A man was shot dead at Union Minister Kaushal Kishore’s residence in Uttar Pradesh’s Lucknow on Friday, police said on Friday, adding, a licensed pistol under the name of the minister’s son has been recovered from the crime scene.
The victim, identified as 30-year-old Vinay Srivastava, was a friend of Kaushal Kishore’s son, police said.
#WATCH | Lucknow, UP | Rahul Raj DCP West Lucknow says “Vinay Shrivastava, aged 30 years has been shot dead at the residence of Vinay Kishore. The incident took place around 4 am today. Dog Squad, Crime Branch and Forensic teams are at the spot for investigation. On the complaint… pic.twitter.com/rY8PtXWZAH
Police said a total of six persons came to the house last night and the incident took place after the dinner in the wee hours of Friday.
“The incident took place around 4 am today. Dog squad, crime branch and forensic teams are at the spot for investigation. On the complaint of the deceased’s brother, an FIR has been registered,” said Rahul Raj, DCP West Lucknow.
Raj said that a licensed revolver has been found and the investigation in the matter is on.
“The body has been sent for post-mortem,” he added.
Reacting to the development, Kaushal Kishore said that the incident is a matter of investigation.
“This is a matter of investigation. Forensic teams and police have started the investigation. The person involved will not be spared. We are standing in support of the family members of the deceased. I have no idea who was at the residence when the incident took place,” said Kishore.
#WATCH | Lucknow, UP | BJP MP Kaushal Kishore says “This is a matter of investigation. Forensic teams and police have started the investigation. The person involved will not be spared. We are standing in support of the family members of the deceased. I have no idea who was at the… pic.twitter.com/rn73H8DiPt
Kishore confirmed that the pistol that police recovered from the spot belongs to his son Vikas Kishore.
#WATCH | Lucknow, UP | On a person being shot dead at his residence, BJP MP Kaushal Kishore says “The pistol that police has recovered belongs to my son, Vikas Kishore. Police is conducting a thorough investigation. The culprits will not be spared. Vikas Kishore was not at the… pic.twitter.com/eWKiBLZkaa
“Vikas was not at the residence when the incident took place. Police detained his friends and the people present there when the incident took place. Vikas was extremely sad when he got to know about this, the deceased Vinay was a very good friend of my son,” added the Union Minister.
Vikas Shrivastava, brother of the deceased, said three people were present there when the incident took place.
#WATCH | Lucknow, UP | Vikas Shrivastava, brother of the deceased says “My brother Vinay Shrivastava has been killed at the residence of Union minister Kaushal Kishore. My brother was a friend of his son Vikas Kishore. Three people were present there when the incident took place… pic.twitter.com/CV9569r8zr
“My brother Vinay Shrivastava has been killed at the residence of Union Minister Kaushal Kishore. My brother was a friend of his son Vikas Kishore. Three people were present there when the incident took place but I don’t have any idea where was Vikas Kishore when the incident took place. His licensed revolver was recovered by police from the spot,” said Shrivastava.
With inputs from agencies
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India’s political circles are abuzz after the Union government announced a special session of Parliament from 18 September to 22 September. Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Pralhad Joshi made the announcement on Thursday, but shared little information on what the agenda of the session would be.
In a post on X, he wrote, “special session of Parliament (13th Session of 17th Lok Sabha and 261st Session of Rajya Sabha) is being called from 18th to 22nd September having five sittings. Amid Amrit Kaal looking forward to have fruitful discussions and debate in Parliament.”
The decision has surprised one and all; the Opposition grouping of INDIA, who is in Mumbai for their third alliance meet, termed it as “managing the news cycle, Modi style” or an attempt to deflect attention or “as something up their sleeve”.
While there’s no clarity on what’s in store for the five sittings, speculation is rife that the Modi government would either be introducing bills on issues such as One Nation, One Election’, Uniform Civil Code and women’s reservation or even dissolve Parliament and call for early elections.
But what is exactly going on? We sift through all the noise on the matter and give you the answers you are looking for.
Call for a special session
Just a month after the Monsoon Session of Parliament ended, the Centre has called for a special session of Parliament. At the recently-concluded session, 20 bills were introduced in Lok Sabha and five were introduced in the Rajya Sabha. According to records, while Lok Sabha passed 22 bills, the Upper House passed 25.
The special session being called from 18 September, according to sources speaking to IANS, will have no Question Hour, no Zero Hour and no private member business. It has also been said that while the Cabinet Committee of Political Affairs (CCPA) took the decision to convene the special session, President Droupadi Murmu will issue the orders to summon it once she returns from Chhattisgarh.
It is yet to be announced if the special session of Parliament will be held at the new Parliament building, which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 28 May. However, many believe that the session will be held at the new construction, as Minister Pralhad Joshi in his post making the announcement had used an image of it.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi talks to his Cabinet colleagues upon arrival on the opening day of the Monsoon session of the Parliament. The special session has been called just a month after the conclusion of the Monsoon session. File image/AP
Agenda for the session
While the government has remained tight-lipped over the agenda for the session, it has sparked speculations and rumours. Some believe that the government may bring up discussions on India’s G20 presidency and the G20 Summit, which is scheduled to take place on 9 and 10 September during the special session.
However, others have different ideas on it. Many believe that the special session has been summoned in order to advance the Lok Sabha elections to December, along with the coming round of Assembly polls.
Earlier this week, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee had claimed that the Modi government will call for early elections as it is scared of the Opposition’s INDIA bloc.
Some have noted that the announcement timing matches with the assessment within government circles about the possibility of Lok Sabha being advanced from April-May to be clubbed with elections in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Telangana and Mizoram. Sources told Times of India that they felt that going to polls early would make political sense for the BJP.
Another rumour that has gathered speed over the reasoning for a special session is that the Centre would like to push three special bills – ‘One Nation, One Election’, Uniform Civil Code and women’s reservation.
Political pundits believe that the government is especially keen on pushing the ‘One Nation, One Election’ bill, which refers to the idea of simultaneously holding the general and state elections. While the idea has been mooted several times previously by opposition parties, Prime Minister Modi has supported it.
In 2020, on Constitution Day, the PM had suggested a single voters’ list for Lok Sabha, Assembly and panchayat polls, saying separate lists are a waste of resources. He had added that national interest should be the basis for every decision and that legislature, executive and judiciary should work with better coordination.
The One Nation, One Election’ bill has also been supported by Home Minister Amit Shah. In an ANI interview in February, he had said that “the time has come” to consider the proposal for ‘One Nation, One Election’. He claimed that people have raised concerns that separate elections are not healthy for a democratic country.
There is speculation that the Modi government will introduce a bill on the Uniform Civil Code during the special session of Parliament. File image/PTI
Others believe that the session could see the introduction of legislation for Uniform Civil Code. For the unaware, Uniform Civil Code is aimed at replacing personal laws based on religions, customs, and traditions with one common law for everyone irrespective of religion, caste, creed, sexual orientation and gender. The BJP has been pushing for this legislation for long and was also a part of their 2019 election manifesto.
However, a National Democratic Alliance leader speaking to LiveMint ruled out the possibility of a Uniform Civil Code bill being introduced. “There is no plan whatsoever to bring a UCC bill now,” he said.
There are reports that the Women’s Reservation Bill, which proposes 33 per cent reservation for women in Lok Sabha and state Assemblies, could also be introduced in Parliament. This bill had been passed in March 2010 in the Rajya Sabha but failed the Lower House hurdle.
Opposition questions session
The Centre’s call for a special session of Parliament, undoubtedly, sparked reactions from politicians across the board. Congress’ Rahul Gandhi, who is in Mumbai attending the third INDIA bloc meeting, said it indicated the Modi sarkar’s panic.
Addressing a press conference, the recently reinstated MP said matters like that of allegations against Adani Group are “very close” to PM Modi, making him “uncomfortable” and “very nervous”. “I think maybe it is an indicator of a little panic. The same type of panic that happened when I spoke in Parliament House, the panic that suddenly made them revoke my Parliament membership. So, I think it is panic because these matters are very close to the prime minister. Whenever you touch the Adani matter, the PM gets very uncomfortable and very nervous,” Rahul Gandhi said.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in a press conference in Mumbai said that the special session of Parliament indicated ‘little panic’ from the Modi government. PTI
His party, the Congress, also questioned the timing of the session with spokesperson Jairam Ramesh saying it was an effort to shift attention from the Adani scandal.
Congress leader Abhishek Singhvi told Indian Express: “It is typical over-dramatics. You don’t share the agenda when a Parliament session is announced, keep people guessing; set the agenda through leaks; minimise notice period and opportunity; and never discuss nitty gritties where both god and devil reside…these are the hallmark characteristics of the BJP-NDA Modi government.”
However, the Centre’s decision has rattled the Opposition bloc, who believes that the government is “up to something.” The Opposition bloc decided to announce several committees Friday itself, the main one being the coordination committee.
Shiv Sena-UBT’s Priyanka Chaturvedi also expressed surprise at the timing of the session. She wrote on X that it was “unfortunate” that the session was “called during India’s most important festival of Ganesh Chaturthi”. She added that the call for the special sitting “goes against the Hindu sentiments”.
This special session called during India’s most important festival of Ganesh Chaturthi is unfortunate and goes against the Hindu sentiments. Surprised at their choice of dates! pic.twitter.com/MkSe4q2ZSf
All India Majlis-E-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi, on the other hand, had three demands from the Centre pertaining to the special session. He said he hoped that a discussion on the border issue with China would be held and also called for the implementation of the recommendations of Justice Rohini Commission.
News agency ANI quoted the Hyderabad MP as saying, “We had been demanding a special session from the beginning because China has encroached upon 2,000 square km of India’s land. China is not giving up Depsang and Demchok... When they call a special session, we hope the PM will allow a discussion on China. Secondly, Rohini Commission has given its report. So, we demand that the Modi government bring a bill in the special session so that the 50 per cent reservation limit can be breached.
“We also demand that ISRO scientists and Neeraj Chopra be invited to the Parliament and honoured.”
It’s left to be seen what happens next, but the last time Parliament met outside its usual sessions was on 30 June 2017 at midnight to rollout GST. However, that was a joint sitting of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha and not a proper session.
With inputs from agencies
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A man was critically injured after an unknown assailant shot at him inside premises of a hospital in Bihar’s Arrah city on Thursday evening, police said.
#WATCH | A person was shot by an unknown assailant inside a hospital in Bihar’s Arrah yesterday
Sub-Inspector Anil Singh says, “The injured is being treated. Further investigation is being done.”
In a video posted on X, formerly known a Twitter, a man can be seen firing two-three shots at the person before fleeing. Another man at the hospital can be seen chasing the accused in the video.
According to IANS news agency, the victim had gone with his pregnant wife to admit her for delivery in the hospital when the assailant opened fire at him, inflicting two gunshot injuries.
The doctors immediately operated on him and removed the bullets but his condition is said to be critical.
The incident took place at a private hospital in Darahra locality under town police station in the district.
The incident led to huge chaos in the hospital and the attackers managed to flee without any resistance.
The local police is now scanning the CCTV footages to identify the accused.
“The injured is being treated. Further investigation is on,” said sub-inspector Anil Singh.
With inputs from agencies
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Three nabbed for killing Shiv Sena leader in Thane
According to police, three people have been detained in connection with the death of Shiv Sena leader Akshay Thube in the Chitalsar district of Mumbai.
Senior Police Officer Girish Gode identified the three suspects as Karan, Gurunath Jadhav, and Prashant alias Babu Jabar.
On August 29, family members of Akshay Thube filed a missing complaint at Thane district's Chitalsar police station, according to authorities, and a search operation to find him was launched on the same day.
07:25 (IST)
G20 Summit LIVE Updates
Secretary Yellen to travel to India for G20 Leaders’ Summit: US
The White House (WH) announced that US Treasury Secretary Janet L. Yellen would attend the G20 Leaders' Summit in New Delhi from 7 September to 10 September.
Secretary Yellen's fourth visit to India in ten months will focus on boosting the global economy and assisting poor and middle-income countries by furthering the evolution of the Multilateral Development Bank (MDB), debt restructuring, and the IMF's Poverty Reduction and Growth Trust (PRGT).
The White House (WH) announced that US Treasury Secretary Janet L. Yellen would attend the G20 Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi from 7 September to 10 September.
Secretary Yellen’s fourth visit to India in ten months will focus on boosting the global economy and assisting poor and middle-income countries by furthering the evolution of the Multilateral Development Bank (MDB), debt restructuring, and the IMF’s Poverty Reduction and Growth Trust (PRGT).
While in New Delhi, Secretary Yellen will continue to rally “America’s partners to maintain our collective economic support for Ukraine, including through contributions from across our coalition.” She will also highlight the importance of imposing severe costs on Russia and mitigating global spillovers, the release said.
Secretary Yellen will also participate in engagements on the margins of the G20 and will hold bilateral meetings with counterparts. “Additionally, she will join the President for several of his engagements on the margins of the meetings,” the release added.
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On Thursday, the leaders of the opposition’s INDIA alliance declared that they had joined forces to defend the nation’s Constitution and democracy and that they would develop a shared platform as they were ready to challenge the BJP, which is currently in power.
The Grand Hyatt hotel in Mumbai is hosting a two-day gathering of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA).
Today in Mumbai marked the beginning of the third meeting of the opposition alliance INDIA. The group is debating tactics to defeat the BJP in the Lok Sabha elections that are scheduled for next year, as well as the inclusion of new allies.
The INDIA alliance logo unveiling and discussions of the common minimum plan (CMP) will be the highlights of the two-day discussions, along with discussions on strategy and the inclusion of new allies.
The Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) meeting is being attended by up to 63 representatives from 28 political parties this Thursday and Friday at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Mumbai.
The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), the three-party coalition comprising the Congress, the Shiv Sena (UBT), and the NCP led by Sharad Pawar, is hosting the third meeting of the opposition group.
Following meetings in Patna and Bengaluru, the alliance’s leaders have gathered in Mumbai for a third brainstorming session to develop a coordinated campaign strategy to challenge the NDA in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
(With agency inputs)
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A scientist working with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) was recently targeted in a road rage incident while driving to his workplace in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
The scientist, named Aashish Lamba, shared his ordeal on the platform ‘X’. He recounted that while on his way to the ISRO office, an individual riding a scooter suddenly cut in front of his car, despite not wearing a helmet.
To avoid a collision, Aashish had to abruptly brake, causing the scooter rider to halt in front of his car. This led to a verbal altercation, with the rider verbally abusing him.
Aashish provided evidence of the incident, sharing video footage and images captured by his car’s dashboard camera.
@blrcitytraffic@CPBlr@BlrCityPolice Yesterday during going to ISRO office,Near to newly constructed HAL underpass, a person on scooty (KA03KM8826) without helmet was driving recklessly and coming in front of our car suddenly and so We had to apply sudden brake. pic.twitter.com/xwDyEy2peA
He revealed that the incident occurred near the recently constructed HAL underpass on Old Airport Road in Bengaluru on August 29. The scooter rider approached his car, hurled insults, and even kicked the car tires in a fit of anger.
Aashish wrote in the caption, “Yesterday while heading to the ISRO office, near the newly built HAL underpass, an individual on a scooter (KA03KM8826), without a helmet, recklessly cut in front of our car, forcing us to brake suddenly.”
In a subsequent post, he made an appeal, saying, “He confronted us, initiated a fight, kicked my car twice, and fled. Kindly take appropriate action.”
The official Bengaluru Police account promptly responded, stating, “Noted, we will inform the relevant police officer,” and requested Aashish’s contact details for further communication.
Social media users reacted strongly to the incident, calling for strict action against such unruly behavior.
In another recent incident involving an ISRO scientist, a private tutor in Surat was arrested for allegedly pretending to be an ISRO scientist and giving media interviews where he claimed to have designed the lander module for the Chandrayaan-3 moon mission.
The accused, identified as Mitul Trivedi, used this false identity to attract more students to his tuition classes in Surat.
According to PTI, he went to the extent of creating a fake appointment letter dated February 26, 2022, in which he was falsely declared as the “assistant chairman” of ISRO’s “Ancient Science Application department” to support his baseless claims.
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The special cell of Delhi Police has arrested an operative of Sikh for Justice (SFJ) for defacing over five Metro station walls with the pro-Khalistan graffiti in Delhi on 27 August, said police on Thursday.
#UPDATE | Delhi Police Special Cell apprehended an accused in connection with pro-Khalistan graffiti and slogans painted at more than 5 metro stations in Delhi on August 27: Delhi Police https://t.co/2mcKBfqJw3
According to Times of India, citing sources, the prime accused, whose identity has been withheld as of now due to the ongoing operation, was held from Punjab in the early hours of Thursday. A second suspect was detained on Thursday morning, sources said but cops remained tight-lipped.
Slogans such as ‘Delhi Banega Khalistan’ and ‘Khalistan Referendum Zindabad’ were found sprayed in black on the walls of metro stations, including Punjabi Bagh, Shivaji Park, Madipur, Paschim Vihar, Udyog Nagar, Maharaja Surajmal Stadium and Nangloi – all located in west Delhi.
According to the Delhi Police, activists of the banned Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) were present in multiple metro stations, including Shivaji Park and Punjabi Bagh and wrote pro-Khalistan slogans.
A wall of Government Sarvodaya Bal Vidyalaya in Nangloi was also found defaced with anti-India graffiti.
According to the DCP (metro), all the graffiti written on the walls of the Metro stations has been removed.
An FIR had been registered against unknown people under sections 153B and 505 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Section 3 of the Defacement Act.
Separately, the outlawed Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) had released footage of the walls of several Delhi Metro stations being defaced with pro-Khalistan graffiti, police said.
With inputs from agencies
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Three people lost their lives, and two others sustained injuries after temporary huts in the Hamer Gali Panchayat Bingara area of Ramban district caught fire, said an official.
According to Deputy Commissioner Ramban Mussarat Zia, the injured victims were rushed to the Primary Health Center (PHC) in Ukheral for immediate medical attention after the fire on late Wednesday night.
07:37 (IST)
India Rains LIVE Updates
IMD predicts heavy rainfall in Puducherry from August 30 to September 1
According to an official publication, the India Meteorological Department predicts heavy rainfall across areas of Puducherry from August 30 to September 1.
An official press release from the IMD on August 30, said, "Heavy rainfall very likely over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal from 30 August- 1 September.
07:19 (IST)
India GDP LIVE Updates
India's economic growth set to accelerate to its fastest in a year
The April-June quarter saw India's GDP grow at its strongest rate in a year, fueled by services and manufacturing, according to figures anticipated on Thursday, while experts predict a dip ahead.
According to the median projection in a Reuters survey of experts, India's GDP rose 7.7 per cent in the preceding quarter, up from 6.1 per cent in the previous quarter and the strongest growth since April-June 2022.
The April-June quarter saw India’s GDP grow at its strongest rate in a year, fueled by services and manufacturing, according to figures anticipated on Thursday, while experts predict a dip ahead.
According to the median projection in a Reuters survey of experts, India’s GDP rose 7.7 per cent in the preceding quarter, up from 6.1 per cent in the previous quarter and the strongest growth since April-June 2022.
According to economists, falling commodity costs helped manufacturers raise margins and offset the impact of the total interest rate rises of 250 basis points since May 2022.
According to Suvodeep Rakshit, economist at Kotak Institutional Equities, growth would be driven by services on the production side and investment on the spending side.
Strong growth in India’s services sector, which accounts for more than half of its GDP, has assisted Asia’s third-largest economy in bucking the global downturn that has left several other nations, including China, faltering.
Services provided by S&P Global India for over two years, the Purchasing Managers’ Index has maintained securely above the 50-point threshold distinguishing expansion from contraction, the longest run since August 2011.
To assist growth, the Indian government has prioritised infrastructure expenditure. India had spent roughly 28 per cent of its capital expenditure budget of 10 trillion Indian rupees ($120.91 billion) in the first three months of the fiscal year that began on April 1.
According to Kaushik Das, chief India economist at Deutsche Bank, a 3 per cent drop in wholesale prices would also contribute to the high headline growth by lowering the “GDP deflator” used to measure real economic growth by excluding price movements.
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Confusion prevailed after Akali Dal said that the party had not received a formal invitation to attend the scheduled opposition meeting in Mumbai on Thursday. However, top sources in the party revealed that it has received an invitation from the INDIA Alliance to join them.
The two-day meeting of the opposition alliance will all be set to begin tomorrow in Mumbai. The logo of the alliance will be unveiled on 1st September.
Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray will host a dinner meeting for the delegates on 31st August.
The primary agenda of these discussions will involve the formulation of a unified campaign strategy aimed at countering the NDA in the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
The announcement of various panels responsible for drafting a common minimum programme for the alliance will also be expected to be taken off. These panels will play a crucial role in shaping collective plans for organizing nationwide protests and will also contribute to the decision-making process regarding seat sharing among the member parties.
The INDIA bloc is also likely to announce a secretariat for smooth coordination between the constituents and it is likely to be set up in the national capital. Besides, the members will also discuss the issue of having a coordinator or a chairperson to head the alliance.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is the frontrunner for the convenor’s post. There are also talks of former Congress chief Sonia Gandhi being considered to head the alliance.
According to sources, while Kumar has already announced that he is not in the race for the convernor’s post, Gandhi has privately expressed that she was against the proposal.
The leaders, some of whom have started arriving here for the two-day conclave, will take forward deliberations on contentious issues such as seat sharing. RJD president Lalu Prasad and his son Bihar’s Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav are already in Mumbai.
There are speculations of some more regional outfits joining the 26-party opposition alliance at its Mumbai conclave which is the third in a series of meetings held in Patna and Bengaluru.
The INDIA bloc’s first meeting was held in Patna in June, while the second one took place in Bengaluru in mid-July. The Bengaluru conclave had finalised the name of the alliance — Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA).
Ahead of the Mumbai meeting, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has reiterated that his drive to forge the opposition unity was not prompted by any “personal ambitions” and he would like someone else to be made convener of the opposition coalition.
“I have been maintaining since the beginning that I have no desire for myself… I have no personal ambitions… I don’t want anything. Somebody else could be given the responsibility (convener post). My only wish is to unite the maximum number of parties (opposed to BJP) before the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. I am working in this direction only,” Kumar said.
He had on Sunday said that “a few more” political parties were likely to join the INDIA alliance during its Mumbai meeting. Kumar, however, did not reveal the names of the likely entrants to the bloc.
“We will discuss issues related to seat sharing and will also finalise several other agenda in the Mumbai meeting. A few more political parties will join the INDIA coalition and it will be announced in the next meeting,” Kumar had said.
Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole has said that the INDIA bloc will coin the slogan “BJP Chale Jao (BJP Go Away)” at the meeting.
He said the grouping has many capable candidates for the prime minister’s post and claimed that some parties which are currently constituents of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) may switch over to the INDIA bloc.
Ahead of the conclave, Congress leader Milind Deora said that seat sharing for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls among alliance partners is more or less finalised in most states barring a few that require more time.
Deora, who is closely involved in organising the meeting, also hailed the “evolving chemistry” between the INDIA bloc partners and said the best example of that was in Maharashtra.
The Maha Vikas Aghadi comprising the Shiv Sena (UBT), Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Congress has formed several committees to plan various aspects of the meeting of the opposition bloc.
This is the first meeting of the opposition INDIA alliance in a state where none of the bloc members are in power. Unity would be the key focus of the meeting.
INDIA bloc constituent the RLD’s chief Jayant Chaudhary has dismissed as “conjecture” the talks about the possibility of his party switching over to the NDA and said parties would not be comfortable in joining hands with the BJP which is “very effective” at steam-rolling dissenting voices.
In an interview with PTI ahead of the conclave, the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) leader also said the Congress has a “big role” going forward as it is a “well-understood brand” with many people across the country voting for the party for a long time.
At the conclave held in the Karnataka capital last month, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge had said the opposition will fight the 2024 elections unitedly and succeed. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had said their fight was against BJP’s ideology.
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Ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, BSP chief Mayawati on Wednesday ruled out alliance with both the NDA and I.N.D.I.A, saying that both the blocs mostly comprise parties that are anti-poor, casteist, communal and pro-rich.
Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, the BSP chief said, “NDA and I.N.D.I.A alliances mostly comprise parties that are anti-poor, casteist, communal, pro-rich against whose policies BSP has always fought. So, there is no question of contesting the election by forging an alliance with them…”
BSP chief Mayawati tweets, “NDA and INDIA alliances comprises mostly of parties that are anti-poor, casteist, communal, pro-rich against whose policies BSP has always fought. So, there is no question of contesting the election by forging an alliance with them…” pic.twitter.com/xV3i9W2XY0
She said that BSP, like in 2007, will single-handedly contest the upcoming Lok Sabha and four state Assembly elections.
“The BSP will fight elections uniting crores of neglected society on the basis of mutual brotherhood rather than the manipulation of the opponents. Media should not spread misconceptions again and again,” said the BSP chief.
Although everyone here is eager for an alliance with the BSP, but if not done so then the opposition alleges collusion with the BJP.
“If you join them then you are secular, if you don’t then you are BJP. This is grossly unfair…,” she said.
Talking about former Saharanpur MLA who has been expelled from BSP, she said that he is busy praising the Congress and the top leaders of that party.
“…it is natural for people to question why he left this party and then went to another party? How can people trust such people?” Mayawati asked.
With inputs from agencies
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The Congress-ruled government in Karnataka will launch the ‘Gruha Lakshmi’ scheme that will offer a monthly aid of Rs 2,000 to about 1.1 crore women heads of families. The scheme is one of the many poll promises made by Congress during the state assembly elections.
The scheme will be launched at a function in Mysuru by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge in the presence of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar.
“As many as 1.1 crore women heads of households will be given Rs 2,000 every month,” Siddararamaiah told reporters in Mysuru, his home district on Tuesday.
ವೈಯಕ್ತಿಕ ಆಸೆ, ಆಕಾಂಕ್ಷೆ, ಅವಶ್ಯಕತೆಗಳನ್ನು ತ್ಯಾಗಮಾಡಿ ಕುಟುಂಬಕ್ಕಾಗಿ ತಮ್ಮ ಬದುಕನ್ನೇ ಸಮರ್ಪಿಸಿಕೊಂಡಿರುವ ನಾಡಿನ ಕೋಟ್ಯಂತರ ತಾಯಂದಿರು ಇಂದು ನಮ್ಮ “ಗೃಹಲಕ್ಷ್ಮಿ” ಯೋಜನೆಯಿಂದ ಸ್ವತಂತ್ರ, ಸ್ವಾವಲಂಬಿ ಬದುಕಿಗೆ ಪಾದಾರ್ಪಣೆ ಮಾಡಲಿದ್ದಾರೆ.
The launch event is expected to be attended by one lakh people and will benefit women in Mysuru, Mandya, Chamarajanagar, and Kodagu districts.
The government has earmarked Rs 17,500 crore for the ‘Gruha Lakshmi’ programme in the current financial year.
Banks will disperse the amount to the bank accounts of the beneficiaries from today itself.
The scheme is aimed at empowering families and is part of the government’s five other poll guarantees including Shakti, Anna Bhagya, and Gruha Jyothi.
The benefits of the ‘Gruha Lakshmi’ scheme will be extended to women heads of families that hold Antyodaya, Below Poverty Line (BPL), and Above Poverty Line (APL) ration cards.
With inputs from PTI
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A man was killed and another injured after five youths on two-wheelers opened unprovoked firing at them before fleeing the spot in North Delhi’s Bhajanpura area, the police said on Wednesday.
Police said the victim has been identified as 36-year-old Harpreet Gill, adding that he was rushed to the Jag Pravesh Chandra Hospital where he was declared dead.
The incident took place at around 11.37 pm on Tuesday, they added.
#WATCH | Delhi | A 36-year-old man – Harpreet Gill – shot dead in Subhash Vihar, Bhajanpura and another man injured and admitted to a hospital after five youths on two-wheelers opened unprovoked firing at them before fleeing the spot. CCTV footage in the area are being scanned.… pic.twitter.com/EzuzvqX6at
The injured, identified as Govind Singh, is currently undergoing treatment at the LNJP hospital, the police said.
According to an India TV report, citing police, the two were travelling on a bike near Subhash Vihar in the Bhajanpura area when the assailants on scooty and bike intercepted them. They opened fire at them before fleeing the spot, the police added.
Police said a case has been registered in connection with the incident and an investigation is underway.
CCTV footage in the area is being scanned by police, they added.
Meanwhile, expressing shock at the incident, Harpreet’s uncle Akshay said that he had no enmity with anyone.
“He was shot in his head. I don’t know why this happened. He had no enmity with anyone. I have requested the police to check the CCTV visuals…,” said Akshay.
With inputs from agencies
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Border Security Forces on Tuesday recovered seven packets of suspected narcotics concealed in a 12-volt battery in Punjab’s Gurdaspur district.
“On 29 August on specific information regarding the presence of a concealed consignment of narcotics ahead of the border fence, a search operation was conducted by BSF troops in the bordering area near Dostpur village in Gurdaspur district,” said BSF in a statement.
Punjab | On 29th August on specific information regarding the presence of a concealed consignment of narcotics ahead of the Border Fence, a search operation was conducted by BSF troops in the bordering area near Village – Dostpur, Dist – Gurdaspur. During the search, troops… pic.twitter.com/Ho7VXF6cEl
The statement added that the troops recovered seven packets of narcotics suspected to be Heroin and Opium.
“During the search, troops recovered six packets of narcotics suspected to be heroin (gross weight – appx 6.3 Kg) and one packet of suspected opium (appx. 70 gram), concealed inside a 12-volt battery and kept in the vicinity of IB, ahead of border fencing,” the statement added.
With inputs from agencies
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UP: Rakhi stall set up at district jail to sell rakhis prepared by women prisoners
#WATCH | Gorakhpur, UP: Rakhi stall set up at the district jail to sell rakhis prepared by women prisoners ahead of Raksha Bandhan (29.08) pic.twitter.com/eOI0YtnQUm
BSF jawans celebrate Raksha Bandhan with a group of school children at the international border in the Samba sector of Jammu and Kashmir.
The Festival of Raksha Bandhan celebrated with great enthusiasm as school girls tie rakhi on the wrists of CRPF jawans in Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur.
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Taking potshots at his former ally Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar, Prashant Kishor Tuesday said the former had no chance at becoming the convener of the I.N.D.I.A alliance since he had “nothing”— “neither the party nor his image”.
The sarcastic comments from the pollster came ahead of the next meeting of the I.N.D.I.A alliance slated to take place in Mumbai starting August 31 to possibly chalk out a seat-sharing formula.
“As far as the efforts by Nitish Kumar are concerned, his own condition is so bad that there is no guarantee of his foothold in his own state. What can he do for Opposition unity at the national level?” Kishor said.
#WATCH | Ahead of the next meeting of the INDIA alliance, Prashant Kishor says, “As far as the efforts by Nitish Kumar are concerned, his own condition is so bad that there is no guarantee of his foothold in his own state. What can he do for Opposition unity at the national… pic.twitter.com/dexcP49w4K
“Even if you look at the order,” Kishor added, “Congress is the largest Opposition party, TMC comes next followed by DMK – they have won their entire state and have 20-25 MPs. They can claim to win their state. Nitish Kumar has nothing – neither the party nor his image. On what basis can he be made (the convener of INDIA)?”
Earlier, the Bihar chief minister had said that the bloc was meeting to finalise strategies for the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
“Issues such as seat-sharing will be discussed and several other agendas will be finalized. A few more political parties will join our coalition. I wish to unite the maximum number of parties before the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. I am working in that direction… I have no desire for myself,” Nitish Kumar had said.
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The Indian Space Research Organisation or ISRO is going to attempt a brave mission to create history, yet again. The Indian space organisation is planning to launch the Aditya-L1 observatory, on board the PSLV-C57 rocket on September 2, 2023, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre SHAR Sriharikota, India.
The mission is to place the Aditya L1 observatory at Lagrange Point 1 or L1, a special point between the sun and the Earth, from where it will be able to study the star with an uninterrupted view.
For this mission, ISRO is going to spend over Rs 400 crores. If that number seems high, rest assured, that’s not the case — after all, ISRO has a knack of completing its space missions at an abnormally low cost. But why is ISRO placing an observatory at L1 or Lagrange Point 1 in the first place?
What is a Lagrange Point
There are several points in our solar system, where the gravity of the sun, is equal to the gravity of a planet. These are called Lagrange Points. In total, there are 5 such points.
Lagrange Points are specific locations in space where the combined gravitational pull of celestial bodies, in Aditya’s case the Sun and the Earth, leads to intensified areas of both attraction and repulsion. As a result, smaller bodies, such as orbiters or satellites can remain suspended in that position, while moving around in an orbit, around an unspecific point.
These strategic points can be used by spacecraft to minimize the amount of fuel required to maintain their position.
In the context of the Earth-Sun system, Lagrange Point 1 (L1) is situated at a position nestled between the Earth and the Sun, approximately 1.5 million kilometres away from Earth, directly facing the Sun. This specific point aligns with the imaginary line that connects these two celestial bodies and is positioned along Earth’s orbital path around the Sun.
What Makes Lagrange Point 1 or L1 so fascinating
L1 holds a distinct allure due to its inherent stability in between the Earth-Sun system. This stability emerges from the intricate interplay of gravitational forces at this juncture, making it an ideal position for a variety of scientific investigations and space endeavours.
One prominent example involves the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO), strategically situated near L1 for an uninterrupted viewpoint of the Sun and outer space, unaffected by Earth’s atmospheric interference or the light-dark cycle. This means the Aditya-L1 will have a constant view of the sun, and won’t have to deal with eclipses or any other phenomena.
Using the unique vantage point offered by L1, the Aditya-L1 will have four scientific payloads with a direct line of sight to the Sun, while three other payloads will engage in on-site analysis of particles and fields at L1.
What will Aditya-L1 study from Lagrange Point 1
Aditya-L1 is equipped with seven distinct payloads designed to closely examine different layers of the Sun, including the photosphere, chromosphere, and the outermost layer known as the corona. These payloads employ electromagnetic particle and magnetic field detectors for their observations.
Four of these payloads have a direct line of sight to the Sun, while the remaining three focus on conducting on-site investigations of particles and fields within the Lagrange Point L1. As a result, this mission plays a crucial role in advancing our understanding of various solar phenomena and their effects on the interplanetary environment, as well as on Earth.
ISRO also elaborated, stating, “The instrumentation carried by the Aditya L1 payloads is anticipated to yield pivotal insights into key areas such as coronal heating, coronal mass ejections, pre-flare and flare activities, along with their distinct characteristics. Additionally, it will contribute to our comprehension of space weather dynamics and the propagation of particles and fields.”
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The caste census in Bihar is kicking up a storm. While the ruling Grand Alliance, comprising the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Janata Dal-United (JD-U) and the Congress in Bihar, is supporting the activity and wants a thorough caste census, the BJP at the state level seems reluctant to express either support or resistance to it.
However, the BJP at the Centre, as per the affidavit filed in the Supreme Court, seems against the act, submitting an affidavit which first read: “No other body under the Constitution or otherwise is entitled to conduct the exercise of either census or any action akin to census.”
It was later modified to – “Census is a statutory process governed by the Census Act of 1948, which was enacted in the exercise of the powers under Entry 69 of List I of the Constitution’s Seventh Schedule and that the said Act empowers only the Central Government to conduct the Census.”
But what is the row over it? What’s with the change in the affidavit? What does the change in the affidavit mean? Here’s what we know so far.
What is the Bihar caste census all about?
In January, the Nitish Kumar-led government began conducting a survey of households to collect and publish data on caste with the aim of “ensuring all-round development of all sections of the State.”
The survey was to cover an estimated population of 12.70 crores in an estimated 2.58 crore households in 38 districts, which have 534 blocks and 261 urban local bodies.
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has extended his support to the caste survey, saying it would be beneficial for all sections of society. Earlier he had said, “The caste-based survey in the state is beneficial for all. It will enable the government to work for the development of various sections of society, including those who are deprived. This will help us to know which areas require development.”
The survey was halted in May after the Patna High Court had stayed it on the grounds that it violated a citizen’s fundamental right to privacy and that the state had no power to carry out such a survey.
However, three months later, the court cleared the survey. In a 101-page order, the court had then said: “We find the action of the State to be perfectly valid, initiated with due competence, with the legitimate aim of providing ‘Development with Justice’; as proclaimed in the address to both Houses and the actual survey to have neither exercised nor contemplated any coercion to divulge the details and having passed the test of proportionality, thus not having violated the rights of privacy of the individual especially since it is in furtherance of a ‘compelling public interest’ which in effect is the ‘legitimate State interest’.”
The caste survey which began in January, was put on hold by the Patna High Court in May. It later gave its nod to the exercise. File image/PTI
How did Supreme Court figure in matter?
Shortly after the High Court gave its go-ahead in the matter, a plea was filed in the Supreme Court questioning the validity of the Patna High Court’s 1 August order, approving the Bihar government’s decision to conduct a caste survey in the state, saying the entire exercise is without authority and legislative competence and reeks of mala fide.
Hearing the matter in the court, the Centre on Monday (28 August) said that the survey was a statutory process and is governed by the Census Act, 1948. The Wire also reported that Solicitor General Tushar Mehta was also clear in conveying that the Centre wasn’t obstructing the Bihar counting activity, when he told the apex court, “The Centre was neither opposing nor supporting the litigation.”
Interestingly, earlier the Centre in its affidavit had said that “no other body is entitled to conduct the exercise of either Census or any action akin to it”, – which has now been dropped.
The timing of the change in the affidavit is suspect, as it came shortly after Bihar deputy chief minister Tejashwi Yadav had hit out at the Centre for its filing. He had then said: “They have no knowledge. They only know how to lie and suppress the truth. They have opposed it even in the affidavit. It has been made clear that the BJP does not want it (caste census) and is opposing it. If they support it, then they should conduct it (caste census) across the country.”
Where do the parties stand on the caste survey?
The Grand Alliance has been firmly supporting the caste survey in Bihar, with the RJD and JD(U) vocally pushing for the exercise. RJD patriarch Lalu Prasad Yadav has pushed for the caste survey and has alleged that the Centre was looking at the caste survey in Bihar with hatred.
Prasad said the caste survey would result in overall holistic development of people from various castes. “It is necessary for the government to know the socio-economic status of various castes. How can policies be made without getting acquainted with the economic status and caste of a person?”
He further alleged that the BJP-led Centre does not want suppressed sections of the society to prosper.
The BJP, on the other hand, has refuted these claims, with former Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Modi saying that his party supports caste census but “according to the Census Act, only the Centre can conduct a caste survey.”
An enumerator staff receives information from Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar during the second phase of caste census at the state, in Bakhtiyarpur. File image/PTI
Why Nitish Kumar wants a caste survey?
While some believe that a caste survey may further fragment society, Nitish Kumar has extended his complete support to the exercise. He has stated time and again that a caste survey would help in identifying sections that remain off the government’s social welfare radar or have benefitted less. He has maintained that a caste census would help the state identify those at the bottom of the social and economic ladder and pull them up using proactive measures.
Many sociologists also share the same belief that a caste survey is important in battling caste discrimination in India. They argue that the phrase ‘caste’ has been historically associated with only lower castes such as the SCs and the OBCs while the upper castes have always been perceived as seemingly ‘casteless’. Accordingly, caste surveys help in mapping out socio-economic deprivations, fundamental in the creation of an egalitarian society.
However, the exercise has political implications too. By carrying out the exercise, he will be able to reach out to his core voters and also extend his social umbrella. He will be able to claim credit for the exercise and amass greater support from the marginalised among OBCs and Scheduled castes, who make up 45 per cent of Bihar’s voters.
With inputs from agencies
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Delhi govt sets up enquiry committee to probe into alleged sexual assault case of two minor boys in govt school
According to an official announcement, the Delhi government has formed an inquiry committee to look into the alleged sexual assault of two underage boys at a government school.
In an official statement, the Delhi government branded the alleged incident as "despicable" and announced the formation of a commission to investigate the case.
07:51 (IST)
Delhi LIVE Updates
Three arrested in smuggling case at Delhi airport, gold worth Rs 2.06 crore seized
Air Customs at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport apprehended three Kuwaiti nationals and recovered 4001 gms of gold worth Rs 2.06 crore.
The Delhi Customs took to their social media platform 'X' and said, "On the basis of spot profiling, Customs at IGIA have seized silver coated gold jewellery weighing 4001 grams valued at 2.06 crore brought by 3 Kuwait nationals."
On the basis of spot profiling, Customs at IGI Airport have seized silver-coated gold jewellery weighing 4.00 kg worth Rs 2.06 crores brought by three Kuwait nationals. All three passengers were arrested under the Customs Act. Further investigation is underway: Delhi Customs pic.twitter.com/vUSLr8u9YL
BJP launches nationwide 'Voter Awareness Campaign', aims to maximise votes in 2024 Lok Sabha polls
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has begun a statewide 'Voter Chetana Maha Abhiyaan' campaign to guarantee that the party receives the most votes in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
The BJP initiated this countrywide drive on 25 August to help register new voters, include persons who have moved, delete dubious registrants, and amend voter card data.
07:20 (IST)
Aditya-L1 Mission LIVE Updates
Aditya-L1 Mission to be turning point in study of Sun', says Astronomy Dept Head, Osmania University Hyderabad
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully placed a lander on the moon's unknown South Pole area, and the launch of the country's first solar mission, Aditya-L1, is the next highly anticipated undertaking.
In an interview with ANI, Shanti Priya, Head of Department Astronomy, Osmania University, claimed that India's Aditya-L1 satellite (first space-based Indian observatory) mission will be a watershed moment in the study of the Sun.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has begun a statewide ‘Voter Chetana Maha Abhiyaan’ campaign to guarantee that the party receives the most votes in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
The BJP initiated this countrywide drive on August 25 to help register new voters, include persons who have moved, delete dubious registrants, and amend voter card data.
“A team has been constituted up to the booth level. Bogus voters will be eliminated for this campaign, new voters will be registered, and this process will last until the 2024 Lok Sabha elections,” a BJP source told ANI.
In the campaign, workers would carry out door-to-door visits to contact the youth and ensure that eligible voters get enrolled.
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A deeply distressing incident occurred on the streets of Bengaluru in Karnataka, where a Muslim woman was subjected to harassment from men of her community after being seen with a ‘kafir’.
Reports indicate that the woman, in a burqa, was captured on camera by a bystander while walking alongside the man.
In a troubling exchange, the woman tried to stop the man from filming her, only to be met with his assertion of her duties as a Muslim woman.
Allegedly, the Muslim woman, veiled in her burqa, was subjected to both public humiliation and physical abuse in broad daylight on a busy road.
The disturbing occurrence came to the public’s attention through the video allegedly shot by the accused which quickly got viral across social media platforms.
The video depicts a scene wherein the woman was preparing to sit on a bike with her acquaintance.
Pertaining to this incident, FIR has been registered in CEN Police Station, East Division. One accused has also been arrested. Investigation is underway. https://t.co/IJRgiwvTOu
— ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು ನಗರ ಪೊಲೀಸ್ BengaluruCityPolice (@BlrCityPolice) August 28, 2023
However, her attention was drawn to an individual on the opposite side of the road who was recording her actions. This triggered a verbal altercation, which escalated with the involvement of bystanders who subsequently berated the woman.
Attempting to escape the escalating tension, the woman tried to move away from the crowd. However, they pursued her and insisted she remove her burqa before leaving.
In an unsettling turn, one individual from the group held onto her scooter, demanding compliance before allowing her to go. Throughout this distressing scene, the woman endured verbal abuse, all of which unfolded in broad daylight.
Prompt action was taken by the police, who registered a First Information Report (FIR) upon seeing the troubling video circulating on social media.
The FIR was filed at the CEN Police Station in the East Division. An immediate investigation was launched, resulting in the arrest of a person connected to the incident.
A detailed investigation in the matter is underway.
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A month after communal clashes broke out in Haryana’s Nuh, the district is on edge once again. The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) has decided to go ahead with the second “Jalabhishek Yatra” despite authorities denying permission for the procession.
It was on 31 July that communal violence began in Nuh over the rally after it was attacked by a mob. Six people, including two home and a cleric, were killed in the clashes that followed.
After the VHP insisted that the Braj Mandal Jalabhishek Yatra would go as planned, Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar said that the permission for the procession was denied as a precautionary measure because of the violence that gripped the state last month. He urged devotees to pray at local temples instead of travelling to other places in the state.
Another reason the state officials are cautious is because of the G20 sherpa group meeting, which will be held in Nuh from 3 September to 7 September.
However, the VHP remains defiant. We take a look at what’s going on in Haryana.
What’s the Jalabhishek Yatra?
The Jalabhishek Yatra was started by the VHP three years ago to “revive holy Hindu sites” in Nuh. The district is dominated by Muslims, which comprise 79.2 per cent of the population, according to the 2011 Census, reports The Indian Express.
During the yatra, devotees from other parts of Haryana visit temples in Nuh. Legend has it that Nuh, which was earlier called Mewat, is home to three Shiv lingas, which date back to the time of the Pandavas. Some believe that Lord Krishna crazed his cows in the region.
The procession reportedly begins at the Nalhar Mahadev Temple, the ancient shrine in the town of Nuh. It starts with the jal abhishek ceremony, where sacred water is poured on the deity. Devotees then visit the Jhirakeshwar Mahadev and the Radha Krishna Temple. The yatra ends at Shringeshwar Mahadev Temple, where another ritual is held.
Locals started the puja at the Nalhad temple on Monday but outsiders have been barred from the district. Seers from Ayodhya were stopped by the Gurugram police from entering Nuh.
Seer Jagadguru Paramhans Acharya Maharaj from Ayodhya, who has been stopped at the Sohna toll plaza from entering Nuh, has said that he is going to fast until death. “I have come here from Ayodhya…The administration has stopped us here, they are not allowing us to move ahead nor they are allowing us to go back. So I am doing fast until death. If they (the administration) will shift me somewhere else, I will do fast until death there also,” he told ANI.
#WATCH | Nuh, Haryana: Seer Jagadguru Paramhans Acharya Maharaj from Ayodhya stopped at the Sohna toll plaza by the administration.
“I have come here from Ayodhya…The administration has stopped us here, they are not allowing us to move ahead nor they are allowing us to go… pic.twitter.com/m1Dv76xkna
According to a report in News18, police have permitted 50 members of the VHP and other Hindu organisations to perform “jal abhishek” at the temple. All of them are locals from Nuh, who would be escorted to the shrine in police vehicles.
The Haryana Police sealed off access within a one-km radius of Nalhad temple, where violence broke out on July 31 during a VHP procession.
Meanwhile, the Haryana government has tightened security in the district. Over 1,900 Haryana Police personnel and paramilitary forces have been deployed at inter-state and inter-district borders, reports NDTV.
Educational institutions and banks are closed in the district and mobile internet and bulk SMS services have been suspended. A gathering of four or more people has also been banned.
Rajender, IG, South Range (Rewari) said, “The local and state administration have denied the permission (for the yatra)…For law and order, force deployment has been done in the area. Section 144 has been imposed in the area…I would appeal to the people to maintain a peaceful environment through mutual understanding.”
#WATCH | Haryana: On VHP yatra in Nuh, Rajender, IG, South Range, Rewari says, "The Local and State Administration has denied the permission (for the yatra)...For Law & Order, force deployment has been done in the area. Section 144 has been imposed in the area...I would appeal to… pic.twitter.com/FcoUHIv8C5
The VHP has decided to go ahead with the procession without getting the necessary permission from authorities. It says that this “tirtha yatra” and the question of seeking or denying permission did not arise.
“This is a nation of pilgrimage. No one has sought any permission and, hence, the question of denial doesn’t arise,” said VHP spokesperson Vinod Bansal, adding that the yatra would start at 11 am, on 28 August, the last Monday in the month of Sawan.
Wreckage of a two-wheeler lies on a road that was allegedly set on fire during communal clashes, in Nuh district last month. File photo/PTI
According to the Hindu organisation, this is not a second yatra but an attempt to complete the first, which was disrupted after the mob attack.
The Sarv Jatiya Hindu Mahapanchayat on 13 August called for the resumption of the yatra. The VHP has the backing of Haryana’s powerful khaps.
On Sunday, Khattar said that permission for the yatra had been turned down. “… It’s the duty of the government to ensure safety (of citizens). Our administration and police have taken this decision that instead of a yatra, people should perform jal abhishek (at the local level). It should be done where they (people) are living instead of staging demonstrations while going to other places in Haryana…,” said Khattar.
“Permission for yatra is denied but people can go and offer prayers in nearby temples as it is Sawan month,” he told reporters.
Haryana vhief minister Manohar Lal Khattar advised people to visit nearby temples instead of participating in the procession that has been denied permission by the authorities. File photo/PTI
While a jal abhishek has been allowed, saying no to the yatra ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections might put the Haraya CM in a spot.
The Khap panchayats influence voting patterns in the state and Khattar cannot come across as the one who is going against the khap or the VHP.
With the G20 sherpa meeting in Nuh and the upcoming gathering in New Delhi, which will be attended by US president Joe Biden and other heads of state, all eyes will be on India. Any violence in neighbouring Haryana will tarnish India’s image.
Khattar has his work cut out.
With inputs from agencies
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A 24-year-old man was arrested for allegedly killing his live-in partner by smashing her head with a pressure cooker in Karnataka, police said on Monday.
The incident took place under the jurisdiction of Mico Layout Police Station area, they added.
The accused has been identified as Vaishnav (24) and the victim Devi (24), both hailing from Kerala.
“A few days ago, he (the accused) had some suspicions about the woman (deceased). They used to fight over it. Yesterday, the same thing happened. They fought and he hit her with a pressure cooker. We have registered a case of murder. We have also arrested him and the interrogation is on,” said CK Baba, DCP South-East division, Bengaluru City Police.
Karnataka | C K Baba, DCP South-East division, Bengaluru City Police says, “They were live-in partners. Both are from Kerala. A few days back, he (the accused) had some suspicions about the woman (deceased). They used to fight over it. Yesterday the same thing happened. They… https://t.co/V9OCHrA0oIpic.twitter.com/450Uky4PWt
Police said the duo had been in a live-in relationship for the past three years and were staying in a rented apartment in south Bangalore.
According to the initial information cited by local publications, Vaishnav suspected that Devi had an affair. On Saturday evening, the duo argued over the matter and in a fit of rage, Vaishnav allegedly attacked Devi with a pressure cooker and she died on the spot.
Vaishnav, who works as a marketing executive with a local firm, was on the run and was nabbed over the weekend. Devi worked as a sales executive at a private firm.
According to The Hindu report, the family members of the duo were aware of the constant spats between the two and had even tried to pacify the two on several occasions. According to reports, the two were supposed to get married soon.
With inputs from agencies
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday will distribute around 51,000 appointment letter to newly inducted recruits as a part of 8th edition of Rozgar Mela.
Modi, will virtually launch the 8th edition of Rozgar Mela tomorrow and deliver his address across 45 locations in the country.
The central government and some of the States/UTs have been organizing the Rozgar Mela nation wide under Mission Recruitment. Every month lakhs of youth are offered appointment letter by Indian government under the scheme.
In the series of Rozgar Mela events, the event is scheduled to be held tomorrow at 45 locations across the country for the distribution of 51,106 appointment letters to new appointees, an official statement said.
Among these locations in Guwahati, Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and Ministry of Ayush will chair the Rozgar Mela – 8th Tranche at BSF Frontier HQ Patgaon.
Rameshwar Teli, Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Labour and Employment, will address at Frontier Headquarters, BSF M&C, Masimpur near Silchar in Cachar District.
In the Guwahati event around 287 appointment letters will be distributed while 150 appointment letters will be distributed in the Silchar event.
Through this Rozgar mela event, Ministry of Home Affairs is recruiting personnel in various central armed police forces CAPFs such as CRPF, BSF, Shashtra Seema Bal (SSB), Assam Rifles, CISE, ITBP and Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) as well as Delhi police, an official statement further said.
The new appointees will be able to serve the Nation by joining their services in various CAPFs and will be witnesses to India@2047.
The new recruits, selected from across the country, will be joining various positions such as Constable (General Duty), Sub-Inspector (GD) and Non-GD Cadre Posts in various organisations under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The Rozgar Mela is a step towards the fulfilment of the Prime Minister’s commitment to accord the highest priority to employment generation.
With inputs from ANI
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A 60-year-old woman was killed by a leopard in Shahpur village in Afzalgarh area here on Sunday, officials said.
They said 14 people have so far been killed by the wild cat in the area.
Gomti, wife of Yashpal, had gone to the forest to get fodder. When she did not return, her family members started searching for her and found her body, forest official Anshuman Mittal said.
The leopard took away the head of the woman, while the body was found on the spot, he said.
The officer said orders for hunting down two leopards have been issued by the chief forest conservator, adding that a team has been constituted in this regard.
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A fire engulfed a five-storey hotel in Mumbai’s Santacruz area on Sunday afternoon. The blaze erupted on the second floor of the Galaxy Hotel located in Prabhat Colony, according to the fire officials.
Following the incident, a rescue operation was launched. The victims, who sustained injuries were rushed to the Cooper Hospital for medical attention, a fire official informed.
“It is a level-one fire. All rescued people have been rushed to the Cooper Hospital,” the official said.
Emergency assistance including four fire engines, several water tankers were rushed to the spot as when the fire broke out.
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ISRO on Sunday shared the first set of observations gathered by the Chandryaan-3 on the temperature of the top layer of the Lunar surface at its south pole.
The ChaSTE (Chandra’s Surface Thermophysical Experiment) tool on Vikram Lander, which landed on the Moon on Wednesday, measures the temperature profile of the lunar surface by penetrating up to 10 cm deep.
ISRO on X (formerly Twitter) said: “ChaSTE (Chandra’s Surface Thermophysical Experiment) measures the temperature profile of the lunar topsoil around the pole, to understand the thermal behaviour of the moon’s surface. It has a temperature probe equipped with a controlled penetration mechanism capable of reaching a depth of 10 cm beneath the surface. The probe is fitted with 10 individual temperature sensors.”
“This is the first such profile for the lunar south pole. Detailed observations are underway,” it added.
Chandrayaan-3 Mission:
Here are the first observations from the ChaSTE payload onboard Vikram Lander.
ChaSTE (Chandra’s Surface Thermophysical Experiment) measures the temperature profile of the lunar topsoil around the pole, to understand the thermal behaviour of the moon’s… pic.twitter.com/VZ1cjWHTnd
Earlier on Friday, Isro said the Chandrayaan-3 rover, called ‘Pragyan’, has successfully traversed a distance of about eight metres and its payloads have been turned on.
“All planned rover movements have been verified. The rover has successfully traversed a distance of about 8 metres. Rover payloads LIBS and APXS are turned on,” the space agency said in a post on X, formerly Twitter.
“All payloads on the propulsion module, lander module, and rover are performing nominally,” it confirmed.
The Surface Thermophysical Experiment tool was turned on thursday, alonf with the ILSA and RAMBHA payloads.
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Several people have been killed and many others are feared trapped in an explosion at the illegal crackers factory in West Bengal’s Duttapukur.
The victims, who have sustained injuries have been shifted to Barasat Hospital for the treatment, according to Duttapukur Police sources.
#WATCH | West Bengal: Several people feared dead in an explosion at the Illegal crackers factory in Duttapukur. A rescue operation is underway. The injured are being taken to Barasat Hospital for treatment: Duttapukur Police sources pic.twitter.com/YzKW7cU8gM
Fuelling security concerns ahead of the G20 Summit, which is set to be hosted in the national capital next month under India’s presidency, suspected activists of Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), a front for the separatist Khalistan Group, defaced more than five Metro stations with pro-Khalistan slogans, an official said on Sunday.
In pictures shared by Delhi Police, slogans are seen inscribed on the walls of Metro stations, reading “Delhi Banega Khalistan” and “Khalistan Zindabad”.
Pro-Khalistani graffiti appears at Delhi metro stations; case registered against unknown suspect; Delhi Police has initiated a probe
“Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) also released raw footage of Delhi Metro stations which were defaced with pro-Khalistan slogans,” an officer said.”
Suspected SFJ activists defaced multiple Metro stations in Delhi — from Shivaji Park to Punjabi Bagh — with pro-Khalistan slogans,” the officer added.
Confirming the defacement of Metro stations, they were pursuing necessary action in the matter, as per law.
The defacement of the Metro stations comes at a time when the national capital is playing host to the B20 Summit India, 2023.The three-day summit started on August 25 and will end on Sunday. The event has drawn over 1,500 delegates from 55 countries.
As many as 18 heads of state are expected to attend the G20 summit in the national capital next month.
Many heads of state and diplomats, including US President Joe Biden, Chinese Premier Xi Jinping, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and French President Emmanuel Macron are expected to attend the G20 Leaders’ Summit.
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Making the case for shifting the focus on the global south, the Minister of External Affairs, S Jaishankar, pictured India as leading the way in solving the problems in the developing world during his address at the B20 summit in Delhi on Sunday.
Jaishankar underscored the lack of balance in the global order and called for the urgent need to focus on the developing world, especially after witnessing the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It is however an undeniable reality that the international system remains dominated by the global north. This is naturally reflected in the composition of G20 as well. Perhaps this mattered less when the globalisation process appeared to offer more opportunities but as its inequities & unevenness became more apparent & then as we saw the Covid pandemic take a horrific toll across the world the need to focus on developing countries became more compelling…”
Pointing to the lack of representation for Global South — countries in the regions of Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, Asia (without Israel, Japan, and South Korea), and Oceania (without Australia and New Zealand) — in the G20 grouping, Jaishankar recalled efforts in reaching out to these countries to ascertain their problems and make them front and centre of agenda under India’s presidency.
“When India assumed the G20 Presidency last December, we were acutely conscious that most of the global south would not be at the table when we meet, this mattered very much…therefore PM decided to convene the Voice of the Global South Summit in January this year and we heard about their challenges and priorities and these have been made central to the G20 agenda”, said the Minister.
“The core mandate of the G20 is to promote economic growth & development and that cannot advance if the crucial concerns of the global south are not addressed…For a variety of reasons that range from scale, subsidy, technology, human resources & strategic choices the global south was reduced to being a consumer rather than a producer,
“Today’s India is the one where the world simultaneously witnesses experimentation, scaling up, deployment, innovation, & breakthroughs. I stress these developments not only because they solve 1/6th of the world’s problems, but because they provide replicable models for the rest of the global south,” he said.
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The success Chandrayaan-3 is taking India’s expectations in space to a new high and in the same view ISRO Chief S Somanath on Sunday claimed that India can reach even Mars and Venus if the space sector gets more investment.
“India has the capability to travel to the Moon, Mars and Venus but we need to increase our confidence. We need more investment and the space sector must develop and by this, the whole nation should develop, that is our mission. We’re ready to fulfil the vision that was given to us by PM Modi,” Somnath told reporters Saturday late evening.
On Wednesday the Chandrayaan-3, India’s third unmanned Moon mission’s lander module made a flawless soft-landing, making it only the fourth country to achieve this feat, and the first to reach the uncharted South Pole of Earth’s only natural satellite.
A couple of days later on Friday, ISRO said the Chandrayaan-3 rover, called ‘Pragyan’, has successfully traversed a distance of about eight metres and its payloads have been turned on.
After hitting the moon, the ISRO is already aiming for the Sun. The Indian space agency is gearing up for a solar mission launch just in a week, most probably on 2 September, according to the news agency PTI.
Aditya-L1 spacecraft is designed to provide remote observations of the solar corona and in situ observations of the solar wind at L1 (Sun-Earth Lagrangian point), which is about 1.5 million kilometres from the Earth.
It will be the first dedicated Indian space mission for observations of the Sun to be launched by the Bengaluru-headquartered space agency.
Yesterday as Prime Minister Narendra Modi was returning from a four-day visit to South Africa ( for the BRICS summit) and Greece, steeped out of the usual routine of coming straith to Delhi and chose to first land in Bengaluru to be with the ISRO team behind the successful Lunar Mission.
Addressing his supporters who had gathered at HAL airport to welcome him, the PM hailed the “historic feat” achieved by the country’s scientific community. “I could not come earlier as I was not in the country, but I decided to visit Bengaluru first and meet our scientists on arrival in India,” PM Modi said.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi stopped his address midway at the Palam airport after an SPG personnel fainted. He immediately asked his medical team to check up on the personnel.
Watch:
#WATCH | Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi asks his team of doctors to check on a person who collapsed during his address. pic.twitter.com/Stw4eL97CW
The PM was addressing the public after his return from the BRICS Summit in South Africa and a one-day visit to Greece.
“I went to attend BRICS in South Africa…I got a lot of congratulatory messages during BRICS for Chandrayaan-3. The whole world has sent congratulatory messages”, said Prime Minister Modi.
Earlier in the morning he landed straight in Bengaluru from a foreign visit to meet the ISRO team after the successful landing of the lander module of the Chandrayaan-3 mission.
“I could not stop myself as I was not in the country, but I decided to visit Bengaluru first and meet our scientists right after visiting India,” PM Modi said.
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