Monday 31 October 2022

Delhi: 2 dead, several trapped in massive fire at footwear factory in Narela Industrial Area

New Delhi: At least two people were killed after a massive fire broke out at Delhi’s Narela Industrial Area on Tuesday morning.

As per reports, the fire broke out on the second floor and engulfed three floors of a footwear factory in Narela. As many as 10 fire tenders rushed to the spot to douse the flames.

“The incident of fire occurred in a footwear factory in Narela Industrial Area. A few are injured and have been shifted to hospital, all are stable and have minor injuries. Two people died and their identity is being established,” Delhi Police said in a statement.

Rescue operation underway

While several people are still feared trapped inside the factory where the fire broke out, 20 of those inside have been pulled out of the building and sent to a nearby hospital.

The fire department received a call about the blaze at the leather factory in Narela around 9:35 am today morning.

The cause of fire is yet to be ascertained.

Further details are awaited

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Morbi bridge collapse: SC to hear plea seeking court-monitored probe on 14 November

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday agreed to hear on 14 November the PIL seeking directions to appoint a judicial commission under the supervision of retired top court judge to initiate probe into the Morbi bridge collapse incident.

The Public Interest Litigation (PIL), filed by a lawyer, also sought directions to state governments to form committee for survey and risk assessment of old and risky monuments and bridges to ensure environmental viability and safety.

The plea also sought directions for permanent disaster probe team in states to promptly attend to such tragedies.

A British-era suspension bridge came crashing down on Sunday, killing 135 people and injuring several others.

The bridge was crammed with people when it crashed at around 6.30 pm.

The century-old bridge had reopened five days ago after extensive repairs and renovation.

Meanwhile, police on Monday arrested nine persons, including four from the Oreva group that was managing the Morbi suspension bridge, and filed a case against firms tasked with maintenance and operation of the structure.

Video footage emerged of the moments before Sunday’ evening’s deadly collapse, showing the bridge snapping in a few seconds, taking down scores of visitors seen walking on the swaying British-era structure which reopened five days ago after extensive repair but sans a fitness certificate.

“Nine people have been arrested in the Morbi bridge collapse case. They include two managers and two ticket booking clerks of Oreva group that was managing the bridge,” Rajkot Range IG Ashok Yadav said on Monday informing media of the criminal investigation into the tragedy that has shocked the country.

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PM Modi Gujarat Visit LIVE: Death toll rises to 135, rescue operations still on

10:36 (IST)

PM Modi Gujarat Visit LIVE

WATCH: Rescue operations resume over Machchhu river

Rescue operations resumed Tuesday over the Machchhu river where the Morbi bridge collapsed.

"It is suspected that some bodies may be there on the floor of the river, so we resumed the operation with the help of our deep divers," VVN Prasanna Kumar, NDRF Commandant, told ANI.

10:24 (IST)

PM Modi Gujarat Visit LIVE

US President Joe Biden expresses condolences to families of Morbi bridge collapse victims

US President Joe Biden on Monday extended his deepest condolences to the families of the people who lost their lives in a bridge collapse in Gujarat's Morbi city.

The more than a-century-old bridge, which had reopened five days back after extensive repairs and renovation, was crammed with people when it collapsed on Sunday evening. Over 130 people have died so far in the accident.

PTI

10:15 (IST)

PM Modi Gujarat Visit LIVE

UN chief Guterres deeply saddened by Morbi bridge collapse tragedy

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed deep sadness over a tragic bridge collapse in Gujarat's Morbi city and expressed condolences to the families of the victims and injured.

At least 134 people lost their lives in the tragedy which took place in Morbi town of the Saurashtra region when the British-era suspension bridge came crashing down on Sunday evening.

The Secretary-General is deeply saddened by the tragic news of the collapse of the Morbi bridge in Gujarat," a statement issued by Stephane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General, said on Monday.

PTI

10:02 (IST)

PM Modi Gujarat Visit LIVE

Death toll rises to 135, rescue operations still on

With one more injured succumbing at the District hospital on Tuesday morning, the death toll stands at 135, said the Morbi District Collector.

Indian Coast Guard, Indian Navy and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) along with local administration and other agencies are carrying out search and rescue operations at the spot of the Morbi bridge collapse.

"With one more injured succumbing at the District hospital a while ago, the death toll stands at 135. A total of 14 persons are still hospitalized. One person is still reported to be missing and a search is on for him," told Morbi District Collector.

ANI

09:52 (IST)

PM Modi Gujarat Visit LIVE

Explained: Why the recently renovated Morbi Bridge collapsed

A Sunday evening outing to one of Gujarat’s tourist attractions on the Machhu river — the Morbi Bridge suspension bridge — turned into a deadly nightmare for hundreds of people when the cables on the bridge snapped and the construction went crashing down into the water.

According to officials, 134 people have died, while over 500 personnel from the Indian Army, Indian Navy, Air Force, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force, Indian Coast Guard, local police, fire services and other agencies have been involved in the rescue operations.

Read More

09:50 (IST)

PM Modi Gujarat Visit LIVE

Digvijaya Singh demands Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel's resignation

Senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh has demanded the resignation of Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel over the Morbi bridge collapse tragedy.

A Congress delegation led by Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, Gujarat party president Jagdish Thakor and former Madhya Pradesh CM Digvijaya Singh visited Morbi on Monday, a day after the suspension bridge over the Machchhu river collapsed.

Rajkot Range Inspector General Ashok Yadav told PTI on Monday that 134 people were killed after the bridge collapsed on Sunday evening.

PTI

09:49 (IST)

PM Modi Gujarat Visit LIVE

Morbi tragedy effect: Hourly cap on visitors at Atal Bridge opened by Modi in August

The Ahmedabad civic body has decided to restrict the number of persons on the pedestrian-only Atal Bridge on the Sabarmati River here to 3,000 per hour, after the Morbi bridge tragedy in which 134 people were killed, an official said.

The 300-metre long and 14-metre wide Atal Bridge, which connects the flower garden on the western-end of the riverfront and the upcoming arts and culture centre on the eastern-end, has become a huge attraction for people since it was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 27 August.

PTI

09:40 (IST)

PM Modi Gujarat Visit LIVE

State mourning for Morbi bridge collapse victims on 2 November

In a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Gandhinagar Monday late evening, it was decided to observe state mourning for the victims of Morbi bridge collapse on 2 November, an official statement said. The meeting was held at Raj Bhavan in the state capital.

09:28 (IST)

PM Modi Gujarat Visit LIVE

How Morbi Bridge collapse revives memories of 1979 Machchhu Dam burst

As the Machchhu river turned into a watery grave for many hapless people in Morbi after the collapse of the cable suspension bridge on Sunday, it revived tragic memories of the deadly dam burst in the Gujarat town 43 years ago.

The river originates from the hill ranges of Jasdan Sardar and Mandva in Rajkot district and Chotila in Surendranagar district and passes through Malia, Morbi, Wankaner, Jasdam and Rajkot taluks of Rajkot districts.

On 11 August 1979, after a week of extraordinary monsoon rains in Gujarat, the two-mile-long Machchhu Dam-II disintegrated — listed as ‘worst dam burst’ in the Guinness Book of World Records.

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09:18 (IST)

PM Modi Gujarat Visit LIVE

PM Modi to visit Morbi today

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a three-day tour of election-bound Gujarat, will be visiting Morbi on Tuesday in the wake of the bridge collapse over Machchhu river, killing 134 people.

On Monday, PM Modi chaired a high-level meeting at the Raj Bhavan in Gandhinagar to review the situation in Morbi.

PM Modi Gujarat Visit LIVE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Morbi in Gujarat today after the cable suspension bridge claimed the lives of at least 132 people, informed the state Chief Minister’s office.

At least 132 people, including women and children, were killed and over 100 are receiving treatment for their injuries sustained after a cable suspension bridge in Morbi town collapsed on Sunday, plunging people into the Machchhu River.

Prime Minister Modi, in Kevadia, said that rescue operations were underway and there would be no laxity in rescue and relief efforts.

“The Gujarat Government has been carrying out relief and rescue operations since Sunday evening. Centre too is extending all help to the State Government,” PM Modi said.

“The State Government has constituted a committee to investigate this incident. I assure the people of the country that there will be no laxity in rescue and relief operations,” PM Modi said.

The Prime Minister said this while addressing a gathering on the occasion of the 147th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in Ekta Nagar in Kevadia.

“I express my condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the accident. In this hour of grief, the government is with the bereaved families in every manner. The Gujarat Government has been carrying out relief and rescue operations since the incident. Centre too is extending all help to the State Government,” PM Modi said.

“I am in Ekta Nagar but my mind is with the victims of Morbi. Rarely in my life, would I have experienced such pain. On one hand, there is a pain-riddled heart and on the other hand, there is the path to duty,” the prime minister said.

The prime minister said that Gujarat chief minister Bhupendra Patel had reached Morbi and has been holding the command of search and rescue operations since Sunday.

“The State Government has constituted a committee to investigate this incident. I assure the people of the country that there will be no laxity in rescue and relief operations,” PM Modi said.

The Prime Minister who is on a three-day tour to Gujarat and Rajasthan also cancelled his roadshow to be held in Ahmedabad.

Prime Minister got emotional while addressing the audience as he laid the foundation stones of several projects worth over Rs 8,000 crore in Banaskantha’s Tharad.

Addressing the audience during the event, PM Modi also remembered the deceased who died after the century-old suspension bridge collapsed in Gujarat’s Morbi yesterday. “I am very distressed after the Morbi mishap,” Modi said.

“I was distraught about whether to do the development programs or not. But because of your love and service and the ‘Sanskar’ of performing the duty, brought me here with a strong heart. Banaskantha means the whole of North Gujarat,” PM Modi said in a breaking voice.

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Morbi bridge collapse: Plea in Supreme Court seeks court-monitored probe

New Delhi: A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in Supreme Court seeking direction to immediately appoint a judicial commission under the supervision of a retired top court judge to initiate a probe into Morbi bridge collapse.

Plea filed by a lawyer seeks directions to state governments to form committee for survey and risk assessment of old and risky monuments and bridges to ensure environmental viability and safety.

The plea also seeks directions for permanent disaster probe team in states to promptly attend to such tragedies.

A British-era suspension bridge came crashing down, killing 134 people and injuring several others.

The bridge was crammed with people when it crashed at around 6.30 pm on Sunday.

The century-old bridge had reopened five days ago after extensive repairs and renovation.

Meanwhile, police on Monday arrested nine persons, including four from the Oreva group that was managing the Morbi suspension bridge, and filed a case against firms tasked with maintenance and operation of the structure.

Video footage emerged of the moments before Sunday’ evening’s deadly collapse, showing the bridge snapping in a few seconds, taking down scores of visitors seen walking on the swaying British-era structure which reopened five days ago after extensive repair but sans a fitness certificate.

“Nine people have been arrested in the Morbi bridge collapse case. They include two managers and two ticket booking clerks of Oreva group that was managing the bridge,” Rajkot Range IG Ashok Yadav said, informing media of the criminal investigation into the tragedy that has shocked the country.

The death toll in the bridge collapse has mounted to 134, he said.

With inputs from agencies

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Are Dalits the Blacks of India, and Brahmins the Whites?

My earlier book called Breaking India was published a dozen years ago, and exposed the Afro-Dalit theory when it was in its infancy. This theory claims that Dalits are the Blacks of India and non-Dalits are the Whites of India, and that caste equals racism. I had explained the mechanisms of this US operated and financed project to exploit India’s social fault lines by using the American race lenses. But nobody took it seriously when that book was published. An opportunity was lost to nip in the bud the global initiative to weaponise India’s minorities.

Indians should have responded that the history of oppression points to a different conclusion: Just as Blacks were oppressed by Whites in America, in India the Hindus have been oppressed by a thousand years of colonisation, first by the Muslims and then by the Europeans. Therefore, Hindus should have taken the initiative to find common ground with Black Americans by explaining to them the tenets of Hindu culture and its history.

But because Hindu leaders ignored my warnings, the erroneous ideas got a chance to take root and prosper. Recently, a prominent Black intellectual called Isabel Wilkerson has written a book asserting that the Afro-Dalit identity is the epicentre of global victimhood. Titled, Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents, it claims that caste is not simply one of the many forms of racism. According to her, caste is the backbone, the structure on which all racism stands. The British learned caste ideas from Vedic texts and took these structures to America to create the framework for racism against Blacks. From America, this approach to stratifying societies travelled further, and spread to Europe where it led to the Nazi Holocaust of the Jews.

Screenshot from Amazon.in

Wilkerson’s outlandish claim is that caste is the root cause of all racism in the world. By isolating caste as the basic architecture on which all racism anywhere in the world is established, she laid the foundation for Marxism’s latest attack on Hindu society. The argument being made is that since casteism is indelibly associated with Hinduism because of the karma theory, it can only be destroyed if Hinduism itself is dismantled.

I am sympathetic to the Dalit cause in India and to the Black cause in the US. But the problem with Wilkerson’s thesis is the American history lens she applies blindly to Dalit issues. The history of Indian social systems is far more complex and cannot be resolved using her simplistic analysis.

Had this theory been limited to academics, it might not have been so dangerous. However, Wilkerson’s theory has received a lot of publicity in American media. It is not a fringe idea in the US for she is a Pulitzer Prize winner, and her book became Number 1 on the New York Times Bestseller List. It has been widely promoted by Oprah Winfrey through her book club. It is now a central part of the Black Lives Matter movement and the new Woke social justice ideology.

It would have been in the spirit of free thinking if the mapping of Blacks to Dalits and Whites to Brahmins was presented as a theoretical “claim” and hypothesis rather than as a fact. But this is not what we are seeing. There is no attempt by the proponents of this view to invite debate. You don’t see any openness or humility among the believers of this dogma, or a desire to allow their claims to be challenged. They immediately cancel any voice offering an opposing view.

The result is that the social justice movement is turning Hinduphobic. India, that has given birth to Hinduism and where most Hindus live, is therefore, increasingly being seen as the source of global oppression.

In our recent book, Snakes in the Ganga, Vijaya Viswanathan and I talk about Wilkerson’s contribution to the far-Left discourse. We point out the many flaws in her logic as well as the factual mistakes she makes. We offer a rebuttal to the Afro-Dalit theory and also give a brief description of Indian social history. Visit: www.SnakesintheGanga.com.

The author is a researcher, writer, speaker and public intellectual on current affairs as they relate to civilisations, cross-cultural encounters, religion and science. His latest book is ‘Snakes in the Ganga’. Views expressed are personal.

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Delhi Police raid homes of The Wire founders Siddharth Varadarajan, MK Venu; Mobile, laptops seized

New Delhi: The Delhi Police Crime Branch on Monday carried out searches at the residences of The Wire’s founders Siddharth Varadarajan and MK Venu in the National Capital.

Delhi Police said that they have seized electronic devices like mobiles and laptops from the houses of Varadarajan, MK Venu, and others.

“No notice given to anyone & no inquiry has taken place today. Further investigation is going on and necessary steps will be taken,” the police added.

No arrests have been made in the case so far.

Delhi Police registered FIR against ‘The Wire’ on BJP’s Amit Malviya’s complaint that the website “forged documents with a view to malign & tarnish his reputation,” ANI reported.

Malviya filed complaints against Wire founders, top editors 

Police had on Saturday filed an FIR against the news portal and its editors on a complaint by Malviya accusing the media outlet of “cheating and forgery” and “tarnishing” his reputation.

Malviya had on Friday said he would pursue criminal and civil proceedings against the portal over stories, since retracted, that insinuated that the BJP leader enjoyed the privilege on Meta platforms of having any post taken down that he believed was against the BJP’s interests.

Malviya’s complaint was filed with Delhi Police’s special commissioner (crime) against The Wire, its founding editors Siddharth Varadarajan, Sidharth Bhatia and M K Venu, deputy editor and executive news producer Jahnavi Sen, the Foundation for Independent Journalism and other unknown people.

The Wire has also filed a police complaint against its former consultant Devesh Kumar in connection with the story related to Malviya.

With inputs from agencies

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Sunday 30 October 2022

Gujarat: At least 60 killed as 140-year-old bridge collapses in Morbi; IAF, Army teams deployed for rescue ops

New Delhi: The death toll in the collapse of a suspension bridge into the Machchhu river in Gujarat’s Morbi city on Sunday evening has risen to 60, state minister Brijesh Merja said.

The army and air force have also joined the rescue work.

“For rescue & relief operations, three platoons of NDRF with 50 personnel of Indian Navy, 30 personnel of IAF along with 2 columns of Army personnel & 7 teams of Fire Brigade left for Morbi with advanced equipment from Rajkot, Jamnagar, Diu & Surendranagar,” the Gujarat CM Office said.

According to reports, the bridge was reopened to the public after renovation, on 26 October.


“Due to the bridge collapse, several people fell into the river. A rescue operation is underway. There are reports that several people have suffered injuries. They are being rushed to hospitals,” local MLA and state minister Brijesh Merja said.

Eyewitnesses said that there were several women and children on the hanging bridge when it snapped.

PM announces ex-gratia

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the next of kin of each of those who lost their lives in the incident.

The injured persons would be given an amount of Rs 50,000, the Prime Minister’s Office tweeted.

Earlier, PM Narendra Modi spoke to Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel & other officials regarding the mishap in Morbi. He has sought urgent mobilisation of teams for rescue ops. He has asked that the situation be closely & continuously monitored & extend all possible help to those affected.

Union home minister Amit Shah spoke to Gujarat home minister Harsh Sanghavi and other state officials.

Leaders express condolences

President Droupadi Murmu has said that “her thoughts and prayers are with the affected people.”

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar said that he was “distressed to hear about the tragic incident.”

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that he was “praying for everyone’s safety.”

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has appealed to all Congress workers “to extend all possible help to the injured persons.”

Delhi CM and AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal said that he was “praying for the safety of those affected.”

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee “prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.”

With inputs from agencies

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Gujarat: At least 60 killed as 140-year-old bridge collapses into river in Morbi; PM takes stock of situation

New Delhi: The death toll in the collapse of a suspension bridge into the Machchhu river in Gujarat’s Morbi city on Sunday evening has risen to 60, state minister Brijesh Merja said.

The rescue work is underway.

According to reports, the bridge was reopened to the public after renovation, on 26 October.


“Due to the bridge collapse, several people fell into the river. A rescue operation is underway. There are reports that several people have suffered injuries. They are being rushed to hospitals,” local MLA and state minister Brijesh Merja said.

Eyewitnesses said that there were several women and children on the hanging bridge when it snapped.

PM announces ex-gratia

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the next of kin of each of those who lost their lives in the incident.

The injured persons would be given an amount of Rs 50,000, the Prime Minister’s Office tweeted.

Earlier, PM Narendra Modi spoke to Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel & other officials regarding the mishap in Morbi. He has sought urgent mobilisation of teams for rescue ops. He has asked that the situation be closely & continuously monitored & extend all possible help to those affected.

Union home minister Amit Shah spoke to Gujarat home minister Harsh Sanghavi and other state officials.

President Droupadi Murmu has said that “her thoughts and prayers are with the affected people.”

With inputs from agencies

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Gujarat: Several killed as 140-year-old bridge collapses into river in Morbi; PM takes stock of situation

New Delhi: Several people have been killed after a 140-year-old suspension bridge collapsed into the Machchhu river in Gujarat’s Morbi city on Sunday evening.

Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi said that the official death toll is 7.

The bridge, which was recently reopened to the public after renovation, collapsed as it could not bear the weight of the people standing on it, officials told PTI.


“Due to the bridge collapse, several people fell into the river. A rescue operation is underway. There are reports that several people have suffered injuries. They are being rushed to hospitals,” local MLA and state minister Brijesh Merja said.

Rescue work is underway. According to an NDTV report, nearly 100 people are still feared trapped underwater.

Eyewitnesses said that there were several women and children on the hanging bridge when it snapped.

PM announces ex-gratia

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the next of kin of each of those who lost their lives in the incident.

The injured persons would be given an amount of Rs 50,000, the Prime Minister’s Office tweeted.

Earlier, PM Narendra Modi spoke to Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel & other officials regarding the mishap in Morbi. He has sought urgent mobilisation of teams for rescue ops. He has asked that the situation be closely & continuously monitored & extend all possible help to those affected.

Union home minister Amit Shah spoke to Gujarat home minister Harsh Sanghavi and other state officials.

President Droupadi Murmu has said that “her thoughts and prayers are with the affected people.”

With inputs from agencies

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Gujarat: PM Modi launches Rs 22,000 crore project to build C-295 military cargo aircraft in Vadodara

Vadodara: Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of a Rs 22,000 crore worth C-295 military transport aircraft manufacturing facility in Gujarat’s Vadodara on Sunday.

“India with ‘Make in India, make for the globe’ approach is enhancing its strength further,” PM said at the launch event.

PM Modi was felicitated and presented with a memento by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Tata Sons chairperson N Chandrasekaran at the event.

The C-295 transport aircraft for the Indian Air Force will be manufactured by Tata-Airbus, said Defence Ministry officials.

Apart from making 40 aircraft, this facility at Vadodara would be manufacturing additional aircraft for Air Force requirements and exports, as per defence secretary Aramane Giridhar.

Speaking on the occasion, defence minister Rajnath Singh said, “Today, for the first time in the country, the foundation stone of an aircraft manufacturing facility is being laid by the private sector. It is certainly a matter of pride for the defence sector as well as for the entire country.”

“It is not just a foundation stone but a milestone in the defence sector’s ‘Atmanirbharta’ journey. C-295 aircraft manufactured at this facility will be state-of-the-art aircraft with superior capabilities and global standards. It will significantly enhance the logistic capability of Indian Air Force,” Singh added.

India among 12 nations manufacturing C-295 aircraft

With the launch of the C-295 aircraft manufacturing facility, India will enter an illustrious league of about only a dozen nations with the capacity to manufacture military transport aircraft. -Currently, the US, Japan, UK, Russia, France, Italy, Spain, Ukraine, Brazil, China, and Japan has that capacity.

Tata-Airbus combine had said that C-295 manufacturing is “the first Make in India aerospace programme in the private sector involving the full development of a complete industrial ecosystem; from manufacture to assembly, test and qualification, to delivery and maintenance of the complete lifecycle of the aircraft.”

Under the terms of the deal, 16 C-295 aircraft are scheduled to be delivered between September 2023 and August 2025 in flyaway condition, while the remaining 40 aircraft will be manufactured at the Vadodara facility.

In another first, “indigenous content in the planes will be the highest ever in India, and 96 per cent of the work that Airbus does in Spain will now be done at the new facility.”

The Defence Ministry said this project “offers a unique opportunity for the Indian private sector to enter the technology-intensive and highly competitive aviation industry. It will augment domestic aviation manufacturing resulting in reduced import dependence and expected increase in exports.”

Military transport aircraft industry set to grow to $45 bn by 2030

Further, 13,400 parts, 4600 sub-assemblies and all significant component assemblies will be manufactured by 25 domestic MSME suppliers spread across seven states. All these 56 aircraft will be fitted with an indigenous electronic warfare suite developed by Bharat Electronics Ltd and Bharat Dynamics Limited.

As per the Allied Market Research report, the military transport aircraft industry is set to grow to $45 billion by 2030. Tata-Airbus facility is due to complete its IAF commitment by 203 products and start exporting its products to other nations as well.

Given the fact that the military transport aircraft industry is a much more robust and technologically advanced machine than a commercial airliner, C295 manufacturing will open up prospects for the development of domestic commercial aircraft manufacturing will pick up. Indian airline companies are one of the biggest buyers of commercial aircraft with an ever-expanding order book of 1,100 aircraft since 2011.

Demand for commercial aircraft coupled with the C-295 aircraft manufacturing facility and associated supply chain will create the required ecosystem to support the development of the commercial aircraft manufacturing industry in India.

The Vadodara facility will be initially geared to manufacture 8 aircraft per year, but it has been designed such that it can also cater to the additional needs of Indian armed forces or exports.

As per Defence Ministry, following the delivery of 56 aircraft to IAS, the combine will be allowed to sell India-built C-295 aircraft to civil operators and to countries cleared by the government. It is believed that the Vadodara facility will replicate the success of Brahmos in missile exports.

Big boost to the Make in India: India has embarked on a massive transformation of its defence sector through the ambitious Make in India program of the Modi government. Several projects for the domestic manufacturing of various defence platforms like missiles, field guns, tanks, aircraft carriers, drones, fighter planes, tanks, and helicopters are currently underway and are fulfilling the defence modernisation needs of the Indian armed forces.

However, military transport aircraft was one of the critical missing links in the entire defence industrial complex chain. The JV between Tata and Airbus has plugged that missing piece and will significantly boost the Make in India program of the Narendra Modi government. The Indian Armed forces will no longer have to depend on the old Avro planes of the 1960 generation for their transportation needs.

With inputs from ANI

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The Weather Report: Himalayas set to welcome winter soon; North, Central and West India experiencing pleasant days

October is coming to an end also weather in most parts of India is in seasonal transition phase.

Himalayas are all set to welcome winter very soon as temperatures are already dipping while plains of North India, Central India and West India are experiencing pleasant days and nights typical of autumn weather for these regions.

In the past week most parts of North, Central and West India observed dry and clear weather conditions as no major weather system had influenced these regions after the monsoon withdrawal took place.

The South West Monsoon had withdrawn from the entire country on 22nd October, delayed by at least a week as the normal pan-India withdrawal date is 15th October.

 

Bay of Bengal hosted first post monsoon Cyclone of the year name “Sitrang” in the past week which is very usual for this time of the year, on the day of Diwali i.e 24th October it made a landfall in Bangladesh hence India’s coastal areas remained unaffected in terms of direct impact.

Post Landfall in Bangladesh, cyclonic storm weakened gradually into a depression and influenced the weather across the North East India during the period of 23rd to 25th states observed heavy to extremely heavy rains in many parts and the country’s North East had to celebrate a wet Diwali this year.

On Record, Shillong received 196.7mm rainfall in the span of 24 hours ending 25th October at 8:30am, Highest One day Rainfall in October at least since 2011.
The All time record is 262.0mm from 8th October 2004.

Very Heavy to extremely heavy rains in stations of North East India on 25th October:
Mawphlang: 255.4mm
Pynursla: 253.0mm
WilliamNagar; 225.0mm
Cherrapunji; 223.0mm
Sect Hills (Shillong); 212.0mm
Lumingshai; 198.9mm
Shillong; 196.7mm
Barapani: 178.2mm
Mawkyrwat: 180.0mm

Nights have became significantly cooler in the plains of North India under the influence of the dry and cool Northwest winds blowing in the region:

Top 10 Coldest stations on 29th October, Saturday:
Sikar: 10.5°c
Fatehpur Shekhawati: 12.6°c
Bathinda: 12.6°c
Jalandhar: 12.8°c
Lakhimpur Kheri: 13.0°c
Adampur: 13.1°c
Ritholi: 13.1°c
Churu: 13.5°c
Moga: 13.6°c
Firozpur: 13.8°c

As soon as South West Monsoon withdrawn from peninsula autumn chill has commenced up to Karnataka and Telangana latitudes as minimum temperature has fallen significantly in the past week.

Belgaum in Karnataka recorded 12.4°c minimum temperature on the 24th October, Just missed all time record for lowest minimum temperature of the month which is 12.3°c from 27th October 2008.

Similarly Hyderabad recorded 14.9°c minimum temperature on the 24th October, marking the Lowest temperature in the month of October at least since 2011.

Indian Meteorological Department declared commencement of northeast Monsoon rainfall Under the influence of setting in of northeasterly winds in the lower tropospheric levels over Bay of Bengal and South Peninsular India, the Northeast Monsoon rains commenced over coastal Tamil Nadu, Pondicherry & Karaikal and adjoining areas of south coastal Andhra Pradesh on 29th October.

Weather conditions were largely dry in the past week but as soon as the North East Monsoon set in rains have increased significantly in the last 24 hours:

Tamil Nadu:
Cuddalore (dist Cuddalore): 80mm,

Puducherry (dist Puducherry): 70mm,

Cuddalore collectorate, Srimushnam (dist Cuddalore), Nanguneri (dist Tirunelveli): 60mm each,

Marakkanam (dist Villupuram): 50mm,

Vanur (dist Villupuram), Kurinjipadi (dist Cuddalore), Sethiathope (dist Cuddalore): 40mm each,
Virudhachalam (dist Cuddalore), Bhuvanagiri (dist Cuddalore), Agaram Seegur (dist Perambalur): 30mm each,

Neivasal Thenpathi (dist Thanjavur), Panruti (dist Cuddalore), Villupuram (dist Villupuram), Vedaranyam (dist Nagapattinam), Pelandurai (dist Cuddalore) , Vallam (dist
Thanjavur), Uthangarai (dist Krishnagiri): 20mm each,

Ulundurpet (dist Kallakurichi), Vepur (dist Cuddalore), Lalpet (dist Cuddalore) ,Labbaikudikadu (dist Perambalur), Thalaignayer (dist Nagapattinam), Radhapuram (dist Tirunelveli), Eraiyur (dist Perambalur) , Chidambaram (dist Cuddalore), Thirupathisaram Aws (dist Kanyakumari), Tambaram (dist Chengalpattu), Thirupoondi (dist Nagapattinam), K.m.koil (dist Cuddalore), Perambalur (dist Perambalur), Sendurai (dist Ariyalur), Mannargudi (dist Tiruvarur), Gingee (dist Villupuram) , Orthanad (dist Thanjavur): 10mm each.

Coastal Andhra Pradesh:
Sullurpeta (dist Spsr Nellore): 20mm, Gudur (dist Spsr Nellore): 10mm, Kavali (dist Spsr Nellore): 10mm, Venkatagiri (dist Spsr Nellore): 10mm, Udayagiri (dist Spsr Nellore): 10mm.

Rayalaseema:
Thottambedu (dist Chittoor): 30mm, Srikalahasti (dist Chittoor): 20mm, Tirupati Aero (dist Chittoor): 10mm, Kodur (dist Ysr District): 10mm, Kalakada (dist Chittoor): 10mm, Chinnamandem (dist Ysr District): 10mm

Rains performance in the post Monsoon season so far continues to stay in Large excess category across the country as India as whole recorded a total rainfall of 110.2mm against the normal of 72.7mm in the period of 1st to 29th October, the departure from normal stands at +52%.

Country wide areas falling in rainfall category:

Large excess: 38% area of India
Excess: 28% area of India
Normal: 23% area of India
Deficient: 2% area of India
Large Deficient: 9% area of India
No Rain: 0% area in India.

Subdivision wise seasonal rainfall figures

• Southern Peninsula: Actual 167.5mm against the average of 143.6mm, +17% departure from normal.

• East & North East India: Actual 164.0mm against the average of 120.8mm, +36% departure from normal.

• North West India: Actual 64.3mm against the average of 21.3mm, +202% departure from normal.

• Central India: Actual 93.2mm against the average of 55.6mm, +68% departure from normal.

Current synoptic features influencing the weather in India as on 29th October:

• Under the influence of setting in of northeasterly winds in the lower tropospheric levels over Bay of
Bengal and South Peninsular India, the Northeast Monsoon rains have commenced over coastal Tamil
Nadu, Pondicherry & Karaikal and adjoining areas of south Coastal Andhra Pradesh today, the 29th Oct
2022.

• The cyclonic circulation over Southwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining Sri Lanka at 1.5 km above
mean sea level persists.

• The cyclonic circulation over Southeast Bay of Bengal & adjoining Equatorial north Indian ocean
extending upto 1.5 km above mean sea level persists.

• A fresh Western Disturbance likely to affect Western Himalayan Region from the night of 31st October,
2022.

All India weather forecast till 5th November:

• North East Monsoon to take aggressive start in southern parts of India early next week as North East winds are expected to strengthen further.
Widespread moderate rainfall with fairly widespread heavy rains likely over Tamil Nadu, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Rayalaseema, Coastal & South Interior Karnataka and Kerala during 31st October till 3rd November, some stations might experience very heavy rains in the period, also Chennai is set to experience very heavy rains and North East Monsoon will set in with a bang next week.

• Under the influence of fresh Western Disturbance, a round of scattered light to Moderate snowfall is expected over parts of Kashmir, Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh and some parts of Uttarakhand during the period of 31st October till 2nd November.
Plains to North India will remain unaffected by this Western Disturbance and weather conditions will continue to stay dry in Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh.

In a quick succession another western disturbance is expected to impact North West India around 5th November, this might bring some rains for plains, temperatures will start falling significantly from the second week of November.

States in Central and East India will observe dry weather conditions for the next week as no significant weather system affects the region.
Under the influence of dry and cool North West winds and clear skies during night, minimum temperature to fall further by 1-2°c in Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra in the upcoming week, days to stay pleasant as well.

• States in North East India are out of impact from cyclone Sitrang and weather conditions have improved over the weekend, following the trend most states in the region to experience dry weather conditions with drop in night temperatures during the upcoming week till 5th November, chances of any significant rains due to the absence of any impactful weather system.

The author, better known as the Rohtak Weatherman, interprets and explains complex weather patterns. His impact-based forecasts @navdeepdahiya55 are very popular in north India.

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Mann Ki Baat: Country doing wonders in space sector, this decade is 'Techade' of India, says PM Modi

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday extended Chhath Puja greetings and said that the Puja is a great example of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’, in the 94th edition of his monthly radio programme ‘Mann Ki Baat’.

“The festival of Chhath is also an example of Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat. Today, wherever the people of Bihar and Purvanchal are in any corner of the country, Chhath is being celebrated with great pomp,” PM Modi said.

He added that Chhath Puja is now getting organized on a large scale in different districts of Maharashtra along with Delhi, Mumbai and many parts of Gujarat.

“I do remember that earlier in Gujarat, Chhath Puja was not performed to this extent. But with the passage of time, the colours of Chhath Puja have started getting dissolved in almost the whole of Gujarat. I am also very happy to see this. Nowadays we see, how many grand pictures of Chhath Puja come from abroad too. That is, the rich heritage of India, our faith, is reinforcing its identity in every corner of the world,” he said.

“So today, along with worshipping the Sun, why not also discuss his boon? This blessing of Sun God is – solar energy,” PM Modi said.

Talking about solar energy, PM Modi said that it is a subject in which the whole world is seeing its future. For India, the Sun God has not only been worshipped for centuries, but has also been the focus of our way of life. India is combining its traditional experiences with modern science and has become one of the largest countries to generate electricity from solar energy. How solar energy is changing the lives of the poor and middle class of the country is also a subject of study. Sun worship is the proof of the deep connect of our culture with nature.

Talking about Modhera village, he said that almost all houses use solar energy to fulfil their electricity needs. People there are not only making use of electricity through solar energy, but also earning out of it. Modhera has become a model for the whole country now.

PM Modi also mentioned Kunni Deori from Odisha, who is making solar energy a medium of employment for her as well as for other women. “Kunni lives in Kardapal village of Kendujhar district of Odisha. She trains tribal women to spin silk on a solar-powered reeling machine. Due to the Solar Machine, these tribal women do not have to bear the burden of electricity bill, and they are earning income. This is the very boon of Sun God’s solar energy. The more the boon and the blessings spread, the better it is. Therefore, I urge you to join this and add others too,” he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that our country is doing wonders in the solar sector as well as in the space sector. The whole world, today, is surprised to see the achievements of India.

“Our country is doing wonders in the solar sector as well as the space sector. India has placed 36 satellites in space simultaneously just a day before Diwali. With this launching, from Kashmir to Kanyakumari and from Kutch to Kohima, in the whole country, digital connectivity will be further strengthened.”

With the help of the satellite launch, PM said the remotest areas will be more easily connected with the rest of the country.

He said, “I also remember those old days, when India was denied the Cryogenic Rocket Technology. But the scientists of India not only developed indigenous technology but today with its help, dozens of satellites are being sent to space simultaneously. With this launch, India has emerged as a strong player in the global commercial market. With this, new doors of opportunities have also opened up for India.”

Prime Minister said that earlier in India the space sector was confined within the purview of government systems. Since the space sector was opened for India’s youth and revolutionary changes have started coming into it.

Indian industries and start-ups are engaged in bringing new innovations and new technologies in this field, he said.

Prime Minister said the collaboration of IN-SPACe is going to make a big difference in this area. Non-government companies are also getting the facility to launch their payloads and satellites through IN-SPACe.
PM Modi said the entire world is looking at solar energy as the future.

“Today, India is combining its traditional experiences with modern science, that is why, today, we have become one of the largest countries to generate electricity from solar energy. How solar energy is changing the lives of the poor and middle class of our country is also a subject of study,” he added.

Talking about youth power, PM Modi said that their hard work, their sweat, their talent, will take India to the heights that the country is resolving today. The way our youth of today are working for the country, and have joined nation building, makes me filled with confidence. The way our youth solve problems in hackathons, stay awake all night and work for hours, is very inspiring.

PM Modi also talked about the need to protect the environment and said that sensitivity towards the environment is embedded in every particle of our society and we can feel it all around us. There is no dearth of people in the country who spend a lifetime in the protection of the environment.

He also mentioned the National Games which happened a few days ago and said, “With the theme ‘Judega India to Jeetega India’, national game, on the one hand, have given a strong message of unity, on the other, have promoted India’s sports culture. 

PM Modi also congratulated all the players, who won medals, made new records, participated in this sports competition, and wished these players a bright future.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also talked about how Birsa Munda sacrificed his life for India’s Independence. “Birsa Munda had united millions of people against the British rule in his short lifetime. He had sacrificed his life to protect India’s independence and tribal culture. There is so much that we can learn from Dharti Aba Birsa Munda.”

While concluding the episode, PM Modi said that in the coming days, many states will also celebrate their Statehood day. Andhra Pradesh will celebrate its foundation day; Kerala Piravi will be celebrated. Karnataka Rajyotsava will be celebrated. Similarly, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Haryana will also celebrate their Statehood day.

PM Modi conveyed his best wishes to the people of all these states, and said that in all our states, the stronger the spirit to learn from each other, to cooperate, and to work together, the more the country will go forward.

With inputs from agencies

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Saturday 29 October 2022

Petrol Diesel Price Today: Know today's petrol, diesel prices in your city

Petrol Diesel Price Today: There is still news of relief for the common people on the inflation front. Amidst the stability in the price of crude oil in the international market for the last few days, Indian Oil Marketing Companies have released the latest prices of petrol and diesel today.

The oil companies have kept the prices of petrol and diesel stable on Sunday (October 30) as well. Thus, today is the 160th consecutive day when there has been no change in the price of petrol and diesel in India.

Government oil companies today released the prices of petrol and diesel for Sunday (October 30). Oil companies have not made any change in the price of petrol and diesel, giving relief to the common people for the 160th consecutive day. That is, even today the prices of petrol and diesel are stable.

The prices of crude oil have remained stable in the international market for the last few days. At present, the price of WTI crude has come down to $ 85 per barrel and Brent crude has come near $ 91 per barrel.

Earlier on May 21, the government had cut excise duty. Excise duty on petrol was cut by Rs 8 per liter and diesel by Rs 6 per liter. Since then the price of petrol and diesel has come down. After this, diesel became cheaper by Rs 9.50 and Rs 7 per liter in the country. After the announcement of the Center, the governments of Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Odisha and Kerala also cut VAT.

At present, petrol in Delhi is priced at Rs 96.72 per liter and diesel is being sold at Rs 89.62 per litre. Petrol is getting Rs 106.31 and diesel Rs 94.27 per liter in Mumbai whereas petrol in Kolkata is Rs 106.03 and diesel Rs 92.76 per liter. On the other hand, petrol is selling at Rs 102.63 and diesel at Rs 94.24 per liter in Chennai.

Cheapest petrol and diesel in India

The cheapest petrol and diesel in India is being sold in Port Blair where the price of petrol is Rs 84.10 per liter and the price of diesel is Rs 79.74 per liter.

What is today’s Petrol Diesel Price?

Delhi: Petrol Rs 96.72 and Diesel Rs 89.62 per liter.

Mumbai: Petrol Rs 106.31 and Diesel Rs 94.27 per liter.

Kolkata: Petrol Rs 106.03 and Diesel Rs 92.76 per liter.

Chennai: Petrol Rs 102.63 and Diesel Rs 94.24 per liter.

Hyderabad: Petrol Rs 109.66 and Diesel Rs 97.82 per liter.

Bangalore: Petrol Rs 101.94 and diesel Rs 87.89 per litre.

Thiruvananthapuram: Petrol Rs 107.71 and Diesel Rs 96.52 per liter.

Port Blair: Petrol Rs 84.10 and Diesel Rs 79.74 per liter.

Bhubaneswar: Petrol Rs 103.19 and Diesel Rs 94.76 per liter.

Chandigarh: Petrol Rs 96.20 and Diesel Rs 84.26 per liter.

Lucknow: Petrol Rs 96.57 and Diesel Rs 89.76 per liter.

Noida: Petrol Rs 96.57 and Diesel Rs 89.96 per liter.

Jaipur: Petrol Rs 108.48 and Diesel Rs 93.72 per liter.

Patna: Petrol Rs 107.24 and Diesel Rs 94.04 per liter

Gurugram: Rs 97.18 and diesel Rs 90.05 per litre.

Why are petrol and diesel are expensive in India?

After adding excise duty, dealer commission and other things to the price of petrol and diesel, its price almost doubles. Petrol and diesel prices change daily based on what are the crude prices in the international market along with the foreign exchange rates.

Know today’s petrol and diesel prices in your city

The prices of petrol and diesel change daily and get updated at 6 am. You can also know the daily rate of petrol and diesel through SMS. Indian Oil customers can get information by sending city code along with RSP to 9224992249 number and BPCL customers by writing RSP to number 9223112222. HPCL consumers can find out the price by sending HP Price to the number 9222201122.

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Assam: 7 Germans arrested for religious preaching, violating tourist visa norms

Guwahati: Seven German nationals were arrested in Assam on Saturday for violating tourist visa rules by preaching Christianity. The police have also detained a suspect from Jharkhand for allegedly helping the European visitors in their illegal missionary activities.

The seven German nationals were reportedly staying in Assam on tourist visas but they allegedly secretly started preaching Christianity. According to reports, women are also included among the arrested foreigners.

“The accused were here on tourist visas. They cannot do any missionary work on tourist visas. They have violated visa rules. They will be sent back to their country tomorrow,” Golaghat SP Ramandeep Kaur told the media.

A special visa is required for visiting India to participate in religious programs. But all the accused had come on tourist visas. All were allegedly illegally propagating Christianity among the people.

According to the police, all the accused have been taken into custody and are being interrogated. The accused have also been fined US$500 each.

All the German nationals have been kept in Kaziranga National Park in Golaghat district, the police said. The police said that action was also being taken against local Christian organizations who invited the German nationals without giving them the right advice about the right type of visa.

According to the police, the seven German nationals allegedly attended religious gatherings in Tinsukia, Margherita and Karbi Anglong and were to attend another such event in Tezpur on Saturday.

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Ahead of polls, Arvind Kejriwal launches campaign to select AAP's CM candidate for Gujarat

Ahead of the Gujarat polls, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal launched a campaign to select AAP’s chief ministerial candidate on Saturday in Surat.

“We want the people of Gujarat to tell us who should be the next CM. We’re issuing a number and an email id. You can send your opinions on it until 5 pm till November 3. We will announce the result on 4th Nov, “AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal said in Gujarat.

Addressing a press briefing on Saturday morning, the Aam Aadmi Party chief asked: “Who should be the next Gujarat chief minister? Please share your opinion.”

Kejriwal said that they will be issuing a number (6357000360) to know the opinion of the public.

He added that the people will be able to text or send WhatsApp messages or send a voice message to air their opinions. People will also be able to email them at aapnocm@gmail.com.

He said there is an atmosphere of change in Gujarat and people believe that AAP is going to form a government in the state.

The campaign is the latest push by the Delhi CM who has been campaigning aggressively in the state in a bid to make a foray into the BJP-ruled hill state. AAP has been holding rallies and making a host of pre-poll promises such as free electricity, better education and healthcare facilities to come to power in Gujarat.

With inputs from agencies

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Diwali 2022: Date, history, significance and rituals

The auspicious Hindu festival of Diwali is observed throughout India to mark the victory of good over evil, light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and happiness over grief. During the celebrations, people decorate their houses with diyas, lights, and rangolis. People wear new traditional dresses on the day of Diwali, and they visit their friends and relatives to celebrate the festivity together. On this day, people follow a tradition of opening windows and doors of their houses to allow the entry of Goddess Lakshmi and other deities of wealth. It is believed that on Diwali, Goddess Lakshmi visits the Earth and blesses people with wealth, happiness, and prosperity.

Date:

This year, Diwali will be celebrated on 24 Wednesday. Lakshmi Puja Muhurat will be from 06:53 PM to 08:16 PM on 24 October. Amavasya Tithi will commence at 05:27 PM on 24 October and end at 04:18 PM on 25 October.

History:

Diwali marks the return of Lord Ram to Ayodhya after an exile of 14 years. He came back with his wife Sita and brother Lakshman after defeating the demon king Ravana. For honouring and celebrating his victory, the entire kingdom of Ayodhya was lit by eathern lamps to observe the victory of light over darkness.

Significance:

Diwali is also termed as Deepawali. Deepawali is derived from two words with “Deep” meaning light and “Avali” meaning row. So, the literal meaning of the word Deepawali or Diwali is a row of lights. The earthern lamps or diyas are lit up on Diwali to celebrate the triumph of light over darkness. This is the reason Diwali is called as the festival of lights.

Customs and rituals:

The celebration of Diwali includes several customs and rituals like making rangolis, Lakshmi Puja, sharing sweets, and more. During Diwali, people often decorate their houses with beautiful rangolis. It is not just a fun activity, but it also provides an individual with an opportunity to showcase their creative talent. On this day, Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesh are worshipped to welcome fortune and prosperity. During the festivity, people gift sweets to their friends and relatives.

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West Bengal: Youth stabbed for protesting against loud music at Kali Puja pandal

Hili (West Bengal): A youth was stabbed repeatedly by his neighbour for protesting against loud music being played at a Kali Puja pandal in the Fatehpur area of ​​Panjul village panchayet of Hili police station in the South Dinajpur district of West Bengal.

The injured youth reportedly received three stitches on his shoulder. The victim, Amit Karmakar, filed a written complaint at the Hilli police station on Friday evening. After receiving the written complaint, the police started investigating the incident.

According to locals, Amit Karmakar (32) is a resident of the Fatehpur area of ​​Panjul village panchayat of Hilli
police station. He is a businessman by profession. A Kali Puja had been organized in Fatehpur. At the Kali Puja pandal, local youth were playing songs till late night on Thursday.

When Amit Karmakar protested against the loud music, the Kali Puja organizers turned off the loudspeaker. At that time alleged assailant Amrit Mali was reportedly dancing in a drunken state, When the loudspeaker was turned off and he started screaming. He then allegedly abused Amit Karmakar and when he protested, Amrit Mali reportedly attacked the victim, beat him up and stabbed him repeatedly on the shoulder with a knife.

The victim Amit Karmakar immediately fell to the ground in a bloody state. Accused Amrit Mali (25) ran away from the spot. The injured youth was taken to Hili Rural Hospital for treatment. There he got three stitches on his shoulder. He was released from the hospital on Friday.

After that, the affected youth filed a written complaint against Amrit Mali at Hili police station in the evening. After receiving the complaint, the police have started investigating the incident.

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