Nigeria election results 2023: Bola Tinubu takes strong lead over Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi

Opposition parties condemn the election as a sham, with Bola Tinubu on 39% of votes counted so far.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/u2k3X8R

Finland starts construction of Russia border fence

The Finnish government has sought to boost border security since Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/NwXW7Cf

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov Lands In India To Attend G20 Meet

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov landed in the national capital on Tuesday night to attend a two-day meeting of the G20 foreign ministers.

The meeting is taking place on Wednesday and Thursday amid Russia's escalating confrontation with the Western powers over the Ukraine conflict.

Lavrov is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday during which both sides are expected to carry out a comprehensive review of bilateral ties.

Those attending the G20 foreign ministers meeting include US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna, Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang, Germany's Annalena Baerbock and British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly.

European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell Fontelles, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajan, Australia's Penny Wong, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Indonesia's Retno Marsudi and Argentine Foreign Minister Santiago Cafiero are also among those attending the G20 foreign ministers' meeting.

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

from NDTV News-India-news https://ift.tt/83j0P46

Watch: Law Minister Kiren Rijiju Relishes Traditional Tiwa Food In Assam

Politicians usually have a lot on their plates ahead of the vote count. This seems to be especially true for Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju who has been attending many "hectic programs" in Assam. 

Taking to social media, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader shared what's on his plate (quite literally) and revealed a delicious Assamese spread served to him in Morigaon. "This is real India..! We relished traditional Tiwa food in Morigaon, Assam. Immense satisfaction to have such delicious local cuisine with our Assam BJP Karyakartas after attending many hectic programs," Mr Rijiju wrote in the caption of his post. 

Watch the video below: 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kiren Rijiju (@kiren.rijiju)

The clip showed the BJP leader sitting on the floor with other BJP Karyakartas and relishing the traditional Tiwa food in Morigaon. Mr Rijiju shared the video just a few hours back and since then it accumulated more than 5,500 likes and over 40,000 views. 

Meanwhile, according to PTI, Mr Rijiju reached Morigaon on Monday and met old members of the Jan Sangh during the day and attended a Vichar Parivar Samanvay Baithak at the local RSS office. He also attended the prime minister's post-budget webinar on 'Ease of living with technology' during the day.

Also Read | Anand Mahindra Meets "Classmate" Bill Gates. Here's What They Discussed

While addressing a meeting elected by BJP representatives at Morigaon, Mr Rijiju urged BJP workers to make the people aware of the work undertaken by the Central government and ensure that party candidates win the maximum number of seats in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The Union Minister said, "We have to work by setting a target for the 2024 Lok Sabha poll. We have to ensure that the BJP candidate becomes the MP from this area". 

He also asked the party leaders to visit people and make an assessment of the functioning of government schemes, like the construction of toilets, and providing potable water and LPG connections to every household. "The public must be made aware of who has given them these facilities. We are working for winning the election. What is the use if we work but still lose?" the Arunachal Pradesh MP quipped.

from NDTV News-India-news https://ift.tt/y8mAN1s

How AAP Will Divide Up Manish Sisodia's 18 Portfolios

The 18 portfolios of the Delhi government handled by Manish Sisodia will be divided among two ministers of the Delhi government for now, sources have told NDTV. Kailash Gahlot and Raaj Kumar Anand will each be in charge of two signature portfolios of Mr Sisodia, sources said.

Mr Anand will be looking after the showcase departments of Education and Health, which the Aam Aadmi Party considers its crown jewels.

Kailash Gehlot, one of the senior members of Arvind Kejriwal's cabinet, will be in charge of the vital power and water departments. AAP's delivery on its promise of free power and water in Delhi is seen as a key aspect of its sweeping victory in Punjab.

He will also oversee finance, the most crucial department ahead of the Delhi budget due in March.

Mr Sisodia, arrested in connection with the alleged liquor scam in Delhi, stepped down as a minister today. So did another Delhi minister, Satyendar Jain, who has been in jail for around eight months.

Before quitting, Mr Sisodia was handling 18 of Delhi's 33 ministries, including health, which was the responsibility of Satyendar Jain till his arrest.

Party sources said there will be no addition to the cabinet till the Delhi budget is presented next month.

Sources say Mr Gahlot will take over eight portfolios that also include Home, Urban Development, Planning, Public works Department, Irrigation and Flood Control. Mr Anand's share includes Land and Building, Vigilance, Services, Tourism, Art Culture and Language, Labour, Employment and Industries.

The AAP government had started out with seven ministers, and now has only five. Mr Kejriwal, the face of the party and the government, has not handled any department so far.

There is speculation that the crunch might tie him up with governance in Delhi ahead of a string of state elections this year and the general elections the next.

AAP, which got the national party status with last year's Gujarat elections, was planning to contest in Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.

Mr Sisodia faces corruption allegations in connection with a new liquor sale policy in 2021. The CBI contends that liquor companies were involved in framing of the policy, for which kickbacks to the tune of Rs 30 crore were paid by a liquor lobby it dubbed the "South Group".

The policy would have led to a 12 per cent profit for them, of which 6 per cent was routed to public servants through middlemen, the agency claimed.

from NDTV News-India-news https://ift.tt/5UPj34w

Why is Israel-Palestinian violence surging?

How come the Israel-Palestinian conflict seems to have suddenly got much worse.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/uFS8drH

Sunak hails new Brexit deal but concerns remain

The PM says the agreement for Northern Ireland is a breakthrough, as many Tory MPs express support.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/woNbPXi

Punjab Engineering Student Stabbed To Death On University Campus: Cops

A student was stabbed to death on the campus of Panjabi University here following a quarrel on Monday, police said.   

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Varun Sharma said the student has been identified as Navjot Singh (20), a student in the sixth semester, of village Sangatpur near Nabha in this district.      
       
He was a computer science engineering student.

Mr Sharma said there were several outsiders on the campus who got into an argument that followed the stabbing incident.  

Police said that the victim had suffered multiple injuries and was taken to a dispensary.

"They shifted him to Rajindra hospital as the stab wounds had led to major loss of blood. He died during treatment," said the SSP.      

Mr Sharma said the university has submitted the CCTV footage of the incident to the police.         
 
Officials said the student was a scholar.

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

from NDTV News-India-news https://ift.tt/f930DYU

Physical 100: Are K-reality shows the next Korean cultural trend?

After Squid Game comes the hit survival-of-the-fittest reality show Physical 100.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/ZH9BROt

Air Pipe With Its Valve Opened Inserted In UP Man's Private Part: Police

A 19-year-old car cleaner was hospitalised after a man inserted the nozzle of a pressure air pipe in his private part and opened the valve following a minor dispute, police said.

The accused named Mohit is absconding.

According to police, the victim identified as Vijay worked as a car cleaner at a petrol pump at Rakesh Marg under the Sihani Gate police Station in Uttar Pradesh. On Saturday, he had an argument with one Mohit.

Additional Deputy Commissioner of police Alok Dubey said, "Mohit attacked Vijay and later inserted the nozzle of pressure air pipe in his private part and opened the air valve. Mohit also sat on the accused." The victim was taken to a hospital and his condition is said to be critical.

"We have lodged an FIR under sections of IPC and initiated an investigation. The accused is absconding since the incident and efforts are being made to arrest him," said the officer.

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

from NDTV News-India-news https://ift.tt/nb29JWr

Couple Gets Life In Jail For Killing Daughter Born Without Ear

A couple was on Monday sentenced to life imprisonment by a court in Indore in Madhya Pradesh for killing their three-month-old daughter, who was born without an ear, and disposing of her body in a garbage dump.

Pappu Rawal (50) and his wife Sangeeta Rawal (45) were convicted under section 302 of the Indian Penal Code for killing their child with a kitchen plier, a prosecution official said.

The child's body was found wrapped in cloth in a garbage heap in Khajrana area here on March 16, 2016.

The child, who was the second daughter of the couple, did not have an ear, due to which they disowned her and killed her, the official said.

However, DNA tests established them as the biological parents and a probe found them guilty.

Assistant District Public Prosecution Officer Avisarika Jain convinced the court about the couple's guilt through circumstantial and scientific evidence, the official said.

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

from NDTV News-India-news https://ift.tt/Qm6kLY1

Lebanon news agency's photo archive stolen in 'crime of national proportions'

A minister calls the theft of the server containing the archive a "crime of national proportions".

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/QirExUo

EU chief and UK PM to hold 'final talks' on NI deal

The EU's Ursula von der Leyen will be in the UK on Monday for face-to-face talks with PM Rishi Sunak.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/PBcGlsf

Delhi's Manish Sisodia arrested over corruption allegations

Delhi's deputy chief minister denies the allegations - his party says "dirty politics" is behind the move.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/vXRgl9t

No One Will Be Allowed To Disturb Punjab's Hard-Earned Peace: BS Mann

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Sunday said his government was committed to maintaining law and order in the state and no one would be allowed to disturb the hard-earned peace.

Referring to the insurgency period in Punjab, Mr Mann said the state and its people have suffered a lot in the past and they only want peace and progress.

Though some fissiparous forces are continuously trying to derail the peace and progress of the state, their nefarious designs will not be allowed to succeed, the chief minister said, adding no one will be allowed to disturb the hard-earned peace in the state.

He reiterated that those who carried the Guru Granth Sahib to a police station in Ajnala in Amritsar as a shield cannot be called the 'waris' (heir) of Punjab.

His remarks came days after self-styled Sikh preacher and Khalistani sympathiser Amritpal Singh and his supporters, some of them brandishing swords and guns, broke through barricades and barged into a police station in Ajnala on the outskirts of the Amritsar city on Thursday, extracting an assurance from the police that his aide and kidnapping case accused Lovepreet Singh would be released.

Amritpal heads an organisation called 'Waris Punjab De." This is an unpardonable crime which must be condemned by one and all, Mr Mann was quoted as saying in an official statement.

The chief minister said, "The Guru Granth Sahib is a source of inspiration for all of us and we must take inspiration from it rather than taking cover under it for protection from unlawful activities." The AAP government in Punjab has come under opposition attack which has alleged that the law-and-order situation in the state has broken down.

The chief minister, speaking in Gujarat's Bhavnagar, said that some people funded from across the border are trying to destabilise peace and progress in Punjab.

Such people are acting as puppets in the hands of Pakistan. But the Punjab Police personnel are capable of safeguarding the interests of the state and its people, Mr Mann said.

He said that, earlier, parties used to seek votes on the "divisive agenda".

However, a paradigm shift was witnessed in the political system with the entry of AAP, which forced the traditional parties to reset their agenda, Mr Mann said.

He said the AAP was a party of warriors who can do anything for the well-being of the people.

In mere 11 months, the AAP government has fulfilled the major guarantees promised to the people. Top priority is being accorded to health, education and employment, Mr Mann said.

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

from NDTV News-India-news https://ift.tt/7KJbuVQ

Kerala Temple Introduces Mechanical Elephant For Performing Rituals

In a first in Kerala, a life-like mechanical elephant was on Sunday dedicated to the deity in a temple near here for performing daily rituals from now on, instead of a real pachyderm.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India joined hands with award-winning actor Parvathy Thiruvothu, and held the 'Nadayiruthal' ceremony of 'Irinjadappilly Raman', a robotic elephant, at Irinjadappilly Sree Krishna Temple in the district.

PETA said Raman will help conduct ceremonies at the temple in a safe and cruelty-free manner and thereby supports real elephants' rehabilitation and lives in forests and end the horror of captivity for them.

"An inaugural ceremony held today was followed by a performance by the percussion ensemble led by Peruvanam Satheesan Marar. Subjecting live elephants to the extreme loudness of the timpani is cruel, as it is damaging and distressing for live elephants," PETA said in a release.

Ms Thiruvothu said these days we have access to understanding what animals are forced to endure when humans use them for entertainment.

"It's high time we made stronger and more impactful strides towards stopping such abuse and letting animals have respectful and dignified lives... I am delighted to support PETA India in helping Sree Krishna Temple worshippers experience the joy and sanctity of religious functions in an exciting, modern, and conscientious manner," she was quoted in the release.

Head priest of the temple Rajkumar Namboothiri said they were "extremely happy and grateful" to receive the mechanical elephant which will help them to conduct rituals and festivals in a cruelty-free manner and hoped that other shrines also consider replacing live elephants for rituals.

PETA claimed most elephants in captivity in the country, including in Kerala, are being held illegally or have been transported to a different state without permission.

The frustration of captivity leads elephants to develop and display abnormal behaviour, PETA said, adding that, at their wit's end, frustrated elephants often snap and try to break free, running amok and so harming humans, other animals, and property.

"According to figures compiled by the Heritage Animal Task Force, captive elephants killed 526 people in Kerala in a 15-year period. Thechikkattukavu Ramachandran, who has been in captivity for about 40 years and is one of the most often used elephants in Kerala's festival circuit, has reportedly killed 13 individuals-- six mahouts, four women, and three elephants," the release said.

PETA urged all venues and events using elephants to switch to lifelike mechanical elephants or other means in place of real elephants.

It also called for retiring elephants already in captivity to sanctuaries where they can live unchained and in the company of other elephants, healing psychologically and physically from the trauma of years of isolation, captivity, and abuse.

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

from NDTV News-India-news https://ift.tt/eFHld2c

Israel and Palestinians pledge to reduce violence

As rare talks were held in Jordan, a Palestinian gunman killed two Israelis in the occupied West Bank.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3WK8Il1

"Inexcusable Slip-Up": Congress On Abul Kalam Azad Missing From Poster

The Congress apologised on Sunday after an advertisement on its 85th plenary session, which did not feature India's first education minister and freedom fighter Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, triggered a controversy and the party received flak from several quarters.

The party said it was "an inexcusable slip-up", for which responsibility was being fixed and action would be taken.

The full-page advertisement, published in dailies on the third day of the plenary session on Saturday, featured Congress leaders of the past -- Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, B R Ambedkar, Subhas Chandra Bose, Lal Bahadur Shastri, Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, P V Narasimha Rao and Sarojini Naidu.

Sharing the advertisement on Twitter, Congress MP Manish Tewari said, "The @INCIndia has a pantheon of Muslim leaders who struggled against fissiparous tendencies especially within their community that led to creation of Pakistan & dedicated themselves to inclusive idea of India. Someone wants to airbrush their contribution from annals of History." 

The @INCIndia has a pantheon of Muslim leaders who struggled against fissiparous tendencies especially within their community that led to creation of Pakistan & dedicated themselves to inclusive idea of India.
Someone wants to airbrush their contribution from annals of History. pic.twitter.com/HFku1vWxyy

— Manish Tewari (@ManishTewari) February 26, 2023

Several people hit out at the Congress for leaving out Azad in its advertisement.

"Today an ad released by INC did not carry a photograph of Maulana Azad. It was an inexcusable slipup. Responsibility for it is being fixed & action will be taken," Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said in a tweet.

"Meanwhile this is a most sincere apology from us. He will always remain an iconic & inspiring figure for us & India," he said.

Mr Ramesh also responded to a tweet by a party leader which pointed out that Azad's picture featured on the dias of the plenary session, saying, "Hope all those who took us to task (justifiable as it may have been) for one goof do take note."

BSP MP Kunwar Danish Ali hit out at the Congress, saying Rahul Gandhi will have to confront and clean RSS elements in his party that are responsible for such a self-goal.

"How can INC forget Maulana Azad and his contribution? Earlier also, Pranab Mukherjee and Shivraj Patil approved installation of Savarkar's portrait in Parliament," Mr Ali said.

BJP MP and its youth wing president Tejasvi Surya said it was "hypocritical" on the part of the Congress to include Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, B R Ambedkar, Subhas Chandra Bose, Lal Bahadur Shastri and P V Narasimha Rao in its advertisement.

"The nation remembers how Nehru family treated these stalwarts & tried erasing their legacy. This advert is only laughable!" he tweeted.

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

from NDTV News-India-news https://ift.tt/sGTg4xN

Ghana's love affair with reggae and Jamaican Patois

Why a West African country with a rich musical scene has such strong links to Jamaica.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/nyOksCG

Manish Sisodia To Be Questioned By CBI In Liquor Policy Case Today

1. The CBI called Mr Sisodia for questioning on February 19. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader, who is also Delhi's Finance Minister, however, sought a week's time citing a tight schedule as he has been preparing the Delhi Budget. The CBI agreed to his request.
2. Mr Sisodia has said he will "fully cooperate" with the central agency. The BJP's Delhi unit, however, called Mr Sisodia's request an "excuse". "Budget was an excuse. The objective was to run," Delhi BJP spokesperson Harish Khurana had said in a statement.
3. Mr Sisodia and others face corruption allegations in bringing a new liquor sale policy in the national capital. Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena had ordered the CBI probe last year.
4. Thereafter, the Delhi government reverted to the old liquor policy and blamed the Lieutenant Governor for loss of revenue worth crores of rupees that the AAP government claimed would have come if the new policy had continued.
5. The BJP said the Delhi government went back to the old liquor sale policy to cover up corruption in the excise department held by Mr Sisodia. The CBI has named seven accused in the liquor policy case chargesheet, which has no mention of Mr Sisodia.
6. The CBI has said it is focusing on the alleged influence of a "South Lobby" of businessmen and politicians making the Delhi liquor policy to swing in their favour using middlemen, traders and bureaucrats. Recently, the CBI arrested Butchibabu Gorantla, a former chartered accountant of K Kavitha, leader of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi and daughter of Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao.
7. The AAP alleged the BJP at the centre was behind the Lieutenant Governor's decision to send the CBI after Mr Sisodia. The liquor policy case soon found itself on top of the long list of friction points between the AAP and the Lieutenant Governor, and by extension the centre.
8. The most recent example of the friction between the Lieutenant Governor and the AAP was when the Supreme Court agreed to the AAP's request that members of Delhi's civic body nominated by the Lieutenant Governor can't vote in the mayor election.
9. Mr Sisodia said the CBI summon was the BJP's way of getting even after it failed in its attempt to get the nominated members to vote.
10. Even before the mayor election, back in November last year, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had alleged that the centre, with the Lieutenant Governor working as a proxy, wanted to harm the AAP's election campaign in Gujarat, the home state of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The BJP had swept the polls.

from NDTV News-India-news https://ift.tt/UtLBWVE

Northern Ireland Protocol: Sunak 'giving everything' for Brexit deal

The prime minister says no agreement has been made but he is hopeful of a "positive outcome".

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/SlqyxXZ

Cooch Behar Police Say Situation Under Control After TMC-BJP Clash

After Union Minister, Nisith Pramanik's car was allegedly damaged by a mob on Saturday in Cooch Behar district in North Bengal, violent clashes erupted between the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers.

While commenting on the situation local police official stated that both parties had come prepared for this violent engagement.

"Since today morning, tension was prevailing in the Burirhat area of Sahebganj PS over the issue of visit of MOS Nisith Pramanik at the house of BJP supporter at Burirhat bazar. Since morning, TMCP supporters gathered at their Burirhat Party office to show black flag. At about 12/30 hrs, MoS visited to the area and after sometimes, proceeded towards Dinhata. But after 10 minutes, few BJP supporters came to the spot with lathi, stones and bricks," as per the official statement released by the office of Additional SP, Cooch Behar district Police.

District Police attempted to control an unruly mob from both sides (TMC and BJP supporters), but things got out of control and they had to engage with the crowd.

"OC Sahebganj PS along his team (under the guidance of SDPO) tried to stop them and also advised them not to proceed towards the TMCP crowd. But they declined and started pelting stones. In the mean time, police tried to restrain both the parties to disperse them from the spot, and fired stun shell inorder to restrict them," said the official press note.

Police have suggested the situation is currently under control.

"At present, all the supporters of both sides left the PO. Now area is under control. Keeping close watch over the issue." said the official statement.

Union Minister Nisith Pramanik is visiting his Lok Sabha constituency, Cooch Behar.

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

from NDTV News-India-news https://ift.tt/957gsjB

G20 meeting deadlocked over calling out Ukraine war

Russia and China refused to condemn Moscow's invasion at a meeting of finance ministers in India.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/sgYcwDU

Border Police Officer's Son Among 4 Arrested For Illegal Weapons In Jammu

Four alleged criminals, including the son of an ITBP officer, were arrested along with a country-made pistol and several sharp-edged weapons in Samba district of Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday, police said.

An investigation into a recent case related to criminal intimidation and weapon brandishing by a gang at Nathwal in Vijaypur led to the arrests, a police spokesperson said.

He identified the arrested accused as Rohit, son of an Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) officer, and his associates Sunil Sharma alias "Kadu", Rajveer Gill and Ankush Sharma alias "Jallu" -- all residents of Vijaypur.

"Rohit is the kingpin of the gang and is a notorious hooligan. He has previously been jailed for his involvement in various crimes, including attempt to murder, criminal intimidation and brandishing illegal weapons," the spokesperson said.

Senior Superintendent of Police, Samba, Benam Tosh said with the arrest of the four accused, the weapon brandishing case of Nathwal, Vijaypur has been solved and illegal weapons have been seized.

"Further interrogation of the arrested persons is going on," he said.

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

from NDTV News-India-news https://ift.tt/rKm6SOa

"No Intention To Abolish Kolkata Tram": Bengal Government

The tramways carnival is back in Kolkata after a gap of four years on Friday, marking 150 years of the only operational tram system in the country.

Since 1996, 'Tramjatra', a global collaboration of tram enthusiasts, artists, environmentalists, and communities, have been in motion in Melbourne and Kolkata. The festival highlights the value of trams through awareness campaigns for cultural heritage, healthy living and sustainability.

The theme of this year's Tramjatra is Heritage, Clean Air and Green Mobility.

For five days, colourful trams will travel across the city displaying artworks, including paintings and posters with sustainable development goal themes.

Local youths will perform musical and theatrical performances inside moving trams, while Roberto D' Andrea, a retired tram conductor from the Australian city would distribute specially designed 'Tramjatra' cards to passengers.

"We are unable to run trams on all the routes due to construction of flyovers and Metro Rail infrastructure. The government has no intention to abolish trams from Kolkata. We are discussing with Kolkata Municipal Corporation and Kolkata Police to run trams in some of the routes without affecting traffic," Transport Minister Snehasis Chakraborty said.

Mr Chakraborty, who was present at the inaugural function of the carnival at Esplanade terminus in central Kolkata, said that tram is "our emotion and is our heritage. I am here today not to give farewell to the Kolkata Tram. But due to increasing population and vehicles and with no expansion of roads, it is difficult to run trams everywhere." Plans are there to make a heritage route surrounding the Maidan area, he said.

Roberto D'Andrea, the retired tram conductor from Melbourne, said that coming from another 'great tram city', it is a privilege for him to be present at the 150th anniversary of Kolkata's tram service.

"We've come back with the privilege of celebrating heritage. We've come back with the desire to help lower the levels of air pollution," he told PTI.

Film-maker and singer Anjan Dutta was present at the event.

The first tram in the city rolled out on the tracks on February 24, 1873.

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

from NDTV News-India-news https://ift.tt/aHokwTC

6 Killed, 35 Injured After Truck Hits 2 Parked Buses In Madhya Pradesh

Six people were killed and at least 35 others injured after a truck hit two buses parked on the side of a road on the Rewa-Satna border in Madhya Pradesh on Friday, officials said.

Eyewitnesses claimed that the accident took place around 9 pm and the people in the buses were returning from the 'Kol Mahakumbh' in Satna city.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah had addressed the event earlier in the day on the occasion of Shabri Mata Jayanti.

Quoting officials, Sidhi District Collector Saket Malviya said the truck coming from the Rewa side hit the buses from behind and 35 people suffered injuries.

Earlier, Additional Chief Secretary, Home, Rajesh Rajora had told PTI: "Six people were killed and 10 others injured as a speeding truck hit two stationary buses on the Rewa-Satna border." The injured are being taken to the Rewa Medical College, he said.

The eyewitnesses said that the truck hit the buses from behind and one of the buses overturned and fell into a ditch. The accident took place near the Mohania tunnel around 9 pm, they said.

The buses had stopped so that food packets could be given to passengers who were returning after attending the Mahakumbh, the eyewitnesses said.

Mr Rajora said top officials, including the collectors and the superintendents of police, of Sidhi and Rewa districts reached the spot and all passengers have been rescued.

Mr Malviya said that according to information given by officials, a tyre of the truck had burst following which the driver lost control of the vehicle and rammed the parked buses.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and state BJP president Vishnu Dutt Sharma rushed to the spot from Satna, the official said.

The chief minister left for Rewa Medical College from the spot after meeting officials and others to to meet the injured passengers, officials said.

Chief Minister Chouhan has directed officials to supervise the treatment of the injured persons and asked them to keep the Rewa Medical College and Sidhi District Hospital on alert, they said.

Former chief ministers Kamal Nath and Digvijaya Singh expressed grief over the accident.

Mr Nath in a tweet claimed that over 50 passengers were injured in the accident, while Mr Singh in a tweet demanded Rs 50 lakh compensation to the family of those who died in the accident and Rs 5 lakh to the injured persons.

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

from NDTV News-India-news https://ift.tt/uxWyLDr

Ukraine war: Russia interrupts UN minute's silence

The Russian ambassador said he wanted the UN to commemorate everyone who has died in Ukraine since 2014.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/jreoiA5

US ex-lawyer Alex Murdaugh admits he stole millions for drugs

The former lawyer accused of murdering his wife and son had a powerful 60-pill-a-day opiate habit.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/9U605OF

Explained: Who Is Lovepreet Singh, Punjab Radical Leader's Aide Freed By Cops

Lovepreet Singh walked out of jail today after a pro-Khalistan organisation lay siege to Ajnala police station in Punjab's Amritsar. But who is he and who is the Amritpal Singh that led the group to Ajnala police station.

Who is Lovepreet Singh

Lovepreet Singh aka Toofan Singh belongs from Gurdaspur in Punjab. He was arrested for his connection in a kidnapping and assault case. Lovepreet Singh is also a part of Waris Punjab De, and a close aide of Waris Punjab De's chief Amritpal Singh.

Who is Amritpal Singh

Amritpal Singh is the chief of Waris Punjab De, a separatist organisation started by Deep Sidhu. Amritpal Singh returned from Dubai last year. He was recently made the head of Waris Punjab De at an event in Moga district, the village of Jarnail Singh Bhindrawale.

What happened on February 23 at Ajnala police station

After Lovepreet Singh's arrest on February 16, Amritpal Singh warned the police to release him, or else he would come with a huge crowd on February 23. Amritpal Singh's supporters started gathering in the morning at Ajnala station.

The police tried to stop them since they were low in number. Then Amritpal Singh reached Ajnala from Raia's village Jallupur Khera. In half an hour, the situation became such that the police were attacked with swords. Several policemen including senior officers, at Ajnala police post were taken over by Amritpal Singh and his supporters.

What did Punjab Police do

The Punjab Police decided to form a special investigative team to probe the first information report (FIR). Lovepreet Singh was released at 4 pm. "Want to ensure peace. It's hard-earned in Punjab," the Punjab Police chief said.

The whole incident has come at the time when Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has been inviting investments to Punjab. This event is not the standalone incident of a separatist uprising in the state. There have been cases in the previous government as well. For now, the situation remains tricky for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab.

from NDTV News-India-news https://ift.tt/aC5Gx6U

Adani Group Sought 94,000 Square Metres Of Land In Gujarat For Township

The Gautam Adani group has sought 94,000 square metres of 'gauchar' (grazing land) and non-arable land from the Gujarat government to build a township and special economic zone, the state Assembly was informed on Friday.

Responding to a query raised by Aam Aadmi Party's Jamjodhpur MLA Hemant Ahir, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, who handles the revenue portfolio, said the group had sought 93,900 square metres of land in Khodiyar village in Ahmedabad and Dantali village in Gandhinagar.

Bhupendra Patel, in his written reply, informed the House the Adani Group had sought this land in exchange for its own plots of equal area in these villages.

It has also sought 202 square metres of non-arable land in Jaspur village in Gandhinagar without this exchange mechanism, the Chief Minister said.

The Adani Group wants land in Ahmedabad district to "develop a Special Economic Zone as part of its state-of-the-art township" while land in Gandhinagar district has been sought for the purpose of a township, the Chief Minister said.

These demands are pending with the state government, Mr Patel added.

The Budget session of the Gujarat Assembly is currently underway.

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

(Disclaimer: New Delhi Television is a subsidiary of AMG Media Networks Limited, an Adani Group Company.)

from NDTV News-India-news https://ift.tt/JzkvRXa

Netflix Slashes Prices In Some Countries To Boost Subscriptions

Netflix Inc said on Thursday it had reduced the prices of its subscription plans in some countries, as the streaming giant looks to retain subscriber growth amid stiff competition from rivals.

With the pandemic-fueled boom cooling and consumers turning more cautious about spending, competition in the streaming businesses has heightened, pushing the companies to rethink their strategies.

According to the Wall Street Journal, which reported the Netflix news first earlier in the day, the price cuts span across some Middle Eastern countries, sub-Saharan African markets and parts of Latin America and Asia.

The cuts apply to certain tiers of Netflix in those markets and in some cases halving the cost of a subscription, the Journal reported.

Netflix, which operates in over 190 countries, has been looking to grow share in newer international regions as the US and Canada markets saturate. Earlier this month, it laid out plans to crack down on password sharing for accounts on its streaming platform.

"We're always exploring ways to improve our members' experience. We can confirm that we are updating the pricing of our plans in certain countries," a spokesperson for the company said.

The spokesperson did not give further details about the price cuts.

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

from NDTV News-India-news https://ift.tt/rmjfDcT

Ukraine war: UN condemns Russian invasion ahead of anniversary

The resolution is approved by 141 countries, with just seven - including Russia - opposing it.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/vtekOcK

Latvian MP swears at Russia in Ukraine protest walkout

Delegates walked out of a security conference after a Russian representative began speaking.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/JKeINby

Ukraine war: Soldiers master British tanks in Dorset

The soldiers will spend the next few weeks learning about tank maintenance and basic repairs.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/8u2Qh3Z

"Congress Was Special Purpose Vehicle For Independence Movement": Amit Shah

Union Home Minister Amit Shah today said the Congress party was a "Special Purpose Vehicle" for independence movement, without any ideology, whereas the BJP was formed on the basis of an ideological pillar called "cultural nationalism".

India's story has begun and by 2047 creation of a "great India" is certain, he said, as he credited the people for a "paradigm shift" in the country, by bringing in the Narendra Modi led BJP government.

Mr Shah was speaking at an interactive session on "Indian Polity - 65 years Scenario & Paradigm Shift Under Modi Ji" organised by 'Samvada' here.

Noting that Congress which contributed in a big way for the freedom struggle is today completely "fallen" into the dynastic system, and its internal democracy has fully eroded, the Union Minister said, Socialist parties too after Lohia era gradually turned into caste based party initially, and then went on to become dynastic parties.

Dubbing the RJD and Samajwadi Party as 'dynastic,' he said, "here too in Karnataka JD(S) is a dynastic party, you can't find anyone in their family who doesn't contest polls, everyone wants contest polls and lead Karnataka, I don't understand as to who runs the house. I'm not opposing them. I'm placing the facts before you." Communist's thinking about the economy is "unnatural and narrow", and this has gradually caused their end globally, he further said, "whereas the Jana Sangh had to fight a long struggle to become Janata Party first and the BJP, but we have kept our ideology and party democracy intact." 

According to him, the Congress party was not born with any ideology, but it was an organisation, to which educated Indians gradually started getting associated with, with a demand for freedom. 

"No one can take away Congress' great contribution in getting freedom for the country, but it did not have an ideology." 

"Congress never had one thinking or ideology, whether it is cultural ideology or economic ideology or ideology with respect to building the nation. All those who wanted freedom got associated with the Congress thinking it to be a platform," he said.

"If I have to say in the modern educated Bengaluru's language, the Congress party was a Special Purpose Vehicle for independence. Congress friends should not take my words in a wrong sense, I'm just trying to explain in a simple way....the only intention was to make the country rid of the British, the whole country was with them on this," he said.

Suggesting that this was the reason why Gandhiji had called for the disbanding of Congress party, after independence as its work was over, the former BJP President said that Gandhi had asked people to form their own party based on their ideology and had said that people will choose their leader.

"But, this did not happen as the credit of getting freedom was in the Congress' account and its leaders then did not want to leave it," he said.

Averring that the ideology of BJP was "cultural nationalism", Mr Shah said, other than India, rest are geopolitical countries, created after war or inventions or partitions, while ours is a "geo-cultural country" formed out of a common cultural ecosystem, and our party fully believes in it.

He said BJP also believes in "integral humanism", and that the deprived and poor have the first right on development, irrespective of their caste or religion, unlike former PM Manmohan Singh, who said minorities should have first right.

Today BJP is the world's largest party with more than 11 crore workers, more than 1,500 legislators, more than 400 MPs and has a government on over 66 per cent land area of this country, he said adding that "as there was courage in our policies or ideology we have reached this far." 

Chief Minister Basavaraj was also present in the event, which was attended by select invitees from various walks of life.

Pointing out that corruption, inflation, crony capitalism, and policy paralysis had engulfed the country before 2014, Mr Shah said, after Narendra Modi became Prime Minister politics was taken away from the privileged towards those potential, and the concept of power for potential was created, bringing in a "paradigm shift".

BJP freed India from, casteism, dynastic and appeasement which had destroyed the country and its policies, he said, as he defended the government's strong decisions like GST, demonitisation, fight against corruption, stating that it was for the good of the people, despite resistance within and the threat of losing the vote bank looming large.

Listing out various policies, initiatives and programmes of the Modi led government for the welfare of the people and in national interest, the Home Minister also pointed to the growth in India's stature globally, and as fifth largest economy.

He spoke about the Modi government's zero tolerance towards terrorism, and also sought to clarify BJP's position on regional languages stating that "Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, are all our languages." 

Pitching for education in mother tongue, he said, "language is not proof for our IQ or knowledge, it is only the expression of IQ or knowledge." 

Advising people to always vote looking at a party and its leadership, Shah said, leadership is not an individual, he is an institution who is associated with the legacy, ideology and development programmes of the party.

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

from NDTV News-India-news https://ift.tt/p7cjrZi

Sam Bankman-Fried hit with four new criminal charges

Sam Bankman-Fried is accused of making more than 300 illegal political donations.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/6JY5sPO

22nd Law Commission's Term Extended Till August 2024

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday, approved the extension of the term of the 22nd Law Commission of India upto August 31, 2024.

According to the official statement, the tenure of the present Twenty-second Law Commission of India ends on February 20, 2023.

The Law Commission of India is a non-statutory body, constituted by the Government of India from time to time.

The Commission was originally constituted in 1955 and is re-constituted from time to time.

The various Law Commissions have been able to make important contributions towards the progressive development and codification of the Law of the country. The Law Commission has so far submitted 277 Reports.

"The Chairperson and Members of the Twenty-second Law Commission have joined office recently and have taken up several pending projects for examination and report, being the work in progress. Therefore, the tenure of the Twenty-second Law Commission has been extended upto August 31, 2024," the statement reads.

The Law Commission identifies laws that are no longer relevant and recommends repealing obsolete and unnecessary enactments.

Apart from this, it is also mandated to suggest the enactment of new legislation as may be necessary to implement the Directive Principles and to attain the objectives set out in the Preamble of the Constitution.

It also Considers and conveys to the Government its views on any subject relating to law and judicial administration that may be specifically referred to it by the Government through Ministry of Law and Justice (Department of Legal Affairs).

The Commission Considers the requests for providing research to any foreign countries as may be referred to it by the Government through the Ministry of Law & Justice (Department of Legal Affairs); and prepares and submits to the Central Government, from time to time, reports on all issues, matters, studies and research undertaken by it and recommending such reports for effective measures to be taken by the Union or any State.

It also performs such other functions as may be assigned to it by the Central Government from time to time.

Recently, Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju informed Rajya Sabha had requested the 21st Law Commission of India to undertake an examination of various issues relating to the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and to make recommendations thereon.

"The term of the 21st Law Commission ended on August 31, 2018. As per the information received from the Law Commission, the matter related to the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) may be taken up by the 22nd Law Commission for its consideration. Therefore, no decision on the implementation of a uniform civil code has been taken as of now," said Mr Rijiju.

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

from NDTV News-India-news https://ift.tt/yjeKkar

Ukraine war: Big mistake for Russia to suspend nuclear arms treaty, Biden says

On Tuesday President Putin said Moscow would suspend participation in the New Start treaty.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/mwvRXC9

Rapper Nipsey Hussle's killer Eric R Holder Jr gets 60 years in prison

Eric R. Holder, Jr. receives 60 years to life for the murder of the Grammy-nominated rapper in LA.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/xhv4ZGd

Donald Trump says officials 'indifferent' after Ohio train derailment

The former president says officials "changed their tune" after he announced a visit to Ohio.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/nqBkXZg

Selfie image shows US pilot flying over Chinese 'spy balloon'

The image, shot from the plane cockpit, reportedly has "legendary status" within the Pentagon

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/QtHjVr3

Gujarat Bridge Repairs Firm Told To Pay 10 Lakhs To Each Victim's Family

The Gujarat High Court on Wednesday directed clock manufacturing firm Oreva Group, the company that maintained the Morbi suspension bridge which collapsed killing 135 people in October last year, to pay Rs 10 lakh as "interim" compensation to the family of each victim and Rs 2 lakh to each injured within four weeks.

A division bench of Chief Justice Sonia Gokani and Justice Sandeep Bhatt gave this direction to the company.

The British-era suspension bridge on the Machchhu river in Morbi town collapsed on October 30 last year, killing 135 persons and injuring 56 others.

The court ordered the company that the family of each victim and every injured person be paid interim compensation of Rs 10 lakh and Rs 2 lakh, respectively, within four weeks.

On Tuesday, during a hearing of a suo motu (on its own) PIL admitted last year following the tragedy, Ajanta Manufacturing Ltd (Oreva Group) had offered to pay Rs 5 lakh compensation to the family of those who died and Rs 1 lakh to the injured persons.

In its interim order, the court said the central and the state governments have together provided Rs 10 lakh compensation to the family of each victim so far.

"The company had offered to give Rs 5 lakh each to the family of those who lost their lives and Rs 1 lakh to those injured. However, this is not enough. The company has to pay Rs 10 lakh each to the family of the victims and Rs 2 lakhs to those injured," Justice Gokani said.

Advocate K R Koshti, who represented the victims, had said that several families have lost their bread-winning members, and many children and women were left to fend for themselves.

The court also noted in its order that the company has offered to take responsibility of seven children who were orphaned in the tragedy.

"They (company) will pay for education and hold their hand till they find footing in the society," the court said.

The bench had earlier made it clear that Oreva's offer of compensation "will not absolve it of any liability".

Oreva Group, led by its MD Jaysukh Patel, was responsible for the operation and maintenance of the bridge. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed by the state government has pointed out several lapses on the part of the firm.

Morbi police have already arrested 10 accused, including Oreva Group's MD Jaysukh Patel, under Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections 304 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder), 308 (attempt to commit culpable homicide), 336 (act which endangers human life), 337 (causing hurt to any person by doing any rash or negligent act) and under 338 (causing grievous hurt by doing rash or negligent act).

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

from NDTV News-India-news https://ift.tt/P8cknty

"Don't Let Outsiders Impose Citizenship Law": Mamata Banerjee In Meghalaya

In a veiled attack on the BJP at an election rally in Meghalaya, West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday said her party will not allow people coming from outside to impose CAA and NRC on residents of the northeastern state.

She accused the Conrad Sangma government in the state of not undertaking development work and being involved in various scandals.

“Outsiders want to rule here while oppressing you with National Register of Citizens, the Citizenship Amenment Act, bullets and scandals. Do not tolerate this. Don't allow people coming from outside the state to impose CAA or NRC on you," she said addressing a poll rally in western Meghalaya.

"Meghalaya will be run by its people and not from Guwahati or Delhi. We (TMC) won't run it from Bengal. We are your friends and will help you with whatever you need,” Ms Banerjee said..

Slamming the state and central governments for the Mukroh violence, the TMC supremo said, “The Assam police fired at the people according to its own whims. Why were no central teams sent to investigate such an incident?” At Mukroh in Meghalaya six people - five from the state and a forest guard from Assam were killed on November 22 in firing by the Assam police.

Central teams are dispatched to Bengal "for the smallest of things" but nothing was done at Mukroh. “Shots were fired in (inter state) border areas. So many people died. But the (BJP) leaders did not come to see the devastation,” she said.

Criticising the alleged "divisive propaganda" of BJP, Banerjee said “Our biggest identity is that we are humans and love humanity. We (TMC) respect all religions. I believe my first and foremost duty is to be with the people. No religion is bigger than the religion of humanity and standing by the people.” She ueged the people to oust both BJP and the Congress which have been in power in Meghalaya for many years but have denied its people of their right to development.

“They (BJP and Congress) were in power for so many years, but could not even build roads in Meghalaya. No medical colleges, no good roads and no system for healthcare facilities either. There was no development, only scandals,” she said and asked the people to vote in her party's favour in the February 27 state election.

"TMC can develop Meghalaya .... Change this government for there is nothing here. No development, but only scandals,” she said.

A number of scandals have rocked Meghalaya for the past few years. They include the illegal coal mining and public distribution system scams. The state leader of opposition Mukul Sangma, who is also the face of TMC in Meghalaya, had on Tuesday alleged a Rs 140 crore land scam in Shillong in which Chief Minister Conrad Sangma and his cabinet ministers are allegedly involved.

Slamming the NPP-led government for the scams, she appealed to the people to punish it by voting against it.

“It is time to change this scandalous government. Nothing was done [by the government] it,” she said.

Slamming the Congress, Ms Banerjee said the party has failed to fulfil it duties as the opposition.

“Congress is asking for votes but where is its moral right? I was in Congress but it expelled those who were with me. We are fighting against BJP and every day it is knocking at our doors with ED and the CBI,” she said.

TMC will "oust" BJP from Delhi, Banerjee said and asked the people of Meghalaya to vote for her party. PTI JOP https://ift.tt/pdjhnTB “We bring the World to you" Disclaimer : This e-mail message may contain proprietary, confidential or legally privileged information for the sole use of the person or entity to whom this message was originally addressed. Please delete this e-mail, if it is not meant for you.

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

from NDTV News-India-news https://ift.tt/WbrRuoZ

Man Kidnapped, Killed Minor, Body Recovered Weeks Later: Delhi Cops

A 21-year-old man was arrested for allegedly kidnapping and murdering an adolescent girl, whose decomposed body was recovered recently by police, an official said on Wednesday.

The incident took place in west Delhi's Nangloi area.

The accused has been arrested, they said, adding that the post-mortem report will confirm sexual assault.

A case of kidnapping was registered in Nangloi police station under section 363 (punishment for kidnapping) of the IPC on February 10 on the statement of the 11-year-old's mother, a senior police officer said.

According to the woman, her daughter had gone to school on February 9 and did not return after that, officer said.

After registering the case, an investigation was taken up.

During investigation, raids were conducted in Punjab and Madhya Pradesh. Accused Rohit alias Vinod, a resident of Dairywala Bagh, Paschim Vihar, was nabbed on Tuesday, Deputy Commissioner of Police (outer) Harendra Kumar Singh said.

The accused disclosed that he met the girl on February 9. After befriending her, he took her to a secluded place in the Ghewra area where he killed her and left, the DCP said.

He took the police team to the spot where the decomposed body of the minor was recovered. The crime and forensic science laboratory (FSL) teams were called and the body was sent to the mortuary, police said.

On Wednesday, an autopsy was conducted and the body was handed over to the family for last rites. The accused has been taken on police remand for further investigation, they said, adding that the section of murder has been added to the case.

The motive of the killing is being ascertained. The autopsy report will confirm any sexual assault, police added.

According to sources, the initial investigation has revealed that the victim did not go to school on February 9. The accused found her alone at a park where he approached her.

They both walked together for four to five kilometres along a railway track. Her body was recovered from a secluded area near the track. The accused was familiar with the area as he used to take the same route when he worked in a factory earlier, sources said.

The family members of the deceased identified the body through her school bag. The previous involvement, if any, of the accused is being checked, they added.

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

from NDTV News-India-news https://ift.tt/qxEfABs

Kenya to investigate 'sex for work' exposed in BBC tea documentary

Parliament orders an inquiry after dozens of women speak of abuse on British-operated tea farms.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/eD4PN7Z

60 MPs Ask For Vande Bharat Train Services To Connect Their Constituencies

With 'Vande Bharat' trains running at almost full capacity on 10 routes, 60 parliamentarians, including 14 MPs from non-NDA parties, have petitioned the railways to begin the operation of the state-of-the-art trains connecting their constituencies.

While most of the petitions have come from BJP MPs, including senior leader Devendra Fadnavis who has asked for a train between Solapur and Mumbai. Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi has requested for a Vande Bharat train from Dharwad to Bangaluru and Civil Aviation minister Jyotiraditya M Scindia for a train to Gwalior.

Out of the 10 Vande Bharat trains currently in operation, the Bilaspur-Nagpur Vande Bharat Express had the lowest occupancy till January this fiscal, while the Mumbai-Gandhinagar route recorded the highest, official data showed.

The Bilaspur-Nagpur Vande Bharat Express had a 55 per cent occupancy rate, while the train running between Mumbai and Gandhinagar recorded 126 per cent occupancy rate, the data showed.

Among the opposition parties, one MP each from the NCP, DMK, SP, AAP and the JD(U) have demanded such trains for their constituencies, while three Congress MPs, two each from the CPI(M) and YSRCP have demanded the same.

Other party MPs -- one each from the Apna Dal and the Shiv Sena have also asked for the indigenous trains.

The Vande Bharat Express train offers better ride for passengers. The train has automatic plug doors, touch-free sliding doors, revolving seats in executive class, 32 inches passenger information and infotainment system in every coach, among others.

Apart from this, the train has many security features as well like the introduction of KAVACH, CCTVs, and better fire safety measures. It takes just 129 seconds to reach the speed of 160 km/hour with these trains.

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

from NDTV News-India-news https://ift.tt/xwVgthr

114-Year-Old Teak Tree Planted By British In Kerala Auctioned For 40 Lakhs

A 114-year-old teak tree planted by the British at the Nilambur teak plantation here fetched a record price of close to Rs 40 lakh when it was auctioned off recently, the Forest department has said.

The tree, planted in 1909, was collected by the department after it dried up and fell on its own in the preservation plot.

The teak trees in the preservation plots are collected only after they fall on their own, a forest official said.

Thereafter, it was put up for auction at the Nedumkayam Forest Depot and was won, in a tightly contested bidding war, by Vrindavan Timbers owner, Ajeesh Kumar for the final price of Rs 39.25 lakh on February 10.

The 8 cubic meter thick wood was auctioned in three pieces.

The main piece, which measured more than 3 meters in length, fetched Rs 23 lakh and the remaining two pieces of the same tree went for Rs 11 lakh and Rs 5.25 lakh, respectively.

Nedumkayam depot officer Shereef P, sharing his happiness over the record price fetched by the tree, said the department had expected a high price but not to this extent.

"We are very happy to say this. In an area planted by the British in 1909 and kept as a preservation plot by the Kerala forest, we collected a tree which had 8 cubic metres of wood. In that the biggest piece, one of the best woods we have got in the depot so far, has fetched the best price. It is a very happy moment for us.

"The main thing is that the Nilambur Teak has got a new benchmark with that price. Nilambur Teak is an international brand. It was developed into that status over several years. The historical importance, if we say, is that in the whole world, teak plantation was first done in Nilambur," the official said.

The official said that the winning bidder -- Vrindavan Timbers from Thiruvananthapuram -- was a regular participant in the bids there and a major client in purchase of quality wood.

"He can also be happy that he could get such good quality wood as there was very stiff competition in the bid. Now chances are rare to get such a wood, a single piece measuring over 3 metres," he said.

Mr Kumar, meanwhile, said, "I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone, especially the staff of Kerala Forest Department." He had to pay an additional Rs 15,000 towards loading the wood onto the lorry to transport it to Thiruvananthapuram.

Many locals had come to witness loading of this rare piece of wood that fetched a record price.

Nilambur boasts of the world's oldest teak plantation, Conolly Plot, named after the former British Collector to Malabar, H V Conolly.

It also has a teak museum and houses the world's oldest teak, named 'Kannimari'. The teak plantations here are spread across 2.31 hectares in Nilambur.

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

from NDTV News-India-news https://ift.tt/TNU8jcR

Probe Agency Accuses Activist Gautam Navlakha Of Links With ISI Agent

Activist Gautam Navlakha, arrested in the Elgar Parishad-Maoist links case, had connections with a Pakistani ISI agent arrested in the US, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has told the Bombay High Court while opposing his bail application. 

The agency, in its affidavit filed in response to Navlakha's plea, also claimed that he had "committed acts that had a direct impact on the national security, unity and sovereignty." NIA lawyer Sandesh Patil on Monday informed a division bench of Justices A S Gadkari and P D Naik that it had filed its reply opposing Navlakha's bail plea.

The bench said it would hear arguments on the application on February 27.

The NIA in its affidavit claimed that Navlakha had visited the United States thrice to speak at the Kashmiri American Council Conference organised by Ghulam Nabi Fai with whom Navlakha was in touch regularly.

"Ghulam Nabi Fai was arrested by the (US agency) FBI in July 2011 for accepting funds from the ISI and Pakistan government....Navlakha had written a letter to the judge of the US court trying Ghulam Nabi Fai's case for clemency," the NIA said.

"Gautam Navlakha was introduced to a Pakistani ISI General for his recruitment by Ghulam Nabi Fai on the direction of the ISI, showing his nexus and complicity with Ghulam Nabi Fai and Pakistani ISI," the agency further claimed.

Navlakha is presently under house arrest, instead of being in jail, as permitted by the Supreme Court on health grounds.

The agency also stated that Navlakha has "deep links with CPI (Maoist) and he espouses Maoist ideology and anti-government utterances through his various lectures and videos." The objective of these activities was to overthrow the government, it said.

Navlakha was assigned tasks such as uniting intellectuals against government forces and recruitment of cadres for "guerrilla activities of CPI (Maoist)", the NIA alleged.

He was not merely supporting a banned terror organisation but "had an active role in furthering CPI (Maoist) activities," it claimed.

The Elgar case relates to alleged inflammatory speeches made at the Elgar Parishad conclave held in Pune on December 31, 2017, which the police claimed triggered violence the next day near the Koregaon-Bhima war memorial in Pune district.

Police had also claimed the conclave was backed by Maoists. Later the probe in the case, where more than a dozen activists and academicians have been named as accused, was transferred to the NIA.

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

from NDTV News-India-news https://ift.tt/S4kRldP

Delhi Lt Governor vs AAP Over Unauthorised Religious Structures' Demolition

Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Tuesday alleged that Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia is pretending to protect the unauthorised religious structures from demolition.

"The doublespeak and hypocrisy of Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia has once against been called out, this time over the issue of demolition of unauthorised religious structures. The unauthorised religious structures that Sisodia is pretending to "protect from demolition", were actually recommended to be demolished by Sisodia himself which was further approved by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and sent to the LG for his nod," an official note from the Raj Bhavan said.

On Monday, Deputy Chief Minister Sisodia appealed to the Delhi L-G to prevent the demolition of temples, mazars, and gurudwaras for infrastructure development projects in the national capital.

Addressing a press conference at Delhi Secretariat, Mr Sisodia said that these religious structures are visited by lakhs of devotees and have strong emotional connections with people, and their demolition could trigger a law and order situation in the capital.

Mr Sisodia's appeal came after the Delhi Police released reports regarding the religious structures, recommending that the demolition can cause a riot situation but if it is still necessary, they [Delhi Police] would have to deploy a security force. However, the L-G had claimed that the Delhi government was holding back files related to the demolition of temples, mazars, and gurudwaras, which he claimed was affecting various development projects. A total of 67 temples, six mazars, and one gurudwara have been identified for demolition in 19 files.

While addressing a press conference at Delhi Secretariat, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia proposed that modifications could be made to the designs of the infrastructure development projects to avoid demolishing these religious structures.

He argued that in an era when modern architecture and technology have advanced, it is possible to modify designs to meet the requirements of the environment, and the same can be done in this case to save the temples, mazars, and gurudwaras. He emphasised that development is essential, but it should not hurt people's religious sentiments.

The proposed infrastructure projects that identified the religious structures for demolition include the construction of several flyovers, roads, and housing projects by the central government. Structures marked for demolition in Delhi include Sarva Mangal Siddha Peeth, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Dham, and Shyam Math Temple. In addition, 49 temples and one mazar have been identified for demolition under General Pool Residential Accommodation (GPRA) projects of the Central Government in Kasturba Nagar, Sarojini Nagar, Netaji Nagar, Srinivaspuri, and Thyagaraj Nagar.

Manish Sisodia urged the Lieutenant Governor to make design changes in the infrastructure projects to avoid the demolition of the religious structures. He emphasised that development is necessary, but it should not be at the cost of hurting people's religious beliefs.

49 temples and 1 mazar has been marked for demolition in Kasturba Nagar, Sarojini Nagar, Netaji Nagar, Srinivaspuri, and Thyagaraj Nagar under GPRA projects of the Central Government.

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

from NDTV News-India-news https://ift.tt/cLPlAoE

NSG Commando's Wife Dies, Family Alleges Dowry Harassment

Wife of a NSG commando died under suspicious circumstances after she allegedly fell from the seventh floor of a residential building in NSG camp in Manesar here, police said on Tuesday.

The family members of the 33-year-old woman have accused her husband and in-laws for her death, alleging that they harassed her for dowry.

According to police, they received the information about the incident on Sunday around 9.30 pm.

The deceased was identified as Preeti, mother of a 4-year-old. Police kept the body in the mortuary and informed the family of the deceased, which reached Manesar on Monday.

Victim's brother Pushpender Singh Lodhi said his sister got married in 2017. "Walender and his family members were harassing her for dowry and finally killed her." Following the complaint, an FIR was registered against Walender and his parents under sections 304-B (dowry death) and 34 (common intention) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) at Manesar police station on Monday, said police.

"We are verifying the facts and action will be taken as per the law," said inspector Vijay Kumar, SHO of Manesar police station.

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

from NDTV News-India-news https://ift.tt/MYb5I2r

Kamila Valieva: Wada appeals to Cas over 'wrong' Rusada ruling in figure skater doping case

The World Anti-Doping Agency refers the case of figure skater Kamila Valieva to the Court of Arbitration for Sport after the teenager was cleared by the Russian Anti-Doping Agency.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/BJWjcMN

Jammu And Kashmir Man Poses As Cop, Cheats Woman Of Jewellery Worth 8 Lakhs

A man impersonating a deputy inspector general of police and duping a woman of jewellery worth Rs 8 lakh was arrested here on Monday, officials said.

A complaint was lodged with the police by one Anuradha from Ludhiana stating that a man posing as an IPS officer of a DIG-rank duped her of jewellry worth Rs 8 lakh and a cash of Rs 76,000, they said.

Acting on the complaint, a police team swung into action and arrested accused Rajesh Kumar while taking the help of technology, the officials said.

During questioning, the accused confessed his involvement in the case and on his disclosure the jewellery and they were recovered, they said.

A case has been registered at police station Bus Stand in this regard, the officials said.

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

from NDTV News-India-news https://ift.tt/qC67Vrg

Stop Demolition Of Religious Structures: Manish Sisodia To Delhi Lt Governor

Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia on Monday appealed to Lt Governor V K Saxena to stop the proposed demolition of 74 religious structures for infrastructure development projects in the capital, saying it could hurt sentiments and lead to a serious law and order situation.

"Lakhs of devotees visit these religious structures and their demolition could trigger a law and order situation in the capital," a statement quoted Sisodia said.

Mr Sisodia's appeal came after the Delhi Police released reports, recommending that the religious structures should not be demolished.

The proposed infrastructure projects include the construction of flyovers, roads, and housing projects by the central government.

"The Delhi Police reports mention that the demolition of religious structures will lead to massive protests and law and order situation in the capital that might escalate to riots," he said.

The deputy Chief Minister said these structures can be protected by making changes to the project designs.

"In the era of modern architecture and technology, it is possible to modify designs to meet the requirements of the environment, and the same can be done in this case to save the temples, mazars, and gurudwaras," he said.

Development is essential, but it should not hurt people's religious sentiments, Manish Sisodia said.

Earlier this month, officials had said that Mr Saxena has recalled files related to several pending infrastructure projects citing "inaction" on the part of the Delhi government.

They alleged that despite the recommendations of a committee to remove the "unauthorised religious structures" that have held up several key infrastructure projects, the Delhi government's home department, headed by Sisodia, has kept 78 such proposals from various agencies pending since May last year.

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

from NDTV News-India-news https://ift.tt/4zVvciY

Justin Welby rejected as leader by conservative Anglicans over same-sex blessings

10 Archbishops criticise Justin Welby over the Church of England backing blessings for same-sex couples.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/VeHxYlJ

India's UPI, Singapore's PayNow Services To Be Linked Today

Singapore's High Commissioner to India, Simon Wong on Monday said that the launch and linkage of cross-border connectivity between the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) of India and PayNow of Singapore is a "milestone initiative".

"As India's 1st first cross-border real-time payment partner, this milestone initiative reflects the deep trust between both countries and will take the bilateral relationship to even greater heights. We look forward to continue to be part of India's digital transformation journey," said Simon Wong.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Singapore counterpart Lee Hsien Loong will witness the launch on February 21, 2023, at 11 AM (IST) via video conferencing, read Prime Minister's Office press release.

RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das and Ravi Menon, Managing Director, Monetary Authority of Singapore, will launch the launch.

The linkage of these two payment systems will enable residents of both countries to transfer cross-border remittances faster and more cost-efficient. It will also help the Indian diaspora in Singapore, especially migrant workers and students through instantaneous and low-cost transfer of money from Singapore to India and vice-versa.

India has emerged as one of the fastest-growing ecosystems for fintech innovation.

from NDTV News-India-news https://ift.tt/CvVePmq

Russia's economy shrinks by less than expected

Despite widespread sanctions, the country's economy fared better last year than many analysts forecast.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/ziHlGxk

Bafta bits you may have missed

All Quiet On The Western Front wasn't the only winner in town at 2023's Bafta Awards.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/gBWJm4T

Delhi Government's Warning To Bike Taxis In The National Capital

The Transport department has cautioned bike taxis against running on the roads of Delhi, warning that it was a violation of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, that would make aggregators liable for a fine of Rs 1 lakh.

The use of two-wheelers for commercial purposes is in violation of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. The first offence could lead to a fine of Rs 5,000 while a second offence could incur a Rs 10,000 fine and imprisonment of up to a year, the department said in a public notice.

The driver will also lose their licence for three months under the circumstances.

The notice said some app-based companies are portraying themselves as aggregators in violation of the 1988 act. This will be punishable with a fine of Rs 1 lakh.

Earlier this month, the Supreme Court refused to grant relief to bike taxi aggregator Rapido against the Maharashtra government's refusal to grant licence to it.

It had noted that amendments made to the Motor Vehicles Act in 2019 made it clear that aggregators cannot operate without a valid licence. A bench of Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and Justices PS Narasimha and Justice JB Pardiwala noted that Pune's Regional Transport Office had rejected its plea for licence on December 21.

The bench said Roppen Transportation Services Private Limited (Rapido) can challenged the state government's January 19 notification which prohibited the use of "non-transport vehicle" from car pooling in Bombay High Court. It stated that the validity of the RTO's December order would stand subsumed by the subsequent wider decision of the state government.

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

from NDTV News-India-news https://ift.tt/t0nmGo2

5 Injured, Several Vehicles Damaged In Pre-Poll Violence In Nagaland: Cops

At least five people were injured and several vehicles were damaged in pre-poll violence in Nagaland, police said on Sunday.

National People's Party (NPP) and LJP supporters clashes in Thonoknyu assembly seat in Noklak district on Sunday afternoon.

Four people sustained minor injuries as the supporters of both parties engaged in heavy stone-pelting. The situation was brought under control following the deployment of state police, Indian Reserve Battalion and Border Security Force (BSF), a police officer said.

In another incident, one person was injured and five vehicles were damaged after unidentified people pelted the convoy of NPP state president Andrew Ahoto Sema with stones while he was returning from election campaigning near Thoktsur in Kiphire district on Sunday evening.

In Dimapur, unidentified people fired some blank shots near the residence of NDPP candidate from Dimapur II assembly seat in Indisen village on Saturday night.

A member of Indisen Youth Organisation claimed that Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) supporters came in six to seven vehicles, and indulged in sloganeering and threw empty bottles at the nominee's house. They also fired six blank shots before leaving the place.

Police said two vehicles belonging to LJP supporters were seized.

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

from NDTV News-India-news https://ift.tt/C9nlV5s

JNU Students' Union Alleges Attack By BJP-Linked Body ABVP

The Left-controlled JNU Students' Union on Sunday alleged that the ABVP attacked some students after a march seeking justice for an IIT Bombay student who died by suicide. The ABVP has denied the charge.

The RSS-affiliated ABVP accused the Left-backed student outfits of "insulting" Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

The Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU) organised seeking justice for IIT Bombay student Darshan Solanki.

Solanki, 18, who belonged to a Scheduled Caste community, allegedly died by suicide by jumping off the seventh floor of a hostel building on the Powai campus of the IIT on February 12, but his family suspects foul play in his death and said he faced discrimination.

In a statement, the JNUSU said, "ABVP has once again resorted to attacking students.... This was done soon after a candlelight march in solidarity with the call by Darshan Solanki's father.... ABVP does this once again to derail the movement against caste discrimination." The ABVP denied the charge and accused the "Left group" of removing a garland from a picture of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and throwing it away.

The student outfit said it organised a function to mark the birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

"Immediately after the programme, the students on the Left came there and removed the garland from the picture and threw it away," the ABVP said in a statement.

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

from NDTV News-India-news https://ift.tt/qsyYRib

Has Putin's war failed and what does Russia want?

A year into Russia's war, he has little to show for it but there is no sign of an end.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/ITJ9pGP

"BJP Move To Divert Attention": Rahul Gandhi On Kashmir Eviction Drive

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Sunday chaired a meeting of party leaders of Kashmir and slammed the Bharatiya Janata Party for the ongoing eviction drive in Jammu and Kashmir and termed it as a deliberate move by BJP to divert the attention of the people from real issues.

The administration of the Union Territory launched an eviction drive against illegal encroachment by 'big land owners' and 'influential' people and nearly 23,000 hectares have been retrieved during the ongoing anti-encroachment drive in the Jammu division.

During the meeting, the former Congress chief exhorted party leaders to work for the betterment of people.

Mr Gandhi expressed serious concern over the difficulties confronting people in absence of the democratic system in Jammu and Kashmir while slamming the government for snatching the rights of people.

Slamming the eviction drive in Jammu and Kashmir, Mr Gandhi said, "BJP's deliberate move to divert the attention of the people from real issues especially rising unemployment, unprecedented price hike and other developmental issues concerning people."

Worried over the current situation of Jammu and Kashmir, he said, "Jammu and Kashmir was divided into two UTs against the wishes of the people besides they are being abandoned of their democratic rights by the BJP aiming to hide its (BJPs) wrong policies and utter failure on all fronts, but the Congress shall continue to fight for the democratic rights of the people and ensure justice to them."

Rahul Gandhi also expressed confidence that people especially the youth are joining the Congress party given its pro-people policies urging Party leaders to keep their doors open for those wishing to join Congress and encourage them to work for the well-being of the people.

The Congress MP told the party leaders that he will continue to visit Jammu and Kashmir as he feels their pain and anguish, he will leave no stone unturned to ensure justice to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, who have undergone enormous hardships due to the wrong policies adopted by the BJP Government towards Jammu and Kashmir.

Speaking on the occasion, Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi urged the party leaders to work hard to strengthen the Congress party at the grassroots and perform their legitimate role to resolve people's issues, for the fact, Congress Party is an instrument of service to the people.

AICC Incharge Rajni Patil (MP) and JKPCC President Vikar Rasool Wani briefed Rahul Gandhi about the organizational affairs and activities in Jammu and Kashmir.

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

from NDTV News-India-news https://ift.tt/CnHIVXY

The protesters who've gone missing as China deepens crackdown

Police have quietly gone after those who took part in the November protests that shook China.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/32SEo5c

2 Hyderabad Residents Held Hostage By 11 People In Goa, Say Police

Goa Police on Saturday detained eleven persons and rescued two Hyderabad residents whom they had taken hostage following a dispute with the victims' employer, an official said.

Superintendent of Police (North) Nidhin Valsan said the First Information Report (FIR) in the case was registered in Hyderabad.

The accused had some dispute with complainant Jayram Kumar over mining activities. They allegedly called two of his employees to Goa, took them hostage and demanded a ransom of Rs 4 crore from Kumar to release them, the official said.

After receiving information from Hyderabad Police, Goa cops formed a team and tracked down the accused in Bambolim area near Panaji, he said.

The main accused in the case was also being investigated for alleged involvement with the banned organization Popular Front of India (PFI), Valsan said.

All the accused would be handed over to Hyderabad Police for further investigation.

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

from NDTV News-India-news https://ift.tt/Tro0OCJ

Former US President Jimmy Carter to receive hospice care

The former US president will "spend his remaining time at home with his family", the Carter Center said.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/LDBRyP5

Industrialist Among 2 Dead After Car Collides With Truck In Uttar Pradesh

Two men, including the owner of a steel manufacturing unit, were killed when their car collided with a truck at Fatehabad toll plaza on the Agra-Lucknow Expressway, police said on Saturday.

The car was on its way to Bagehswar Dham in Chhattisgarh when the accident occurred. Two persons were injured in the accident, they said.

"The accident occurred around 8 am at Fatehabad Toll Plaza on Saturday. The car was heading towards Lucknow from Agra while the truck was on its way to Agra. After crossing the toll plaza, the truck collided with the car," Fatehabad police station SHO Triloki Singh told PTI.

The victims have been identified as Naveen Singhal (62) and Anil Goyal (65).

The two injured -- Anshul Mittal and Shriniwas -- are undergoing treatment at Sarojini Naidu Medical College and Hospital, Singh said.

Police sources said Singhal was the owner of a reputable steel manufacturing company. Goyal was also involved with the iron industry.

They were coming from Hapur in Uttar Pradesh, the sources added.

The bodies have been sent for post-mortem.

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

from NDTV News-India-news https://ift.tt/fiZA9YU

Rishi Sunak: Ukraine's long-term security must be ensured now

Allies must give advanced Nato-standard equipment and long-term security assurances, Sunak says.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/A7Vnv1O

Gujarat Doctor Found Hanging, Son Accuses MP Of Issuing Threat: Cops

Days after a doctor from Veraval town in Gujarat's Gir Somnath district died allegedly by suicide, his son submitted an application to the police seeking registration of an FIR against a Member of Parliament and the lawmaker's father for “threatening” the medical practitioner and usurping nearly Rs 1.75 crore.

The Veraval City police station accepted the application by Dr Atul Chag's son Hitarth on Friday, and started further investigation into the case, said Superintendent of Police Manoharsinh Jadeja.

Dr Chag, an MD Physician, was a well-known doctor of the Veraval region. He was found hanging from the ceiling fan of his hospital in the town on February 12. Police had found a one-line suicide note blaming the MP and his father.

While his family had claimed at that time that the note was indeed written by Dr Chag, police had said it had been sent for forensic analysis to ascertain its authenticity.

On Friday, Dr Chag's only son Hitarth approached the Veraval police station and submitted an application seeking registration of FIR against the lawmaker and his father under Indian Penal Code sections including 306 (abetment of suicide), 406 (criminal breach of trust) and 506-2 (criminal intimidation).

As per the application, the MP and his father had a close relationship with Dr Chag for the last 20 years and the duo had borrowed nearly Rs 1.75 crore from the doctor in instalments since 2008 by winning his trust.

According to Hitarth, the MP's father had given four blank cheques to Dr Chag to win his trust. When the duo stopped responding to Dr Chag's repeated requests to return the money, the latter deposited one of the cheques of Rs 90 lakh in the bank but it was dishonoured, Hitarth said in his application.

When Dr Chag sought an explanation, the duo allegedly warned him of “dire consequences” and also threatened to abduct his only son. According to Hitarth, the MP had openly threatened his late father saying that nothing would happen to him as he is a lawmaker.

Days before the suicide, the duo had verbally abused Dr Chag and had also threatened to kill him and his son Hitarth for demanding the money back, as per the application.

The threat and the thought of losing money deeply upset the doctor, as per his son.

Hitarth further said that the note found by police on February 12 was indeed written by his father and his father took the extreme step out of shock and fear.

from NDTV News-India-news https://ift.tt/uXgL8AG

Chilli crab: The woman behind Singapore's beloved dish

Cher Yam Tian, who created what is now a world-famous culinary delight, dies at 90.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/7h5qrWz

Hugh Jackman: Inevitable that Australia will become a republic

The X-Men star said the move would be "natural", but he still had respect for the UK's Royal Family.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/5dmwlZF

How MI5 caught UK embassy spy selling secrets to Russia

The BBC's Home Affairs correspondent explains what David Smith did, and how he was stopped.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/1mp9xEw

'Never give up': Woman fights off attacker in US gym

A man who attacked a lone woman in a Florida apartment gym got more than he bargained for.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/UxH42NJ

MK Stalin Condemns Karnataka "Firing" Incident That Killed Tamil Nadu Man

The body of a 40-year-old man who went missing days ago on the inter-state border between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka was found floating on the banks of River Palar on Friday in Erode district, police said.

As villagers alleged he was shot dead by Karnataka forest personnel, tension prevailed in areas including Kolathur bordering the neighbouring State and Tamil Nadu and Karnataka authorities have deployed adequate policemen to maintain law and order. Vehicular traffic movement was also affected for sometime.

Tamil Nadu political parties condemned the 'killing' and sought action against those responsible for it. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin "strongly condemned" the "firing" incident. The deceased man was identified as M Karavadiayan alias Raja and he hailed from Govindapadi village of Kolathur in Salem District, police said adding his kin allege that he was shot dead by Karnataka forest personnel.

Raja was part of a group of 4 men which travelled to a forest area on the Tamil Nadu-Karnataka inter-state border on February 14 and they were fishing in the river.

According to the local people, the allegation levelled by Karnataka personnel was that the group attempted to hunt and poach in the jungle. While he died after he was shot at, others reportedly sustained injuries and fled the spot.

Erode district police said that a probe under the CrPC is on over Raja's suspicious death. A truck driver, Raja faced allegations of hunting wild animals off Bargur and Mettur in Tamil Nadu and along the border with neighbouring Karnataka.

He faced a case in Chamarajanagar district of Karnataka in connection with poaching. Also, a case was pending against him in Kolathur (Salem District) over gambling. On February 14, Raja had been to Chamarajaranagar bordering Tamil Nadu for hunting.

He could have 'accidentally drowned' or may have jumped into the river 'for some other reason,' police said.

It could have happened close to Mettur to Male ahadeshwara hills Road near Palaru River bridge between February 14 and 17. The incident was reported at 3 PM on Friday to the district police.

They declined to specify if Raja drowned after sustaining bullet injuries or if it was only a case of drowning. His body was found floating on the river bank and it was sent to Salem Government Medical College Hospital for autopsy, they said. Bargur police (Erode District) are investigating.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Stalin condoled the death of Karavadiayan and announced Rs 5 lakh as compensation to the family of the deceased.

He referred to the allegations of the victim's relatives about Karnataka Forest personnel shooting him dead.

"I strongly condemn the firing by the Karnataka Forest Department," he said.

The victim's family will be paid the amount from the Chief Minister's relief fund, he said in a statement in Chennai.

Pattali Makkal Katchi leader Anbumani Ramadoss said Raja was shot dead by Karnataka personnel while he was fishing and strongly condemned it. The Rajya Sabha MP said fishing is a routine activity, a source of livelihood and not a crime "The border area with Karnataka is part of India and it is not a border with Sri Lanka or Pakistan." In case, fishing is not permitted in waterbodies on the interstate border, those violating the norm could have been driven away or legal action may have been taken. Killing is a huge crime and unpardonable, he said. This is not the first time Karnataka indulged in opening fire and in 2018, a Tamil Nadu fisherman Palani was shot dead, he said.

In order to divert the issue, the Karnataka Forest department is spreading fake news that Raja opened fire on its personnel and he died in the ensuing clash. A case should be registered and Karnataka forest personnel involved in killing Raja should be arrested, Anbumani said.

He urged the Tamil Nadu government to provide Rs 50 lakh solatium and a government job to one of the family members of the deceased Raja.

CPI State Secretary R Mutharasan said Karnataka 'continued' to carry out such killings and condemned it. He demanded that the incident be probed by authorities and the kin of the deceased should be provided compensation.

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

from NDTV News-India-news https://ift.tt/fQHR3Kl