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U.S. accuses Wagner boss of pushing U.N. peacekeeping mission out of Mali.
By Elian Peltier from NYT World https://ift.tt/O94FT0n
Why Railways Won't Make Public Its Report On Odisha Train Accident
The Railways will not make public the CRS probe report on the Balasore triple train accident to ensure that there is no "influence or interference" on the CBI's ongoing investigation in the case, senior officials told PTI on Friday.
While there has been no official confirmation, some sources told PTI the Commission of Railway Safety (CRS) informed in its report that the accident occurred due to human error on the part of on-duty officials in the Signalling and Telecom Department as well as the Traffic Department.
The officials failed to follow the standard operating procedure in place for train operations, according to the sources.
"We will not be disclosing anything on the CRS report as another independent CBI inquiry is underway. This is to ensure that this report does not in any way influence or interfere with the other report. We will take cognisance of both the reports and make an overall evaluation of the incident and then take whatever steps necessary," a senior official told PTI.
South Eastern Circle CRS AM Chowdhary, who was investigating the accident, submitted his report to the Railway Board on Thursday.
On Friday, top board officials refused to comment on the report with many claiming that they have not even read the document.
Usually such reports are accessible to top officials, mainly to follow through on course corrections recommended by the CRS.
Officials recalled that while the CRS usually files an interim report before the final one within a week of any accident, this time it has submitted one report.
The sources said officials have been directed to plug any leaks on the report.
The Railways has already transferred out five top officials of the South Eastern Railway under whose jurisdiction the accident occurred.
Three trains collided in Odisha's Balasore district on June 2, claiming 293 lives and injuring over 1,000 people. The Shalimar-Chennai Central Coromandel Express entered the passing loop instead of the main line near the Bahanaga Bazar station at full speed and collided with a stationary goods train.
On the adjoining line, the Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express collided with the derailed coaches of the Coromandel Express, leading to some of its bogies jumping tracks.
Apart from a CRS probe, the CBI is also investigating the accident.
An initial probe had suggested signalling interference, either by negligence or intent, as the probable cause of the accident.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
Botswana Supplies the World With Diamonds. It Wants More of the Profits.
By John Eligon and Joao Silva from NYT World https://ift.tt/9vcztr0
Savarkar To Be Part Of Madhya Pradesh School Syllabus: Shivraj Chouhan
Lessons on Hindutva ideologue late VD Savarkar will be taught in Madhya Pradesh schools, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said on Thursday.
Chief Minister Chouhan said Savarkar served double life sentences in the infamous Cellular Jail in the Andamans and such were the rigours that he came to know about the incarceration of his brother (Ganesh Savarkar) "years later".
"Even today if you go to Cellular Jail, you will know how he lived there. Lessons on someone who dedicated his entire life to the nation will be taught in schools," he told reporters in Morena.
Earlier in the day, MP school education minister Inder Singh Parmar said lessons on Savarkar will be included in the school syllabus as part of the National Education Policy (NEP).
Mr Parmar also alleged that the Congress, which ruled the country for a major part after Independence, ignored many revolutionaries while concentrating on glorifying just one family.
"As part of the NEP, the life of Bhagwan Parshuram, Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, Subhash Chandra Bose and Veer Savarkar and (teachings of) Gita will be included (in the syllabus) as part of India's knowledge tradition so that people get to know about their contribution," Mr Parmar told PTI.
Criticising the move, Madhya Pradesh Congress media cell chairperson KK Mishra termed it as a political one ahead of year-end Assembly polls.
He said the Bharatiya Janata Party government in the state was seeking to divert the attention of people from core problems like inflation and unemployment.
KK Mishra also said a lesson from 'Savarkar Samagra', in which the Hindutva ideologue advocated cow rearing and not cow worship, must also be included.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
Amit Shah To Address Rally In Bihar Tomorrow
Union Home Minister and BJP leader Amit Shah will be arriving in the politically crucial state of Bihar and addressing a mega-rally at Lakhisarai in Munger Lok Sabha constituency, party officials said.
Amit Shah, who last visited the state nearly three months ago, will be visiting Bihar for the first time since the meeting of opposition leaders in Patna, hosted by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar last week.
"The honourable Home Minister will reach Patna tomorrow afternoon and take a helicopter for Lakhisarai. He will offer prayers at Ashok Dham, a famous shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva and goddess Parvati, before addressing a public meeting," state BJP president Samrat Choudhary told PTI.
"All people of the state, in particular Munger Lok Sabha constituency under which Lakhisarai falls, are welcome to attend Shah's public meeting where he is likely to expound on the progress made by the country under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership," added the state BJP chief.
However, the ruling Mahagathbandhan in Bihar, comprising JD(U), RJD, Congress and the Left, who have been riding high on the success of the opposition meet, launched a counter-offensive.
JD(U) national general secretary and spokesman Rajib Ranjan came out with a list of "12 questions" which, he hoped, Amit Shah would answer in his speech on Thursday.
The questions related to past electoral promises of BJP like two crore jobs every year and doubling of farmers' income, besides complaints about the Centre's refusal to accept the state government's demands like "one nation, one tariff" in the power sector and central status to Patna University.
RJD spokesman Mrityunjay Tiwari said "ever since Bihar was having the so-called double engine government, Shah never bothered about the state. But he seems to have grown obsessed with Bihar ever since the BJP was thrown out".
Theb BJP party's leader in the state legislature, Vijay Kumar Sinha, who is also the MLA from Lakhisarai, explained to journalists in his constituency the political significance of the venue for the rally.
"Munger Lok Sabha segment has always been remembered for its association with Bihar's first Chief Minister Shri Krishna Singh. Today, the local MP is sitting in the lap of the RJD," alleged Sinha. The Lok Sabha seat is currently held by Rajiv Ranjan Singh 'Lalan', the national president of Nitish Kumar's JD(U).
Lalan belongs to the 'Bhumihar' caste, which has been traditionally averse to RJD and its founder Lalu Prasad and always hero-worshipped 'Shri babu', as the first Bihar Chief Minister is commonly known, as a hero of the clan.
Notably, Munger is also a Lok Sabha seat which has been won by the BJP-led NDA many times but where the saffron party is yet to field its own candidate.
Lalan has won the seat twice, with the BJP as his party's ally on both occasions.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
Odisha Ex-MLA Gets Life Sentence For Killing Wife
The special court of Additional District Judge (ADJ-III), Bhubaneswar, on Tuesday sentenced former Odisha MLA Ramamurthy Gomanga to life imprisonment for murdering his wife Sashirekha in 1995.
Ramamurthy Gomango was convicted on June 24 under Section 302 (murder) and 201 (destroying evidence) of IPC.
Apart from life imprisonment, special court judge Sashmita Padhi also slapped the former MLA from Gunupur with Rs 60,000 fine under various sections, said government pleader Rashmi Ranjan Brahma.
Ramamurthy Gomango was convicted based on the statements of 11 witnesses and 15 documents pertaining to the case.
According to the prosecution, Sashirekha's half-burnt body was recovered from the bathroom of Gomanga's official quarters here on August 29, 1995.
Though initially an unnatural death case was registered at Kharavel Nagar Police Station in Bhubaneswar, later a murder case was lodged as the probe indicated towards her killing.
Ramamurthy Gomango was elected to the Assembly from Gunupur constituency on a Janata Dal ticket in 1995. He joined the BJP in 2000. He was re-elected from the seat on a BJP ticket in 2000, but lost to his Congress rival Hema Gomango in the 2004 elections.
Later, he quit the BJP after the BJD snapped ties with the saffron party in 2009. He joined the BJD, but quit the regional party as he was denied a ticket in 2014.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
Rs 60000 Crore Needed For 5 Poll Guarantees: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday said a total of Rs 59,000 crore to Rs 60,000 crore is required annually, for the implementation of Congress' five poll 'guarantees'.
He said, the fresh budget of the new Congress government, which he will be presenting on July 7, is likely to be of the size Rs 3,35,000 crore.
The Chief Minister, who also holds the finance portfolio, was speaking after inaugurating the training camp organised for the newly elected MLAs of the 16th Legislative Assembly.
"The first budget after independence was twenty one crore three lakh rupees, today it is about three lakh nine thousand crore rupees. I will be presenting a new budget on July 7 it may be (of the size) three lakh thirty to thirty five thousand crore rupees," Mr Siddaramaiah said.
Addressing the newly elected legislators, he said, "the present budget is around three lakh nine thousand eight hundred and ninety six crore rupees, as I'm implementing five guarantees, I will have to provide rupees forty thousand crore for it, for the remaining period. A total of fifty nine thousand to sixty thousand crore rupees is required for five guarantees." Noting that the previous BJP government had presented a budget in February by taking a vote on account for four months, the Chief Minister said, the budget he will be presenting on July 7 will come into force from August 1.
Urging the legislators to try to learn and understand budgets, he also asked them to learn about taxation, stating the rich should be taxed, not the poor.
The five guarantees are: up to 200 units of free power to all households (Gruha Jyoti), Rs 2,000 monthly assistance to the woman head of every family (Gruha Lakshmi), 10 kg of free rice to every member of a BPL household (Anna Bhagya), Rs 3,000 every month for unemployed graduates and Rs 1,500 for unemployed diploma holders, both in the age group of 18-25 (YuvaNidhi), and free travel for women in public transport buses (Shakti).
While the government has already launched the scheme which will provide free travel for women in public transport buses, the other four schemes are in various stages of implementation, and the timeline has already been fixed for their rollout.
Speaker of the Assembly U T Khader, Chairman of Legislative Council Basavaraja Horatti, Housing Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan, Assembly Secretary M K Vishalakshi were present at the inaugural of the training.
The Legislature Session is scheduled from July 3 to 14.
Suggesting that MLAs and MPs should understand the "meaning" of budget, the Chief Minister said, "in the 12th century, 'Kayakayogi' Basavanna spoke about budget. 'Kayaka' and 'Dasoha' are the key factors of the budget. Kayaka means production, Dasoha means sharing." He explained that the value of the budget is just understanding where the production is and to whom we distribute it in the society.
The Assembly is the temple of democracy, Mr Siddaramaiah said, as he called upon legislators to raise people's problems effectively in the Lower House and develop a mindset to seek solutions.
Those who do not read and understand the Constitution cannot become good legislators and parliamentarians, he said, "So read the Constitution and understand its basic principles and objectives." "We made the rules of the House ourselves. He said that if you read and understand it properly, people's problems can be brought before the house in a proper manner....We cannot make laws contrary to the Constitution. Therefore, reading the constitution is essential," he said.
Out of 224 MLAs, 70 have entered the Legislative Assembly for the first time. Former MP and former Union Minister KH Muniyappa (now minister in state government), former Minister and mining baron G Janardhana Reddy are among them.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
"My Visit Will Add Renewed Vigour To India-Egypt Relations": PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday called his two-day State visit to Egypt a "historic one", stating that it will add renewed vigour to the relations between India and Egypt and will benefit the people of the two nations.
Concluding his first State visit to the US and Egypt, PM Modi emplaned for India on Sunday.
PM Modi took to his Twitter handle to share glimpses of his first visit to Egypt. The video shows his arrival to the African country, meeting his Egyptian counterpart Mostafa Madbouly, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and interacting with members of the Indian diaspora.
Sharing the video on Twitter, PM Modi tagged the clip with a message stating, "My visit to Egypt was a historic one. It will add renewed vigour to India-Egypt relations and will benefit the people of our nations. I thank President @AlsisiOfficial, the Government and the people of Egypt for their affection."
My visit to Egypt was a historic one. It will add renewed vigour to India-Egypt relations and will benefit the people of our nations. I thank President @AlsisiOfficial, the Government and the people of Egypt for their affection. pic.twitter.com/tpoTK3inxH
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 25, 2023
PM Modi also thanked his Egyptian counterpart Mostafa Madbouly for accompanying him to the Pyramids in Egypt. He tweeted, "I thank PM Mostafa Madbouly for accompanying me to the Pyramids. We had a rich discussion on the cultural histories of our nations and how to deepen these linkages in the times to come."
He also thanked the Egyptian government and people for conferring him with the 'Order of the Nile', the country's highest state honour. He stated that the honour bestowed upon him indicates the "warmth and affection" that Egypt has towards India and the people of the country.
Earlier in the day, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi conferred PM Modi with the country's highest state honour. It was the 13th state honour of its kind to have been conferred on him.
In the past nine years, PM Modi has received many international awards including Companion of the Order of Logohu, Companion of the Order of Fiji and Ebakl Award by the Republic of Palau, among others.
On Sunday, PM Modi held a meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi during which they signed an agreement to elevate the bilateral relationship to a "Strategic Partnership". The two leaders discussed ways to further deepen the partnership between the two nations, including trade, investment, defence, security, renewable energy, cultural and people-to-people ties.
Sharing details regarding the meeting, Ministry of External Affairs official spokesperson Arindam Bagchi on Twitter stated, "PM @narendramodiheld a productive meeting with President @AlsisiOfficial in Cairo on 25 June 2023 The leaders discussed ways to further deepen the partnership between the two countries, including in trade & investment, defence & security, renewable energy, cultural and people to people ties. An agreement to elevate the bilateral relationship to a "Strategic Partnership" was signed by the leaders. Three MoUs in the fields of Agriculture, Archaeology & Antiquities and Competition Law were also signed."
Earlier in the day, PM Modi visited the Al-Hakim Mosque in Cairo. After visiting the Al-Hakim Mosque, PM Modi went to Heliopolis War Cemetery and paid tribute to the Indian soldiers who made supreme sacrifices during the First World War.
On Saturday, PM Modi held a roundtable meeting with his Egyptian counterpart Mostafa Madbouly in Cairo. He also met thought leaders in Egypt as a part of his two-day visit to the Arab nation. PM Modi on Saturday arrived in Cairo for a two-day State visit to Egypt.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
After Wagner captured Bakhmut Kremlin propagandists chipped away at Prigozhins popularity.
By Julian E. Barnes from NYT World https://ift.tt/a7jp6ME
Patna-Ranchi Vande Bharat Express Successfully Completes Third Trial Run
The Patna-Ranchi Vande Bharat Express on Sunday successfully completed the third trial run, an official said. The commercial operation of the semi-high-speed train will start on June 28, the official said.
Birendra Kumar, Chief Public Relation Officer (CPRO) of East Central Railway (ECR), Hajipur zone, said that the final and third trial run of the Express with eight coaches was done successfully from Patna to Ranchi.
"It is now fit for inauguration on June 27 and commercial operation from June 28," Kumar said.
The train, which started from Patna junction around 7 am, reached Ranchi around 12.50 pm. It left for the Bihar capital in the afternoon.
The first successful trial run was conducted from Patna to Ranchi and back on June 12, while the second trial run was held on June 18.
The 27-km stretch between Sidhwar (Ramgarh) and Sanki (Ranchi) has four tunnels, the longest being 1.7-km-long, while three others are around 600 metres each.
The commissioner of railway safety (CRS) in Kolkata had conducted a safety inspection and speed trial on the 27-km stretch between Sidhwar and Sanki and had given its nod to operationalise the new route between Koderma and Ranchi via Barkakana in December last.
(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Russias pro-military activists express alarm over Wagners rebellion.
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Prigozhin flaunts control at a critical Russian military headquarters.
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Ex-Odisha MLA Ramamurthy Gomango Convicted In Wife's Murder
Former Odisha MLA Ramamurthy Gomango was convicted on Saturday by a special court of the murder of his wife, which happened 27 years ago.
The special MP/MLA court in Bhubaneswar held Gomango guilty under IPC Section 302 (murder) on the basis of the statements of 11 witnesses and 15 documents.
He was also found guilty of destroying evidence under IPC Section 201.
The sentence will be pronounced on Tuesday, public prosecutor Rashmi Ranjan Brahma told reporters.
The half-burnt body of Sashirekha Gomango was found in the bathroom of the MLA's official residence in Bhubaneswar on September 28, 1995. She was pregnant at the time of her death, according to the police.
Initially, a case of unnatural death was registered at the Kharvelnagar police station, and it was later converted into a murder case.
Gomango had claimed that his wife died by suicide.
He was first elected to the assembly in 1990 from the Gunupur seat in Rayagada district on a Janata Dal ticket. He was re-elected from the same seat in 2000 on a BJP ticket. However, in 2004, he lost to his nearest Congress rival, Hema Gamang.
He quit the BJP shortly after the BJD snapped ties with it in 2009. He again went back to the BJP in 2014.
Wagner leader accuses the Russian military of attacking his mercenaries.
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"Litti Chokha Malda Mangoes" Served At Big Opposition Meet In Patna
Opposition leaders gathered in Patna on Friday for serious discussions about unitedly taking on the BJP in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, but also devoured Bihar's famous litti chokha and "Malda mangoes" to sweeten ties.
The opposition meeting went on for a good four hours, including lunch, which the leaders enjoyed together.
At a post-meeting press conference, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said, "Nitish (Kumar) ji has treated us to all the dishes of Bihar at lunch, from litti chokha to special gulab jamuns."
Another opposition leader said, "It was a wonderful spread of Bihar's cuisine with litti chokha being everyone's favourite. There were also special gulab jamuns and Malda mangoes, popular in this part of the country, that we relished."
The meeting was hosted by Kumar at his 1, Aney Marg residence.
The opposition parties resolved to take on the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) unitedly in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. At a joint press conference, the leaders of the parties said they would fight the election on a common agenda and with state-wise strategies, setting aside their differences with a flexible approach.
The plan of action is expected to be formulated at another meeting to be chaired by Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, tentatively on July 10 or 12, in Shimla.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
Kamala Harris Antony Blinken Host State Lunch For PM Modi
US Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Friday hosted a luncheon for Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the State Department.
Prime Minister Modi is currently in Washington on a state visit at the invitation of President Joe Biden. The two leaders held a historic summit on Thursday. Biden also held a state dinner for the Indian leader on Thursday.
PM Modi also became the first Indian leader to address the joint session of the US Congress twice on Thursday. He first addressed a joint meeting of the US Congress in 2016.
"The US-India partnership is stronger than ever. Together, our nations will shape the future as we work to create a more prosperous, secure, and healthy world," Kamala Harris' office tweeted on Thursday.
The U.S.-India partnership is stronger than ever.
— Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) June 23, 2023
Together, our nations will shape the future as we work to create a more prosperous, secure, and healthy world. pic.twitter.com/TYYqU5yFAJ
"The partnership between the United States and India is one of the most important of the 21st century, and this visit will take our partnership to the next level - from space to defence, to emerging technology and supply chains," it said.
Welcome, @narendramodi.
— Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) June 22, 2023
The partnership between the United States and India is one of the most important of the 21st century, and this visit will take our partnership to the next level — from space, to defense, to emerging technology and supply chains. pic.twitter.com/B55N16jRt7
Prime Minister Modi, in his response, thanked Vice President Harris for her remarks.
"Our partnership indeed holds immense potential for this century. I am equally enthusiastic about elevating our cooperation in futuristic sectors," he tweeted.
Thank you, @VP @KamalaHarris. Our partnership indeed holds immense potential for this century. I am equally enthusiastic about elevating our cooperation in futuristic sectors. https://t.co/BLcYI0Zh1c
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 23, 2023
She was among prominent personalities, including billionaire industrialist Mukesh Ambani and tech honchos like Google CEO Sunder Pichai and Apple CEO Tim Cook, who attended the state dinner hosted in honour of Prime Minister Modi at the White House on Thursday.
During his address to the US Congress, PM Modi said, "There are millions here who have roots in India. Some of them sit proudly in this chamber. There is one behind me, who has made history."
He was referring to Harris, the first woman vice president and the highest-ranking female official in US history, as well as the first African-American and first Asian-American vice president.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
Nitish Kumar Calls On Arvind Kejriwal In Patna Ahead Of Big Opposition Meet
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday called on his Delhi and Punjab counterparts, Arvind Kejriwal and Bhagwant Mann respectively, who are here to attend a crucial opposition meeting.
Nitish Kumar, the JD(U) supreme leader, drove to the city hotel where Arvind Kejriwal, the Aam Aadmi Party founder, is putting up with other AAP colleagues.
AAP Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chaddha shared pictures, on Twitter, of the meeting that took place shortly after the visitors returned from Takht Harmandir Patna Sahib, a Sikh shrine built at the site where Guru Gobind Singh was born.
It is always a pleasure to meet with @NitishKumar ji.
— Raghav Chadha (@raghav_chadha) June 22, 2023
He called on @ArvindKejriwal ji in Patna, ahead of the meeting of like-minded parties tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/g5qCb7XCQg
Meanwhile, Mr Kumar, who is in his 70s, seemed busy playing the perfect host as he travelled around the city meeting visitors like West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, CPI general secretary D Raja and CPI(ML) Liberation's Dipankar.
Other attendees like Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, Sharad Pawar, Akhilesh Yadav, Hemant Soren and Farooq Abdullah are expected to arrive Friday morning for the meeting to be held at Kumar's residence around noon.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
In Turkey Erdogan Signals Shift to Conventional Economics
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"No Plans To Shift Cheetahs Outside Kuno National Park": Union Minister
Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav on Thursday said the Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh has enough prey base for the cheetahs living there and there is no plan as of now to shift the cats anywhere else.
He, however, said the Gandhi Sagar wildlife sanctuary in northwestern Madhya Pradesh has been identified as an "alternative site" in case any problem emerges at Kuno in the future.
"But there is no plan to shift the cheetahs anywhere else for now," Bhupender Yadav told a press conference where he listed the achievements of his ministry in the nine years of the government.
He said the cheetahs are adapting to the weather and the habitat and establishing their territories and "we should give them time to do that".
Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the first batch of eight spotted felines from Namibia into a quarantine enclosure at Kuno on September 17 last year.
In a second such translocation, 12 cheetahs were flown in from South Africa and released into Kuno on February 18.
Three adult cheetahs and three cubs died in the last three months, prompting questions from several experts on the suitability of the habitat, prey base and wildlife management at Kuno. Some even claimed that Kuno "lacked space and logistical support" and suggested shifting cheetahs to other sanctuaries.
In the wake of cheetah cub deaths, the Centre last month set up an 11-member high-level steering committee to review and monitor the progress of the Cheetah reintroduction programme.
The government and experts involved in the project have maintained that the mortalities are within the normal range.
The action plan for cheetah reintroduction anticipated up to 50 percent mortality in the first year of relocation.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
Explosion Rocks Central Paris Injuring at Least 24 People
By BY AURELIEN BREEDEN from NYT World https://ift.tt/B3FxhG8
Angry Over Family Court Proceedings Kerala Man Damages Judge's Car
A family court judge's vehicle was badly damaged near Thiruvalla on Wednesday by a litigant who was unhappy with the way the marital dispute between him and his wife was being adjudicated, police said.
The 55-year-old man got angry during the proceedings and after coming out from the court, took out his rage on the judge's car that was parked inside the Thiruvalla court complex in Kerala.
The litigant smashed all the windows of the car, with the windscreen barely left attached to the vehicle.
There were dents all over the body of the car too, according to visuals of it shown on TV channels.
An officer of Thiruvalla police station said the accused was taken into custody and an FIR was lodged against him for disrupting court work, intimidation and damaging public property.
"The accused, who was arguing his side on his own in the row with his wife, was claiming that he was not getting natural justice from the court. It is his wife who has filed a divorce plea in the court.
"He was alleging that his wife's lawyer and the judge were working together against him and that his side was not being heard properly," the officer said.
The officer said that initially the case between the couple was being adjudicated in a court in Pathanamthitta back in 2017, but the man later moved the Kerala High Court to get it transferred claiming he has no faith in that court.
"Thereafter, the cases between the couple were transferred to family court here this year," the officer said.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
Border Police Officer's Son Shoots Dead Constable At Delhi Camp
A 36-year-old constable posted at the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) camp in south-west Delhi's Chhawla area was killed on Wednesday allegedly after being shot by the son of an officer residing on the same campus of the border guarding force, official sources said.
The incident was reported from the family quarters of the camp around 1 pm.
It was found that the constable, Bhoop Singh Meena, was shot dead in the house of an ITBP officer of 2IC rank by the son of the officer, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Dwarka) M Harsha Vardhan said.
A case under section 302 (murder) of the IPC and Arms Act has been registered at Chhawla police station. Forensic teams have collected pieces of evidence from the site, the DCP said.
The accused -- identified as Digvijay, 32, -- has been arrested, he said.
The DCP said the private licensed weapon is in the name of the officer and the accused is unemployed.
"We suspect five rounds were fired. The motive is under investigation," the DCP said.
ITBP officials said the constable Meena worked as a cook and was posted on the Chhawla campus.
He is survived by his wife and two young children, they said.
The officials of the border force said the exact reason that led to the firing was not known immediately even as a court of inquiry (CoI) has been ordered by the central force.
They said the private weapon used by the accused was in the name of his father, ITBP second-in-command rank officer Lok Pal Singh.
The ITBP, an about 90,000 personnel strong force, is primarily deployed to guard the 3,488-km-long Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China apart from rendering a variety of duties in the internal security domain of the country.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
2 Coaches Of Express Train Derail In Bengal's North Dinajpur District
Two bogies of an express train got decoupled in West Bengal's North Dinajpur district on Tuesday evening, railway officials said.
However, there were no reports of any injury, officials said.
The incident took place around 4:30 pm when two coaches of the Jammu-bound Lohit Express got decoupled near Dalkhola, around 450 km from state capital Kolkata.
"The detachment between coach B1 (10th from the engine) and B2 (11th from the engine) happened at 4.30pm near Dalkhola. The coaches were reattached and services resumed at 4.55pm. There are no reports of any injury," a railway official said.
The official said the down Lohit Express was on its way to Jammu Tawai from Guwahati.
Nearly 300 people were killed and more than 1,200 injured in a train accident at Bahanaga Bazar in Odisha's Balasore district earlier this month.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
Newborn Rescued Hours After Being Kidnapped From Maharashtra Hospital
The police on Tuesday rescued a four-day-old baby just hours after she was kidnapped from the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) in Maharashtra's Chandrapur city, an official said.
The infant was rescued and the accused woman was arrested from Hinganghat in neighbouring Wardha district, he said.
The accused got admitted to the maternity ward of the hospital on June 17 and got acquainted with a woman who had given birth to a girl and helped her, inspector SR Rajput of city police station said.
The mothers were recuperating in ward no 15, while the babies were kept in the adjacent ward no 14. Around 6 am, the accused took the baby from the ward claiming that she was taking her to the mother for feeding, he said.
The infant was soon reported missing from the ward and the police were informed, he said.
Senior policemen swung into action and roped in the cyber cell, local crime branch, personnel from Bhadravati, Warora, Hinganghat, Jam and other police stations, the official said.
"We examined the CCTV footage and launched a search for the woman. The accused was traced with the help of MSRTC officials and Wardha police," he said.
The accused was apprehended from Hinganghat around 11 am and the baby was handed over to her parents, the official said.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
Pakistan Declares Day of Mourning for Migrant Ship Disaster Off Greece
By BY CHRISTINA GOLDBAUM AND SALMAN MASOOD from NYT World https://ift.tt/8osKTGF
Man 43 Arrested Over Hoax Bomb Call At Hyderabad's Income Tax Offices
A 43-year-old man who allegedly made a phone call last week claiming that bombs were planted in three Income Tax (I-T) offices in the city and demanded Rs 1 crore to not detonate the purported explosives has been arrested, police said on Monday.
Police conducted searches at the I-T offices on June 12 and concluded it to be a hoax call.
The accused, Jaini Radhakrishna, who made the bomb threat, was apprehended at Hayathnagar here on Sunday, a release from Hyderabad Police said.
During the inquiry, the accused revealed that he had planned to create panic among the Income Tax Department authorities and demand money from them (through this act) so that he could clear his financial debts and also lead a lavish life, it said.
As per his plan, the accused dialled '100' informing the police control room that he had planted bombs in three secret places in the Income Tax offices and demanded Rs 1 crore to not set them off, the release said.
Cases were registered in three police stations and during the course of the investigation, the police nabbed the accused on June 18, police added.
"Will It Adversely Impact Hindus?" Uddhav Thackeray On Uniform Civil Code
Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday said the Uniform Civil Code for all citizens is welcome but wondered if its implementation would affect Hindus adversely.
Mr Thackeray also took potshots at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at the state-level plenary of Shiv Sena (UBT) office-bearers held here, the first since the split in Shiv Sena last year.
"We welcome the Uniform Civil Code for all but would it adversely affect Hindus? If they (BJP) could not implement the ban on cow slaughter in the entire country, how can the UCC be implemented?" he asked.
The Law Commission recently said it has decided to look at the need for a UCC afresh and seek the views of stakeholders, which include the members of the public and religious organisations.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
Northern India Endures a Heat Wave and a Wave of Deaths
By BY ALEX TRAVELLI AND HARI KUMAR from NYT World https://ift.tt/9ZAnYSH
Maharashtra Man 20 Beaten Over Relationship With Girl Dies In Hospital
A 25-year-old man died in Latur in Maharashtra after being beaten up a fortnight ago over a love affair, a police official said on Sunday.
Baliram Magar of Ausa tehsil was called by a resident of his Bhada village for a chat on June 3 and was then beaten up by the latter and his family, the official said.
"He died on Saturday night. After a video of the assault went viral on June 9, a probe began following registration of an attempt to murder case on June 10," he said.
"Magar was beaten up over his relationship with a girl from the village. We have arrested five of the seven accused. They will be now be charged with murder," Assistant Inspector Appasaheb Dongare said.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
Man Claims He Got No Aid After Home Acquired For Coal Mine Dies By Suicide
A man allegedly died by suicide in Chhattisgarh's Korba district after claiming in a video that his property had been acquired for a coal mine but he had neither got money or a job as compensation, a police official said on Saturday.
The land on which his house was built was acquired by the South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) and all efforts in the past six months to get compensation or a job were in vain, Dilharan Patel said in the video some time before ending his life.
Patel, a resident of Chandra Nagar Jatraj village, was hospitalised on June 13 after he consumed poison and he died on Saturday morning, Kusmunda police station in charge Krishna Kumar Verma said.
"A preliminary probe has revealed that SECL had given his son a job in a private firm. Further investigations as to why he took this extreme step is underway. For now, an accidental death report has been registered," Verma added.
SECL public relations officer Sanish Chandra said Patel was occupying government land and therefore, as per the rules laid down by the Union government and Coal India Limited's Resettlement and Rehabilitation Policy, he was not eligible for a job in the state-run entity.
"However, the victim's son Mukesh Patel was provided a job in a surface miner company working for SECL. Patel's house was surveyed and compensation of Rs 2.50 lakh was decided. The process had been completed and very soon he would have got the money," Chandra said.
SECL is a subsidiary of CIL and operates 41 mines in Chhattisgarh and 26 in Madhya Pradesh.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
5 Jaish Terrorists Linked To Circus Worker's Killing Arrested In J&K
Five Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorists were arrested from Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir in connection with the killing of a circus worker last month, police said on Friday.
Deepak Kumar, 27, a resident of Udhampur district, was shot dead by two motorcycle-borne militants from a close range when he had gone to the market to buy milk on the night of May 29. He worked at a circus in the Janglat Mandi area in the south Kashmir district.
The prime accused in the case received weapon training through WhatsApp video calls from his handler, police said.
Addressing a press conference in Anantnag, Deputy Inspector General (DIG), South Kashmir Range, Rayees Mohammad Bhat said the terrorists belong to Kashmir Freedom Fighters (KFF) -- an offshoot of proscribed terror outfit JeM.
"Investigations and searches were launched after the incident. During the investigations, we got some technical leads and some clues. In the meantime, we zeroed in on some suspects and they were interrogated," Mr Bhat said.
He said the investigations pointed at two people, Sehran Bashir Nadaf and Ubaid Nazir Laigroo, both residents of Anantnag town who had gone missing.
"We launched a massive search operation to nab them. Based on technical and human intelligence, we were ultimately able to arrest these two accused after which the whole conspiracy was revealed," he said.
Apart from Nadaf and Laigroo, three others -- Umer Amin Thoker, Huzaif Shabir Bhat and Nasir Farooq Shah -- have been arrested, the DIG said.
So far, one AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 magazine, 40 AK-47 rounds, two pistols, two pistol magazines, seven pistol rounds and empty cartridges each, three hand grenades, seven mobile phones and a scooter have been seized. Further leads are being followed, he said.
Mr Bhat said this group of terrorists had been working in south Kashmir for some time.
"We expect more arrests and further revelations. This a classic example of a hybrid terrorist module," he said.
Meanwhile, in a statement, police said prime accused Nadaf had been trained by a terrorist handler identified with the alias Khalid Kamran, via WhatsApp video calls regarding the usage of weaponry.
They had been instructed to find and attack minority community soft targets and instructed about the mode of recce and other details, police said.
The entire conspiracy of how weapons were sourced, passed on and routed to the actual trigger puller and how to maintain communication discipline as well as how to cover tracks and hide evidence has been uncovered, it said.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
"Rahul Gandhi Atishi's Remarks Not To Be Taken Seriously": Union Minister
Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri took a swipe at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his remarks made in the US, saying his comments need not be taken seriously.
He also claimed that there is a difference between what the Congress says and does. He also took a swipe at Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Delhi minister Atishi.
On Mr Gandhi's remarks on the condition of minorities in India, Mr Puri reminded him of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots and the Neelie massacre in Assam which claimed the lives of 2,000 people.
"There are two youth leaders. One goes to America...there is another youth leader...She goes to England and says that there are 35 crore people hungry in India. The Prime Minister is giving 80 crore people free ration, where these 35 crore came from," Mr Puri told reporters after the conclusion of a function of the Jammu Municipal Corporation here.
These comments made by these leaders need not be taken seriously, the Union minister said.
The Union minister, along with Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, launched a bio-plastic carry bag developed by the DRDO under the polythene-free Jammu initiative.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
Roads of Ayodhya will resemble Delhi's iconic Rajpath in coming months: UP CM Yogi
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday presented ambitious development plans for Ayodhya with ongoing projects worth a staggering Rs 32 thousand crores and said no other city in the country could match the scale of the development initiatives undertaken in Ayodhya.
Chief Minister Yogi further stated that "Ayodhya holds a special place in the hearts of millions of people, and even those who were not fortunate enough to be born here desire the opportunity. The people have a strong sense of Lord Ram's presence in their lives, and the construction of the temple will be a manifestation of their devotion and belief."
Mr Adityanath said that initially there would be difficulties during the development work, but to achieve the big goal, one has to face obstacles.
Chief Minister Yogi expressed his vision for the roads of Ayodhya, stating that within the next four to six months, they will resemble the iconic Rajpath in Delhi. The road going from behind Hanuman Garhi near Sugriva Fort to Shri Ram Janmabhoomi is going to be a glorious path in the form of the Bhakti Path. Previously, there were no such wide roads, but now there are ongoing projects to construct Panchkosi, 14 Kosi, Chaurasikosi, new bypass, ring roads, and flyovers. The development programs of hospitals, and education centers are being expanded.
He also added that the aim is to transform Ayodhya into one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
"Under PM Modi's leadership, Ayodhya, Mathura-Vrindavan, Prayagraj, Shravasti, Naimish Tirtha, Kashi, and Kushinagar are being developed. There is no dearth of money for development. For us, Janata Janardan and the state are families. We have stopped looting public money and sign that money is investing that money in development," Yogi Adityanath said.
One of the key milestones is the installation of Ramlala, the idol of Lord Ram, in his own temple after a wait of 500 years. This historic event is scheduled for January and will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, enhancing Yogi Ayodhya's significance on a global scale.
In addition, the government has also announced plans to develop Ayodhya as a major tourist destination, with the construction of a grand Ram Temple and other infrastructural developments. The main railway station is undergoing extensive development, while railway projects in Surya Kund and Bharatkund are set to commence soon. Ayodhya is also planned to get its very own international airport, expected to be completed within this year. This is expected to boost the local economy and create employment opportunities for the people of Ayodhya.
Chief Minister Yogi addressed a public meeting organized at Yogiraj Bharat ji's Taposthali Nandigram, Bharatkund on Thursday on the occasion of the completion of nine years of the Modi government. He also extended his wishes for the continued success of PM Modi's tenure, hoping that India would continue to benefit from his guidance and leadership.
Mr Adityanath expressed that Ayodhya has become a city that every major city aspires to connect with. Ayodhya has transformed into the new Ayodhya. Chief Minister Yogi set a target of lighting 21 lakh lamps during the upcoming Deepotsav. He called for the lighting of lamps in every household of Ayodhya, in addition to the Ghats, Math-Temples, Suryakund, and Bharat Kund. The preparations for this should commence from now itself, as it sets the stage for the arrival of Lord Ram in his home next year.
Further, the Mr Adityanath highlighted the growing reputation of India on the global stage and the improved security situation under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi. He urged the people to participate in the upcoming Yoga Mahotsav, which is scheduled for June 21.
Mr Adityanath Yogi stated that "Under the leadership of PM Modi, New India has gained global recognition and respect. The successful leadership of PM Modi will continue to receive the blessings of the people, leading India to become the world's third-largest economy. This will raise the per capita income and enhance overall connectivity across the nation."
He further emphasized the transformation of improved infrastructure in Ayodhya, made possible by the government's efforts. In the past, the city road and rail networks were poor. However, due to recent development, the journey from Gorakhpur and Lucknow to Ayodhya, which previously took five to six hours, can now be completed in just one hour.
Looking ahead, the construction of the airport in Ayodhya will further enhance connectivity.
After the airport is built, there will be an opportunity to refresh the memory of Tretayug. When Lord Shri Ram would have come to Ayodhya by Pushpak Viman after the victory of Lanka. Today, every resident of Ayodhya will get an opportunity to fly in the country and the world through air travel.
Mr Yogi Adityanath recognised the need of working together with the mayor of Ayodhya. He highlighted the effectiveness of a "double engine" government, wherein the BJP government works together to ensure comprehensive development and public welfare in municipal bodies. This strategy aims to eliminate discrimination and provide basic amenities and development plans to all, from villages to cities.
The Chief Minister said that Ayodhya is becoming the most prosperous city and district. He compared it to the ancient 'Tretayug' period, when Ramrajya, an ideal form of government, was accomplished. Under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi, Ayodhya today not only embodies the spirit of Ramrajya but also inspires the entire nation.
He highlighted that just six years ago, there was hesitation in uttering the name of Ayodhya. However, under his government's steadfast commitment to the city's development, Ayodhya has witnessed remarkable progress and a renewed sense of pride.
He mentioned his recent visit to Surya Kund. He recalled that when he visited there 3-4 years back, it was in a dilapidated condition. But now, it has been transformed, which now serves as a testament to the vision of Ayodhya's development.
He also inquired about the current condition of Surya Kund from the people. He urged the public representatives to organize light and sound shows at 8 pm, allowing the residents to experience the mesmerizing beauty of the area. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of showcasing other sites associated with Lord Ram, such as Guptarghat, to the local community, especially women.
The Chief Minister emphasized that the once-deserted areas associated with Lord Ram's legacy are now shining brightly, symbolizing the transformation of Ayodhya.
He expressed his commitment to making Ayodhya the most beautiful city in the world and developing Bharatkund, similar to the success of Suryakund. The meditation place of Mahatma Bharat will be brought to life with mesmerizing light and sound displays. The pond will be beautified, and efforts will be made to rehabilitate the people residing in the vicinity.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to work during a period marked by the successful leadership of PM Modi.
He emphasized the need for a development-oriented government that is committed to public welfare and preserves India's rich heritage.
Yogi Aditynath conveyed his pride in witnessing the realization of dreams under PM Modi's leadership. The construction of the grand temple of Ramlala in Ayodhya, the beautification projects in Mathura-Vrindavan, and the upcoming divine Kumbh in Prayagraj are all testaments to the progress being made.
He urged everyone to cooperate in order to advance India's growth.
He further said that "We all will work together on this. For a successful tenure of 9 years, every worker should go door-to-door to create light and once again in 2024, the BJP government will be formed at the centre under the leadership of PM Modi."
Minister-in-charge of Ayodhya Surya Pratap Shahi, Minister of State Satish Chandra Sharma, MP Lallu Singh, Mayor Girish Pati Tripathi, District Panchayat President Roli Singh, MLAs Vedprakash Gupta, Ramchandra Yadav, Dr Amit Singh Chauhan, State President of BJYM and MLC Pranshu in the public meeting Dutt Dwivedi, MLC Hariom Pandey, Padmasen Chowdhary, former MLA Gorakhnath Baba, BJP District President Sanjeev Singh, Metropolitan President Abhishek Mishra and others were present.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
NATO defense chiefs vow to stand by Ukraine pledging more air defenses and training for fighter pilots.
By BY STEVEN ERLANGER from NYT World https://ift.tt/bq65hZQ
West Bengal Minister Manas Ranjan Bhunia Divested Of Environment Portolio
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday divested senior minister Manas Ranjan Bhunia of the Environment portfolio and took over the charge of the department, a senior official said.
Mr Bhunia will, however, continue to hold the portfolio of Water Resources Investigation and Development, the official said.
Ms Banerjee will now be looking after nine departments, including the Home and the Environment department.
The other departments under Mamata Banerjee's supervision are the Personal and Administrative Reforms, Health, Land & Land Reforms And Refugee Relief and Rehabilitation Department, Information and Cultural Affairs, Planning and Statistics in addition to the Minority Affairs and Madrasah Education Department.
Asked what could be the reason behind Mr Bhunia's removal from the Environment department, the official said that the recent incidents of blasts in illegal firecracker units at Egra, Budge Budge and other parts of the state.
"The Chief Minister is quite concerned about blasts in illegal firecracker units in the state. There is a concern about where all the explosives were smuggled... The Chief Minister now wants to look after the department personally," the official said.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
Assam Top Cop Faces Police Case Over Remarks Against Dead BJP Leader
Slain Assam BJP leader Jonali Nath's husband on Wednesday filed a police complaint against CID Inspector General Devaraj Upadhyaya for claiming that the arrested accused, Hasanur Islam, was in a relationship with the deceased.
The body of BJP Goalpara district secretary Jonali Nath was found on National Highway 17 in Salpara area under the jurisdiction of Krishnai police station on Monday morning, following which Islam, who runs a shop in Matia area, was arrested.
Upadhyaya, in a media briefing, claimed Islam admitted during interrogation that he was in a relationship with Nath earlier but got married to another woman a few months ago.
The official said that the BJP leader had confronted him and they had an argument in a car, following which Islam attacked and killed her, dumped her body on the highway and fled in his car. Chandra Kumar Nath lodged the FIR with Matia police station in Goalpara district, stating he had full faith in his wife and he and his family could not accept Upadhyaya's claim.
''We demand an apology from Upadhayay as his statement has damaged the reputation of my dead wife and also my entire family. I also demand a proper and detailed inquiry into the killing as it has also destroyed the lives of my two daughters,'' he said.
Director General of Police G P Singh, who visited Goalpara on Wednesday to review the case, also admitted that the IGP should not have made the statement in public.
Singh said he has asked officials concerned to issue an advisory to Upadhyaya in this regard.
''Spokespersons should be careful about what they say in public. The spokesperson should not reveal to the public all details but should present those in the court. Words that once come out, cannot be taken back. It should be remembered that when the police talk to the media, they are talking to the public," Singh said.
Singh said he visited Goalpara to review the probe and has directed the police to submit the charge-sheet within 60 days.
"The woman killed was a prominent person and was involved in politics and microfinance schemes, therefore I have asked the police to investigate all angles and whether more people were involved in her death," Singh added.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
Maharashtra Govt Can Consider Reducing Number of 'Dry Days': Minister
Maharashtra excise minister Shambhuraj Desai on Tuesday hinted that the government is open to reducing the number of "dry days" when liquor sale is not allowed if such a demand is made by people.
A dry day is declared by the government when liquor sales and its service are prohibited.
National holidays such as Independence Day, and Republic Day as well as the birth and death anniversaries of Mahatma Gandhi are counted among dry days.
Some festivals and religious days are also declared as dry days by the state government.
Responding to a query from reporters in Mumbai regarding the plans to reduce the number of dry days as it causes some inconvenience to liquor consumers, the minister said, “If people make a demand then we will consider it. But the demand has to come from the people.”
The minister did not elaborate.
"An International Treasure": US Envoy's Praise For Ajit Doval
US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti on Tuesday praised National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, calling him an "international treasure".
Highlighting Ajit Doval's humble origins as a village boy from Uttarakhand, the envoy said, "India's NSA has not only become a national treasure but an international treasure".
The envoy also expressed admiration for the strong foundation between the United States and India.
"When I look at the foundation between the United States and India, it is so strong, it is so clear that Indians love Americans and Americans love Indians," Mr Garcetti said at the United States-India initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET) meet in Delhi.
Praising India's advancements in digital payments and financial technology, the US Ambassador said: "When I look at digital payments and financial technology that India has, we have rocked the world. A 'tea wala' in a village makes sure that she gets direct payment from the government on her phone, a 100 per cent of each one of those rupees."
He said he recently had dinner with a group of multi-faith leaders in India, one of them said "We hear all these talks about 4G, 5G and 6G, but here in India we have something more powerful than that-'Guruji'.
Meanwhile, National Security Advisor of the US Jake Sullivan who is on a two-day India visit on Tuesday met his Indian counterpart Ajit Doval and discussed regional and global issues of mutual interest.
Mr Sullivan is accompanied by a delegation of senior US government officials and leaders of US industry during his visit. His visit to the national capital comes in the run-up to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming state visit to the US.
The two national security advisers had restricted discussions earlier in the day to discuss topics of common interest. Later that day, they both attended the second Track 1.5 discourse on it, which the Confederation of Indian Industry hosted.
The first edition of this dialogue was organised by the US Chamber of Commerce in Washington, DC on January 30 this year, the release of Ministry of External Affairs said.
During the visit, NSA Sullivan will also meet with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and other dignitaries of the Government of India, the official press release of the Ministry of External Affairs said.
Earlier, US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval met each other in New Delhi and discussed Indo-Pacific, and cooperation in specific niche technologies in maritime, military and aerospace domains.
According to government officials, the two leaders also spoke on the greater transfer of technology, co-production and building indigenous capacities in line with India's Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.
Additionally, US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin and NSA Ajit Doval stressed that nations in several regions, including the Middle East, South Asia, South East Asia, and the Indo-Pacific retain their freedom of action in line with their national priorities and are not coerced into poor choices.
Austin, who arrived in India concluded a roadmap for Defence Industrial Cooperation with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
The Many Twists, Quotes and Scandals of Silvio Berlusconi
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Post-Mortem Report Of 2 Out Of 4 Tigers In UP Reserve Shows Head Injuries
Post-mortem reports of two out of four carcasses of tigers that have died in the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve within the last two months have revealed head injuries, a senior scientist said on Monday.
One of the tiger's head injuries suggested that it was attacked by a bigger animal, said Dr AM Pawde, principal scientist and in-charge, Centre for Wildlife at ICAR-IVRI, Bareilly.
"In the examination, it was found that the tiger weighed 210 kg. The right elbow joint was injured and twisted. It had injury marks on its head, and it seemed that it was crushed. There were some scratches on its body," Pawde told PTI.
"It seems that some bigger animal had attacked the tiger, and it could be an elephant or a rhinoceros. Scratch marks were found on the rear side of the waist (right side), which indicate that the animal was bigger (in size) than the tiger," he said. The tiger's liver was also damaged, he added.
The post-mortem examination of another tiger revealed that its head injury was old, Pawde said, adding the big cat's body, including its intestines and head were filled with worms.
"It was healthy, but succumbed to the injuries 4-5 day ago. It also had acute shortage of water in its body. Blood had accumulated in its lungs and liver," Pawde said.
"Evidence of a pointed-horn piercing into the liver has been found. The liver was enlarged, and it was not able to run. It is also possible that owing to intense heat, it had consumed toxic meat," Pawde added.
The post-mortem of the third tiger was not possible as it was completely decomposed, the principal scientist said, adding that research is being conducted on it.
The post-mortem examination of the fourth tiger was conducted by Dr Dayashankar in Lakhimpur Kheri. He had sent the tissues for test here, and they are being examined, Pawde said.
Earlier on Friday, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed serious concern over the deaths of tigers in the tiger reserve and ordered a probe.
Four tigers have died since April 21 due to different reasons as stated by Dudhwa authorities. Taking cognisance of the casualties, Adityanath had directed the state forest minister, additional chief secretary, forest and other senior forest officials to visit Dudhwa National Park and carry out a thorough probe.
Adityanath has also sought a detailed report of the reasons behind the big cats' recent deaths, the official said.
On April 21, a two-year-old male tiger was found dead in the Dudhwa buffer zone. Officials said the young tiger might have eaten up some sharp bone leading to internal injuries causing stomach rupture, resulting in its death.
On May 31, a four-year-old male tiger died in the north Nighasan range of the Dudhwa buffer zone. Officials said its death was caused by a puncture wound in its trachea due to infighting.
On June 3, a two-year-old tigress died in a village in the Dudhwa buffer zone right under the eyes of forest officials and villagers. The tigress was reported to have its canines and paws damaged.
On Friday, the carcass of a six to seven-year-old male tiger was recovered from a pond in the Mailani range of Kishanpur sanctuary.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
A U.S. Citizen Has Been Arrested in Russia, State Department Says
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Wagner Founder Rebuffs Order Over Fighter Contracts With Russian Military
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Opposition's Nothing More Than A "Double-Barrel Government" Dig At PM
Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal on Sunday made a pitch for opposition unity to counter the BJP in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, warning that failing to do so would jeopardise the future of governance in the country.
Kapil Sibal criticised the central government for its ordinance on control of services in Delhi, saying it was an attempt to nullify the Supreme Court order.
However, the Supreme court will undoubtedly overrule it soon, he added.
Noting that AAP's resounding victory in Delhi has unsettled the BJP, he said the saffron party is determined to hinder its functioning "at any cost".
Kapil Sibal questioned why the elections were held and an assembly and cabinet formed in Delhi if the elected government's decisions were not to be respected.
"This severely limits the autonomy and authority of the elected government, undermining the very essence of democratic governance. The Delhi government has rightly challenged this unconstitutional ordinance, and it is hoped that the Supreme Court will repeal it. Allowing the decisions of bureaucrats to supersede those of the elected government weakens the Legislative Assembly and renders it meaningless," he said.
Kapil Sibal was addressing the 'Maharally' organised by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) against the Centre's ordinance here.
He said the manner in which the Centre is operating leaves little room for the survival of any other government or party in a democracy.
"Narendra Modi's pursuit of a ''double-engine government'' is only aimed at eliminating opposition and centralising power in his hands. However, it is nothing more than a ''double-barrel'' government, with one barrel represented by the ED and the other by the CBI. As a responsible non-partisan parliamentarian, I stand before you today, recognising the urgency to unite the opposition against Narendra Modi's government. This is a fight for justice, and together, the opposition will defeat Modi in 2024," he said.
During the event, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal appealed to the people of the country to join the "Insaaf Ke Sipaahi" campaign initiated by Kapil Sibal. He said the senior advocate is fighting a noble battle.
"I request everyone to become a part of it. The 140 crore people of the country need to come together and work for our great nation," he said.
AAP MP Sanjay Singh, while calling the ordinance "the pinnacle of dictatorship and tyranny", said it aims to dismantle democracy and diminish the power of the national capital.
Highlighting the achievements of the Kejriwal government, he asked, "For what crime is Kejriwal being punished today in Delhi? Is it because he is dedicated to providing quality education to children, constructing exemplary schools, ensuring free electricity, establishing mohalla clinics, organising pilgrimage tours for the elderly, and facilitating free bus travel for women?." Sanjay Singh also highlighted the first-ever instance in India's history when the First Lady of the United States expressed her desire to visit the schools built by Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia.
He said all non-BJP parties would join forces in the Rajya Sabha to defeat the contentious ordinance.
Addressing the gathering, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann referred to the BJP as "the Bharatiya Jugaad Party".
He said the rally was aimed at conveying to the people how their rights are being snatched away.
Bhagwant Mann said the people vote for their favourite leaders and expect good governance.
"However, the BJP refuses to let any government or party that does not align with its agenda even function. The BJP has mastered the art of ''jugaad'' politics. They buy MLAs from other parties, manipulate by-elections, and even resort to using the governors and lieutenant governors to impose their preferred chief minister upon the people," he said.
"This ''jugaad'' party sustains itself in power, not through the support of the people, but through conniving tactics." Mann said Delhi is the heart of the country and home to people from every state.
"If Chief Minister Shri Arvind Kejriwal is unable to exercise his authority, make decisions, and ensure efficient functioning due to bureaucratic hurdles put in by the Centre, it raises serious questions about the functionality of our entire system," he said.
AAP Delhi convenor Gopal Rai also highlighted the need for collective resistance against the Centre's ordinance.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
BJP's Pankaja Munde's "Love Is Love" Answer To 'Love Jihad' Question
BJP leader Pankaja Munde on Sunday said that 'love jihad' (a right-wing conspiracy theory that Muslim men lure Hindu women to convert them) wasn't on the agenda of the central government.
Addressing a press conference in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, Ms Munde said, "...I believe love is love. Love believes in no barrier. If two people have come together purely out of love, it should be respected. However, if a woman is tricked into an interfaith marriage, it should be seen differently."
To a specific question on 'love jihad' during the press conference, the senior BJP leader said it has never been an agenda for the central government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
"No such subject as 'love jihad' has even been on the agenda of the Modi government. The discussions are always centred on development and redevelopment. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's focus is to put the country on the road to development and progress in the next 25 years," said Ms Munde.
However, on May 16, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said his government took a serious view of 'love jihad', 'religious conversion' and promotion of 'terrorist activities' and won't allow such practices in the state.
CM Chouhan made the remark while speaking to reporters on the recent action taken by the Madhya Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) against members associated with the radical Islamic organisation, Hizb-ut-Tahrir (HuT), in the state capital Bhopal.
"We are getting into the depth of the facts that have come to the fore in connection with the HuT members. What is clear is that we have taken the issue of love jihad, religious conversion and promotion of terrorist activities very seriously. I want to make it clear that neither love jihad nor the vicious cycle of religious conversion would be tolerated in the state," CM Chouhan said earlier.
He added, "Earlier, too, we had destroyed SIMI's (Students' Islamic Movement of India) network in the state and will not tolerate such activities at any cost. The investigation into the arrest of HuT members is underway. Madhya Pradesh ATS is working along with the central agencies in this regard."
Ahead of the Gujarat Assembly elections last year, the BJP had promised to bring a law against 'love jihad'.
Meanwhile, underlining the key takeaways in 9 years of the central government under the leadership of PM Modi, Ms Munde said on Sunday these years have been marked by all-round development and welfare policies.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
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"Illegal Monument" of Tipu Sultan Removed From Maharashtra's Dhule
An allegedly illegally built monument of Tipu Sultan was removed from Maharashtra's Dhule, said police officials.
This comes after the recent communal clashes that erupted after a social media post uploaded by a few people hailing Mughal emperors Aurangzeb and Tipu Sultan following the 350th Coronation Day ceremony.
Dhule, Superintendent of Police, Sanjay Barkund said that monument of Tipu Sultan was built on the main road, without permission.
"A monument of Tipu Sultan was built here on the main road, there was no permission for it. We got information that it is an illegal monument. We had a meeting to remove it after which it was removed. There is peace in the area," said Sanjay Barkund, SP Dhule, Maharashtra on Friday.
Tension gripped Kolhapur after some youth allegedly posted objectionable posts on social media with a reference to Aurangzeb and Tipu Sultan.
Sanjay Barkund said that the monument was illegally built at the intersection of 100 feet of Vadjai Road.
"Since it was built illegally, the matter was discussed with the MLA (AIMIM) and he has also agreed that if there is any illegal construction in it, then it will take a step from its own side to remove it. Ready to take back. After a discussion between the Collector and other officials, it was decided to remove it. Initially, whether this land belongs to the Municipal Corporation or the PWD, there was definitely some dispute in this matter. But keeping that controversy aside, because this construction was illegal, action has been taken to remove it and due to this the atmosphere of the city is not tense at all," the SP added.
The local administration had suspended internet services in the district until Thursday midnight after tensions erupted over alleged objectionable social media status with reference to Aurangzeb and Tipu Sultan.
Meanwhile, on Wednesday, a curfew was imposed in Kolhapur following the violent clashes that broke out between two groups after which police resorted to lathi-charge to disperse the crowd and bring the situation under control.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
12-Year-Old UP Girl Raped By Judo Instructor In School
A 12-year-old girl was allegedly raped by a judo instructor at a school, police said on Saturday.
According to a complaint lodged by the victim's father, the minor had joined a judo karate course in a school located in Kankarkheda police station area.
On June 2, the girl along with her brother went for the classes at around 7 am. The instructor around 10 am allegedly dismissed all the children but stopped the victim on the pretext of extra practice, he said in the complaint.
The instructor took the girl to the guard's room and raped her and later told her brother that she has been hurt due to stretching and was bleeding and dressing has to be done.
He also gave the boy money and sent him to buy bandages, medicine and chocolate and later after dressing her, got her admitted to the nursing home.
When the teen's father asked the doctors about his daughter's condition, they told them that something wrong had happened to the child.
Police Circle Officer (Daurala) Abhishek Patel said the accused has been identified as Manish (26). A rape case has been registered against and he has also been booked under the POCSO Act.
The accused is absconding and a police team has been formed to arrest him, he said.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
UP Chief Minister Orders Probe Into Deaths Of 4 Tigers In National Park
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday expressed serious concern over the recent deaths of tigers in the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve and ordered a probe.
Four tigers, including a six-year-old male tiger, who was found dead in the Mailani range of Kishanpur sanctuary of DTR on Friday, have died since April 21 due to different reasons as stated by Dudhwa authorities.
Taking cognisance of the casualties, Mr Adityanath has directed the state forest minister, additional chief secretary, forest and other senior forest officials to visit Dudhwa National Park and carry out a thorough probe, a senior official said.
The UP chief minister has also sought a detailed report of the reasons behind the big cats' recent deaths, the official said.
Four tigers have died in Kheri since April 21 when a two-year-old male tiger died in the Dudhwa buffer zone.
Officials said the young tiger might have eaten up some sharp bone leading to internal injuries causing stomach rupture, resulting in its death.
On May 31, a four-year-old male tiger died in the north Nighasan range of the Dudhwa buffer zone. Officials said its death was caused by a puncture wound in its trachea due to infighting.
On June 3, a two-year-old tigress died in a village in the Dudhwa buffer zone right under the eyes of forest officials and villagers. The tigress was reported to have its canines and paws damaged.
On Friday, the carcass of a six to seven-year-old male tiger was recovered from a pond in the Mailani range of Kishanpur sanctuary.
Officials said circumstances indicated death from infighting.
Field director, DTR B. Prabhakar said the carcass has been sent to IVRI in Bareilly to ascertain the exact cause of death.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
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Probe Agency Seizes Documents, Bank Accounts In Rajasthan Paper Leak Case
Immovable property documents, "fake" question papers and bank account details of some people were seized following recent raids in a money laundering case linked to alleged leaks of teacher recruitment exam papers in Rajasthan, the ED said on Friday.
The searches were conducted at 27 locations in the state, including Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Ajmer, Dungarpur, Barmer, Sikar and Jalore, on June 5 as part of the probe into the alleged senior teachers grade II paper leak case and the REET paper leak case.
The senior teachers grade II exam was conducted by the Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC) last year, while Rajasthan Eligibility Exam for Teachers (REET) was conducted by the state education board in 2021.
The money laundering case stems from the FIRs filed by the Rajasthan Police's special operations group (SOG).
It was found that the suspects in these cases "leaked" the questions papers and set up dummy candidates, etc., the agency said.
Reacting to the Enforcement Directorate raids, Mr Gehlot told reporters in Sikar on Friday, "I have already said that the ED was waiting (to enter the state). We know that wherever elections are held in the country, the ED goes there first. They are given a list."
"It is not appropriate for the ED to work under pressure. Be it CBI, ED, or Income Tax Department, if these agencies work impartially, without pressure, then we will welcome them," he added.
BJP MP Kirodi Meena had demanded action in the REET 2021 paper leak case.
The SOG of the Rajasthan Police, which is investigating the paper leaks, had arrested former RPSC member Babulal Katara, his nephew and driver in April in connection with the senior teacher recruitment exam paper leak case of 2022.
The exam was cancelled after the paper was widely shared on social media before the commencement of the test.
Several other accused have also been arrested in connection with the paper leak cases and their premises too are understood to have been covered under the ED action.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
Meghalaya Villagers Chase Out 2 Bangladesh Border Guards. Video Viral
Two soldiers of the Border Guard Bangladesh on Wednesday entered South Garo Hills district of Meghalaya. The two soldiers entered Rongara area in South Garo Hills at around 4 pm on Wednesday.
Following the incident, the Border Security Force (BSF) took up the matter with Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB) and filed a protest.
Villagers were shocked to see two uniformed BGB personnel, armed with AK series assault rifles and also carrying lathis, enter their village in front of the fencing facing the international border.
According to the BSF sources, who have been briefed by their counterparts from Bangladesh, the BGB were engaged in a chase to catch border criminals allegedly involved in smuggling when they "unknowingly" entered the Indian village.
"Since the village is in front of the fencing, the BGB personnel apparently didn't realise they had crossed into Indian territory while giving chase. A flag meeting has been conducted and official procedure is being followed in connection with the border violation. But there was no harassment of any Indian national," a senior BSF official said.
Madhya Pradesh To Withdraw Cases Of Lockdown Violation
The Madhya Pradesh government has decided to withdraw cases filed in 2020 and 2021 against individuals accused of violating the COVID-19 related lockdowns. Home Minister Narottam Mishra today said the state government, after directions from Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, will withdraw the cases filed for non-serious offenses related to the COVID-19 lockdowns.
Sources said approximately 56,700 cases were filed in the state under the provisions of The Epidemic Diseases Act 1897 and Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code.
During the first COVID-19 lockdown, which lasted from March 20, 2020, to June 30, 2020, a total of 33,160 cases were registered for lockdown violation in the state. Among these cases, 32,463 were lodged under Section 188 IPC, while 697 were registered under the provisions of The Epidemic Diseases Act 1897.
In the second lockdown, imposed between March 13, 2021, and June 19, 2021, a total of 23,538 cases were registered across the state for violation of lockdown. Among these cases, 22,336 were lodged under Section 188 IPC, and 1,202 were registered under the provisions of The Epidemic Diseases Act 1897.
Sources said the majority of cases being withdrawn by the government relate to violations of the COVID-19 lockdown during religious, social, or family events, as well as opening shops or roaming the streets during the night lockdown.
The latest COVID-19 health bulletin says Madhya Pradesh has reported a total of 10,45,550 cases and 10,786 deaths since the outbreak of the disease in March 2020. The same health department bulletin said there are currently only five active COVID-19 cases in the state.
4 Arrested For Raping Maharashtra Teen, 2 On The Run: Cops
Four persons were detained for allegedly raping a minor girl in Maharashtra's Aurangabad district, while search was on for two accused, a police official said on Thursday.
A case of rape and other offences was registered under Indian Penal Code, Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and Information Technology Act on the complaint of the 14-year-old victim, the Satara police station official said.
"Four persons have been detained. Two accused are on the run and efforts are on to nab them," Inspector Prashant Potdar said.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
Air India Express's First All-Woman Hajj Flight Takes Off
Tata Group's international budget arm Air India Express (AIXL) on Thursday operated India's first all-women Haj flight, the airline said in a statement.
This special flight, carrying 145 women pilgrims, was entirely managed by an all-women crew in all critical flight operations roles, supporting the Haj Committee of India's groundbreaking initiative to have only women passengers on board, it said.
The first all-women Haj flight, IX 3025, departed from Kozhikode to Jeddah at 18:45 IST on Thursday, arriving in Jeddah at 22:45 local time, according to the airline.
Pilot Kanika Mehra and First Officer Garima Passi were accompanied by cabin crew members Bijitha M B, Sreelakshmi, Sushma Sharma, and Subhangi Biswas, Air India Express said.
Besides, the ground operations as well as aircraft maintenance jobs for the flight were also performed by the women personnel, the airline said.
The Haj Committee's empowering initiative for women aligns perfectly with Air India Express' core values of equality and diversity, as the airline's workforce consists of 50 per cent women, it added.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
9 Years, 1 Big Footprint: S Jaishankar Hails PM Modi's Leadership
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday summed up the achievements of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government in nine years and said that the country has achieved a "bigger footprint" on the global platform under his leadership.
"A large part of the world sees us as a development partner, not just as a development partner but a development partner who lives up to what PM enunciated...Today, the second image of India is that of an economic collaborator," said Mr Jaishankar.
Noting the changes witnessed in nine years of PM Modi's government, he said that India has become a self-assured country adding that there is no single achievement but many across multiple fields. "I think, in a way, a more self-assured country with a lot of changes happening, which is contributing more, which is caring more for its own people, people at home and people abroad, and which is communicating all of this very effectively with the rest of the world. So it isn't a single account and a single achievement. In a way, I think there's been really very broad progress across multiple fields," he said.
Mr Jaishankar was addressing a special media briefing along with Ministers of State V Muraleedharan, Meenakshi Lekhi, Rajkumar Rajan Singh, and Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra.
On nine years of PM Modi's government, Mr Jaishankar began his remarks by saying that the country has achieved a "bigger footprint." "I think most of you would not dispute that among the many areas where there's been a significant transformation, foreign policy would surely be among them. It's reflected in the country's higher standing, greater influence, bigger footprint, new concepts, and stronger delivery. Now, there are many ways by which one can judge how foreign policy has changed, how it has delivered, where has it made its deepest impact," said Mr Jaishankar.
Referring to former PM Dr Manmohan Singh's presser on the biggest achievement during his administration, a question was put before the External Affairs Minister asking what PM Modi's biggest achievement, according to him was. "Prime Minister Modi has a long way to go in his tenure. So I'm sure as and when that arises, he will say what he has to say," Mr Jaishankar said, adding, "But I don't think that's going to happen anytime soon."
To evaluate Indian foreign policy over the nine years, he picked two broad themes as the metrics. The first theme, "How does the world see India today?" and the second, "How has foreign policy affected the lives of the common citizen?"
The External Affairs Minister also said, "So what, in a sense, I present to you is an accumulation of our collective experiences. And if I were to pick them, probably the one I would start off with is how much today the world, especially the global south, perceives India as a development partner, as a credible, effective development partner with delivery on the ground."
Mr Jaishankar then pointed to India's development partnership in Namibia, Guyana, Mozambique, Kenya, and Mauritius. He even gave an example of how India gave a ferry to Guyana, rails to Mozambique, a textile factory to Kenya, metro to Mauritius. "I came back yesterday morning from Namibia and I inaugurated, formerly a centre of Excellence in It, which has been functioning there for about a year and a half and the impact on the technical university of Namibia, by our giving a Param Supercomputer, having trainers out there, working with them, developing cybersecurity skills, developing entrepreneurial skills, promoting research," Mr Jaishankar said.
Recalling his experience in Guyana, Mr Jaishankar said, "It so happened at that time, India was delivering for the first time ever a ferry. The first time ever. And the ferry had a transformational message for the Guyanese because it suddenly made the islands and even the coastline far more accessible. So actually, you had the entire Guyanese Cabinet, the previous President, everybody, really turn out because it was such a big event for them."
Regarding India's ongoing G20 Presidency, Mr Jaishankar said that India made an effort to consult others, and 125 countries responded because they believe in the country's independent voice. He talked about PM Modi's famous statement, "This is no time for war" regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict, as well as, highlighted India being the first responder to Turkey's earthquake and as per its "Neighbourhood First" policy helped Sri Lanka during its economic crisis.
Notably, India's stature at the global platform is visible in its new approaches like Neighbourhood First and SAGAR, mechanisms like Quad and I2U2 and initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance.
India is perceived as a responsible development partner, as a First Responder, helping countries in economic stabilization and as a voice of the Global South. "India is making a significant economic impact that has been recognised globally. Global South perceives India as a credible partner," said Mr Jaishankar.
Mr Jaishankar also highlighted the land boundary agreement with Bangladesh, mobility agreements with several countries, the opening up of more Passport Seva Kendra, and technological collaboration with foreign countries. He said that these efforts have benefited the people and created several new opportunities for youths.
(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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2-Lane Jaiswal Bridge Over Chenab In Jammu-Kashmir Completed: Nitin Gadkari
A two-lane Jaiswal bridge over the Chenab river in Ramban district along the Jammu-Srinagar national highway has been completed, Union minister Nitin Gadkari said on Wednesday, reiterating his commitment to provide exceptional highway infrastructure in the Union Territory.
Earlier, the bridge missed two back-to-back deadlines between March and April but its completion came just a few weeks before the start of the two-month-long annual pilgrimage to 3,880-metre high holy cave shrine of Amarnath in south Kashmir Himalayas.
"In Jammu and Kashmir, we have completed the construction of a two-lane Jaiswal Bridge over River Chenab on the Udhampur-Ramban section of NH-44. This meticulously designed Balanced Cantilever bridge spans 118 meters and has been built at a cost of Rs 20 Crore," Mr Gadkari, the Road Transport and Highways minister, said in a tweet.
In Jammu and Kashmir, we have completed the construction of a 2-lane Jaiswal Bridge over River Chenab on the Udhampur-Ramban section of NH-44. This meticulously designed Balanced Cantilever bridge spans 118 meters and has been built at a cost of ₹20 Crore.
— Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari) June 7, 2023
The establishment of… pic.twitter.com/A55Md9Fejj
"The establishment of this bridge serves a dual purpose. Firstly, it will alleviate congestion along the Chanderkot to Ramban section, ensuring smoother vehicular movement. Secondly, it will facilitate the seamless passage of vehicles and pilgrim traffic during the 'Shri Amarnath Yatra' on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway 44, which is scheduled to commence shortly," he said.
Under the visionary leadership of Prime minister Narendra Modi, Mr Gadkari said, the government is committed to provide Jammu and Kashmir with exceptional highway infrastructure.
"This transformative development not only contributes to the region's economic growth but also enhances its allure as a prime tourist destination," he said.
The Amarnath Yatra is scheduled to commence on July 1 from the twin tracks -- traditional 48-km Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag district and 14-km shorter but steep Baltal route in Ganderbal district. The first batch of the pilgrims will leave the Jammu base camp for the Valley on June 30.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
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Railway Minister "Working Tirelessly" After Train Accident: HD Devegowda
Days after the Odisha triple train tragedy, former Prime Minister and JD (S) Chief HD Devegowda on Tuesday said Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw is working tirelessly.
"Railway Minister has taken all necessary steps to restore the damage that happened. He is working tirelessly. Let the inquiry be completed," former PM Devegowda said while speaking to ANI.
He further said, "The minister is doing his best and demanding his resignation at this stage is not wise."
When asked about Opposition parties coming together for 2024 polls he said we've not taken any discussion.
"We've not taken any discussion. First of all, we want to strengthen the party for the local body elections," he said.
Mr Vaishnaw oversaw the entire rescue operation and restoration work at the site for two days.
The devastating collision, involving two passenger trains and a freight train, took the lives of at least 275 people and caused injuries to over 1100 others in Balasore. This tragic incident has had a profound impact across India.
Meanwhile, the investigation into the tragic Odisha train accident, which claimed numerous lives, has been handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)
The accident occurred on June 2, when the Shalimar-Chennai Coromandel Express collided with a stationary freight train, causing several coaches to derail onto the adjacent track. Subsequently, the Howrah Express, traveling from Yesvantpur to Howrah, collided with the affected carriages at high speed, resulting in further derailment.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
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Madhya Pradesh Congress Doubles Down On Religion, Plans Statewide Events
The Congress's pre-assembly election calendar in Madhya Pradesh currently has more religious functions than political rallies -- a situation that is drawing BJP jibes. The party is planning readings from Ramayana, Bhagwad Gita and Shiv Purana in all 52 districts and 230 assembly constituencies of the state over the coming months.
In state capital Bhopal, former law minister PC Sharma is conducting the Shrimad Bhagwat Saptah Gyan Yagya, which was flagged off on Monday.
"Similar events will be organised in other parts of the state in the coming days," said Mr Sharma, who is often seen distributing the water of Ganga among the Hindu families in his constituency.
The party had formed its religious cell two years ago and held 30 religious events. Its chief preacher Richa Goswami said they are not out to seek votes.
"Our aim is not to beat anyone. Neither I am asking for votes. We believe in the ideology of Mahatma Gandhi. We believe in religion but we don't believe in show off, so my job is religious awakening... the rest depends on God," she told NDTV in an exclusive interview.
The state's ruling BJP had accused the Congress of pursuing "soft Hindutva" in the run-up to the 2018 assembly elections, which the party had won by a slim margin.
Ahead of the 2018 elections, the Congress had turned to the controversial 'Computer Baba' in the last leg. Before the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Mirchi Baba performed a havan in Bhopal using over one quintal red chillies for the electoral victory of Digvijaya Singh. During Bharat Jodo Yatra, Rahul Gandhi went from Mahakal to Omkareshwar, and performed the Narmada Aarti.
Asked about the role of religious functions in the party's victory in 2018, KK Mishra, who heads the state party's media cell, acknowledged it has a role. "There are multiple reasons for our victory in 2018. One of the reasons was our approach and announcements about religion," he said.
Asked about the BJP allegations, PC Sharma said, "The BJP separate Lord Rama from Sitaji, we say Jai Siyaram, they say Jai Shriram... they do politics of religion, we do politics by following religion, be it Lord Krishna, Lord Rama. They are gods of justice... What has happened in Himachal, Karnataka -- God will do the same justice in Madhya Pradesh".
There are about 40 lakh Brahmin voters in the state, who comprise around 10 per cent of the voting population. More than 60 seats in Vindhya, Mahakaushal, Chambal are dominated by Brahmin voters.
In 2018, 24 of 38 seats in the state's eastern Mahakaushal region were won by the Congress, 14 by the BJP. But in the Vindhya region, the BJP had decimated the Congress by winning 24 of 30 seats.
The BJP has termed the Congress events a "hoax", while claiming credit for the shift in Congress strategy.
"Those who used to be seen on the posters of Qawwali and Urs, are seen in Bhagwat today. This is the change that has come. This is the victory of our thought," said the BJP's Rajpal Sisodia.
"The ideology of the Congress and its government is respect for religion, while working to promote secularism. Society, religious people and citizens are part of the electorate," Congress's KK Mishra said.
