Siddique.

They conducted a recce of Siddique's house and office for several days, the official said, adding that Rupesh Mohol (21), Karan Salvi (19) and Shivam Kohad (20) were also with them. Mohol, Salvi and Kohad were arrested from Pune on Thursday.

Sapre and Kanoujia demanded Rs 50 lakh for executing the killing, but the conspirators felt the sum was too big. The module led by Sapre then backed out, and a new set of shooters, including Gurnail Singh, was engaged by the conspirators, the official said.

Before that, Kanoujia had visited Udaipur with Bhagwatsingh Omsingh (also arrested) on July 7 to get the pistols that were eventually used in the crime.

The conspiracy to kill Siddique was hatched in the second half of June. As the weapons were sourced from north India, Mumbai police suspect that those who ordered the hit on Siddique were based in that part of the country, the official said.

Wanted accused Zeeshan Akhtar, who is from Jalandhar, was in Haryana in July and stayed at the residence of Amit Hisamsingh Kumar. Amit Kumar, now arrested, was an important link between Akhtar and Gurnail Singh, the official said.

So far, the police have arrested 14 persons in the case. 

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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Amit Shah Agrees To Meet Kolkata Rape Victim's Parents

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has agreed to meet the parents of the woman junior doctor of state-run RG Kar Medical College & Hospital in Kolkata who was raped and then murdered within the hospital premises in August this year.

Sources said that after the father of the victim approached the Union Home Minister, he expressed willingness to meet the parents.

"The Home Minister was scheduled to arrive at Kolkata today only amid the forthcoming by-polls for six Assembly constituencies. However, his tour was postponed otherwise a meeting could have been arranged today only. Now there is a possibility that the Home Minister might arrive at the state on Sunday. His meeting with the victim's parents can be arranged then," said a state committee member of BJP in West Bengal.

The victim's father in the letter to the Home Minister said that after the heinous unforeseen incident happened to their daughter they were going through tremendous mental pressure and were feeling helpless.

The victim's father has maintained that he wants to meet the Union Home Minister "to discuss a few things regarding the situation" and pray for his guidance and help.

Incidentally, his request for a meeting comes just a day after a group of junior doctors withdrew their fast-unto-death agitation in support of their demands following the rape and murder tragedy.

The junior doctors have withdrawn their hunger strike following the requests from the victim's parents.

The body of the victim was recovered from the seminar hall of RG Kar on the morning of August 9 this year. Kolkata Police started the initial investigation and arrested a civic volunteer Sanjay Roy.

Later the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) took over the charge of the probe following an order of the court. The CBI sleuths later arrested the former and controversial principal of R.G. Kar Sandip Ghosh and the former SHO of Tala Police Station Abhijit Mondal on charges of misleading the investigation and tempering of evidence.

However, in the first chargesheet filed by CBI at a special court in Kolkata earlier this month, Sanjay Roy has been identified as the "sole prime accused" in the rape and murder crime.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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On CCTV, 2 Terrorists Seen Entering Workers' Camp In J&K Before Attack

The Jammu and Kashmir Police on Wednesday released the photographs of two foreign terrorists involved in the Sunday terrorist attack on a workers' camp in the Ganderbal district, leaving seven people dead and several others injured.

The photographs were developed from footage recorded by CCTV cameras installed inside the camp in Gagangir area in Ganderbal.

The police had said earlier that two foreign terrorists had entered the workers' camp in the evening and fired indiscriminately at civilians. Seven people, including six non-local workers and a local doctor were killed in the attack, and four others were injured.

Investigators have already questioned over 40 people in connection with the terrorist attack. An NIA team, headed by a senior officer, also visited the terror attack site and had reportedly collected some vital clues from the terror attack site.

The workers were employees of APCO Infrastructure, which is building a tunnel from Z-Morh to Sonamarg tourist resort to make the Srinagar-Sonamarg road an all-weather road. After the tunnel becomes functional, Sonamarg will be an all-season tourist destination. This will help the local economy and also generate employment for the local youth.

The attack, coming shortly after Jammu and Kashmir got a new government, was widely condemned by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Roads and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, Lt Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and former Chief Ministers Farooq Abdullah, Mehbooba Mufti, and Ghulam Nabi Azad.

The Lt Governor sanctioned ex gratia relief in favour of the Gagangir victim families while APCO Infrastructure released Rs 25 lakh as immediate relief for the families of the victims.

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'Bengaluru Resembles Venice': HD Kumaraswamy's Dig As Rain Batters City

Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Tuesday took a dig at the Congress government in Karnataka for its handling of the rain situation, saying Bengaluru resembled Venice and not Singapore, which they had promised to transform it into.

As rains battered the country's IT hub for the third day, the JD(S) second-in-command told reporters, “They (Congress) had said they would make turn Bengaluru into Singapore, but we are seeing Venice like situation where people move around in boats.” He claimed that the issue is not just about water-logging in some parts of Bengaluru. For the past three years, people are forced to leave their homes and stay in hotels during rains.

Mr Kumaraswamy alleged that no state minister has made a field visit. Also, no one in the government including Chief Minister Siddramaiah showed the courtesy to speak about the huge crop loss in various parts of Karnataka.

The opposition BJP too slammed the state government for the potholes in the city.

“People are cursing the Congress government for not handling the potholes. Killer potholes rule in DCM D K Shivakumar's Brand Bengaluru. Dear Bengaluru Development Minister Shivakumar, first you please solve the problem of Bengaluru,” the BJP Karnataka unit said in a post on ‘X'. 

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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Uniform Safety Standards Essential At Coaching Centres: Supreme Court

The Supreme Court on Monday stressed on having "uniform standards" to the extent possible to ensure safety and security of students studying at coaching centres.

A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan was hearing a matter related to the deaths of three civil service aspirants at a coaching centre in the national capital in July due to the flooding in the building's basement.

On July 27, the three students drowned in the basement library of Rau's IAS Study Circle in Delhi's Old Rajinder Nagar area after it was flooded following heavy rains.

The top court was informed by senior advocate Siddharth Dave, who is assisting the top court as an amicus curiae, about the broad areas that required attention.

Dave referred to the aspects of fire safety, fee regulation, student to classroom area ratio, student to teacher ratio, installation of CCTVs, medical facilities, mental health care and counselling for those studying at coaching centres.

He suggested that all states be impleaded as parties in the matter.

The amicus further referred to the legislation dealing with coaching institutes in seven states. When Dave suggested some sort of an oversight, the bench said it should be permanent.

"It can't be that an unfortunate incident occurs and then suddenly one become aware of everything," the bench observed.

The top court pointed out the need to have uniform standards on the issue.

The respondent authorities were asked to offer suggestions to the amicus on the desirability of a comprehensive policy for coaching institutes, initially with respect to the National Capital Region (NCR).

The matter will be heard after two weeks.

While hearing the matter on September 20, the top court had directed a Union government-appointed committee probing the three deaths to submit an interim report about the measures it wanted to be taken to prevent recurrence of such incidents.

The top court had also asked the Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi governments to apprise it of the policy and legislative and administrative changes made to prevent such incidents in future.

It had said uniform initiatives should be taken in the entire NCR to prevent another Old Rajinder Nagar-type incident from happening.

The top court had said the panel could consider intervention at the legislative, policy, and administrative levels, apart from eliciting views of all the stakeholders before making its recommendations.

The top court had also said it would be covering the "wider canvas" and would examine the issue at pan-India level to ensure such incidents did not occur again elsewhere.

On August 5, the top court had observed that coaching centres had become "death chambers" and were playing with the lives of students.

It had taken cognisance of the matter while hearing a petition filed by an association of coaching centres challenging a December 2023 Delhi High Court order which directed the city's fire services and the civic body to inspect all coaching centres to ascertain if they were complying with fire safety norms.

The high court had transferred the probe into the death of the three students from Delhi Police to the CBI "to ensure the public has no doubt over the investigation".

The three UPSC aspirants who drowned were Shreya Yadav (25) of Uttar Pradesh, Tanya Soni (25) of Telangana and Nevin Delvin (24) of Kerala.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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Protesting Doctors To Attend Meeting Called By Bengal Government On Monday

Agitating junior doctors said they will attend a meeting called by the West Bengal government on Monday to resolve issues related to their demands, emphasising that its outcome will determine whether they will withdraw their indefinite hunger strike.

On Saturday, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had urged the junior doctors protesting the rape-murder of their colleague at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital to end their fast-unto-death. She said most of their demands have been met but rejected their insistence on the removal of the state health secretary.

"We will attend the meeting but the hunger strike will not be withdrawn before it," Debasish Halder, one of the agitating medics, told reporters after a general body meeting of the West Bengal Junior Doctors' Front on Sunday.

"The outcome of the meeting will decide in what form the agitation will continue," he added.

Chief Secretary Manoj Pant invited the medics for a 45-minute discussion with Banerjee on Monday at the state secretariat, conditional upon the "withdrawal of the hunger strike." However, the junior doctors maintained their demand for the resignation of Health Secretary N S Nigam.

Halder expressed concern over the health of the hunger strike participants, noting that among the eight medics currently fasting, three have been on strike since October 5, two since October 11, one since October 14, and two since October 15. Six other medics participating in the hunger strike have fallen seriously ill and required hospitalisation.

Halder said those on hunger strike will not attend the meeting due to health concerns. He highlighted that the junior doctors have previously attended all meetings called by the state government, even with very short notice.

Speaking to the doctors over the phone during a visit by Pant and Home Secretary Nandini Chakraborty to the protest site in Esplanade on Saturday afternoon, Banerjee said, "Everybody has the right to protest, but it shouldn't affect healthcare services. I would request you all to withdraw your fast." Banerjee also rejected the demand for the removal of Nigam, explaining that "it is not possible to remove everyone in a department at once; we have already removed the DHS (Director of Health Services) and DME (Director of Medical Education). Please rise above politics and rejoin work." The agitating doctors, supported by colleagues statewide, have threatened to escalate their protest by organising a strike of all medical professionals in West Bengal on October 22 if their demands are not met.

In addition to Nigam's removal, which the Chief Minister has resisted, the junior doctors are demanding elections in medical colleges. Banerjee requested more time, citing upcoming Diwali celebrations and bypolls in the state.

The junior doctors began a 'cease-work' on August 9 following the alleged rape and murder of their colleague at RG Kar hospital, and their hunger strike commenced on October 5 after nearly 50 days of 'cease-work' in two phases.

Their other demands include establishing a centralised referral system for all hospitals and medical colleges, implementing a bed vacancy monitoring system, and forming task forces to ensure essential provisions such as CCTV, on-call rooms, and washrooms at their workplaces.

They are also calling for increased police protection in hospitals, recruitment of permanent women police personnel, and the swift filling of vacant positions for doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers. 

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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Assam Rifles Says Power Outage At Posts After Row With Mizoram Minister

The Assam Rifles today said their posts across Mizoram faced an electricity outage for several hours on Thursday after soldiers allegedly stopped the convoy of Mizoram Power Minister F Rodingliana. Mr Rodingliana on Friday alleged his convoy was stopped by Assam Rifles soldiers on the outskirts of Aizawl while he was returning home from Champhai.

This led to a confrontation between officials accompanying and the paramilitary troops.

An official statement said the power outage across Assam Rifles' posts and locations in Mizoram, following the incident, jeopardises operational readiness and poses a security risk in border (Myanmar) areas.

"The power outage (on Thursday) affecting Assam Rifles posts across Mizoram appears to be a deliberate move aimed at obstructing their operations," the statement said.

Media reports said electricity supply was restored after six to seven hours when Assam Rifles commanders requested Chief Minister Lalduhoma.

The AR said that on October 17, a mobile vehicle checkpost was set up near Zokhawsang based on intelligence inputs about the possible transport of weapons.

"When the convoy of Rodingliana, comprising four vehicles, approached the checkpoint, the minister's vehicle was allowed to pass as per standard procedures. However, the convoy voluntarily stopped at the location where routine checks were being conducted on civilian vehicles. This contradicts the claim that Assam Rifles forcibly halted the convoy," the statement said.

It said that the public secretary to the minister, who came out of his vehicle, removed his jacket, verbally abused the Assam Rifles personnel on duty and forcibly took body cameras from the soldiers, while other members of the convoy engaged in disruptive behaviour, including unpatriotic remarks.

"Assam Rifles has consistently worked harmoniously with the Mizoram government, civil society organisations, and local communities, and has built strong relationships. The Power Minister appears to have acted on his own accord," the AR said in the statement.

The statement said the AR is mandated to guard the 510-km India-Myanmar border section in Mizoram and is also tasked with countering illegal drug trade under the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.

The AR this year so far in over 130 operations have seized drugs worth over Rs 690 crore in Mizoram, mostly along areas bordering Myanmar.

The reports concerning the incident involving the convoy of the minister and Assam Rifles on October 17 are "misleading, malicious, and seem intended to damage the reputation of Assam Rifles," the statement added.

The Opposition party Mizo National Front (MNF) alleged the Assam Rifles troopers "misbehaved" with the minister while the only Congress MLA C Ngunlianchunga and party president Lal Thanzara also blamed the AR and termed the incident "most unfortunate."

Mizoram's student body Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP) and the youth wing of the ruling Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) said the action of Assam Rifles was an insult to the Mizo people, who elected the minister as their representative.

The MZP said it would file a complaint with the Home Ministry over Thursday's incident.

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Building Collapses After Explosion In Morena, Many Feared Trapped: Cops

At least half a dozen people are feared to be trapped under the debris after an explosion in a building in Madhya Pradesh's Morena district on Saturday.

The impact of the explosion was such that the building collapsed completely within a few seconds, turning into debris.

Eyewitnesses told the press that at least four residential buildings located adjacent to the blast site were also damaged badly.

Local area police and district administration were alerted and the rescue operation was underway. According to information, two women were rescued alive and they have been rushed to a nearby hospital.

JCB machines and the SDRF team reached the spot. Ambulances have also arrived to assist in the rescue of those feared trapped under the rubble.

The building where the explosion occurred belongs to Niranjan Rathor, a resident of Islampura area.

Police said the preliminary investigation suggests the blast occurred due to a fire in LPG cylinders. However, police also said firecrackers were also stored inside the building.

SDRF and police along with local residents were clearing debris to reach out to the people feared to be trapped.

"A building has collapsed and some people are feared to be trapped. Local area police have reached the spot and a rescue operation is underway," Morena SP Sameer Saurabh said.

Sameer Saurabh said what exactly caused the massive explosion will be known after the investigation. "Once the rescue operation is over, an investigation will be initiated with the help of the forensic team to find out the exact reason behind the blast," he added.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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India Plans To Limit Laptop Import To Boost Domestic Manufacturing: Report

India is expected to limit imports of laptops, tablets and personal computers after January, two government sources with direct knowledge of the matter said, a move to push companies such as Apple to increase domestic manufacturing.

This plan, if implemented, could disrupt an industry worth $8 billion to $10 billion and reshape the dynamics of the IT hardware market in India, which is heavily reliant on imports.

A similar plan to restrict imports was withdrawn last year following backlash from companies and lobbying from the United States. India has since monitored imports under a system set to expire this year and has asked firms to seek fresh approvals for imports next year.

The government feels it has given the industry enough time to adapt, said the sources, who did not want to be identified as discussions are private.

One of the sources said New Delhi will begin consultations with all sides starting next week. It could delay implementing the import restrictions by a few months if needed, the source added.

India's Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) is working on a new import authorisation system, where companies will have to get prior approvals for their imports, one of the two sources said.

Under the current regime, laptop importers are free to bring in as many devices after an automated online registration.

The industry is dominated by the likes of HP, Dell, Apple, Lenovo and Samsung, with two-thirds of Indian demand being currently met through imports, a significant amount from China. India's IT hardware market, including laptops, is estimated at nearly $20 billion, of which $5 billion is domestic production, according to consultancy Mordor Intelligence.

The government is considering minimum quality standards under its 'compulsory registration order' for laptops, notebooks and tablets, as one of the ways to weed out low quality devices, the officials said.

"We are working on such restrictions as global treaties stop us from any tariff action on laptops and tablets. It leaves us with few policy options to limit imports," the second official said.

The federal electronics ministry did not respond to request for comment. The trade ministry said an appropriate decision on the import management system would be taken after consultation with the electronics ministry and other stakeholders.

Such a move will benefit contract manufacturers such as Dixon Technologies who have entered separate pacts with global firms like HP to make laptops and computers in India. Dixon aims to cater to 15% of India's total demand.

LOCAL PRODUCTION

Limits to India's imports should be calibrated based on India's domestic production capacity, an industry source who is part of the government's consultations said.

The nation's key production incentive scheme for IT hardware has drawn participation from global firms including Acer, Dell, HP and Lenovo. Most of the approved participants are ready to start manufacturing, India's electronic minister said last year.

India has federal subsidies worth nearly $2.01 billion to promote domestic production.

Data from research firm Counterpoint shows imports of laptops completely assembled abroad in the first five months of 2024 fell 4% from a year earlier, with firms such as Lenovo and Acer increasing local assembly for entry-level laptops.

India has been long emphasised the need for "trusted sources" for electronics and communication devices amid growing concerns over cyberattacks and data theft.

In 2022, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India should cut reliance on foreign countries for communication technology such as servers.

India will implement mandatory testing of "essential security parameters" for all CCTV cameras from April 2025.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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'Leaked Letter' By 19 MLAs Sparks Rebellion Buzz Against Manipur Chief Minister

Local media reports of a purported letter allegedly written by 19 BJP MLAs in Manipur to their party's central leadership has again sparked a buzz over rebellion against Chief Minister N Biren Singh.

The BJP leadership at the centre had earlier ruled out a change in the top post amid the ethnic tension between the valley-dominant Meitei community and the nearly two dozen tribes known as Kukis - a term given by the British in colonial times - who are dominant in some hill areas of Manipur.

This is not the first time such speculation over Biren Singh's post has come up. In the last few years, a group of Manipur MLAs had camped in Delhi at least half a dozen times, seeking his replacement.

Leaked portions of the purported letter showed the first signatures as that of Speaker Th Satyabrata, and ministers Th Bishwajit and Y Khemchand.

While Mr Bishwajit and Mr Khemchand are known dissenters - they had asked for Biren Singh's removal several times in the past - Mr Satyabrata has so far been known to be a loyalist of the Chief Minister.

READ | Meitei, Kuki, Naga MLAs Meet In Delhi To Solve Manipur Crisis

NDTV could not independently verify the authenticity of the letter signed by the 19 MLAs, which they reportedly gave to the central leadership on Wednesday, a day after Meitei, Naga and Kuki MLAs met separately with the Centre in Delhi for the first time since the Manipur violence began in May 2023.

The MLAs who went to Delhi on Tuesday included those from the BJP and its allies Naga People's Front, Janata Dal United, and National People's Party.

"At this juncture, the people of Manipur are raising questions to us, in particular the BJP-led government, as to why peace and normalcy cannot be restored, and the plight of people could not be alleviated yet. We as fervent supporters of BJP and having won the mandate of the people feel that we have a responsibility of saving Manipur along with saving BJP from downfall in Manipur," the 19 MLAs wrote in the purported letter.

In July this year, Biren Singh had called speculation of his resignation an attempt by political rivals who wanted to take advantage of the situation in the state hit by ethnic crisis. "Manipur is passing through a troubled time. In such a crucial time, the leaders of Manipur can't afford to be weak. We are fully confident of our abilities," he had said at an event in the state capital Imphal.

READ | Manipur's N Biren Singh "Almost Quits", Torn Resignation Letter Emerges

On June 30 last year, nearly two months into the ethnic violence, Biren Singh was on the verge of resigning, but changed his mind under public pressure, state BJP leaders had said. He had started out for the Governor's house to give his resignation letter, but turned around after a huge show of support outside his Imphal home where the crowds shouted slogans against his decision to step down, under fire over his handling of the violence in the state.

A copy of Biren Singh's resignation letter was torn up by his supporters after snatching it from a minister who had come out of his house to read out the letter to the public.

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Congress Agreed To Contest 2 Seats In UP? Samajwadi Party's Claim Contested

The sharing of 10 seats in Uttar Pradesh where by-polls are due, are turning into another tug-of-war between the Congress and the Samajwadi Party. The SP, which has already announced candidates for six seats, announced a seventh today, and said the Congress has agreed to contest only two seats. 

"Our agreement is final with the Congress. Of the 10 seats, the Congress will contest on two Khair (Aligarh) and Ghaziabad, while on the rest eight,the SP will contest," SP Spokesperson Rajendra Chowdhury was quoted as saying by news agency Press Trust of India. 

The Congress disagreed. The party has been demanding five of the 10 seats going to polls in November, though it is on a considerably weak footing after its disasterous performance in Haryana.

State Congress chief Ajay Rai said, "We are not aware of this. As of now, we stand by our demand of five seats". 

The SP has already declared candidates for seven seats including Muzaffarnagar's  Meerapur from where it has fielded Sumbhul Rana.
The Congress wanted this seat, but NDTV has confirmed that this time, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav is ready to give it only two seats -- Khair and Ghaziabad. 

Sources said the SP chief has relented because the party is interested in contesting two seats in Maharashtra as part of the Maha Vikas Aghadi Alliance. 

After the Congress's poor performance in the Haryana election, the SP had snubbed its request for seat sharing in the by-polls. It was not just about Congress performance though. As in Madhya Pradesh, the two parties had failed to come to an understanding about the seats in Haryana  -- which is one of the reasons attributed to its defeat in both states where it was widely expected to win.

In both cases, state Congress leaders were blamed - Kamal Nath in Madhya Pradesh and Bhupinder Hooda in Haryana. 

Nine of the assembly seats in UP fell vacant after their MLAs were elected as MPs in the Lok Sabha polls. Bypolls are being held in the Sisamau due to the disqualification of its MLA, Samajwadi Party's Irfan Solanki, who was convicted in a criminal case. Except Milkipur, the Election Commission has announced polls on the rest nine seats. 

The polling seats will be held on November 13.

The candidate for Meerapur, Sumbul Rana, is the daughter-in-law of former BSP MP Qadir Rana, who has now joined the Samajwadi Party. Sumbul Rana's husband is Shah Mohammad Rana.

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House Help In Ghaziabad Arrested For Allegedly Mixing Urine In Dough

A house help working for a real estate businessman for eight years has been arrested for allegedly mixing urine in the dough used to make rotis, police said.

The help, identified as Reena (32) from Shanti Nagar Colony here, was caught on camera committing the alleged act, police said.

The incident came to light when Rupam, house owner Nitin Gautam's wife, noticed her family members experiencing liver problems. Suspecting a foul play, she began monitoring the help's activities in the kitchen. Gautam secretly recorded a video using his mobile phone, which captured the help allegedly mixing urine in the flour.

Based on the complaint and evidence filed by the family, police lodged an FIR regarding the matter on Monday and arrested Reena on Tuesday.

"During interrogation, the help initially denied the allegations. However, upon being confronted with the video, she confessed to her actions. The help claimed she was motivated by revenge after being frequently scolded by her employer for minor mistakes," said ACP Wave City Lipi Nagaich.

Reena has been booked under Section 272 (malignant act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life) of the BNS, said the officer.

Similar incidents of human waste, including urine and spit, being added to food items have been reported from several places in the state.

In wake of such incidents, the Uttar Pradesh government on Tuesday announced it will soon introduce a new law against sellers who "hide their identity" and mix human waste or inedible material in food items and beverages.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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On Hijab Inside Booths, Poll Body Points To 'Rule', 'Cultural Value'

Voters at polling booths will be identified as per election rules but with due respect to their cultural values, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar said on Tuesday.

Mr Kumar made the comments in response to a question on controversies surrounding women wearing hijab to polling booths and debate around democratic rights versus cultural rights.

"The conduct of election rule 35 specifically mentions about identification of electors and 34 mentions about facilities for women electors. Identification of voters will be done exactly as per those rules but with full respect and regard to the cultural aspects of the area," the CEC said.

"There are some issues which are prevalent in many states like Rajasthan..many parts of the country..the identification will be as per rules position and fullest possible respect to the cultural value of that particular area," he added.

In May, a purported video clip had surfaced showing BJP candidate for Hyderabad Lok Sabha seat K Madhavi Latha asking burqa-clad women Muslim voters to show their faces to compare with the photo identity cards.

In the same month, a delegation of the Delhi BJP met the Chief Electoral officer (CEO) demanding proper verification of women voters wearing 'burqa' or face masks with the help of female officials during polling. It said the step would prevent "anti-social and anti-democratic elements" from "rigging" the elections on the seven Lok Sabha seats in the national capital.

The Election Commission (EC) on Tuesday announced the schedule of the Maharashtra and Jharkhand Assembly polls, besides bypolls to 47 Assembly seats and the Wayanad Lok Sabha seat. 

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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"Same Legacy": Niira Radia As Noel Tata Succeeds Ratan Tata At Tata Trusts

Noel Tata, late Indian tycoon Ratan Tata's half-brother, was appointed last week to succeed him as chairman of Tata Trusts, a collective of philanthropic institutions that wield indirect control over the $165 billion Tata Group. Niira Radia, a former aide of Ratan Tata, said the late businessman would have been very happy with the decision as it was unanimous. 

"Ratan would have been very happy with that. He'd be happy that it was unanimous. He always was a man of consensus. It was never a top-down approach with him and that it was unanimous would have made him very happy," Niira Radia, a former corporate public relations professional, told NDTV about the smooth succession plan in her first media interview in over 12 years.

Ratan Tata, who died Wednesday, is responsible for turning the sprawling family-run Tata Group conglomerate into a global giant.

"It was unanimously decided to appoint Mr. Noel Naval Tata as the Chairman of the various Trusts that constitute the Tata Trusts and also designate him as Chairman," a press release said.

"His appointment comes into place effective immediately."

Noel Tata said in a statement that he was "deeply honoured and humbled by the responsibility" and looked forward to carrying on his half-brother's legacy.

Pressed to answer why she thinks Noel is the right choice, Ms Radia said, "Noel, if I go back, if you look at the legacy whether it was Jamshedji, JRD or Ratan, would carry the same legacy. He comes with the same values, he comes from the same strengths and that's why it has happened so smoothly and done so quickly. I would believe that Ratan would have wanted the same."

Ratan Tata was until his death the chairman of Tata Trusts, which through a complex ownership structure has a roughly 66 percent stake in the group's holding company Tata Sons.

Tata Sons is the single largest shareholder in firms like IT giant Tata Consultancy Services, India's second-biggest company by market cap, and Tata Motors -- which owns British luxury carmaker Jaguar Land Rover.

Though associated with the group for decades, Noel Tata is mostly publicly known for being chairman of Trent, the conglomerate's wildly successful apparel retailer. 

Tata Trusts was set up in 1892 and plays no role in the day-to-day functioning of listed firms that come under the Tata brand. It supports housing, healthcare and education charities.

Tata Sons is in charge of the group's strategy and is currently headed by chairman N Chandrasekaran, who was appointed in 2017.

Because the Tata Trusts is the largest shareholder in Tata Sons, its chairman effectively oversees the sprawling empire, and will play a key role in deciding Chandrasekaran's eventual successor.

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"Land, Spit Jihad Will Not Be Allowed In Uttarakhand": Pushkar Dhami

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said on Sunday that religious conversion, encroachment, "land jihad and thook (spit) jihad" will not be allowed in ‘Devbhoomi' Uttarakhand.

He also called upon the educated people to come forward to stop such things.

At a felicitation ceremony in Udham Singh Nagar district's Kichha, the chief minister said that Uttarakhand is ‘Devbhoomi' where everyone lives together.

"But religious conversion will not be allowed in Uttarakhand, encroachment will not be allowed, land jihad will not be allowed. Some people are doing spit jihad in Uttarakhand, but spit jihad will not be allowed in the state," Mr Dhami said.

"Educated people should come forward to stop bad things in the society. Whatever is wrong, will not be tolerated. This will not be tolerated in Uttarakhand at any cost,'' he said.

Recently, two brothers – Naushad Ali and Hasan Ali, residents of Khatauli in the Muzaffarnagar district of Uttar Pradesh – were arrested for allegedly spitting in a tea pot and serving that tea to customers.

Mr Dhami said his government is taking tough but necessary decisions. He mentioned the anti-copying law, anti-riot law etc and said the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) will also be implemented in the state soon.

He said the people of Uttarakhand had given a mandate to his government for UCC and it will become the first state to implement it in independent India.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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Maharashtra Ex Minister Baba Siddique Shot Dead Inside Son's Office In Mumbai

Baba Siddique, a former Maharashtra minister and member of the Ajit Pawar faction of the NCP, has died after being shot at in Mumbai's Bandra. 

Sources said three bullets were fired at Mr Siddique around 9.30 pm on Saturday at the office of his son Zeeshan, who is the MLA from Bandra East. Two people have been taken into custody.

Mr Siddique was rushed to the Lilavati Hospital and sources said at least one of the bullets hit him in the chest. News agency ANI quoted authorities at the hospital as saying that he had died.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said he had spoken to police and people at the hospital. "The incident is extremely unfortunate. Two people have been arrested, one from Uttar Pradesh and one from Haryana, while another is on the run. I have asked the police to take strict action and ensure no one takes law and order into their hands. A gang-war-like situation should not be allowed to resurface in Mumbai," he said in Marathi. 

Mr Siddique, who was a three-time MLA from Bandra West, was associated with the Congress for 48 years and had quit the party in February and joined Ajit Pawar's NCP. Zeeshan Siddique was expelled from the Congress in August.

The firing took place on Dussehra and came months ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly elections, which are expected to be held later this year. 

Expressing his shock, NCP Spokesperson Brijmohan Shrivastav told NDTV that Mr Siddique had not spoken about any threats from anybody. 

Mr Siddique was elected as an MLA from the Bandra West constituency in 1999, 2004 and 2009 and served as a minister of state for food and civil supplies, labour and FDA between 2004 and 2008. 

The former MLA was known not just for his political acumen but also for hosting lavish parties. A cold war between superstars Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan was resolved at an iftaar party hosted by Mr Siddique in 2013.

Salman Khan and actor Sanjay Dutt have reached the hospital.

Law And Order Questions

Expressing grief at the death of Mr Siddique, leaders of opposition parties also raised questions about law and order in Mumbai, asking how a politician who had Y-level security could be killed in public in an upscale area like Bandra. 
 

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India "Concerned" As Israel Hits UN Facility In Lebanon, IDF Puts Out Map

India has expressed grave "concern" over the abysmal conflict situation in West Asia as Israel intensifies its resolve targeting Hezbollah hideouts. New Delhi issued a statement today after UN peacekeepers stationed in south Lebanon came under fire from Israeli forces.

Among the UN peacekeepers stationed in Lebanon, there are approximately 900 Indian soldiers. It is important to note that they were not at the United Nations Interim Force In Lebanon or UNIFIL headquarters at the time it was attacked by Israeli forces. Besides the soldiers, there are around 25 staff officers, including medical experts deployed there.

"We are concerned at the deteriorating security situation along the Blue Line," the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement, adding that "We continue to monitor the situation very closely."

New Delhi underscored the importance it attaches to United Nations' peacekeeping initiatives saying UN premises cannot be allowed to be targeted, and respecting its sanctity is a mandate.

"Inviolability of UN premises must be respected by all, and appropriate measures taken to ensure the safety of UN peacekeepers and the sanctity of their mandate," the foreign ministry said.

Israel however, has defended its actions, with the Israeli Defense Forces or IDF claiming that "Since the beginning of the war, Hezbollah has fired more than 130 rockets in close proximity" to 26 United Nations facilities."

The IDF also put out a map in which it has identified these places as being "less than 300 meters" from the UN facilities.

WHAT THE UNITED NATIONS SAID - UNIFIL STATEMENT

The UN has said, "Recent escalation along the Blue Line is causing widespread destruction of towns and villages in south Lebanon, while rockets continue to be launched towards Israel, including civilian areas. In the past days we have seen incursions from Israel into Lebanon in Naqoura and other areas. Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers have clashed with Hizbullah elements on the ground in Lebanon."

It further said that "UNIFIL's Naqoura headquarters and nearby positions have been repeatedly hit," adding that on Thursday "two peacekeepers were injured after an IDF Merkava tank fired its weapon toward an observation tower at UNIFIL's headquarters in Naqoura, directly hitting it and causing them to fall. The injuries are fortunately, this time, not serious, but they remain in hospital."

Speaking about the Israeli offensive, the UN statement asserted that "IDF soldiers also fired on UN position (UNP) 1-31 in Labbouneh, hitting the entrance to the bunker where peacekeepers were sheltering, and damaging vehicles and a communications system. An IDF drone was observed flying inside the UN position up to the bunker entrance."

It further highlighted that on Wednesday "IDF (Israeli) soldiers deliberately fired at and disabled the position's perimeter-monitoring cameras. They also deliberately fired on UNP 1-32A in Ras Naqoura, where regular Tripartite meetings were held before the conflict began, damaging lighting and a relay station."

Reminding Israeli forces that its attacks on UN facilities is a grave violation of international humanitarian law as well as UN Security Council resolution 1701, the UN said, "We remind the IDF and all actors of their obligations to ensure the safety and security of UN personnel and property and to respect the inviolability of UN premises at all times. UNIFIL peacekeepers are present in south Lebanon to support a return to stability under Security Council mandate. Any deliberate attack on peacekeepers is a grave violation of international humanitarian law and of Security Council resolution 1701."

WHAT IS UN SECURITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION 1701

United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701 is a resolution that was adopted with an intention to resolve the 2006 Lebanon War.

The resolution has been the linchpin of peace between Israel and Lebanon for almost two decades and the 10,000 UN peacekeepers who are tasked with implementing it on the ground.

United Nations Security Council unanimously adopts resolution 1701 in 2006. (file) (Photo Credit: un.org)

Adopted unanimously by the UN Security Council in 2006, the purpose of resolution 1701 continues to be about ending hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel, with the Council calling for a permanent ceasefire to be based on the creation of a buffer zone.

WHAT IS 'THE BLUE LINE'

The 'Blue Line' is a United Nations-recognised demarcation line to indicate that Israel had withdrawn its military from southern Lebanon. It separates Lebanon from Israel and the Golan Heights, but it is not an official international border.

Stretching for 120km along Lebanon's southern frontier and Israel's northern border, the so-called "Blue Line" is "a key to peace in the region" and one of the central elements of resolution 1701 since the war in 2006, with UNIFIL peacekeepers being its temporary custodian, according to UN Peacekeeping.

UNIFIL and Lebanese officers operate one of the "Blue Barrels", which determine the Blue Line, in southern Lebanon in 2010. (file) (Photo Credit: un.org)

Based on various historical maps, some dating back almost a century, the Blue Line is not a border, but a temporary "line of withdrawal" set by the UN in 2000 for the practical purpose of confirming the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon.

Whenever Israeli or Lebanese authorities wish to undertake any activities close to the Blue Line, UNIFIL requests that they provide advance notice, allowing the UN mission to keep authorities on all sides informed, to minimise any misunderstandings that could lead to increased tensions.

ISRAEL'S LETTER TO THE UNITED NATIONS

Israel's Minister of Foreign Affairs has written a letter to the United Nations clarifying its stance amid the ongoing and escalating crisis in the Middle East (West Asia), especially with regard to its operations in Lebanon.

In its letter, the minister wrote that "On Ictiber 8, 2023, Hezbollah, a terrorist, Iranian-backed organisation, launched an unprovoked attack on Israel, joining the war initiated by Hazas on October 7, 2023. Since then they have fired over 13,000 projectiles, 1500 anti-tank missiles and hundreds of explosive drones at Israeli communities, forcing more than 63,000 people to evacuate their homes."

The minister further said that "This war which was imposed on Israel has so far resulted in 51 casualties and over 372 injuries, besides causing severe damage ot Israeli towns and villages."

The minister said that as a result of Hezbollah's unilateral and unprovoked actions, "One year later, on October 1, 2024 the IDF initiated a targeted, limited raid operations in southern Lebanon aimed at Hezbollah military assets and infrastructure along the Blue Line, with a goal of dismantling them and neutralising the ongoing threat."
 

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Heavy Rain Along With Thunderstorms Hit Mumbai, Festival Celebrations Hit

Heavy rains accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning lashed several parts of Mumbai late Thursday evening.

Due to the showers, waterlogging was reported from some low-lying areas in the metropolis.

The sudden downpour took many by surprise as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) had only issued a 'yellow' alert for light to moderate rainfall in the financial capital.

The showers also hampered the ongoing Navratri festivities and spoiled 'garba' (a ritualistic and devotional dance associated with the nine-day festival) plans of many revellers. 

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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"Take A Bowl, Beg": Harassed By Children For Property, Couple Dies By Suicide

A 70-year-old man and his wife allegedly died by suicide by jumping into the water tank of their home in Rajasthan and left a note pasted on a wall listing the alleged atrocities committed against them by their own children, who wanted to grab their property, police said. 

The note said that not only did the couple's sons and their daughters-in-law beat them up on at least five occasions, but they also threatened to kill them and stopped giving them food, asking their mother to "take a bowl and beg".

Hazariram Bishnoi, 70, and his 68-year-old wife Chawali Devi lived in Rajasthan's Nagaur and their bodies were recovered from a water tank inside their home in Karni Colony on Thursday. The couple had four children - two sons and two daughters - and, in their two-page suicide note stuck on a wall of their home, they wrote that one of their sons, Rajendra, thrashed them thrice while the other, Sunil, did so twice. 

They also said that their sons and daughters warned them to not speak up or lodge any complaint or they would kill them in their sleep.

The note names Rajendra and his wife Roshni; Sunil, his wife Anita and son Pranav; and the couple's daughters Manju and Sunita, as well as a few relatives. The couple said their children wanted all the property that was in their name and the relatives had prodded them to achieve that by any means necessary. 

The children, the note said, had already managed to get the ownership of three plots and a car transferred by cheating the couple and quarrelling with them. It details the sale of the car that was transferred in the name of Rajendra, Manju and Sunita and the transfer of a house in Karni Colony by Sunil and his wife Anita. 

Not Given Even Food

Having taken all this from them, the children allegedly refused to give the couple any food and would abuse them over the phone every day. The note said that their son Sunil called them and said, "Take a bowl, beg for food. I will not give you food. If you tell anyone, I will kill you."

Nagaur Superintendent of Police Narayan Togas said they received information on Thursday that no movement had been seen in the house of Hazariram and Chawali and when they searched the compound, they found the bodies in the tank.

"The key of the house was found in Hazariram's pocket and a forensic team has collected evidence. We are trying to find the video recording of a CCTV camera inside the house and the bodies have been sent for a post-mortem. A suicide note has been recovered," said Mr Togas.

On Monday, Sunil had submitted a memorandum to the Nagaur Superintendent and the administration and said his parents had talked about implicating the children in a suicide case. Officials said they suspect that the couple died on Tuesday and are "investigating all angles".

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Jaipur Court Acquits 8 In 37-Year-Old Case Of Sati Glorification

A special court in Jaipur on Wednesday acquitted eight accused in a 37-year-old case of glorification of Sati, and gave them "the benefit of doubt", a lawyer said.

The special court has acquitted 25 others in the case in 2004. Four accused are still absconding and some of them have died.

According to Defence counsel Amanchain Singh Shekhawat, the alleged Sati incident took place in Diwarala village of Sikar on September 4, 1987 when Roop Kanwar burnt herself alive on her husband's pyre.

He said that on September 22 1988, a case was registered against 45 accused in Sikar's Thoi police station on the charge of taking out a procession on a truck with the photo of Sati and glorifying it.

The Sati Nivaran Special Court in Jaipur, while hearing the case, acquitted eight people accused of glorifying Sati, giving them "the benefit of doubt", the lawyer said.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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States Informed To Comply With Emission Standards: Air Quality Panel

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has informed the Supreme Court that it has asked the Delhi government and the neighbouring states for strict compliance with the emission standards and pollution norms, given vehicular pollution contributes heavily towards poor air quality.

In a compliance report filed before the top court, the air quality panel said that regular certification of vehicles for compliance with emission standards was a must.

According to the panel's data, a total of 1.81 lakh challans were issued in Delhi till June 2024 for either driving without valid pollution under control certificate (PUC) or driving over the prescribed load limit, in comparison with 1.64 lakh challans for similar offences in 2023.

"Regular certification of vehicles towards compliance of emission standards is a must and in this context the commission has directed the national capital region (NCR) state governments and the government of national capital territory of Delhi (GNCTD) for effective implementation of the new PUC certificate regime, including periodic audits of the PUC certificate issuing agencies, in compliance of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules (Amendment) Rules, 2021 dated June 14,2021," the CAQM said.

The body further informed the supreme court that drives were being carried out regularly for ascertaining compliance.

The panel further said that all states concerned have been directed to strictly adhere to the age limit of vehicles -- 15 years in the case of petrol vehicles and 10 years in case of diesel vehicles -- and ensure any vehicle above the prescribed age limit does not ply on NCR roads.

The panel said a boost in public transport infrastructure and facilities is the need of the hour to ease congestion on roads and abate vehicular pollution.

"The GNCTD and NCR state governments have been accordingly advised to prioritise public transport while also mandating e-mobility in some sectors and augmentation of the charging infrastructure," it said.

Batting for a transition to e-mobility, the commission said it has issued an advisory "mandating procurement of e-vehicles" in the government, e-commerce platforms for door-to-door deliveries, service agencies etc., to give a further push to clean technologies in the transport sector.

"Equally important is the need to build requisite infrastructure to support e-mobility i.e., battery charging stations, battery swapping points and for disposal of large volume of batteries which is likely to be generated in the ensuing years," the panel said.

The commission disclosed that Delhi has 3,00,810 electric vehicles and 4,793 charging points.

It said that GNCTD has been given a target of increasing the number of charging points to 18,000 by 2025-26, with UP and Haryana being set targets for an addition of 252 and 170 points, respectively, by the end of 2026.

The submissions were part of a report filed in response to the directions of the top court, which is hearing a plea to curb air pollution in the national capital.

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BJP Leader Defeats Congress Candidate By 32 Votes In Haryana's Uchana Kalan

The Uchana Kalan seat in Haryana saw one of the fiercest electoral encounters with BJP's Devender Chatar Bhuj Attri defeating Congress candidate Brijendra Singh by just 32 votes.

The margin of 32 votes was the lowest margin among the 90 assembly segments where polling took place on October 5.

The Jannayak Janta Party Dushyant Chautala who was the outgoing MLA from Uchana Kalan seat was at the fifth spot, as per the Election Commission.

On the other hand, Congress party's Mamman Khan won the Ferozepur Jhirka seat in the Nuh district by the highest margin of 98,441 votes.

Mr Khan, who was the sitting MLA from this seat, defeated BJP's Naseem Ahmed. Mr Khan polled 1,30,497 votes while his nearest rival got 32,056 votes.

Indian National Lok Dal's Aditya Devilal won the Dabwali seat by 610 votes and defeated Congress party's Amit Sihag.

Congress party's Rajbir Fartia defeated BJP's senior leader Jai Parkash Dalal in the Loharu seat by 792 votes.

From the Adampur seat, Congress party candidate Chander Parkash defeated BJP's Bhavya Bishnoi by a margin of 1,268 votes.

BJP's Sunil Satpal Sangwan won the Dadri seat after defeating Congress party's Manisha Sangwan by a margin of 1,957 votes.

Congress party's Chander Mohan defeated BJP senior leader and Haryana assembly speaker Gian Chand Gupta from the Panchkula seat by a margin of 1,997 votes.

The BJP emerged victorious in 48 seats while the Congress won 36 seats and was leading in one seat, according to the Election Commission.

The BJP is set to form the government in Haryana for a third straight time, bucking anti-incumbency and overcoming the setback in Lok Sabha polls when its tally dropped from 10 in 2019 to five seats.

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2 Malayalam Actors Met Gangster Arrested In Drug Case, Says Police

The names of two prominent Malayalam actors have emerged in a case involving a notorious gangster who was arrested from a star hotel in connection with a drug case recently, according to police.

The names of actors Sreenath Bhasi and Prayaga Martin, who have been part of several hit movies, appeared in the custody application report submitted by the Maradu police investigating the case following the arrest of gangster Om Prakash.

Prakash was involved in several criminal cases. He and his accomplices were apprehended at the hotel in Maradu on charges of possessing banned narcotics.

The Maradu police, in their report, stated that they had received secret information indicating that the accused were procuring substances like cocaine from abroad and distributing them at DJ parties being organised in the city.

The accused had been under surveillance by the intelligence wing of the police.

To evade police detection, the gangster booked hotel rooms in another person's name, according to the police.

As a detailed investigation was conducted, it was found that over 20 individuals, including film actors Bhasi and Martin, had visited Prakash at the hotel, the report noted.

Prakash is accused in over 30 cases, police further stated.

A senior police officer said a comprehensive investigation is being carried out in the case, and investigators have collected all vital evidence in this connection.

"Various articles were collected from the site where the accused were arrested. They were sent for the forensic examination, and their results are awaited," he told reporters here.

The officer said the call details of mobile phones seized from the accused would be examined, and a detailed interrogation of those who contacted the gangster would be carried out after that.

When asked about the film actors who had allegedly visited him, the officer said the police had collected all details, including CCTV visuals from the hotel.

Bhasi and Martin's names in the police report come at a time when allegations of various malpractices in the Malayalam film industry, including sexual abuse of female actors and drug abuse, were revealed in the Justice Hema Committee report, triggering an uproar in the state recently. The two actors were yet to react to the developments.

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Delhi-London Air India Flight Diverted To Denmark Over Medical Emergency

An Air India flight from Delhi to London was diverted to Copenhagen on Sunday due to a medical emergency, according to an airline official.

A male passenger who was feeling ill was de-planed at Copenhagen (Denmark) and taken to a local hospital for medical attention. Later, the flight departed for London, the airline official said.

"Our ground colleagues at Copenhagen airport did their best to minimise inconvenience caused to all the guests due to the diversion," the official added.

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AI Can Be As Dangerous For World As Nuclear Weapons: S Jaishankar

External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar on Sunday said that artificial intelligence (AI) will be a profound factor for the world, after nuclear weapons.

Participating in the third edition of the Kautilya Economic Conclave, organised by the Institute of Economic Growth and the Finance Ministry, on its third and final day, S Jaishankar said that AI is going to be the next big thing and countries should be prepared to deal with its after-effects.

On AI, he further said that it is also going to become a profound factor in the global ecosystem. "AI will be as dangerous for the world as nuclear bombs once were," he observed.

Minister S Jaishankar also said that demographics, connectivity, and AI will change the global order.

"Globalisation can be weaponised in the next decade and the world must be cautious about it. Many people around the world blame it for the large number of job losses and other negative effects of the revolution. This issue will remain as long as there is change (globalisation)," he said, noting that the social and political reaction to globalisation has gained momentum in the last decade.

The realities of globalisation inevitably collide with protectionism, he said.

The External Affairs Minister also said that in today's era, the role of the United Nations has become only that of a spectator. Drawing a comparison with the business world, he said that the United Nations is an old business, which is taking up a lot of space, but is not changing according to the world.

On the ongoing Middle East conflict, he said that today the fight is taking place only for economic corridors, land and sea, but in the future, there will be fights over climate change also. He further highlighted that the Global South is feeling the impacts of these geopolitical tensions more acutely than others, raising concerns about the region's stability.

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Supreme Court Dismisses Petition Seeking Review Of Its Poll Bonds Scheme Order

The Supreme Court has dismissed a batch of pleas seeking review of its February 15 verdict, which had scrapped the Modi government's electoral bonds scheme of anonymous political funding.

A bench of Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justices Sanjiv Khanna, B R Gavai, J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra said there is no error apparent on the face of the record.

The top court also rejected the prayer for listing the review petitions in an open court.

"Having perused the review petitions, there is no error apparent on the face of the record. No case for review under Order XLVII Rule 1 of the Supreme Court Rules 2013. The review petitions are, therefore, dismissed," the bench said in its order dated September 25 that was uploaded today.

The review pleas filed by advocate Mathews J Nedumpara and others contended that the matter related to the scheme falls in the exclusive domain of legislative and executive policy.

"The court failed to notice that even assuming the issue is justiciable, the petitioners therein having not claimed any specific legal injury exclusive to them, their petition could not have been decided as if a private litigation for the enforcement of rights which are specific and exclusive to them," Nedumpara had submitted in his plea.

He had said the court failed to notice that the public opinion could be sharply divided and the majority of the people of this country could probably be in support of the scheme, brought into existence by their elected representatives, and that they too have a right to be heard as much as the petitioners.

"The court failed to notice that, if at all it is venturing into the forbidden domain of adjudicating upon a matter of legislative policy, they have a duty to hear the public at large and that the proceedings ought to be converted into representative proceedings," the plea had said.

Holding that the 2018 electoral bond scheme was "violative" of the constitutional right to freedom of speech and expression and right to information, a five-judge Constitution bench headed by Chief Justice of India Chandrachud had scrapped the scheme.

The top court had also directed the State Bank of India (SBI), the authorised financial institution under the scheme, to submit the details of electoral bonds purchased since April 12, 2019, to the Election Commission, which was asked to publish the information on its official website.

Under the electoral bonds scheme, ruling parties can coerce people and entities to contribute, the apex court had said and rejected as "erroneous" the Centre's argument that it protects the confidentiality of the contributor which is akin to the system of secret ballot.

The electoral bonds scheme, which was notified by the government on January 2, 2018, was pitched as an alternative to cash donations made to political parties as part of efforts to bring transparency in political funding.

On March 13, the SBI told the Supreme Court that a total of 22,217 electoral bonds were purchased and 22,030 redeemed by political parties between April 1, 2019 and February 15 this year.

In a compliance affidavit filed in the apex court, the SBI said as per the court's direction, it has made available the details of electoral bonds to the Election Commission of India before the close of business hours on March 12.

The electoral bond controversy had become a major poll issue during the Lok Sabha elections as the opposition alleged it was an "extortion racket", while the ruling BJP defended the scheme, saying it had a laudable objective of bringing transparency in poll funding.

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