Month: October 2023

The Border Security Force (BSF) retaliated to unprovoked firing opened by Pakistani troops two days ago in Jammu’s Arnia and RS Pura sectors with equal measure and inflicted heavy damage to the enemy posts and their terrorist-supporting infrastructure.

Senior sources in the security forces said the entire issue started in the area a few days back when a BSF soldier was fired upon by Pakistani troops while he was carrying out repairs near the border fence on the international border there.

Pakistani snipers attacked the BSF soldier who suffered a bullet injury in his jaw and is undergoing treatment, they said.

After the first incident, BSF posts retaliated by targeting the Pakistani posts.

The Pakistani troops, again tried to attack our troops on the fence in the same sector two days back.

This time, the BSF leadership had given a free hand to the troops on the ground to take on the misadventure of Pakistani forces aimed at supporting the infiltrating terrorists, they said.

As soon as the Pakistani troops attacked the BSF post in which a soldier was injured two days ago, the BSF troops retaliated with heavy firing causing damage to Pakistani posts while also damaging their watch towers, the sources said.

A number of Pakistan Rangers troops suffered major casualties, the sources said.

The sources said that the troops and formation commanders have been given clear instructions that any act of provocation by the Pakistani troops has to be dealt with firmly.

The BSF retaliation was so heavy that till late in the night, ambulances could be seen operating across the border to carry the injured to medical facilities, they said.

BSF has very actively strengthened its presence in the border areas to prevent any infiltration.

The Pakistani troops along with attacking Indian troops in violation of the ceasefire for over two years also targeted the civilian areas in the vicinity. (ANI)

The Supreme Court will deliver the order on the bail pleas of Manish Sisodia in liquor policy irregularities cases on October 30.

The order will be delivered by a bench of justices Sanjiv Khanna and SVN Bhatti.

Recently the Supreme Court reserved the judgement on the bail pleas of Manish Sisodia in liquor policy irregularities cases.

Former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia has moved the Supreme Court for bail in CBI and ED cases related to alleged irregularities in the Delhi Excise Policy case. He has challenged the Delhi HC order rejecting his bail plea.

During the hearing, the court sought to know about the time taken to finish the trial in the matter. Additional Solicitor General SV Raju, appearing for probe agencies– Enforcement Directorate and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)– had said that the trial can be concluded within 9 to twelve months.

The court noted that there are 294 witnesses in the matter and thousands of documents.

Opposing the bail plea of Sisodia, ASG has also read one line from SC’s judgement upholding the provisions of PMLA and said that Section 45 of PMLA suggests bail can be given only in a “genuine case”.

Countering the argument of probe agencies, Senior Advocate AM Singhvi has apprised the top court that all evidence connected to matters is documentary in nature. He urged the top court to give bail to Sisodia as there is a flight risk and there is no need to keep him behind bars.

He also submitted that there is nothing to link Sisodia directly in the matter and no evidence which shows his connection with Vijay Nair.

The Delhi High Court denied him bail in both matters. In its order passed on July 3, 2023, in the ED case, the Delhi HC stated that this court inter alia was of the view that in view of the high political positions held by the accused and his position in the party in power in Delhi, the possibility of influencing the witnesses cannot be ruled out.

In February 2023, Sisodia was arrested by the CBI for alleged irregularities in the framing and implementation of now-scrapped Delhi’s new excise policy. The policy was withdrawn amid allegations of foul play by the opposition. Sisodia is currently in judicial custody.

According to the CBI, Sisodia had played the most important and vital role in the criminal conspiracy and he had been deeply involved in the formulation as well as the implementation of the said policy to ensure the achievement of the objectives of the said conspiracy. (ANI)

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Saturday asserted that the Congress will conduct the caste-based census if the party assumes office at the Centre while questioning Prime Minister Narendra Modi why he is afraid to conduct it.

“We will conduct the caste-based census as fast as possible. If our government comes to power, the work will begin in two hours. And if our government is formed in Chhattisgarh, then the Chhattisgarh government will conduct the caste-based survey,” Rahul Gandhi said at a gathering in Chhattisgarh’s Kanker ahead of the state assembly elections.

He further said, “Why are you (PM Modi) afraid of OBC caste-based census? Why don’t you speak about caste-based census in your speeches? And the data which we prepared during our government, why don’t you release it? As you know in today’s India, the OBC section does not have the participation it should have. Because you want to hide this truth from the OBC youth.”

The Congress has fielded Shankar Dhruv from the Kanker (ST) seat which is reserved for Scheduled Tribes, it has fielded Girish Devangan from Rajnandgaon and Savitri Mandavi from the reserved constituency of Bhanupratappur(ST).

The first phase of polling for 20 seats in Chhattisgarh will be held on November 7. After the first phase of polling on November 7, the remaining 70 seats in the state will go to polls on November 17.

The counting of votes will be done on December 3.

Elections in Chhattisgarh will be contested on 90 assembly seats and both the major contenders in the state, BJP and Congress, have released their final list of all 90 candidates in the state.

The ruling party in the state, Congress, has fielded leaders like Ambica Singh Deo from Baikunthpur, Chaturi Nand from Saraipali, Ambina Markam from Sihawa and Omkar Sahu from Dhamtari. (ANI)

The Lok Sabha Ethics Committee has now asked TMC MP Mahua Moitra to appear before it on November 2 in connection with the alleged ‘Cash for Query’ scandal.

The new date was communicated to Moitra after she sought more time to appear before the panel after having been told to give her oral evidence in the matter on October 31.

In a communication to Moitra, the Privileges and Ethics Branch of Lok Sabha Secretariat said that “in view of the seriousness of the matter” any further request for rescheduling the panel sitting will not be entertained.

Moitra has been given till October 31 to confirm her appearance.

The TMC MP has been asked to depose before the Ethics Committee headed by BJP MP Vinod Sonkar to submit oral evidence in regard to the complaint filed against her by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey.

The communication referred to Moitra’s letter and said the Ethics Committee chairperson has “acceded to your request for extension of date for appearing before the committee”.

“It has accordingly been decided to hear you in the above matter, in person, on November 2 at 11 am,” the communication said.

“The Chairperson has also directed to convey that keeping in view the seriousness of the matter, having implications on the dignity of Parliament as well as its Members, any further request for extension of date for appearing before the Committee, i.e., re-scheduling the sitting of the Committee for any reason whatsoever would not be entertained,” it said.

“Necessary confirmation in this regard may kindly be sent to this Secretariat, latest October 31, 2023,” it added.

In her letter to the Ethics Committee on Friday, the TMC MP had said that she will be attending pre-scheduled Vijay Dashmi meetings in her constituency from October 30 to November 4 and requested to be given time to appear in person before the committee at any date and time after November 5, 2023.

Moitra also asked “for the right” to cross-examine Darshan Hiranandani, the businessman at the centre of the alleged ‘Cash for Query’ scandal. She also urged the committee to call Hiranandani to depose before the panel and provide a verified list of alleged gifts and favours allegedly provided to her.

Meanwhile, Dubey on Saturday alleged that attempts are being made to influence the witness amid the ‘Cash for Query’ row and urged the Lok Sabha speaker to take action.

“According to the information, Darshan Hiranandani and Dubai Didi (MP Mahua Moitra) are in touch. An attempt is being made to influence the witness @loksabhaspeaker to take action,” he said in a post on X.

Dubey and Advocate Jai Anant Dehadrai appeared before the Lok Sabha Ethics Committee to submit oral evidence on their allegations on Thursday.

After the appearance Nishikant Dubey said that he had placed all documents regarding his allegations before the committee and now the only question was “Is Mahua Moitra a thief?”

The “Cash for Query’ scandal erupted after the BJP MP wrote to the Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, alleging the involvement of Moitra in the scandal. He claimed that he had proof of the allegations which were submitted to him by Advocate Jai Anant Dehadrai.

In response to Dubey’s letter to the Lok Sabha Speaker, the Trinamool MP had said she would welcome a probe by the Speaker after he had dealt with alleged breaches of privilege by other BJP MPs. (ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi distributed over 50,000 appointment letters to newly inducted recruits via video conferencing on Saturday.

Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister said that till now lakhs of youth have been given appointment letters for government jobs under the Rozgar Mela.

“Rozgar Mela was started in October last year. ‘Rojgar Mela’ is being organised at the Centre and in NDA, BJP-ruled states. Till now, lakhs of youth have been given appointment letters for government jobs. Today, more than 50,000 youth have been given government jobs. There is some time in Diwali, but this occasion is no less than Diwali for the families of the receivers of 50,000 appointment letters,” he said.

Rozgar Mela will be held at 37 locations across the country. The recruitments are taking place across Central Government Departments as well as State governments/UTs supporting this initiative.

The new recruits, selected from across the country will be joining the government in various Ministries/Departments including the Ministry of Railways, Department of Posts, Ministry of Home Affairs, Department of Revenue, Department of Higher Education, Department of School Education and Literacy and Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, among others.

Rozgar Mela is a step towards the fulfillment of the commitment of the Prime Minister to accord the highest priority to employment generation.

Rozgar Mela is expected to act as a catalyst in further employment generation and provide meaningful opportunities to the youth for their empowerment and participation in national development.

The newly inducted appointees are also getting an opportunity to train themselves through Karmayogi Prarambh, an online module on iGOT Karmayogi portal, where more than 750 e-learning courses have been made available for ‘anywhere any device’ learning format. (ANI)

Even as India was among the countries that abstained from voting for a non-binding Jordanian resolution, it voted in favour of a Canada-led amendment to the draft resolution on the Gaza crisis which failed to pass at the UNGA as it did not achieve a two-thirds majority.

Canada proposed an amendment to the resolution drafted by Jordan, which originally called for unhindered humanitarian access in the Gaza Strip but did not condemn terror organisation Hamas. Canada’s proposed amendment sought to insert a paragraph condemning the ‘terrorist attacks by Hamas.’

India abstained from voting on the Jordanian resolution which called for an “immediate, durable and sustained humanitarian truce” between Israeli forces and Hamas terrorists in Gaza. However, it is pertinent to note that India was in favour of the Canadian resolution which condemned the terrorist attacks by Hamas.

The Jordanian-led draft resolution was adopted by the General Assembly, with 120 votes in favour, 14 against and 45 abstentions. The 45 nations that abstained from voting on the resolution included Iceland, India, Panama, Lithuania and Greece.

The resolution was adopted during the UN General Assembly’s emergency special session on the Israel-Palestine crisis. The UNGA also demanded “continuous, sufficient and unhindered” provision of lifesaving supplies and services for civilians trapped inside the enclave.

The Canada-led amendment to the draft resolution on the Gaza crisis did not pass at the UNGA. It failed to achieve a two-thirds majority. An amendment proposed by Canada “unequivocally rejects and condemns the terrorist attacks by Hamas” in Israel which started on October 7 and the taking of hostages.

During the voting on the Canada-led amendment to the draft resolution, 88 voted in favour of the amendment, 55 voted against the amendment and 23 abstained from voting. The nations that voted in favour of the amendment included India, Australia, US, UK, Austria and Ukraine.

Meanwhile, expressing deep concerns over the deteriorating security situation and the astounding loss of civilian lives in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, India at the UN urged both parties to “de-escalate, eschew violence.”

India’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations Yojna Patel on Friday (local time) in her remarks at the United Nations General Assembly Emergency Special Session on the Israel-Hamas war said, “India is deeply concerned at the deteriorating security situation and the astounding loss of civilian lives in the ongoing conflict. The escalation of hostilities in the region will only exacerbate the humanitarian crisis. It is necessary for all parties to display the utmost responsibility.”

She noted that India has always supported a “negotiated two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine.” Patel said that India urges the parties to de-escalate, eschew violence and work towards creating conditions for an early resumption of direct peace negotiations.

“India has always supported a negotiated two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine issue leading to the establishment of a sovereign, independent and viable state of Palestine living within secure and recognized borders side by side in peace with Israel. For this, we urge the parties to de-escalate, eschew violence and work towards creating conditions for an early resumption of direct peace negotiations,” Yojna Patel said.

“We hope that the deliberations of this assembly will send a clear message against terror and violence and expand prospects for diplomacy and dialogue while addressing the humanitarian crisis that confronts us,” she added.

Patel also called the Hamas’s attacks on Israel on October 7 “shocking” and stressed that they deserve condemnation. She said that India calls for immediate and unconditional release of hostages.

“The terror attacks in Israel on 7th October were shocking and deserve condemnation. Our thoughts are also with those taken hostages. We call for their immediate and unconditional release. Terrorism is a malignancy and knows no borders, nationality or race. The world should not buy into any justification of terror acts. Let us keep aside differences, unite and adopt a zero-tolerance approach to terrorism,” Yojna Patel said.

Calling the casualties in Gaza a “telling, serious and continuing concern,” Yojna Patel said that the humanitarian crisis needs to be addressed. She stated that India welcomes the international community’s de-escalation efforts and delivery of humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza.

Patel said, “Casualties in the ongoing conflict in Gaza are a telling, serious and continuing concern. Civilians, especially women and children, are paying with their lives. This humanitarian crisis needs to be addressed. We welcome the international community’s de-escalation efforts and delivery of humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza. India, too, has contributed to this effort.”

Emphasising that differences and disputes should be resolved through dialogue, Patel said, “In a world where differences and disputes should be resolved by dialogue, this august body should be deeply concerned at recourse to violence. That too, when it happens on a scale and intensity that is an affront to basic human values. Violence as a means to achieve political objectives damages indiscriminately and does not pave the way for any durable solutions.”

The adoption of the Jordanian resolution is the first formal response of the United Nations to the escalation of violence in Israel and Palestine since the Hamas terror attacks of 7 October.

The voting at UNGA comes at a time when Israel has announced expanding ground operations in Gaza. (ANI)

Indian para-athletes on Saturday created history as they claimed their 100th medal of the Asian Para Games in Hangzhou with Dilip Mahadu Gavit claiming a gold medal.

🔥💯🥇🥈🥉 What a MOMENTOUS achievement! India has clinched a STUNNING 💯 medals at the #AsianParaGames2022! 🎉🇮🇳

🙌 The dedication, passion, and sheer talent of our para-athletes have us beaming with PRIDE! 🌟🇮🇳

👏 A HUGE shoutout to our incredible athletes, coaches, and the… pic.twitter.com/L1JCrtLVIg

— SAI Media (@Media_SAI) October 28, 2023

Gavit won a gold medal in Men’s 400m T47 event. He claimed the prestigious gold with a brilliant run time of 49.48 secs. For the first time, the Indian para contingent has won 100 medals, making this their most successful Para Asian Games campaign to date. At the time of publishing, India have claimed 26 golds, 29 silvers and 45 bronze medals.

The fact that India’s para-athletes have surpassed the 100-medal milestone in the Asian Games is what makes this feat so noteworthy in the ongoing 4th Asian Para Games. The previous greatest medal haul for the country came at the 2018 Para Games in Jakarta. Back then, 72 medals were won, including 15 golds, 24 silvers, and 33 bronzes.

The feat was congratulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi who said these triumphs would be an inspiration for all.

“100 MEDALS at the Asian Para Games! A moment of unparalleled joy. This success is a result of the sheer talent, hard work, and determination of our athletes. This remarkable milestone fills our hearts with immense pride. I extend my deepest appreciation and gratitude to our incredible athletes, coaches and the entire support system working with them. These triumphs inspire us all. They serve as a reminder that nothing is impossible for our youth” the Prime Minister said in a post on X.

Meanwhile, the flurry of medals on the last day of the prestigious Games continued for India as rowers Anita and Narayana Konganapalle bagged a silver medal in PR3 Mixed Doubles Sculls on Saturday. The mixed doubles pair claimed a podium finish with the timing of 8:50.71.

Suyansh Narayan Jadhav won India’s first gold medal in swimming at the sporting event on Friday, clocking a performance time of 32.22 seconds in the Men’s 50m Butterfly-S7 category. Solairaj Dharmaraj won India’s 25th gold medal and 98th overall at the Asian Para Games 2023 by setting a new Asian and Games record in the Men’s Long Jump T64 category with a leap of 6.80m.

The Indian contingent will look to continue its winning streak in Athletics, Chess, and Rowing on Saturday.

Indian para-athletes won a total of 17 medals, including 7 gold, 6 silver, and 4 bronze medals on Friday. Sheetal Devi started the day on a high note, earning gold in the Archery compound open event. Dharmaraj Solairaj won gold in the men’s long jump T-64 event with a leap of 6.80 metres.

Nitesh Kumar and Tarun from India won gold in men’s doubles SL3-SL4 badminton. India dominated the men’s Badminton singles SL3 tournament, with two podium finishes. Pramod Bhagat won the coveted gold medal, while Nitesh Kumar took home the silver. Thulasimathi won gold in the Badminton women’s singles SU5 division, defeating China’s Quixia Yang 2-0. Earlier, Raman Sharma won gold in the men’s 1500m T-38 event with a time of 4:20.80. (ANI)

Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani received death threats via email threatening to shoot him if he failed to pay Rs 20 crores.

According to the Mumbai police, it was written in the threatening email that “If you don’t give us 20 crore rupees, we will kill you, we have the best shooters in India.”

After receiving the email, based on the complaint of Mukesh Ambani’s security in-charge, Gamdevi Police of Mumbai registered a case against an unknown person under sections 387 and 506 (2) of IPC and started the investigation. (ANI)

The head of Hamas’ aerial unit, Issam Abu Rukbeh, was killed in an overnight airstrike, as confirmed by the Israel Defence Forces and Shin Bet security services.

Abu Rukbeh was responsible for overseeing Hamas’ drones, unmanned aerial vehicles, paragliders, aerial detection systems, and air defences.

He played a significant role in planning and executing the October 7 attack by directing terrorists who used paragliders to enter southern Israel and coordinating drone attacks on Israel Defence Forces observation posts.

On October 14, the IDF announced the killing of the previous head of Hamas’s aerial forces, Murad Abu Murad. The Israel Defence Forces also identified Sgt Shirel Haim Pour, a 20-year-old from Rishon Lezion, as one of the soldiers killed in the October 7 Hamas attack. Her name was cleared for publication after notifying her family, as reported by The Times of Israel.

Sgt Pour served in the Gaza Division, and her death brings the total number of soldiers, officers, and reservists killed in the conflict to 311.

During the Israel Defence Forces’ overnight ground operation in the Gaza Strip, there were several clashes between troops and Hamas terrorists.

However, no soldiers were reported injured in these confrontations.

Meanwhile, the Israeli Air Force fighter jets attacked about 150 underground targets in the northern Gaza Strip tonight. “During the attack, terrorists of the terrorist organisation Hamas were eliminated and combat tunnels, underground combat spaces and other underground terrorist infrastructures were destroyed,” said IAF in a post on X.

The IDF’s infantry, combat engineering forces, and tanks are still present within the Gaza Strip as the ground operation continues. Additionally, the IDF conducted airstrikes targeting approximately 150 underground sites belonging to the Hamas terrorist group, resulting in the deaths of several Hamas militants, The Times of Israel reported.

Separately, on Friday night, the Houthis, an Iranian proxy terrorist organisation based in Yemen, launched a cruise missile toward Israel. The missile struck Taba in Egypt near the border with Israel, injuring six Egyptian security personnel, informed the Israeli Embassy in New Delhi.

This marks the second time the Houthis have launched missiles targeting Israel, with a previous attempt being intercepted by an American battleship. The Israeli embassy also noted that the Houthis follow a policy originating in Tehran, aiming to escalate conflict between Israel and Iranian proxies.

Israel remains committed to using any means necessary to defend itself, and the international community must hold Iran responsible for the potential escalation of conflict between Israel and the Houthis.

Israel also condemned the harm inflicted on Egypt’s security forces by the missiles and drones launched by the Houthi terrorist organisation with the intention of harming Israel. (ANI)

Congress on Friday released its second list of candidates, comprising 45 names, for the Telangana state Assembly polls scheduled to take place next month.

The party has fielded former India cricket captain Mohammad Azharuddin from Jubilee Hills seat while Madhu Goud Yaskhi has been fielded from Lal Bahadur Nagar.

The party held its central election committee, led by party chief Mallikarjun Kharge, today to finalise the names of the candidates.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge chaired the CEC meeting. Party’s prominent leaders like Sonia Gandhi, and Salman Khurshid along with others were present at the meeting.

In the previous Assembly election in 2018, the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), previously known as Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) won 88 of the 119 seats, hogging 47.4 per cent of the total vote share.

The Congress came in a distant second with just 19 seats.

The counting of votes for the Telangana Assembly will be held along with those of four other poll-bound states on December 3. (ANI)